Oprah said she searched for a new religion when she heard our God was a "jealous God" in church one Sunday. I have wondered...how is it that My perfect God is jealous? I am doing Beth Moore's Breaking Free study where Beth explores that topic and I thought I would share.
Exodus 20:5 says, "...for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods." Now when we hear the word jealous we think of it in a negative way; we see being jealous as a sin (coveting what your neighbor has). Beth then leads into the verse 1 Corinthians 11:2-3 "For I am jealous FOR you with the jealousy of God himself. I promised you as a pure pride to one husband- Christ. But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent." The difference in our sinful jealousy and a Godly jealousy is all in a simple three letter word FOR. God is jealous FOR us, not OF us...He wants all of our attention and love, not because he needs it, but because He knows when we put other things before Him we are always left feeling empty and not satisfied. Beth compares this jealousy to a mother trying to get her daughter out of a dangerous gang/cult. She is jealous for her daughter not of her. This was just a great revelation to me.
***One side note- Have you heard Kelly Pickler's new song "You Are Beautiful" If not I highly recommend it, especially the video. It is targeted to young girls telling them how beautiful they are regardless of what they are wearing or what base they will allow boys to go to. YOU GO KELLY!!!
***Another note- A dear friend of mine, Mama JuJu, just gave me a GREAT book called = The Prayers that Avail Much! I am reading/using it and it is very powerful.
***Last thing - I am rereading the book The Jesus I Never Knew - this book has changed my life. I will do a book review soon but I wanted to read it twice so I could do the book justice. I have always loved Jesus because he died for me, but after reading this book I now can say I love Jesus for who He was and is...his personality. I highly recommend it!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
13 Thoughts
My Sister-In-Law did this on her blog, and I thought it was very interesting. It's been over a week since I've updated, and this seems like a quick entry.
1. I am so glad our insurance is going to pay for Drew's speech assessment.
2. I can't wait for our Emmaus Team meeting tomorrow...the music, the communion, the talks, THE FELLOWSHIP!!!
3. I am so behind in Kade's scrapbook...I wish I could spend an entire day scrapbooking and watching a girlie movie.
4. I wonder how the Aggies are going to look this season? Can't wait to go to the game with Ronnie.
5. What resteraunts are we going to hit up in Aggieland?
6. Our date last night in Lubbock was fun...out to eat and bowling. Can we go once a week?
7. I need to call Family Photo and schedule Kade's 18 month pictures.
8. I am ready to get my hair cut again next Wednesday...I have never had a pedicure...that would be a nice splurge.
9. I am so glad Ronnie made the last payment for his truck...what are we going to do with the extra money every month?
10. I have five books on my night stand to read or reread...can't wait for our weekend in College Station to get in some reading time while Ronnie goes pawn shopping.
11. I wish I could have seen the Beach Volleyball girls win the Gold Medal.
12. I need to be ironing.
13. I wish we could eat at KBOBs and get the salad wagon tonight!
1. I am so glad our insurance is going to pay for Drew's speech assessment.
2. I can't wait for our Emmaus Team meeting tomorrow...the music, the communion, the talks, THE FELLOWSHIP!!!
3. I am so behind in Kade's scrapbook...I wish I could spend an entire day scrapbooking and watching a girlie movie.
4. I wonder how the Aggies are going to look this season? Can't wait to go to the game with Ronnie.
5. What resteraunts are we going to hit up in Aggieland?
6. Our date last night in Lubbock was fun...out to eat and bowling. Can we go once a week?
7. I need to call Family Photo and schedule Kade's 18 month pictures.
8. I am ready to get my hair cut again next Wednesday...I have never had a pedicure...that would be a nice splurge.
9. I am so glad Ronnie made the last payment for his truck...what are we going to do with the extra money every month?
10. I have five books on my night stand to read or reread...can't wait for our weekend in College Station to get in some reading time while Ronnie goes pawn shopping.
11. I wish I could have seen the Beach Volleyball girls win the Gold Medal.
12. I need to be ironing.
13. I wish we could eat at KBOBs and get the salad wagon tonight!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Two Posts In One Day
I forgot to tell everyone about my night out Friday with our Bible Study group...it involved bowling, ice cream and talking until 1:00 in the morning (not to mention my hubbie cleaned the house while I was gone) BUT to read more about it and check out the CUTEST pics of Kade and Cash go to my friend's website!
Nana Duck, First Fish, and Peace Through Prayer
For the last few mornings the boys and I have been walking at the duck pond. We walk about 30 minutes and then they feed the ducks. Drew fearlessly chases the ducks and Kade holds on to my leg, observes, and giggles. Before I left this morning I aired up the tires on the stroller, loaded the boys up, and we headed to the "big water". I wasn't out of the car for two minutes and the tire went flat. I have to admit I was bummed, but the weather was gorgeous because of the rain last night - Thank You, Jesus- and the boys played on the playground. Then we fed the ducks...one ate out of Drew's hand and then Drew was chased by a biting goose! While the boys were walking up and down the bank, a young boy was fishing near by and called Drew's name just as he was reeling in a perch. Drew was so excited. We watched him catch over 10 fish in a hours time with corn. It was great, but what was even better was he let Drew catch a fish, too! He showed him how to bait, cast, and reel the fish in. I wish I could have taken a picture of Drew's face! He was so proud!
The other funny thing was when Drew said, "Hey Mama, there is Nana Duck."
"Nana Duck," I asked?
Drew said, "Yea, she has hair like Nana!"
I just rolled because this duck had a huge, puffy, hair-do on top of her head, and she really did look like my mom a little!
As we were watching the boy fish, Drew, Kade, and I sat in the shade and just enjoyed the fresh air. I just sat there and thanked God because this week has been a little overwhelming at times, but HE was washing me in his peace with the fresh cool air, sound of children laughing, and water hitting the shore.
Phil 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
The other funny thing was when Drew said, "Hey Mama, there is Nana Duck."
"Nana Duck," I asked?
Drew said, "Yea, she has hair like Nana!"
I just rolled because this duck had a huge, puffy, hair-do on top of her head, and she really did look like my mom a little!
As we were watching the boy fish, Drew, Kade, and I sat in the shade and just enjoyed the fresh air. I just sat there and thanked God because this week has been a little overwhelming at times, but HE was washing me in his peace with the fresh cool air, sound of children laughing, and water hitting the shore.
Phil 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Pancakes???
This morning was the first Sunday Drew went to "big" church with us. The 24th is promotion Sunday - Drew will be too big to go to the nursery. He will go to choir and Mission Friends on Wednesday night, and he'll have his own Sunday School class on Sunday morning. I know we have two weeks until promotion, but I wanted to see how it would go- a trial run if you will. Brian was talking about the morning of the 24th (it's also Welcome Back Sunday). He said they are cooking breakfast for everyone- biscuits, bacon, sausage, pancakes, etc. As soon as he said pancakes, Drew yelled out, "Pancakes!!!" It was loud!!! Everyone in the entire church started laughing. At least he was listening, right?!!!
Drew did really well in church- he sat and sang for the entire hour without getting upset. He was doing a lot of clapping and dancing (a.k.a. bouncing) during the music, he's going to end up shaking up that Baptist church before it's all over with! He He!!!
On a side note - A friend of the family, Corbin Carpenter (early 20's), was paralyzed in a bull riding accident this past week. Please lift his family up in your prayers! We are believing that God is going to heal his body!
Drew did really well in church- he sat and sang for the entire hour without getting upset. He was doing a lot of clapping and dancing (a.k.a. bouncing) during the music, he's going to end up shaking up that Baptist church before it's all over with! He He!!!
On a side note - A friend of the family, Corbin Carpenter (early 20's), was paralyzed in a bull riding accident this past week. Please lift his family up in your prayers! We are believing that God is going to heal his body!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Elvis Has Left The Building
Hermie isn't with us anymore. We don't know if it was the continuous movement as Drew carried him around the house, the never ending songs Drew sang to him, or the constant tapping on the side of his 'home'.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Hermie The Wormie
We have a new pet...drum roll please.......Introducing, Hermie the Wormie. Drew found this caterpillar in the back yard Monday night. Ronnie made him a house. It was so funny, while Ronnie was drilling the holes for air, Drew told Hermie, "Don't worry, I make you a house." Then we came inside and he built a cocoon for Hermie out of Legos. Ronnie was watching TV and Drew brought him Hermie and a book and told Ronnie, "Hermie needs a story." Then he wanted to take a bath with him and prayed for him before he went to bed. 
It was like Christmas here Tuesday morning, Drew shot out of bed and said, "Wormie make a cocoon, turn into a butterfly?" He has carried Hermie with him all over the house. The poor caterpillar is going to die of motion sickness. Last night Drew was rubbing the worm's back and saying, "I just pet on him, Mom!"Monday, August 4, 2008
Thought I'd Share
I wrote this devotion for another group of ladies, but thought I'd share it with you!
John 14:27 NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Daphne did a wonderful job last week explaining this verse in her weekly devotional on stress. She described the Holy Spirit as our Helper, which translates into the word “Advocate”. In verse 26, Jesus explains to his disciples that upon his death the Holy Spirit will come in his place. The “Peace” Jesus is leaving us with, verse 27, is the Holy Spirit.
Peace is defined as freedom from noise, worries, troubles and fears. What do you think of when you hear the word, peace? I think of peace and my mind goes to a day spa, the sound of ocean waves breaking just off the balcony, a good book, and no little boys screaming, “Mama!” Amen!?! =)
As I was praying about this devotion, God led me to another verse through a Beth Moore study. Isaiah 48:17-18 says “I am the Lord your God, who teaches what is best for you, who directs the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” I love the Word because each and every word was carefully selected by God, 2 Timothy 3:16. I asked God, as I meditated on this scripture, why He chose to compare our peace to a river? With a little help from Beth Moore (I LOVE THAT WOMAN) and a lot of help from My Advocate this is what I came up with:
1. A river is always moving and traveling over rocks, boulders, bends, and rapids. Isn’t it funny that God didn’t compare our peace to a quiet pond or lake? He said in John 16:33b, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We are going to have trouble because we live in a fallen world, but we can carry our Peace into every situation. As Daughters of the King of Kings we are not slaves to our circumstances because we have a Helper, The Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling in us. Ephesians 1:19 talks about that power living in us, the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead, are you claiming, realizing, and using that power? Are you walking in trails knowing you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you? 1 John 4:4 says, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you (Christ) is greater than the one of the world.” Only the Creator, the Great I AM, the Prince of Peace, can change or name from worried, fearful, and troubled to “Over-coming One.”
2. A river never stops flowing, so we can’t wait to feel like having peace. Joyce Meyer is always talking about how we walk around saying, “I feel, I feel, I feel, I feel…” Seeking God’s peace is not about feelings or emotions. It’s a CHOICE!!! It’s about choosing to seek His face, Matthew 7:7! First Corinthians 6:19 says “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit”. We have to ask ourselves – are we making room for The Helper to live in us? When we take even the smallest step towards God, He rushes towards us to wrap us up in His Arms of Peace. John 15:4 PROMISES “Remain in me and I will remain in you.” We have to take EVERY fear, worry, and hurt CAPTIVE and give our mind, heart, and will to God. Romans 8:6 says, “So letting your sinful nature (feelings and emotions) control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control you minds leads to life and peace.” Hallelujah!!!
3. Beth Moore is quoted as saying, “A river begins and ends with a body of water.” The body of water that feeds our river of life is God. Sometimes we don’t want to submit our hurts to Him; instead, we try to fix them ourselves. Our solutions, the world’s solutions, build dams that block all the water and peace God wants to feeds into our river of life. If we don’t let Him, He can’t get His Peace to us- it’s not him withholding it is our own self-built dam not allowing any peace to flow through. Peace like a river is all about submitting all your worries, troubles, hurts, and fears to the Great Authority and TRUSTING HIM to be your solution.
4. The best way to keep that peace flowing like a river is by being in the Word, Isaiah 48:17, talks about seeking His solutions to our problems. The second thing is to “pour out my complaints before Him and tell Him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn,” Psalm 142:2-3. Submitting our fears to the Great Authority, AND trusting Him to be the solution begins on our knees!!!
5. The other side of the river analogy is that our rivers always empty into another large body of water. Some rivers are short (too short) and some rivers are long and twisted with tons of boulders and rapids, but as believers, ALL RIVERS (stay with me I am talking about our lives =) empty into eternity. Sisters – the victory is ours!!! Romans 8:37 says “we are more than conquerors…” Rick Warren says this life is, “a temporary assignment,” so why are we letting the temporary things of this world steal our peace? Christ’s ultimate sacrifice paved our path to glory!!! Can I get an Amen? 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
John 14:27 NIV “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Daphne did a wonderful job last week explaining this verse in her weekly devotional on stress. She described the Holy Spirit as our Helper, which translates into the word “Advocate”. In verse 26, Jesus explains to his disciples that upon his death the Holy Spirit will come in his place. The “Peace” Jesus is leaving us with, verse 27, is the Holy Spirit.
Peace is defined as freedom from noise, worries, troubles and fears. What do you think of when you hear the word, peace? I think of peace and my mind goes to a day spa, the sound of ocean waves breaking just off the balcony, a good book, and no little boys screaming, “Mama!” Amen!?! =)
As I was praying about this devotion, God led me to another verse through a Beth Moore study. Isaiah 48:17-18 says “I am the Lord your God, who teaches what is best for you, who directs the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” I love the Word because each and every word was carefully selected by God, 2 Timothy 3:16. I asked God, as I meditated on this scripture, why He chose to compare our peace to a river? With a little help from Beth Moore (I LOVE THAT WOMAN) and a lot of help from My Advocate this is what I came up with:
1. A river is always moving and traveling over rocks, boulders, bends, and rapids. Isn’t it funny that God didn’t compare our peace to a quiet pond or lake? He said in John 16:33b, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We are going to have trouble because we live in a fallen world, but we can carry our Peace into every situation. As Daughters of the King of Kings we are not slaves to our circumstances because we have a Helper, The Spirit of Jesus Christ dwelling in us. Ephesians 1:19 talks about that power living in us, the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead, are you claiming, realizing, and using that power? Are you walking in trails knowing you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you? 1 John 4:4 says, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you (Christ) is greater than the one of the world.” Only the Creator, the Great I AM, the Prince of Peace, can change or name from worried, fearful, and troubled to “Over-coming One.”
2. A river never stops flowing, so we can’t wait to feel like having peace. Joyce Meyer is always talking about how we walk around saying, “I feel, I feel, I feel, I feel…” Seeking God’s peace is not about feelings or emotions. It’s a CHOICE!!! It’s about choosing to seek His face, Matthew 7:7! First Corinthians 6:19 says “your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit”. We have to ask ourselves – are we making room for The Helper to live in us? When we take even the smallest step towards God, He rushes towards us to wrap us up in His Arms of Peace. John 15:4 PROMISES “Remain in me and I will remain in you.” We have to take EVERY fear, worry, and hurt CAPTIVE and give our mind, heart, and will to God. Romans 8:6 says, “So letting your sinful nature (feelings and emotions) control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control you minds leads to life and peace.” Hallelujah!!!
3. Beth Moore is quoted as saying, “A river begins and ends with a body of water.” The body of water that feeds our river of life is God. Sometimes we don’t want to submit our hurts to Him; instead, we try to fix them ourselves. Our solutions, the world’s solutions, build dams that block all the water and peace God wants to feeds into our river of life. If we don’t let Him, He can’t get His Peace to us- it’s not him withholding it is our own self-built dam not allowing any peace to flow through. Peace like a river is all about submitting all your worries, troubles, hurts, and fears to the Great Authority and TRUSTING HIM to be your solution.
4. The best way to keep that peace flowing like a river is by being in the Word, Isaiah 48:17, talks about seeking His solutions to our problems. The second thing is to “pour out my complaints before Him and tell Him all my troubles. When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn,” Psalm 142:2-3. Submitting our fears to the Great Authority, AND trusting Him to be the solution begins on our knees!!!
5. The other side of the river analogy is that our rivers always empty into another large body of water. Some rivers are short (too short) and some rivers are long and twisted with tons of boulders and rapids, but as believers, ALL RIVERS (stay with me I am talking about our lives =) empty into eternity. Sisters – the victory is ours!!! Romans 8:37 says “we are more than conquerors…” Rick Warren says this life is, “a temporary assignment,” so why are we letting the temporary things of this world steal our peace? Christ’s ultimate sacrifice paved our path to glory!!! Can I get an Amen? 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
”Victory in Jesus, My Savior Forever. He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood.” Victory!!!
Wow!
Wow!
Breathe in that peace!
Thank you Jesus!!! Amen!!!
Thank you Jesus!!! Amen!!!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Friday, August 1, 2008
Joyland
Thursday we took the boys to Joyland in Lubbock. We had a BLAST!!! 
Drew loved all the rides...It took Kade awhile to figure out if he liked a ride or not!
Look at Kade's face - Ronnie and Drew went on a ride without him. He was saying, "Ya-Ya...Bubba?"
The boys sharing a lemonade slush...I had to take a picture because this is definitely an answered prayer. Look at those sweet chubby hands!!!!
Drew riding the helicopter. This boy rode EVERY ride in the park but two (and only because he was too short for those two). He rode roller coasters, the tilt-a-whirl, etc. He was never scared. In fact, Drew and Ronnie rode the tilt-a-whirl twice and Drew wanted to ride it again, but Ronnie couldn't handle it- he looked a little green. Drew would just spin around and around and a laugh! He has no fear...I am thinking maybe in ten years that might not be a good thing!
The boys and I riding the train around the park...we rode this train AT LEAST 8 times. Kade and Drew would hold their little chubby hands up and say, "Woo Woo!" It was so stinkin' cute!
My handsome boy!
Cutest boy ever!!!
I rode one of the roller coasters with Drew and almost got sick. I use to love roller coasters...the bigger the better. Now after having the boys, I get sick when I swing. What is up with that?
They loved this ride too...Drew really thought he was driving!
Look at that face!
After we left we went to Sheridan's, a frozen custard place. The boys had custard with sprinkles...oh my, it was awesome. Drew kept telling Ronnie, "Thank you, Daddy for the ice cream and my train...I love the train. Let's go to Levelland!" I think the best part of the day was riding in the train with the two boys and just watching their sweet faces and thanking God that Ronnie and I are so blessed. I just soaked up the moment.
The boys sharing a lemonade slush...I had to take a picture because this is definitely an answered prayer. Look at those sweet chubby hands!!!!
Drew riding the helicopter. This boy rode EVERY ride in the park but two (and only because he was too short for those two). He rode roller coasters, the tilt-a-whirl, etc. He was never scared. In fact, Drew and Ronnie rode the tilt-a-whirl twice and Drew wanted to ride it again, but Ronnie couldn't handle it- he looked a little green. Drew would just spin around and around and a laugh! He has no fear...I am thinking maybe in ten years that might not be a good thing!
The boys and I riding the train around the park...we rode this train AT LEAST 8 times. Kade and Drew would hold their little chubby hands up and say, "Woo Woo!" It was so stinkin' cute!
My handsome boy! 
Cutest boy ever!!!
I rode one of the roller coasters with Drew and almost got sick. I use to love roller coasters...the bigger the better. Now after having the boys, I get sick when I swing. What is up with that?
They loved this ride too...Drew really thought he was driving!
Look at that face!
After we left we went to Sheridan's, a frozen custard place. The boys had custard with sprinkles...oh my, it was awesome. Drew kept telling Ronnie, "Thank you, Daddy for the ice cream and my train...I love the train. Let's go to Levelland!" I think the best part of the day was riding in the train with the two boys and just watching their sweet faces and thanking God that Ronnie and I are so blessed. I just soaked up the moment.
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