I Love you

John 15:11-13 "These things have I spoken unto you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. "

I LOVE YOU! Do you say that people, your family, your friends, your church family?
Those 3 words can be thrown around like a wet rag sometimes. I have had people actually say to me, you say you love me, but do you really?! Now that is something to think about. However as I have told those people, I don't use those words unless I mean it!

When I was a young teen, I was writing a letter and as I closed it my dad was walking past as I was writing Love you, and the signing my name to it. Dad asked me, "Are you just saying those words or do you mean it?" Dad then explained to me that Love can be said and meant in different ways, but such as at the end of the letter it should mean exactly as you say I Love You. I didn't really understand completely why it mattered but as I got older it began to make sense.

I have several dear friends whom I've told, "I love you" and I let them know right off that when I told someone I loved them, I sincerely meant it! One person didn't seem to believe me but now as time has gone by I believe the person now believes me. Same when I tell someone their my friend I mean it.

See the Bible tells us to "love one another". 
As a new Pastors wife, I want my ladies to know I love them. Not just because I'm the Pastors wife, but because they are the people that God gave me to me Love.

We are all human and we all make mistakes, but that will never stop me from loving them. Yes they aren't my family, but they are family through being our church family!

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Friends are special people, and when you tell someone you're their friend, it shouldn't be until you decide you've had enough of their whining, or complaining, or even craziness. A friend is a friend forever!

I hope if you click on the picture to the left you can read the poem. This is how I feel about my friends. God brought us together for a reason and I'm not going to bail just because I don't feel like being friends any more. I'm going to be there as much as I can for you. I had wanted a picture or two of friends but they aren't in this computer....

I LOVE YOU my friends!

I love my future son in law and my daughter! They are a match made in Heaven! When we met Thomas R Reapsummer for the first time, my husband and I both knew this man was for our baby girl Tabitha Jane. He's not only proven to be what Tabitha needs but she has proven to be what he needs. I"m proud to say they will be married June 22, 2013 and we are very proud of them. We love Thomas not because he's going to marry our daughter but because God brought him into our lives. He is part of OUR family (well almost :) )

We love these 4 boys, even though they do drive us crazy at times. Then what would a family be with out wild (in the good sense) boys.

William Paul IV our oldest on the left back has really made us proud! We love him and thank God for his love for God, for his desire to do right!

Caleb Robert, who is 18 today, beside Paul IV. He is our family "clown" not always but he can make the roughest day seem better just by his sayings. He wants to serve the Lord through Evangelism.

Samuel Maurice, right bottom and Jason Maxwell, left. My 2 youngest although they really that young any more ages 15 and 13. Hard to believe how quickly they've grown. We are very proud of them and Love them also.

I've posted these various pictures not to just fill a page, but to show you I don't love because I feel like it, but because God tells me to love one another. Yes, my family I love because they are family, but I love them also because God gave them to me! It's not a chore it's a privilege.

I have 2 very special ladies in my life whom I call Mom, other than my own mother. These 2 ladies, I've grown to love as though they were my mother. Did I have to love them? No, but I chose to and these to wonderful ladies have given, listened, and helped me in many ways. God brought them into my life at different times. One while at college and I NEEDED an extra mom then :) She was able to help me when I had a rough time at college and couldn't get up with my Mom.

Then the other lady was while we lived in WV! She was, and still is such a blessing to me! There were times I needed someone to talk to and again getting up with my mom wasn't possible but Mom H was there. You know it doesn't hurt to love one as your own family.

Love is wonderful thing! So if you just take these scriptures and do as God commands, "That ye love one another, as I have loved you." 

Pie in the ski

Good afternoon, as I sat here earlier today thinking of what I could post I had started several topics but they just didn't go anywhere. Then I was reading several blogs that I follow and I had read my Bible this morning but still there just didn't seem to be anything that the Lord was laying on my heart to share today.

When I post I want them to be something that will help others and/or something that has helped me through life. I started not to post at all today even though it's been several days since I had posted, but I just felt something was in my brain that just was stuck and couldn't escape. LOL :) So prayerfully something in this post will encourage or help someone.



I'm not sure where it came from, but the phrase, "Pie in the ski" came to mind. So, I looked up the phrase and here's what I found the man who wrote was very critical of Christianity. After reading that I started thinking that was back in the early 1900's and one man wrote a poem that well, he didn't really understand the Bible, heaven, or Christians.

Serving God is an honor, and we don't have to starve to do that. We can have our "pie" right here.

This is the Poem that Joe Hill wrote in 1911: (which by all means I believe that Salvation is crucial and that caring for the poor and hungry should be done also.

 



Long-haired preachers come out every night,
Try to tell you what's wrong and what's right;
But when asked how 'bout something to eat
They will answer with voices so sweet:

 

Chorus:
You will eat, bye and bye,
In that glorious land above the sky;
Work and pray, live on hay,
You'll get pie in the sky when you die.

 

The starvation army they play,
They sing and they clap and they pray
'Till they get all your coin on the drum
Then they'll tell you when you're on the bum:

 

Holy Rollers and jumpers come out,
They holler, they jump and they shout.
Give your money to Jesus they say,
He will cure all diseases today.

 If you fight hard for children and wife
Try to get something good in this life
You're a sinner and bad man, they tell,
When you die you will sure go to hell.

 

Workingmen of all countries, unite,
Side by side we for freedom will fight;
When the world and its wealth we have gained
To the grafters we'll sing this refrain:

 

You will eat, bye and bye,
When you've learned how to cook and to fry.
Chop some wood, 'twill do you good,
And you'll eat in the sweet bye and bye.

 

 

Then I found where he mentioned the dear old Hymn "In the Sweet Bye and bye"

The Author:Sanford E Bennett wrote this song in 1868

 

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there. 

 

Refrain:
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

 

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.

We need to make sure that people are saved and on their way to heaven! Soul winning is so crucial and we each need to be out there telling others of Christ. 

Just to think that somewhere beyond the clouds is a wonderful place called Heaven! I don't know about you, but I can't wait to get there!!

John 14:2-3 "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am there ye may be also."

Today the term Pie in the Ski means to happiness, maybe something good will happen soon. Just an interesting thought I came across.

At the Cross
At the Cross
Where I first saw the light
and the burden of my heart rolled away
It was there by grace
I received my sight
and now I'm happy all the day!

Or

This world is not home I'm just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue





Are you in your Spring or Fall???

 

Are you ready for Spring?

You know Spring is a wonderful part of the yr.

Everything is green, brand new, and beautiful!

 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

There's a time for things to grow and things to die. That is what I really enjoy about the seasons.

Spring time - things are brand new

Summer - they get the sunshine and rain needed to live

Fall - things begin to die

Winter - brings the beautiful white snow and watering the seeds for Spring growth.

 

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven:"

 

In people lives we have Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter so to speak.

When you receive Christ you are in your Spring and Summer time.

Growing Spiritually through Prayer, Bible reading, Preaching, soul-winning.

Don't allow your walk with God go into the Fall, that could be a time

you're back sliding, or things to you seem to be dieing. This will happen because we're human. 

Since we are human we will have "fall" in our lives but we want to make sure we don't

stay in that part of life. If you are down you want to work towards Spring again.

Don't become satisfied with where you are spiritually, We need to constantly be growing.

 

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

Psalms 119:105

 

 

We need to allow the "snow" of winter cleans us to help us grow again in Spring.

We can allow the freshness of winter be that lamp unto our feet.

As the snow is beautiful right after it falls, so are white as snow to Jesus as a Christian.

Allow the "watering" of the snow to help you grown in closer to the one who died for you on the Cross and the one who rose again and lives in Heaven.

 

 

 

As we await his return we should be growing more like him each day.

After all we are created in his image.

 

At the cross, At the cross where I first saw the light

And the burden of my soul rolled away

It was there by grace I received my sight

and Now I am happy all the day.

 

 

 

As Adam and Eve once walked in the Garden of Eden and enjoyed all the beauty God had given them, you and I can have fellowship with God and enjoy all He's given us.

During your Spring time of life, GROW!

 

Read your Bible Grow every day

Grow every day

Grow every day

Read your Bible Grow every day

and you'll Grow, GRow, GROw GROW!!!

 

This is what we want to do is Grow in the Lord and become MORE Christ like!

Did you know Christian means Christ Like!

That is how we are to act, speak, do is Christ Like.

 

So as the verse says:

 

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

You will have your "Fall" but be sure to hurry back to "Spring"



Missionaries

The Barnes Family Our former Pastor and his wife heading out on deputation:
http://barnesformaine.org

Please pray for them as they head out on March the 9th they'll be in the road for 7 straight wks.....

The Tongue

James 3:5 "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things, Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!"

Oh be careful little tongue what you say
Oh be careful little tongue what you say
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little tongue what you say.

As a parent I've always known that what you say there's a 99% chance your little one will repeat you. Well, it doesn't stop when they get older, you still need to be careful what you say around your teens also but they do talk. This weekend I have 2 of my little nephews here and they are like little Parrots :) Are you careful what you say? The tongue maybe little but it can be very harmful!

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
Vr 30 "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
Vr 32 "And be ye kind one to another tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

This weekend I'm watching 2 of my nephews, their momma is very sick and has been in the hospital for 32 days, just getting out yesterday. To help their dad out we have them. Well, today Caleb my 17 yr old was talking to the youngest who's 4 and explaining that lieing is wrong. Well, as I was listening in on this conversation my nephew says to Caleb, if lieing is wrong isn't saying mean things wrong too. He's one smart little boy! I thought of the verses I posted from Ephesians for Christians corrupt could be saying a mean thing to your brother, sister, a friend. It may not be a curse word but if it's not uplifting, encouraging then certainly it's not clean and therefore it would be corrupt communications. We are told clearly in the Bible that it's not to come out of our mouth.

Do you want to grieve the Holy Spirit with corrupt communications?
As adults, teens, children we need to guard our spirits. We need to keep our heart, mind and soul clean and clear of corrupt things.

When someone does say something to you that isn't right, remember to forgive them. Just as verse 32 says, "...even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."  You need to forgive!

So as the song says,
Oh be careful little mouth what you say
Oh be careful little mouth what you say
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little mouth what you say!

 

It takes only One "1"

It only takes One to make a difference.
One to make a change for better or worse.
The Value of One! This song says it so well....

Could it be that up in heaven,
God is sitting on his throne
Anticipating another sinner
will soon become his own.
Years of wasted living and
years of toil and strife
are just about to be over
as he receives the gift of life.

Go sound the horn
strike up the choir.
A sinner is saved.
Saved from the fire
no more in darkness
he's received my son
all heaven rejoices
that's the value of one

the holy spirit has been working
to soften up a heart
all he needs is a willing servant
to simply do his part
can you imagine up in heaven
the joy there is that day
as a sinner bows his head to pray
can't you hear the father say...

start construction on the mansion
there on hallelujah street
he doesn't know yet what is waiting
when the savior he'll meet... he'll meet

go sound the horn
strike up the choir
a sinner is saved
saved from the fire
no more in darkness
he's received my son
All heaven rejoices 
That's the value of one.

In Ezra we see how it only took 1 to make a difference, just as it only takes one to witness, it only takes 1 to take a stand, it only takes 1 to speak out.

"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore."

He, Ezra, prayed for the people to come. Started off only Ezra praying! Just 1 person.
God wants 1 - Ezra stepped up! Will you?
When 1 steps up, when 1 prays, when 1 serves there is Hope!

You ask, how can I make a difference? Well, my friend as a Christian be willing to step out.... Back in 1982 I made a decision to step up and go to Mexico. I worked hard in my Youth group to be able to go on that trip. Now there was I believe around 70 of us who went on that trip, but each of us as individual teen girls and guys had to make a decision to do our part or not. While in Mexico we were challenged to give our lives to Christ. Not as a group but as individuals. Many of us did that very thing. As 1, You and I can make a difference in the world.

You can make a difference as an Interpreter for the deaf, as a choir member, as a nursery worker, as a wife to a missionary or Pastor, as a bus worker, as a teenager, as ANYONE!!! The Value of One being saved depends on the ONE that steps up and says not my will but thine Lord!

Will you be that ONE "1"?

Are you Pleasing God through study and work?

We are nearing the end of the month, are you up to date on your Bible reading? It's not to late to start... on the right hand side of my blog is a schedule your welcome to print off and use.

Remember we are to study the Bible, meditate on His word and through that we will grown in the Lord.

~~~~~~~

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed...."
Ok, honestly who likes to study? I will be honest with you, I don't especially Science and Math. As kids we had to study our lessons or we didn't pass our classes, and might I add, that was one thing that my parents were really hard on me for, Studying!  I didn't like it at all! Unfortunately my grades showed it too. However I eventually got the idea if I wanted mom and dad happy I better study :)

We can take that same word, Study, and apply it spiritually as it is used in the verse. We are to study Gods Word! When we do this we are making God very pleased. Just as when I finally realized, that spankings, or being grounded was not worth not studying, I took and study to be "approved" of by parents. Study the Bible, memorize it, let it become you. Just as you read any book and many times you can quote word for word what you read, make your Bible even more so that way!!

"...a workman that needeth not to be ashamed...." When you work, are people amazed by your work or the lack of work? Over the past 19 yrs my boys have been taught to work. I love the idea that my 19 yr old who's living away from home now, still works and does as he was trained. Did they always work as they should? Of course not, they are children. Some time ago, one of my boys was asked to do a job, and because it was a job he didn't care for he didn't do his best. The person who had asked 3 of my children to help him came to us and said, I would ask 2 of your children to work for me again, but I will not have this one. Now this particular child has since changed the way he works. Why? Well one he knew that as a Seavey child and considering who his daddy is that was a bad thing! Now that same child is looked to by friends, family and others as a hard worker and he has no reason to be ashamed because he works hard and does his best.

Our work for the Lord should be the same, to where we need not be ashamed or worried about what others will think, mostly what the Lord thinks. So when you go about your day, and an opportunity arises that you can witness to someone be a workman of God and do as he would have you do. As a choir member, piano player, nursery worker, evangelist, missionary, pastor work to where there no need to be ashamed. We are to be "A workman that needeth not to be ashamed"

So lets all "study to shew thyself approved" as well as "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed."

Chocolate Chili?

This is from an insert that was in our bulletin in December... I wanted to share it with you:

Genesis 1:29 "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."

It has been written against, outlawed, and is the original "food of the gods." Modern science is finding that chocolate seems to offer some positive health benefits.

When Cortez and his soldiers came to the New World, Montezuma offered them his people's favorite hot chocolate. But Montezuma's people didn't add sugar to the chocolate. Instead, they added ground-up hot peppers. This was real hot chocolate! The Spanish thought it was terrible stuff. Luckily for chocolate lovers, they did take some of the beans back to Europe. There it dawned on someone to leave out the peppers and add sugar instead. By the eighteenth-century, chocolate houses had become so popular that brewers of alcoholic beverages demanded legal restrictions against chocolate because it was ruining their business.

Today, Americans eat an average of 10 pounds of chocolate per person per year. Chocolate also contains a mild anti-depressant as well as theobromine, a unique substance that perks up up and clams you down at the same time. And contrary to popular thought, chocolate is not addicting.

While chocolate may seem a trivial subject, it has given those who like it a lot of enjoyment. It is one of those gifts God has given us that makes life a little more enjoyable - but is totally unnecessary. And this offers us a lesson about His gracious thoughts toward man.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, You made all that is. I thank you that You have made some things which we don't require, but which cause us to rejoice in Your generosity. Help me never to misuses Your good gifts. Amen.

~~~ This was just a fun insert that I wanted to share with my friends :) I hope though that maybe through this you do realize and remember all that the Lord has given us and that we should be thankful for all things.

Love one another

I've been doing a study on Love and how we are treat one another. Now personally I usually have no issues getting along with others, and eventually I grow to love them. The last 2 moves we've made first to WV and then ME it took me longer to learn to love the people where I was. One would probably say why? it was just another move for you. You traveled the US and Canada for almost 4 yrs you loved all you met. This is true, however our move to WV was different then our move to ME well that was really different too.

I'll back up to 2007 when we first moved to WV. I won't go into detail but our family had been hurt, we were exhausted not only physically but emotionally. It seemed a door was being closed and we didn't understand why. We were serving the Lord raising support but the door was closing...

There was a group of young ladies at Shenandoah Bible Baptist that well they were excited. Michelle H, Alisha H, Michelle H, and Stephanie M. Now these girls weren't and are not your normal teen girls. They are excited, they LOVE people and they wanted to make sure that we knew we were welcomed at church that Sunday evening we joined. As I think back to the Sunday in March of 2007 and I think about those 4 young girls, I John 4:7 comes to mind, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God: and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." These girls love God and they were be examples of this verse.

As time went on we, my husband and I, joined the Deaf Ministry and fell in love with Bro and Mrs Ken D and the deaf that attend SBBC. As I watched Bro Ken, Mrs Johanna, Mrs Carmen work with the deaf it was evident that they had taken I John 3;11 and were living it, "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." They loved the deaf and they wanted them to know about the love of God and how they to could have Jesus as their Saviour.

I could go on and on, Bro and Mrs Ed H, Bro and Mrs Mike B, our Preacher and his wife they loved and they knew how to love! Now I'll not belabor what happened last yr as in a past post I talked about our move to ME. I just want to say that the love I have received from our friends and family in WV and then the love that has been shown us here in ME is amazing! God knew I couldn't take a full yr to love the people of Second Baptist Church, that I needed to learn to love them sooner. John 13:34 "A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." In the past few months I have grown to love the people here in ME, the weather NO :) but the people YES!

The kids song, The love of Jesus is so wonderful, oh the the love of Jesus is so wonderful, the Love of Jesus is so wonderful oh, oh, wonderful love! It's higher than the mountains, deeper than the ocean and wider than the universe, oh, oh, wonderful love! Is so true and although I can't love higher than mountain or deeper than the ocean and yes wider than the universe I can show God's love in the way I know how.

So to all those wonderful people at Grace Baptist in Wilmington, NC; Highland Park Baptist in Chattanooga, TN, First Baptist of Hammond, IN, Hillside Baptist in Hixson, TN, Shenandoah Bible Baptist in Martinsburg, WV and Second Baptist of Palermo, ME. THANK YOU for loving me and teaching me how to love others!!

We serve a loving a God and I through him will love others as close to what he loves as I can!

Obedience

Obedience brings God's blessings. This statement was in my sons History Pace and while he was doing the work he said to me. "Mom, you know this is so true." Now my son is 13, and when he was 3 we moved into an RV where his bed was table top when collapsed. ALL of his toys went into a little box that was not very large. I forget the dimensions now, but out of the 5 children Jason learned at an earlier age about blessings from God.

Now I don't mean that the other children didn't see blessings from God but Jason learned about blessings in a different way at the age of 3 than the other 4. The others had seen God bless our family but not the way they and Jason would see over the next 4 yrs of living on the road. Living by faith and depending fully on God to provide what we needed from day to day.

So in accordance with Obedience brings God's Blessings what are some things that God would bless you for?

tithing

Reading your Bible

Praying Daily

Following His will not yours

Obeying your elders

 

The list could go on but these are the ones that came to my mind immediately upon thinking of this topic. Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth: but thou shall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therin: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."  We can receive blessing from God through meditating on his word.

 

"Pray without ceasing." Through prayer we not only see prayers answered but we receive blessings from those prayers. For example when we were on deputation my children were praying for Bikes since we had the RV they could be stored and the kids would have something to do when we were parked. Well, our first Christmas on the road we were in NC. They had prayed from Thanksgiving to Christmas for bikes. Christmas eve a man at a church came up to my husband and I and said, "I noticed your children don't have scooters or bikes." We replied yes sir, however they are praying they'll get something for Christmas. This gentleman handed my husband an envelope and said there's enough money for 5 scooters!!! The children Jason at the age of 3, Samuel 5, Caleb 8, Paul 9 and Tabitha 10 all saw their prayers answered!!! See they prayed without ceasing they believed in their God that he would answer their prayers. We as well as the man who gave us the money got the blessing of seeing 5 very happy children Christmas morning!

 

Have you ever questioned, Why do I need to tithe? Well, the Lord has things he wants to give you but if you don't tithe he can't bless you. If you don't give that which is God's to him, he Can't bless you! My husband has a story he has shared many times about when he worked for Bath Iron Works (now this was before we met) Bill had gotten saved, started tithing as he was taught. Well this particular wk he thought he had deposited his check into his account..... before I get ahead of myself let me back up. Bill paid his bills that wk but had told the Lord I can't tithe to you this wk because I have an unexpected expense. The next wk he took his pay check and went to the bank. The banker says Mr Seavey we are so happy to see you. Bill was like ok, well I come in every wk, the lady says no sir we didn't see you last wk and your account is overdrawn. Bill preceded to explain how he cam in opened his wallet and deposited...... WHAT? there was his check from the wk before in wallet! His over draft fees was EXACTLY the amount that his tithe would have been that wk. See the Lord can't bless if we don't give our tithe, but he will get his tithe one way or another. What blessings did he miss out on that wk or what could God of done through him that he didn't because he didn't tithe? We receive our blessing from God by Obedience.

 

Following God will. Now in a post a few days ago I talked about this. So I'll not belabor this point. But just think of all the blessing you could be receiving but aren't because your doing your will and not Gods. Just something to seriously think on.

 

Obeying our elders.... "Children obey your parents in the Lord for this right" I think this is pretty clear, but obedience to your parents, your pastor, your elders, God! well, it's pretty important. You want to receive blessing or be a blessing? Obey your Elders.

 

Friends, Obedience brings God's blessings is true!!

My children at ages 10, 9, 8, 5 and 3 saw that because Dad and Mom were obeying God they were being blessed, they were being faithful, they were obeying the Lord.

 

What can you do to show your children that you want God's blessings on your life?



Keepers at Home

Titus 2:3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things:
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

The top picture here is our dining room table at this very moment clean wiped down ready for the next meal or to just sit around and talk. However what if if was covered with papers, clothes, coats, dirty dishes. trash.... It wouldn't be right. We are to be keepers at home keeping our home in order. This will teach our children to keep things done decently and in order as the Bible teaches.

 

After I took this picture I realized 2 things were not where they were suppose to be. Now most would look at this and say it's ok. However you have cups on the counter that should have been either in the cabinet or in the sink if not being used. There is also papers on the toaster oven. Now generally one would say this is clean and perfectly fine. I'll say yes, this does look ok but there's a hazard and by it being there the children are being shown you can lay anything anywhere. The paper on the oven is not safe. See little things that we do make a difference in our lives and we are to be the teachers of the younger. Someone is always watching and as the verse in Titus says, "keepers at home" If we as Christians make sure everything is in order in our lives, our homes, our families things would be much better for us.

See I've done a lot of thinking over the past few days, since my husband was voted in as the Pastor at our church. A Pastor is to have his home in order, his family in order.... don't you think as his wife I should make sure that things are in order?! See when it says his home in order doesn't mean he cleans the house, does the laundry, sweeps and mops the floor (although he may help it's NOT his responsibility). So as the wife and mother I'm to make sure of that after all who's the Keeper at home?

Ok the next picture I just took and today is laundry day so I'm waiting for bedding to dry and then this room will be in order again. Does this look orderly and neat done in a way that is pleasing?

 

I started not to use this picture but you know it's messy, it looks awful, unorganized. YUCK!! What if I left it like this ALL the time? Now the bed would have to be made but I mean the clothes on the foot of the bed, things falling off the bed. It wouldn't be right. I wouldn't be doing what the Bible teaches as far as being a Keeper at home.

 

Ladies, I know we are busy especially if you home school but there is NO excuse for a home to look like a pigs home. So, why not right now decided I'm going to be a keeper of my home. I'm going to get up earlier to make sure things are done right. Maybe decide that you'll not go on facebook till your home is clean. I mention that because I too am on facebook and it's easy to say I'll do that later. When really later you know won't happen.

 

So lets remember what our mothers taught us and what we should be teaching our children and be the Keeper at Home God intended us to be.

The River of Life

I've got a river life flowing out of me,

Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see.

Open prisons doors sets the captive free

I've got a river of life flowing out of me.

 

 

Where does the rivers of life take you? Do they take you through trials, tribulations, in the valley.

Or do they take you through victories, triumphs and to the mountain tops.

 

 

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a Table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 

 

I don't know about you, but as I go through the valleys the mountain tops are even more exciting and more refreshing. The Lord has taken our family through many valleys but the mountain tops are just that much more blessed!

 

So where ever your river life takes you

Remember God is with you through it all!!

 

When you feel you're all alone, God is there to carry you through.

 



Your will, not mine

John 4:34
"...to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work."
Mark 3:35
For whosoever shall do the will of God....
Philippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

In August my husband was approached about taking the pastorate of a church, at the time we weren't sure what we were doing exactly. We had just left WV and alot had happened there. We were literally heartbroken and simply didn't know what God was doing in our lives. From Jan 3, to May 31 was one struggle after the other, then July brought heartache, then August we made the decision to move all our belongs to Maine, leaving a son still in high school in WV and my daughter who was already a long way from home going further away from her. This literally was making me an emotional wreck.

As a woman, I needed security and honestly didn't feel I had it. We didn't have our own home, we technically didn't have a vehicle, we had to move in with my husbands dad, so many things were happening. Our world as some would say had been turned upside and shaken like a milk shake :)

I have a very dear friend back in WV whom, I texted or talked to regularly about what was going on. She was such an encouragement to me, as well as a Pastors wife here in Maine whom I've known for many yrs. These two wonderful ladies were such a tremendous help, as well as my husband who did all he could to help me through even though he also was struggling with not knowing God's will.

Well in, I believe, October we had a fall revival at our church. After the revival I really struggled with giving in to Gods will. I knew in 2003 when we left Bible college that we were going to Canada. Then in 2007 that door was closed for several reasons of which I'll not go into. Then our life seem to settle down and things seemed to be "normal" again. From 2007 to May of 1012 I would of told anyone, we are serving God here in WV the rest of our lives. Our children were very actively involved in our church there and all was going GREAT!! THEN as you've already read things literally turned our world upside down.

About a month ago I was having a few health issues and I knew, or felt as though God was saying I can make this worse or you can follow through with the Promise you made to me in 1982 while on a Missions trip to Mexico. It was then I remembered while at a meeting with Bro Ashcraft in one of the villages I told the Lord, if you want me to be a Pastors wife or Missionaries wife I will! At that time I also surrendered to be a Teacher. I noticed within a few days I started to get better and things began to happen.

I tell you all this to say, God knows what he's doing with your life. He knows where you need to be and when. He knows who you are going to help. Gods will is 200% better than your will! I told the Lord if he wanted my husband to Pastor in Maine, with his help I would adjust to a culture, a way of life that is totally different from living as a city kid! Which I will say I'm 200% city kid. It was around that time that our current Pastor announced to the church that he would leaving and going into full time church planting for the state of Maine, and that he recommended my husband to be the Pastor.

So.... as some may know who read this. Last wk my husband candidate for the church then today 2/10 the church voted. He was voted as the next Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Palermo, ME. See once you say, Your will not mine, the Lord can do wonderful things through you and your family.

So friend if you are holding onto something, some place, some one that maybe the Lord is trying to say that phase of your life is done. Listen to Him, and he WILL show you His will.

Know How to serve

Philippians 2:3-8
4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6. Who, being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8. And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

How many of us really know how to serve? I don't mean just the Lord but serve others. A dear friend of mine knows what it is to serve others, she serves those who need help but taking meals to them wkly. Another dear friend gives of his time to serve his Pastor in preparation for their new church building.

One of my children (don't be shocked they are human too) said to his brother one day, "Why should I do that for you? I'm not your servant!' Now lets stop right there.... Yes, he's not his brothers personal servant BUT if he had, of had a servants heart he would have willingly done what his brother asked of him.

Do we have the attitude my son had that evening, "I'm not your servant!" Or do we want to serve?
After all God took on the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. If God can put himself in the form of servant, why can't we?

What are some ways we can serve?
1. being helpful
2. cleaning up even though not asked.
3. when asked to do something have the right spirit about it and being a servant
4. Having the mind of Christ and being a servant.

Just to name a few. Trust me it's not always easy to put self aside and serve others. If your a mom you're always being a servant for your children. If your married you serve your husband. If you're a Pastors wife or anyone you will be serving others. Sometimes we fail and sin sneaks in and we say NO I don't want to do that. Just remember God made himself into a servant and if he can do that surely we can!!

S - Serving with Love
E - Everyone needs to know someone cares
R - Rewards aren't earthly things but Heavenly
V - There's a virtue in being a servant
E - Eternal rewards will far exceed your servants heart here on earth!

Just remember this too:

J - is for Jesus he is the way
O - is for Others show them today
Y- is for you my friend why don't you come to him.....

If we show JOY in SERVEing HIM it could open a door for others to know the Lord as their Saviour.

 

Go ye into all the world....

Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel....

Where is all the world? Is it in your neighborhood? Is it in your city? Maybe it is in your state, country or another country. Well, the answer to all these questions is YES.

My world is on Greeley Rd.
My world is in Windsor, Maine.
My world is the United States.
Can I go to all of the US? No but others can.

We can go to Windsor, Augusta, Palermo, Liberty, Summerville all the towns that we are close to.
Another can go to Portland, Rockland, Owls Head, while others can go to Florida, Oregon, or Texas.
Then there's those who can go to Mexico, Africa, Europe.

So we are to do as the Bible says and Go into all the world.... We can go to Europe through our support financially for Missions.

So when I hear a Christian say, I can't go and tell others I'm stuck and where ever they live. It's not true.... we all have our own little Mission field right where we are!

Be a Missionary ever day
Tell the world that Jesus is the way
Be it in the town or country or the busy avenue
Africa or Asia (Maine or California)
The task is up to you!
So be Missionary
God's an Emissary
Be a Missionary today!!!

Go ye into all the world and preach Gospel!!!

Living by Faith

Good evening friends, I know that since I started this blog many times I've written or talked about Faith. However, in todays world it seems that we need to have Faith. Faith in what? Our Lord!!

Living by Faith in Jesus above

Trusting confiding in His great Love

I'm living by faith and fear no alarm

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" I realize I may not have this verse exact but you know, God gives us the faith to step out, its up to us if we use it. 

What are you lacking faith in? Is it your job? your ministry? maybe your marriage? Have Faith that the Lord will get you through whatever you are facing. 

I pray that as you go through this year that you'll step out on faith in an area that maybe you were unsure of. May God bless each of you this year! 

Isaiah 40;31

Isaiah 40:31 is the verse of which I wrote this: My husband while in Alaska several yrs ago had watched an Eagle glide with the wind. He then mentioned how the little birds struggled but the Eagle went along with no care in the world... As I was thinking today about some things this brief and yet not very poetic poem came to be.....

If you could for a moment think like an Eagle,
The eagle glides above the winds,
The eagle doesn't fight the wind, he lets it carry him through the storm.

We as the Eagle can through Jesus do the same,
If we depend on Jesus Christ to carry us through the storm,
We have no need to worry or fight the "wind"
We can do ALL things through Christ.

So as we go through this life,
As the Eagle lets the wind carry him along
Let the Lord carry you through the trials of life.

Who's your only hope?

Psalm 68:13, 119:105
I Corinthians 15:54-55
II Corinthians 3:18

These passages go along with this thought:

You are my only hope

for all things that endure:

 

For silver wings that fly me to freedom

For golden light that illumines my path

For eternal life that negates the sting of death

For ongoing change that sows blessings in fertile ground

For perfect love that perfects your image in me

 

You, My Lord, are my Only hope!!

 

 

 

The way things are in this old world, who do we place our hope in? Normally one will recap their year in Dec or maybe in January look back to the yr before. Well, I was asked the other day, how do you keep going after ALL that has happened to your family, your church, an so many other things.

 

I replied, first of all, I have the Lord who saved me and has given me strenght to get through the year. Also he is my hope, my peace, my joy, my strength, my comforter and I could go on.

Secondly I said, I have a husband who loves me and is there for me through the good and the bad.

Thirdly I have my church - Yes my church had some problems but you know what it's not that building - the church is the people.... Our church family has loved each other, cared for each other, encouraged. Yes, changes came but we still love each other!! We are a family!!

 

These are a few things I shared with this person. So it's not just who do you put your hope into, but who do lean on, depend on, look to, go to with all your cares, worries, hurts, blessings... GOD!!!

 

Yea, we had a rough year, no job for over 7 mo, BUT God took care of us!

Yes, we lost our house, BUT God provided another home.

Yes, we found out 9 months later we had to move again, BUT God opened a door that ONLY I believe ONLY he open.

 

Now we are serving in a country church where today, we started the Teen Soul Winning program!! God is Good!!!!!!

 

So don't worry about the bad, look on the Good!!

Heart Secrets

 

In the deepest corners of my heart

Are secrets locked away,

Secrets no one knows but God,

Old tapes that play and play.

 

My soul cries, "God, don't go in there,

It hurts, I cannot last,"

His Spirit answers, "Peace, be still

And do not fear the past."

 

The Healing Surgeon wields His knife,

As he carves before the cure,

My heart, it bleeds slow drops of tears

And with them leaves all fear.

 

"My God, why do you hurt me so

And cause my heart to weep?"

"My precious one, because I'm love,

Choose to live and I'll cut deep.

 

I bore your pain, your tears and fears,

Upon my body sore,

You're free to let all secrets go,

As we unlock your heart's door."

Knowing for sure you're going to Heaven...

Good morning friends,

Our church just finished a GREAT wk of Revival Services. It was neat for me because it's been a long time since I was in a church where it was the "old time revival type mtgs" I remember growing up and attending Revival services that were a wk or more. The services we had in our
church, which is a country church, was GREAT!!

During the wk, we had a dear friend of the family receive Christ as his personal Saviour. This young man back in Aug had a close shave with death after being hit by a car. Archie, on Monday night accepted Christ as Saviour. Then on Wed night our son, Samuel, received the assurance of his salvation!! God is so good!!!

May I ask, Do you know for sure that you are going to heaven? We don't know when the Lord will say, "it's your turn to die".
If you haven't accepted Christ in Christ into your heart here's what you do:
1. Realize that you are sinner: Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of he glory of God."
2. Realize the payment for your sin: Romans 6:23 - "For the wages of sin is death...." the death here is talking of eternal separation from God.
3. Believe that Jesus died on the Cross and rose again. Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love toward us in that, while we yet sinners Christ died for us."
4. Trust in Christ and Him alone. Romans 6:23 - "...but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.'
Romans10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
The gift is free you don't have to work for it! Salvation is FREE all you need is the faith to believe that God Himself, Loved you enough to Die for YOU so that YOU would not have to suffer in Hell for your own sins!!!!

If you, friend, have read this and believe that Jesus saves, please contact me and let me know of your decision so I can rejoice with you.

Do you behave wisely?

Psalm 101:2 "I will behave wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

This morning as we were picking out a passage of scripture to memorize I had chosen one and then one of the boys asked can memorize PS 100. Sure why not, so I told them I'd like to write out PS 100 once. One of the boys were almost done with their assignment when he realized he had written PS 101 as he handed it to me and I was reading it verse 2 said it all!!

So our theme verse for this yr is PS 101:2 - my kids behave well, and general don't do a whole lot to be disciplined for. However every now and then they will be kids and not obey. Well, I must say this morning was a rough morning for them. Not sure why but they were just being good. So where the verse says "...within my house....." I told the boys this can also be "within my school". No matter where we are we are to behave wisely and with a perfect heart.

Now I realize NONE of us are perfect, but we can do our best and strive to have a perfect heart in our house, in our work place, in our school, in our time of play, even in our marriages, dating relationships, ANYTHING in life we can strive to have a perfect heart.

So as a thought for not only today but ALL days "...behave wisely...." "walk within my House with a perfect heart."

Love One another

This past Wed night our new Pastor preached out of I John 3 & 4. It was a great message and one of the things that really stuck was "love one another".

I think as Christians most of us do love one another. We should love the unlovable, the lovable, the homeless, the rich, no matter who the person is we are to Love them.

Chapter 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God: for God is love.

Just food for thought, make sure you are loving one another that is what Christ would have us do.

So to be Christ like as a Christian is to be, we need to Love one another!
 

Update on our family....

As many of you may know we have left WV. Well, alot of this was due to lack of employement in the area we were living in.
We are now in Windsor, ME....
We attend Second Baptist Church of Palermo, ME
We are home schooling the boys with the exception of Paul who stayed in WV attending MCA where he's a Sr in high school this yr.
Tabitha our daughter is still in KY at Bible college and for those who hadn't heard she is now engaged to a wonderful young man, Thomas Reapsummer an they are planning to be married June 22, 2013. The wedding will be in Ohio at his church.
Feel free to ask me questions or send a message :)

Who do you run too?

A friend sent this to me and I wanted to share this with you:

 

 

 

"I Run to Christ"

 

 

I run to Christ when chased by fear

And find a refuge sure.

"Believe in me," His voice I hear;

His words are wounds secure.

 

I run to Christ when torn by grief,

And find abundant peace.

"I too had tears," He gently speaks

Thus joy and sorrow meet.

 

I run to Christ when worn by life,

And find my soul refreshed.

"Come unto Me," He calls through strife;

Fatigue gives way to rest.

 

I run to Christ when vexed by Hell,

And find a mighty arm.

"The Devil flees," The scripture tells'

He roars, but cannot harm.

 

I run to Christ when stalked by sin

And find a sure escape.

"Deliver me," I cry to Him;

Temptations yields to grace.

 

I run to Christ when plagued by shame

And find my one defense.

"I bore God's wrath," He pleads my case -

My advocate and friend. 

Family

This past wkend we left our home church to move up to Maine to work in a church and to help my Father in law with his farm. A very, very special lady whom I call Mom H, gave me this card. I'm going to share part of it  with you. Family is so very important!!!

 

A family is made up

of people who are

so close

you don't have

to think twice

about what

you're going to say

because

you know

you'll be

understood...

 

It's people you love

so much

and care about so much

that you'd do anything

for them

It's people

you think of first

when you have

something wonderful

to share,

and the ones you turn to when you just

can't turn to anyone else.

 

You're all these things to me

and that's why

I don't think of you

as being like family

because in my heart,

you really are!!

 

When God brings a special person into your life, there's always a reason :) That is why Mom H is FAMILY!!

 

God looks at family as very important! Man and Woman, mother and child, father and son.... I'm so thankful for blood related family as well as though I call family because they are special to me an always will be in my heart!!





Helping our Friends

Good afternoon :)

On my FB page this morning I had posted a few things from my devotional and a dear friend replied that it was what she needed. I wonder how many times do we help our friends through a note, a phone call, a status on FB or a kind gesture....

So many people today are hurting not only in the world but within our Christian circles....

Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

Friends are so important. WE can be an encouragement to others and should be. Who could you help today?

Just a thought for you today :)

Sunshine

Early Morning sunrise, sunshining through the fog.....

 

 

As we go through life we have days that are "foggy" for us. We don't know which end is up..... I have had several days like this, but the sun will shine :) This song is one of many that's my favorite.....

 







There is sunshine in my soul today,

  More glorious and bright

Than glows in any earthly sky,

  For Jesus is my light.

    O there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

    While the peaceful, happy moments roll;

    When Jesus shows His smiling face

      There is sunshine in my soul.

There is music in my soul today,

  A carol to my King;

And Jesus, listening, can hear

  The song I cannot sing.

 

 

I hope you have a GREAT day!

 

5 Somethings

Good morning from the the foggy, misty town of Windsor, Maine. Yep it's been foggy for a few days and last night there was a beautiful lighting show around 1 in the morning. It woke me up and I just lay there watching it from my bedroom window. Then this morning you guessed it, rain (misty) and foggy :) I love it though because the temps are in the 60's and not 90's LOL

I was going through my devotions this morning and I've been using this one little book titled "Salt in my Kitchen" My own reading happen to fall on one of the same passages that is the book so I read the little story and go to thinking about it..... 5 Somethings....

What are these 5 somethings Well first I'd like to read the passage John 5:19-24
Verse 24 will be our focus point "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation: but is passed from death unto life."

So in this passage we see 5 somethings that we can have
He that heareth -
1. Something - hear
and believeth -
2. Something - believe
hath everlasting life -
3. Something - life
shall not come into condemnation -
4. Something - can avoid condemnation
passed from death unto life -
5. Something - joy of eternal life

In all the times I've read this passage I hadn't noticed these 5 Somethings. We can hear, believe in Jesus, be given life, avoid hell and have joy, in that we have eternal life. That was so exciting to me as I read it that I just wanted to share these 5 Somethings with you.

I hope you have a great and wonderful day...
I know I plan too even though it's foggy and misty rain :)

Nail it to the Cross

Is there something in your heart between you and the Lord? Are you drifting apart? Not as close anymore? There is nothing you can do that He will not forgive, bring it to the cross, let it die so you can live!

Nail it to the cross, get it under the blood! Drown your pain and every stain in the mercy flood, Nail it to the cross, find hope and forgiveness. Kneel at the tree and walk away free, Na...

il it to the cross!

Is there a burden you bear that's got you battered and bound? Struggling for strength, Do you long to lay it down? Don't take another step, just kneel where you stand. Lay it at the cross and take the hammer in your hand

Nail it to the cross, get it under the blood! Drown your pain and every stain in the mercy flood, Nail it to the cross, find hope and forgiveness. Kneel at the tree and walk away free, Nail it to the cross!

Trust in the Lord

Proverbs 3 5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

The Bible and Prayer has always been a major part of my life since I got saved. But in the last 4 days, putting my trust in the Lord that he will carry me and my church family through has been rough. It's been hard not to say Why? Or to become angry.

But as I talked with my husband and as we discussed our future, trusting in the Lord with all my heart is going to have to become a major part of my life. You may say but didn't you trust in him before. Yes, but not like I need to now. We as a family need to completely TRUST in him as we make these decisions.

In all thy ways.... Whose way? Well, it will be God's! Will we like the answer maybe, maybe not. Will it be hard to acknowledge him when he shows His way.... prayerfully No, but unless we (you) put your trust in the Lord you'll never know.

Friend, if you are from my church reading this, or if you are just someone who follows my blog...
Why not allow Proverbs 3:5-6 become your life verse or at least an important verse that you go to regularly.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding
In all they ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path!!! If know song to these verses make it the song for the day, wk, month maybe yr.

A New school yr

Well, we're about ready to start another school yr. Are you ready for this yr not only with the books and the preparation but with God being the in the center of all you teach?

Study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.

One of my goals this yr is for the boys to become more in love with the Bible. Yes we'll have our History, Science, Math, English but the Bible is going to be more a focal point more than ever before this yr.

I pray as you begin your new school yr that you will keep Christ the center of your classroom.

Salt in the Kitchen

Colossians 4:2-6
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Have you ever forgotten to put salt into something? I know have... I was in the 9th grade at TN Temple High School in Chattanooga. We had a homework assignment to do and mine was to make cinnamon roles. Oh they smelled so good as they were cooking, I took them out of the oven the looked just as good they smelled. Part of the assignment was my parents were to eat one and tell me what they thought. Well, we all took one bit into it.... YUCK!!! It was awful!!! I had left out the salt!!!! The bad part was I couldn't remake them for my grade from my home ec teach.... so I learned a lesson there that one MUST make sure all the ingredients are in before cont. All this to say what we say is "seasoned with salt".

I was reading a little book I got from my sister in law titled "Salt in my Kitchen"  and it made me think of the story I just told you. There are many ways salt is used.
1. It seasons our food. Just like those cinnamon roles I made it I had of remembered the salt they would of tasted great! In the Bible Christians are referred to as the salt of the earth. Think about it if we never used adjectives, adverbs  all the different parts of speech when we spoke. It would be boring!!

2. Salt will cleanses. II Kings 2:20-22
3. Salt can melt things. If you live in an area where you get snow storms or ice storms salt is used to clear the sidewalks and some places use it on the roads. The salt of our talk can melt the cold hearted. Mark 9:50B

A few thoughts....

II Thessalonians 5:16 to 24

16. Rejoice evermore
17. Pray without ceasing.
18. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19. Quench not the Spirit.
20. Despise not prophesyings.
21. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray without ceasing... Does this mean we are to ALWAYS be praying? Yes and no. You can pray throughout your day for various people, situations, needs etc. Ceasing doesn't mean you have to be on your knees in prayer 24/7. I have certain things that when I see them or hear something I will say a prayer for someone. Or maybe as I go through my day something will happen that will remind me of a situation that I should pray for. Do I do this all the time? I'm not perfect and I don't always do this but I do my best to pray without ceasing.

Are you quenching the Spirit? Make sure your reading the Bible, praying, attending church, have the right kind of fellowship, listening to the right kind of music etc. You don't want to quench the spirit.

These verses maybe short but each one has a lot to say. The one I want to focus on is one we talked about as a family back a few wks ago.  Vr 22 - Abstain from all appearance of evil. We need to be so careful what we say, do, go or anything we do in life. One way of doing that is abstaining from evil. If you have a question on what your about to do or someplace you have thought of going to, it's best you don't do those things.

We don't go into bars, one is we don't drink and although when out soul winning those in the bars need to hear the gospel. We don't go in because someone whom you've been trying to win Christ may see you go in. They don't know that you aren't drinking when you go in. Then they go and tell someone that you went into the bar. You know what that leads to. So we avoid ALL appearance of evil.
Another thing which I've seriously considered doing on FB. Several friends of mine ladies don't have other men on their pg as friends. Why? They want to avoid all appearance of evil. This keeps you from ending up in an odd situation. Even though your husband may read everything that is posted it doesn't stop you from deleting a conversation, or someone looking to hurt you starting rumors. So avoid ALL appearances of evil!
There are so many area's that could be touched on for avoiding the appearance of evil. You need to decided as an individual what you need to change, or what you need to avoid that you were considering.

Responsible, Action, Potential.....

This is from a sermon I heard the other night but I wanted to share it with you. Some is exact words of the preacher, where some of it will be my thoughts.

Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which stengtheneth me.
Bro Domelle took this verse and broke it down on How it applies to our lives. So many people know this verse and they quote it often, but do they KNOW how to apply it.

I - is Responsible Are you responsible?
can - action (what action are you doing as a responsible person or irresponsible)
do - Potential (what is your potential are you living up to your potential)
through Christ - are you doing all in Him?
which strengtheneth me - He is our strength.

This sermon I heard on Monday night at an Old Paths Conference and it couldn't of come at a better time. Just on Sunday I was really strugling with our situation, after lots of tears and being up most of the night God knew what I needed. Yes, I had through out the day said this verse, but now it means so much more to me.

I'm responsible for my actions and I need to reach my potential and one way to do this is through Christ! So no matter where I am, I CAN do all things through Christ which stengtheneth me!! It doesn't matter if I'm in Maine, or Maryland, or West Virginia ( where I really want to be).
I just need to make sure I'm Responsible, Have right actions, reach my Potential and as long as it's through Christ he'll give the strength I need.

WE all need the strength of God to get through ALL things!! I'm so thankful I serve a God that cares, that loved us so much that he gave us the Bible to study, learn and live by!!!

Gods word is all it took,

He spoke peace be still

And it happened.

He spoke the world into being

And that was all it took.

God created you and me

He knows each of our valleys and Mountain tops

He has a perfect will for you and me

God created you and me!

The ocean blue and oh so deep

The ocean blue and oh so wide

God knows exactly what he wanted

And created the ocean blue.

When you look at the around you

Remember who spoke it all into being

Gods word is all it took

By: Paula Seavey

This Little light of mine....

This little light of mine, I"m gonna let it shine....

This is a fun kids song but it has so much truth to it. Our family took their "light" into area's of Maine today so that others could hear hear the gospel. In being a light for Jesus we are also a mirror, if you please.

Our lives reflect either Christ or the world.
Which do you reflect?
I'm not a good poet but here's some words I wrote on paper last night.

What does the mirror of your life show?
Does it show you are growing in Christ?
Does it show you are pulling away?
What does the mirror of your life show?

Are you growing in Christ
So that others will want what you have?
Or are you following the world,
Making others question the Christian life?

Our light shines for Christ and reflects from the mirror or our life,
When you tell others of Christ you are showing the reflection of Christ
So my friend what does your mirror reflect to the world?

The Bible teaches we are to be witness of him both in Jerusalem, Samaria and all Judea, and unto the utter most parts of the world. As I've heard my preacher say, Jerusalem is your town, Samaria is your state, Judea is the US and of course the utter most parts is the world.

So what are you doing to be a reflection of Christ?
This little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine
Shine all over _________ (the city you live in) I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Are you Inconvienced?

Last wk we attended a church up here in Maine, and the Pastor spoke on, "Inconvenienced". It was really a great message because at this time, Yea, I feel inconvenienced. I know some of you would say what? you inconvenienced? Yep, me!
See, I'm currently in Maine as I mentioned and I in some ways don't want to be here.... Why? Well, my children are missing out on so much at home, but for whatever reason the Lord has put us here in Maine for a season. So to me, in ways, I'm "inconvenienced".

The Bible tells us though that that there is a time/season for everything
Ecclesiastes 3:1 and 4a
1  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
4  A time to weep, and a time to laugh;

I've taken our "inconvenience" and decided ok: I can sit around and cry about it the whole time we're here or I can take this "inconvenience" and apply it to good (laughing) Have a good time, enjoy the beauty of Maine, enjoy my sister in laws (after all they're the only sisters I have). Other than friends I feel close enough to, to call a sister.

So I've done just that, I've spent time with Martha, Emily and a little bit with Randi and I've decided that staying with my father in law can be a good thing.
1. we're being a help to him on his farm
2. He doesn't have to cook for himself (I've sort of been given rule/control of the kitchen) which is fun.
3. we are here for a reason, it may not be clear to me and I will admit I'm a little confused on things, but I'm going to accept it.

Rather than dwelling on your "inconvenience" why not find the good in life!
Do you have health issues? find the good in it.
Do you have family problems? find the good in those family members.
Do you have financial struggles? find the good, and thank the Lord for what you have and forget about what you don't have. (I want to insert here, this is a hard one for me! I have several things I "want" so I have to look at my vehicle and say Thank you Lord that I have transportation and not become jealous of those with nicer cars.) See, I'm no different from any of you who read this.

So many times we focus so much on our problem that we forget God has reason for this or that. God is in control and he does know what is best. Yes, he holds our future in HIS hands!!!

So, Put that inconvenience aside and Enjoy what God has given you!!

Life

When things in life seem like they just aren't going the right way.... God never gives us more than we can handle!!!

If you are having a rough time right now go to your knees in prayer, He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you!

What God hath put together let no man put asunder!

Husbands and Wives you should take time WITHOUT your children to have time together!! Yes Family is important but your marriage is also important!!

This was taken at Rocky Gap Resort in Flinstone, MD beautiful, romantic place for a couple to go. It's also a beautiful place for a family get away.



Moving

Good afternoon,

I wanted to just post really fast I'll be posting again later next wk. We're in the process of moving and I won't have much time for computer till we get settled :)

Have a wonderful day friends,
Rejoice in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.

In whatsoever state I am therewith to be content.

Psalms 150

1. Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power.
2. Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4. Praise him with the timbrel and dance; praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

What are some of the musical instruments used in the Bible
1. coronet Psalms 98:6
2. Symbols II Samuel 6:5
3. Timbrel Exodus 15:20
4. Dulcimer Daniel 3:10
5. Flute Daniel 3:10
6. Harp Genesis 4:21
7. Lyare I Samuel 16:23
8. Organ Genesis 1:21; Job 21:12
9. Psaltery I Samuel    :10
10. Sackbut Daniel 3:5
11. Trumpet Numbers 10:1-10

Instruments of Heaven! Music is a big influence on your life. Make sure you are listening to right kind of music. Good old gospel, not rock, not contemporary, but good old fashioned Gospel music. In today's world it's said you have to have gospel rock. Well, gospel and rock do NOT go together. Or it's said that contemporary gospel, again it does NOT go together!!!

Have a great day and make sure you Music is Christ honoring :)

Happy Memorial Day

I just wanted to say Happy Memorial Day to all those who have served our country!

God Bless America!!!!

Something to think on

~You are not what you think you are but rather what you think.

~ Thoughts produce actions; Actions produce Habits; Habits produce Life Style

If your thoughts are always negative you will become negative. It your thoughts are about sinful things you will become those things. If your thoughts are positive then you will become positive.

What are you thinking about?
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Another day of digging in the Valley

But my God shall supply all my need according to his riches in glory, by Christ Jesus.

Well, our valley is turning into the mountain top! As we started today we were a little discouraged in that we hadn't found a house and the one place we excited about fell through. Then I get a call from my daddy.... He and my mom are doing somethings that are a HUGE blessing so just one more blessing while digging in the valley.

Then this afternoon, we are searching and looking for a place and Monday at 9 am we have an appointment to look at a townhouse just South of Martinsburg! Another blessing while digging in the valley.

I just want those who read this, that this digging in the valley is truly something you want to do when you are there. The mountain tops are awesome but when you have something to "do" while in the valley it makes the valley and mountain top even sweeter!

So..... "But my God shall supply ALL my NEED...."

Digging in the Valley part 2

I'm taking my topic of digging in the valley on today also....
I have many friends who are really going through it and I just want to encourage you to go dig in your valley...

To share another blessing from digging while in the valley.... We had an appointment with our Preacher and he was able to do some things that were huge for us!!

Just remember friends that God is only a prayer away and his line is NEVER busy.
So what will you find in your valley today?