1.13.11

Ugh. To be still is so difficult some times! To be still and read, that is. It is easy to get distracted with non-essential things like facebook and blogging. So, I am signing off for the night...it's off to read Job 32-37. I have really enjoyed the book of Job!!!

1.11.2011

It's been a few days...I know. The snow has just totally messed me up :). Not really. I have been reading in Job, though, and I am still on track. Praise the Lord!!! One verse I read last night from Job 23. V. 10 says But He knows the way that I take. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold.

This verse is one of those that I have heard often, but haven't ever really realized the context. One thing I thought about as I am reading through Job is that trials and difficulties are nothing new. Really, since Adam sinned, life has been tough. I think God does that to remind us that yes, we are sinful people living in a sinful world. And I think He does it to remind us that our citizenship is in heaven! Until that day, He does know our way. He does try us, and He desires to purify us...to make us more like Christ!

1.7.11

Turning 28 just seems like youth is fleeing, however youthfulness is a mindset, i am certain :). As life continues to pass, I am so thankful for the faithfulness of our heavenly Father and His love for me. That is something that I am growing more and more to be grateful for!

I read Job 14-16 tonight and in ch. 14 he deals with the fact that death is a sure thing that we will face. Not a pleasant thought, I guess from our human eyes, but thinking of seeing Jesus face to face is a wonderful thought! What a hope we have in Him!

1.6.11

Ok. Gotta stop staying up late so I can get up earlier...Going to read and then going to bed. My friend, Amy hegreness comes tomorrow and I am driving to Charlotte!

1.5.11

Tonight Dan gave us a devotion at church from James 1…counting it joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that God’s purpose is to make us complete, mature believers. And v. 7 tells us to ask for wisdom, which we do lack. I must confess even the small trials are included in the command to count it all joy, and I very often fail. It’s been one of those looonnnngggg weeks. One that I will be glad to finish, but I want to finish well, counting it all joy!

1.4.2011

My reading brings me today to Job 1-5. An amazing story. To think that a man who faced so much difficulty would respond as Job responded just baffles my mind. In fact, my distress of yesterday (not being able to locate some ppwk) that continues, pales in comparison to what Job faced. Losing ALL of his earthly posessions, his children.

What is Job's response? From Job 1: 20Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21And he said, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD(AI) gave, and the LORD has taken away;(AJ) blessed be the name of the LORD."

22In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.

How are my responses to the "difficulties" I face?

1.3.11

I am getting ready to go read, but the Lord gave me Lamentations 3:22-24 today. Great is His faithfulness. His mercies are new every single day!
Praise God

1.2.2011

How strange it must have been when God told Noah to build the ark. He was going to destroy the earth. Would this make sense to the average person? No. In fact, reading later on we see that people laughed at Noah. So how did Noah get over it? How was he able to obey? Reading in Genesis I am challenged by the thought that Noah had continuous fellowship with God. Considering the wickedness of man and the influences that were pervasive, this is challenging to me. To think that in the midst of all potential distractions, Noah walked with God (Gen 6:9). And as far as we know from scripture he was the only one, and God would spare he and his family. Noah found grace in the eyes of God (6:8).

Does my heavenly Father know me as one who walks with him continuosly? What a testimony Noah must have had! What is my testimony before the world around me?

1.1.11

What are my goals for this year? I am not a big fan of Resolutions as I never keep them. But I have 2 goals...
1. From Psalm 1--my DELIGHT would be in the Law of the Lord *God's Word*
2. To Grow in my prayer life.

I plan to follow a reading schedule that takes me through the Bible chronologically. The prayer part...I am going to work through the Valley of Vision and then our goal as a family is to remember certain things as we pray! What goals do you have?
I have a few others, but I will save them for now!