Football fever

Before Christmas, and long before it was decided who would play in the Super Bowl this year, Brad told me he wanted to get the girls jerseys. He wanted Peyton to have a pink Manning jersey. He had me get a Grossman jersey for Paige off of ebay. We didn't get them given for Christmas, because we wouldn't have them in time. I found the Manning jersey at Dick's in Indianapolis yesterday, so we decided to give them to them today as an early birthday present. (ok, a month early, but we want them to have plenty of time to wear them before the big game). However, Paige wanted Manning and Peyton wanted Grossman. (I believe that color, not team preference played into this decision). So here they are, showing their stuff and posing with their daddy in one of his jerseys.

Peyton (Thornsbrough, not Manning ;) in the Grossman Jersey, Brad in 32 and Paige hamming in the Manning jersey

 

grace? forgiveness?

I am moving ahead in the bok "Facing Your Giants" by Max Lucado. By chapter 3, he has already talked about how David took his eyes off the Lord when he was running for his life, and some of the things that transpired from that. Some very interesting thoughts, you should read the book. But then he got into how David had, not one, but three opportunities to kill Saul. He was running for his life after 6 attempts were made to end it, all by Saul. David prayed for Saul. He showed him grace. "It's one thing to give grace to friends, but to give grace to those who give us grief? Could you? Given a few uninterrupted moments with the Darth Vader of your days, could you imitate David?" Job 5:2 tells us that "Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple."

"Vengeance fixes your attention at life's ugliest moments...Will rehearsing and reliving your hurts make you a better person? By no means, it will destroy you." (Lucado)

How is this possible? David accomplished it by looking at Saul as God did. After all, he was "God's annointed king." "David didn't applaud Saul's behavior; he just acknowledged Saul's proprietor-God. David filtered is view of Saul through the grid of heaven. The king still belonged to God, and that gave David hope." Again, this gave me chills. Did David honestly have HOPE for Saul? Acccording to Lucado, God would say '"What he did was unthinkable, unaceeptable, inexcusable, but I'm not finished yet."' I am SO glad that God isn't finished yet.

One last quote from Lucado says, "Your enemies still figure into God's plan. Their pulse is proof. GOd hasn't given up on them. They may be out of God's will, but not out of His reach. You honor God when you see them, not as His failures, but as His projects."

Ok, I was wrong, here is another quote. "To forgive is to move on, not to think about the offense anymore. You don't excuse him, endorse her or embrace them. You just route thougths about them through heaven. You see your enemy as God's child and revenge as God's job....We, like Saul, have been given grace. We, like David, can freely give it."

Meet Peyton...

Peyton reading a school book , while Ella cuddles up

Peyton prays...."Dear Jesus, help mommy to bless you..."
gulp, is that what she prayed? Has the child, who is perceptive, been inside my head tonight??
Peyton went on to pray for me, for my safety etc.. She also thanked God that I was so happy about something her Daddy said to me last night. (He told me I was doing a "good job.") This child is very sensitive, and she is also very sensitive to my feelings. Peyton has her own style. She hates to have her hair done up at all, even though she wants it long. She likes to wear oversized inside out t-shirts, along with silky pj bottoms to sleep. Peyton prefers "boy toys" though she can hold her own with Barbies and other girlie stuff. Not long ago, Peyton declared Daddy to be her "best friend." I can't help but be envious of the declaration. However, tonight, I was just plain convicted by the prayer of my small child. I DO want to bless God, but I am too busy asking Him to bless ME! Peyton also prayed for God tonight, for the hurt that sin causes God. I know that much if what she has heard, she parrots in her prayers. However, I can't help but think that she really does understand much of it. I am thrilled that my not quite 7 year olds might be grasping the pain that our sin causes God. Frankly, this thought never occured to me in all the years I have been a Christian. I have been far too concerned with how things affect me! Thanks baby doll, you are one of a kind! For any that are concerned lest Paige be left out, I informed the "can I tell you something? queen tonight that she is one of God's greatest blessings. She grinned at me, as if to say that she already knew that!

 

One little, two little, three little....

Paige cuddles Ella

Peyton joins in

They want Mommy in the picture too!

 

Sleepyheads...but not until we were ALMOST home!

Paige

Maddie

Peyton (I couldn't even tell she was in the CAR from the drivers seat!

 

rotating doors are SO much fun!

 

Spending the day with Maddie Mae

Mandy and I and the girls headed to Indy today to visit our friend Jen, who is expecting quads! You can read Jen and her husband Brad's blog by clicking here
Peyton, Maddie and Paige playing GameBoy


Peyton took a pretty good shot of Paige and I

Peyton, Paige and Maddie make a card for Jen

The Giant Slayer

I started readingMax Lucado's "Facing our Giants" tonight. I have a feeling I will be blogging about it alot! This is the story of David, best I can tell, because I am only 8 pages into it.

Giants. We must face them. yet we need not face them alone. Focus first, and most on God. The times David did, giants fell. The day she didn't, David did.

Lucado goes on to describe how the Bible shos in I Samuel 17, that David observed only two things about Goliath. He only made two small comments about him, none about his abilities, or his size or strenght. He then, in the same passage, made 9 references to his Lord. God-thoughts outnumber Goliath thoughts nine to two. How does this ratio compare with yours? Do you ponder God's grace four times as much as you ponder your guilt? ...Are you four times as likely to describe the strength of God as you are the demands of your day? ...Lift your eyes, giant-slayer. the God who made a miracle out of David stands ready to make one out of you.

Wow. This quote gives me chills. I have trials, fears pain to face. But I know that I am not facing them alone. This first chapter of Lucado's book convicts me about thinking of God more, and my giants less. Instead of describing my troubles, I could describe how strong, true and capable God is. I absolutely cannot do anything to make change on my own. I am not even certain what God has in store. But I can be absolutely certain that keeping my focus on God and His truth, rather than myself and my problems, is the best way to solve my problems.

That las line that I quoted is what gets me the most. I love how Lucado writes. He is SO easy to quote. Lift your eyes (focus on God) , and He will work miracles in your life. And my life.

I am SO looking forward to the rest of this book!

Wednesday night fun at the church

You can tell it is winter time around Calvary Baptist Church when the families are hanging around in the gym after the services and the jump ropes come out. I decided to do some quick video of the kids playing and jumping rope. I dedicate these short clips to Josh and Gretchen, who are greatly missed! (look for my two little ones jumping around, Paige is in a white shirt and jeans, and Peyton is in a hot pink shirt and jeans. Of course, they have NO shoes on! Also don't be alarmed about the man in the suit trying to jump rope, that is just Pastor Scott!)

Click here for Part 1

Click here for Part 2

Click here for part 3

Click here for part 4

Ok, Stephie, you asked for it!

I do not have a scanner, but I decided try our taking a digital picture of some of my scrapbook pictures. (This is working great, because P & P are upstairs looking through their books, which they haven't seen in a long time.) Anyway, the quality isn't that great, but I wasn't much to look at when I was pregnant! (actually, I was ALOT to look at, considering how big I was). I fully expect all my blogging friends to follow Stephanie's lead, and put in some shots in them with big bellies, faces, feet, etc...

Probably around October of 99. I found out I was having twins Sept 28, 1999, and I couldn't button my jeans within a month. Strange, really, since I wasn't keeping ANY food down!

January 1999, between hospital visits. I was 5 months pregnant

27 weeks, a rare shot of me at this time. The week before delivery, when I was in the hospital

 

Brittany emailed this to me, so I decided to Blog it..

Have things changed for you?

Do you think differently in 2007 than youdid in 2006?

> 1. What is your occupation? A nurse on the weekends, a mom all the time.

> 2. What color are your socks right now? Don't have any on

> 3. What are you listening to right now?Peyton making up a song while she plays

4. What is the last thing you ate? a lean cuisine, apple and orange

> 5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes, but I haven't needed to since we sold the Saturn 5 years ago. But don't ask me to drive a difficult one, unless you want to go through the windshield or get car sick!

> 6. If you were a crayon, what color would yoube? I wish that I could say yellow or hot pink. But I am probably more of a green.

> 7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? my sister, Jamie

> 8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes, definitely, I got it from my sister in law, Brittany

>> 9. How old are you today? 32, but i behave either 7 or 87!

>> 10. Favorite Drink? diet cherry coke, but I also really like the indulgance of a turtle Latte

> 11. What is your favorite sport to watch?

> 12. Have you ever dyed your hair? yes

>> 15. Favorite food? I hate this question, it depends on my mood

> 16. What was the last movie you watched? The girls and I watched "A cinderella story" the other night.

> 17. Favorite day of the year? The Fourth of July has always been a fav or mine

> 18. What do you do to vent anger? yell!

> 19. What was your favorite toy as a child? a dollhouse

.
> 20. What is your favorite season? I love summer

> 21. Hugs or kisses? Hugs ( eskimo kisses are great from my girls too)

> 22. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries

> 23. Do you want your friends to email you back? Duh! Yeah!

24. Do you vote? Not as often as I should

25. Do you know who your congressperson is? no

> 26. Living arrangements? Me, Paige, Peyton, the dog, the cat and the hermit crabs.

> 27. When was the last time you cried? hmm, last Friday ( I cried more in 06 than all the rest of my years combined, except for maybe the first two)

> 28. What is on the floor of your closet? my boots, some shoes, and a gym bag

> 29. Who is the friend (not family) you have had the longest that you are sending this to? since I am blogging it, it is going to all my friends

> 30. What did you do last night? Did aerobics with Mandy, went to Steak n Shake with my new friend Julie

> 31. Favorite smells? banana bread just out of the oven, Brad's cologne on his clothes, my kids' breath when they are asleep

>> 32. What inspires you? Encouraging biblical quotes. My kids

> 33. What are you afraid of? didn't I just answer this questions??

> 34. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburger? Cheese!

> 36. Favorite dog breed? I am still a lab girl, but my new doggy is growing on me, except I can't spell it, still

> 37. Number of keys on your key ring? just my car and door key

> 38. How many years at your current job? Present employer, 12 1/2, nurse, almost 10, mom getting pretty close to 7

> 39. Favorite day of the week? Wednesday (hey, I work weekends)

> 40. How many states have you lived in? 1

> 41. Favorite holiday? FourthofJuly

>> 42. Ever driven a motorcycle or heavy machinery? No, but I love to ride along on the tractor and combine .

>> 43. What is your favorite NFL team? it is actually a good time to have been born, raised and married into die hard Bears families

>> 44. Do you have a house phone that is NOT cordless?no, not one that works anyway

.>> 45. 10 inches of snow or 100 degree weather? that depends on if I have to drive, go to work, or work outside. If we can be in the air and at the pool, probably the heat. If we can "snowed in" and not have to go out, the snow would be better.

I finally got tagged..thanks Brittany

Ok, Brittany tagged me to do the abc's, SO here goes...

abc's

a: available or single?: married and committed

b: best friend: Hm, I have to spread it around, I am alot of work these days, But probably my two girls, Peyton and Paige

c: cake or pie: cake, unless it is chocolate pie, and I love that too!
d: drink of choice: diet cherry coke
f: favorite color: saphirre blue

g: gummy bears or gummy worms: worms are the best!

h: hometown: __Danville __________
i: indulgence: nutter butters

January or February: February, because my girls were born the 25th
k: kids and names: __Paige Elizabeth and Peyton Amanda_________
l: Life is incomplete without....: God and His blessings!
m: marraige date: June 1, 1996

n: number of siblings: 1

o: oranges or apples: apples,though I JUST ate an orange!
p: phobias or fears: Not knowing the future. And I have a phobia of large costumed adults (it is true, ask Brad about the giant Pooh Bear that nearly did me in!

q: favorite quote: From Job, "I had heard of God, but now I have seen God." (sorry, a paraphrase)
r: reasons to smile: my girls asleep in their beds, my cute little Ella
s: season: summer all the way

t: tag three or four people: I don't know anyone to tag that hasn't been already....how about Jen Murray, Betty, and Aunt Shawn

u: unknown fact about me: I once won tickets for my whole family to a Cubs game by winning a reading contest at our local library (what a strange prize for a group of avid readers!)

v: vegetables you don't like: Green beans!
w: worst habbit: emotional eating, letting clean laundry pile, biting my nails. (the list goes on and on!)

x: Hey, there's no x!
y: favorite food: hmm, not sure what that would be, probably something Mexican

z: zodiac: Leo

A little Glimpse of Heaven

During the Sanctity of Life Service at Second Church of Christ today, One of Brock's songs was used as the background music in a video that featured all of the previous years miracles for the church and their families. Here are the words to this precious song. This song dates back to the first baby born into the youngest generation of Thornsbrough kids, over 9 years ago now. Check out my previous post "family album" to see the 6 kids in this generation. All children are miracles of God. However, these 6 kids represent what God brought out of pain, fear and loss felt by our family. Thanks kids, for all being a "gentle reminder of the great things God can do." to me!

GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN
Words: Brock Thornsbrough

Music: Brent Wilson

c. 2004

A prayer from a longing heart

Reached to the Father above

A request for a miracle

Granted from God's great love

We've waited for so long

To hold you to our Chest

Through many losses and gains

God's now given us his best

Chorus:

He sent a little glimpse of Heaven in you

He sent a little glimpse of Heaven in you

You're a gentle reminder of the great things God can do

He sent a little glimpse of Heaven in you

The pureness of your cry

Is music to our ears

Just one look into your eyes

Makes us forget all our fears.

'cause God sent us his love

When He granted our prayer

He placed you in our arms

And put you in our care

Choose Life

Yesterday, I attended the morning services at the church my brother and sister-in-law attend. It was "Sanctity of Life" Sunday, and this is the day that this church chooses to give a "blessing" to those babies born the previous year. It was a beautiful service, and I was blessed to be surrounded by my family. The minister spoke from Deuteronomy, and he spoke on "Critical Choices" that we as Christians must make. We were admonished to "choose life." I was convicted by the passages in Deuteronomy that I must "choose life." We are each given a choice between "death and destruction" and "life and prosperity." I for sure want to choose the life part! But each day that I live to please self, or focus on my "misery" instead of what God is doing in my life, I am choosing death and destruction. He promises that when He asks for our obedience, it is not too difficult or our of reach. And when we choose obedience, we choose life. This passage also expresses that this choice, thought made by each individual to himself, also affects our children. This passage promises blessing. And if there is anything that God has taught me over the past few months, it is that even if no one else in my life will keep promises-God always keeps His promises.

Deuteronomy 30

11 Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. 12 It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?"

13 Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask,

"Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?"

14 No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.
15 See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.

16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
17 But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient,

and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them,

18 I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed.

You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess.
19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.

Now choose life, so that you and your children may live

20 and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.

For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Family Album

little Brock, little Granddad, take your pick, Nathan definitely looks like the Thornsbroughs

Nana, Brock, Amie, Mia Kate and Grandad Steve at Mia's dedication

The whole group of grandkids at Lauren's birthday party

 

Good morning from Ella

Ella woke up the girls this morning. I don't think I have ever woke them up and had them be in such a good mood about it!

 

Is she gonna be a blogger??

Better pictures coming soon, after the battery on my digital camera gets to sit in the charger tonight.

Ella making herself right at home in front of my keyboard!

Grammy, Ella and Peyton

Just us girls! Paige, Peyton and me. Don't tell the cat, we don't want him to feel left out!

 

Ella pictures coming soon!

Well, the battery on my camera died, leaving me unable to post a picture of the newest family member around here. We brought home a beautiful 2 year old black 7 pound doggie with pretty pink bows in her hair (those will never fall out, right?) I would tell you what kind of dog she is, but I can't spell it, am too lazy to look it up, and I don't want to mess it up. Anyway, she is an absolute doll. The girls are in bed, and Ella (the dog) and I curled up on the couch to watch one of my few television indulances (The Suite Life of Zack and Cody doesn't count). I am way too embarrassed to confess the names of the two televisions shows that I watch with any regularity , but tonight, I found out that Ella likes to watch tv. She also likes to fall asleep watching TV. Scary, I have been living with that for years! However, I swear I heard her whisper her that she already loved me and would curl up on the couch next to me whenever I feel like it. Now if only I could figure out when she needs to pee!

Thanks again to Crosswalk.com
Your Future According to God

Chip Ingram

Satan once put his tools up for sale in a garage sale.

All of them were there: hatred, envy, jealousy, deceit, pride-each with an individual price tag.

Off to the side was a harmless-looking tool, well worn, but priced very, very high. One of the shoppers asked him what that tool was and why it was so expensive.
?That's discouragement, he said. It's more useful to me than all the others put together. I can get at someone's heart more deeply with discouragement than with anything else. It's so worn out because I use it on almost everyone. And the best part is they rarely know I'm using it.?

The enemy still uses discouragement as a tool, and he uses it on each of us day in and day out. Because discouragement often comes from pessimism about how things will turn out, one of the best ways to overcome it is to get God's perspective of our future. In order to do that, we have to let go of two myths.

The first myth about the future is that our situation will always be this way. If your job has always been terrible, you'll eventually embrace the myth that it always will be. Same goes for a marriage, a home, parents, children, or whatever else you struggle with. Discouragement interprets the past and present as an unbreakable pattern, which leads to more discouragement. If we want to see life from God's perspective, we have to reject that myth.
The second myth about the future is that when we make a change for the better, we expect things to start improving almost immediately. Many people find themselves in an overwhelmingly difficult situation and begin praying, going to church, studying the Bible, and overhauling their lifestyle as a result. And when they've stuck with it for a week, a month, or even a year, and nothing seems to be getting any better, they feel like they've gotten a raw deal. Never mind that they've been sowing bad seed into a career or a family situation for twenty years. Most of us feel that if we've made the right changes, we ought to see the right consequences happen pretty soon. And while God mercifully works that way sometimes, He doesn't always. Sometimes the fruit of our obedience takes a long time to grow.
God's perspective on our future is this: Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him? (James 1:12).

That's a great promise. It encourages us that things will change; whatever we feel stuck in now isn't permanent.
But this promise also reminds us that change requires perseverance. It doesn't usually happen overnight. God honors loving obedience and faith that can stick it out over time. And the reward for enduring is a crown of life.
God promises deep fulfillment and rich joy beyond your wildest dreams. When you come through your trials, you begin to experience it. That's why, if you've ever met a gentle, loving, wise person who radiates the love of Jesus, I can almost guarantee that he or she has suffered deeply. The way God produces that kind of person is through adversity. They don't give up, the life of Christ begins to manifest through them, and they have an inner joy and fulfillment from God that can't be touched by circumstances now and that is greatly magnified in heaven.
Are you looking at your future through the lens of whatever problems you face today?

Or do you see it through the certainty of God's promise?

Don't give up and don't give in. God says you will receive a reward when the test is finished. You'll get a fulfilling life on this earth in communion with Him, and you'll receive an eternal heavenly crown. And discouragement will be an old, worn-out tool never to be used on you again.
About the author: Chip Ingram is President of Walk Thru the Bible in Atlanta, GA, and Teaching Pastor of Living on the Edge, a national radio ministry.provides you with practical, insightful and easily understood Biblical teaching, training and tools. We help you to apply God's Word to your life and equip you to disciple others by providing local, national and international seminars, the Living on the Edge radio ministry, as well as small group curriculum, magazines, books and Bibles.
For additional resources or to learn more about Walk Thru the Bible, please visit

I had an interesting day, and I am too keyed up to sleep yet. I guess I shouldn't have had any caffeine tonight, but I am paying for it now. I ended up in the ER tonight with a friend who's little girl had a cut over her eye. Thankfully, it was able to be glued, and the little girl isn't forever scarred at the thought of going to the doctor! I was very proud of the ER where I work tonight, everyone made a great impression on my friends, and that made me feel good.

I had a long conversation with a good friend with whom I have a strained relationship today. Being able to talk with this person is this strange mix of wonderful and sad and frustrating. It reminds me that I am a person still being worked on by the hands of the Potter. I am thankful that I can rest in the Grace that comes from God. If I couldn't, days like today would put me in depression for quite a while. I struggle with what to say to this person that is encouraging and edifying. Tonight, I walked away with the impression that I had not sinned in any of my statements, and that God's work in my life was abundantly clear.

When I came home tonight, I flipped over to the 17th on my Power of a Praying wife calendar. The statement made was very encouraging, especially in light of some of the statements that I made in my conversation. "Dying to yourself is always painful. Especially when you are so convinced that the other person needs more changing than you. But this kind of pain leads to life." Currently, I am not sure that there is anyone on earth that needs more changing than me! Just as soon as I think that I am getting somewhere, God reminds me that I have SO much more to unravel and let Him change about me. I am definitely aware that the dying part is painful. I SO get that. But a rebuilt life on God's chosen foundation, with God's carefully chosen building materials is SO worth the process. (my daughter like's to say I am SO not doing that, it kinda sounds cute when she says it;)

However, God's faithful work in my life gives me a great deal of hope in the promise that he is working in others' lives. Even when I am not allowed to see these works in progress, I must choose to believe that God does what He says He will do.

The truth....again

Thanks again to the devotional that crosswalk.com sends me daily. It spoke volumes to me again today. God is teaching me exactly how much freedom He graces me with if I live by truth.

John 8:31-32

Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

Thoughts on today's verse

There are few things more coveted than freedom.

People die for it.

People pray for it.

People strive for it.

True freedom comes from knowing truth.

Knowing truth only comes by living in obedience to Jesus.

Truth is not something you merely think about or believe.

Truth is something you do, you live.

Jesus' teaching always ends with the exclamation:

Blessed are you who do these things!

Only by doing will we ever know the truth that liberates us.

Prayer:
To the only true God be glory, honor, power, and praise. Father, I seek not only your presence in my daily life, but also your pleasure in the choices I make. Please teach me more of your truth as I pledge to live today in obedience to your word and your will. Through Jesus the living Word I pray. Amen.

My friend Gretchen
Gretchen with a group of the kids at the Blue Kangaroo Book store where she was working
Miss Gretchen with Paige and Peyton

The 1st and 2nd graders worked hard to memorize a scripture response to questions about faith in God. This past Sunday, they shared it in my Berean Sunday school class. We were blessed and impressed by their hard work, so they were invited to do it again in church. Peyton and Paige both are part of this class. Many thanks to Miss Gretchen for all her hard work with the kids. She and her husband Josh left today for Louisville, KY so that Josh can go to seminary. This is a huge loss for us, but we send them out with prayer for them and what God will do through them. Thanks Gret, we love you! Click on the link below to check out the kids in front of our Sunday School class.

click -> Peyton and Paige's class reciting in our Sunday School class

Upward Basketball

Paige during warming up

Daddy pointing out things that Peyton needs to know while they watch Paige's game

Ready for their first game-they were going up against each other

 

Very cool kids!

A few weeks ago, I took the girls to get new shorts to play basketball in. They both wanted to look at shoes and try them on. The get this desire from their daddy, he is WAY more into shoes than I am. (lest he get offended, I know that he isn't NEAR as big a shoe collector as the members of the Edgington house, but I still know that he has to fight off the temptation to buy new shoes each time he looks at them ;) Anyway, I informed them that I was absolutely the wrong parent to pick out shoes. After all, I have been dependent on Brad to pick my athletic shoes for me for over a decade! So Saturday, they hit the mall and the girls got their own Nike Shox. They are "tie shoes, mom." Brad did a terrific job of helping them choose shoes. They informed me that they even went to two different stores to buy them. They were excited to show them off to me when I got home.

 

The truth is revealed...

During the past week, there have been temptations for me to search for the truth about situations, and to go out on my own without the Lord in finding answers. My sister in law sent me this devotional this week, and it convicted me to depend on the Lord for the truth. I was struck by how the woman in this story was prompted by a tragedy in her life to grow closer to the Lord. I too am comforted by God's peace, and the truth of His love that never changes. I can rest in God's control over the revelation of what is true in earthly circumstances as well. My sister in law also told me this past week that she would always support the truth, rather than supporting a person just because of "who" they are. I think that this is a good position to take. Find out what God says is true, and support it. I don't know if truth will ever be revealed about the earthly circumstance that bothers me, but I am confident and thankful that God's truth never changes, and He makes it available to me in His word every day.


January 12, 2007

God’s Truth Sets Us Free
by Glynnis Whitwer

Key Verse:John 8:31-32, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truthand the truth will set you free.’” (NIV)

Devotion:
The accusations were unsettling – the suspected infidelity of a husband, who was also in full-time ministry. Some called for his resignation, while others stood by him – his wife, Trisha*, was one of them. She chose to believe her husband when he denied the rumors.

The controversy swirled, no proof was ever uncovered, but this man stepped down from his position. His wife, although eaten up inside by the turmoil and suspicions, continued to support her husband. She refused to believe the rumors and stood firm on what she believed to be true about the man she had committed to love and honor so many years before.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t long after he resigned, that Trisha’s husband claimed to have lost his love for her and moved out. Divorce papers followed a few months later.

Confused and hurt, Trisha sought answers in prayer and God’s Word. She wanted to know the truth and asked that God bring it to light. She read the Bible with a revived hunger and wrote down Scriptures that brought peace and hope. She printed them out on index cards and carried God’s Word with her throughout the day. Although her heart was heavy with grief and filled with questions, my friend chose to turn to God for comfort. God was faithful and filled her with peace.

Trisha accepted the situation, but continued to pray for truth to be revealed. It bothered her to not know the whole truth of what happened, until one day when God spoke to her through John 8:32, “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” In the quiet of her heart, Trisha realized that God had been showing her the truth all along – only it wasn’t the truth about what happened, it was His truth.

With each Scripture she read, God planted His truth in her heart … truth about her value, God’s character and His great love for her. God’s truth was setting Trisha free from the bondage of needing to know the truth about her husband.

There’s so much we may never know for sure in this life. Worry and fear can hold us captive. Yet Jesus promised freedom when we know the truth. In order for that to happen, we have to read God’s word for ourselves and allow God to plant it in our hearts. Then, like my friend Trisha, we can move on in life, free from the bondage of uncertain circumstances and standing firm on the rock of God’s truth.

* Name has been changed.

My Prayer for Today:Dear Lord, I praise You for Your holiness. All Your ways are good, right and true.In our unfaithful world, only You offer us the truth. Open my eyes to understand Your truth and apply it to my life. I pray for a renewed love for Your Holy Word, where the truth that sets us free is found. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Application Steps:
Identify a circumstance in your life, past or present, where you believed you never learned the whole truth. Identify one truth about God that brings you comfort.

Reflections:
What is the must frustrating part of not knowing the truth about a situation?

From what does God’s truth set us free?

Read Ephesians 6:10-18. This passage equips the believer for dealing with Satan’s schemes. What are some of the weapons God provides Christians?

Truth is mentioned first. How is truth a weapon in spiritual warfare?

Power Verses:
Psalm 31:4-5, “Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.” (NIV)

Ephesians 6:14, “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.” (NIV)

1 John 1:6, “If we claim to have fellowship with him, yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.” (NIV)

Proverbs 16:20, “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” (NIV)

I know that I don't mention homeschooling much these days. I will sadly say that this year hasn't been nearly as organized as kindergarten was last year. Lately, we have been playing catch up, and today was one of those days. After listening to a great deal of whining, I calmly informed one of my angelic offspring that I could have awoken her an hour earlier this morning and sent her off to Nana's school. She could had sat in a different room from her sister all day, and sat quietly at a desk with breaks for bathroom, lunch recess and PE. And then, she would still bring work home to do over the weekend. It is as if they don't quite believe that school is like that. I definetly feel blessed to homeschool. There are days that I wish that I had them away at school, with the responsibility to make them smarter belonging to someone other than myself. But I know that I actually love that we are learning together. We are learning Bible verses and stories. They are getting to be better and better readers each day. It is also becoming easier to work within each girls' strengths and weaknesses so that we don't waste time. It is a challenge and a privilege to homeschool. It is probably not for everybody, but for those who choose it, I am sure that there are no regrets.

I have two great kids, and it is a blessing from the Lord. Yesterday, we had the tragedy of tragedys (at least for Peyton). Her beloved Baby Doll got left at Grammy's overnight. At least we were able to narrow down where she was left, so there was no need to put out a Missing Baby Doll Report. I am sure that it would have been a critical APB. If you have ever heard a sleepy Peyton wail, you would see what I mean. This is only the second night she has spent with out Baby Doll since she was 18 months old. Incidentally, the last time the doll was at Grammy's house, too. Trying to comfort that child was getting on my last nerve. So I ended up putting her on the couch and giving Benadryl (yes, she does have a bit of a runny nose). I carried her to (my) bed when she was dead weight asleep. I know this because when I carried her to bed, her silky pajamas kept making her want to slide down me, and she wasn't helping a bit. Oh, well, I am not complaining (at least not today), the time with those two is precious and I wouldn't give up a moment of it.

While last night's not-so-fun bedtime is a new challenge for me, since I am now alone with the kids most nights, I still know that I am blessed have been chosen by God to be their mother. I know that each roll of my life is not an accident. God chose for me to have the friends that I have, the parents and family that I have, the church family that I have, and also the husband that I have. It is a tiny bit easier to hold loved ones in open, outstreched hands Godward, when you remember that nothing happens in your life, or the lives of those around you, that He doesn't allow, and for the greater good. I will try to remember that for at least a few minutes of each day.

I was upstairs today, and I glanced over at a wall hanging that had been cross-stitched when the girls were babies. There is a matching one for each of them, with the same verse wrapped around each of their names. It is the verse that I claimed before they were born, and when they were in the hospital. It is still a great verse to claim: Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

When I was searching through Matt's archives, I came accross many posts that spoke to me. I went poking around because the boy doesn't post much new stuff, and I recalled that he often had some very though provoking blogs that he has written over the years. I hope that he doesn't mind me resurrecting some of his old posts. I am thinking that he wrote this himself, he can correct me if I am wrong. When I read this, I was again convicted of how much time I spend trying to find relief and peace in the words and comfort of other people. Daily I am learning that true peace can only come from one source. Faithful friends are great, but must should always come second to spending quality time directly at the throne of grace. God puts people in our lives to help us out, and give us support, but He ultimately wants us to cling to Him. Thanks Matt, for letting me steal your old posts. This poem really touched me.

My Heart Returns To You, O Lord!

My heart returns to you, O Lord, When those fail who are around me.

I learn that you were always there with a love that will astound me.

When trials seem to flow my way, in waves that seem scattered, random.

I always close my eyes and drown, and ignore your power in them.

Sinking souls with eternal needs remain unfilled with mortal love.

Instead of God, I seek for friends, while looking down and not above.

A heart with clouds of circumstance, will never learn to be set free.

In truth I cling to heavy weights, while my soul's washed out to sea.

Then in the ocean, I forget, the earth, the sky, the warmth of land.

And sinking down, currents embrace, passed down to weed's entangled hands.

There I dwell, wanting death, loneliness, steals my breath.

Perish there, sinful stench, snuffed right out, love's strong clench.

Then all the things that seemed as pain are then revealed as chastening.

I rush to sky, to sun, to air, lungs bursting, always hastening.

Swirling up through the murky depths, stronger now for what'ere he brings.

Purified by almighty hands, and bursting forth, my soul now sings,

"My heart returns to you, O Lord, When those fail who are around me.

I learn that you were always there with a love that will astound me."

Posted by mattharmless at 1/21/2004 08:59:00 PM 0 comments

If I stand

Tonight I went blog surfing into the archives of a good friend who loves God. He had posted a Rich Mullins song that I have loved since I heard him sing it live at least 15 years ago. This whole song speaks to me today. There is so much more to life that what we see. It also reminds me that God's love is fiercer and gentler than any human love. What an awesome combo. I need to be reminded of God's fierce and gentle love for me, my family, all Christians, and for the lost.

There's more that rises in the morning Than the sun

And more that shines in the night Than just the moon

It's more than just this fire here That keeps me warm

In a shelter that is larger Than this room

And there's a loyalty that's deeper Than mere sentiments

And a music higher than the songs That I can sing

The stuff of Earth competes For the allegiance

I owe only to the Giver Of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise That you will pull me through

And if I can't, let me fall on the grace That first brought me to You

And if I sing let me sing for the joy That has born in me these songs

And if I weep let it be as a man Who is longing for his home

There's more that dances on the prairies Than the wind

More that pulses in the ocean Than the tide

There's a love that is fiercer Than the love between friends

More gentle than a mother's When her baby's at her side

And there's a loyalty that's deeper Than mere sentiments

And a music higher than the songs That I can sing

The stuff of Earth competes For the allegence I owe only to the Giver Of all good things

So if I stand let me stand on the promise That you will pull me through

And if I can't let me fall on the grace That first brought me to You

And if I sing let me sing for the joy That has born in me these songs

And if I weep let it be as a man Who is longing for his home

And if I stand let me stand on the promise That you will pull me through

And if I can't let me fall on the grace That first brought me to You

And if I sing let me sing for the joy That has born in me these songs

And if I weep let it be as a man Who is longing for his home

And if I weep let it be as a man Who is longing for his home

A great song is one that you can echo from the heart.
Posted by mattharmless at 1/12/2004 04:47:00 PM 0 comments
Friday, January 09, 2004

The temper tantrum

My kids LOVE playing in the gym at the church after services. It often seems like an impossible task to pull them out of there to head home. Sometimes, my precious angels even whine and pitch a fit. Now, don't get me wrong, I haven't seen any kicking and screaming, but I know that sometimes they are throwing a tantrum on the inside. They have known their mom and dad long enough to know that a tantrum will never get them what they want. I am thankful that together we decided early on that bad behavior would not be tolerated. Don't get me wrong, this isn't because we were such wise parents. It was because we were both pretty selfish and proud. We mostly didn't want them to make us look bad! This is something that Brad and I would laugh about when we would hand out any parenting advise (usually only when asked, of course;). We would tell people that we wanted them to sleep good and behave, mostly because it made our lives so much easier. I am convinced that one of my girls (I won't name names) would still not sleep through the night if we hadn't practiced tough love early on. I guess it doesn't matter much right now, they are up late alot, and have taken to sleeping in my bed quite a bit! I can proudly say that they are both fast asleep in their very own beds right now. And boy am I grateful.

Anyway, what I was thinking about was throwing a tantrum with God. I read a book a few months ago that talked about being honest about how we were feeling with God, and really just showing Him how we really are. It makes sense really, because He can see our hearts anyway! I have been reading the Psalms alot lately, and I find encouragement, because David never minced words when he spoke with the Lord. What I always find encouraging, is by the end of the Psalm, David is praising God for his promises and believing Him for his future. This is where I feel like I live. I may spend a good portion of the day whining and crying and basically being a spoiled brat to God, but by the end of the day, I have been encouraged in my faith, and reminded of my blessing. I am reminded that I need to be grateful that I am standing on the firm foundation, the rock of Jesus. I don't have to make a miry pit my home. Each day there is a temptation to slide just inside the opening of my old pit. I think it is because for a brief time, the pit seems to shield us from the winds and the rain of life's storms. The problem is, that these pits don't have any sump pumps, and we end up standing in the dirty water anyway! At least up on that rock, maybe exposed to the elements a bit until we allow God to build us a house, the water drains away, and the sun comes out.

So I feel it is better to go ahead and be real with God, it may give Him a chance to reveal Himself in a whole new way. And I am learning not to be so afraid of the storms of life. God won't allow enough wind to knock me off the rock that my home is being built upon. Allowing God to strip idols, sin, unforgiveness, and all beseting sins out of your life hurts. There is no denying that. But what He rebuilds is such a beautiful thing. While I am becoming just a tad more eternally minded, I still believe that God has great joy for us right here on earth. I have read so many Bible passages that promise that.

I also hurt that not everyone seems to make it over the hurdle, to get to the point where our own wants and desires are painfully stipped away by walking in obedience, and allowing God to work. It is a decision that God requires us to make alone. He will gladly pull us out of the pit, but we have to reach our hands up and take hold. I have to have faith that He will work in those lives. It is tough to give up the desire to talk someone else into seeing the beauty that can come from ashes. I am still kicking and screaming a great deal with God over Proverbs 10:19. In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin, but he that refraineth his words is wise. So basically, He is saying "SHUT UP." God doesn't need my help, He wants my obedience, He wants me to pray. So pray for me as God deals with me in my desire to throw a tantrum and demand what I want when I want it.

Jesus, Draw me even nearer

I am afraid that I am totally stumped for something to say to those who tell me that I am an encouragment to them. I spent the car ride home from work tonight asking God a whole bunch of questions. I also informed Him that I was very tired and needed relief. During all of Saturday, I felt angry, then sad, then angry again. But by the time the day was drawing to a close, I mostly felt sorry for another person. You see, I have the luxury of dropping my heavy burdens at the foot of the cross. The person who is choosing to persecute me, is just trying to juggle his by blaming others, and making up reasons why bad decisions are justified. I have tried over the course of the past few months to be very careful and respectful on this blog. I really, just want others to know of the awesome work of God in my life. That is the purpose of this blog. Today, all I can say is that I am still standing on the firm rock, I am out of the pit, but I have very wobbly legs, and another storm showed up before my house could get built. I am coming to believe that God doesn't promise us a fun and happy life in this world. I know that heaven, my eternal home, will be spectacular. I think that he is missing the point of that. He thinks that life is about fun and filling your life with temporary things that make you happy. So that is why I must feel sorry for him. He hasn't gotten the big picture of what exactly we as Christians are in for when this life is through.

I guess I had more to say than I thought that I did. I must remember that what he means for evil, God means for good! I can claim that promise for me and for my two girls.

I hadn't intended to blog, but I read what Charity blogged, and I was compelled to steal it again. For one, it reminded me again how much I am loved. Thanks Char.

For San
My friend Sandy has been enduring an extremely difficult trial these past few months and sadly, this day brings even harder events to face.

I feel like someone has tied my hands up and made me mute because no matter how much the desire...I cannot seem to get to her or form the right words to bring comfort.

One thing I can deeply relate to...I did not want the call I got today and it was added to a deep pool of hurts already within my heart this week so that I feel I could drown in if I let myself.

I am having to refocus my mind minute by minute as I know my dear friend is doing...times a million minutes.

"Why is my face downcast?...Why is my soul bewildered?...Hope in the Lord."

There is still hope, San. When God is in the midst...There is always hope.

Let us together remember to praise God that He has already taken care of our greatest need..Our sin.

I love you, friend."

So we do not lose heart...for this momentary affliction is preparing us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." 11Corinthians 4:16-17

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

Jesus, draw me ever nearer

As I labor through the storm

You have called me to this passage

And I'll follow though I'm worn

May this journey bring a blessing

May I rise on wings of faith

At the end of my heart's testing

With Your likeness let me wake

Jesus, guide me through this tempest

Keep my spirit staid and sure

When the midnight meets the morning

Let me love You even more

Let the treasures of this trial

Form within me as I go

And at the end of this long passage

Let me leave them at Your throne
posted by Charity at 1/06/2007 09:45:00 PM 1 comments links to this post
Thursday, January 04, 2007

I remember when Peyton and Paige were babies, and I was very into online "message boards." It was a great place to stay connected to other mom's with similar issues, and get to know twin mom's from all over. Every so often, there would be a roll call, and everyone would post a reminder as to who they were, and how old their kids were, etc. Lurkers were encouraged to post also during this time.

A little while ago, I left a "roll call" post on a blog that I read regularly. I thought that it was a great idea! I have had a few people mention my blog that I had no idea read it because they don't leave any comments. That is perfectly fine, but it would be neat to have an idea who is reading my posts. So please, if you get a chance, leave a "roll call" comment. I know that I am being prayed for, and it would be great to find out who! Thanks, Sandy

The best New Years Eve ever!

One of the best New Years Eve's in my memory was when I was a child and we were attending a small Methodist Church. I remember having a service that ended in candlelight, and then playing games and eating snacks in the church basement until late. I couldn't have been much older than P&P are now, but that year has stuck in my memory. Since I was a teenager, I have always anticipated New Years to be this night for great fun. There were some years that we put together some fun parties. Last year, we went to some friends from church's house and played games, ate and laughed til after midnight. Each year, though, I always anticipated that this was the year that I would finally understand the New Years Eve hype.
Well, this year, I planned nothing. I had no worries for a babysitter. The girls and I went to the church service, where I was blessed by the testimonies of other people and what God did in their lives in 2006. I was completely flanked by my two precious daughters while we took communion together and prayed at the end of the service. Then, we went to the church gym and played and talked and ate. The girls played non stop with their friends until 10 pm. I talked to friends and was encouraged in my faith by other Christians. My sister-in-law and I agreed that being pretty much the last ones at the church was great, and good for the kids.
When we got home, the girls got into their pj's and watched one of their new movies. I took the time to get out my One Year Bible, and start a new journal. I filled the first few pages with some personal goals, and some people I wanted to pray for. Just before midnight, I had a "toast" with the girls (see picture below) and then we got on our knees at the couch and prayed together. Then I carried each girl to my bed, and I slept between them all night. As we laid in the bed, they asked me what I had said in the microphone that night (during testimony time). So I told them what I was thankful for. I told them how blessed I was by them. It was one of the most precious nights that I have ever spent.

P&P and the cousins just before the church service

Paige just about to send the dominos falling

Paige, Miss Gretchen and Peyton

Our midnight "toast" Peyton wasn't too crazy about sparkling grape juice, I think she was getting sleepy, too.