True Blue Charmer

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Can You Describe Your Year in Ten Words?

I sat down to do this, and found if much more difficult than I expected. I guess once I started, I could of said so many more words, but I tried my best to choose the ten most relevant.

My Twenty-Ten in Ten ~ growth, joy, busy, overcome, pray, truth, content, confused, grace, adjustment.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Remember to Share the Greatest Gift

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end. He will reign upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with justice and with righteousness from henceforth, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this.” Isaiah 9:6,7

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, I hope we can all remember the reason we are celebrating. The joy of giving to others comes from the Gift we all received that would indeed change our lives, change our hearts, change the world forever. He was the gift that the world needed, the gift that would bring hope to the hopeless, that would save the lost, that would set the captives free.

In the coming year may we remember He is the gift we should share. The most important gift we should give. May we all have the boldness to declare the Good News, to share the story of the King of Kings, to all who know Him not.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Season of Giving

How can we give . . . be the hands of feet of Christ? In this season of giving, how can we give of ourselves?



Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Friday, November 26, 2010

Thanksgiving

Family, Food, Fun, Fireplace . . . . all adds up to an enjoyable Thanksgiving day.










Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Give Thanks . . . With a Grateful Heart

What if, at the end of the day, the Lord told me I could only keep what I've thanked Him for today?
Have you counted your many blessings today . . . . named them one by one?

Monday, November 22, 2010

We Can Choose Joy

Put on the righteousness of Christ. Was listening to Joyce Meyer. I am totally paraphrasing, but she was saying that we daily choose our outfits, things that match and look nice. So why can't we wake up and choose joy? Choose to be kind and merciful to people whether we are "feeling it" or not. Sooooo true.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

No Matter What!



Persecution

Going through battles can by so trying, so hurtful, so painful. False accusations, lies, gossip. All things that God has spoken about in His word. These things wear you down, satan wants to get in and give you doubts about who you really are. I can't pretend to understand why those who should love you choose to spew hatred and lies. Only that satan is at work and won't quit if he can destroy.
Was reading about persecution today.

When we think about the promises of God, we generally wouldn't include persecution in our list! But Jesus did promise that those who love him will be persecuted. If we are striving to live for Him, and do His will, we will be attacked. If we are living perfect lives, with never a struggle, I guess we are not that much of a threat to satan, so why would he bother us? I say this not to puff myself up, but to build myself up, to encourage myself with His holy word. To remind myself not to doubt if I know that I am close to Him and doing the right thing by prayer and by studying His word, and by conversing with Him and listening for His still, clear voice.

Matthew 5:10-12 (New International Version)

10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."


It is not an easy thing, to be joyful when you are being hurt, being dragged through the mud, being figuratively stoned to death with the lies or words of others. But reading His word, I see that it is part of the plan. It is something that makes us stronger. Draws us closer to Him. I am trying to change my perspective. I don't want to live in the "why me" of it all. I want to live in the "why not me." I want to live for Him. I want to lean on Him, and trust in Him and grow to be a better "doer of His word." Why should the lies of others matter? I have to realize that I know the truth and God does, and that's all that matters. Those around me should know me enough to know the truth. If not, they don't know me at all.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Worthy?

Louder than the voice
That whispers you’re unworthy
Hear the sound of love
That tells a different story


Sunday, November 7, 2010

Seven Days Without God Makes One Weak ~

WITHOUT GOD…our week would be: Sinday, Mournday, Tearsday, Wasteday, Thirstday, Fightday, Shatterday.

Song for a Sunday

Hope is here
Shout the news to everyone
It’s a new day peace has come
Jesus saves
Mercy triumphs at the cross
Love has come to rescue us
Jesus saves

Hope is here
What a joyful noise we’ll make
As we join with heaven’s song
To let all the world know that Jesus saves
Raise a shout to let all the world know
That Jesus saves

Free at last
Every debt has been repaid
Broken hearts can be remade
Jesus saves
Sing above the storms of life
Sing it through the darkest night
Jesus saves

Free at last
What a joyful noise we’ll make
As we join with heaven’s song
To let all the world know that Jesus saves
Raise a shout to let all the world know
That Jesus saves

Sing it out
To let all the world know that Jesus saves
Raise a shout
To let all the world know that Jesus saves

You save You heal
Restore, reveal, Your Father’s heart to us
You rose to raise us from the grave
Your Spirit lives in us

Sing it out
To let all the world know that Jesus saves
Raise a shout
To let all the world know that Jesus saves

Shout it out
To let all the world know that Jesus saves
Raise a shout
To let all the world know that Jesus saves

Sing it out
To let all the world know that Jesus saves
Raise a shout
To let all the world know that Jesus saves

Oh sing it out
We shout until the whole world knows his name
Jesus
Sing it out and shout
For we will know your name
Jesus, Jesus


Thursday, November 4, 2010

"A Man Fell Into A Hole"

I know many don't like watching videos, but this is very short and sooooo worth watching. It is a fine example of how Christianity is different from other religions. Wow, we serve an amazing God! Praise Him!


Wednesday, November 3, 2010

He Will Love You For You

I think this is a beautiful, powerful, amazing song! Not to mention her beautiful voice! I just love the message it weaves ~ no matter how unworthy we may feel, what we may have done, He loves us! He wants a relationship with us and He wants us to know how much He loves us. How amazing is that?




Friday, October 29, 2010

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Boys Bathroom Face Lift

Decided that the boys bathroom needed a little face lift. What started out as a them getting a new, tile floor and new pedestal sink, ended up in also a new toilet, baseboard, light, mirror and pictures. Once you start!
Here is their tile, and I just LOVE it, especially compared to their old linoleum. All in all, the room is much easier to clean now.





Sunday, October 24, 2010

Are You Washed in the Blood?




Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Refrain:
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
Oh, be washed in the blood of the Lamb!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

To God Alone Be the Glory

Use the weekend to enjoy your family and friends, and to enjoy the beauty that God has placed all around you!






Monday, October 18, 2010

The Lost Art of Treasuring

When I saw Beth Moore in Lowell, she had a wonderful, timely topic. "Rediscover the Lost Art of Treasuring." This is a VERY brief synopsis of what she taught. I am not very eloquent at condensing it from all of my notes to this tiny version, but wanted to share a few bits and pieces. So bear with me if it makes no sense! I know God had us there that day for a purpose, and maybe only I can understand what I have here.
She began by ready from Luke. The story of the birth of Jesus. In verse 19 of Chapter 2, it reads: "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Again in verse 51 it reads: "Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart."
These are such interesting things to pick up in the Word. It states in verse 18: "and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them." Beth pointed out that others were amazed by what was being told, but Mary treasured up these things, and she pondered them in her heart. She realized their importance.
The Greek word for this is "syntereo", which means to hold or treasure up in ones memory. To guard, to keep, preserve, keep safe, keep close. God is giving us treasures and we need to learn the ability to treasure something. "Because God himself treasures, and we are created in His image."
Beth reminded us to treasure a moment ~ to tuck it into your heart. There are many treasures out there waiting for us. If it's to be a treasure, your heart must be involved in it. It will not qualify as a treasure until it makes it into our hearts! It must have an emotional attachment to it ~ You must wrap your heart around it. There are people speaking treasure over you and we must learn to listen!
Beth said that many treasures strung together may bring healing to us, and that where there is one treasure, there could be many. Matthew 13:44-45 tells us the Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl. When a treasure was found, the man sold all he had to buy that field, because he knew where one treasure was, there were probably many.
Beth reminded us that the fine art of treasuring has gotten lost in the same trash as our time. We don't HAVE time, or TAKE the time, to treasure anything! We need to slow down and treasure! We are missing out on treasures because we are all living on fumes, living till we run out, and not taking the time to stop and treasure.
She also taught us that if we look past any hardship and pain in our lives, then we are minimizing our treasure. This is where hard heartedness can block healing and we guard our own hearts against treasures. God has treasures of purpose for us He will bring glory and redemption and healing from our hardships. "Walk by faith, not by sight." "When you make it through something that should of broken you, that is when the all surpassing power of Christ has overtaken your vessel."
It is a risk to treasure people! She told us that the only people we truly treasure, are the ones that we are so close to, that if a sword pierces through them, it will pierce your own soul as well.
She reminded us that anything can be treasured, and there are toxic treasures out there too! It could be treasuring things like bitterness, unforgiveness, mental strongholds, addition, etc. Where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. Don't hold onto toxic treasures! Make room in your storage bin for divine treasure, lay down what is poisoning us or taking up our storage space!
In ending she said that when you feel like you've lost your treasure, look for Jesus! Read Colossians 2:2-3 "in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."
"We were meant to matter ~ given ears to hear, eyes to see. If we never learn to treasure, then we are left only with the obvious. For God never amazes us for amazement's sake. There is always something in it to treasure. Amazement doesn't change us, what is the message behind it that He is trying to give you?"

Do take the time to slow down and treasure! Place those treasures in your heart!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Friday, October 8, 2010

Victory in Jesus

Travis Cottrell is an amazing singer and worship leader, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the worship at our conference last weekend. This is one of the songs that we shared once or twice. An amazing thing to hear 2800 women singing together. Found this clip of it. (Though not at our conference.) Thought it was a perfect song for my heart today!



Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Joy of the Lord

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."—Nehemiah 8:10.

Feeling a bit of my weaknesses coming to the surface today. In my striving for a me that is true and real, I am working on something that is often difficult for me. Not letting other people control (or steal) my joy!
I am finding that no matter where you go in life, there are people that, if I let, will steal my joy. Family, the lady at the grocery store, someone who hurts your child, even in church ~ the one place that I had thought maybe you would be safe from mean people. I guess that is where the part comes in about none of us being perfect. Hmmmmm. I have always had the hope that going to church, you would be in the presence of people who at least try to be nice, try to have mercy, try to do the right thing. Not always. I had the hope that if you know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and had joy in your heart that you would try to live in peace will people. Try to have joy. Try to love the brothers and sisters in your own body, so that you could go out and reach the lost.
But the key . . . . . I have to LET them steal my joy. And often I succeed in doing that!
So my mission is to remember to live by looking past those things that don't really matter in the scheme of life. I need to remember to give it all to the Lord, to lay it at the Cross! I cannot be an effective disciple if I let every little hurt bring me to my knees. If I want to keep my joy, I have to grab hold of it, I have to lay down those things for the true joy of the Lord! It begins in my own heart . . . by prayer and faith and putting Him first in all. Otherwise, I am letting those things fill the space that should be filled with Him and His word. He is what matters most.

"Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my Exceeding Joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise Thee, O God my God." Psalm 43:4

"And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in His Tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD." Psalm 27:6

"Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free Spirit." Psalm 51:12







I read this quote written by Sue. I am trying to process it, and want to know what you think about it.

"There are even times when people can rob years of our joy. We need to give these things over to God and know that when we have done all we can, we need to leave the rest up to Him. Forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation. If we have tried to restore a relationship, and the other party is not willing, that is their part, and not yours! Forgiveness is a one way street. Forgiveness doesn't always mean that reconciliation will follow."

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Amazement ~ or Treasure?

"God never amazes us for amazement's sake. There is always something in it to treasure. Amazement doesn't change us . . . what's the message behind it that He is trying to give you?" Beth Moore.

This is one of the quotes from Beth this past weekend. I thought it was really profound. I am amazed all the time . . . the sight and sound of the ocean waves crashing on shore. The beautiful sunrise or sunset. The birth of a child. The changing of the colors on the trees, glowing in the autumn sunshine. All of these things can stop me in my tracks and make me marvel. Amazed! But what is the message in the beauty that He is trying to show us?
Beth reminded us that amazement doesn't change us. . . . it is a fleeting feeling. It is the treasure in what we are amazed at, that makes it into our hearts and gives us a treasure, a message. Look for a treasure, because THAT is something to wrap your heart around.
This is just one point out of the pages and pages of notes that I wrote last weekend, but something that I was pondering this morning.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Living Proof Live ~ October 1 & 2



Pondering Treasures


We had an amazing time in Lowell over the weekend! Worshipping, being in the Word, girl time, revelations and treasures! I feel blessed beyond measure to have been able to be there, and I know that God had us there for a wonderful purpose. Want to talk more about it, but still pondering it all in my heart and mind.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Girl Time

Okay, so you can pray for me! I am leaving my family for the next two days to go for a little girl time. I have never left them to go anywhere, unless it's been with my husband, so it feels a bit odd!
But, I am very excited about what God has in store! I am sure that I will come home feeling like my cup has been filled to overflowing. I am going to see BETH MOORE! I am confident that the message she has for us will be something which we need to hear at this time, which can be a scary thought:)
Will update when I return, but now I have a house to clean and a bag to pack!
If you'd like to learn more, check out Beth's blog! It will bless you:)



Thursday, September 30, 2010

Mummu and Ellie

Yesterday Mummu called and asked if she could come up and visit with her good friend Ellie. I have known Ellie all my life, and Mummu has known her since she was 18 years old ~ for 73 years. Nice to see the precious friendship they have maintained through marriages, children, illnesses, losses of children and husbands and all of the other joys and sorrows that go along with life.



Friday, September 24, 2010

Grains of Sand


Psalm 139:17-18 (New International Version)

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Set my Feet on a Rock

Psalm 40:1-3
I waited patiently for the LORD;
He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.


Sometimes the mud and the mire can pull us down and overcome us. Sometimes we cry out and feel as if our hearts will burst, as if our prayers are bouncing back to us, as if we are too insignificant to utter the words again. Will anyone hear them? Why would He care about me?

But He will hear our cries ~ and put a new song in our mouth. We must continue to trust and obey and to BELIEVE, from the bottom of that slimy pit, that we are FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made ~ Loved with an Everlasting Love! We must believe in our hearts that He does listen, that He cares for us and that the enemy will not take up residence and make us feel insignificant.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Fight the good fight!