Namesake Week 5 Day 4: Grace and Truth

Today's Scripture: John 8:10-11, and John 1-14


After Jesus stood up and and diffused the crowd by making the women's accusers look into their own hearts, He could have simply stopped there. But as the women stood before him waiting on a verdict, wanting to know what this man / leader had to say about her actions, she knew that she was guilty of the crime. Jesus responded with grace "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more." Jesus forgave her, set her free from her past, and set her on a new path of change. Jesus' whole ministry in a nut shell is a fine balance of offering grace and giving people the truth.

Jesus wants more for our lives, but we have to take responsibility for thoughts, actions, desires and temptations. We will always be given forgiveness, but that doesn't mean that we can continue on in our sin and make the same mistakes over and over. God sent Jesus to the world to save His people from sin. Because of His love for us He wants to protect us from the damage sin causes in our lives.

There are two main topics that I really wanted to talk about in this chapter Conviction and Condemnation. Many many Christians (especially those who are new to Christianity) struggle with differentiating between the two.

Conviction: An internal voice of God gently calling us to a better life accessible through change.

Condemnation: An internal voice (a combination of the voices of others, our selves, and the devil) that breaks up down, strips away our worth and condemns us to fail over and over.

There are two versus that can really help us during these times of conflict where we might be struggling with conviction vs. condemnation.

John 3:17

Romans 8:1

Jesus offers us the freedom from condemnation, a change to break free of rut and have a new future. It's up to us to take the offer and through God receive the knowledge and help to move toward that future!

Namesake Week 5 Day 4: Gods Arithmetic

Today's Scripture: John 21:1-19

Most of us are a work in progress, a mix of old and new, past and present. With God's helpful arithmetic he can guide us to subtract the negative and add the positive equaling a balanced life.

Here is an activity from this chapter of the book.

Read the following scripture and put a + or a - to indicate if it was a positive or negative moment for Peter.

Luke 22:14-20 ____

Luke 22:24 ____

Luke 22:33 ____

Luke 22:34 ____

John 13:8 ____

John 13:9 ____

Mark 14:32-41 ____

John 18:10 ____

Matthew 26:69-75 ____


"It's at our times of greatest need that Jesus can show us the great forgiveness." J.G.

One great example of God's arithmetic is found in Matthew 18:21-22. Jesus says that we are to forgive 70 x 7 times. Jesus is trying to tell us not to keep count or keep a grudge of how many times someone sins against us, but that we should forgive more often than we can count.

For every mistake that we make Jesus adds another chance, He doesn't subtract his grace or mercy He just adds another 1, if you turn away from His 7 times he will give you 8 chances at redemption.

God's Arithmetic will never add up, but will always make sense to us all in the end.

Namesake Week 5 Day 3: Disappointing God

Today's Scripture: Luke 22:31-34, Luke 22:54-62

A few years ago a co-worker of mine told me "You can't hold others to the expectations that you hold yourself too." After all these years that advise still stays with me, I remind myself of it whenever I feel disappointed by the actions of others. I think that some people (some Christians even) wonder what is the positive in living in this post-Eden imperfect world? Jessica LaGrone's response is "we get to see how God deals with disappointment" Just live a parent, when God feels disappointment with us its because we are making bad choices and He only wants the best for us. The best thing about God and a lesson that we should all learn is even when deeply disappointment God response with GRACE. God will reach out to us again, and again, and again.

Here are some examples of God's grace:

Ephesians 2:8-9

Hebrews 4:16

Romans 5:1-2

"When we act in disappointing ways, God is not surprised. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He is ready to respond with Grace. He also knows that failure is like a sieve that can strengthen us. " Jessica LaGrone

I have a really hard time with expectations and disappointment as a mom and wife! God must deal with this as well, being our Holy Father, but he shows us unconditional love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. These qualities are the ones that I strive for everyday. To show my children that when we are disappointed we can still be gentle and not lash out or recoil, we need to extend understanding and love. We have a choice just like God has a choice to reject us or to work on us.

Namesake Week 5 Day 2 - Change

Today's Scripture: Matthew 16: 13-20 and 16:21-23, Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Blogging is essentially an online digital journal, typing or physically writing out our successes and struggles can bring solutions to light. I don't need to go back and read my oldest posts to know that I deal with the same struggles and temptations today as years ago, three steps forward and sometimes 10 back. (The same thing I deal with medically).

Life is all about ups and downs. Everyone deals with it, even Peter. I'm sure he was struggling with leaving his whole life behind to follow Jesus, that his life was shaken when Jesus changed his name and he would be the "foundation" of Jesus' church. His journal would also speak of his willingness and resistance to change - a spiritual yo-yo. When we read the gospels of Peter (and Simon Peter) we will see Peter is at his highest followed by his deepest lows.

In Matthew 16:21 we read about how Jesus told the disciples of the tests He would soon have to go through and how these tests will be necessary to prove God's love and power. Peter loved Jesus so much that when he heard this he asked Jesus if there was any way he would not sacrifice himself and instead lead His people. Jesus called Peter "Satan" (in Hebrew Satan means to obstruct or oppose). When Peter voiced his concern and questioned God's plan through Jesus he was obstructing Jesus' path. He went from the high of being renamed and being the rock to the low of Jesus telling him he was like Satan.

Most of us, especially in today's world we don't like to wait. We want to change and do it immediately, but God normally works through us to change that can take a lifetime. When we give our lives over to God we have to remember that just with most things in life "it takes work". We cannot expect that once we reach out to God we won't struggle or temptations will instantly fade away. "Even as we walk with God we will sometimes fall down" Jessica LaGrone. We have to remember that the process is just as important as the end result. And thank God for his patience, grace and love!

In the Act on it section I made a graph of my journey with God.

Namesake Week 5 Day 1: From Mess to Ministry

Today's Scripture: Matthew 16:13-18, Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16, Acts 1:13-14

I have shared that I was raised in a Christian home, but after I became pregnant with my oldest that I turned away from my faith. The year before a found my faith again my best friend was always trying to get me to go to bible study with her, I declined every time. I felt that I didn't know enough, my biblical knowledge was nil. I didn't want to go into a room with other women and show how little I knew about the bible, to be judged by others on how little I knew. When I stopped ignoring God speaking to my heart and really listened the first thing I did was go out and find a bible study. I picked up What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lisa Terkeurst and it really helped me start to rebuild my relationship with God. I was and still am extremely imperfect, the same is true when we meet Simon Peter in Matthew 16. Simon Peter was kind of a mess, why would Jesus chose him as a follower and a leader? When Jesus asked the disciples what they knew of Him, Simon Peter didn't think if his answer was right or wrong. Simon Peter simply answered what he felt in his heart to be true. Jesus doesn't care if we have extensive biblical knowledge He only cares about what we believe in our hearts, and if we chose Him.

This chapter asks "Who do you say that I am?" My answer - You are a great leader and teacher. You are like a stone dropped into water that has created thousands of ripples that will be made for hundreds of years. You are my savior, my father, my friend and example.

Simon was completely open, honest and personal in his response, he acknowledged that Jesus was the one person that was making changes in his life and changing the whole world. Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter, the rock. Jesus build the church's foundation on the rock, on Simon Peter. Jesus knew that Simon Peter was a work in progress, but I think He chose a person that he could change and help grow into the position He needed him to be. "...he was great building material, not a finished product." (speaking of Simon Peter). Jesus' pull to us has everything to do with loving us as we are, not loving the person that we have build ourselves to be. He can change us break us down and build us up for the better.

My favorite quote from this chapter reads,

Meals For Moving

I hate it every time we move all we do is eat fast food crap for 3 or 4 days. So this time I am planning on making some moving meals. Make ahead or crock pot meals that we can take to the new house and eat.
So after scouring Pinterest for an hour I found the following ideas that I think my family and I will love.

Make Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches @

rootandblossom.com

Bacon Cheeseburger Wraps @

The Recipe Critic

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken Bowls @

Budget Bytes

Pressed Turkey Sandwhich @

The Fest Blog

Pulled Chicken Verde @

The Slender Student 

Skinny Chicken and Broccoli Casserole @

 Yummy Healthy Easy

Spinach Turkey Muffins @

Meal and Moves Blog

Spaghetti & Meatballs - Make Ahead Meals @

Mommy's Kitchen

Cinnamon Vanilla Scones @

Savoring The Thyme

I hope you check out all these yummy recipes and wonderful blogs. Tag me on Pinterest (Thismomspath) on all your make ahead meals or meals perfect for moving. 

Family Update

I felt that a family update is needed today, since I have not been able to post early in the A.M. everyday you deserve an insight into why...

Well here is the 1st thing, WE GOT THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We move in somewhere around the 20th of September, I can't wait.

So I have been completely busy trying to find a new couch (our current sectional that I ♥ is too big). Finding new bedding and accessories for the girls, paint colors, etc etc.

Here is the 2nd thing, Cloe started Preschool 2 days a week and Shay is a FRESHMAN, WHAT? I have a daughter in high school. So I have to drive Shay to school until we move. So Mondays and Wednesdays I drive for an hour dropping the girls off at school. ♥♥♥I LOVE IT!!!!♥♥♥

Here is the 3rd thing...

We brought home a tiny puppy, a male morkie (maltese / yorkie) - Opie

Sp needless to say I am really busy. This morning I only had 20 minutes to spend on my namesake study. Things are kinda a mess at the moment, but its a great mess. I am so blessed and content! I am sorry that my posts are a little late in being published or if I skip a day. Please keep reading and stay tuned for tons of fun projects and house related stuff!

Have a great day!

Namesake Week 2 Day 3: More Than Enough

Today's Scripture: Genesis 27:1-13, Genesis 27:14-17, Genesis 27:18-40, and Philippians 4:11-13

I will be okay when ________ happens. I think I say this all the time, do you find yourself saying something along those lines? Or do you look at others and wonder why God has provided them their hearts desire and mine is unfulfilled?

Complete this sentence: I'll be happy when ___________________________ (my answer: we move and get settled).

In Genesis 27 we read about how Jacob lived his life based on the motto of "I'll be happy when". Jacob's downfall was basing his life on what his brother had (things that we wanted, that he ended up taking). When Isaac had finally come to the end of life, he told Esau to go and hunt for wild game, to prepare a meal for him and he would give Esau his blessing (his birthright has the 1st son). Once Esau had left Rebekah had a plan to use Jacob and deceive Isaac into giving Jacob the blessing of the 1st son.

Rebekah had Jacob bring her two goats which cooked into a tasty meal, she dressed Jacob in Esau clothes and covered his smooth skin with the skin from the goats. She gave Jacob the meal and told him to take it to Isaac. Her scheme was to steal the birthright and blessing from her older son and have it given to the younger son Jacob.

And so Isaac gave the blessing to Jacob. Esau soon returned and also cooked a meal for Isaac and when he brought it in to him was told that the blessing had already been given wrongfully to Jacob. Esau was saddened and in deep despair. Esau begged his father Isaac for a blessing, there must be some blessing that Isaac could bestow on Esau? But no he said the blessing will stand as it was given.

The lesson that can be learned from Jacob is our discontentment with what we have can damage the relationships with those around us. It can also damage our relationship with God. If we spend our lives wishing for what others have we can't see the life that God intended for us. Jacob wanted what his brother had, so not only did he do everything in his power to get it, but he basically told God I'm not happy with the life you have given me, I want to switch with my brother.

In 1 Timothy 6:6-10 it says that being content brings godliness and happiness, "let us be content with what we have" and praise God for our many blessings. Being discontent may lead us into temptation, to become trapped by foolishness and end up in sorrow.  We as humans will always want more, but its important to thank God for the blessing we receive and to always work to find contentment in our lives.

"Knowing the love of our heavenly Father means 

knowing there will be more than enough to go around" 

- Jessica LaGrone 

Namesake Week 1 Day 5: Revelation, Call on the Name of God

Today's Scripture: Genesis 11:1-8 and Genesis 12:1-9

As mentioned in the introduction to this study the first 4 days of the weeks study is related to transformation, learning about changes that God made in the lives of others. The last day of each week is about revelation, exploring the unchanging identity and character of God. 

"True change is found in discovering who God is, how God reveals Himself and His love to us, and how it makes a difference in our own lives."

Can you imagine what is would be like is we tried to become more like God if he never revealed His character to us. We would be like a dog trying to catch him own tail, going around and around trying to catch ourselves. 

Here are some of the characteristics of God listed in the Bible

A strong fortress, a place to find love and safety

Glory

Majesty

Unfailing, never ending righteousness

Giver of Life to all who believe

Scripture relating to God's nature: Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 1113:1-3, and John 20:31

Many people make a list of the priorities in their lives, most go something like family, job, house, etc, etc. But for Christians its important for God to be at the top of the list, put first, and made top priority. He has to be the center of our universe, not ourselves. Jessica LaGrone points something out about the story of The Tower of Babel (Genesis Chapter 11) that I never really noticed. The people came together to build this tower so that "their" name would be known. By putting themselves before God, and putting themselves in God's rightful place they start a drastic downward spiral. 

Genesis Chapter 11 - Moral Bankruptcy - Bankruptcy Chapter 11 =

bank·rupt·cy, Noun - The state of being completely lacking in a particular quality or value. Failure, depleted, empty.

If the people had called out to God and asked for Him to reveal his plan and purpose for them they could have been mighty leaders and known for that, instead of causing total chaos and crashing down (bankruptcy) of the tower. 

This really stuck with me: "the characteristics at the heart of God are central to the future they (we) are now seeking."

When we call out to God for help, guidance, or support we need to not be calling God to us to do something, or do things our way. We need to call out to God, with all His Love, Power, and Mercy, in Praise of Him to please for Him act in His will on this situation. More times than not, God will make changes in us (changes to our heart, our character to be more like Him) that will in the end bring about the change that we are asking for. God works in mysterious ways.

Psalm 86:5 and Romans 10:13

Instructions from God on how to pray and call out His name can be found in Matthew 6

My Living Room Inspiration Board

I love creating inspiration boards it helps me to see if all my ideas are lining up to create the perfect room.
I'm thinking of a eclectic / rustic living room. I don't want a log cabin or hunters retreat, just touches of rustic here and there.

There are also some difficulties to the living room in the house that we are purchasing there is really only one wall the flat screen can he hung (of course my hubby thinks this should be the focal point of the room LOL), there is a fireplace with an insert that is not flush, and on the opposite wall is the breakfast bar for the kitchen. I'm still not sure about what colors because I don't want it to be too dark and I love lighter/brighter colors as accents.

So here are some of my ideas:

http://traceryinteriors.wordpress.com

One of the other problems that you might be able to tell is my husband really likes darker warmer tones and I like things a little lighter. Combining these two is the goal.

So tell me what to y'all think?

Hope for the Weary Mom - Chapter 9

9. When the World Presses In

I am not going to go very in depth on this chapter, since deep hurt and loss have not hit my life yet. I have had people close to me die, but I have not had anyone in my immediate family pass. I give my sincere condolences to those have.

During the hardest of times please remember that God does walk away from us we walk away from God, but all we have to do is turn around and He will be there waiting.

Her are some tips for preparing for and getting through when the world presses in on you.

1. Build your foundation now 

-Build your life on the rock and on the word of God. 

-Don't wait for tomorrow to give your life to God, build an intimate relationship with God.

-Build, Build, Build

-Find a church and surround yourself with people that have a strong relationship with God. 

-Find time everyday to pray and read the word

-Say "Yes" to God, commit to obey His word.

2. Try hard not to walk through life alone

-Meet your neighbors

-Join one of the groups at your church

-Stay close to your family

-Invest in relationships with others outside your household

3. Keep talking to God

-Tell God how you feel

-God is big enough to handle all our feelings, so let him have it all

4. Refuse to let go of hope

"There is life beyond the tragedy It's hard to see that or accept it when you're tight in the middle." - Tracey Hope for the Weary Mom

Tomorrow is the last chapter of this study so make sure to check in tomorrow for that and info on what I'm reading next.

Hope for the Weary Mom - Chapter 1

1. Why God Meets Us in Our Mess

Sometimes as mom's we tend to internalize everything, our feelings, our thoughts, our fears, our shortcomings, all of it. We end up with a really messy heart, sometimes just like our homes. I tend to be super controlling and a little OCD, so when my home gets messy I feel completely stressed and overwhelmed. I feel the same way when my heart gets messy, dizzy with feelings of sadness, anger, and fear. This is not a good way to live let alone be a mom to the ever watchful eyes of impressionable littles. 

The good news is God will always come meet us in our mess. He welcomes us into his comforting and loving arms with whispers of HOPE, GRACE, and begins to change us from the inside out. Hebrews 13:9 says "Your strength comes from God's grace..."

God is super willing to join us in the middle of our messes, but God savors an invitation into this place. 

"Fill it (my heart) with Your presence and begin working on the inside who you want me to be on the outside." - Hope for the Weary Mom

From my journal -

1. As I grow older I feel more overwhelmed wit my messes (both physical and in my heart / mind), they seem to grow overnight and when I wake up in the morning I'm more overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.

2. I envy other moms who have it all together. The whole look and manage to be at every game and every birthday party. Their house are spotless and they manage to get the whole family to church on time.

3. I think the changes that God makes in our hearts lead to changes in our circumstance. Once the inside mess is cleaned up it frees us to be better and THRIVE. Like the Casting Crowns song says

"We know we were made for so much more than ordinary lives

Its time for us to more than just survive
We were made to thrive"

I will skip question / answer number four as it pertains to the book itself.

5. I have gotten pretty good, especially lately, at hiding how tired I am. Their are nights when I am exhausted, but I still tidy up the house before I go to bed, and then wake up early to do the laundry before the heat of the day hits. I think a mom doesn't have the luxury of hiding under the covers or falling apart. My hope is that God would throw his arms around me and comfort me - wash my tiredness and pain away.

Renew Me

A Whirlwind

The past 2 weeks have been a whirlwind of medical information, trying to purchase a house, feeling like crap / being in pain, kids getting into trouble and kids getting sick. Today I am nearing my wits end...I am exhausted and just don't feel good. And I don't want to deal with house offers, missing meds, and my youngest' nasty cough.

I really want to climb in the bath and then crawl into bed and stay there for the next few days. But there is no possible way that I can do that, the bath ok maybe. But I'm a mom and a wife I have things to get done and my family to take care of, I can't just check out. Today I'm just praying for my daughter to feel better and not have her third double ear infection in two months, and for my oldest who is making really bad choices and getting into trouble to have a new beginning. It's funny how when I feel like throwing in the towel my prayers are always for others to get better or be better. Maybe I need to turn my prayer attention to myself...

God -

Please hold my hand and keep me in your comforting arms. Help through feeling bad and through the pain. Speak to my heart on buying a house. Help me to stay strong in body and spirit through dealing with RRMS. Thank you for keeping my family safe and for the many blessing we receive. Without your love and guidance we would be wondering in the dark.

Please help Shay away from the friends that are leading her astray. Help her make good choices and be the bright happy kid she should be. Please give her a crossroads and guide her down a path where she wont have regrets and heartache. Remind her of your love and that her family loves her, we only want great things for her.

Amen

Today is the Day

Today is the day that I meet with my Neurologist to discuss and finalize the start of my MS (multiple sclerosis) treatment. I have to be 100% honest I am struggling today. My husband keeps telling me not to stress that we will deal with it as it comes, one day at a time. But I'm scared of what treatment might bring, sickness, fatigue, and the inability to be me...a mom, a wife, a sister, a friend and in-charge of my household.

I am so emotional and stressed. I found this website / webpage and it reminded me that sitting in worry is not what I should be doing right now, there is someone that I should be turning to for comfort, God.

http://godsgracefulness.com

The moment I feel afraid or overwhelmed, I reach for His hand. I go directly to Him and pray.  It wasn’t always this easy. I used to just sit and worry. I would worry so much that I’d forget to pray and read the Word.

Many times we get overwhelmed with life and forget how big our God is!  God is always there to comfort us and reminding us we need to seek Him at all times in the good and bad.

Four things I’d like for us to keep in mind when feeling afraid, faithless, or overwhelmed:

1. God will comfort us: Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope. This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your promisegives me life.  -Psalm 119:51

2. God wants us to rejoice in Hope and in His promises: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. -Romans 12:12

3. Remain in His peace: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. -John 16:33

4. Keep the faith and fight the good fight: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. -2Tim. 4:7

I'm not done, I have so much more to share

I wanted all my readers and followers to know that I have not abandoned my blog, I have so much to share. I am trying to figure out my MS diagnosis, 2nd opinion, treatment, etc. With all of this medical / insurance stuff I have to take some time off from blogging. I will be back next week with a new bible study series and an update on my condition and hopefully treatment.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers.

Huge Announcement and I Want to Hear From You

I have a huge announcement I will be starting She Reads Truth - This is the bible on Monday April 7th. I will add a page tab so that if you want to follow along or if you miss a day it will be easy for you to find. I will be journaling and linking shereadsthruth.com to my days. This does not mean that I will dedicate the entire blog to the She Reads Truth, I will still be posting about everyday issues, family, and my life. 

With that said I want to hear from you...what do you want to see and read about?You the readers are what a blog a success and I want to give you what you are looking for.

I love other things beside God, my family, my husband etc. 

Home Decor

Crafts

Sewing

Fashion (although I am not that fashion forward)

Vintage...Everything vintage

Kids / Parenting
Fitness / Health

Me - my life more personal, pictures, etc

Please shoot me a comment or an email with your ideas.

Church Problems - Finding and Loving a Church

Since attending church again I automatically went back to my "home church" the church where I went with my parents, Destiny Christian Church. Sunday was a celebration of 25 years, a look back at the past and a look forward to the future. Our pastor announced that the churches goal is to open a second location by 2015 and to open many locations in the next five years. As well as an increase in missionary work and community outreach. 

These are all great goals, but the way our pastor brought it to the church was a little offputting. Instead of asking the congregation to pray about these things and ask God to lead us toward meeting these goals, he more told the church that the church leaders had prayed about it and this is the plan.

https://www.facebook.com/DestinyRocklin
http://destinyrocklin.com/

I like attending a larger church and I understand that this is the model of the quote Megachurch. And I don't think that I have to agree a 100% with what the pastoral staff would like to have happen. I don't think there will ever be a church that we agree with everything that happens all the time. I like the messages and the worship and that's why I attend Destiny.

As things come up I will pray and if I want to volunteer or get involved I will and if not then I won't. 

I would love to know

Are you a member of your church?

Do you love everything about your church?

Do you like / attend a large or small church?

Family Changes

Well it's official I have a preschooler and soon to be high school freshman. My youngest daughter started preschool today, and can you believe it my oldest is about to graduate from 8th grade. Taking Cloe to her first day of preschool brought back so many memories of taking my oldest Shay to her first day.

Cloe

Shay

Everyone keeps asking "what are you going to do with your free time?" (the time that Cloe will be at preschool) And I'm not sure! Crafting and sewing is definitely on the list, but more than likely the time will spent running errands and cleaning.

When I dropped her off she took right to it. Started playing and never looked back. So here I am sitting in blissful silence today in my empty house thinking about how things are changing with my girls and with our family and what will the future hold?