Friday, March 13, 2009

I Will Be Joyful!

Well, we've wrapped up our study, Calm My Anxious Heart. It was so good and I'm sad that it's over. It's one of those books that I know I will return to as a reference guide over and over again. I wanted to share our memory verse this week; it's great!

Habakkuk 3:17-19
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights."

We talked about how applicable this verse is to our lives. We all have our own "even thoughs" we can insert into this scripture. Some are big life issues and some may be small things that we have to deal with.

Even though... we're still waiting for our baby,
Even though... our house hasn't sold yet,
Even though... Yancy spends 3 days a week in Huntsville, and I miss him terribly when he's gone,
Even though... my air conditioner in my car is broken,
Even though... what's yours?

Our problems/situations/"even thoughs" are real and maybe even painful (Habakkuk's was that he didn't have any food!), but we can still choose to rejoice in who God is. I think this is a great scripture to pray back to the Lord. "God, even though... yet I WILL rejoice in you! You alone are my strength and my salvation!" Again it brings our focus back to God and not our situation. Will you choose to rejoice in whatever your situation? It will be such a testimony of trusting Him!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Some Little Nuggets of Truth

We're still studying Calm My Anxious Heart and it's still so good! I highly recommend it to y'all! This week had a quote from Andrew Murray that I love. It's just a good reminder that God has us all right where we are for a purpose and He's gonna use it for His glory- no matter what our situation is.

In times of trouble, say, "First, he brought me here. It is by his will I am in this strait place; in that I will rest." Next, "He will keep me here in his love, and give grace in this trial to behave as his child." Then say, "He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me lessons he intends me to learn, and working in me the grace he means to bestow." And last, say, "In his good time he can bring me out again. How and when, he knows." Therefore, say, "I am here (1)by God's appointment, (2)in his keeping, (3)under his training, (4)for his time."

I'm trying to keep my focus not on my situation, but on God and His purposes.

One other thing that I love is that this week reminded us to remember who God is and what he has done for us in the past.

Remember who God is. What is His character? It's good, loving, kind, merciful, sovereign, wise, just, and faithful!!!

And remember what he has done in the past. He sure has been good to me! He has provided and meet needs that I didn't even know I had. He has encouraged me through His Word, through special friends, through spending time with Him. He has been faithful to me and has never let me down. He has walked beside me through very difficult times. He has given me strength to endure when I thought I wouldn't make it. I will remember what he has done for me! He will surely not abandon me now!

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Sunday's Blizzard

My friend and neighbor, Lisa, took this picture of our house Sunday morning. I love it!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Snow Day

Here's what Yancy and I woke up to this morning. Isn't it pretty?