I began a new study on the names of God. Actually it is through church again, but before I knew that they were studying this, I had already purchased a study on this topic for myself.
I was going through my lesson this morning and Isaiah 43 was where I ended up. Verse 1 says, Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! Verse 7, Everyone who is called by My name and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made....
What a great thing in verse one, I have been redeemed, I am His! Sometimes I just need to be reminded of that. Then the other verse, I have been created for His glory. I don't know about you, but I don't always give Him glory. Because He created me and I am His, everything that I do should bring Him glory. Talk about convicting! So often, I spend time trying to please the people around me, and I forget that the One that I should be pleasing is God. My prayer is that I can keep that in the forefront of my mind and that I bring Him the glory that He deserves.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Saying Hi
Hello, I'm still here, I've just been busy.
It is finally cooling down a bit in Texas. We are finally out the 100s! I was just outside and the morning was perfect. I love living out in the country where I can see the gorgeous sunrises, sunsets and the bright stars.
Our garden flourished this summer and I have been spending lots of time freezing and canning the produce. I had no idea that a garden would do so well in the desert but I am so grateful that it did. We have a freezer and shelves full of produce. I think it is slowly dying now, well, I only say that because the zucchini plants aren't producing as much. :) Now that the garden is tapering off, I may find some more time to blog.
This week, I have been contemplating on what God has done in my life. I began a Bible study on the names of God and just looking at the list of them is overwhelming. When I was reading through the list, I noticed how many of them I have personally experienced. I couldn't help but feel blessed that I am His child. He is sufficient for everything that I need and I am in want for nothing with Him as my heavenly Father.
It is finally cooling down a bit in Texas. We are finally out the 100s! I was just outside and the morning was perfect. I love living out in the country where I can see the gorgeous sunrises, sunsets and the bright stars.
Our garden flourished this summer and I have been spending lots of time freezing and canning the produce. I had no idea that a garden would do so well in the desert but I am so grateful that it did. We have a freezer and shelves full of produce. I think it is slowly dying now, well, I only say that because the zucchini plants aren't producing as much. :) Now that the garden is tapering off, I may find some more time to blog.
This week, I have been contemplating on what God has done in my life. I began a Bible study on the names of God and just looking at the list of them is overwhelming. When I was reading through the list, I noticed how many of them I have personally experienced. I couldn't help but feel blessed that I am His child. He is sufficient for everything that I need and I am in want for nothing with Him as my heavenly Father.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Flashback
This week, I traveled with Mr. E again. I love the fact that I can
go with him when he leaves town. Although he was gone a lot on
this trip, I would rather see him for a little time than to not see him
at all. He means so much to me. I certainly couldn't imagine my life
without him.
While we were eating dinner one night last week, we were talking about how uncomfortable I am with speaking in public. I get extremely nervous. It was bad enough playing piano in church, but in that situation, the focus isn't on the pianist, hopefully! My mind went back to the last time that I spoke in public, at Jared's funeral. It was then that the flashback occurred. What flashed in my head was not the speaking in public, but of the first sight that I saw when I was finished. It was suggested to me before the funeral that I appoint someone to be ready to take over my "speech", just in case I couldn't get through what I wanted to say. I asked my brother, Tim. He was the first person I saw when I was done, and he was crying. He said later that it was a good thing that I got through it, because he would have been in no shape to take over! Sitting across the table from Mr. E that night, I got tears in my eyes thinking about that memory. The support I had during that time was incredible, even though some of those people were hurting just as much as me. I couldn't begin to thank people enough for everything that they did and I would venture to say, most of the time they didn't even know how much they helped.
While we were eating dinner one night last week, we were talking about how uncomfortable I am with speaking in public. I get extremely nervous. It was bad enough playing piano in church, but in that situation, the focus isn't on the pianist, hopefully! My mind went back to the last time that I spoke in public, at Jared's funeral. It was then that the flashback occurred. What flashed in my head was not the speaking in public, but of the first sight that I saw when I was finished. It was suggested to me before the funeral that I appoint someone to be ready to take over my "speech", just in case I couldn't get through what I wanted to say. I asked my brother, Tim. He was the first person I saw when I was done, and he was crying. He said later that it was a good thing that I got through it, because he would have been in no shape to take over! Sitting across the table from Mr. E that night, I got tears in my eyes thinking about that memory. The support I had during that time was incredible, even though some of those people were hurting just as much as me. I couldn't begin to thank people enough for everything that they did and I would venture to say, most of the time they didn't even know how much they helped.
Monday, July 23, 2012
God's reminders
Mr E. is on a business trip this week, so since I am unemployed, I get to accompany him. I am currently sitting at Starbucks and I just finished working on some of my Bible study lessons that I was behind in. These lessons that I did today were perfect reminders to me.
A couple of weeks ago someone approached me about helping out with a certain ministry. It was interesting timing because I had just been talking with Mr. E about wanting to get involved with some type of ministry, I just didn't know what direction to go in. I was told to pray about it, which I have been doing. However, one of the things that holds me back when I'm approached with things like these are my own insecurities. I begin to feel that I am so inadequate for things like this. Why me, what can I offer? I'm just little ol' me, nothing special. I'm sure there are more qualified people.
Today's Bible study was a God's gentle reminder to me.....ok, maybe a swift kick in the pants instead.
First reminder:
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you and before you were born I consecrated you. (My name Elizabeth means consecrated to God) He planned out a purpose for me even before I was conceived. I don't need to worry about it.
Two examples, David (Goliath) and Elijah (prophets of Baal) were given seemingly insurmountable assignments. However, God had prepared them both ahead of time for accomplishing His will in each of these events. He gives us the strength in our weaknesses. Phil 4:19 "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." God has enough grace to get us through anything He places in front of us! 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness". Paul goes onto say in that verse, "Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." I know that I would rather feel weak in my strength and let God's power take over instead too!
Second reminder:
2 Chronicles 20
Not only does he prepare us ahead of time for the things that He has planned, he already has a plan in mind before He calls us. So often if something comes up in my life that I have to deal with, I sit and try to figure out how it is all going to work out. This reminder was great.....God already has it all worked out. My job, trust that He will work it out.
In 2 Chronicles 20, Judah was about to be invaded by Moab and Ammon. Jehoshaphat was afraid, but in verse 3 it says, he turned his attention to seek the Lord. He prayed to the Lord in verse 6, "Power and might are in Your hand, so that no one can stand against you." Verse 12, "For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You". In verse 15 through 17 is God's response. Here are some quotes from that section that stood out to me, "for the battle is not yours but God's" and "stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf". Look what happened when a fearful Jehoshaphat turned his eyes to the Lord. God comforted him and told him that He was in control. Jehoshaphat didn't have to run around panicking, wondering how they were going to fight. God already had a plan to solve the problem. Because of Jehoshaphat's weakness, God's power shown through. He goes before us in everything!
These were great reminders to me this morning........now to just remember them!
A couple of weeks ago someone approached me about helping out with a certain ministry. It was interesting timing because I had just been talking with Mr. E about wanting to get involved with some type of ministry, I just didn't know what direction to go in. I was told to pray about it, which I have been doing. However, one of the things that holds me back when I'm approached with things like these are my own insecurities. I begin to feel that I am so inadequate for things like this. Why me, what can I offer? I'm just little ol' me, nothing special. I'm sure there are more qualified people.
Today's Bible study was a God's gentle reminder to me.....ok, maybe a swift kick in the pants instead.
First reminder:
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you and before you were born I consecrated you. (My name Elizabeth means consecrated to God) He planned out a purpose for me even before I was conceived. I don't need to worry about it.
Two examples, David (Goliath) and Elijah (prophets of Baal) were given seemingly insurmountable assignments. However, God had prepared them both ahead of time for accomplishing His will in each of these events. He gives us the strength in our weaknesses. Phil 4:19 "My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." God has enough grace to get us through anything He places in front of us! 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness". Paul goes onto say in that verse, "Most gladly therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." I know that I would rather feel weak in my strength and let God's power take over instead too!
Second reminder:
2 Chronicles 20
Not only does he prepare us ahead of time for the things that He has planned, he already has a plan in mind before He calls us. So often if something comes up in my life that I have to deal with, I sit and try to figure out how it is all going to work out. This reminder was great.....God already has it all worked out. My job, trust that He will work it out.
In 2 Chronicles 20, Judah was about to be invaded by Moab and Ammon. Jehoshaphat was afraid, but in verse 3 it says, he turned his attention to seek the Lord. He prayed to the Lord in verse 6, "Power and might are in Your hand, so that no one can stand against you." Verse 12, "For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You". In verse 15 through 17 is God's response. Here are some quotes from that section that stood out to me, "for the battle is not yours but God's" and "stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf". Look what happened when a fearful Jehoshaphat turned his eyes to the Lord. God comforted him and told him that He was in control. Jehoshaphat didn't have to run around panicking, wondering how they were going to fight. God already had a plan to solve the problem. Because of Jehoshaphat's weakness, God's power shown through. He goes before us in everything!
These were great reminders to me this morning........now to just remember them!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Zucchini
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| Who knew zucchini could get so big? (these were fed to some chickens) |
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| What to do with the overabundance of zucchini? |
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| Lots of zucchini bread!!! |
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| Had to brag on my husband a bit. He surprised me with these......it's he the greatest! |
Monday, July 16, 2012
3 years
I will forever remember this day from 2009. I really don't know how to put into words what this day means to me. I will say, this day is much improved from three years ago.
I let myself think back on that day this morning as I was driving home. I haven't done that much. It isn't that I want to think about it, I just don't feel like I need to dwell on that day. Anyway. I recall the huge emptiness that I felt. I looked at the people who were around me that day and most everyone had a spouse with whom they could find comfort. I remember selfishly thinking that that wasn't fair. The one person who was supposed to be with me through all the tough times was in heaven. I was now alone.
In today's lesson in my Jonah Bible study, the author asked us to record some details about a time when God inexplicable brought positive results out of negative beginnings. Three years later, I can see so many positive results from what seemed like a negative beginning. Don't get me wrong, three years ago, I was having a hard time seeing what good could come of Jared's death. Being three years removed I can look back and see how God will take something "tragic" and use it for His good. That's why it is hard to put into words what this day is like for me. As hard as that day was, I've learned so much from it. Jared was/is? a wonderful man, I learned many things from him, one being learning what it meant to praise God even through suffering. I was blessed to have him in my life.
This year is different than the past two years. This year, I have the great blessing of having Mr. E as my husband. I'm not alone anymore. Mr. E has changed what this day means for me, but sorry, I can't describe what all that means. All I can say is that God has continued to bless me and I could never thank Him enough for what He has done for me and will continue to do in mine and Mr. E's lives together.
I let myself think back on that day this morning as I was driving home. I haven't done that much. It isn't that I want to think about it, I just don't feel like I need to dwell on that day. Anyway. I recall the huge emptiness that I felt. I looked at the people who were around me that day and most everyone had a spouse with whom they could find comfort. I remember selfishly thinking that that wasn't fair. The one person who was supposed to be with me through all the tough times was in heaven. I was now alone.
In today's lesson in my Jonah Bible study, the author asked us to record some details about a time when God inexplicable brought positive results out of negative beginnings. Three years later, I can see so many positive results from what seemed like a negative beginning. Don't get me wrong, three years ago, I was having a hard time seeing what good could come of Jared's death. Being three years removed I can look back and see how God will take something "tragic" and use it for His good. That's why it is hard to put into words what this day is like for me. As hard as that day was, I've learned so much from it. Jared was/is? a wonderful man, I learned many things from him, one being learning what it meant to praise God even through suffering. I was blessed to have him in my life.
This year is different than the past two years. This year, I have the great blessing of having Mr. E as my husband. I'm not alone anymore. Mr. E has changed what this day means for me, but sorry, I can't describe what all that means. All I can say is that God has continued to bless me and I could never thank Him enough for what He has done for me and will continue to do in mine and Mr. E's lives together.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Adventures
Last week, Mr. E and I were able to go to Colorado. Wow! I had driven through there as a little kid, but I don't remember anything about that trip. It is an amazing place! We went to some national parks and drove all over the state seeing landscapes that I cannot even describe. Believe me, the pictures don't do it justice. My favorite part was the train trip we took on the last day we were there. The train dropped us off in the middle of nowhere and we hiked up to a beautiful river to fly fish. My husband was in his element and it was fun to see how much he enjoys it. He was patient enough to teach me to fly fish and I now understand why he loves it so much. I still need more practice, but I can't wait to try it again. It was an incredible trip. I felt like God also showed me a few things that I need to let go of and to work on in my life as well. All in all, it was a great trip.
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| Our cabin |
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| The lake down the road from our cabin. |
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| One of the many beautiful places we traveled through. |
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| Red Top Mountain |
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| Needle Rock near Crawford, CO |
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| Black Canyon National Park - I've never seen anything like it! |
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| Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde National Park |
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| View from Balcony House, Mesa Verde National Park |
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| Coal burning train that took us to the river to fly fish. |
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| My handsome man, doing what he loves! |
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| My first fly fishing catch. |
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| View from the train |
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| The train....again. |
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| Fly fishing on the river in CO. |
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