Tuesdays Together (in the Word) for 2010...

I have not completely dropped the idea for our Tuesdays Together. It was a source of accountability and encouragement for me and I believe for the others who participated with me for 2009. But it is time for a change.

So, let's try this for 2010:

I have posted a reading plan on the side bar under the Tuesday's Together Button. However, instead of limiting us to only posting from this reading, let's just share from any passage that has spoken to you during that week. It could come from this reading, a sermon, a book that you are reading, or from your personal devotion.

The goal remains the same: to encourage each other in the Word and in our relationship with our Lord.

You can link your blog if you would like. You can just leave a comment and share your thoughts even if you do not have a blog.

I look forward to sharing Tuesdays with you again in 2010.

Remember to visit the others who link with us. We all need the encouragement. What you have to say and share may be just what someone else needs to hear...

Retreat Planning (again)...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 34 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from John 2-6; Psalms 126-128; and Proverbs 26.

As I seem to be mentioning in every post lately... life is extremely busy. I am really having a hard time finding the time to even blog this one day a week lately. And I am not happy about it!
However, this morning (Tuesday) as I sit in a cabin in the Smokey Mountains... I am blessed beyond measure. And I decided that a quick post is better than no post at all. Even if it is late going up. And I had so much that I really wanted to share.

So, I share this passage from Psalms 127 AND 128:

127

Unless the LORD builds the house,

its builders labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city,

the watchmen stand guard in vain.
In vain you rise early

and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to
those he loves.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.

Blessed is the man

whose quiver is full of them.

They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their
enemies in the gate.

128

Blessed is everyone who fears
the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of
your hands;
you shall be blessed,

and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.

Behold, thus shall
the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel

Beautiful passages for the home and family. Precious promises to hold. Encouragement to embrace for us in the present days of attack on our marriages.

Once again, how fitting, the timing. Hal and I are away for our preparation/planning/studying time for our annual Marriage retreat. You can read about some of that preparation time here (all three posts)

How I love coming back to these verses that speak so specifically to the home and marriage and family.

I ask for prayer from all who come and read. We want ears to hear what the Spirit has to say to us. We want to have lives open and transparent enough to share our strengths and our weaknesses in this journey of life. We desire to embrace these promises and live by them. And then be able to teach/lead others to do the same.

So, for now, I go. I have much to do. Thanks in advance for your prayers.

P.S. As you can tell, Blogger has decided to act up in my formatting today. Wouldn't you know? I do not have time to wade through the html and figure out how to fix it today...so what you see is what you get. :)

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

A "No Greater Joy" Moment...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 33 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from I John 5; II John; III John; Psalms 120-125; Proverbs 25; and John 1.

One of my favorite verses... as seen by the title of my blog... is III John 1:4.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

I have a previous blog that talks about all of my children here. The other "no greater joy moments" posts are here.

Today I want to tell you about the most recent:

My son-in-love, Andy has just been selected as a deacon at our church. I am so proud of him. I have watched him grow in the Lord. I have seen him serve our church diligently. I have observed him as a daddy to our grandbabies and as a husband to my precious baby daughter. (BTW - their 6th anniversary was this past Sunday)

And I have NO GREATER JOY than to see our Andy walk in truth.

...Brings joy to this momma-in-law's heart.

I took a picture as some of the deacon's of our church were praying over the three who were ordained. What a blessing!

***(Alan and Bill - I am so proud of you too)***

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

His Grace is Sufficient...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 32 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from II Corinthians 9-13; Psalms 115-118.

This would have to be one of my very favorite passages...

II Corinthians 12:9-10



But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships,
persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

I really will not be able to comment much on this right now- we are dealing with sickness - and I have just been called to come and help out with the Grandbabies. So, blogging time moves to the back burner - and it should.

And this passage applies to this particular situation - His grace is sufficient.

And for what ever we may be dealing with right now - weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities... His grace is sufficient. When we are weak - He is Strong.

I rest in that truth. I hold on to that truth. I am so thankful for that truth.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

So we do not lose heart...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 31 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from II Corinthians 5-8; Psalms 110-114; and Proverbs 23.

For my post today - I am backing up into the end of last week's reading.

II Corinthians 4:16-18

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner
self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is
preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look
not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the
things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

I am currently studying Priscilla Shirer's book, One in a Million, with the ladies of our church. This passage made me think of some of the things that we are learning in this study. I want to share a quote with you from the end of week #3:

"We've got to know that sickness, financial debacles, martial disasters, heartbreaks, and the greatest needs of our lives don't have to derail our relationship with God. In the midst of our pain, God makes a way for us to see and experience His greatness." (pg 77)

We have to remember that whatever we are dealing with right now is the "temporary - the transient." What is going on in the unseen world right now - for us- is the eternal. Therefore, we do not lose heart.

I am still chewing on this thought. So, tonight - I leave it with you.

By the way, I recommend the Bible Study to you. You would enjoy it too. I know you would.



Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Ministry and Fatigue and lack of Blogging...

After taking a break for the summer - we are trying to get back into the routine of sharing a bit of what we have received from the Word this week. So....welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 30 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

I usually post this blog on Monday nights so that it will be published on Tuesday Mornings for any who want to link with us. Sometimes ministry opportunities change my plans. It is nearly 11:00 p.m. and I have not been home long. I will try to get my blog updated with my thoughts to share later during the day on Tuesday - because when I reach this level of fatigue - everything shuts down and there is no way that I can blog right now.

But as I type this, I am reminded of the day tomorrow - and it may be this time tomorrow night before I am home again.... so, I will look forward to reading what you all have to share with me.

Seriously...

Love my blogging buddies and look forward to seeing what you have to say on Tuesdays Together...





Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Oh Death, Where is your Victory?...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 29 I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.



This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from I Corinthians 10-16.

These passages are so full of blog posts... it was going to be really hard to narrow down which passage or passages I wanted to share. However, with the events of early Monday Morning... I am compelled to share this.

I Corinthians 15:54- 57

When the perishable puts on the imperishable,

and the mortal puts on immortality,

then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

"Death is swallowed up in victory."

"O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?"
The sting of death is sin,

and the power of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God,

who gives us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

This morning we received news that a dear friend had passed away. She had been sick. She had been in the hospital. We had visited her several times - even just Saturday. She was released to go home on Sunday. She entered her eternal home sometime during the night.

I think I have been in a numb shock all day. Once again I have had to go about the "normal" stuff - because I have my precious grandbabies on Monday's. But I have had such a heavy heart.

Certainly not for her. She died the way that I have always said that I want. Go to sleep in your bed one night - and wake up in the presence of our King. The one who gives us the Victory - Our Lord Jesus Christ! That is glory! I can get so excited just thinking about what she is seeing and what she is doing today.

But this particular family is ALMOST family to us. Our roots go deep and long with them in multiple directions. We know and love her husband, her children, her grandchildren. As a matter of fact, her grandson and my son are best friends and are together serving our country in Afghanistan. (Which means - be praying for him too - because I do not think he will be able to come home)

But that is not all - we know and love the extended family too. We know her brothers and sisters. Her brother was our pastor when we were called into ministry. He married us - licensed and ordained Hal into the Gospel Ministry. He baptized my father. He ordained both of our dads as deacons. You get the picture here.

We are really close to her nephew and his family.... I mean really close. Some of our best friends on this earth...

I could go on and on... trying to explain... but really can just say - they are ALMOST family to us. And we love them all like family.

And no, we do not grieve as they do - but almost.

But I love these scriptures. Because we do not grieve as those who have no hope - no we do not.

Because - oh Death where is your victory - oh death - where is your sting....

We have victory through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Oh.. she knew our Jesus as her Savior - and today she is with Him. VICTORY!

And because we know Jesus as our Savior - one day... we will be with Him. And that will be Victory!

(And we will be re-united with this precious one and the many others in our lives who have gone before us). That is good stuff!

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together Restart

Time to get this started back. Just to be honest I need the accountability...

So, the reading for this week is from I Corinthians 10-16. Let's get back on track together and be ready to post next Tuesday. I will be here - will you join me?

Also, if any of you want to post on some of your reading while we have taken this break - feel free. We will love to hear from you.

Love my Blogging Friends...

Taking a Break...

For the next several weeks, I will be taking a break from the "Tuesdays Together."...

Several have let me know that this summer has been hard to participate. So, just try to keep up the reading (remember the plan is posted on the sidebar under the button). Then be ready to start back up on the first week of September...


My "mister Linky" has not been working correctly for several weeks now... I think I have found another linky... I will have it working for us all by then...

Maybe the much needed break will the remedy for my "writer's block". That, along with the trip to SHE SPEAKS... :)

This is not to say that I will not be blogging at all... just not the "Tuesdays Together" for these next weeks.

Sweet Blessings to you all!

Songs of Praise...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 28

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Matthew 4-7; Psalms 68-70; Proverbs 16.

Lately our three year old grandbaby has been singing.

Constantly.

About everything.

Sometimes she is singing songs that she knows and that we have sung together. Sometimes she is singing about what she is doing. And sometimes she is just making up words to sing.

I thought of her as I read this particular passage - and several other verses in the reading from Psalms this week.

Scripture tells us to sing songs of praise to our God. And this is just one of those verses:

Psalm 68:4

"Sing to God, sing praises to his name;

lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts;

his name is the LORD; exult before him!"

Now, I want to share a picture of her singing. Her Dad took this with his camera on his phone.

She is singing to her rabbit and dog. That is her little Bible in her lap... notice her little hands.... (oh and by the way - she is in her bathing suit)

... she is singing praises to His name. It is sweet music to my ears.

I just know that it is a sweet, sweet sound in HIS ears too.

I pray that she NEVER loses that song that is in her heart.

Makes me want to sing...





Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

A Soft Answer...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 27

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from James 5; Psalms 62-67; Proverbs 15; and Matthew 1-3.

Some time ago, I mentioned working on Bible Verses with my Grandbaby here. And the first verse is from Proverbs 15:1.

"A soft answer turns away wrath..."

So, today I start with that verse but actually, I want us to look at several verses that are in this particular chapter. We are back on the tongue again... But let's see the comparison that is given in these verses:

From the postive side...
15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath...
15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge...
15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life...
15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge...

Then look at the end of these verses...
15:1(b) but a harsh word stirs up anger (strife).
15:2(b) but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
15:4(b) but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
15:7(b) not so with the hearts of fools. (do not spread knowledge).
15:14(b) but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Because I have a lot on my heart and in my mind as I am writing this... I think will just let these verses speak for themselves. Other than, I will say that I desire to have a soft answer, to commend and spread knowledge, and for my words to be a tree of life.

Proverbs - really are words to live by...




Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Taming our Tongues...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 26

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 12-13; Psalms 60-61; and James 1-4.

Oh people... the Book of James. It is the proverbs of the N.T. Words to live by.
So many passages that speak to me - not just this week - but EVERY SINGLE TIME that I read it. But I will try to pick a few to talk about today...

First, I will start with James 3:5-10

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.

The tongue is set among our members,
staining the whole body,

setting on fire the entire course of life,
and set on fire by hell.

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature,

can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,

but no human being can tame the tongue.

It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With it we bless our Lord and Father,

and with it we curse people who are made
in the likeness of God.

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

This is a passage that we need to examine from our own perspective and make sure that we are striving to tame this restless evil within. But that is not where I am going today...

Today, I want to ask you this question:

Have you ever been the recipient of this deadly poison? Possibly even from someone that you would consider a friend? Someone close?

If so, then you know the pain that it causes. You know the poison. The footnote in my ESV Bible says, "Evil speech destroys because it comes from Satan himself."

And even when you know where it originates (from Satan) it is hard to ignore when it comes in the form of flesh and blood. It is hard to swallow. It is hard to understand. Basically, it just hurts.

So, what do we do? And I say "we" because I am in this boat with you. I have experienced this. Not recently, but the scars from the wounds are still there.

That takes us back to another passage from this book....

James 1:19-20

Know this, my beloved brothers:

let every person be quick to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to anger;

for the anger of man

does not produce the righteousness of God.

Could that be our answer?
What do we do when we face the hurt from words spoken?

Be quick to hear...
Be slow to speak...
Be slow to anger...
Knowing that the anger that wants to rear it's ugly head in you - will not produce the righteousness of God - in you or in the offender.

Think about it with me. From both sides of the fence.

Oh, Lord, I do not want to be one who is guilty of letting my tongue be that blazing fire that has it's root from Satan and that does much damage to the body of Christ.

But also, Lord, when I am the recipient of such pain - caused by words of others... please help me to remember your Word that teaches me to be quick to hear - and slow to speak. And slow to anger.

Oh the tongue - such a small member...
Such a deadly weapon...
"My brothers, these things ought not to be so."





Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Laughing and Aching

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 25

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 7 - 11; Psalms 58- 59; Proverbs 14.

My verse for this week is:

Proverbs 14:13
"Even in laughter the heart may ache... "

I have had the two grandbabies with me today. I have indeed laughed. I have played with play-dough (homemade, I might add). I have read books. I have rocked and fixed bottles and cuddled and fed. I have giggled till my sides hurt. It really has been a good day.

But all day my heart ached.

The days of deployment begin.

Again.

And I guess this verse explains the emotions well. Life continues here in the states and we will have days that are filled with laughter...

But there is never a moment that the reality of a son at war leaves my mind. Nor my heart. And it really does ache.

The blackberry literally does not leave my hand in hopes of hearing from him. Psalm 91 and many other verses are prayed for him continually. I am one who watches the news - all of it. I am a member of a board of Military moms/wives/sisters and I visit with them daily.

And I also visit a web page that posts the injuries and casualities of the war. I did this every day during the last deployment. Not that I am looking to see if something has happened to my Jonathan. No, when I found this site... I was prompted to pray for these families. The reality of WAR means that some will give their very lives for our freedoms. And these families and soldiers have made the greatest sacrifice. They need our prayers.

Like I have said before... A son at war makes me believe what I have always said that I believe. I know that Jonathan is in God's hands. I know. I know. I know. And I hold on to that truth.

So once again we begin the days that are filled with laughter ... AND an aching heart.

War is real.

Freedom is not free.

Trust me.



Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

The Only Real Peace...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 24

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 1-6; Psalms 56-57.

Once again the passages this week applied to our present situations.

Ps 56:8

"You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.

Are they not in your book?"

Such sweet comfort to know that He sees our tears...He knows the hurts of our hearts. And he records them. He knows...

Ps 57:2

"I cry out to God Most High,

to God who fulfills his purpose for me....

(3b) God will send out His steadfast
love and His faithfulness."

And even as I cry out to God, I can know that He is fulfilling HIS PURPOSE for me ...

But not just for me but also for my sweet Julia and Ronnie as they go through their miscarriage of their first baby... for my Jonathan and Brantley as they go through another deployment.

God wraps us in His love and His faithfulness

Ps 57:9-10

"I will give thanks to you O Lord,

among the peoples;

I will sing praises to You among the nations.

For Your steadfast love is great to the heavens,

Your faithfulness to the clouds."

So, my response is still to be thankfulness. Praise. His love is great. He is faithful to us.

And that my friend gives me peace. Peace in the storm.

Years ago a precious friend sang this old gospel song:

The Only Real Peace that I have, dear Lord, is in You,

The Only Real Peace that I have, dear Lord is in You.

With all life's frustrations, I need You, I know I do..

And the only real Peace that I have dear Lord is in You.

And last but certainly not least...

I just had to add Hebrews 4:14-16 too. We DO have a great High Priest, who is able to sympathise with our weaknesses... and we can approach His throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Going to the throne... cause I NEED a good dose of HIS Mercy and Grace.

Going to the throne...

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#23)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD).

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

I am not able to blog today.... lots going on in my family.

I will catch up with you all next week with more information.

But I wanted to make sure that you had the link in order to be able to share together.

I do appreciate all the love and prayers that have been shared with us lately. It really means so much...

So... I will enjoy reading your posts and will be back next week.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#21)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.


This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Psalm 46-49; Philippians 1-4; and Colossians 1.

It was really hard to decide which passage I wanted to share with you this week. But I kept coming back to this one... and for a reason:

Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always;

again I will say, Rejoice.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

The Lord is at hand;

do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything by prayer and supplication

with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.

We begin here with the command to Rejoice in the Lord...

And then verse 6 is a very familiar verse for us all: "Do NOT be anxious about anything," I really think a key word here is ANYTHING. We are not to be anxious about anything. You fill in the blank. Your anything... don't be anxious about it. Period.

Then as we move on in the passage, we see the how - to. We are to pray and with THANKSGIVING give our requests to our God. And the result of doing so? THE PEACE OF GOD - which surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.

There are many things in our world that can make us anxious. Just watch the news - for a few minutes. There is the crime in our own particular state or county or city. There are new threats from Korea. Then there are those of us who have soldiers currently serving... news daily about Iraq or Iran or Afghanistan or Pakistan. And what about the economy? Could you be anxious about that? Your IRA (or lack thereof?). The recession that could easily become a depression. Jobs or no jobs? Children who may be making wrong decisions. And the list could go on and on and on. That is what is meant by anything. We are not to be anxious about ANYTHING.

A time to take it to the alter and leave it there - with thanksgiving - I remind you. And see what our anxious thoughts are replaced with... PEACE. Peace. Real peace.

I needed this passage this week. I am writing this on Monday night. Memorial Day. I needed it today. It was a good day. A good lunch. And then taking Aubrey for her first swim of the season. Such fun. Hal and I got flowers planted... :) And even had our Monday evening "Starbucks" time.

But my heart was heavy. You see last year on Memorial day, we were at the lake with our family rejoicing that Jonathan was at home from war. Such a sweet memory. This year the dull ache is back. And I must say it is too soon for me. Today that is my "anything".

So, I needed this passage... I must take my anxious thoughts... straight to my Father. And leave it there.... with thanksgiving. And let Him wrap me up with His Peace. Oh, God, I want Your peace to guard my heart and my mind. Peace...


Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#20)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from I Thessalonians 4-5; Psalms 4-5; Proverbs 11; and II Thessalonians 1-3.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always;

pray continually;

give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

When our children were little, we would have a "theme" verse (or passage) for each summer. Of course it would be put to memory... but also we would refer back to it for reference/ encouragement/ meditation together. This was the passage one year.

I would ask, " Are you being joyful?". "Have you prayed about that?" "Is that a thankful attitude?" You get my point. And I felt good that I was really teaching the children to apply scripture to their lives.

It took on new meaning a few years later.

You see, the first year of homeschooling was terrifying to me. I felt so inadequate. I had no support group. I did not know ANYONE who had traveled this road. And I nearly killed us all.

But I remember one day, walking down the road behind our house praying about MY attitude and my fears and wondering if there was ANY way that this could possibly be God's will for our lives.

I would tell you that I was crying, but that would not be accurate. I was sobbing. Uncontrollably.

And God reminded me of this passage that had been our "theme passage" a couple of years previous.

And in the still small voice that spoke so loudly... I was reminded that it was God's will for me to be thankful in all things. I may not know other things about God's will for me, for my children, for our family, for our schooling. But this one truth was written for me in black and white.

"in EVERYthing give thanks, for this IS THE WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus concerning you."

I had not been thankful for this opportunity to teach my children. I had been focusing on the fears, the work, the change...

So, what did I do? I began each day (for weeks) praying this prayer...
"Dear Lord, by choice of my will, I choose to thank you for this opportunity to teach my children. And I trust you to change my emotions." And literally it tooks a few weeks, for the emotions to begin changing... but as I was obedient in being thankful ... I began to view the role as a wonderful opportunity rather than a dreaded responsibility. God changed my heart. But I had to begin by being obedient and choosing to thank Him.

I learned a big lesson that year. Not only about our homeschooling experience...but also about God's will in my life. And even when I have questions.... I can know one thing... I am to be thankful. And as I told my children numerous time in their lives... Obedience always brings blessings.

So, can you apply this to any area of your life? Maybe have questions about what is or is not God's will? One thing I hope you will remember... it IS God' will for you to thank Him. This my friend is written in black and white.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#19)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Galatians 4,5 and 6; Psalm 42-43; and I Thessalonians 1,2,3.

Here is the main passage that I want to share with you today:

Galatians 6:2
"Bear one another's burdens,

and so fulfill the law of Christ."

I just want to take this time to tell you all thank you so much for bearing my burden with me during these heavy days. Many of you - my internet chums (I picked up that term from Lynnette) have prayed, and emailed, and messaged on FB. And it has really meant so much to me.


Then those of you who I know in the flesh :) - have hugged, cried, prayed, emailed, and messaged on FB. And it all has meant so much to me also.

So today, as we travel to visit with our Son and Daughter-in-love...

and then as we watch him load his bus on Wednesday...

We will wave. We will cry. We will wave our flags. We will blow kisses. We will take pictures. We will watch as long as we can see the bus travel down the road with our arms waving...

Then we will get in our cars and drive home. A long quiet drive home...

I know already that you will be praying. Today and tomorrow. Bearing my burden. All I can say is thank you. As you help bear my burden ... you are fulfilling the law of Christ. You are loving your neighbor (or friend - or blogging bud) as you love yourself. You are trying to put yourself in my shoes... and praying for me.

I need it ... and I feel it. Your words/comments bless me and wrap the Love of Christ around me! Thank you so much!

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us.

Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

P.S. Hal has posted a blog about departure too. You too can help bear his burden. Visit with him here... and maybe leave him a comment too. Thanks!

Tuesdays Together (#18)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.


Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from 2Peter 3, Psalms 39-41, Proverbs 10, Galatians 1-3

In the midst of this week, with all that it held for our family... I was able to talk. Just not normal. And it was an effort to talk. So, I thought about what I wanted to say before I said it. Since it was such work.... I intentionally made the words count. Does that make any sense at all?

And I have to admit - that many times I did not say anything, just because it was not easy. Which means that I also had a lot more time to think - even in the midst of an extremely busy weekend. An extremely emotional weekend. More about that later.

Here is the passage I share with you today:

Psalm 39: 4-5

O LORD, make me know my end

and what is the measure of my days;

let me know how fleeting I am!

Behold, you have made my days

a few handbreadths,

and my lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!

So, during my quiet moments... whether in a crowd or not. I have been thinking about my life. My days. I am 50 years old. Life is fleeting... a few handbreaths. I want my life to count for the Lord. What is the measure of my days?

This goes along with my previous post about pruning. I want to be pruned. Because the end result of pruning, is more fruit is produced. There are many things that can really consume my time and energy that will keep me from doing the "best" things. Many things can keep me from becoming all that God wants me to be. Many things will keep me from doing all that God wants me to do. I am seeking to be sensitive to the Spirit as He speaks to me about each area.

I have edited this post several times to take out the "our" and the "we". This is about me. If it applies to you... you will have to make the application.

Do I dare even try to list a few? This is not to say that any of these things are bad... just that they have the potential of pulling me away from the best. (I almost said "us")

Computer time...Television... Books...Friends... and the list could go on... but you get the idea.

If I truly want to be mindful of my days, and how fleeting they are... I need to examine how EACH day is spent. I need to evaluate. I need to prioritize. I need to pray.

And I intend to...

Once again I say... "Speak Lord, for your servant listens!"

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us.

Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Tuesdays Together (#17)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). I am so glad that you have joined us.

Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.


This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from I Peter 2-5; Psalm 38; 2 Peter 1.

II Peter 1:16-18

We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we
told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

This account is also recorded in Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, and Luke 9:35. In each of these passages, we are told God said, "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. LISTEN TO HIM!"

Listen to Him.

I can only imagine what it would have been like to be there on the Mount with Christ... Eye witnesses of His Majesty. And what happens? Peter starts talking... planning... (imagine that????)

The Voice of God is heard... Do you know who this is? It is my Son. I love Him and I am pleased with Him. Will you just quit talking and Listen to HIM?

Maybe it is often the same way with us in our prayer/study times. We get so busy talking that we do not take the time to listen. Often we even try to tell God how to handle situations. Like He needs our ideas. I wonder how often He speaks to us and says, "Will you just quit talking for a while and listen?"

A few days ago, while keeping our almost 3 year old granddaughter, it was getting late and she really needed to go to bed. I have learned to give a little warning that her play time is almost up and that soon we will be going upstairs.

I was telling her, "Aubrey, it is almost time to go and put our pajamas on and read our books and sing our songs and go to bed."

"Ok?"

"Aubrey, did you hear MommaDee?"

"Aubrey, you have just a few more minutes...."

She turned around from playing... walked halfway across the room, put her little hands up (like to motion stop) and very politely but firmly said to me, "No More Words".

What?

I think she just told me to hush - it was polite but the message was there. Hush. No. More. Words. She then returned to her play...

NO MORE WORDS....

I have been thinking about this alot lately when I have sat to read the Word of God and pray. I really believe I need to quit talking so much... and listen. Realize that I am in the presence of the Great I AM... Maybe I just need some time with NO MORE WORDS.

...Oh....from the mouth of babes...

"Speak Lord, for your servant listens."

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us.

Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.