Rejoice Today and Everyday

Sometimes the simplest instructions can be the most powerful.  1 Thessalonians5:16 says "rejoice always."  There is always something to rejoice about, even its just celebrating being among the living.  But sometimes I am filled with lament about unfulfilled dreams or past failures.  Then I'm tempted to jump on the hampster wheel and try to make things happen myself.  Nearly everyday I pray for God to help me give up control.  All I need to do is be still, and let Him fight for me (Exodus 14:14).  In the meantime, rejoice over life's daily blessings my friends!  #ChildrenoftheDay

Practice Humility

According to scripture, we are called to practice humility. This is quite difficult in today's world.  I love social media, but there is a balance between engaging in it and being humble.  Christ made himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7).  That is the goal, to be a genuine, humble servant in all aspects of life.   

Pride and Timidity

Pride and timidity.  I never really lumped the two together.  I struggle with both.  It's so hard to know when one or the other is interfering with His plan for my life. Can't wait to see what Thessolonians 1 and 2 have to say about this conundrum! #ChildrenoftheDay



Being Still

Today I was directed to and inspired by  Psalm 46:10 - "be still and know that I am God." This is profound for a (self-proclaimed mind you) go-getter who likes to charge ahead when I put something in my sights. It didn't take long for life to knock me back. After 10 years in the wilderness (yikes), I learned the importance of obedience and waiting. I'm wiser now, but it's still a daily battle to stay in the word, watch for His presence and follow His direction.  All the while praying for discernment. Here's to continuing to grow!

Speaking to Please Him

Our world is driven by communication.  Now that everything is digital, we are communicating not just face to face but on Facebook, Twitter, our blogs, etc.  I confess to how tempted I am to say whatever will make people happy.  I want to tweet something profound, write something that will overwhelm people, or not say something because I don't want to be view negatively.  I'm happy to share a little inspiration straight from scripture to help us move past this temptation.  1 Thesselonians 2:4b says we speak not please men, but rather God, who examines our hearts.  May we all take this to heart and let it edify our conversations (and status updates, tweets, etc.).  #ChildrenoftheDay

Fulfilling Commitments

My friends often joke that I am all over the place. I'm blogging, volunteering on a farm, trying to run for office, starting an animal science club, serving coffee at church and a host of other tihings.  My son even makes fun of "me and my commitments." Usually a few weeks or months in I take a step back and wonder why am I doing this?  I'll blog and no one reads my post.  Or receive a mountain of paperwork to fill out and wonder how can I do all this?  But what are we supposed to do if we feel genuinely called to pursue these initiatives?  Today's Journey Magazine, says we push forward on faith and ask God for the grace and strength to follow through.  I also make an affirmative effort not to think too far down the road.  Today, I don't have to worry about how a bunch of city kids are going to raise and show an animal at a county fair.  Or how I'm even going to find the kids to do it.  Today, all I have to do is fill out these forms and take the next right step.  Baby steps.  When I give up the worry and anxiety and cast my cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7) almost like clockwork my efforts will bear fruit.  I'll get that call or e-mail that will let me know I'm on the right path.  Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6), my friends.  Pursue those passions...one step at a time!

Learn How Things Fly

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum will have a webcast with Dr. John Anderson, Jr., Curator for Aerodynamics and Michael Huslander, Manager of Onsite Learning on how things fly.  Specifically, how lift and thrust act on an aircraft.  Vist this website to view the live session.  Sounds like fun!

Being Aware of His Presence

It seems fitting in this season of many new adventures that seem far beyond my capabilities that I'm reading Gideon: Your Weakness, God's Strength by Priscilla Shirer.  I'm on the second week of an enlightening study.  Today's lesson focused on the importance of being aware of God's presence.  Before his great battle, the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon (Judges 6: 11-12).  I'll learn soon what the angel said, but today the focus is simply on being aware of His presence in order to know His purpose.  Paul said it best in Ephesians 1: 18-19 when he stated "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe."  Do you know where He's moving in your life in this season?

Children of the Day by Beth Moore

I am completely overwhelmed by the opportunity to be a part of the Launch Team for Beth Moore's new Bible Study, Children of the Day.  I fell in love with her work when B&H Publishing made some of her books available for free over the new year.  Believing God had (and is still having) a profound impact on my life.  Can't wait to share the other great things I learn at lunch from #ChildrenoftheDay!