Galatians 4:4-7

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Galatians 4:4-7

A couple of years ago on Pinterest, someone had posted a list of Bible verses to read in the month of December to prepare our hearts for Christmas.  I took the list, typed it up on my computer and then layered that over a photo of my Christmas tree in my living room.  I pinned that onto Pinterest last year.  Since then, 64 people have repinned it....people I don't know.  I'm always amazed how God will use even me to spread His word, to be a light.
The verses do point me in the right direction and keep my focus on the salvation God promised through His Son, Jesus Christ; and also, they remind me of what my response should be to that gift: Love to others and to have a thankful heart.

Psalm 30:12

To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. 

Psalm 30:12

On this last day in November, with Christmas music playing everywhere I go,  (and although I already said that I was thankful for music and singing), I'm going to be more specific today and say, I am thankful for Christmas music. 

To hear the words Hark the Herald Angels Sing Glory to the New Born King, and Go Tell it on the Mountain that Jesus Christ is Born playing over the speakers at various public places makes me smile, knowing that the gospel message is going out to all people. 

Psalm 97:12

Rejoice in the Lord, you righteous, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. Psalm 97:12

I am thankful for internet shopping. 

Not just on Black Friday, but also on any day of the year... shopping isn't a favorite pastime of mine (unless it's for groceries...that, I do love). 

Psalm 50:14

Offer to God thanksgiving, And pay your vows to the Most High. Psalm 50:14

I am thankful for holidays. Especially Thanksgiving Day since we only travel next door. We focus on food and family, with dinner around noon, and dessert in the evening. It's very relaxing and so enjoyable.

Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:17

I am thankful for our treadmill.

I'd rather walk or run outside, but with colder weather, my treadmill is nice. Now I just need to use it every day, especially after making three pies for tomorrow.

1 Thessalonians 3:9

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God. 

1 Thessalonians 3:9

I am thankful for hugs. Every morning at work I am blessed with many. They make my day. 

Psalm 26:7

That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. Psalm 26:7

I am thankful for chocolate. 

Thank you, Lord, for creating the Theobroma cacao tree and for giving wisdom to people to make it into how I love it today.

Psalm 119:62

At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments. Psalm 119:62

Thank you, Lord, for sleep (and naps). I love going to bed early and getting a good night sleep. Last night something woke me so I got up to check and make sure the kids were all home. They were snug asleep in their beds. Going back to sleep wasn't a problem, thankfully, but I still needed (and thoroughly enjoyed) a small nap this afternoon, something I do almost every Sunday. 

My pillow is a welcoming sight each evening and Sunday afternoon.

Ephesians 5:4

neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:4

I am thankful for Saturdays. While they can be busy with kids' activities (today it's indoor soccer, piano lessons, and baking sweet treats for next week), I do enjoy them because it's a different type of "busy" than the weeknights. It's also a day I just throw on a hat and forego makeup. 

However, Saturdays can also be challenging. Bad calls by refs, impatient shoppers and drivers, and so forth can put my self-control to the test. I really have to watch my tongue. So with this verse in mind, instead of unpleasant remarks, I'm just going to be thankful and enjoy this day.

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 15:57

I am thankful for sunshine. We've had several cloudy days. This morning, even though we had frigid temperatures, the sun was peaking out of clouds with the rays shining downward. It was a beautiful and welcoming sight. But when I arrived at work, it was completely hidden by clouds and hasn't been out again today. This picture is from this past summer, but reminds me of what I saw...even though the rays are shooting upward. 

Psalm 95:2

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. Psalm 95:2

I am thankful for laughter. Today, our school is having a special day, "dress as your favorite book character." I chose to dress as Amelia Bedelia. 

In her books, she is a maid who always gets things wrong (putting lace on a turkey because the list said to dress the turkey) and makes her readers laugh. 

Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance

Colossians 4:2

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2

Thank you, Lord, for the rain. 

It's been dry here for most of our fall, so the rain is a definite blessing. But no matter what our weather is like outside, I remind myself not to complain, because I know that it comes from God.

Ephesians 1:16

do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:16

I am thankful for friends, those whom I lift up daily in my prayers and I know who also keep me in theirs.

2 Corinthians 9:12

For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12

I am thankful for our employment so that we can not only pay our bills, but also that we are able to ...labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Ephesians 4:28

Psalm 35:18

I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people. Psalm 35:18

Thank you, Lord, for the preaching of Your Word, not only in my church, but in churches all over my community, country, and world. 

Isaiah 52:7 (and Romans 10:15)

How beautiful upon the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who proclaims peace,

Who brings glad tidings of good things,

Who proclaims salvation,

Who says to Zion,

“Your God reigns!”

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

I am thankful for our vehicles. Our two older kids are now driving, and a huge help with chauffeuring siblings. But with that comes enormous responsibilities, and sadly, worry. I pray that I can be at peace when they are out and about driving. 

2 Samuel 22:50

Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name. 2 Samuel 22:50

I am thankful for our health. Smart eating and exercising habits are definitely beneficial, but I know it's by God's grace and mercy that we are a healthy family. 

Romans 14:6

...He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; Romans 14:6

I am thankful for our food. I love to cook, especially for my family. I am looking forward to the holidays because cooking and baking are a creative outlet for me. I have my tried and true recipes, but I also enjoy new dishes and flavor combinations, and glean many ideas from food network and Pinterest.  But even with the coming and going of many food fads, my favorite since I can remember has always been and still is spaghetti and meatballs.  

1 Chronicles 16:8

Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 1 Chronicles 16:8

I am thankful for our home. It's getting rather chilly outside and our house is nice and toasty...thankfully, Ernie and the kids keep us well supplied with wood for the woodstove.

Psalm 147:7

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God. Psalm 147:7

I am thankful for music and singing. I especially am thankful for hymns and our singing them at my church. And again, I am very thankful for our wonderful pianist. 

Psalm 140:13

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence. Psalm 140:13

I am thankful for our Veterans and their families for their dedication to our country.

Luke 22:19

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19

I am thankful most of all for my salvation through Christ, which was humbly reflected upon today as The Lord's Supper was celebrated at my church. 

Hebrews 13:15

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. Hebrews 13:15

Thank you, Lord, for pets. We've had many, but our current two are Ace & Tigger. They make me laugh...daily. 

2 Corinthians 2:14

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14

I am thankful for our church ladies' Bible study. 

I have the joy of leading of which I am also thankful because it motivates me to do my lessons and not skip any. This year, we are going through Nancy Leigh DeMoss' book, Lies Women Believe. It has been so encouraging as well as convicting. No room for excuses. This is a book that I will encourage my own daughter to read one day. 

Psalm 79:13

So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, Will give You thanks forever; We will show forth Your praise to all generations. Psalm 79:13

I am thankful for our families. We are both blessed with growing up with Christian parents and grandparents, and now our children have that same legacy and influence. And it doesn't stop at just siblings and grandmas and grandpas, but they have it with aunts, uncles, and cousins, too.

Ephesians 5:20

giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:20

I am thankful for our little traditions in our family: coffee time, meal devotions, bedtime devotions, & morning prayer.

Coffee time was something Ernie and I began about fifteen years ago when we wanted to have quality time for about twenty minutes each day to talk without interruptions (kids, computers, phones, laundry, etc...), and to enjoy a good cup or two of coffee. 

Meal time devotions is something that was done in both our own homes growing up, and something done for generations. Lord willing, our own children and grandchildren will continue this time of reading the Bible and praying after dinner each evening.

Bedtime devotions began when our kids were toddlers, a tradition I learned from my uncle, Bill. When my kids were younger, we read Bible stories and prayed. We continue this, reading the Bible and praying, even though our kids are teenagers and I go to bed before them. 

And finally, morning prayer. Before our kids go off to school, I exclaim, "time to pray!" which signals to them to quickly do those last minute tasks and meet in the kitchen. My prayer focuses on their work being done for God, that they shine their lights around their peers, and to pray for safety. 

Psalm 107:8

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, And for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8

I am thankful for my children, Sam, Caleb, Hannah, & Luke. As they are all teenagers, challenges come at us every day. I pray for them without ceasing, for strengthening of faith, for safety, to be blessed in their schooling and activities, and to be a light to their friends. They are such a joy and I couldn't be more blessed.

Philippians 1:3

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. Philippians 1:3

I am thankful for my husband. We've been married for 19 & 1/2 years. He's my helpmate and best friend. He's a godly husband and father, and we're so blessed to have him as the spiritual head of our family. Words cannot express my gratitude for all he does for me. 

Psalm 100:4

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4

I am thankful for my congregation. Even though we aren't a large group, the praise raised up in singing is wonderful. It's a small glimpse of what heaven will sound like when all the saints together are praising God with singing. 

I am also thankful for our pianist who beautifully and faithfully plays each Sunday for our congregation. 

1 Chronicles 16:34

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

As I drive around, I'm always amazed at this time of year by the beauty of the fall colors. Some years are better than others, but even then, there are still colors of trees that blow me away. His mercies are truly forever. 

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.

I am so thankful for my eye sight, that I can enjoy the beauty of God's creation year after year after year. The little girl I care for at school is blind. While she can't see God's creation, I constantly tell her how beautiful things are...flowers, pictures, trees, etc..., knowing the importance of God's creational revelation. The awe in my voice makes her smile, and she is very aware that a flower looks as pretty as it smells.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (month of thankfulness)

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

While it's marked on the calendar to be thankful one day of the year (Thanksgiving Day), as Christians, we need to be thankful every day and for everything. 
These aren't in any order, just day to day postings of what I'm thankful for all the time.

Today, I'm thankful for my iPhone. I have finally learned how to add blog posts with it, and not be dependent on a desktop or laptop computer, (both of which I don't have access to very often). I always have my iPhone. And when I'm sitting at one of the kids' practices (or before/between games), I have plenty of time to write. 

Today, I'm writing this while sitting in a presentation for our oldest son's college campus tour. 

I also love having the Bible and Bible Gateway at my fingertips 24/7. As I reflected on Reformation Day yesterday, I also thought about all the work men and women did to get Bibles into the hands of all people. We are so blessed to have God's Word whenever and wherever we are. 

Psalm 68:19

Blessed be the Lord,

Who daily loads us with benefits, Psalm 68:19

I am going to spend the month of November writing about the benefits God daily loads upon me.  Not only do I want to do this because we celebrate Thanksgiving Day at the end of the month, but also to remind me to reflect every day on all that I should be thankful for, all of my blessings from God.

I’m going into November with a bit of a heavy heart.  I had a wonderful opportunity to teach Middle School art for the whole month of October because of medical issues of the current teacher.  I am so thankful that she requested me and also that administration approved.  My experience was better than I had anticipated.  Every aspect of teaching art was wonderful. 

I love it where I normally work, but I’m so afraid of the “let down” that will ensue once I return to my regular job. So, I figure that if I spend each day writing (and praying) about blessings I receive daily from God, then discontentment and sadness will have a harder time seeping into my heart.  

Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

My parents celebrated 50 years of marriage today.   

While much of it has been truly wonderful, there also have been challenging times….six children born in the first decade of their marriage, a house fire in which they lost all of their belongings, and the loss of loved ones, parents and siblings, to name a few.  Of course, God is with us in our trials, but having a suitable helper is truly a gift from Him to aid us in life.  I thank the Lord every day for them and pray that He will continue to bless them.

Acts 17:10-11 & Matthew 7:15

Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.  These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:10-11

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7:15  
For my final art challenge (week #10) I did an optical illusion in chalk.  Not that anyone would really be fooled by my brick hole (I needed to shade the lower bricks; however, I didn't have any darker chalk), but it does make you think.

The Bereans came to mind, as well as Christ’s warning to his followers, when I was doing this work. Whether it’s from tv, radio, the internet, magazines, books, teachers, professors, or pastors, we need to search the Bible to make sure what we are hearing or reading matches God’s Word even if it looks or sounds “real” or “good” by our own measures.

My husband and I constantly remind our children to read the Bible so that red flags will go off in their heads when they do hear something that isn't right.  Bankers say that in order to spot a counterfeit bill, you must study the real one thoroughly.  So it is with the Bible.  We must study it daily and thoroughly.

John 15:5

 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5

My art challenge this week, #9, is a repeated object, printmaking.  Ironically, printmaking is a method to repeat the same image.  My garden comes to mind right now, in the middle of summer, when brainstorm something that is repeated.  At the end of our garden is a twelve foot long grape arbor, with three plants, all loaded with young grapes, as I type. 

I had never seen grapes growing in person until after I met my husband.  Behind his parents’ house is a vineyard (where later a winery was built, too).  After we were married, my husband built us a small grape arbor and planted three grapes vines.  Each year, he prunes them back and I am always amazed that they end up full of branches and grapes. The original vine (trunk) is extremely sturdy and grows vertically.  The branches shoot off and grow horizontally along the pole.  Our grapevines never fail to produce (even though we neglect to water during droughts, and even some years forget to prune).  I’m quickly reminded of this verse (and many others) that say Christ is the vine and we are the branches.   The branches wouldn't be there without the trunk of the vine.  We wouldn't be here without Christ.  

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. Exodus 19:5

My art challenge this week, #8, is something new in fibers.  I made handmade paper. 

I've seen it for years and thought it was a major process that had to be done with very special tools and equipment.  I have always loved seeing the specks of flowers and leaves in it.  A few summers ago, I took a painting class that met just before a fibers class.  I was intrigued by their paper making project.  I asked a lot of questions of students who were in that class.  When special screens and rollers were mentioned, I again thought it was out of my realm to ever make my own.  However, when my oldest son made handmade paper this past year in his art class at high school, he told me all about it and how easy it was to do.  I began surfing the net and found a great video that made it look easy and doable, even at home.  Materials like an old picture frame, old window screen, and a blender were things I had already.  I didn’t have to purchase a thing.  This paper is truly a special treasure to me, as I have bits of dried roses in it from a bouquet my husband gave me last Valentine’s Day.  I keep holding the paper, studying it, amazed that I really made it all by myself. ….a special treasure….It makes me reflect on that verse from Exodus.  It’s read by our minister twice a month (he reads the Ten Commandments each Sunday, either from Deuteronomy or Exodus, and begins with reading a few other verses).  I’m always in awe each time I hear (and read) that if I obey His voice, I will be a special treasure to Him.  I am uniquely made, just as each of these papers, handcrafted by God, (Psalm 139:13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb)….a special treasure to Him.  And thankfully, because of Christ’s shed blood on the cross (not my ability to keep the commandments -Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God) I am a special treasure to God….by His grace.  

Leviticus 11:20-23

All flying insects that creep on all fours shall be an abomination to you. Yet these you may eat of every flying insect that creeps on all fours: those which have jointed legs above their feet with which to leap on the earth. These you may eat: the locust after its kind, the destroying locust after its kind, the cricket after its kind, and the grasshopper after its kind. But all other flying insects which have four feet shall be an abomination to you. Leviticus 11:20-23

For my art challenge this week, #7, it is something you dislike, ink on text.  

I don’t like mosquitoes.  I chuckled when I came across these verses.  So good to know that mosquitos shall be an abomination to me.  No arguing here.  They are.  

Psalm 103:15-18

As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

And its place remembers it no more.

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting

On those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children’s children,

To such as keep His covenant,

And to those who remember His commandments to do them. Psalm 103:15-18

Outside our house are numerous rose bushes.  In the spring, the buds come out in full force, quickly blossoming into beautiful blooms, all shades of pink.  I love pink roses. My wedding bouquet was made up of them.  I wanted to paint a pink rose for my art challenge this week #6, …favorite flower in acrylics.  I grabbed my camera and headed outdoors to take some pictures of them, only to be disappointed.  I couldn't find any nice looking rose as I had seen just a couple of weeks prior.  Most were completely gone.  The ones left were brown tinged and fading.  I relegated to perusing the internet for a decent photo of a pink rose to use as my reference for painting.   

This made me think of Psalm 103.  Things of this world fade….material things, possessions, seasons of life, and sadly, people.  But what is encouraging and comforting for Christians is God’s mercy….it’s from everlasting to everlasting.  We are blessed by His mercies each and every day.  So I smile and know that one of those mercies will be that my roses, yet again, will bloom in just a few short weeks (if not days).  But I cannot forget the verses that follow.  While I enjoy His mercies each and every day, I must also remember His commandments.  I have to live for Him, be a light for Him in this world, and obey His commandments….and teach this to my children.

Psalm 27:4 & 84:1-2

One thing I have desired of the Lord,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord,

And to inquire in His temple. Psalm 27:4

How lovely is Your tabernacle,

O Lord of hosts!

My soul longs, yes, even faints

For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Psalm 84:1-2

The art challenge for this week #5 is my favorite place, photography.

My favorite place is church.  My oldest and youngest boys sit with my husband and me in a pew in the middle, and to our right, our two middle children sit with my parents and sister (who is at the keyboard when I snapped this with my iPhone).  This is my view each Sunday.  As I stare at this picture, pure contentment washes over me.  During worship, I pray that God works in the hearts of my children, that our faith is strengthened each day, that we never will waiver or stray from Him, and that we will always desire and long to dwell in His house.  

Isaiah 35:5-6

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

Then the lame shall leap like a deer,

And the tongue of the dumb sing.

For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness,

And streams in the desert.  Isaiah 35:5-6

The art challenge for week 4 is "A Turning Point in Your Life" in watercolor.

For me, a turning point would be when I went back to work after home schooling my own four kids for nine years.  A year into my new "season" in life, I was assigned to a care for a kindergarten girl who is blind, can't talk, and can't walk. I was very scared and overwhelmed in the beginning.  However, after working with her for two years, I've grown to love her dearly. She is such a joyful little girl who brings smiles to faces of all who know her.  Although she can't speak, she is very vocal with giggles and squeals of laughter. Because she has such keen hearing, her intelligence is brought out in unconventional ways.
This text from Isaiah 35 is speaking of heaven, the return of Christ.  One day, this little angel will walk and talk and see....but until then, she has given me a glimpse of heaven. Christ's love shines through her joy of life.

Psalm 5:11

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11

My art challenge this week, #3, is a word in clay.  I chose the word, "JOY" and made a pendant/bracelet.

In January, when we came back from Christmas break, we had a staff/faculty meeting where we were challenged to find a word that would be our motivator for the semester.  I chose the word, joy because of our ultimate purpose: to glorify God...Psalm 5:11 clearly shows how I am to be...always.  It's also what my response to all situations should be...that of joy. When people see me, my demeanor should exude joy. I thought a charm on a bracelet would be a great reminder for me.

I searched the word joy on Bible Gateway and found 192 (New King James version) references to joy/joyful/joyfully.   Here are a few that I love to read over and over:
Psalm 16:11

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

Habakkuk 3:18

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 

Luke 1:14

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3 John 1:4

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Proverbs 12:10a

A righteous man regards the life of his animal, Proverbs 12:10a

Week 2 for my art challenge: my favorite animal in colored pencil.  I chose my cat, Tigger.

I am very happy the Lord saw fit to create cats. I love them. Growing up, my family had numerous cats, and since getting married, we've had four friendly felines. Each time, I say the current one is my favorite, whether that’s really true or not, I guess I just forget about the past cats. Tigger isn't very cuddly with me, as he is with our daughter, but he has such personality that he just makes me laugh. He is very needy in that he yearns for affection first thing in the morning, and can have a conversation with his meowing that you’d think he really was talking to you. He does nothing productive besides hunting bugs (and then has stomach issues later because of that) and lies around and sleeps all day (and all night). Oh, the life of a cat. Thank you, Lord, for creating them.    

Psalm 127:3-5 (my Art challenge)

For the next ten weeks, I’m doing an art challenge, using a different media for each project.  I actually chose the ten ideas from a “30 Day Drawing Challenge” that I've seen around the internet, and tweaked it to fit my schedule and interests. I thought it would be fun to integrate it with my blog. The first one is “Self Portrait” in pencil.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one’s youth.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; Psalm 127:3-5

While four kids wouldn't necessarily fill a quiver, they do keep my husband and me busy.  And yes, they do make us happy.  But kids are a huge responsibility in that we have to mold them spiritually. Reading the Bible, praying, and attending church is our foundation of our faith.  One facet of putting our faith into action, being a light unto the world, showing that we are Christians, is displayed on the field.  

Because our kids are in their teenage years, much of our time is spent watching them compete in sports, such as soccer, football, track, and baseball.  (Hence, my “self-portrait” is of me with my iPhone in one hand and my coffee mug in the other, sitting in my chair watching my kids). 

Playing sports has helped us teach our children godliness on the field (which in turn has helped us teach them how to act off the field).  Good sportsmanship is an aspect of playing a sport that has to be taught.  They have to learn how to act when their team is losing, when a ref makes a bad call, when they don’t do well, and when they aren't treated fairly.  Many car rides home have been spent reflecting on the game/event which has resulted in many discussions on how their (and our) behavior should represent Christ, and how we could all do better.     

Psalm 128:3

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine

In the very heart of your house,

Your children like olive plants

All around your table. Psalm 128:3

This past week, my husband and I were talking about what I would like to do when our kids are college age and beyond.  Right now, for them to go to the school district they do, I have to work full time in that district.  God’s plans have been different than mine. I thought I’d be able to get an art position, but He wants me with this special little girl as her personal instructional assistant.  Last year, I taught summer school and loved the change of scenery (older kids, actually teaching, different building).  I planned to do the same this summer, but mostly because I needed to renew my certification which had expired in January.

So, back to what my desire is for when I no longer need to work at the school.  I said to my husband that I love being at home, taking care of him, the kids, and the house.  Although our kids aren’t small, they still produce dirty laundry, make messes in the house, need help with homework, and need reminded to do everything else.  Well, two days ago, I was told that my certification couldn’t be renewed with a summer school position and that I couldn’t teach summer school without certification. 

It’s funny how God just gave me what I really wanted.  While at the time I was upset because I do love to teach and really want to have my certification renewed, I now look at it as a quick answer from the Lord.  I love to be in the heart of my house, making their favorite meals to be enjoyed around our table, and providing a home where they can come back to as their haven, their retreat. I love being a mother.  Happy Mother's Day.

Philippians 3:12-14

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14

The other day, my kids (now teenagers) were reminiscing....when mommy used to get so mad at them, when she broke the lid on a butter dish, when she.....   I'm sure my face turned red, but not from anger, rather, from embarrassment.  I again said sorry to them, but then went on to say that they need to forget those incidents.  I'm a sinner, too, and struggle with certain areas just like they do (many times, self-control).
This made me also think of when we hold onto grudges.  I need to forget when someone has said something hurtful or treated me (what seems to me) unfairly.  Part of forgiving is also being able to forget.  To move on and press forward to what we are called to do, in all things to praise God and give Him glory.
Forgetting is part of forgiving. Isaiah 43:25 “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins.
If God forgets our sins, we also need to forget them....ours as well as others.

Psalm 16:3

As for the saints who are on the earth,

“They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” Psalm 16:3

I love being with my sisters in the Lord…among my family, at church, at our Bible studies, and retreats.  I delight in reading blogs of godly ladies and thank my Father in heaven for what they write and share that is a reflection of Him….  (Kellie, Dori, & Amy, just to name a few).  And, I am so glad to have dear Christian women to work alongside each day. 

But it wasn't until this morning that I realized how many there were in my school building.  Last month, a few ladies decided to start a group to meet together a couple of times a month for a time of devotion and prayer.  I wasn't able to attend the first meeting.  But I was excited to go today, as I had no other commitments.  I almost cried when one after another kept trickling into the classroom where we met.  I counted seventeen women. I was later told that even more want to join us, but aren’t able to for various reasons.  It was beautiful.  It was edifying.  

Thank you, God for the saints who are on the earth…they are truly all my delight.  

Psalm 51:7 & Isaiah 1:18

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7

 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18

As the snow settles down around us, everything that was thought to be white appears cream colored and even yellow.  Nothing is whiter than first fallen snow. Once you see the difference and then read the passages in the Bible that describe how clean Christ will wash us, as white as snow, you realize how awesome God is.