This Life I Live

Teaching them to see-Godly friendships

2012-02-07T09:51:00.004-05:00

I am posting today over at MODsquad. Here is a little sample teaser!

My daughter got in the car today and talked about a strained friendship for about 10 minutes! In all actuality, it isn’t really strained, and the gravity of today’s situation is really pretty small. But to a 12 year old, a rift between friends can seem like the end of the world.

Being a girl can be hard, but being friends with other girls is often times even harder. Girls tend to live out of their insecurities when relating to one another, and we can end up doing more damage to other girls than we realize. However, I believe that godly friendships are truly invaluable. In my life, they have been a provision of the Father’s grace in so many ways, I could never begin to count them all!

Check out the rest here!

Weekend Randomness!

2012-02-04T12:36:00.000-05:00

Here is a little random recap of our week!

1. On Tuesday a new foster child came to live with us. She is 6 and in first grade. Please pray for her......and us (please, please, pretty please) !!!!!!

2. Maya got glasses! She had been complaining that it was hard for her to see the board. So, I took her to Layla's Friend's Dad who is an awesome eye doctor here in town. He fit her for some glasses and I think she is looking pretty awesome, don't you?

3. Layla helped out in a neighborhood nearby, planting things, and serving some of the elderly that lived there, with her youth group. She has such a sweet heart to serve, and I can't wait to see what God does with her!

4. I got to speak with some awesome ladies who are really sweet to help me walk through some of what God is teaching me. I am SOOOOOOO thankful to God for His provision of godly women in my life.

5. I cooked some things this week, some new things! Mmmhmmm, hat's right, I actually made some things off of Pinterest! check em' out!

Broccoli Cheese Bites

Apple Walnut Baked Oatmeal

Crock Pot Tomato Basil Soup

6. I am reading three books at once right now. I never used to do this. I would always read one at a time, until it was finished, no matter how bad it was. No more! I am free to read all three, and to stop reading one if I don't like it!

7. I watched these videos of Tullian Tchividjian speaking at Wheaton College. They were awesome. Simple, but amazing!

8. I got my new ESV Study Bible in the mail this week! I am so excited! I used an amazon gift card for that one, but wanted the Reformation Study Bible as well. I couldn't afford both, so I just ordered the ESV online! Then, I read a tweet from Ligonner Ministries, stating that for a donation of any amount, they would send you a Reformation Study Bible! I did ponder a $. 25 donation, just to see if they really meant any amount! But, went with a slightly larger amount, and got an email that my bible would be on it's way in a few weeks! So, I got the two bibles I couldn't decide between for less than $40! Yay!!!!

9. My DVR is going to be super busy!!!!! I am so excited about the Carrie Underwood and Steven Tyler Crossroads on CMT tonight! Plus, let's not forget that The Voice starts after the Super Bowl, and American Idol is in full swing! I also want to check out Smash, to see if that is any good! Poor DVR, when will you be able to rest? Too many shows....not enough time!

Sponsor Spotlight

2012-01-31T18:46:00.001-05:00

I wanted to take a few minutes to highlight some of my side bar sponsors!!Check out these lovely ladies, and their blogs sometime in the next few days! I have asked them to share a little about themselves, and about what they were currently reading! Check em' out!

Meet Alyx:

My name is Alyx, and I'm a blogaholic. I blog over at Every Day is A New Adventure I live in Germany with my husband, and it's pretty sweet. We go on lots of adventures together - some in Germany, some in other countries like France or the Czech Republic. You won't find inspirational entries on my blog (unless the post deals with Nutella, in which case you will be inspired to whip out a spoon and go to town). You won't find crafts (unless you count poorly drawn stick figures as something crafty). You will find recipes, but they probably won't be healthy (unless, of course, you think peanut butter, nutella, and massive amounts of cheese [not all together] are healthy). You will, however, [almost] always leave my blog with a smile on your face. I tell ridiculous stories, I take ridiculous pictures, I confess ridiculous secrets, I rant about ridiculous things [like the lack of evil stores like Walmart], and I share my thoughts on those ridiculous [but oh, so loveable] Germans.

What Are You Currently Reading?

The first book in the Hunger Games Series... I know, I know, I'm behind the times. :)

You can find Alyx on her:
Blog, FaceBook

Meet Bailey:

Hi! I'm Bailey. You can find me over at my little blog, Lost&Found. I blog about my adventures in the kitchen, passion to see the world (Mongolia, anyone?), clothes I will never be able to afford, and all of the other good, challenging and always random moments that make my life, my life. I love the exclamation mark, hate odd numbers, eat too much peanut better, love a great run, and have a new found appreciation for US National Parks. I am engaged to my best friend- the love of my life. Although we are definite dog people, we have two amazing fluffs, Moose and Frankenstein- they are our babies and they know it! Head over and say, Hi!

What Are You Currently Reading?

If i'm being honest, I mostly read blogs. There are so many wonderful blogs out there, with so many great stories, I often get lost stalking other people's lives. Blogging aside, I'm also reading The Hunger Games and The Autobiography of King Henry VIII.

You Can find Bailey on her:

Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin, Google+, Pinterest

Meet Vanessa:

Hi! I'm Vanessa! I'm a sinner but am covered by the blood of Christ; a fun loving wife to an amazing husband; a mom to the sweetest little boy; and a friend to whoever I meet! I love to create and sew and my blog, Designs By Sessa, is my avenue for that design. I ultimately want God to be glorified through my blog, and my goal is to use it to support other people's ministries or adoptions. I currently have two families that are adopting that I have been raising money for, by doing monogramming, embroidery, and sewing. On top of all that, my husband and I just started our very own adoption process, as well! I'd love to "meet" you, so come on over and check out DBS!

What Are You Currently Reading?

Right now, I just finished up reading Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic and a book written by our DSS social worker, Cynthia Jeffers, called Going Full Circle . I read way too many blogs it's embarrassing and I plan to start on "Bringing Up Boy s" by Dr. James Dobson next.

You Can Find Vanessa on her:

Blogs: Designs By Sessa, The Traylor's

Meet Carina:

Hello! I am Carina of a punk, a pumpkin and a peanut. I have a heart for babies, adoption, faith, and craftiness. I love to thrift for vintage finds, bake for my kids and the world, and cozy up with a good read (or a little reality tv, let's be honest). I strive to walk daily with God and raise my family with a grateful heart. Come join me on my journey!

What Are You Currently Reading?

I am just starting a book called Under the Overpass, about two young men who spent six months living with the homeless all around the country - so inspiring!

You Can Find Carina on Her: Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Etsy

On turning 30

2012-01-30T08:55:00.001-05:00

Last week I turned the big 3-0. Much to my chagrin, the day just happened upon me. Before I knew it I was no longer in my twenties, but was now a real, live grown up, in her thirties! It actually turned out to be quite a great day, and the celebration lasted the whole week, ending in an awesome dinner with some friends last night at my favorite restaurant.

So, after 30 years, here are some things I have learned, in completely random order:

I am messed up, and so are you! We are all so much more messed up than we think! Without God intervening in our lives, we have no hope of getting un-messed up. Even with Him doing the work of sanctification in our lives, we still need extreme amounts of grace from others as we walk through this life in our messed-upness!

The person you marry is probably the biggest decision you could make outside of salvation! I am so blessed to have, by God's grace, such an awesome husband. Because of that, my life looks very different than it could have, had I married some of the people I thought were so awesome when I was younger! I am sooooooo thankful for the surprising goodness of my guy, and all that God has given me in him!

Kids are awesome, but will force you to depend on God in ways you never thought you needed to. I never had to deal with crying babies, or crazy toddlers. I am sure that is terribly tiring and requires great amounts of faith and grace to make it through the day. But even with older kids, I am reminded daily of how much I need God to raise them! They constantly have questions, and life situations that quickly reveal my flesh. They cause me to critically think about all of those bible truths that they memorize, and are expected to obey, when they are younger. The why's and real life applications of all of those truths, in the gray areas, make me daily recognize my need for God to work in mine and Esteban's life, and in the lives of both of our girls!

God can redeem anything, anyone, and any situation. God can heal wounds that humanly we have no cure for. He can change people that you would never in a million years think would be changed, and He can take anything that was meant for evil and turn it into good for His purposes.

Pain happens. You can spend your whole life trying to avoid it, or you can trust God to walk you through it and/or deliver you out of it. And when He does, it is with a deeper knowledge, and love for Him. You will get hurt, you will suffer, and you will feel physical, spiritual and emotional pain. But He is building a deeper faith and the eternal value in that is much deeper than the temporary relief from that pain!

Idols will never satisfy (and anything can be an idol!) I am in a season of life where God is prying open my hands, forcing me to let go of some idols I have held onto for years. As He is replacing them with the fullness that is found in Him alone, I am slowly beginning to see how unfulfilling they were, and crave more of what He can give. But letting those idols go, is pretty rough, and I am desperately trying to just keep one finger grasping on to them. He is too good to let me, so pry He will, until I am able to completely surrender them!

A few close friends who really know all of who you are, are way better than a bunch, who only know the best pieces of you! I am really social, and spent much of my early christian life trying to be everyone's friend, so that everyone felt special and included. What happened though, was that I was shallowly invested in so many people that I couldn't truly invest in any one! God has really relieved the pressure on me to make sure everyone is happy and included all of the time. He has helped me to develop some deep, lasting, meaningful friendships that have had a much greater sanctifying value! I do, however, always want to be open and welcoming to new people, and careful of exclusivity, but no longer feel like it is my responsibility to be or make sure everyone has a best friend!

Most of life is not as serious or urgent as we make it! I am realizing more and more that things get done, people usually don't mean to hurt you, and that a huge portion of what I think are really big deals, actually are not big deals at all. I am learning to quit worrying so much, quit taking things so personally and to just to relax and have some fun! The things that are critical, serious and urgent demand attention, and require grace that can't be given until those times come. So quit making the rest of life bigger and more stressful than it needs to be!

I don't have it all figured out, and there won't actually be a day that comes when I do! I used to think by the time I was 25 I would have this life thing down. Then it was 30, then 40....but now I am realizing, that I have very little "figured out", and that I probably will never have much figured out! My understanding is so short sighted and limited, even as I grow in wisdom. I only see little pieces of the puzzle, God knows the whole story and all that is going on......so I need to stop trying to "arrive"!

Well, that's my list for now! I am sure that there are many more things I could include, but those are the big themes. Nothing terribly profound, and I am sure that you probably learned most of those in your first 5 years :)...what can I say, I am a slow learner!

Where you been girl?

2012-01-26T09:06:00.001-05:00

I know that I haven't been around here that much lately. Some of you might have noticed, some might not have, and some might have but don't really care :)! Either way, I definitely have been less consistent with my writing, and to be honest I am not really sure why!

God is really overhauling my life, my thoughts, and digging way deeper than He ever has before. I am actually learning to love this, although it truly has been a great time of struggle for me! I am loving it mostly because He is revealing Himself more and more to me each day. I am not relying on others to connect me to Him, I am not running from Him, I am not trying to make Him happy with me. I am just responding to His loving, but focused pursuit of me, and my holiness for His glory! I am amazed by His grace, astounded at the profound sin that still remains in my very "cleaned up, shiny to the world" life. I am in awe of His bigness, His sovereign control, and His commitment to carry out His plans! Honestly after 14 years as a believer, I am realizing I have such a small and limited understanding of who God is, and even less of an understanding of who He has made me to be! I am loving this season, while secretly dragging my feet through it!

All this to say, I have plenty to write about, but maybe don't feel like I can accurately communicate it at this point. Or, maybe I just need some time to let God do His thing. Or, maybe next week, I will be back to regular posting! Honestly, I don't know, but I feel a great freedom, to write when I have something to say, and not when I don't. I am looking at this space a little differently now. Not trying to keep up with all of those amazing bloggers who always have something great to say or show, but using it to document our family's life, and God's work in mine!

So, I will see you around in the next few months! Maybe a few times a week, or maybe not! One day I will get back to my loose blogging schedule, but for this season in my life, I am just going to see how it goes.

It's been a while

2012-01-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

I know that it has been a while since I have written. We have had youth retreats, sleepovers, swim meets and then of course, school and work! Just to prove we are still alive, here are some pics from my Instagram that I have taken over the past few weeks!

The first three pics are of "White Friday"! I am not sure what that means...but it started on Black Friday! Maya decided she wanted to have a White Friday, since I was "having a Black Friday!". She also wanted donuts! Hence, Krispy Kreme donuts + Friday afternoon = White Friday! Every other week we stop by Krispy Kreme and get a dozen donuts to enjoy for our White Friday celebration!!! (The hats are in fact necessary and part of the White Friday celebration!)

Layla straightened her hair at a friend's house then went on her first Youth trip to Allendale! They helped a local church with some work around the neighborhood, and then spent some time hanging out! She had a great time!

While Layla was on her Youth trip, Maya and I drove to Rock Hill two days in a row, for her swim meet! Here is a shot of her before one of her races! She is an awesome swimmer, and did really well!

Maya and I also hung out with our friends, the Hutchinsons while Layla was gone. Maya and her friend Georgia came up with this little creation for lunch!

As you can see, it's been pretty busy around here! I am loving the Instagram app on my phone (my username is Dnyelmrie if you wanna follow!). I am also loving the 1000 gifts app, which is such a practical, readily available way to keep track of the gifts in the day to day! Both are free, so if you don't have em' check em' out!

Guest post...updated links!!!

2012-01-15T18:05:00.006-05:00

****Links are fixed!!! Check it out!****

Today I am guest posting for my friend Vanessa! You should check out her space, she does tons of great crafty things that I wish I could do, and she and her husband write about life with their little boy too! She has a heart for adoption that she often shares, and is a woman who truly desires to honor God with her life (and her blog!). Here is a little teaser....but hurry on over there!

When Vanessa asked me to do this, I let her know that there was not a crafty bone in my body. She was gracious to still want me to share something, so I went to the obvious subject tucked down deep in my repertoire, adoption! While I think that there is so much to say about adoption, I felt God leading me somewhere else! I thought about sitting on the porch with friends, chatting it up, and I realized there were some other more pressing things I would want to talk about. So.....

Lately I feel like I am completely coming undone. The story of my salvation is a true testament to God's sovereignty. However, I have spent the entirety of my Christian life, trying to catch up to everyone who had been living it so much longer than I had. I came from a family that was dysfunctional on so many levels, that I was really unequipped for life in general, but even less so for the Christian life. I didn't know any of the stories kids learn in Sunday School, I didn't know how to pray, and I didn't know how to live a life that was so contrary to every example I had ever known.

Read the Rest over Here!

Reading List

2012-01-13T23:32:00.000-05:00

I thought it would be fun to share some of the books I hope to read this year....so here is a glimpse at what's in que:

Right Now I am Reading:
Real Marriage Mark and Grace Driscoll
Yes I know it is controversial, but so far I am liking it!...we will see how it goes + Esteban agreed to read this one with me, b/c he likes Mark Driscoll!

Love to Eat Hate to Eat Elyse Fitzpatrick
There is such a long story behind this, and I have some mixed thoughts regarding it, but I love her scriptural basis!

Up Next:
Jesus + Nothing = Everything Tullian Tchividjian
This book has been on my list for a while now. However, I recently read this post by Tullian Tchividjian and thought I need to read this one next!

Some time this year:
The Meaning of Marriage Timothy Keller

Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life Elyse Fitzpatrick
Love how biblical she is, and feel like this would be a lot more than the fluff usually out there along these lines!

Lit:A Christian's Guide To Reading Books Tony Reinke

Sarah's Key Tatiana DeRosnay

Give them Grace:Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus Elyse Fitzpatrick
Esteban and I are going to read this one together too!

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Peter Scazzero
Recommended by a friend, so I am going to check it out!

Unfashionable Tullian Tchividjian

Now that's A Good Question R.C. Sproul

Essential Truths of the Christian Faith R.C. Sproul

Gospel J. D. Greer

Every Bush is Burning Brandon Clements
Just recommended to me today by a friend, sounds really interesting!

Safely Home Randy Aclorn
Trying to get a bit more into fiction and thought this would be a good way to do it since it is realistically based!

Any recommendations based on this list that you think I might like? I would love to hear what you are reading, or add something awesome to my list!!!

Christmas Break

2012-01-08T21:56:00.002-05:00

Christmas started with some Thanksgiving PJ's thanks to Laurie!! So cute!


We made some gospel cookies for teachers and neighbors in true Cevallos form, aka, no order, 30 minutes for 12, in between two activities that day!

On Christmas Eve we all drew names, got $5 and had to buy "funny" gifts for our person!

I got Puggy a can of chili, some hot sauce, and some sunscreen!

Maya got Esteban a pink fish cup, a bib, and said that she really wanted to get him a diaper!

Puggy got me a head scratcher, and some sardines!

Layla got Maya some hot fries, and some streamers.....that she thought was toilet paper!!!

Esteban got buttons for her pants, some jalepenos, and a hair cap.

My sardines!

For Christmas, the girls got their room redone. I had more pics of Layla, but they were a little blurry!

Pillows and a comforter!

Lip gloss from abuelitos!

Both girls got sparkly letters for their walls!

Maya was super excited about her bathrobe!

I got a new phone....and was sooooo excited!

The week after Christmas, our friends Jonathan and Jackie came down from NY. We had lots of fun with the two of the and their daughters around town!

Cobblestone streets

Esteban in Charleston!

A cool tree!

Haley in the Charleston fountain

Jackie!

The Ciaramella's

Maya and Esteban "contemplating" the fountain

It was a fun Christmas, low key, relaxed and a great time!

New Years Eve

2012-01-08T20:51:00.000-05:00

Each year the Newman's throw a super fun New Years Eve party! I was so glad that Jonathan and Jackie could join us this year as we "gambled", ate, played Minute To Win It, and hung out with some great friends!

There was some cup stacking in a minute

Some cookie-sliding-down-your-face in a minute

Some minors gambling (don't worry, no real money was involved!)

Some balloon juggling in a minute

Some bingo

Some war......mmhmm, like the card game war!

Some more minors gambling....well, one minor, one senior citizen, and one grown up!

Some black jack

And some great friends!


The minors, ended up being the big winners of the evening! They earned our family a Chick-Fil-A calendar. News to me that there were coupons in those...I seriously couldn't figure out why everyone wanted them so bad!

Such a fun night!

The next generation

2012-01-05T09:08:00.001-05:00

I was not planning on writing anything this morning, but had to join in with Emily today about working with the next generation. I am actually planning on doing a series sometime soon about discipleship/mentoring, so this might be a good way to kick that off!

Not coming from a Christian home, I was blessed to have some Godly youth pastors, pastors and older women, come along side of me and walk me through the basics of the Christian faith, and life as a believer. There were so many issues in my life and God used these amazing mentors to really shape my walk and teach me how to rely more fully on God. They are still people who I go to for advice, prayer and counsel. Because I was so thankful for the work these believers had done in my life, I knew that at some point I wanted to do the same in the lives of younger believers.

My husband was a youth pastor for a time after college, but that season of my life was tiring, and I was working through many of my own issues. However, in the last few years, God has opened up a door for me to meet with some young ladies, and it has truly been amazing!

While I am not a youth pastor's wife or in full time ministry, it seems that the ministry God has called me to is one of encouragement for those who are younger in their faith. Right now, I meet with 5 college students, 4 of whom I met through my friends who are on staff with Campus Crusade at the university in town. I do a bible study with 3 of them together and meet with the other two separately. I have also recently had the privilege of meeting with a sweet high school freshmen who is a family friend. All of these ladies are at different places in their walks, and have such different life experiences. However, it has been such and encouragement to me, to see God working in them. They are truly seeking Him, and He has been so faithful to reveal truth, encourage and guide them. I can not tell you how inadequate I feel to do any of this! I have so few answers and sometimes feel like I am way to messed up to really be of any use. However, in my weakness God's grace abounds. These are His children and He will cause growth...in spite of me, because He loves them so!

I am always looking for ways to encourage them to study God's word, grow in their relationships and encourage one another. Prayer has been my greatest tool, and God's spirit in these young ladies spurs me on to a deeper intimacy with Him!

Writing at MODsquad Today!

2012-01-02T08:10:00.002-05:00

The other day I was meeting with a sweet college girl who is truly seeking to know God more intimately. We were discussing some events that had happened in her past, and her present situation. She admitted that she struggled some waiting and hoping for the one thing that would happen that would bring her contentment and satisfaction. If only _______ would happen then I would feel like all of this other stuff was worth it.

To finish reading visit MODsquad (Mothers of Daughters)!

2012.....to make resolutions or not to make resolutions

2011-12-31T03:00:00.000-05:00

Each year, thousands of us make some sort of resolution at this time of year. While I typically never called mine resolutions the goals I set were similar in nature.

Last year, there were goals that I met, while others died a quick death on January 2nd. But this is year is going to be different, because I am not making any resolutions or setting any goals.

You see resolutions are me, resolving to do something (or not do something). Goals, are things that I am setting out to accomplish. They both rely completely on me and my abilities. Even when I qualify them with phrases like, "God is asking me to work on this area of my life", it is still all about me, and what I can make happen. While many of you may not be like that, I want to confess, that I am. So this year, I am not making any resolutions, or setting any goals, because I am sitting here with the understanding of my inability to do ANYTHING apart from the Father. I am asking Him to teach me what it means to truly abide. I am going to let Him set the agenda for this year, this month, this week, this day and this hour.

I am not going to try and make anything happen,

but instead, will pray..

Pray for a deeper knowledge of God's love, grace, justice and holiness.
Pray for ears that hear, eyes that see clearly, and a heart that desires to (and does) obey.
Pray for God to give me the strength to battle my flesh, and Satan's attempts to steal, kill and destroy.
Pray for God to continue to walk me through the patterns of wrong thinking that keep me in bondage, and to replace the lies I believe about certain things with the truth in His word.
Pray that my husband would grow in grace, godliness and wisdom.
Pray that my husband would have some clarity, direction and courage regarding His next steps in service to God, and the gospel being proclaimed in the world.
Pray that my husband and I would be united in our parenting of the girls, and focused on building our love for and friendship with one another.
Pray for Layla's heart to be healed from the loss that she has experienced in her life. While she has gained a new family, she has also lost one, and she holds things so closely to her heart. I am praying that the Holy Spirit would bind up her wounds.
Pray for Layla's influence in school to grow, as her knowledge and love for the Father continues to grow. I will pray that her friends would see that she is different, ask why, and that she would be able and willing to give an answer for the hope that lies within her.
Pray for Layla to know the love of the Father more fully, and how loved she is by both Esteban and I.
Pray for Maya's heart to be healed from loss, and past hurts. I pray that the Holy Spirit would bind up her wounds and reveal to her how loved she is.
Pray for Maya's heart to grow softer, and more teachable, humble and selfless.
Pray for Maya to build some more friendships that might spill over from school into her everyday life.
Pray for Maya to know the love of Christ and extend that love to those she meets at school and swimming.
Pray for some amazing women (LTG) and college girls to pursue God more fully through daily time in God's word and prayer. I will pray that their lives, marriages and parenting would be changed, and that they would freely share what they are learning with someone who is not as far along in their walk with Christ. I pray that these women and college girls would be obedient to Christ and bring Him glory through lives that are honoring to Him.

This year, I am not resolving, or goal setting, I am just praying. Praying, because I know that there is power in prayer, and that it will align my heart with God's desires. Praying because I know that it will lead me to scripture, and that scripture will then lead me to more prayer, so that I might now Christ more fully, and glorify God more completely. Praying because my resolve is weak, and my goals are limited, meek, and often quite superficial. His goals are much greater, and the only ones worth pursuing. So I am praying, and watching, and by His grace....obeying.

Some cool new resources...Christmas pics coming soon!

2011-12-27T10:47:00.000-05:00

I will upload some Christmas pictures soon, but wanted to pass on some info about some cool new resources I have recently found.

I got a new phone for Christmas....which is AWESOME!!! So, as I was playing around with it, I started searching for some apps that would help me memorize scripture. I found this one and think it is pretty fabulous! It has a bunch of stored verses in various different versions. I use the ESV, but there are other common ones as well. You can also type in your own verses, record yourself reading them, and then use the blanks and word erase to help you in memorizing!

If you have this great Bible app (which is free, with reading plans, so you should!), you can just copy your verses from there and paste them into this one! The best part is that this is a free app.....so memorize away!!!!!

I also just ordered a book called One to One Bible Reading by David Helm. It came recommended by one of my favorite bloggers, Kevin DeYoung, so I am going to check it out. It seems like a really great tool to use in discipleship, and has tons of printables. I will do a more in depth review once I am done, but thought you may be interested in checking it out too!! If it's totally lame, then I am sorry...blame Kevin DeYoung!

Check em' out if you get a chance!

If you never read another of my blog posts, read this one!!!!!

2011-12-24T21:28:00.000-05:00

I am sure you have heard a thousand times in the last week or so, that Christmas isn't all about the gifts, it is about Jesus. Well, I don't really buy that! I believe that the GREATEST gift we could have ever been given is Jesus! Before this gift, we were without hope, completely separated from God, and unable to do anything about it. We were dead in our sins, and completely guilty before a Holy and just God. A God who was completely without sin. Without Christ, we remain dead in our sins, and completely separated from Him. We are without peace and our prayers are unheard in the Father's ears. We are slaves to sin, and it keeps us in bondage, darkness and self centered idolatry.

But...

Way back in the Garden of Eden, God promised Adam and Eve (and all those after them) a very special gift. He promised that through one man, Satan's power would be crushed, demolished and rendered completely ineffective. He promised to eternally free those who would believe from the power of sin's grip, and to give us life, eternal life, life abundant.

Then...

Christ was born, in a manger, to teenage parents. He grew in stature and wisdom, and lead a sinless life. He healed the lame, restored sight to the blind, raised the dead, and at every turn told those around Him to repent, for the kingdom of heaven was at hand. He was the Messiah, and was here to pay their penalty, our penalty, for the sins that separated us from God. Some believed, some followed, and some hated, plotted and rallied to have Him killed. And so he was. Crucified, for claiming to be exactly who He was, the Son of God, the One in whom the Father was well pleased. But he didn't stay dead, he rose after three days, and then ascended into heaven, where He is now seated at the right hand of God. He will come again, not as a humble king, but as the Eternal Judge.

So....

For those who believe, let us celebrate His incarnation! Let us celebrate the fact that our Father in heaven desired to restore our relationship with Himself to wholeness. Let us rejoice in the fact that we have a Father who sought us, and brought us to faith. He not only saves us, but sanctifies us. He not only promised eternal life in heaven, but He gives us eternal life that began the day we believed. A life of peace, hope, and love despite the good or bad that surroundins us. And for those who don't believe.....don't take my word for it, read Matthew 1, Mark 1, Luke 1, or John 1. They each tell a part of the same story.

This story is the MOST important story you will ever read.

I pray that God's word would penetrate your heart and cause you to believe, repent and be brought to life.

This year, let's not be to quick to dismiss the importance of gifts at Christmas time, instead let's thank our heavenly Father for the gift that connects us to Him, the gift that changed it all, the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Thoughts on the X Factor....I can't believe I haven't written this post yet!

2011-12-22T14:59:00.000-05:00

So....obviously if you have been here a while, you know I love singing shows. While it hasn't been my favorite, the X Factor has been pretty interesting! I love the whole judges coaching deal....and of course, I love Simon, seriously!

This year my favorites were Drew and Rachel. I must say that I was more than upset when they were both sent home because of the judges stupidity! I mean really, Marcus Cantey?!?!?! He had been in the bottom so many times, and they kept him around....I just couldn't understand what Paula and Nicole were thinking! I mean check these little ladies out:

(If you can get past the intro, her version of Baby by Justin Beiber is awesome!)

(This was one of my favorites! David Cook did this version on American Idol, and it was fantastic! I loved Drew's version as well!!)

Here is Rachel's awesomeness...seriosuly, she went home before Chris Rene?

This girl can sing!!!

All this to say, I really have no favorites anymore, which makes watching less fun. I guess I am pulling for Melanie, because she is an AH-mazing singer (I mean, girlfriend sang Whitney and Mariah.....flawlessly!). But someone stupid like Chris Rene will probably win. While I love that he is back on his feet, let's be honest, he isn't a great singer! Oh well {sigh} I guess we will see.

And, just in case it turns out to be a big let down, American Idol starts in January, so it's all good!

1000 Gifts and it's been a while

2011-12-11T20:43:00.001-05:00

So it has been a while since I have written, and I guess it is because there wasn't much to say. I needed a little break to gather my thoughts, and let God do some work. Honestly, He is still working some things out, which has been good, but tough! But I am back...so here is a little of what He is showing me:

Our church has been going through the book of John over the past few months, so I went back to John 1 and have been reading through a chapter at a time. God has really been using these scriptures to point me to Him and some areas of sin in my life. He is also showing me how easy it is to miss the point.

You see, the Jews, the Pharisees kept missing the point.

The one they were waiting for was literally in front of them performing the works of God that were prophesied about Him, yet they couldn't see.

They couldn't see because God hadn't opened their eyes, He hadn't drawn them.

So they kept on going trying their best to make themselves look and feel righteous. They made up all of these laws and then prided themselves on keeping them.....all the while missing the point.

Jesus was the point, and He was standing right in front of them.

He was telling them that He was from God, and that He was God. He was telling them that He preceeded Abraham, and that the law of Moses would be fulfilled in Him. He was telling them that they could be free from sin, and live as sons, not slaves.

But they didn't see. They couldn't see.

They were so wrapped up in the laws they had created, in their self made system of working their way to God, that they couldn't hear the Father's voice. They weren't able to distinguish the good shepherd calling. Instead, they wanted to kill Him.

While I often don't understand how that could have happened, it actually happens in my life over and over again.

You see, I have seen the works of Christ in my life. There are so many that He has done, that I could never begin to point them all out.

Yet I work hard to be what I think He wants me to be. I judge others for not living up to that. I disregard Him most of the time, and have trouble hearing His voice. I am just like the Jews and the Pharisees....missing the point over and over.

But God did open my eyes, and I have seen His glory.

He has given me faith to believe, and I know that He is real, He is living, and He is actively working.

And so, I can have hope!

As He whispers, or sometimes yells, I can rest in the hope that He will walk me through whatever He is asking me to do. He will equip me to carry out His purposes for His glory's sake. He will sanctify me, and not allow me to remain in bondage to the sins that keep me from bringing Him the greatest glory.

He came, He Lived, He died, He rose again, and He ascended into heaven, so that I might have life, and have it abundantly.

Abundant life is freedom from bondage, and clarity to see the gift we have in Christ. It is living fully as the children of God that we are, and not settling for less than His greatest glory. It is peace, hope and complete rest in the one, and only sovereign God.

So....I am praying that God would continue to help me see, continue to help me walk, and continue to be the One in whom I abide.

I am thankful for:

608. Rest, hope and peace found in Christ and Christ alone.

609. Revelation, and the fact that He is working so diligently on my heart.

610. Sweet friends to walk through all of the crazy with.

611. A few weeks of rest, and family time. Time to reconnect, relax, and spend time together.

612. The word of God, and how something as familiar as the gospel of John can seem so new!

613. My amazing husband, who continues to amaze me more than I ever think that he will.

614. My girls. I just love spending time with them, and am so thankful to have two weeks with them!

Joining Anne, Michelle, Sara, Jenn, and Emily, today and tomorrow!

Grace for the Good Girl

2011-12-08T08:35:00.001-05:00

So, if you haven't read Grace for the Good Girl, you should! I actually picked it up because I do some work with college girls, and women's things in my very southern-bible-belt town. I really thought that it was mostly going to be a ministry tool since I would hardly consider myself a good girl at all! Well, it certainly did turn out to be a great tool, and something I gained quite a bit from as well.

Emily is a fabulous writer! What I love about her is that she says lots of deep meaningful things without really trying. No flowery language, no over-wording....just simple-to the point- meaty stuff! The book is full of biblical truth, and uses scripture as it's base. There is a great study guide in the back, and discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

In Grace for the Good Girl, Emily shares her heart to see women free from living life performing in order to earn some kind of favor with God and other people. She boldly shares the truth that in Christ we are free from that kind of tiring lifestyle!

Love this quote:

All He wants is simply you-minus your good works, minus your perfect attendance, minus your politeness. When you really believe that, you may discover that all you want is Jesus, simply Jesus. Not just to get to heaven or to help you be a good person or do the right thing, but to simply love and be loved by Him. Emily Freeman, Grace for the Good Girl

Check it out if you haven't already. Whether you think you are a good girl or not, this book is packed with tons of truth, that our hearts need to hear!

2011-12-07T14:17:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! If you have two seconds, will you please head on over here to vote for Sarah? She is trying to bring her little boy home from Ethiopia, and is in the running for $2000! So, help a sista' out and vote for Elliott-A Brother for Noah!

VOTE HERE!

Thanks all!

1000 Gifts

2011-12-05T03:00:00.000-05:00

I really can't begin to speak of how God has worked in my heart this week, with some really hard truths about who I am, and what I need. I honestly consider myself a pretty with-it person. I know truth and try my best to apply it. I am generally self-aware and am willing to process through things I struggle with pretty openly. However, God really opened up my eyes this week to something that is destructive in my life and to my thought processes. It seems so obvious and blatant to me right now, but last week, it was something I would have laughed at, had you suggested it's presence in my life. As I am struggling to trust God through this and it's implications for my day to day life, I am so encouraged that the God who created all things, and beings, saw fit to remove the scales from my eyes, so that I might see more clearly. And not only has he helped me to see, but He has equipped me with His scriptures, encouraged me with His saints, and sustained me by His Spirit. This week, I am so thankful for:

601. God's grace. I mean the kind of grace that forgives you for constantly robbing God of the glory that He deserves.

602. Christ's life, that was perfect and sinless. His life that was enough to pay for my sin, so that God's grace may abound!

603. Scripture written thousands of years ago, that speaks directly to me, and my unbelieving sinful heart today.

604. God's people, and how He places them in the right place at the right time.

605. God's creation, and how special it is to be fearfully and wonderfully made.

606. Hope that there is complete and total freedom for those who are abiding in Christ. Our only job is to abide. Lord, help me to learn what that means!!

607. An opportunity to grow closer to the Father, rely more heavily on the Spirit, and more fully know the fullness of Christ's work, despite what feels like a difficult path ahead!

This week, I am prayerfully moving forward, thanking God that He cares enough to teach me, cares enough to wait for me, and cares enough to change me! So thankful for a Father who loves, despite the sin that so easily entangles me!!

Joining Anne, Michelle, Sara, Jenn, and Emily, today and tomorrow!

Also, check out MODsquad today.

Teaching Them To See-Faith in Action!

Favorite Things

2011-12-01T16:59:00.001-05:00

So, I read today over at Nester that she was hosting a little favorite things blog party and thought I would join in!

Some friends and I actually just hosted an actual favorite things party like the one described. Except we each had to buy 4 of our favorite thing under $5 and then we put our name into a jar 4 times. When it was your turn, you explained what your favorite thing was, and then you drew 4 names and those 4 people got your gift. At the end, we could trade, but it was so fun to see what everyone could come up with! I left with some great stuff, that I am super excited about!!!!

But since there is no price limit on this list.....here are a few of my favorite things:

Cool Apps Like These

Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate

(let's face it, I love all of Starbucks)

Isadelights Plus and Want More Energy

These are my new favorite treats..that give me a little energy pick me up!

Music

(oh how I love these cd's right now...they are on constant rotation on my ipod!)

Caldrea body lotion

(actually something I got at my favorite things party from my friend Anne!)

The Bodyshop

This is the gym I go to, and I love, love, love it! Truly is one of my favorite parts of the week!

Chocolate Nirvana Cakes

I feel like this needs no explanation, but their Godiva chocolate is ridiculous!

My Kindle

I was trying to think of some books, but there were so many I love!

However, this little bad boy is the best gift I have gotten!!

My New Boots!

I got these at Cathy Jean for only $35, and they fit over my calves!!!!!

Some things....

2011-12-01T08:17:00.001-05:00

First...check out my friend Kitty's blog. She is doing another Paper Sunday giveaway! You can enter to win a personalized journal!

Second...if you are nerdy like me, it's time to get excited! Reformed Theological Seminary just came out with an app where you can listen their class lectures for free! It's like free seminary without any h.w.!!!!! I am super excited, and will spend much time over Christmas break listening to some classes. You should go check it out!

Also, click here, to download a free copy of John Piper's A Holy Ambition. I also got some other books for super cheap, so check this site out!!!!

Still working on Twitter. You can follow me here...although I don't have much to say. However, I love to follow @desiringgod, @TGC, @stacey29lincoln, and of course @thedavidcook and @inspired2action!

I am on day 6 of my 9 day Isagenix cleanse, and am learning so much! This has been a huge exercise in self control and discipline, and God is showing me how I truly view food! There are some other things I am processing regarding food and my relationship with it too. I definitely want to share with you, but want to wait and see how well I finish. If you are interested in getting one for yourself or some protein shakes, etc. check out my site here!

I said this on Monday, but God is working on some things in my heart, and is continuing to bring others to light. I am still processing through, but will share some of what I am learning soon.

This month at MODsquad we are praying through the 31 Days of Prayer for the girls at Mercy House Kenya. We would love it if you joined us! Check it out here!

New pictures coming soon, check out the side bar for a little sample!

1000 gifts

2011-11-28T03:00:00.000-05:00

So, there are a lot of things going through my mind right now that I am not sure I can make complete sense out of them in order to share. Nothing earth shattering or crazy, just some old things that I need God to work through in my life.

Yesterday's sermon about giving was something God really used to get my attention. This weekend, I have been doing a cleanse, that has me drinking some stuff (and not eating) for two days. Between those two things, and some recent possibilities with my husband's involvement in missions, I feel like God is peeling back the layers of what truly makes me tick.

Until starting this cleanse, I don't think I ever would have realized how controlled by food I am (and how much discipline I truly lacked). Until hearing the sermon I heard yesterday (after hours of black Friday shopping no less), I would have just kept on going, living in the selfishness and greediness I seemed to have fallen into these last few months. Without some new prospects on the horizon regarding Esteban's involvement in different countries, I don't think I would have started dealing with how much I truly desire the comforts of home, friends, and what I know.

So....all this to say, I will probably speak more in depth on each of these things in the future, but right now, I just need to let God deal with some things in my heart. I can't fix them myself, I can only go to Him and let Him do his work, as I faithfully obey what He tells me! So, that is my prayer for these next couple of weeks...that God would work out some of these things in my heart, so that I might trust Him more fully, obey Him more quickly, and bring Him greater glory!!

Until then, I will continue to give thanks!!!!!

594. Scriptures that point to a loving, and just God

595. Salvation that is by faith alone, through grace alone

596. Sweet friends who welcome our family into their own for holidays (or any day!)

597. Food!! (And getting to eat some today!)

598. God not leaving us content in our sin, His kindness that continually leads me to repentance!

599. A free book by John Piper!! Check it out

600. A season of hope. Hope that has already been given to those who believe, through Jesus Christ, God's one and only Son. Who left heaven, to be born as one of us. Thankfully though, the story didn't end there! He lived a perfect, sinless life, yet was killed and for the first time, completely separate from God the Father. All this, so that we would not have to pay the penalty for our own sin, but that Christ's death paid that penalty on our behalf. He then rose again, and is now seated at the right hand of God. For those who believe, we are promised eternal life! The penalty for our sins has been take care of, and we can live the remainder of our lives here, and throughout all eternity, bringing glory to the Father who did that for us!

Joining Anne, Stacey, Emily, and Michelle today

On getting healthy...

2011-11-21T21:03:00.001-05:00

First...check out R.C. Sproul's 2nd part of Faith Alone,
and Grace alone here.

I talked about eating and exercise during my 31 Days of Discipline Series last month. When I decided I was going to write about that, I decided I needed to do something about it too. I have always struggled with eating. I either indulged myself regularly, or restricted myself severely. Neither is very healthy, and both lead to guilt, and at times, obsessiveness. I will be honest, I would love to loose a few pounds. I know that I feel better at a certain weight, and I would love to get there. I would love to fit into certain things, and feel great about how I look. However, I know that in my heart there is definitely a tendency for me to go overboard with that. To grow fixated on the numbers on the scale, the numbers of calories I put in my mouth, and the numbers of inches lost. So.....I am praying! My heart's truest desire is to feel good, to be healthy, and to care for my body as though I truly believed it were the temple of the Holy Spirit. However, I worry that a by-product of that, might turn into weight loss that in the past has kept me in bondage. So.....I am praying!

In two days, I know that I am going to eat a ton of yummy food. Then, next Friday, I am going to start my Isagenix 9 Day Cleanse. I can't wait to get through that, to clear my body from the toxins that drain me, and zap my energy! However, I am praying that in that, God teaches me discipline regarding how I eat. That I can rely on Him to sustain me (you do eat during this!) and that I can focus more on doing good for my body, than on loosing weight or inches! You see, I have been drinking an Isagenix Shake 1-2 times a day as a meal replacement, and have had a Want More Energy every afternoon, and can notice a difference. I have lost about 5 pounds, and can tell that I am running better at the gym, and getting stronger. This is in part to drinking less coke, fewer fancy coffees at Starbucks, and putting better things in. But, I really am starting to feel better! My body is getting more of what it needs, and likes it! So, I cam going to prayerfully continue on after Thanksgiving, and would love your prayers (if you are interested in trying it with me, click here, or email me!).

God has made me (and you) perfectly in His sight, and is considerably more concerned with my heart, than what is on the outside. However, He has given me this body, and I want to be a good steward of it, and use it well. I want to be a good model to my girls of healthy living and discipline, with freedom. So....I pray!

Lord, help me to honor you with this body, Help me to be a good steward of it, to nourish it well, and to trust You to make me beautiful as you sanctify me. Lord, I pray that you would renew my mind with the truth I daily take in, and that it would be what shapes my thoughts, not the lies of the enemy! Lord, I pray that you would be glorified in all that I do, and that you would not allow me to fall into any type of bondage that can often come with diets and the quest for weight loss. For those that struggle in this area, I pray that you would give them discipline to live a healthy lifestyle, and the grace to enjoy all that You have given us. I pray that we would seek first Your kingdom, and Your righteousness, and that in keeping our "temples" holy, we would honor You!

I know everyone's got something to say about dieting, food, or weight loss.....so tell me, what's on your mind?

Joining Courtney, Jenn , Shanda,

1000 Gifts

2011-11-20T20:10:00.001-05:00

I have said here before about how interested I am in studying the Protestant Reformation. I am intrigued by those who knew scripture well enough, and believed in it so completely, that they were willing to risk their lives. The reformation shaped the faith I have today, and it is amazing to me how a few faithful men, could bring about such change! Right now, on his radio broadcast, R.C. Sproul is doing a series on the 5 Sola's of the Reformation. Here is the link to today's broadcast, on Sola Fide, or Faith Alone. Check it out!!!!

This week I am thankful for:

585. God's kindness that leads me to repentance

586. Learning to pray more specifically

587. New open doors to be a part of the work God is doing in the world

588. Eternal life that was given to me the day I believed in Christ as my savior

589. The abiblity read scripture and worship corporately, without fear

590. God never ending patience with me

591. A sovereign God that leaves nothing up to us, or chance

592. The smallness of my life, it's meaning, and it's impact....yet God's unending love, and depth of caring despite that!

593. The ability to have courage....not because I am so brave and strong, but because I do not have to fear death, or any temporal pain....God has given me life eternal!

Joining Anne, Stacey, and Michelle today

Friday Randmoness

2011-11-18T07:03:00.001-05:00

I am kind of out of good things to say lately....not sure why! So, here is a little Friday Randomness to get this weekend off to a fun start:

I have realized in the past few weeks that if it were not for God's grace, I would either be a groupie, or a psycho stage mom! I could totally follow around my favorite artists, and go show hopping....wait in line and freeze up, almost every night! I could also make my kids crazy with their after school activities, prepping them, wanting them to work harder and coaching from the sidelines! However, God is graceful and I am NOT living the groupie life style, nor am I driving my kiddos insane (but definitely praying through especially that second one)! Yay for God working!
I am slightly obsessed with singing t.v. shows. Give me some singers, some celeb judges, and some results where people get kicked off, and I am hooked! Right now I am loving the X Factor. I love Simon, and his slightly softer side on this show, and I love Drew and Rachel! Such an awesome show! I also can't wait for the Voice to start again, and of course the staple of all singing shows....American Idol!
I am getting the itch to go back to school. I really love school, and am a total nerd....so I am looking into some things. It might not ever happen, but I really would love to get a PHD! We will see.
I have cut down my Starbucks intake. I am not so nice anymore.
I am loving my Influence Bible Study. It is a Precept Bible Study about mentoring, but it is pretty flexible and really great! You should check it out.
I got my Isagenix stuff in the mail the other day and can't wait to start. I have been having a shake or two every day just to get used to it, and really do feel a little better already. I have also changed a little bit of how I eat as well, and am looking forward to what I know will be a difficult 9 days for me!
After last Wednesday, I made a Gavin DeGraw/David Cook playlist on my ipod. It's awesome! Seriously....it's super awesome!
This was an interesting post I came across. Honestly, this is something I really struggle with regarding the whole Financial Peace thing. I think I would line up closely with where this girl is, however I do believe God is calling us to deal with some of our debt, and curb our spending as a family. I also believe that "Being Jesus" is not necessarily possible, but that our words and actions can point others to Jesus........who actually is Jesus! I believe that involves giving generously as we proclaim the gospel. Definitely something to think about though, and I admire her courage in dealing with this!
Twitter has been interesting. I don't fully understand it, but I guess I am getting there!
CMA's were great! I love me some Carrie Underwood, so of course I am leaving you with a little clip....Enjoy!

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1000 Gifts, and some thoughts

2011-11-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

It has been a little while since I have done a 1000 gifts post, but we did start writing them on our fridge as a family. I will say it is quite the struggle to live a life of gratitude to God. I am not sure why it seems so difficult. If I really understood the depths of His love for me, despite the total and utter wretchedness of who I am, a life of praise would flow naturally.

While I am totally thankful for the physical blessings I have (a family, a home, cars, clothes, food, a job, starbucks, etc) I often get stuck there, and that is all I am grateful for. Would my heart be so quick to give thanks if those things were no longer there. If my story matched Job's would I still give thanks. Would the eternal salvation I have, be enough to warrant a life of praise in the midst of Job- like circumstances?

I am not so sure that I would be so quick to praise, so quick to give thanks, so quick to live a life of contentment. So this week, my prayer is that I would give thanks for the things that give real meaning to a life built for eternity. The many other blessings I have are awesome, and for them I am so thankful. But this week, I am mostly thankful for:

575. A God who is holy, just, loving and graceful all at the same time.

576. A God who did not leave salvation up to me.....because I would have never chosen it!

577. A God who speaks to His people clearly, explicitly at times, and in stories, mysteries and parables.

578. A Helper. The God of the universe, living within me, willing and working that I might be sanctified as His child.

579. A Son who willingly left His throne, and walked as a human on this earth, so that His payment for my sin would be enough to satisfy the God's holy wrath.

580. Those who faithfully and patiently poured life, truth, love and grace into my life (Alec and Tammy, Anna and Ed, Kathy and Jay, Joy and Craig, and Allison!)

581. Hope. Hope that there is more to this life than what the world tells me there is. Hope for an eternity with no pain, no sorrow, no grief....just the Father and an opportunity to continually sing His praises!

582. Peace. Peace that doesn't make sense in a world that frantically searches for temporary security. I am thankful for the peace that comes from knowing and living with the God who holds all things in His hands!

585. A husband who loves God more than he loves me. A husband who bears with my weaknesses, and encourages me to love Christ more deeply. A husband who I have the privelage of seeing grow in wisdom and grace more each day.

586. My girls. I am so blessed to have two little ladies who I believe are learning what it looks like to love God. Their hearts are fertile soil for God's word, and my prayer is that they will continue to love Him more and grow in their faith despite my mess ups!

584. Godly women that I call friends. I am soooooooo thankful for ladies who know me, love me, and challenge me to live more like Christ!

Joining:

And in case you missed them...check out the million posts I put up this weekend! Tons of pictures!!!

Some News

Best Night Ever

More Pics and then I'm done!

Pictures, pictures and more pictures!

Some news!

2011-11-13T03:00:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to share a couple of things, but nothing really earth shattering, just new!

First, I got Twitter! I am not actually sure why, but I broke down and did it. So, if you are interested in following(not sure why you would be...but just in case), you can check me out at @d_cevallos or click over HERE.

Second, I just signed up to do a 9 Day Isagenix cleanse! I am really excited about the cleanse itself, and then following it up with daily shakes and some other supplements. It is a little pricey, but full of good for you, no brainer, healthy stuff! I would love to loose a few pounds, and give my body more of what it needs. After writing about discipline here for 31 days, I realized that I needed to find a way to eat well, despite not being a good cook. Isagenix came highly recommended by people I whose opinions I trust, and seems to be a no brainer kind of plan, so I am going to give it a try! I will write a little about it here, and would love to have you join me! Myself and some friends will be starting the day after Thanksgiving, so if you are interested, check out this website! They also have protein shakes, and tons of other stuff if you are not interested in the cleanse! You can order yourself, or email me at loscevallos@yahoo.com with any questions you might have! If you sign up for the autoship program, you get the best prices. It is worth it if you plan to order stuff every month! I will keep you updated here with how things go!!!

That's all for now! (told you, nothing earth shattering :)!

Also, check out these interesting articles I found this weekend...

@Desiring God Are You Guilt Driven Enough to Go He looks at an article by Hwa Yung, and then links over to it so you can read the rest. Really interesting!

@The Gospel Coalition Love Notices Wet Hair An article written in response the Penn State mess that is going on right now!

Best Night Ever!!!

2011-11-12T16:53:00.001-05:00

Okay, so maybe it wasn't the best night ever, but last Wednesday I had one of the best night's ever! Do you know why???? Two words....David Cook!

Here's how it all went down:

I love me some David, so when I found out he was coming to Greenville with Gavin Degraw, I emailed my friends to see who wanted to go. When no one answered, I pondered going myself cause....I love me some David! However, one night I was talking to Lucy (who lives with us while she is raising support to go on staff with Campus Crusade at Duke) and found out that she loves Gavin as much as I love David...so off to Greenville we went!

Let me first tell you how amazing the concert was! Both Gavin and David did an hour each and were both awesome! I totally love Gavin Degraw now, and David as always...was fabulous! My favorite was the last song he did, called Fade into Me. It is one of my faves off of his new album and it was just him and the guitar! Here is the little sample I recorded on my phone!

While we were waiting for the concert to start, we met a girl who told us that if you bought $45 worth of merchandise, you could meet the guys after the show. We were not feeling that, but I told Lucy to follow the people with the blue bracelets, so that we might get a little peak at the guys when they came out.

After the show, we found the line of people waiting for pics and autographs and waited where we thought David and Gavin would be standing. After waiting a while, we turned around to find the entire line of people turned in the opposite direction....so we quickly went over to the front of the line. When we did, this is what we found:

Umm., in case you aren't sure who these lovelies are...let me inform you that they are in fact David Cook and Gavin Degraw!

So, we continued to wait as people were going through the line, all the while just watching the guys talk to everyone passing through. They could see us from where they were standing, and were probably thinking something like, "who are the weird girls who are just creeping, and not getting in line?"! The whole time we were standing there, we were planning our efforts to meet them. I even had a plan about what I might say (it involved Ethiopia, NY..., my undying devotion, you know lots of great stuff!). We were going to wait until everyone who had paid went through, and then get at the end of the line. We finally did (after an hour and a half) get in line, and then the moment came! We were worried we would be stopped because we didn't have our bracelets, but we just handed our camera to the guy, and off we went to meet our guys! Lucy went straight to Gavin and asked for a hug. I passed right by him, and made a B-line to David, and said and amazing, NOTHING!! I was totally speechless, and could not do anything but stare and answer his questions! Then we took this picture:

After the pic, Gavin poked his head around and introduced himself to me, which was very nice! I actually was excited to meet him, but just really couldn't get past meeting David Cook!!!! Overall, it was sooooooo worth the wait, and turned out to be a super awesome night! Here are the rest of the pics, in case you were dying to see them!!

David chilling...talking to the people in line!

Lucy getting some love from Gavin....she later squealed with delight! Notice David staring at me ;)!

Gavin saying hey!


After the picture!

More Pics....and then I am done!

2011-11-12T16:09:00.001-05:00

Here are some Halloween pics!


Not the best picture, but my brother in law picked Layla up from Middle school in his Elf hat one day!

Layla was a rockstar, Maya a fairy and Hillary and Georgia were doctors!!!

Esteban handed out candy!

We had many piles of candy once everything was sorted! We ended the night with some hot chocolate and called it a day!

Pictures, pictures, and more pictures

2011-11-10T21:28:00.001-05:00

Here are some pics from when our family came to visit. Esteban's parents, brother, sister-in-law, and their three kids all stayed for a few days! They played soccer with some old friends, we took the kids to monkey joe's and spent time just hanging at the house! Here are some pics (they are out of order because blogger is being weird!!!)

Lili got a card at Monkey Joe's that she was quite proud of!

Marli!

Maya and Layla played soccer with the grown ups!

Some old friends from college all got together to play!

Esteban explaining something very important to Caleb!

It just so happened that three sets of brothers were in town...here is what they do when that happens!

The soccer playing girls!

More silliness!

Pictures!!

2011-11-10T20:22:00.001-05:00

Here are some pics, since I haven't posted any in a while!

Maya at her swim meet!

Layla and Esteban at Maya's swim meet!

The girls had tons of fun at the fair again this year!


Can you find my girlies?

Love this pic of Maya!

That's my baby....eating a fried snickers!!!!!!

Check out this awesome adoption giveaway!!!

2011-11-10T08:07:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! I have some photos coming soon, and a little bit of the story behind an awesome night I had last night :)!

But first, head on over to Sarah's blog. She is hosting a giveaway to raise some funds for her adoption from Ethiopia! She just got her referral and now needs to pay the fee! She could really use our support, and you could win some really cool stuff!!!!

So go check it out!

Guest Post at MODsquad

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

I am writing today over at MODsquad (Mothers of Daughters).

Would you join me over there?

I am writing about Teaching our Daughter's to Pray!

Ahhhhhhh!!!!

2011-11-03T08:42:00.002-04:00

So after 31 days of blogging, I decided to take a little break (mostly because I have used up all of my good thoughts.....and, some not so good ones too!). But, I will be back soon, with some family pics, some Halloween pics, and some really fabulous, earth shattering, awesome things to say (or, maybe some less than stellar things to say, either way, I will say something!).

But I wanted to let you guys know about some really cool FREE apps that I found the other day. Each one has sermon links, and some really great resources, from some guys I really respect!

Ligoneer Ministries- This is R.C. Sproul's ministry. Each day there is a video segment, audio segment and written devotional. But my favorite part is the Learn section! There are several topics listed such as theology, worldview and culture, biblical studies, etc. When you click on those it brings you to some subtopics, and then any written, audio or video media that pertains to that topic! Such great stuff!

The Gospel Coalition- This is one of my favorite websites, as it houses many of my favorite bloggers! The app is pretty cool, because you can read all of the blogs, and watch all of the round table discussions (which I think are really interesting!). There is also a section for book reviews that's pretty cool!

Mars Hill Church- If you know anything about Mark Driscoll, you know that he is really interesting! I love this app, because you can listen to any and all of his past sermons here! This app also has a music section, and you can read the church's daily blog!

One other thing I am pretty excited about is the new Precept Bible Study called Influence:Living and Sharing a Life of Wisdom. Precept studies are awesome (I just finished my first one on the second half of Isaiah), because they really bring you to the scriptures in order to seek God out on your own. Since I really have heart for discipleship, I am super excited about this one! Going by a local Christian bookstore today to see if they have it!

That's all for today! Hope you are enjoying your week, and continuing to ask God to walk you through the disciplines we talked about, so that you might draw closer to Him!

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 31}

2011-10-31T03:00:00.000-04:00

Well.....I can't believe it, but I'm done! 31 days of writing, about anything, seemed a daunting task at the beginning of the month. Yet, here I sit, writing my very last post for this series! Perhaps this has been the greatest effort in discipline I have had to make! Today, there is one thing I would like to leave you with regarding discipline:

Discipline is a means to an end. Ultimately as believers in and followers of Christ, our end is His greatest glory. There is nothing magical about any of the disciplines we have discussed. Honestly you could spend your whole life doing each of them perfectly and still fail to bring God the glory He deserves. Doing any of the things we talked about out of a self-righteous or prideful heart will not bring Him glory. Doing any of the things we talked about because you think it might gain you favor with God, or with other people, will not bring Him glory.

However, a person who believes that the most important thing she can do in her day is spend time with her savior, and counts the cost so that she can have it......brings Him glory.

A mom who believes that the only way change will happen in the lives of her children is through the Holy Spirit working, so she prays.....brings Him glory.

A college student who knows that time alone to hear and understand what God says is the first step to obedience, so they don't go out to the bar on Thursday night, they choose solitude....brings Him glory.

The young couple that tithes and gives every month, because they believe that God can provide....brings Him glory.

Allowing God to empower you to eat well, and exercise regularly in a world that tells you to either binge or purge as a way of life.....brings Him glory.

Lazy, uncommitted people, being driven by the Holy Spirit to live a life of discipline, because in disciplining ourselves we make our default mode God's word, His ways, and His thoughts....brings Him glory.

So, as this series comes to a close, I ask that you would examine your heart, and pray with me. Pray that we would continue to live a life of discipline, not in our own strength, but as those who truly abide in Him, the One who gives us His strength.

Lord, I pray that You would help us to seek You with our whole heart, to love You above all else, and to place you above all other priorities in our lives. I pray that we would spend time with You regularly reading, talking, listening, and waiting, so that we might live in a more intimate relationship with You. I pray that we would view our money as yours, and that we would give back to You, and to those in need around us. I pray that You would help us to treat our bodies as the temples that they are. I pray that we would use the minds that You have given us, and that we would continue to sharpen them, not so we would be puffed up, but so that we would know You more, and love You with a greater love. I pray that we would live lives of discipline that bring You glory.

Woohoo! That's it! Check out all of the 31 Days of Discipline series here!

I would love to hear how God has grown you in discipline,

or in what ways you are asking Him to grow you!...

Share below in the comments so we can pray for one another!

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 30}

2011-10-30T09:40:00.002-04:00

We are almost at the end of our 31 Days of Discipline series. Check out the rest here! Also..please head on over to One Million Minus One for an awesome adoption giveaway!!!

Thinking without prayer, without the Holy Spirit, without obedience, without love, will puff up and destroy (1 Cor. 8:1). But thinking under the mighty hand of God, thinking soaked in prayer, thinking carried by the Holy Spirit, thinking tethered to the Bible, thinking in pursuit of more reasons to praise and proclaim the glories of God, thinking in service of love--such thinking is indispensable in a life of fullest praise to God. (John Piper, Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God)

Teaching ourselves to think, and engaging our minds regularly is a discipline in life. The importance, I believe is that God has given us minds (as he has given us bodies) that can reason higher and deeper than any of his other creations. He has allowed us to think deeply, so that we might understand Him more fully. However, I believe that mind is similar to the muscles in our bodies. Our minds are made up of neural pathways. Without getting all crazy, and scientific, the neural pathways are forged when we learn something new. The more that we do, or use that information, the deeper the pathway becomes, and the more connections it makes to other pathways. The deeper and more connected the pathway, the more fluent we become in using that skill or information. So, just like our muscles, if we don't exercise our minds they may atrophy as well :)!

In today's world we are bombarded with information. There is nothing we can't find out via internet. We accept beliefs of this world, because we haven't fully thought through or deepened our understanding of the things of God. And, I believe that truly to live out a Christian worldview, one needs to know and understand not only the things of God through His word, but the things of the world, and where they come from. We need to be educated about the things currently happening in our world so that we can look to God's word and what He says about those things. All of this requires exercising our minds, so that they will know how to think critically when it is necessary.

As a teacher, I truly believe that everyone can learn. I know (as a Special Ed. teacher) that learning can be harder for some than for others. However, where ever you are starting from, the mind is one of God's most precious gifts to us...so let's talk about some practical ways to use it.

Reading.
Duh...you say! Well, I mean more than just reading a happy little novel. I don't think those are wrong, or bad, and they do often cause a great deal of thinking (I have read both Little Bee and The Help in the last 6 months). Fiction causes you to use your imagination and make sense of non-literal language. But, I do believe that we need to be reading more than just make-believe stories. I think that as believers we need to read books that challenge our thinking on theology, and current events. It helps keep your mind working, deepening those neural pathways, and making sense of what you believe.

Here are a couple of my go-to authors (all but Malcom Gladwell are Christians):

John Piper
Kevin DeYoung
Mark Driscoll
Malcom Gladwell
Timothy Kellar
John McArthur
D.A. Carson

Writing.
Obviously I love writing. The reason I like writing is it forces you to condense your thoughts, and make some sort of sense of what floats around in your mind. It is a synthesis of what those neural pathways! It also gives you something to go back to later on, to look at where you were, and what God was teaching you at certain times in life. Writing forces you to process what you are thinking about, and I think that is super valuable.

Here are some ideas of how to write:

Blog
Journal
Private Blog (that never gets read by anyone but you)
Books
Articles
Letters
Notes (short ones) in a notebook

Staying up on Current Events.
God's word speaks to the world and culture around us. He has given us all that we need for life and Godliness IN THIS WORLD. However, in order to accurately view the world, or respond to it with God's world, we need to know what is going on in it! News sources are the best way to do that! Here are some that I think give a good picture of what the world believes, and what happens day to day.

CNN
FOX NEWS
BBC
E! News
Time Magazine
Newsweek
National Geographic
People

**I am sure that you think I am crazy to list People and E! News, but if you want to understand the culture you live in...these are absolute experts on it!**

Listening to Podcasts, Discussions, Debates.
There are thousands of these, but it is always good to hear people discussing certain issues making points that support their beliefs. It helps you to process where you fall, and which lines of logic make the most sense!

There are tons of Podcasts on iTunes, and I like the round table discussions at the Gospel Coalition's website!

Study History.
There is great understanding when you know the history behind a certain place, or event. When you are reading about a person, place or event, look up it's history. It often gives you great insight into things that are happening currently.

What do you think? What helps get your brain working???

Lord, I pray that You would help us to use our minds well. To seek deeper understanding of both your word, and the world around us. I pray that in so doing, we would not become puffed up, but that as we study more, we would be more enthralled by who You are, and more desirous to share Your truth with a lonely, sinful world. Sharpen our minds, that we might judge rightly. Thank you for giving us the ability to think, help us to use it well, and to glorify You with it!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 29}

2011-10-29T10:39:00.002-04:00

Today we are going to finish talking about the discipline of eating well. This is really something I struggle with greatly, and so I have really been praying through what changes might need to be made in this area. I do believe that our bodies should be treated well, and nourished and strengthened. However, I used to want to control what I ate so that I would be skinnier....prettier....or more desirable. As I have asked God to deal with some of the heart issues that still remain in regards to how I eat, I have been working on exhibiting some discipline too. Here are a few ways I have done this:

Less soda.
I love coke. In fact, I could give up any food in the world, but would never want to give up coke. I am not a stress eater, but there is nothing that relieves some tension in my life like a coke will! However, there is nothing good for my body in a coke. Not only is it filled with all kinds of grossness, there is no benefit to my body from drinking it. So, I have stopped buying coke for our home. I no longer have sodas in the house (which is good for our whole family). I do allow myself, and my kids to get some cokes when we go out to eat, but other than that...we try to stay away from them. At first...this was soooooo hard for me, but it is becoming much easier. I won't say that I don't still love it...I do, but I have gone from 2-3 a day, to about 2-3 a week!

More water.
Our bodies need water for a million reasons, but I never used to drink any. However, since giving up coke at home (and at school btw), I have had to replace it with water. I actually am beginning to love a tall glass of cold water. It has taken a while, but my body is beginning to crave it more and more, and I am enjoying it more and more!

Nutrients.
I used to skip breakfast, have lunch out (Chik-fil-a, Tokyo Grill, Moes, etc.) and then make something at home for dinner. I realized that my body was not getting a whole lot of vitamins, or proteins. So, instead of skipping breakfast, I usually stop by Starbucks and get a coffee and an Oatmeal, or Artisan Sandwich (yes, this is budgeted in....my little bit of fun money mostly goes there, and it is worth every penny!), and then have a protein shake for lunch, and dinner at home. The protein shake gives me a bunch of vitamins, and a good amount of protein for the day.

Portions.
I am learning to control the portions I eat. Not restrict myself from eating anything, but eating good foods (both in taste, and nutritional value) in appropriate portions. If we are having macaroni and cheese for dinner, I am not going to not eat it at all, but I may just have a small helping and some veggies. I am still working on this, but have been doing a whole lot better.

I am sure there are millions of other things that could go on this list. I love Laura's suggestions here. The point of exercising and eating well, is that we were given these bodies by God for a purpose. The temple in the Old Testament was treated with the utmost respect and kept undefiled on every level. If we really believe that our bodies are God's dwelling place through His Spirit, then we will treat our bodies differently. We can't do this in our own strength. We need to ask God to give us the desire to avoid temptations, and to give us eyes to see the way out of them. Find a friend, or your husband and ask them to keep you accountable in this area. Just like spiritual disciplines, if we don't consistently work towards them, asking God to work in us, we will grow weary!

Lord, I pray that you would help us in this area of our lives. Lord, may we view our bodies the way You do. May we have eyes to see clearly the importance of caring for this temple you have given us, without obsessing over numbers, or outward appearances. Lord, help us to make wise decisions about what to put in our mouths, and how to be more active. Lord, help us to do this for Your glory and not our own, so that Your name might be praised, and not our own.

Check out the rest of the series here!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 28}

2011-10-28T03:00:00.000-04:00

This is day 28 in a 31 day series entitled 31 Days of Discipline!

If you missed any of the other days, check them out here!

So, the flip side of exercise is obviously what you eat! Again...I am no expert in this, so I got some help. Chris's wife, Laura is a certified nutritionist, and was so kind to share some of her thoughts about the foods we put in our bodies! Come back tomorrow for some more talk about ways to discipline ourselves in how we eat, and some of what I have done in the last few months regarding this! But for now, here's Laura.....

Through years of learning and teaching about physical health, two basic truths remain constant regardless of the fat of the day. The physical body needs a healthy, balanced diet in order to grow and thrive. Additionally, the body needs physical exercise in order to become stronger and healthier. The same is true of our spirit.

We need to consume a steady diet of scripture in order to grow spiritually. Additionally, we need to exercise our faith in order for it to become strong to withstand the trials of this world. Just like only being a “Christian” on Sunday, if you are only being healthy while you are in the gym, then you will not reap the rewards planned for you.

Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? (NIV) Galatians 3:3

So often we try to do everything on our own and forget that God says to come to Him no matter the size of the problem.

If your problem is discipline; pray for strength!
If you struggle with cravings; fill each of those cravings with a prayer.
Sign a written agreement with God that you will not put any junk in your body (or as He refers to it “His Temple”). Place that contract on your refrigerator and think about it every time you crave something that is not going to feed your body well!

Make your body your slave this week by controlling what you eat. In order for you to achieve your goal, you have to feed your body correctly. Eat at least four to five times each day. Include fruits, whole grains, fresh vegetables, and appropriate proteins. Reduce your fat, sugar, and starch intake.

Give it your heart, soul, mind and strength. You’ll be amazed what you can do, and how good you’ll feel when you’re done!

Start keeping a daily food log so you can keep track of what you eat. Your good and bad eating habits might just surprise you. And having a written log will make it easier for you to make better planned choices as well as avoiding spur of the moment poor decisions.

Have an awesome week, enjoy the temple He has given you and respect it!

Laura Wooten M.P.H.

Certified Nutritionist Bodyshop Athletics

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 27}

2011-10-27T03:00:00.000-04:00

Today is Day 27 in this 31 Day series on Discipline.
If you missed any of the other days, you can check them out here!

Today we are going to look at some resources to help us get exercising!

While I really like working out, I have learned a few things about the type of workouts that are best. For instance, I know that I need to workout with a group. If I try to work out on my own, I will end up doing about 10 pushups, and 15 sit ups, and call it a day. But in a group of people (all of whom are way more fit than I am), there is a much higher likelihood that I will do most if not all of the exercises! Plus, whoever is leading the class will totally call me out, and tell me to stop messing around and get busy, when I start to fade! But that's just me!

I have several friends who love to run, which is awesome! I personally hate it with a deep and true passion! But, if you can do it, awesome! It is free, and can be done anywhere!

Maybe, you like your privacy. If so, videos at home are the way to go, and there are tons of great ones out there!

There are sooooooooo many ways to exercise, so think about what suits your body, and personality best! Do you love to dance, try Zumba! Do you want some quiet time away from the house? Try a gym where you can get on the treadmill and watch some tv. Do you love the outdoors? Go on a bike ride! The options are a plenty, but it is up to you to get busy!

Here are some great resources for getting off the couch and getting active:

Kat's book Maximize Your Mornings, has a whole section about exercise!

Pinterest has lots of great work outs...here is a sample of one that I found:

Source: get-thinspiration.tumblr.com via Danielle on Pinterest

Here are some videos that I have used in the past. The ten minute solution series is awesome, because you can do a 10 minute work out if that is all you have, but you can mix them together and do 30-50 minute work outs as well. Here are my faves!

In to running? Want to start? Here is a great site with a plan to go from the couch to a 5k in 9 weeks!

Some keys to making this a true discipline:

Find something you like, and that is realistic for your lifestyle. I hate running, so no matter how great of a workout it is....I NEVER want to do it. However, the bootcamp classes we go to are so fun for me (usually after I am done is when I think they were fun!).

Get some accountability. Esteban and I both go to the gym together twice a week. Honestly I would love to do one more day, but at this point I can't fit it into my schedule. However, it is great to have someone who will help get me out of bed on the days that I don't want to go.

When you feel like you want to quit, do a few more reps, or run a little further. It is a good practice to push your body a little more than what it tells you it can do. Don't go crazy with this, if you are in some kind of pain (not sore muscles but joint pain/pulled ligament pain, etc) then let your body rest. But when you are too tired to keep going...do 5 more, or a couple of minutes further!

Exercise is one of the ways that we can keep our "temples" of the Holy Spirit healthy. It gives you more energy, makes you stronger, and, if you find something you like, can be really fun!

Lord, help us to honor you with our bodies! Thank you for how you have made them, and the variety of ways you have provided for us to use them well! I pray that you would help us take the time and make the effort to strengthen them and utilize them well. Lord, thank you for this opportunity, and I pray that You would be glorified in and through us as we seek to honor you with our bodies!

What do you do to stay in shape?
What is your favorite form of exercise?

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 26}

2011-10-26T03:00:00.000-04:00

I am excited to start talking about physical disciplines! I will confess that I struggle to be disciplined in this area. I have gone to extremes to loose weight, or to stay fit, and have done the opposite and really allowed myself to slack off. But, God has called us to a different kind of discipline in this area, one that I am honestly still working through.

So...I thought I would get a little help on this one.

For the past 6 months I have been going to an awesome local gym called the Bodyshop. I have worked out at other gyms, but can honestly say that these boot camp type classes are by far the best workouts I have ever had. Esteban and I both go, and while we often don't want to, by the time we leave, we are always talking about how much we love it!

So, I asked the owner of the Bodyshop to share his thoughts on discipline (both physical and spiritual).

You should know that Chris works out like a million times a day! He has always been gracious (even while yelling at me to hurry up, or to quit waiting around), and has definitely been the recipient of many an eye roll from me (an old habit that still lingers from teenage years

.....and the only appropriate response to 50 jump squats, 50 pushups and 50 burpies as a warm-up).

So, here's what he has to say, listen up or you might find yourself doing a plank for an hour!

......

I got tothinking the other day about how the body is so much like life and our Christianwalk.

Question...How do you get bigger muscles?

Working outright?

NO!

From thephysical side, what makes the muscle grow is the phase you go through afterthe workout,

when you breakdown the actual muscle fiber, after a workload is placed on it, or stress is placedupon it. The amount of muscle break down, depends directly on the amount of stress placed on it during the work out.

I love workingout and sometimes I overdo it a little.

You see, themuscle doesn’t grow, until it is fed and recovers. Then over time, thecontinual breakdown and rebuilding of the muscle, makes it grow. And the longeryou do this, the stronger you get.

Ifeel that life is the same way.

The troubles and"stresses" of life have a strange way of helping us find howmuch courage we really have.You know whenthe chips are down and life comes unfairly at you? When people are hitting youfrom all different angles?

These are thestresses of life that either make you or break you. Because justlike the biceps, if you don’t feed them and recover properly, they will nevergrow.

The bible says,

Consider it pure joy, mybrothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you knowthat the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Letperseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, notlacking anything. James 1:2-4

So just like the physical muscles, we have to feed ourspirit with a proper diet of prayer and scripture reading to make it recoverproperly. We also have to "rest". God said, "bestill and KNOW that I am God. That is when you will find truerest.

So stress is a good thing physically and spiritually. It is important to not forget to take rest days in between your stresses. However, too much restwill just make your muscles atrophy (diminish). So get busy today withyour physical and spiritual exercise. Because if we aren't growing,we are only wasting away!

You can read more about Chris here!

Tomorrow we will talk about some practical ways to get disciplined in our exercise, and then we will hear from Chris's wife about nutrition! So stay tuned!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 25}

2011-10-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

For the past two days we have talked about giving. Here are a few more ideas about places/ organizations to give to.

Champions for Life-Bill Glass ministries works in prisons bringing the gospel to inmates.

Navigators-Campus Ministries

Wycliff-Bible translators bringing the gospel and God's word to unreached people.

Mocha Club-a neat idea, thanks Shannon!

Child Evangelism Fellowship-Brings the gospel to children through bible clubs in schools and neighborhoods!

Food for the Hungry-Christian based ministry seeking to feed both physically and spiritually!

Africa New Life Mission-Child sponsorship program in Rwanda.

Ordinary Hero-Helps adoptive families raise funds.

Mercy House Kenya-Maternity Home for mothers in Kenya

Sharen over at Timberlake Tales is doing 31 Days of Missional Focus. She is highlighting a different ministry each day!

Tomorrow and for the next couple of days, we will be talking about our bodies and disciplines associated with them! Yay for eating healthy and exercising!

Check out the rest of the series here!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 24}

2011-10-24T03:00:00.000-04:00

Random Thoughts on Giving

Budget in some regular monthly giving. It is good to account for the things you give to regularly in your budget (this should be a separate line item than your tithe).

Have some money budgeted to give as needs arise. Even if this is only a few dollars a month, it is so nice to have something you are already planning to use towards giving, but that isn't earmarked for something specific. This way, when a need comes up in the life of a friend, neighbor or coworker, you can be there to help!

When giving to an organization, do some research. Read their annual reports in regards to spending. How much of your money actually goes toward the work they say they are doing? Are they only meeting social/physical needs, or is there a training and discipleship aspect to their ministry? Do they take part in local evangelization where they are? You can check them out at this website too for more information!

Consider where your money goes and seek for ways to be connected beyond just the dollars. Can you give of your time to the same place? Can you write letters, set aside a day to pray, collect goods? Sometimes it is easy to write a check and then forget about what you are giving to. Ask God to lead you in the decisions, and connect your heart to where the money is going.

You can't do it all. We are not meant to save the world. We are meant to worship God and in so doing, point others to Him through our words and actions. I tend to think that if I can't do everything, then I might as well not bother doing anything. But, God wants you to be an active member in the work He is accomplishing throughout the world. That means you being invested with your prayers, time, money, and influence. So, trust that God will lead you, and do the things He has called you to do. Be faithful, and obedient, only doing the works the Father has called you to. (I tend to jump on whatever "need band wagon" someone puts in front of me. That can be dangerous. It is important that God's voice is the one we listen to through scripture, and the Holy Spirit working in us. That voice needs to be much louder than the voices of others, in regards to giving, and all other aspects of our lives!)

What We Do:

We budget into our month giving to missionaries, and campus ministries that we believe in. Then we have an allotted amount of money to use each month as needed. We have used that money in the past to buy supplies for Esteban to take to those he works with oversees, to give to a coworker that was in need of some money that month, to give to a neighbor who had some things go wrong in their home, and to give to friends who were adopting. While the amount we give each month is not extremely high, it is significant to us at this point in our lives. I am sure that we miss tons of needs around us, and could be doing so much more, but right now this is where we have started. It has been neat for us to see God work in our hearts as we give. Honestly I think it has changed our perspective on life, what we have, and God's ability to provide, much more than it has impacted any of those we are giving to. We are so far from where we need to be, and overspend in so many ways. We could be doing much more, but are asking God to continue to work through this in our lives. We are far from perfect, but working on obedient!

Some Great Places to Give:

Okay, I am going to list out some ideas...but I would really love to hear some of yours as well! That means actually commenting people! If people actually do comment with the places they like to give, I will put together a list, and post it with some more of my links tomorrow!

(These are listed in Random Order)

SCPI-My husband works with this organization, and they are all about helping nationals strategically reach their countries for Christ through the discipleship of leaders.

ITeams-My brother in law and sister in law work with this organization in Ecuador. They are part of developing leaders there through a camp that Juan Carlos runs.

Commission to Every Nation-Some friends of ours from church, the Roberts, are part of this ministry, and are heading back to Zambia in a few weeks! Check out their ministry

Compassion International -International Child Sponsorship Programs

World Vision -International Child Sponsorship Programs

Cru -We have an awesome young lady named Lucy living with us, raising support to work at DUKE and know two couples on staff at Carolina...so if you are interested in hearing more about their ministry, let me know!

Young Life-A good friend of mine worked for Young Life for years. Now, Layla is part of the middle school version of Young Life called Wyldlife. It has been such an awesome experience for her, and I love that this ministry is all about reaching lost kids!

Show Hope-This agency is one of the main reasons that Esteban and I were able to bring our girls home. They give tons of families money towards their adoptions every year! If you don't feel called to adopt, this is an awesome way to help those who do!

Amazima-You may have heard of Katie Davis. She is just wrote a book about her ministry to orphans in Uganda. I don't know too much about it, but it seems like God is really using her to make disciples in Uganda!

Heartline Haiti- My friend Carla sent me this organization. I have heard of them, but only second hand. Their mission seems awesome, and gospel centered. You can read about the missionaries who are working with these Haitian women to help them keep their babies!

DayBreak Crisis Pregnancy Center-This is the one local for me, but there are gospel focused pregnancy centers in every city! So check one out near you!

Clothed in Hope- Amy is a believer and close friend to one of my sweet college friends, Morgan. She is moving to Zambia at the end of this school year to pursue this work full time!

Holt International- You can sponsor a child until they are adopted!

Voice of the Martyrs- There are real life Martyrs today, something that is far from reality for us here in the US. You can support this ministry that ministers to those who are persecuted because of their faith.

Samaritan's Purse-This ministry seeks to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of those living in poverty around the globe!

Alright, that's a bunch for right now, more to come tomorrow! What other ministries, people, organizations has God placed on your heart?

Check out the rest of the series here....we have talked about a lot so far!
Joining Jenn Today!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 23}

2011-10-23T09:26:00.002-04:00

So, we have talked about tithing, and budgeting so far. Next let's look at the discipline of giving. I do believe that all of the disciplines we have talked about are matters of the heart. At the core of them, we find out the root about of our beliefs about God and ourselves. The whole purpose of praying through becoming more disciplined in these areas of our lives, is because in doing so, God deals with those matters of the heart, thus drawing us closer to Him. Giving, in my mind is one of those areas where we do need to discipline ourselves. In holding loosely to what we have been given, we are acknowledging that God gives us greater satisfaction than any of those things. We are proving our belief that He can provide for all of our needs. We are trusting Him to use what we give well, even if those we give to don't. So let's talk about giving!

Here is what we are told by the world:

You need to look out for number 1.
Saving for your future is absolutely critical. If you don't who will.
Your money is your money. You worked hard for it, you can do what you want with it.
Bigger is better, so work harder to get more.
Giving handouts only perpetuates a cycle that is already broken.
You need to make sure that you take care of your own, before you can help take care of anyone else.

Here is what God's word says:

Everything we have have comes from God.
We are merely stewards of His "stuff".
In Him, we have all that we need for life and godliness.
Like the lilies and the birds, God provides for all of our needs.
Our lives are but a vapor. Who knows if we have tomorrow?
Those who desire to be greatest in the kingdom will be last, and those who are the least, shall be first.
Give cheerfully, and freely.
Store up treasures in heaven, not here on earth.

What do you believe? What does your life say about what you believe? God has called us to be givers. How, when, and why you give, is totally between you and God. But what we have is NOT OURS. What you are saving for, MAY NEVER COME TO PASS. Everything in this world WILL PERISH.

Right now I am struggling through my beliefs about social justice, giving, etc. I think that our generation is all about saving the world, and that this is misguided on some levels. The gospel living in believers through the Holy Spirit WILL accomplish God's purposes and plan for this world. However, I believe that as believers we need to hold all of our resources with open hands, so that at any time they need to be given, we can. I do think that there should be an element of proclamation in our giving, that is to say that, as we give, it should be noted that the reason we give is because of what God through Christ has given us. I think if we leave that part out, we are cheating people who need so much more than our money or old clothes.

What do you think? I really want to hear your thoughts on this! So, comment below, let's chat about it! Tomorrow we will talk about some ways to give, so get ready to join in with your favorite charity, missionary, etc!

Lord, I pray that you would help us to believe what Your word says, not what this world says about our "stuff". I pray that we would not hold too tightly to the things that we have, and that we would freely give to those in need, as You call us to. I pray that we would connect that physical need with the answer to their greatest spiritual need, and that we would point them to You, the One who has ultimately given everything to His enemies, that we would no longer be enemies, but children! Thank you for Your willingness to give, help us to have that same desire!

Check out the rest of the series here!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 22}

2011-10-22T03:00:00.000-04:00

I hope that you enjoyed hearing from Anne on budgeting! Here are some resources to help you keep a family budget!

Here is a link that Anne recommended. It has six recommended budgeting sites! Check out this article here.

Here is another article with 9 recommended budgeting sites. Some are repeats, but there are others mentioned! Check out the article here.

You can also check out PearBudget, and Quicken, but there is a cost associated with both of those.

Here are some links to free printable budget sheets, if you are someone who prefers to write things down, instead of using a computer!

I have several friends who use the envelope system to assist them in their budgeting...check out some details here, and here!

Also, we have an excel sheet that Anne created for us. It is super helpful, and allows us to enter things in each day, and subtracts money from the categories we spend it in. This way we know when we are getting close to our budgeted amount for that month! I am happy to EMAIL that to anyone who would like it. Just let me know in the comments and I will hook you up!

I hope this helps get you started with a family budget. It has really helped us to see where our money goes, and to plan a little better for things that have caused us to go into debt in the past. Since this money is all God's money, we have become more and more convicted about how we use it. I am not a super saver, couponer, or even really good with finances. But we are working on the discipline of budgeting in our home so that we can be better stewards of God's resources! What do you use? I would love to hear from you!

Did you miss some of the 31 Days of Discipline series? If so, check it out here!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 21}

2011-10-21T08:21:00.002-04:00

Today we are talking about the discipline of budgeting. Since I didn't feel like I could really speak well on this topic, I have enlisted the help of my very talented friend Ann Newman. Not only is she a big DIY-er....she loves talking about budgets, money, and financial planning in between working and raising her two little ones! Seriously....she gets excited! So, here she is to help us better understand the need for a budget. Tomorrow I will post some resources for keeping up with your budget...including an excel download created by Ann herself! You can check out the rest of the 31 Days series here!

Hi, there. I'm Anne from Hello Newman's and am excited to be sharing a few thoughts on the discipline of budgeting. The Bible has so much to say aboutmoney. But the majority of what it sayshas to do with the matters of your heartin relation to money.

Budgeting is not a prison - in fact, it’s just theopposite. Creating and living within a budget is freedom. Freedom to roamwithin defined boundaries. I like to think of a budget as a fence around a yard. Unfortunately,we don’t have one. But let’s pretend fora minute that we do. I would be able tolet my toddler run around in the yard because there are set boundaries inplace. She would have the freedom to explore within a safe environment. Without a fenceor supervision, you better believe she would find her way out into the streetin no time.

It is the same way with our money. Without abudget, you don't have a roadmap for where or how you plan to spend your money.You are essentially giving yourself a gift of freedom within boundaries bycreating and following a budget. It will help you define where and how youspend God’s money. Because let’s remember the truth - its not really ours tobegin with. We are simply stewards of His gifts.

Christopher and I sit down at least once every other month to "gothrough our budget." It makes me happy in a weird "I'm overly analabout all things concerning money" kind of way. He knows how excited I getfor those meetings. We always start out by going through how much money is comingin, how much is going out, and where it is going. "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations." Proverbs 27:23 - 24.

I don't think it’s enough to simplysay "Oh, we make more than we spend each month so we are doing ok." Ifirmly believe God calls us to something more. We are accountable for the gifts He has givenus – no matter how small or large. Luke 16:11 says "If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"

What about you? How do you view the budgeting? I would love to hear your thoughts on money and managing your finances.

Ann is married to her awesome hubby Chris, and has a daughter, Ashlyn and a son, Chase. You can check out more about their family and the awesome projects they do around the house (on a budget) at Hello Newman's!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 20}

2011-10-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

First, the winner of the Paper Sunday giveaway is lucky number 6!

Ashley you are #6!

Contact me and I will get your info to Kara at Paper Sunday.

If you didn't win, don't forget you can buy one of these as a

gift or for yourself at 10% off (just use the code 31discipline)!

Alright, moving on to our next couple of days, where we will be talking about money! I will be honest, this is a touchy subject at best, and one that I really feel like I have little to offer about. But God spends a lot of time talking about money, so we should spend some time on it too. We are going to start with tithing or, what I think is a better term, giving to the local church.

A couple of principals to note. Tithing is actually an Old Testament practice. Everyone was expected to bring the first fruits to the Levites in the amount of 10% to go towards the ministry of the temple. However, most ended up giving up to 25% of their income to the work of the temple for various different things. However, there is no New Testament (or New Covenant) command to tithe. However God is clear about not allowing our hearts to be divided between Him and money. He is also clear about all things (including money), being gifts that come from Him.

All that we have actually belongs to God.

If we really believe that, then we will put our money where our mouth is! Here's the thing....10% for believers is a good place to start, but I challenge you to pray about what God would have You give as a family. I wonder if He might be asking us to give more.

Here's what we do:

We do believe that our local church not only needs our support through attendance and the use of our spiritual gifts, but also through our finances. So, our first 10% goes there. But there are some other things (missionaries and outreach organizations) that God has put on our hearts. So we have given above the 10% to those.

I share these things because, honestly, we don't have a lot of money, and we do have debt that we are working on paying down. We are learning to budget better, cut costs, and make wiser decisions with our money. But, since we believe that all of our money belongs to God, we feel like He is calling us to support the work He is doing, with that money.

We are going to talk about budgeting and giving in the next couple of days. But I want to be sensitive to the fact that everyone is in a different place financially. I don't know where you are, but I do know that God can supply all of our needs. Not all of our wants or desires, but all of our needs.

All that we have is His, so the discipline of giving at least 10% to your local church seems to me like a worthy one to pursue. That money may have an eternal impact on your city, and it will have a major impact on your heart, as you walk in faith, and obedience to the God who can provide!

Lord, I pray that you will help me, our family, and all of those reading to think rightly about our $. Help us to hold it loosely, and to willing give to the work You are doing through Your local church bodies. Help us to have great wisdom regarding finances, and to not allow our hearts to be divided. Lord, thank You for providing for our needs, and thank You Father, that we can trust You when we give, even when we feel like we can't. I pray that You would use those finances given to further spread Your gospel throughout our various cities, so that hearts might turn to You!

Check out the rest of the series on 31 Days of Discipline Here

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 19}

2011-10-19T22:56:00.000-04:00

I have written before about how I have felt entitled, and a little about my journey towards continually giving thanks. I read the book that changed my perspective, and have been down this road of giving thanks in all things. But honestly, you don't need to hear what I have to say about this...check out what God's word says:

Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 106:1)

Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:4)

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.(I Thessalonians 5:17)

Learning to give thanks in ALL circumstances is certainly a discipline. It is something we need to teach ourselves to do. We need to practice, and ask God to help us look for His gift in the small, the large, the beautiful and the ugly. To thank God for all that He has given, even if it is wrapped in trial, and pain.

Where do we start? Here are some ideas:

Have a blog? Try making a list weekly, like I do here. (You can link up with Ann Voskamp every Monday too!)

Thankful Jar. We used to have the girls write something they were thankful for on a slip of paper each day, and then read them before bed while we were praying.

We currently use the front of our fridge to write our list of things we are thankful for. If you use a dry erase marker on fake stainless steel (maybe real too???) it rubs right off! Each day, each family member has to write something or several things that they are thankful for.

I have friends who keep journals with their running lists of thanks, or keep boards on their walls. You can use sticky notes or a private list on your computer.

Whatever you do, just start somewhere. Track the many blessings God has given you. See all that there is around you in the day to day and say the words thank you Father! The more you do it, the easier it becomes to see the blessings, and the firmer foundation of faith you have when it seems harder to find those blessings.

If you haven't read 1000 Gifts, I do recommend it. It is quite heavy and wordy, but it does give you a different perspective on living a life, and the discipline of giving thanks!

Check out the rest of the 31 Days of Discipline Series Here!

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 18}

2011-10-18T03:00:00.000-04:00

Don't forget the Paper Sunday Personalized Journal Giveaway! Winner chosen tomorrow, so hurry up and enter people...it's free!Today we are going to talk about the Lord's Day, and our observance of it. First, I want to start off with saying that I don't believe that scripture designates a certain day of the week for this, nor do I believe that we as believers need to follow the OT Sabbath laws (Colossians 2:16). I do however believe, that believers need rest. Not just a sleep late, lounge around the house in your pj's kind of rest (although that may be involved), but a spiritual renewal, a spiritual rest.

Sunday has not replaced Saturday as the Sabbath. Rather the Lord's Day is a time when believers gather to commemorate His resurrection, which occurred on the first day of the week. Every day to the believer is one of Sabbath rest, since we have ceased from our spiritual labor and are resting in the salvation of the Lord (Hebrews 4:9-11). (John McArthur, Is the Sabbath Binding on Christians Today)

As believers we have eternal rest in Christ. But the busyness and noise of this world, can cause weariness, and fatigue, both spiritually and physically. We need to renew with concentrated time in worship through scripture, praise, and just plain relaxation. Again, you can choose which day to take off, and what exactly that would entail for your family.

Here is what we do on Sundays:

I try to do my cleaning and food shopping on Friday and Saturday, so that we don't have to do much around the house.

We go to church as a family, and then will often enjoy lunch with some friends.

After lunch, everyone has 30 minutes of quiet time in their beds (they can read their bibles, pray or just take a nap).

We usually stay home for dinner, and play some games, or just hang out and read. We try to make very few commitments, but we aren't rigid about it. If neighbors can come over, then we will have them over. If there is an evening church activity then we go. Sometimes we might go shopping together as family, or go get some coffee. Whatever we do, we try to do it with all 4 of us together.

Esteban and I are pretty careful to avoid doing work on Sundays. There have been some occasions where we have had to get some things done, but we really try not to do any.

I usually take some time to do some concentrated Bible study and prayer (since this is typically a quiet time in our home)

I want to be really clear that there are no guidelines about the Sabbath for those in Christ! We have eternal rest in Christ. Here is what my favorite quotable person says:

Now I think that the principle in the New Testament is that God ordains that one day in seven be restful. I think that's a creation ordinance for our good, for our health.

And so, one of the things we should do is do things on the Lord's day that refresh us for his service, intellectually, physically and spiritually. So if you sit at your desk all week, probably you should walk or ride a bike on Sunday. And if you work on the farm, breaking your back all week (which is what they did in the Old Testament), then sit down and take a long nap on Sunday.

The rest piece, I think, is physiologically and, from a creation-order standpoint, wise. I use the word "wisdom" rather than mandating any particular one way of doing it. Just take one day in seven and set it aside as the day when you are physically recharging.

Now the holy piece is the one that is being focused on in this question. The holy piece I think would be worship. Whether it is Saturday night leading in, or Sunday morning, set aside a day when a significant focus is on corporate worship. I think that's implicit in the way the New Testament talks about the gathering of God's people. So it's holy in the sense that it's set aside for corporate worship. (John Piper, What Does it Mean to Keep the Sabbath Holy?)

What do you and your family do? Do you have a day of rest? Do you need one? Is this a discipline that you and your family could begin to build? I would love to hear your thoughts!!!

Read the rest of the 31 Days of Discipline Here.

Also, check out Bonnie at Faith Barista!

I am loving her 31 Days to Feed Your Soul Series!
Joining Jenn at Finding Heaven!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 17}

2011-10-17T03:00:00.000-04:00

DONT FORGET TO ENTER THE PERSONALIZED

JOURNAL GIVEAWAY HERE!

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN WEDNESDAY MORNING!

The Discipline of Going to Church

Before I go very far with this, I want to say a few things about church. I do believe that church is more than a building, and that you don't, in fact, need an actual building to have a church. However, I don't believe that church happens when a bunch of people sit around Starbucks talking about their week, sharing a thought or two about God, or something else that is spiritual. I think that there is great value in the local church, and that it is the vehicle God, in His sovereignty, has chosen to use to bring the gospel to those who haven't yet heard it, by making disciples both of those who believe! I also don't think that going to church earns you any brownie points with God. It doesn't make you a better Christian, and it doesn't cancel out any sin. Nor do I believe that there is one specific way to "do church". I believe that any church whose core value is worship, through gospel centered praise, and teaching, is mighty fine (I do think the church needs to be about equipping the saints, which is discipleship, as well)!

Alrighty then, enough about what I think, here is what God thinks

(mind you this is only one passage, there are in fact others!)

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:19-25)

Before we talk about these verses, I think it is important to look at them in a bit of context. In the first few verses of Hebrews 10, the writer discusses the ineptness of the old sacrificial system. He points out how often sacrifices needed to be made, and how even when they were made over and over, they were never enough to appease the wrath of God as payment for our sin. But, in Christ, that wrath has been satisfied for those who believe, and never again do they need to make another sacrifice. Let's keep in mind that these readers were Hebrews (not just a clever title)....they had spent their entire lives living within the sacrificial system of the temple. They were never able to draw near to God, and had to rely on their sacrifices of faith, for temporary atonement. They could not connect directly to the Father, but had to go through a mediator, a priest. The writer of Hebrews is now telling them, that what they once knew, is no longer necessary. They can now approach the Father, because Christ paid for their sins.

So...in light of that, they (and we) can have confidence to enter the holy places of God (something only the priests could do, only at certain times, and only with specific purposes), by the blood of Christ. They (and we) can now draw near to God, with full assurance that in faith, our hearts are cleansed, and our bodies washed (this probably related to the ceremonial washings the priests would have to undergo prior to entering the Holy places).

The writer of Hebrews then encourages them to hold fast to their confession of hope, because the One in whom they were hoping, was faithful. Then he encourages them to stir one another on to love and good works (not because they save, but because they are the natural overflow of love that comes from the Father), and to not neglect meeting together. It seems that it was the practice of some during that time ( and certainly our time) to neglect the corporate worship that was happening in their area. The writer of Hebrews says, instead of neglecting this corporate worship, encourage one another as the day of Christ's return is drawing all the more near.

Whew....that was a mouthful. Okay, I have two quotes regarding the importance of church attendance that I want you to read. Mostly, because these guys say it so much better than I could! (and no, there is no quote from John Piper...see, I told you I read other things!)

It is the will of Christ that his disciples should assemble together, sometimes more privately for conference and prayer, and in public for hearing and joining in all the ordinances of gospel worship. There were in the apostles’ times, and should be in every age, Christian assemblies for the worship of God, and for mutual edification. And it seems even in those times there were some who forsook these assemblies, and so began to apostatize from religion itself. The communion of saints is a great help and privilege, and a good means of steadiness and perseverance; hereby their hearts and hands are mutually strengthened. (Matthew Henry's Commentary)

The local church is the hope of the world. Unless we are physically unable, every Christian should be a part of a church. The church is where Christ gets glory (Eph. 3:21) and where we (not just I) shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:15). The New Testament assumes that believers belong, not just to the church universal, but to a specific community of Christians. That’s why Paul wrote nine of his thirteen letters to churches and why each church in Revelation is represented by an individual lampstand. God’s plan has always been to establish a people, not simply a loose assortment of individuals.

It’s through the preaching of the word, the giving of gifts, the building up of the body, the loving of the unlovely–all in the context of the local church–that Christ gets glory. (Kevin DeYoung, Glory of God:Glory to God and Going to Church)

Let's get practical about this. If you aren't regularly attending a church, then ask God what He would have you do about that (Let me tell you, He will tell you that you need to plug in to one :). Then begin to look for a church. Here are some good tips regarding finding a church:

The Bible must be at the center. There are tons of churches that are cool. They have great music, and all kinds of fancy things going on. They probably have millions of kids programs and ministries for singles, young adults, newlyweds, homeless, hurting, divorced, hungry, thirsty, blondes, short people....you get the idea! None of those things are bad....but the heart of the church should be the preaching of God's word, and the worship of God among those who attend. Don't get sidetracked by the show, the truth should be foundational.

Meet with the elders and pastor (or whoever is in charge of making decisions for the church). Ask them about the core beliefs of the church, what it's vision and purpose is, and how they make disciples of those within their body. Try to get to know them some. As a member of their body, they will be making decisions that directly affect you, and have some authority over you. You want them to be people of great character, with a desire to know God.

Check out how you can be involved. Is there a place for you to use your giftedness? Is it an environment that supports those in ministry both inside and outside of the church walls?

Keep in mind that the church is messed up! It is messed up, because it is made of messed up people.

There is no perfect Church.
You will get disappointed.
You will get frustrated.
You will get annoyed.

Honestly....that may be something God is asking you to pray through, and ask for help to get past. God decided to work through the church, and He made you a part of it.

Please know that He can work through messed up, and He does!

He has called you to be obedient. Maybe He using the church to sanctify you, and you to sanctify the church (I read that in a book somewhere, not sure which one, or I would quote it...probably by Kevin DeYoung). While you may be let down, you will also find huge blessing, encouragement and grace in most churches. So take the good with the bad. Pray for the local body you belong to, pray for the churches that are in your city (you need all of them, if the gospel is to be brought to all those in your city who need to hear it), pray for the churches in the US (that we would hold to the truth of God's word, and proclaim it in its fullness), and pray for the millions of churches around the world (some of whom have no bibles, are living in persecution, or are young in their faith). Pray that God would continue to sanctify His bride, and that you would be a part of that, and what He is doing for His glory, through the church!

Father, I pray that for all those reading that are not regularly attending or members of a local church, that you would help them to process through any thoughts or beliefs that might be keeping them from getting plugged in. Lord, I pray that You would lead them to the exact place You want them to be, and that You would use them mightily for your glory, and your namesake through their church. Lord, for those of us who are part of a local church, I pray that we would be a part of making it better. I pray that we would not seek perfection, or our own needs to be met, but that we would be an encouraging part of the community You have placed us in. I confess that I have, at times, been quite critical of the church and its leaders, Lord, I ask that You would forgive me of that sin. Lord, I pray for those leaders, that You would give them a strong grounding in Your word, and that You would grow them in righteousness and godliness. I pray that they would lead their churches with purity of heart, for the purpose of Your glory!

Check out the rest of the series here!

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 16}

2011-10-16T03:00:00.000-04:00

So...more than halfway done with this 31 days thing, woohoo!

Here's a loose outline of what's coming up next (mostly for my sake!)

The Discipline of Going to Church, Keeping the Sabbath
The Discipline of Giving Thanks
The Discipline of Tithing, Budgeting and Giving
The Discipline of Exercise, and Nourishing Your Body
Disciplines of the mind

Do you see these cute journals??? You can win one, or pick from lots of others like these (the inside has scriptures personalized with your name in them!). Click HERE to enter, it is super easy and totally worth it people!!!!

But for now, check out these videos!
They are really awesome, short (none longer than 5 minutes) and worth your time!

Random side note: I do listen to/read people other than John Piper,
but he really had the best short segments on the topics we have discussed!)

The Bible isn't Boring, Avatar is!

Prayer Changes Things

Value of Memorizing Scripture

Check out the rest of the 31 Days Here!

Happy Sunday, I pray that your day is filled with both rest and worship!

31 days of Discipline-{Day 15}

2011-10-15T10:36:00.002-04:00

Don't forget to enter our giveaway for a

free personalized journal!

Winner will be chosen Monday,

for these super cute journals!!!

Last night, I met with a group of women and a great friend who has discipled me for several years now. She went through what her quiet times looked like, and I wanted to add some resources for prayer, since that is what we are talking about today!

The first is a book called Face to Face. I looked through it last night, and it seems like a great guide to walk you through praise, confession, petition and then various different aspects of life that can be prayed about! It looks like a really practical, scripture based prayer resource, so check it out!

The other thing she mentioned is keeping a notebook with prayer requests in it. At some point she would go through and mark off prayers that God had answered. I thought this was such a great idea because it serves as an Ebenezer, or reminder of God's faithfulness. This is different from writing out your prayers in that it is a simple list that you can go back through weekly, or monthly and write in the margin how God answered that specific request! So, grab a little spiral notebook, and get to writing! You would be amazed to see how God answers!

Also, check out this article by John Piper called the Anatomy of Legalism. It is a great perspective on these disciplines, and it is pretty short!

I hope that you are doing well through this pursuit of discipline. It has really been a kick in the butt for me, but it is so worth it.

Remember, these disciplines do not earn you any favor with God. Which also means that the lack of these disciplines does not equal an angry God!

The purpose of these disciplines is to more intimately know who God is, what He is about, and how He wants us to bring Him greater glory. Please remember, that these disciplines are for you to live in greater communion with the Father and His will!

There is not, and should not be any guilt involved....just the privilege of getting to be near the God of the universe, and part of His plans!

Father, I pray that we would earnestly seek You through our time in your word and in prayer. I pray that you would align our hearts to your will, and remind us that we can do nothing apart from You! Without You working, we will just fall into operating out of our flesh, in order to make our selves better. Lord, you are the only one who can work these things in us, and I pray that you would help us to be mindful of your Word throughout the day, and constantly aware of your presence. Father, I pray that you would free us from any guilt that might be lingering in regards to these things, knowing that we can not earn any favor by doing them, Lord, for we already have Your complete favor in Christ!

Check out the rest of the 31 Days series here.

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 14}

2011-10-14T03:00:00.000-04:00

Read through the whole post...there is an awesome giveaway at the end :)!!!

Okay...so today I am going to share some practical ways for you and I to get our prayer on!

The first thing I want to share has really changed my prayer life! A little over a month ago, my friend Leigh shared how she prays with our ladies small group. Basically she chooses one prayer focus for each day, and spends the day praying just for that! I started doing that soon after and it has been awesome! It keeps me from feeling overwhelmed with things that need to be prayed about, and keeps me thinking of the things I am praying for throughout the day! Here is my daily schedule:

Monday-Family

I pray in depth for my hubbs and the girls,

and then for extended family!

Tuesday-School

I am the special ed. coordinator at a private school,

so I pray for faculty and students

Wednesday-Neighborhood

I pray for the unbelievers in my neighborhood

and ask for opportunities to share God's truth with them!

Thursday-Missions

My husband is part of a ministry that works with the church/denominational

leaders in several different countries throughout the world, on making disciples and

strategically reaching their nation with the gospel!
I pray for the families we know in those countries, doing that work,
and for the mission organization as a whole!

Friday-Friends

I pray for whatever needs my friends might have

and for their continued spiritual growth!

Saturday-Church

I pray for my church leaders, and the church

leaders in my city. I also pray that those attending church in

my area would be effective communicators of the gospel so

that those in our city might have

the opportunity to hear!

Sunday-College girls

I lead a bible study for college girls on

Tuesday's and then meet with two others separately. Plus we have a

recent graduate living with us, raising support for Campus Crusade!

Obviously you can pray as needs arise, but this really helps me focus my prayers throughout the day. I find myself praying for these things much more often, and being more aware of God working in these areas! I do think it is also important to have some prayer time that focuses on the scripture you are reading, and on listening to what God would have you say/do/change/know.

Next.....Kat at Inspired to Action has some great prayer calendars. Check out her blog and you will find a Mother's Prayer Calendar and a Praying for Your Husband Calendar. On each she gives you a scripture and prayer focus for each day of the month. These are free downloads!!

Another great set of resources are the Power of a Praying series by Stormie Omartian. A very sweet, godly woman that I work with (who also happens to be a best friend's mother) was telling me how she has used these daily since her children were babies. She has kept notes in the margins about specifics in regards to her husband and children, and the ways God has answered her prayers! There are tons of books in this series, Power of a Praying Wife, Power of a Praying Mother, Power of a Praying Church, etc. I used the Power of a Praying Wife when we first got married and learned how to pray for Esteban early on! Check out the rest of the books here!

Lastly...I want to talk about journaling! There have been seasons in my life where I have journaled my prayers. It is so amazing to look back and see how God has answered those prayers. It also is a great way to stay awake if you are praying early in the morning, and late at night. I would write a scripture down and then pray for whatever that scripture talked about. Or just pour my heart out with requests, praise and confession! Writing your prayers down can be super powerful! So....today I want to giveaway an awesome journal to one of you lucky readers!

Kara from Paper Sunday, has agreed to give away one of her awesome personalized journals to one of you awesome, faithful, disciplined ladies (or gentlemen I suppose!). The really neat thing about the journals over at Paper Sunday is that they have verses at the top of the pages that are personalized with your name in them. So for example mine would say:

My grace is sufficient for you, Danielle, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

And I pray that you, Danielle, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints to grasp how wide and long and high is the love of Christ for you.
Ephesians 3:18

How awesome is that! Each day, you would start your prayers off with God, using His word, to speak right to you! And...there are tons of cute designs, sure to suit anyone's taste!

Kara's also got lots of other great products that would make awesome gifts for this holiday season!
(I am planning on ordering some as Christmas gifts!)

AND...

She has just added some adoption journals to the collection. For families interested in raising money for an adoption, Kara will give you a discounted rate, so that you can earn some money selling these awesome journals! Check out one of the adoption journals below:

Are you excited yet? Well there is more!

Kara has agreed to offer a 10% discount to all of you lovelies on any of your purchases! Just type in the code 31discipline at checkout!

Seriously, you could do some major Christmas shopping here! So head on over and check out her goods!

Alright, who is ready to enter? Here's how to do it!

First Entry:
Follow or Subscribe via Email to this blog, and visit Paper Sunday. Tell me that you follow and which journal you like the best in a comment below!

Additional Entries:
Post this giveaway on FB, Twitter, your blog, or email a friend. For each action you do,you earn 1 more entry. In a comment, tell me what you did ( I will figure out how many entries, no need to do separate comments. The more friends you email, the more entries you get!)

10 more entries:
Make a purchase from Paper Sunday using your 10% discount. Leave me a comment telling me what you bought, and you get 10 more entries! (I'll figure the entries on this one too!)

Alright all, Happy entering......and praying!!!!

Check out the rest of the 31 Days of Discipline Series here!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 13}

2011-10-13T03:00:00.000-04:00

Praying today over at MODsquad! Check it out!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-17

Praying without ceasing seems like a daunting thing to me. Part of me thinks that I need to have this constant conversation with God going on at all times. And maybe that is partly true. I do believe that there needs to be a time in every believer's day that is set apart for prayer. But what about the rest of the day. If we truly are just the branches and He is the life giving/sustaining vine, then we absolutely need Him to work. And He does. What is our part in that work? Giving thanks, rejoicing always and never growing weary in prayer. There are two implications that I see from this idea.

The first is that we all have a constant internal dialogue going all day long. Everyone talks to themselves (in their mind that is) all day long. What would our days look like if those idle moments turned into an internal conversation with God. Reciting scripture, asking Him to work, praising Him for the many good gifts, and rejoicing in who He is.

Prayer doesn't have to be done with your hands clasped and your eyes closed, it is simply a daily running dialogue with the Father!

The second implication is that we are to continue to pray without growing weary. For the unbelievers in our lives, for healing, for spiritual growth, scripture tells us to persevere in praying for these things.

What a privilege we have to be able to go to the Father, continually. This is such a gift, and one for which I am so thankful!

Father, I ask that you would turn our internal dialogue toward you. Bring to mind scripture, needs of other believers, unbelievers, and whatever you would have us bring to you. Lord, help us to not grow weary, but to continue to bring what You place on our hearts back to you through continual, unceasing prayer. Lord, I pray that this would not become a task, but a joy as we are so blessed to have the ability to communicate so freely with You!

Come back tomorrow where we will talk about some prayer resources,

and then we will have a little fun with a giveaway!

Check out the rest of the series here!
And...since Prayer feeds my soul....I am joining Bonnie here today!

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 12}

2011-10-12T03:00:00.000-04:00

Today we are going to look at how to pray. Please know that what we are talking about today is solely a guide to praying. You do not have to do each of these things, each time you pray. But it is a good idea to be mindful of praying through these things with some regularity.

Please do not allow this to become some sort of check off list.

Prayer is about communion with God. All of these things are simply tools to be used to not only deepen your intimacy with Him, but to be a part of the work that He is doing throughout all of eternity!

Many people use the Lord's prayer as the be all, end all for prayers. While I do believe that it is to be used as an example for us, there are many other examples through out scripture, in both the Old and New Testaments, that we can emulate as we pray. I am including in this post the main themes I see throughout scripture, in addition to what the Lord's prayer includes.

Praise.
We serve a mighty God who is more than worthy of our praise. Since all of this life is ultimately about His greatest glory, it seems only fitting that we would spend some time praising Him either in word, song, or quiet reflection.

Confession of Sin.
Whether we realize it or not, our sin can have an effect on our communion with God. It is so important to keep quick accounts with the Father regarding our sin. Christ's death on the cross was enough to pay our penalty for sin, but in order to maintain open lines of communication with God, we need to repent daily (sometimes hourly)!

Petition for Provision.
Our God provides for our needs. While He may not give us everything we ask for, Jesus himself, prayed for daily bread. I believe that we can follow this example, and as we live out of faith, that He will provide according to His will, not our desires.

Petition for the Sick and Suffering.
Throughout scripture we see people praying for healing, and those who are hurting. God is able to heal, and may use our prayers to be an conduit of that healing. It is such a privilege to be a part of his work through prayer.

Prayer for the Saints. (Including those who are imprisoned, and persecuted)
We mostly see this throughout the Epistles. Paul and the other Apostles praying for the church world wide. They pray for spiritual depth and growth, for guarding against sin, for protection and a keen eye for those that would seek to preach another gospel, and for the building up of the church as a whole. We too can be used by God through prayer for His bride.

The Unsaved.
No one can come to the Father unless He draws them. All those who don't believe are blinded until God opens their eyes to the truth. As believers we can pray that He would open their eyes, and quicken their hearts to believe the truth of His gospel.

Thanksgiving.
All that we are given comes straight from the loving hands of God. It is so important to have a heart that is filled with thanks, even when we don't feel like our current circumstances warrant it. Beginning to thank God for what He has done is always a good place to start, but certainly there are so many things for which can give thanks!

As parents, our children fall into one of two categories, either Saints or the unsaved. Praying for our children's eyes to be opened, or if they believe, for their continued spiritual growth is one of the most important things we can do as a parent!

Certainly there are many other ways to pray that are not included in the list above, but many things that we might pray about would likely fall into one of these categories, and all are seen throughout different parts of scripture.

Father, I pray that You would help us to mindful of all of these areas so that we can draw closer to You, bring you greater glory, and be an active part of what You are doing in the world. Lord, please guard against our tendencies to boil things down into checklists, and nice, neat little packages. Father, we can not put prayer in a box, so help us to seek You with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength, for Your glory, and Your names sake!

Check out the rest of the 31 Days of Discipline Series Here!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 11}

2011-10-11T03:00:00.000-04:00

If you look up the word prayer in a Bible concordance, you will come up with tons and tons of verses. Honestly I am a little overwhelmed by what to write regarding prayer, since there are so many ways to approach this topic. Nonetheless....31 Days must go on...so here goes:

And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. Mathew 14:20-25

Jesus Prayed?
Throughout the gospels we see Jesus retreat to go and pray, and implore His disciples to pray. I find this so interesting since He knew God so intimately (He is God after all!). Jesus took the time to withdraw, get alone, and pray to God the Father in between feeding the 5000 and walking on water. I think that part of this is as an example to us, but there has to be more. Did Jesus take this time away to renew His strength, and to be with the One He had spent all of eternity with? Certainly He didn't need wisdom, or discernment. He didn't need His will bent towards the Father's...or did He (Garden of Gethsemane)? I am not sure if I fully understand the why, but I do know that if Jesus thought it was important enough to do, I should probably look at it as something that is important as well!

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? Matthew 26:36-40

Today I want to talk about taking time away to pray. Jesus withdrew from the crowds, over and over again. He withdrew from healing, preaching, teaching, and miracles, to pray.

He withdrew from good things, to pray.

I fully believe that there is great power and prayer. I also believe in praying without ceasing (we will look at that later in the week). But I believe that there is great value to pulling away from the noise of the world to praise, repent, petition, and listen to the Father in prayer.

I believe that there is something about silence that calms the heart and mind to better focus on what the Lord would say.

Is it magic? No! But Jesus spent a large amount of time away from all of the fuss, praying.

Shouldn't we do the same?

But how?

I will say that as a busy, working mom, there are very few times that I have to get away and pray. But I am learning that there is more time to do this than I realize. Here are some ways I do it!

The shower.
Seriously, I get 10 absolutely quiet minutes every morning, and they just so happen to be in the shower! So, I have begun praying during that time. It isn't perfect, and I am not all cozied up in the mountains somewhere overlooking something spectacular. However, I am able to clear my mind and just pray and listen!

In the car.
I LOVE music! I almost always used to have some on, because I hated silence. However, I am learning that 10-15 minutes in the car, by myself are golden opportunities to get alone with God.

Early Mornings.
I will admit that if I try to pray before my shower, the only thing the Lord will hear is my snoring! So, I try to get up and out of bed, into the shower (where I start praying), and then read my bible. I will usually pray some more after reading my bible, before the girls start barging in my room asking for lotion!!

Just Before Bed.
Don't worry you don't have to kneel beside the bed each night (unless you want to). But do, turn the t.v. off, and put the computer away a few minutes early. Sit up, with the lights on and talk to the Father (if you lay down with the lights off, I am guessing if you are like me, God's gonna hear you snoring too!).

Plan an hour or two somewhere outside of your home.
You might need to talk with your spouse about this. Ask them to help you maintain this discipline by supporting your need for some time away!

I would love to hear how you pull away from the craziness of the world to spend time with the Father!

Father, I pray that You would help us to find time to pull away as Jesus did, and spend time with You. Lord, I pray that You would give us open windows, to spend alone talking and listening with You. Lord, I pray that each time we have an opportunity to be with You, that You would renew our minds with the Word, and help us apply it, to the areas of life where we most need it.

Coming up next in this 31 Days series:

How to Pray

Praying without Ceasing

Practical Resources to help you pray (**I feel a giveaway coming up!!**)

If you missed any of the days in this series, check em' out

over here!

Savoring Living Water Winner!!!

2011-10-10T12:32:00.003-04:00

Thanks for entering the giveaway last week. Drum Roll Please..............

The winner of the free Savoring Living Water E-Book giveaway is.......

#3!

Stay at Home Gourmet said...: I shared a link to your blog on FB and encouraged folks to come here and to "like" Savoring Living Water on FB.

I would LOVE to get this ebook. Whether I win or not! As I said on FB, (or pinterest - wow - my memory is shot), I need a defibrillator for my quiet time.

Winner has 2 days to contact me to learn how to claim your prize!

If you didn't win, but would like to buy the book, head on over here to grab a copy! There are hard copies and E-reader copies as well as the E-book version!
Remember $2 from each copy sold goes to Oneverse!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 10}

2011-10-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

"Why mustwe pray? Apart from the well-known scriptural calls to prayer, there are twogreat human reasons why we ought to pray. The first is found in the factthat prayer is the source of power for growth and perseverance in our spirituallives. Just as newly planted seeds need exposure to the sun in order togrow to maturity, we need exposure to the Son of Righteousness, or our growthmay be stunted; we are left with pygmy souls. The second reason is thatprayer bends our wills to God's will, which is what submitting our lives is allabout." (Barbara Hughes, Disciplines of aGodly Woman, pg 41)

Eventhough I grew up in an unbelieving home, with no knowledge of the true God orJesus, I always prayed. I prayed when I thought I might get introuble. I prayed when I really needed something. I prayed when I wasafraid. I prayed a lot....probably more than I do now. I reallydidn't know anything about who God really was back then, but I guess that Ithought there had to be something bigger than me that could work my life out(since it was such a huge mess). I was going to take every opportunity I could,to get as much out of whatever that bigger thing was. So I asked reallynicely for whatever I needed. At times I would plead....

God was like a Genie to me.

I thought I could just rub my magic lamp with some sweet prayers,

and then tell Him my wishes and He would grant them.

Nowthat I know Christ as my savior, I would like to say that I see prayercompletely differently than I did back them. In theory that is true, butin practice, I am beginning to wonder if it really is. I often go to Godwith my requests. They are always good requests. Growth in mydaughter's spiritual lives, healing for friends, provision, the lost,guidance....you get the picture. I am not praying for millions, or a newMercedes. I am praying for good things, but I think that I still have alittle bit of that Genie mentality as I pray.

Ido believe that God is able to answer any and every prayer. I do believethat it is not outside of His power to do anything but sin.

ButI want a prayer life that is about connection to the Father.

Not just mylist.

I want to know who He is,not what He can do for me.

I want to better align my will to His.

Iwant to experience spiritual growth,

marked by the fruits of the spirit that ICANNOT create on on my own.

And I believe that prayer is the only waythat I will see that in my

Tomorrowwe will look at what God's word says about prayer. In the following days we will discuss some practical ways to pray more consistently. But today, I wantus to pray and ask God for a new perspective on prayer. My prayer is that the nextfew days would about us desiring deeper growth, greater intimacy and a willbent toward the Father's.

Father,I pray that You would open our eyes, and give us a greater perspective onprayer. Lord, get rid of our Genie mentality. Lord, get rid of anyother misconceptions we have about prayer. Lord, I pray that as we learnto pray, that You would grow us spiritually, and help us to persevere in thislife. Lord I pray that as we seek You through the discipline, and privilege ofprayer, that You would bend our will to yours, and cause obedience to no longerbe a burden, but a joy.

Ishared my misconceptions about prayer, but I know that you have some too, soshare em', so that we can pray together, and address them over the nextfew days!

Check out the rest of the
31 Days of Discipline Series here!

Also...
Praying again over at
MODsquad (Mothers of Daughters)
One more thing....
I am linking up with Kat today at
Inspired to Action!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 9}

2011-10-09T09:35:00.001-04:00

Imagine spending all day in your home with your children. You are cooking, cleaning, getting some things done...and they are playing. They are playing off by themselves ALL DAY LONG. They may come by quickly and say hey. Or they may come by and rattle off their list of requests for a snack, a new toy, or a friend to come over. Then they are off...on their own again. Now imagine this happening for days at a time.

Would you love them any less if they never engaged you in conversation? NO!

They are your children..you would love them immeasurably, regardless of how often you spoke. But...would you feel very connected to them? Would you feel like they knew how much you loved them? What about when you see them struggling through their homework, and you know exactly how to help, so you quickly step in and point them in the right direction. They say thanks, but continue working on their own, their way, presenting requests, saying hey, but living life, in your home, apart from you.

Obviously, you see where this analogy is going, and obviously it breaks down in a few places. But you get the idea.

God's love for us is NOT connected to our prayer life (or anything we do for that matter!). He loves those who are in Christ, as His children, no matter what we do.

But how often do you go throughout the day with just a quick "hey God, here I am" prayer in the morning? You may even spread out several requests throughout the day as they come to mind. But how often do you actually sit and communicate with God, apart from any distractions. Do you make it a regular practice to just sit and talk with Him, to listen to His promptings. Do you ask Him to work the truth of His word into your life, that you might bring Him greater glory. Do you praise Him for all that He has done, and for who is? Do you really pray with the purpose of getting to know Him deeper?

Over the next few days, we will be looking at the discipline of prayer. I am excited to look deeper into this, because I truly believe it is at the very heart of the Christian life......and I so desperately need a kick in the pants!

Father, help us to daily spend time communicating with You. Please grow our desire to know You more, and help us to choose time with You over the other things we spend our time on. Lord, if there are any who are unsure of Your love for them, or if You hear their prayers, I pray that if they are your children, that You would remind them of Your constant presence and power in their lives. Lord, I pray that if they don't know You that You would reveal Your son, Jesus to them, and that You might bring them to faith in You, so that their prayers might be heard, and their communion with You might begin. Lord, help us pray!!

I am praying for our daughters today over at MODsquad (Mothers of Daughters) today. Please Join me! They are also doing a 31 days series! Also, there is still time to enter our giveaway! Winner will be chosen tomorrow morning!

Check out the rest of the 31 Days of Discipline Series too!

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 8}

2011-10-08T10:19:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to enter the Savoring Living Water Giveaway!

Since it has been a week since this series started, I wanted to hear from you all about how God has worked through these disciplines thus far!

Also, there are some cool resources that you need to check out this weekend, before we dive into the discipline of prayer tomorrow!

John Piper has a great article on the importance of memorizing scripture, that I think everyone should read. Here is his explanation of how he does it too! Check these out when you have a few minutes this weekend.

Jennifer left a great resource in one of her comments a few days ago. Daily Audio Bible is a free resource, that allows you to listen to chunks of scripture each day. There is also a $.99 app for your phones, or a free podcast to subscribe to. You can listen to scripture when you are getting ready each morning, when you are out on a run, or in your car on your way to work! Such an awesome free resource!!!

Here is how I am doing:

I am reading through Romans with some college girls this semester. Today I read Romans 6. Here is what stood out to me:

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:8-11)

What do I learn about God/Christ?
-If we died with Him, we will live with Him. So He is living, will never die again, and death has NO power over Him.
-He died to sin once, and now lives to God. His life is completely, perfectly postured toward God.
-In God's eyes, I am alive, in Christ Jesus.

How can I apply this?
-I too am dead to sin. I no longer have to live a life enslaved to the sins that so easily entangle me, and death has no power over me, so I don't need to live in fear!

Also, I am memorizing Colossians 3. I have memorized verses 1-2, and am working on 3-4 this week. Here they are:

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)

How are things going? Have you been able to spend time with God daily, began memorizing scripture or had some time alone with God? If not, have you come up with a prayerful plan to begin walking in some of these things? If so, I want to hear from you so, PLEASE leave a comment below and tell me about what God has been doing!

....and go enter the giveaway...it's a free book people...a free book, I said!!!!

Check out the rest of the series:

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 7}

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 6}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 5}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 4}

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 3}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 2}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 1}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 7}

2011-10-07T03:00:00.000-04:00

So writing a blog post everyday is much harder than I thought...and it's only day 6! But, this in and of itself, really has brought about a new type of discipline in my life. I am so thankful for the things the Lord is teaching me through this series!

But...today is Friday, and I am off for a three and half day weekend, so let's celebrate with a little giveaway!

In light of the topics we have discussed so far, I wanted to give something away that would encourage readers in those areas. So, I was so excited to find this Ebook by Katie Orr and Lara Williams. And today, one of you fine readers out there, might just win yourself a copy!

Savoring Living Water:How to Have an Effective Quiet Time is a practical guide to spending daily time with the Lord. In it, Katie and Lara share their stories, and give the reader practical tools to have a daily "Quiet Time"

Here is a piece of what Kat, from Inspired to Action, had to say about it:

"So no, this isn't just any ebook. It takes the training wheels off our quiet times, hands us the keys and points us to the open road." (Savoring Living Water, Forward)

I asked Lara to share a little bit about how daily time with the Lord has changed her, here is her response:

"Time alone with Him empowers me for my today. Granted it is a continual choosing to abide -- especially when life gets loud -- but when I feast upon Him and His Word, I'm better equipped for the challenges to come."

Are you excited yet? I am! I can't wait to start reading it myself!

If you don't want to wait, you can buy a copy here. The awesome thing about buying a copy is that $2 from every sale goes towards One Verse (which is an awesome organization that you should check out!), so not only are you getting this great practical guide, you are part of God's word being brought to those who don't have it!

Here's how to enter:

1. For One entry: Become a follower of this blog (either by email or the followers tab) and Like Savoring Living Water on FB. Leave a comment letting me know that you follow, and liked!

2. For your Second Entry: Pin this book on your Pinterest, then leave me a comment telling me you have pinned it!

3. For a Third Entry: Post this giveaway on your FB status or Tweet about it. Leave me a comment telling me what you did.

Happy Entering, and Happy Friday!!!!

Keep up the disciplines....we need God and His word on the weekends too!!!!

P.S.

If you missed any of the other days in the series, here they are!

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 6}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 5}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 4}

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 3}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 2}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 1}

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 6}

2011-10-06T04:00:00.000-04:00

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 5}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 4}

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 3}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 2}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 1}

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 1 Timothy 4:6-10

The whole purpose behind this series is for us as believers to draw near to God, that we might receive the grace that He so freely gives His children. But in looking at all of the things we are to discipline ourselves in, one (namely me!) could quickly become overwhelmed....and start working really hard to "do" all of these things! But if that is all that comes of this...then I have really missed the boat!

The purpose of these disciplines is godliness. It is a firm grounding in who God is, what He has already said through His word, and the peace that comes from knowing the truth. In a time where there were continual "worldly fables fit only for old women", the message in these verses is to pursue something other.

Pursue something other than the silly things the world tells you.

Pursue the God who can be found and who is actively involved in every part of the day to day.

Pursue the eternal things...the ones that we will carry with us during our SHORT time here, and throughout all eternity.

Godly discipline prepares our hearts, and minds for what we will be doing throughout all eternity. It is the slightest taste of the rest we will have when we are at His feet. Reading God's word, and finding out more of who He is, now, will prepare us better to praise Him then!

So this series is not meant to become a checklist of righteousness.

There is NO righteousness apart from Christ.

If you complete all of these things every day for the rest of your life, but do not have a saving faith in Christ...then it was all in vain. These spiritual disciplines are simply avenues for God to reveal Himself to us. When we skimp on these areas of our lives, we are the only ones missing out. We are missing out on a greater portion of our Father. We are missing out on a deeper intimacy with the very Creator of the universe. We are missing out on the merciful God who saves us by His grace, and brings us into His family as concurrent heirs with Christ.

Living a life lacking in these disciplines does not disqualify anyone from an eternity in heaven. If you believe that Christ died and paid the penalty for your sin...then that is taken care of.

But you are, I am, missing out on the fullness of life that could be ours if we knew our Father more.

Lord, help us to desire to live a life of discipline. Not so that we can check anything off, and not so that we can try and add anything to our salvation (that You have already taken care of). Help us to desire to be disciplined so that we will be more firmly rooted in who You are, and who You have created us to be. Help us to live in discipline so that we might have a deeper understanding of You and Your ways, thus bringing You far greater glory. Lord, help us to do these things with a pure heart to know You more.

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 5}

2011-10-05T04:00:00.000-04:00

This month, I am joining a humongous group of ladies, in writing a month long series during October. The challenge for me came from Emily at Chatting at the Sky, to write on 1 topic for 31 days. So here I am, on day 5! If you are interested in reading the rest of the series, check out the links below!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 4}
31 Days of Discipline- {Day 3}
31 Days of Discipline-{Day 2}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 1}

The Discipline of Being Alone with God

I am a total extrovert. My ideal life would be living situation would be to live on a commune with all of our friends and their kids....so being alone is seriously NOT something that comes naturally to me. Not to mention, I have a husband, I work and have two daughters, so there is often very little time that I have to be alone. But I am learning that in order to hear God, I need to make time to be alone, if not daily then weekly.

This summer, E and I spent a week in California with some wise, Godly older couples. The emphasis of the week was on spiritual formation and clearing your mind from what distracts us from hearing God. Putting scripture in through Bible study and scripture memory is critical. But without the spirit of God working through those scriptures then all of that is pointless. Obviously, we can't make the Spirit work, but I do believe that James 1:5 (God gives wisdom to those who ask) and John 14:14 (If you ask anything according to His will, He will give it) are both true. If we are asking God to conform us to His image and believe that "it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." Phil 2:13, then we can be confident that He will answer our prayers to be conformed to His image.

But, we need to have some time where the Spirit living in us can bring to mind the things God has revealed to us through His word. During those times, the Lord can begin to show us where and how t to apply those truths to our lives. If we never take some time away, with just the Lord, then we will not be able to hear clearly over the noise of this world, and our daily lives.

So...how can we do this?

1. Morning Time

Wake up before everyone else in your house. Find a closet, a comfy chair, your bed....doesn't matter, just a place where there will be no distractions.

2. Lunch Time/Nap Time

If you work, take one or two lunch breaks a week and just go off by your self. If you are a stay at home mom, take one or two nap times for just you and God!

3. Coffee shop date

Bring your bible, and a journal to a local coffee shop for an hour or two.

4. Your car

Keep your journal/bible in the car, and plan on getting somewhere 30-45 minutes early.

Spend your alone time praying through the scripture you have read that week, and asking God to make it real in your life. You may start of with small amounts of time that grow into longer periods. You may need to discuss childcare with your husband so that you each have some of this time.

Whatever you do, make sure that you get some of it! You would never restrict a human relationship to little bits of time here and there. You would never consider a date with your husband, or a close friend, a burden to make time for. So consider this your "date" (not in a weird, I am married to Jesus kind of way) time with God, and make it a priority. Trust me, this is not easy for many of us, but it is critical to our intimacy with our heavenly Father.

Lord, I pray that you would provide us each with some intimate alone time with you. I pray that in that time, you would clear our minds and our hearts and that You would help us to fully rely on You. I pray that we would listen with ears to hear what You have to say, and that we would obey as You teach us how to apply Your words to our lives. Lord, thank You for bridging the gap between You and us and providing us an opportunity to communicate and spend time with you. Thank you for Jesus, and please help us to make this time with You a priority!

Where, When and How do you "do" alone time with God?

Do you have time to meditate and pray through the scripture you read and memorize?

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 4}

2011-10-04T04:00:00.000-04:00

Getting excited about discipline yet? If not, I am sure this one will do it for you!

One of the disciplines that I realized was seriously lacking in my life lately was the discipline of memorizing scripture. I am definitely someone who knows some random verses, halfheartedly, and could not begin to tell you where in the Bible they are. But here is what I am learning.....scripture, being living and active, is how we renew our minds. We are so messed up with our flesh, and with Satan's accusations, that the only hope we have of living above those two things, is storing the word of God in our hearts and in our minds. So memorizing scripture has a lot more to do with overcoming, than with being a superstar Christian, who knows lots of verses. One of the things we have built into our ladies small group is scripture memory. Each week, we all choose a verse, email it out to our friends, work on it that week, and then recite it to the group at the beginning of the meeting. You would be surprised at how awesomely God can use just one verse a week to renew your mind, and change some of those old, nasty thought patterns! So...where should you start?

1. What to memorize (obviously scripture, but which verses?)
What is an area of your life, where you know that Satan and your flesh are working against you? Some examples might be:

discontentment
fear/anxiety
control
impatience

Take an hour or two, and find some verses that speak truth about that topic. List them out and begin working on those.

Keep a memory list:
As you daily spend time reading God's word....things will begin to pop out at you. Write down the references to verses that you come across so that you will be able to memorize those one at a time.

Choose a chapter in the Bible:
My friend Elizabeth chose to memorize Ephesians 5, the armor of God section. She is learning one verse a week, and soon will have most of the chapter memorized.

2. Begin Memorizing
There are so many ways to do this...but think back to how you got through school. When you had a big test, what was the most effective way for you to get that info into your head?

Here is what works for me and some of my friends:

(Me) I write out the verse on a note card, and carry it around with me. I rehearse it in my mind three or four times in a row, a couple of times each day, when I get a few minutes. Then I try to write it out again, without looking, or say it aloud without looking, several times for another couple of days. I revisit the scripture a couple of days later so that I can retain it better!

(Leigh) As soon as I pick a verse, I write it down as many places as possible. In my spiral index card thingy, on my bathroom mirror, post it in the kitchen, keep in my car. That way I can learn it pretty quickly and then refer back to it through the week! Review has been one of the most helpful things. Try to have a day where I just go back and review them so I don't forget and can actually USE them! Scripture Memory really has transformed my walk with God-- it's such an important discipline!!

(Rebecca) I have to write it on a sticky note, and have it with me. I can't just read it over and over, I have to say it OUT LOUD for it to sink in. And saying it out loud to another person until I have it, usually helps (and then they have it memorized, too!)

(Stephanie) I keep a little journal with the scriptures I am memorizing in it. Once or twice a day I will sit down & read over the scripture I am memorizing again & again until I can say it without looking. I have found that a good time to do this is when I'm blow drying my hair!

(Lydia)What I do is write the verse down on a small spiral bound index card booklet and carry it around with me when I'm home, or leave it on my kitchen counter and read it periodically when passing by. I also sometimes leave it beside my computer, which I tend to check several times a day so I end up reading it frequently. I also put it in front of kitchen sink so I can read it while doing dishes. In the past I've even taped some to my bathroom mirror so I'm reading them in the morning and in the evening before bed. I've put ones about food, self control, etc on the fridge!

(Elizabeth) I typically remember the first letter of some of the main words so that when I get to a word I remember the first letters of each word first which bring to memory the entire word. For example, Your struggle isn't against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (spells raps which my brain remembers first and then recalls the entire word)

3. Get some accountability
Ask a friend, your husband, or a small group to keep you accountable. Recite your verse to this person, and allow them to recite their verse to you! If you can't find someone, check out Beth Moore's blog, and join in with the Siesta Sisters, they memorize two verses a month!

4. Revisit old verses regularly
Once a month, take some time and go over the verses you memorized that month. Retention is important! Maybe have one accountability session where you don't memorize anything new, but you just go over your previous verses.

5. Pray!
Ask God to help you in memorizing. Ask Him to make these verses a reality in your life. Ask Him to renew your mind, and point you to Him as you memorize. Ask Him to work through you, and use these verses in the lives of those around you. Remember this is about finding God, renewing our minds, and pursuing Godliness...you can't do that on your own, the Holy Spirit has to work through you!

What are some verses you have memorized lately, and how have they helped you? How do you memorize scripture? Leave a comment and let me know, I would love to hear about how God's word, stored in your mind has benefited you!

Lord, I pray that you would help us to diligently begin to store your word in our hearts. Lord, let it not be for our own pride, or glory, but so that we can truly begin renewing our minds, and thinking in terms of the righteousness of Christ. Lord, help scripture become the lens through which we view the world, and let it be the answer always on the tip of our tongues. For those of us that struggle with memorizing, bring alongside some encouragement and some accountability, so that we might find you in the mundane moments of our lives, where your Words become active!

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 3}
31 Days of Discipline-{Day 2}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 1}

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 3}

2011-10-03T04:00:00.000-04:00

Scripture Reading

I am sad to say that I am part of a generation that may be buying into the idea that Scripture is not necessary to know God, and that we can find Jesus without it. That scares me! That scares me, because the entirety of scripture points to Christ as our savior and ONLY path back to God. You see without scripture we don't know that we are sinners in need of salvation. We don't know how God has chosen us as His people and how He has made a way back into a deep, meaningful relationship with Him through Christ. Scripture is our only source of truth! It is what the Holy Spirit uses to bring to mine the things of God. It is what leads us to the Father, instructs us in Godliness and reveals just how great grace truly is. Scripture is central to our knowing the Father through Christ....but scripture alone cannot save. I know many who have a knowledge of the Bible, but who do not believe in Christ as their savior. So as we look at building a discipline around scripture, we must keep this in mind:

Scripture leads us to Christ, who is our only way into a relationship with God the Father. Scripture is about God! If we are reading scripture for any other purpose, than we are missing it! Scripture is about God...and through reading it, we can know Him, we can know who He created us to be, we can know what He expects...through scripture we can know truth, and that truth will lead us to the God who created the entire universe with just a few words.

Being disciplined to read scripture is being disciplined to seek God. Here is what the word of God says about scripture:

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

.. for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. 1 Peter 1:23

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. 1 John 1:14

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

Scripture reading is critical for those of us who believe.....but it can be hard. It can be hard to find the time. It can be hard to find a quiet place. It can be hard to understand. But, discipline is about desire. And if we desire, truly desire a deeper relationship with God, then we need to be soaking up all that He has told us about Himself in scripture.

Do you struggle to spend time in the Word every day? If so, here are some helpful resources to get you started!

Inspired to Action
I love this blog! Kat is all about equipping moms, and there are so many great tools here! She has a free ebook called Maximize your mornings, and sets up virtual accountability groups for women! Check it out, there is so much awesomeness here!

Self Feeder
This is a simple, and cheap ($5) guide that has one chapter to read a day, and then asks a few simple questions for you to begin interacting with the text that you read. It is simple, concise, and focused on the Word and how you apply it!

Bible Study Tools
You can choose a Bible reading plan here, and they will email you a daily set of scriptures. I will absolutely confess that I have read my Bible many a day in the comfort of my bed, on my phone! So, this may be a great start for you!

Leave your Bible out on your kitchen counter. Each time you pass by it, read a few verses. Maybe stop to read the entire chapter. This is super helpful for busy days, and can really begin to grow your hunger for God's word.

Find a friend, and ask them to hold you accountable. Maybe ask your spouse to check with you each night. Do what you can to make this a priority in life. Don't worry if you don't get to have a 30 minute quiet time each morning at 5:30am. Just get in the word, that's a good place to start! God's word will not return void, and if you commit to take this month and read one chapter each day, you will find that you will begin to crave that time more and more.

Challenge:

Commit to taking at least 10 minutes each day of this week to read your Bible. If you are not sure where to start, Psalms, a Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) or Genesis. Try to read one chapter a day, and think about these questions...

1. What did I learn about God and or Jesus?

2. How can I apply #1 to my life? or What does that mean for me?

Write your answers in a journal, on your iphone, or in the margin of your Bible. We will do a little check in sometime in the next few days to see how everyone is doing!

Lord, I pray that you would give us the discipline to daily seek You by reading your word. Father, may the desire in our hearts to know You drown out any other desire that might pull us away from spending that time with You. Lord...we know that we don't earn anything by reading our Bibles. As believers, we are fully loved and accepted as Your children. But Father we do know that reading scripture helps us to know who You better. So Lord, I pray for all of those reading, that You would build in their hearts a deeper love for You as they search out who You are by reading Your word!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 2}

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 1}

31 Days of Discipline- {Day 2}

2011-10-02T03:00:00.000-04:00

Before I dive into spiritual disciplines, I wanted to look a little into what I believe is at the very heart of discipline, desire. You see, I say that I am completely lacking discipline in my life, but I am not actually sure that is entirely true, and here's why....

There are certain t.v. shows that I absolutely love. The list is long, so I won't go through each, but just know that I am sure to set aside the necessary time needed to watch my favorite tv shows each week. In the last 4 seasons of American Idol, I haven't missed one episode, I DVR each show, and each show gets watched.

That's discipline.

I love a clean house. In fact it is hard for me to relax if I don't feel like the house is clean. Each week I get my girls to help me, and we clean the entire house top to bottom. Throughout the week, I clean up each evening, to make sure that we don't wake up to too much clutter, or too many crumbs on the floor.

That's discipline.

It is really important to me that I look a certain way each day. I HATE blow drying my hair, but I do it every day. I stand in the bathroom (I hate bathrooms. It's a thing . It's weird. I know!) with my head turned upside down, then flip it up smoothing out every single section of hair, then I go back over every piece of hair with a straightener, to make sure there are no out of place pieces!

That is discipline.

Unfortunately, I have become disciplined in some things that are of little value, while I am lacking discipline in many things that are of great value. The difference, I believe, lies in what my truest desires are.

You see...I really desire some veg time. You know, some time to get lost in someone else's world, and take a break from mine for a minute. That is why I make time for t.v.

I also really desire my own comfort. In order for me to feel comfortable, I need to have a house that is in some sort of order, with a certain level of cleanliness. If my house is a mess...I can't get comfortable. That is why I clean.

I desire others to think a certain way about how I look. So, in order to maintain that image, I need to fix my hair...'cause my hair dried naturally looks ridiculous! So, I dry my hair every day.

My desires drive my efforts.

If my deepest desire is to know the God of the Universe in a more intimate way, than I will pursue Him, no matter what the cost. I will choose prayer, scripture reading, meditation and scripture memory, over extra sleep time, or that week's episode of House.

If I truly desire to keep my body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, healthy and thriving, then I will make daily choices to put good things in. I will take seriously the opportunity to strengthen this temple and exercise, even when I don't feel like it.

If I truly desire to give to others, and honor God with our money, than I will say no to buying whatever I want, when I want it. I will give even if it means going without, and I will live within the boundaries of a budget, even if it means not indulging all of my whims.

Before we begin to dive into discipline as it pertains to specific areas of our lives, we need to really address the desires of our hearts. And, if there is one thing I know, it is that I need God to work in and through this process. So, I am going to pray!

Father, I am so in need of you to work in me. My desires are all out of whack, and I need You to grow within me a driving desire to know You to care for Your temple, and to manage your resources well. Lord, I know that I can do NOTHING in my own strength, so I pray that you would help me to rest in your Son, and His strength. I pray that when I fail to exercise discipline in my life that You would by your grace, lead me back to that path. I pray for those that are reading too. Lord You know where they are and what they need...I pray that You would work in their hearts through this series, and that You would be glorified in the lives of Your saints!

31 Days of Discipline-{Day 1}

2011-10-01T04:00:00.000-04:00

Why 31 Days of Discipline??

The word discipline and I are not on good terms. We are fair weather friends at best. Discipline seeks to bring me in line, set up boundaries and prepare me...while I struggle to break free from it's restrictions, discomforts and requirements. At times the very whisper of the word makes me cringe. I know that I need it, I know that I lack it, yet the very thought of committing to seeking it makes me want to run away.

Yet, it is time for me to grow up. It is time for me to stop struggling with the foolish things of my youth, and grow up in righteousness.....I know that this requires discipline.

So, here I am.....seeking to spend the next 31 days, looking at discipline in every aspect of my life. Just committing to write 31 days of posts is a discipline I feel like I am not ready for. However, I know God is calling me deeper into a life characterized by discipline.....spiritual disciplines, physical disciplines, financial discipline, and emotional discipline.

In light of that I hope that you will join me over the next 31 days as I peer into the new world of a life characterized by discipline.

Father, I pray that you would build into my heart a desire for discipline. I pray that you would keep me accountable and that in seeking to live a disciplined life, that I would find more of You. I pray that you would renew my mind with truth as I embark on this endeavor, and that you would use my journey to encourage those around me to pursue You more fully. I pray that in writing about discipline, You season my words with grace. I pray that in seeking to live a more disciplined life that I would not grow proud, but that my heart, mind, words and deeds would seek to bring you the greater glory!

Some Things I Am Excited About...

2011-09-30T13:23:00.002-04:00

Since it is Friday...and I am all about some light hearted fun...here are some things I am excited about:

1. New songs! My sweet...and by sweet I mean, "bestest ever in the whole wide world for letting me know about this"...... friend Stephanie sent me a code for amazon to get some free music. Which I used immediately! I got 4 songs in total...and it was like Christmas! I usually buy music all of the time, but have given it up after reading Radical, in order to give some money away! It has been killing me lately since there are so many new songs out that I want!!! But this was a great little fix for me.

Here are the 4 I bought!

Kelly Clarkson-Mr. Know it All

Gavin Degraw-Sweeter

Gavin Degraw-Not Over You

Gym Class Heroes with Adam Levine-Stereo Hearts

I just made a new playlist for these, and added Fade into Me (David Cook), Remind Me (Brad Paisely and Carrie Underwood), and I Got You (Leona Lewis)....I am pretty excited!!!!

2. A new Starbucks! With a Drive Thru!!....on my way to everywhere once I drop Layla off at school! I am soooooooooo very happy. There are few words to express how very happy I am!

3. 31 Days of Discipline! I am so excited about it...and a little nervous too. I am not sure if I will make it, but I plan on doing my best! Join me back here tomorrow for Day 1, and if you would like, grab this button below (the code is on the side bar!).

4. 31 Days of Praying for your daughter. I am excited to be able to write monthly for MODsquad, a blog dedicated to mothering daughters. All of us are gearing up to write a post a day that leads you in prayer for your daughters each day. So check it out!

5. Grace for the Good Girl, by Emily Freeman. I have just begun reading this book, and really love it. Although I wouldn't necessarily classify myself as a good girl, it turns out I struggle with many of the same things that Emily writes about. It is a great read, and I plan on doing a full review, but just know...you should read it!

6. Friday! I just love Fridays...doesn't everyone?