Hello Again!

It's been over a year since I did this blog. I'm sorry to admit that I didn't continue to write about the bible plan I was working on. I've since completed quite a few bible plans since then. Ever since I left CCC I feel guilty for not spending a good 30 minutes or an hour in prayer, reading scripture...even if I don't understand what I'm reading. I'm a better person for it, even when I'm just praying and asking God for things that He knows are already on my heart:

• Dad's health: he's been hurting so much and we can't figure out what is wrong. A different doc appnt every week. Mom's frustrated and just wants Dad to feel better. I'm hoping a change in the dialysis will do the trick. 
• Maw Maw to be ok and taken care of in the Nursing home. I know Chris is the admin there and Jenny Theriot is there doing therapy for her but still it is sad knowing someone is not with her every minute like it was when she was home with Mom. 
• Mom: I just ask for blessings to be bestowed on her and everything she gives to others so unselfishly with nothing in return but maybe a little time with her family. That's all she ever asks for. Time! 
• Good work days. 
• Carey's heart. I want him to quit smoking and I want him to want another child. I want a baby so bad. One. Healthy. Baby. I want Claire to have a sibling. 

I'm so thankful for all the blessings that God has bestowed on Carey and I. The greatest of these is Claire. I love her so much and I hope she is making the Lord proud. I hope I'm doing right by her. I also hope for another one like her. Maybe a little boy. Maybe Carey and I can adopt a child later. Maybe one that is already a little older potty trained and well behaved. I know there are children out there who need love. I know I have love to give. 

I'm also very thankful to God for this amazing opportunity he's given Carey and I to build our dream home. I would have never though it possible. I don't think I could have dreamed it any better. We may have a slab by the weekend, God willing. Lord I ask right now for good weather this week so progress can be made and I pray for a not so rainy rest of 2017 and ask for quick and as perfect as possible completion. I know we can use this house for the good of people and the Lord and I know it will be a blessing to many. 

I can't wait to have girls nights and pokenno games, and bible studies, and sleep overs (for me and Claire) and just family gatherings at our house. I want to bring everyone together. 

Thanks be to God for all he's done.  

"Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3 

Easter - it isn't over yet

Easter Season is still going on.  I missed mass yesterday for the first time in a very long time. I went to an "After Hours" or Urgent Care clinic for a shot and some meds. I felt my head about to explode and although the steroid shot and antibiotics have kicked in, the nap I had yesterday plus the 7 1/2 or 8 hours sleep I got were plenty.  I tossed and turned from 4:38 - 5am an finally decided to get up and pray and just still with God for a while. I'm feeling much better but of course not great. I'll feel better as each days goes on.

Dear Lord:
         I pray that I have a productive and positive day. I ask to God to be with me so that I make work smart and diligent and not put emotion into my work, but work efficiently. I pray that God speaks to me throughout the day to help keep me focused on the good work that this company does.
         Be with me throughout the day physically so that I have strength to keep going.
                                                             In your name and for your Glory, Amen.

I had couple cups of coffee and I need to start getting ready for work but I wanted to jot down some thoughts about the new bible plan I started today.

Finding Purpose - Work #1
Ephesians 1:9 "He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him." 

God's plan for us require us to have and build a relationship with Him.  His plan centers around that. I have to practice listening to God in my prayer. I have to use my gifts to touch others and I'm beginning to see that take place in my life much the way it did for me through Nicole Ducharme and Jesus Calling. I know I keep saying that but I'm just so proud of what it's done for me and how it along with the Bible app has moved me to spread the word of God and get more people praying. I'm watching God's word come alive in people.

Sometimes I feel like I don't hear God. Then I wonder am I really listening to what he's trying to say. We are so busy letting life happen that we miss it. Then I'm reminded that Samuel didn't hear God at first either. He grew over time in how he listened to God and I know I need to do the same thing.

I'm also start Proverbs to Remember - One.  It's a group of 3 plans in which I'll learn 72 Proverbs. One quick verse. I won't post all of them.

Proverbs 1:7 "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Fools despise wisdom and instruction."

EASTER 2016 - Day 6

It's the first time I really sit down to write about Easter itself. Seemed more like Christmas for Claire - less candy more stuff. It was a nice mass, Claire and I both in pretty dresses, sans spouse. He had been working a turnaround and it was his last night (Sunday night) we missed him. Missed him more than usual b/c of the turnaround. We miss him when he's away generally speaking. Claire is so attached to him when he's here. She's a daddy's girl, but I think that is because she and I get so much time together. Love her so much.

We had great progress this week with pottying on the potty. Dry at school all day everyday and poopoo goes in the potty too!  :)  She finally went to the bathroom last night. I was so excited. I hadn't really been able to figure out whey she wouldn't go on the toilet here at home but would go at school all day.  I may be fussing too much or pressuring her. I'm trying not to but it's hard. I want to be the best mom I can be for her, I want her to trust me and know that I'm there for her. That's hard for a three year old.

I haven't been getting up at 5 am to blog, although I'm still getting up and reading my devotionals. I have only had one soft drink this week (although I may have one today) and I haven't gotten back on FB and yet I don't feel like I've gotten back any more or less time. It's strange. I guess I'll keep blogging.

We close on the property today and go look at a few more houses. I hope we can get plans done quickly, I'm so ready to get started so we can finish. I know it'll be rough and good and fun. I have to keep my eyes on God through the process. I have to keep telling myself I don't want to process to get bigger than me.

I got some heart wrenching news from a friend yesterday about their unborn child.  She went for the 20 week ultrasound and the intestines were outside of the stomach. Maternal fetal medicine confirmed Trisomy 18, which happens 1 in 2500 US pregnancies. Pretty common - very few make it past the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Toni and Morgan's baby may not grow much more than the size she is now.  I named her Percy. They couldn't tell if she was a girl or not, but I think she is. They will more than likely have a stillborn angel, Toni said. I was telling Mom last night and I just cried for Toni. I hope she and Morgan are calling on God to be with them. I know He is there to give them comfort. I hope she can get pregnant again. God's will be done.

I have so many prayers for people right now. I hope I'm not forgetting anything.

I'm excited to spend some time with Carey today. But before I wake up Claire and Carey, let's see what Jesus Calling, Matt Maur say today and the book of Matthew say today. Powerful stuff actually - he's a very popular Christian artist and He's Catholic. I don't know many that are to be honest and it could be just that I don't know they are Catholic so much as I know they are Christians.  Regardless today in the devotion he says that we should "stand in the faithfulness of our God, letting him be our shield." We shouldn't hide our weaknesses, but boast in them because God is our refuge.

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."

In the book Rediscover Jesus, I remember Matthew Kelly saying how important it was to live the Gospels and to study them. So I decided I would start doing that, really ready the Gospels along with devotional content to help guide me. I'm falling a bit behind on that one...but I'll start today b/c I a have a little extra time.

As noted in Jesus Calling today _ I have to accept each day as it comes, and find Jesus in the midst of it all. Very simple thing to do. Give it all up, know that God is with us through every minuscule decision and event all the way to the big decisions.  The two verses I'm posting I say often and can't always remember which verses they are attributed to but in the cases below I've added the preceding verses...they are good.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 

"Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks, 

for this is God will for you in Jesus Christ." 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not leave on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make straight your paths.

It's Easter

It's still the "Easter Season!"

I've already started slacking just a bit.  No blogging the last few days however I have been doing a couple of blogs and bible readings. Work was great today. Nothing new occurred, nothing out of the ordinary (it's HR, that doesn't exist) but it was another great day back with my family at home. I think I'm blessed, no, that's not right. I know I am blessed.

I have lots of things that I need to do. I need to stay focused. I need to make sure that I'm calling on my Lord at all times.

I'm excited that we are closing on our property on Friday. By this time next year we will hopefully be living in our new house. I pray that it doesn't become bigger than we are.  I know it'll all work out because the Lord takes care of us. I almost done getting the yard ready for Spring and to show once the house is listed with the realtor. So far, so good. I have a few more things to add.  The front needs a little color and hopefully things start blooming when we show the house.  It's getting real.  Friday will be a turning point.

Prayer list now includes:
- house plans that are ready and don't need much tweaking
- builder lined up
- lot cleared

OH MY GOSH...i'm nervous and anxious.  God will provide.

LENT 2016 - HOLY SATURDAY

Trying to plan out the weekend festivities is hard. What I think will happen is that Carey and I will wake up CP2 when Carey gets home from work, let her see her Easter Basket and then go to mass. He can go to sleep and then we'll go over to Jason and Michele's house. I will try to squeeze in a nap because he was so whiney yesterday evening due to miss her nap. Naps rejuvenate us. Resting in God's presence, resting in prayer, resting in silence and stillness - all of that rejuvenates our spirit.

Holy Saturday to me always rejuvenates our spirit. By this day, the 39th day (not counting Sundays) or 46th day a big day as we prepare for the resurrection of Jesus. On a more secular level it's the last day of "giving up" stuff (fasting) but it is the hope that it is not the last day of our faith journey, it's really just another day. It's another day that we get to be that best-version of ourselves that we've talked about for the last several weeks. It's moving forward in our journey and in celebration of our forgiveness that is now our focus. Our focus shifts from doing the right thing so that we are forgiven to being saved again in the rising of Christ and knowing what to do and how to move forward in our faith (which has grown.)

Lamentations 3:22-23 The Lord's lovingkindness indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."

This is crazy that Jesus calling notes the following verses today: 
Lamentations 3:24-26 I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope in in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.

The resurrection has allowed this to happen. To have our lives "new" every morning - when joy comes. Can't ask for more than that.  Forgiveness of sins, a new day to start fresh - why not start it with the Lord, even if it's just quiet time - resting in the Spirit.

Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

Excited about today...my 3 year old has risen. Going get more unconditional and unfailing love.

Matthew 28:6
He is not here: for he is risen, as He said.  Come, See the place where the Lord lay.

Isaiah 60:1 "Arise, Shine for the light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

The other verse today in Jesus Calling is one that I'll be writing about soon when I begin my series of devotions related to songs that I love.

Meredith Andrews (of course my favorite) has a song out called Soar and as I was singing yesterday, i couldn't help but raise up my hand.

Isaiah 30:31 Yet those who wait on the Lord will gain new stregnth.  They will mount up with with like eagles, They will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not grow faint.

AMEN.  That is all that needs to said in that verse right there.

LENT 2016 - Good Friday

This is the true day 38. I've always wanted to see if I could truly fast on bread and water this day.  I know I could, I just have to do it. I don't even think we have bread in our household. I just started an Easter Devotion with Hillsong Worship it's only 4 days long, but today I am reminded of

Romans 5:8 

"God demonstrates His own love towards us, 

in that while we were yet sinners, 

Christ died for us."

There is no greater act than this. Than to lay down ones life for a friend. In this case we are thankfully much more than friends. We are the forgiven.  What Jesus has done for us and God has done by giving up His only Son to save us - is overwhelming. 

The theme in Jesus Calling today is Thankfulness. "A thankful mind-set keeps you in touch with Me." It says. Thankfulness fills us with Joy. We shouldn't even waste days grumbling it's sinful. I think yet again about the statement that is becoming my mantra - "Be positive, always assume positive intent."

Hebrews 12:1-2 "therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance of the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of Faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of throne of God."

LOVE the thought that our God is a consuming fire.  We should fix out eyes on Him.  I keep singing "fix my eyes, on you...." by King and Country. 

LENT 2016 - HOLY THURSDAY

The drumroll has started, the music is playing and now we wait.  Where there was once a prophet will soon be our resurrected King. I wish Claire could understand. It is going to be odd teaching her about Jesus and our faith at home and at Sunday school.  I never had to experience that. It was an everyday occurrence for me. Still she sees me praying, I pray with her and I'm already teaching her stories form her little children's bible. I'm excited to read her the Easter story, we have only read it once or twice this season.

Today is Holy Thursday.  "LENT" is over on Saturday, however in my mind it ended yesterday and now it's Holy Week. Today is really day 38 and we should be talking about the "what if."  What if everything noted in the Gospels is true. I will actually begin the Gospel journey after Easter. I will dive wholeheartedly into those words like I've never done before.

Today - Jesus Calls. He tells us to let go of all of our possessions and rest in his security because He never leaves us.  He is the same yesterday, today and forever. HEBREWS 13:8

Psalm 89:15 tell us "Blessed are those who learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence. O Lord."

There it is as reminder that all we need to do is trust in God's presence (which is ALWAYS) and we will be blessed. I look around and I start to think of and count my blessings and I"m overwhelmed with an abundance of joy and gratefulness.  And then I think if I truly turned myself over to God at every turn and in every instance of my life - imagine the joy that would come to pass.  HOLY COW. It's almost unfathomable. I have to start trying. I need to get to confession-it's been too long and although I dread the moments leading up to it, I KNOW I will feel wonderful when it's done.

Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do Not fear, I will help you."

Before Hebrews 13:8 is 6-7 which I've highlighted in my "bible" (electronically). If I grabbed my real bible it would probably be highlighted as well.

"So that we confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper , I will not be afraid. What will man do to me.?' Remember those who you , who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith."

This is what I need to do going forward, imitate that faith so that I can be more Christlike, spreading God's joy and love.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, help me to be more confident in myself and in you. Remind me to rest in your presence and turn to you for all things. You don't change, only I do.

For all of my special prayers and intentions on my heart and written down. Especially the people of Brussels an all those countries that experience terrorism at it's worst. Thank you Lord that America does not have to suffer through these tragedies often. Grace and peace to those families of those who have died and for their souls to be saved.