The Shepherd knows


February 28, 2009
"The provision our divine Master has made of spiritual drink and spiritual food is always the best for us. We would be thankful for it if we realized this. The difficult part is the we must believe now, before we see the results, that the Shepherd knows the best pasture for His sheep. If we did, surely our hearts would be filled with thanksgiving and our mouths with praise-even in the wilderness"
Hannah Whitall Smith


Cheryl Landis painted this- isn't it amazing? You can find her here.

Be all there!

February 26, 2009


Wherever you are,
be all there.

Live to the hilt every situation that you believe to be the will of God!

-Jim Elliot

Julie's in town!


February 25, 2009

She's here!
Jon's girlfriend Julie is here from Florida and we are so excited! Jon is beyond excited :).

Thank you Scott and Cissy for letting her come-
We'll take good care of her!

He has overcome the world!

February 25, 2009


Today's post comes from yesterday's reading from one of my favorite little devotionals... Daily Strength for Daily Needs- complied by Mary Tileston. Gutenberg has it available online here. I found this reading encouraging in my fight to not be moved by my circumstances! Enjoy!



John 16:33 (Amplified Bible)
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world.


"Accustom yourself to unreasonableness and injustice. Abide in peace in the presence of God, who sees all these trials more clearly than you do, and who permits them. Be content with doing with calmness the little that depends upon yourself, and let all else be to you as if it were not." Fenelon


"It is rare when injustice, or slights patiently borne, do not leave the heart at the close of the day filled with marvelous joy and peace." Published in 1880

Stay your soul on God

February 23, 2009


"Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is."-- Amy Carmichael

Speaking Truth



















February 21, 2009

My friend Karen sent this to me. Oh so helpful!


Some Thoughts to Speaking Truth to Yourself, info from Spiritual Depression by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, pp. 284-285

1. Conditions are always changing; therefore I must obviously not be dependent upon conditions.
2. What matters supremely and vitally is my soul and my relationship to God – that is the first thing.
3. God is concerned about me as my Father, and nothing happens to me apart from God. Even the very hairs of my head are all numbered. I must never forget that.
4. God’s will and God’s ways are a great mystery, but I know that whatever He wills or permits is of necessity for my good.
5. Every situation in life is the unfolding of some manifestation of God’s love and goodness. Therefore my business is to look for this peculiar manifestation of God’s goodness and kindness and to be prepared for surprises and blessings because, “His ways are not my ways, neither His thoughts my thoughts.” What, for example, is the great lesson that Paul learned in the matter of the thorn in the flesh: It is that: “When I am weak, then am I strong.” Paul was taught through physical weakness this manifestation of God’s grace.
6. I must regard circumstances and conditions, not in and of themselves therefore, but as a part of God’s dealings with me in the work of perfecting my soul and bringing me to final perfection.
7. Whatever my conditions may be at this present moment, they are only temporary, they are only passing, and they can never rob me of the joy and the glory that will ultimately await me with Christ.

Loveliest!


February 20, 2009


"Jesus Christ is the loveliest person souls can set their eyes upon. He is the very essence of all delights and pleasures, the very soul and substance of them! As all the rivers are gathered into the ocean, which is the meeting-place of all the waters in the world--so Christ is that ocean in which all true delights and pleasures meet!" John Flavel


"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18

Filled to overflowing~

February 19, 2009

"If we give the impression that the main effect of Christianity is to make us miserable, then it is not surprising that ninety per cent of the people are outside the Christian church. 'Miserable Christians,' they say, 'look at them!' And they add that they have life, they have joy, they have fullness. Shame on us Christian people! But it is not merely a question of saying shame on us. What a terrible responsibility is ours if we are so misrepresenting this 'glorious gospel of the blessed God' (1 Timothy 1:11). We are meant to be witnesses to all people that we are filled to overflowing. We are meant to show the truth of the psalmist's words: 'My cup runneth over!' (Psalm 23:5)." D. Martyn-Lloyd Jones

The more we enjoy of God, the more we are ravished with delight.
—Thomas Watson

Can you guess what the Lord is working on in my life? :)

Yo-Yo Living


February 17, 2008


"Until we learn that our joy can't be based on our circumstances, we're going to have nothing but what I call a 'yo-yo' experience which is up and down. God is never going to put us into a situation, or permit us to be in one, without giving us the ability to be in it with joy. I believe God makes His grace available to us each and every day. It's God's power we receive by the grace of God through faith! " J Meyer


Colossians 1:11~ May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance with patience and joy. :)

She's riding!!!

February 16, 2009

Some of you know how BIG this is!! My friend Teri recently sent me a link to the Autism Foundation of the Carolina's website. They are offering a week long camp for kids with Autism or cognitive issues- with the sole purpose of training kids how to ride bikes. We have been working with Miri for years with no success so the camp sounded great! Since the camp isn't until the summer we thought... let's try it again now and Praise the Lord-it's a miracle! She is riding!! God is so good!

The roots of our joy



















I'm feeling a bit under the weather today so stayed home and listened to John Piper's message -What is the Recession For. Reason #3 is where I needed to stay! Here are the highlights...

What is this recession for??
#3-The Lord intends to relocate the roots of our joy...
- in His grace and not in our goods
- in His mercy and not in our money
- in His worth and not in our wealth

God sends recessions to yank up the roots of our joy from the pleasures of the world and plant them in the glory of His grace. (Imagine all the roots in this picture being rooted in things of this world. Thank you Lord for the yanking!)

Piper shares this supporting scripture.

2 Corinthians 8:1-2
1We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

Did their joy come from their prosperity? No. Their recession was abounding as was their joy!!
Where did their joy come from? The grace of God! What does the grace of God look like? It looks like abundant joy in the midst of poverty, overflowing with a heart of generosity.

Are you stunned by the grace of God that He loves you, that He forgives you, that He stays by you, that He keeps holding onto you, that He promises to bring you home to glory and you can hardly imagine a God so kind that you want to give and give to people in need?

Where are the roots of our joy? In our finances? In earthly security? Thank the Lord for jerking up these roots in times such as these! We may find our security in the firm, solid, unshakable grace of God!

Colossians 2:6-7
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness!

Discovery Place

February 14, 2009

Wachovia/Wells Fargo gave free tickets to Discovery Place today so Bill, Miri and I along with Miri's dear friend Alina spent most of the day there! We had a wonderful time :).


Love, Love, Love

February 14, 2009

My friend Reesa sent me this...
Where God is the focus, love is the result. –Jim Britt
God has to be the focus. Not my own reputation, comfort, or my own solutions. I cannot love others, if I do not first love God. If I love God, than I will be enamored with Him. And if I am enamored with Him, then I will want to pour the love I have received onto those He loves.

Indeed I love my fellow-Christians not simply because of the gospel, but I love them best when I am loving them with the gospel. –Milton Vincent

I guess the real question is, who do I love the most? Christ or myself. I cannot love others if I do not love Christ. And I cannot, not love others if I am entranced with my Savior. It’s an interesting thought. How do I love others more? How do I change from selfishness to selfless love? By loving Christ more than anything. It’s not about actions and checklists to change (though they are important). The goal as a Christina is to love Christ more. When my soul is full of Christ, it will naturally turn to loving His people (actions & checklists). Nothing else is possible for a redeemed soul.Where God is the focus, love is the result!

Cast your cares!

February 13, 2009


"It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when to-morrow's burden is added to the burden of to-day that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so, my friends. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing,not God's. He begs you to leave the future to Him, and mind the present."
G. MACDONALD.

Cast thy burdens upon the Lord,--hand it over, heave it upon Him,--andHe shall sustain thee; shall bear both, if thou trust Him with both, both thee and thy burden: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
ROBERT LEIGHTON.

Do all for the glory of God!


My friend Jessica has a wonderful new blog filled with ideas designed to help us better steward God's gifts. The grocery budget has been my focus as of late and her blog pointed me to this site offering recipes for $5 dollar dinners!

My friend Gail pointed me to Coupon Mom and Slickdeals while Karen pointed me to Brad's deals. Thank you friends for great ideas!!


"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31

'Tis So Sweet

February 10, 2009


"Those that trust in God must have their minds stayed upon him, must trust him at all times, under all events, must firmly and faithfully adhere to him, with an entire satisfaction in him; and such as do so God will keep in perpetual peace, and that peace shall keep them. Trust in him for ever, at all times, when you have nothing else to trust to; trust in him for that peace, that portion, which will be for ever." Matthew Henry


'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take him at his word; just to rest upon his promise, and to know, "Thus saith the Lord." Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him! How I've proved him o'er and o'er! Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust him more! Louisa Stead

Happy Birthday Bill!

February 9, 2009

Tomorrow is Bill's 51st birthday! Due to our schedules- we celebrated early.

We were all so excited about giving Bill his gift this year! For those of you who know my dear husband, he has a glorious sense of adventure. He would typically go and do anything for the Lord- BUT we most likely would take a 'Dad shortcut' on the way! Each of our kids have many, many stories to tell of these 'short (long) cuts'! Soooooo....when we received a gift certificate for Circuit City- we decided use it and pool our monies to purchase something that would be life changing... a GPS. It really is a gift to the boys :)... but Dad is a great sport and was really excited!!

Happy Birthday Honey!! We love you!



Lean Hard!

February 8, 2009


"It is by an act of simple, prayerful faith we transfer our cares and anxieties, our sorrows and needs, to the Lord. Jesus invites you come and lean upon Him, and to lean with all your might upon that arm that balances the universe, and upon that bosom that bled for you upon the soldier's spear! But you doubtingly ask, "Is the Lord able to do this thing for me ?" And thus, while you are debating a matter about which there is not the shadow of a shade of doubt, the burden is crushing your gentle spirit to the dust. And all the while Jesus stands at your side and lovingly says, "Cast your burden upon Me and I will sustain you. I am God Almighty. I bore the load of your sin and condemnation up the steep of Calvary, and the same power of omnipotence, and the same strength of love that bore it all for you then, is prepared to bear your need and sorrow now. Roll it all upon Me! Child of My love! Lean hard! " Octavius Winslow

What a difference a day makes :)

February 6, 2009

A miracle happened today! We were told it was next to impossible that our leak was within 5 feet from the water main. Because we really didn't want to pay the over $4,000 to replace our water line we asked the water company to look. Sure enough- the leak was a little over 4 feet from the water main! I yelled "Thank you Lord!" to which one of the drivers replied "Yes, praise you Jesus!-Isn't God a good provider?" Oh Amen and Amen!

Yes- I took pictures!

I Believe

February 5, 2009

Have you ever had one of 'those' days? Yesterday began with a speeding ticket. I didn't pay attention that the speed limit reduced from 55 to 45. The day ended when my dear friend Libby told me that her mother is indeed dying of stage 4 cancer. She buried her father only 2 months ago.

In between were water main leak issues and strep throat.

In times like these I battle to keep my eyes on the Lord. Spurgeon helps...

"Look into the face of the Crucified. Perhaps you have sometimes wished that he were now visible, and in body accessible to you. That sympathizing One who has suffered so much for you! You have said, "Oh! that I might go and tell him my griefs, and get his help!" He is alive. He is here. He is not far from any one that seeketh him. Whosoever trusteth shall surely find Christ to be his very present help in time of trouble. Believe this, and thou shalt prove it true."

I believe!

Begin the day~

February 4, 2009


"Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”

James Hudson Taylor

Trust and Obey


February 3, 2009
Today was a challenging day. I'm learning to trust and obey! Here's some truth from A B Simpson:
"Our trials are great opportunities. Too often we look on them as great obstacles. It would be a haven of rest and an inspiration of unspeakable power if each of us would henceforth recognize every difficult situation as one of God’s chosen ways of proving to us His love and look around for the signals of His glorious manifestations; then, indeed, would every cloud become a rainbow, and every mountain a path of ascension and a scene of transfiguration."
"Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,But His smile quickly drives it away;Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,Can abide while we trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other wayTo be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." Amen!
John H. Sammis

Strengthening during the storms...

February 1, 2009


We have had very high water bills for a few months and just found out that we do have a leak. The plumber is here as I type and turns out we need to replace our water line. I wanted to tell him- "You don't understand! We're going thru our second Dave Ramsey class and this is NOT in the budget!" Instead I knew I needed to fill my mind with Jesus...with Truth. Gracegems is filled with such Truth!


"The very storms through which the believer passes, will only strengthen him to take a firmer hold of Christ. As the same wind that blows down the poplar tree, only establishes the oak tree; so the very storms which uproot the shallow professor, only root the child of God more firmly in Christ.Though these storms may shake off some of his leaves, or break off some of the rotten boughs, they do not uproot his faith—but rather strengthen it. It is in these storms that he learns . . . more of his own weakness, and of Christ's strength; more of his own misery, and of Christ's mercy; more of his own sinfulness, and of superabounding grace; more of his own poverty, and of Christ's riches. It is in these storms that the same blessed Spirit who began the work carries it on; and goes on to engrave the image of Christ in deeper characters upon his heart; and to teach him more and more experimentally—the truth as it is in Jesus." Philpot