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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Oh the Words They Say

Alaena has reached that stage where she's starting to repeat some things. If you say a word several times, she'll repeat it. I have a feeling she's going to be a bit of a jabberbox, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Last night I was pointing out different things in one of her books, and she said "book", "moon" and a very emphatic, "OWL!" All while repeatedly telling Colby, our dog, "NO!! NO!! Bit!" But when we had finished her book, she pointed to my Bible and said, "Bible" as clear as day. And it made my heart more glad than I can tell you.
Because although she may not understand all that's going on yet, she knows what a Bible is. And that is a start. A start to a long journey we have ahead of us.
I can't believe we are almost to her first birthday. It doesn't seem possible that time has gone by so quickly, but I ask that you continue to keep both of us in your prayers that I may continue to teach my little girl in the way that is right!

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Monday, January 19, 2009

The Slow Fade

For a very good while now the ladies at my church have been doing Beth Moore's Daniel study. We only have a once monthly session, so it takes a little longer to get through the book. Because of the holidays and everything, I had gotten a little bit behind, so I got the DVD's so that I could catch up.
And you know what, I think God wanted to save these lessons for this time in my life. In my previous post, I requested prayer for my sister saying that Satan was fighting her family. In short form, her husband has basically decided he doesn't want to be married anymore. He doesn't want to seek counselling. He just wants to walk away with no real explanation.
And I don't get it. I don't understand people at times. But I think God wanted me to have the lesson he taught me through this Beth Moore study right now. This lesson has shown me that we as Christians are holy vessels before the Lord. We are HOLY.
And Satan's favorite tactic is for us to treat the holy as unholy. If he can change our view of ourselves, then he can tempt us with things we never thought we would do.
I've been down that road myself. I always swore I'd never have sex before marriage. But Satan worked slowly. First, he tempted me with TV shows that at first I was offended by, but then I started thinking, "Hey, that joke was funny." Then I'm watching everday. Then ever so slowly he throws more and more things my way, and the next thing I knew I was telling my parents I was pregnant. And yes, I could have said no at anytime. God provided me a way to escape. But I didn't take it. I didn't view myself as a holy vessel before the Lord. And because I didn't, my life was used to toast an unholy cause.
Now I'm not saying all of this as a pity party or anything like that. I love my daughter, and I wouldn't trade her for the world. I just know how the devil can slowly lead you away. You don't go from standing firm on a subject to ignoring your values overnight.
I guess I'm saying all of this to ask you guys to pray for my brother-in-law. He's slowly slipped away from the values he once held dear. I know more than anyone that God can forgive anything. He can bring anyone back. No one is beyond His reach. Please just pray that his eyes would be opened. And that their family could be restored.

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Tuesday, January 06, 2009

You're Still God

I know it's been a while since I posted. Things have gotten a little hectic in my family. I ask that you cover my sister's family in prayer. Satan is fighting their family in a big way. As we all know, strong Christian homes are often his targets.
There have been many emotions going through my mind, as I've stood by my sister in this test. I've questioned why. I've been angry. I've been heartbroken for her and the children.
But one thought has reigned supreme over all. God is still God. He knows where my sister is. He's holding her. He's in control, and He'll help her every step of the way.
I heard this song on the radio this morning. It's just one of many songs God has brought into my hearing over the last week or so that has reminded me of who He is.

You're still God, though my eyes have cried a million tears,
You're still God, when my last hope has disappeared
You're still God, and I know you'll make a way somehow
You're still God, and You're holding me right now.

Isn't it the hugest comfort to know that no matter where we are, God is still God? He's still taking care of us. He's still making a way.
When I opened up a calender I bought last summer, the picture says, "Even there...Your hand will guide me." It references Psalm 139:10. The King James version of the verse says this, "Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.:
His hand is holding us. I don't know about you, but I feel protected in His hand. No matter what storms may arise.
As I said before, please keep my sister and her family in your prayers, and while you're praying ask that we always remember Who is holding us!