I came across a song that explains just how we are feeling this CHRISTmas season. While we are happy to do the usual decorating of the house, baking cookies, playing in the snow and spending time with family. A piece of our heart still remains half a world away.
Lia,
We miss you more than you'll ever fully know. We've all prayed and waited for the day you would come home to us. We can't wait to hold you in our arms. With all our LOVE half a world away. Merry Christmas Princess.
Mama, Baba, Nathan, Emily and Ryan
LOVE YOU!
Dec 25, 2010
Oct 15, 2010
Just a Little Farming for Those Who Worry or Wait
These words and stories have lifted me up and I would like to share them with you in hopes that they may bring you PEACE in the midst of your storms. I've come to learn the hard way that WORRY will choke any seed "Sown in My Heart."
Jesus was such a wonderful story teller so I'll let him explain. . .
Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed
Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.
He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:
‘When they see what I do,
they will learn nothing.
When they hear what I say,
they will not understand.
Otherwise, they will turn to me
and be forgiven.”
Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
~Mark 4 1-20
"If the enemy can't get you with destruction he'll settle for distraction!"
~Beth Moore
And Oh what a distraction worry can be. I know it kept me busy most of the summer.
HE who began a good work in you WILL CARRY IT ON TO COMPLETION until the day of Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 1:6
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I TRUST."
~Psalm 91:1-2
Commit everything you do to the Lord. TRUST HIM, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord,and WAIT PATIENTLY for him to act.
~Psalm 37:5-7
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper not harm you, plans to give you a future and a HOPE.
~Jeremiah 29:11
Now FAITH is being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of what we do not see.
~Hebrews 11:1
TRUST in the Lord WITH ALL YOUR HEART and mind. Lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Be not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
~Proverbs 3:5-8
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY on him because HE CARES for you.
~1 Peter 5:6-7
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today
~Matthew 6:34
I Just Love how Jesus puts it:
Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to WORRY about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little FAITH?
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. DON'T WORRY about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
~Luke 12:22-34
"Don't worry! Worry is a thief it steals your peace, it steals your joy, and more than anything it steals your today." ~ Joyce Meyer
"This is the day the LORD has made Let us REJOICE and be glad in it"
~Psalm 118:24
Do any of us know when will be our last day? We can't guarantee we're going to get another one. I don't want to waste my days worrying and longer.
"Leave the past and the future in God's hands and ENJOY the PRESENT moment "~Joyce Meyer
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of PEACE will be with you.
~Phil 4:4-9
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground do all the crisis demands and stand firmly in your place.
~Ephesians 6:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
~Phil 4:13
My Prayer:
Lord I trust you. Help me to lean and rely on you. I am not smart enough to solve my problems on my own. I believe that you are in control and I trust that this will all work out in the end. Give me the grace to remain stable in this storm. In Jesus name.
Amen
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
~Hebrews 10:24
I would love to hear from you. Do you have any verse or bible story that speaks to your heart in times of worry. Please leave your "seeds" in the comments below.
Jesus was such a wonderful story teller so I'll let him explain. . .
Parable of the Farmer Scattering Seed
Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:
“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.
He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:
‘When they see what I do,
they will learn nothing.
When they hear what I say,
they will not understand.
Otherwise, they will turn to me
and be forgiven.”
Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables? The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
~Mark 4 1-20
"If the enemy can't get you with destruction he'll settle for distraction!"
~Beth Moore
And Oh what a distraction worry can be. I know it kept me busy most of the summer.
HE who began a good work in you WILL CARRY IT ON TO COMPLETION until the day of Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 1:6
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I TRUST."
~Psalm 91:1-2
Commit everything you do to the Lord. TRUST HIM, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord,and WAIT PATIENTLY for him to act.
~Psalm 37:5-7
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper not harm you, plans to give you a future and a HOPE.
~Jeremiah 29:11
Now FAITH is being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of what we do not see.
~Hebrews 11:1
TRUST in the Lord WITH ALL YOUR HEART and mind. Lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Be not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
~Proverbs 3:5-8
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY on him because HE CARES for you.
~1 Peter 5:6-7
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today
~Matthew 6:34
I Just Love how Jesus puts it:
Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to WORRY about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little FAITH?
“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. DON'T WORRY about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom."
“Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
~Luke 12:22-34
"Don't worry! Worry is a thief it steals your peace, it steals your joy, and more than anything it steals your today." ~ Joyce Meyer
"This is the day the LORD has made Let us REJOICE and be glad in it"
~Psalm 118:24
Do any of us know when will be our last day? We can't guarantee we're going to get another one. I don't want to waste my days worrying and longer.
"Leave the past and the future in God's hands and ENJOY the PRESENT moment "~Joyce Meyer
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of PEACE will be with you.
~Phil 4:4-9
Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground do all the crisis demands and stand firmly in your place.
~Ephesians 6:13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
~Phil 4:13
My Prayer:
Lord I trust you. Help me to lean and rely on you. I am not smart enough to solve my problems on my own. I believe that you are in control and I trust that this will all work out in the end. Give me the grace to remain stable in this storm. In Jesus name.
Amen
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
~Hebrews 10:24
I would love to hear from you. Do you have any verse or bible story that speaks to your heart in times of worry. Please leave your "seeds" in the comments below.
Apr 21, 2010
So There's This rEVOLution
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
~ Hebrews 10:24
So I've been reading, watching, and learning more and more about this new rEVOLution. What Revolution you ask?
LOVE
The Love rEVOLution. LOVE is not just an emotion. It's a call to action.
And no I didn't get the memo either. Yes, our purpose in this life is NOT to please ourselves but to . . . .
"Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." ~John 13:34
Yes folks we're supposed to LOVE. The kind that can start a rEVOLution.
The LOVE rEVOLution is a worldwide movement of people intentionally spreading the love of God through simple acts of kindness EVERY day.
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
…And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
–Colossians 3:12-14
It starts with you and me… in our homes, our communities, workplaces, churches...getting out of our comfort zone to help others in need every day and on purpose! It could be something as simple as holding the door open for a stranger, buying someone coffee, or more involved like literally giving the shirt off your back.
The point is to do something!
Something with meaning.
Something with LOVE.
Dare I say a LOVE that will change you.
LOVE that will FORCE you out of the boat in the midst of a storm.
You know that cRaZy LoVe. A LOVE that will change who you are forever?
Love that will . . . .
Teach you
Heal you
Fill you
It's time for change
and God's love is the weapon. It's contagious. Spread hope. Lend a hand. Stamp out selfishness. Get creative. Do something!
Go get out of your "comfort zone" and
LOVE
and God's love is the weapon. It's contagious. Spread hope. Lend a hand. Stamp out selfishness. Get creative. Do something!
Go get out of your "comfort zone" and
LOVE
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
~Matthew 25: 34-40
Nov 3, 2009
The Journey
I am working on your behalf. Bring me all your concerns, including your dreams.
Talk with me about everything, letting the Light of My Presence shine on your hopes and plans.
Spend time allowing My Light to infuse your dreams with life, gradually transforming them into reality.
This is a very practical way of collaborating with Me. I, the Creator of the universe, will work with you. Do not hurry this process.
If you want to work with Me, you have to accept My time frame. Hurry is not in My nature.
Talk with me about everything, letting the Light of My Presence shine on your hopes and plans.
Spend time allowing My Light to infuse your dreams with life, gradually transforming them into reality.
This is a very practical way of collaborating with Me. I, the Creator of the universe, will work with you. Do not hurry this process.
If you want to work with Me, you have to accept My time frame. Hurry is not in My nature.
Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for the fulfillment of My promise, a son. How their long wait intensified their enjoyment of this child!
-Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, perceiving as a real fact what is not revealed to the senses.
As we travel on our adoption journey, it's not about us or our timing.
As we travel on our adoption journey, it's not about us or our timing.
It's all about how He will be glorified.
The circumstances, the ways, and the time He chooses to grow our families, can be very different from what we imagined.
But what joy we feel when we get to hold our child!
It's worth every tear, every heart ache, and every minute of waiting.
How much more intensified our parenting journey has become!
Oct 27, 2009
Faith Like a Child
The Bible says we must be like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:2-4). Just what does that mean?! I've heard people say this means we must have the faith of a child, but what does that mean?
Here's the straight scoop, I received this in an e-mail and thought I should pass it on:
I remember my daughter when she began toddling, then walking. She was a little bundle of energy! Our house was her whole world. She didn't know what was outside it, at least not past her yard. She didn't understand the vastness and complexity of what was beyond her own little world.
Well, she and I began going for walks around the neighborhood, ranging far and wide. Once the house was out of sight, she could not return on her own. She was lost. She had no idea where to go or what to do, or even if she was safe.
Yet as we crossed one street after another, she held my hand and knew deep in her heart that she was safe. She knew her father loved her and would always do what was best for her. She knew her father would protect her from all harm and guide her in the best way to go, every single time. All she had to do was hold his hand and do what he told her to do and she would have fun along the way, whether she knew where she was going or not!
She didn't get scared or hesitate. She embraced the trip down strange new streets as an adventure, with full confidence in her father. That's how Jesus said we should be; like a child. It's called faith.
So Jason and I continue on our journey of faith. God Bless you all!
Oct 5, 2009
Sown in My Heart
About three to four months ago I had the feeling that something big was going to happen. I didn't know at the time what it was I just knew the Lord was preparing my heart.
Actually with our track record I was expecting the worst illness, death, or something I couldn't even wrap my mind around. Looking for guidance, I got back into my bible and started reading, praying and reading some more. This is the story of our Journey in HIM...........
When reading I kept coming back to the same parable.
Luke 8 4-15
The Parable of the Sower
4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." 8When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
9His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
"'though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand.'
11"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Throughout my life I seem to come back to this same parable and each time it means something different to me. When looking at it today I realize that if I am to follow the Lord I must TRUST the HE will provide. Being a planner this is difficult for me because at this time I have NO PLAN.
My conversation with him went something like this.....Are you kidding me God, NOW no seriously....are you sure we can do this?? If this is your will than I will follow, please open the doors and pave the way. But really how can we afford this? I know you will provide......but how, when?? Could you just give me a plan>>> Nope :) .......this is his plan for me not MY PLAN. OK I'll try to be OK with no plan, I'll do my best not to worry.....but if you could just give me a little sign any sign I'm on the right path that would be great! :)
Funny I remember a bible study that taught me he will get us out of our "comfort zone" so that we can grow in our faith and learn to trust HIM alone. We have not a penny in savings and not much more room in our home. Jason and I would love to add to our family and have always wanted to adopt but were waiting for the "right time".
I now realize that it wasn't necessarily the "right time" when I had my other children. Why should this be any different. Unless I let go of my crazy need for a plan I will be "choked" by life's worries. Now more than ever I have to "persevere" in order to grow and make a difference in the life of our future daughter who needs our help.
~Amanda
Actually with our track record I was expecting the worst illness, death, or something I couldn't even wrap my mind around. Looking for guidance, I got back into my bible and started reading, praying and reading some more. This is the story of our Journey in HIM...........
When reading I kept coming back to the same parable.
Luke 8 4-15
The Parable of the Sower
4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." 8When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
9His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
"'though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand.'
11"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
Throughout my life I seem to come back to this same parable and each time it means something different to me. When looking at it today I realize that if I am to follow the Lord I must TRUST the HE will provide. Being a planner this is difficult for me because at this time I have NO PLAN.
My conversation with him went something like this.....Are you kidding me God, NOW no seriously....are you sure we can do this?? If this is your will than I will follow, please open the doors and pave the way. But really how can we afford this? I know you will provide......but how, when?? Could you just give me a plan>>> Nope :) .......this is his plan for me not MY PLAN. OK I'll try to be OK with no plan, I'll do my best not to worry.....but if you could just give me a little sign any sign I'm on the right path that would be great! :)
Funny I remember a bible study that taught me he will get us out of our "comfort zone" so that we can grow in our faith and learn to trust HIM alone. We have not a penny in savings and not much more room in our home. Jason and I would love to add to our family and have always wanted to adopt but were waiting for the "right time".
I now realize that it wasn't necessarily the "right time" when I had my other children. Why should this be any different. Unless I let go of my crazy need for a plan I will be "choked" by life's worries. Now more than ever I have to "persevere" in order to grow and make a difference in the life of our future daughter who needs our help.
~Amanda
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