Teaching our Children... A Heart for Missions!

8/27/2007

Enlighten your children to the world around them by supporting missions and teaching them that there is a world both hungry for food and hungry for God. Pray that they will have a heart for missions.

There is a wonderful book that I'm waiting to come in to share with my family called: "Families on a Mission!" You can order it from http://www.wmustore.com/product.asp?sku=W058105, for only $9.99 plus tax and shipping. I look forward to sharing our journey through this book!

God Bless, HL

Monday Madness #3

Each week Otto will post three (or more) questions; Otto tries to keep them on the 'light' side. Once you've copied and pasted them into your blog, come back and leave a comment there.

1. Where you live, what kind of weather (or weather-related tragedy) do you fear the most?

Tornado's

2. What kind of weather do you MOST enjoy?

Spring/Fall days - not too hot; not too cold! Although a lot of this summer has been wonderful sunny days, but not too hot!

3. What kind of weather do you LEAST like to drive in?

hmmm... I'd have to say, misting rain because it makes the roads slick like oil on them that you can't see.

4. What is the scariest weather-related experience you've had in your lifetime?

A tornado when I was about 8 years old.

5. Share a "weather picture" with us!

These pictures were taken after a big wind storm hit our area, and a tornado hit close by. It flipped over our large carport tent that was being held down by four HUGE tires for a lifted truck.

We moved the tent in between our garage and a line of trees... And this was a second wind storm/tornado just a couple months later...

Faith-Lift Friday: Faith Works by Love

Encourage others and yourself! Share a scripture, quote, devotional, lyrics, or anything that has blessed you and strengthened you in your faith. Don't forget to sign Mr. Linky.
Join us at Sheryl's blog and start sharing your Faith-Lift's for Friday!!

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. ~ Galatians 5:6 (KJV).

Faith works by love. I believe that every thing in the Bible, every promise, every condition, hinges on the love of God.

It hinges on believing that God loves you. Recently I read a question from someone that read "Is it a sin to love yourself before others?" You cannot truly love yourself or others without believing that God loves you.

And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. ~ Mark 12:31.

This verse tells us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. If we don't love ourselves, we can't love others because we will treat them the same way we treat ourselves. And if we don't love others, we don't love God.

How can we truly love ourselves if we don't believe God loves us? We can only see our true worth when we believe what God says about us. It is only when we believe that the Creator of the Universe, the Great Alpha and Omega, can love someone like us—faults and all--that we can see how much we are worth.

We don't obey God before we believe He loves us. It is a byproduct of believing it. We aren't blessed because we are good enough or because we confess Scriptures every day. It isn't even because we pray enough or go to church enough. No, we are blessed because we believe that God loves us.

When we believe that, we step into our new identity. We put on our coat of many colors, our coat of promise. It represents who we are—children of the Most High God.

It is then that we take on our new identity and become the person God created us to be. We cannot move forward in our destinies, our work for the Lord, until we learn how to be loved by God, until we take a leap of faith and believe that God loves us.

Take the book of John and read one chapter every day. Keep reading it until it seeps into your spirit. Find Scriptures on the love God has for you and read them every day. When you go by the mirror every morning and evening, tell your reflection "God loves me."

Do these exercises every day until you really believe that God loves you. Then watch those long-standing problems in your life disappear.

~ Annagail Lynes

Copyright © - Annagail Lynes

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This says it all... have faith, memorize His Word & Believe what He says about you.
God Bless, HL

I AM.... Lesson 4

This post is to answer the discussion questions for the I AM online Bible Study Lisa at The Preacher's Wife has so wonderfully put together. It isn't too late to join, so feel free to hop over and join in.

"When Life Doesn't Work OutLike You Planned"

Part Two

From the Lesson: When circumstances do not fall in line with our preconceived notions of what is best for us, how do we react? Do you, in my Southern slang, pitch a hissy fit? Do you become angry, bitter, or lash out? Or do you mope, pout, and withdraw?

This is something I think we should stop and ask ourselves several times daily. It can be a real "wake-up" call to some on how they react to certain things. I know personally in the past, I've watched my own children react in a way that I did not particularly care for, and figure out that they've learned that reaction from me, their Dad, other family members, or other people... it's not easy to swallow when you look in a "mirror" at your own child.

• By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months.
• By faith Moses refused to be called a Prince of Egypt.
• By faith Moses denied the passing pleasures of sin.
• By faith Moses considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.
• By faith Moses recognized a greater reward.
• By faith Moses endured because he saw Him who is Unseen.
  

Sisters, when things do not work out like we planned, when the diagnosis is not what we wanted, when the child is in trouble, when the bills are not paid, when the job is just too stressful, when the loved one continues to reject the Lord, the only way we can endure is following hard after the One who is Unseen. Trust in the One who is refining and preparing you to either be delivered or to be a deliverer. On any given day, you will always fall on one side of that line or the other. No matter which it is on this day, the only way to endure is by Faith.

RETAIN - I pray that I can retain this information and remember how much faith Moses had. Continue to learn and grow in my faither - I thank our heavenly Father for giving the Holy Spirit to guide us... for being with us, molding us like clay and refining and preparing the way to be delievered His way, His Will!

Just my thoughts before moving onto the discussion questions:
1. I am going to present to you a little acrostic to begin our discussion today. What is your latest NLIP? (Not Like I Planned?)
There are a few I've been dealing with, and it's amazing how God will use things in our lives to remind us it's time to refocus on Him.
My Little one:
My daily schedule is not working out as I planned. I've had to learn that things don't work out to my timing, but only to His timing. It's hard to give up control - even today.

My Big one:
I made plans several years ago to move forward in my career to become a major executive, but God had other plans for me to primarily stay at home to care for my children and disabled mother. I thank God every day for the opportunity that I've had to be here for them! And look forward to getting a part-time job outside of the home here shortly, if that's what He has planned for me next, which is what I'm seeing happening!

2. How did you react to your NLIP? Are you still upset about it? Happy about it? Baffled by it? Explain.
My reactions to my schedule not going as planned depend on the circumstances... Sometimes I'm content with what is going on, and deal with my emotions later about what I didn't accomplish. Which is not always good, because I can be my own worst enemy. Other times, I get irritated easily and have to remind myself to "Be Still," as I get upset. Prayer is my crutch.

3. Have you ever attempted to step into an area of ministry and found your desire rejected? Did this cause you to question God and yourself? Perhaps distrust what you perceived to be your calling?
When I attended church during childhood and youth years, I was always in the chior, as I love to sing! As an adult, I've wanted to step back into being in the worship team, but it seems as though timing does not work for me right now. The practices are when I teach, and on another night that is not good for husband. Plus, for some reason, since I "put it out there" that I wanted to join, I could not until the last month get myself to church on time. So I made a promise with myself when I realized that was happening; that I would not pursue this worship team any further until I could get to church ontime for three months straight... I'm two months away! In the mean time, I've used my other gift with teaching and helping computer word processing wise within the church. I have so much fun creating newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, etc.

4. Do you harbor any bitterness towards any individual or situation which you believe waylaid your best laid plans?
I try my best to give my irritability, bitterness, anger, you name it to God and ask His help for me to see the situation with grace.

5. Have you had a life experience or trial that left you with a shaken faith because it ended in an NLIP? Please share if you feel free.
My miscarriage... of course I did not plan to not be with my baby. I'm not sure I have enough room to share this here. See if I can make this as short as possible:
Before my pregnancy I had already stepped away from the church due to confusion that I did not even realize at the time. Even though I was not going to church, I was still reading my Bible and praying (but I've learned over all these years - that is not enough, I need fellowship). So, when I lost my baby all I kept asking was, "How could You take my baby from me? What did I do so awful for You to take my baby away? Help me see my sin, so that I can confess. ..." I thought I'd never again step foot in another church. I felt dead. I couldn't bring myself to picking up my Bible - I just wanted to hollar (and I did) at God. It took several months for me to come out of this depression, the hold that Satan had on me; even though, I became pregnant again just two months after my miscarriage. It was hard for me to be joyous in the second pregnancy, as I was mourning my loss and scared I'd loose that one too. It wasn't until a co-worker of mine shared the following with me that I understood God was still with me. He said, "How do you think God gets His highest angels by His side? What does it take to be an Arch Angel?" I had no idea where he was going with this... but I thank him for this! "Think about it, to be right by God's side, you'd have to be "like" Jesus - is that possible for any human being?" I just sat there listening and crying. He continued, "In order to be pure, clean, whole, holy, His blessing, you have to be untouched. If that baby was born of this earth, it would not be clean any longer, as soon as human hands touched it. So, it's okay to mourn, but we also need to praise God for taking your angel out of this awful world, for cradeling him and making him healthy in His arms. For bringing him up as his angel - pure, untouched, clean, holy..." I felt relief, and could eventually then be happy for the second pregnancy. I ended up writing all of this down at the time and reading it in front of my congregation, asking forgiveness for being so angry.

Now - don't get me wrong, I know there are more then this way to become one of God's angels. But this is what got me through and out of my depression. To think, my baby was sitting in God's arms & I will see him when He chooses it's time to call me home, that was incredible to me. I still mourn my loss, but also remember - I wouldn't have my oldest son now, had I not had that miscarriage; and I wouldn't give up my oldest for nothing! But I've learned as I've gotten older as well - I wouldn't give up my miscarriage, the bitterness of that loss is gone. I've been able to help so many others with this same "journey" of their baby --- had I not gone through it, I wouldn't be able to touch others lives as I have. It doesn't make it right, it doesn't make it wrong, it just helps us see, there is another purpose for our child, other then our purpose. God's purpose is what matters.

6. Based on Moses' response of faith to his own rejection, how will you re-evaluate your own experiences or look at future ones differently if a NLIP presents itself?
I've learned that I cannot walk away when trails come. That I need to prepare myself before they come - stay in His Word; so that I can fight with His Word.

WOW, how I needed these reminders.

God Bless, HL

Monday Madness #2

More questions from right off the "top of (Otto's) head!" Have fun and enjoy your week, everyone. Thank you all for playing. =)

1. How many desktop computers in your home? Three

2. How many laptops? One

3. What kind of internet service do you have? (i.e. phone modem, dsl, etc.) Cable

4. Do you tend to use more than one email account regularly? Yes

5. Do you use email as a main source for communicating to your family and friends? Yes

6. What kind of computer monitor do you own (flatscreen, or other)? Flatscreen

Join in on the fun, Check out Otto's Page: Monday Madness and start blogging your answers!

Children (August)

A friend of mine from one of my Yahoo groups also posts a monthly theme to focus on & I asked to share this here. Marshel has graciously allowed me to post her theme of the month! Thank you Marshel for all of your insights, I thank God for leading me to meet you and all the other's on our group! I also look forward to sharing more theme's in the future!

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Subject: -WKJVB- August's Theme of the Month

Since families are preparing for their children to go back to schoolafter the summer break, it is only appropriate to focus on children this month. May we all come to the realization that children, whether related or not, areall of our responsibility. Children inherit so much from everyone that touchestheir lives - parents, caretakers, relatives, teachers, preachers, lawenforcement, medical professionals, neighbors, and so many more. May we alwaysset the example for the children in our paths that was set for us by JesusChrist. "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done toyou." Jn 13:15 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of thebelievers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, inpurity." I Tim. 4:12 "For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ alsosuffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." IPeter 2:21

CHILDREN - EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY

SCRIPTURE OF THE MONTH: Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thineheart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talkof them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, andwhen thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

More verses relating to the scripture of the month: Deut. 11:18-28; 4:9

MEMORY VERSE OF THE MONTH:
"The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." Prov 20:7

Thought provoking questions to use for prompts in your journaling:How are your children blessed by your walk?What example of yours are your children following?

Further topics to study:

• children
• example
• inherit
• family
• honor
• love
• gifts
• teach
• instruction
• learn
• counsel

Other verses to study:

• Prov 20:11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, andwhether it be right. Think on this question: How do children learn what isright and what is wrong?"
• Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for hiscrying." Prov 19:18
• Prov 19:13
• Luke 1:66
• Heb 2:13
• I Thes 5:15
• Prov 19:20
• Deut 4:10
• Prov 22:6, 15
• I Cor 13:11
• Mat 19:14
• Mk 10:14
• Jn 12:36
• Gal 3:26
• Ep 4:14;5:6,8;6:1,
• 2Col 3:6
• I Tim 3:4
• Ro 8:16
  

For all who come in contact with children I pray you will show them love andrespect and all of the things Jesus has commanded us to do. But most of all Ipray you will show them the way to Jesus Christ.

This verse is one that I have relied on for so much. For myself as a studentof Jesus, for those I teach, for those I come in contact with... Engrave this onyour heart too.

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I willguide thee with mine eye." Ps. 32:18

The theme this month is one of great importance. You do not have to answerany of the questions online. I just hope you will take to heart how importantthis subject is. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are theissues of life." Prov 4:23

With Christian Love, Marshel

How wonderful that no one need wait a single moment to improve the world. Anne Frank

Share your thoughts... and check back next month for a new theme by Marshel! Let us know when you've memorized the suggested Scripture above!

2 Corinthians 5:17 (August)

Monthly Verse

I had this as a seperate blog, and after much prayer and consideration - I have decided to not seperate them. Each month I will place a new verse to ponder, giving reflections on Scripture. Please join in and share your thoughts!

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature;

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new
(2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV)

New in Christ
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Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!

(2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

This verse is where my love for butterflies came from; thinking like this - as the butterfly was once a caterpillar that formed into a cocoon to become something so beautiful, created as new! The old *(caterpillar) is gone, the new *(butterfly) has come! It's an amazing process to watch. And so is a human, shaking off the old, learning to become new. As in Romans 12:2 states: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Actively work on becoming new, what it is He (God) wants us to become!
Share your thoughts on becoming new...
God Bless, HL

Hello everyone: Verse to ponder on for next Month: Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. (Matthew 7:7)
Advance notice to give you time to pray for God to teach you what you He wants you to learn and share!

Faith-Lift Friday: Stay Still

Here's another Inner Fullfillment devotional I need to share! Thank you Annagail once again for stricking a nerve and waking us up to what we need to understand!

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STAY STILL

...I have struggled in the past with anxiety issues. I still do from time to time. If I dwelled on the negative thoughts too long, they sent me into a full-blown panic attack. I have experienced panic attacks less frequently since I learned to stay still.

Conventional wisdom tells us when things are going wrong in our lives, when we are going through crisis, we should work harder, read more of the Bible, confess more Scriptures, do more good works.

No, the time for reading, confessing and doing is before the trial. See trials are similar to growing crops. We have to plant the seed, water it and give it sunlight before it grows up. Once it is here, that's not the time to plant, water or give it sunlight. In fact, if we didn't do all those things before, we wouldn't have any crops at all. Instead, when it grows up, it is time to harvest.

The same is true for trials. When we are in the middle of the trial, that is not the time to start reading the Word or confessing Scripture. It is the time to maintain our reading and confessing.

We should be reading the Word and confessing Scriptures before the trial to prepare us for the hard times.

It is a time to rest, to stay still, to believe that God will do what He promised in His Word.

Rest? What does that mean? Most of us in this work hard, play hard society have no idea what it means to rest. We think it means to sleep, but rest is so much more than that.

My Webster's Collegiate Dictionary has ten definitions for rest. My favorites are freedom from activity; quiet; tranquillity; peace of mind or spirit; to repose without anxiety; to trust; rely; depend.

We say we believe God. We say we believe His Word and all the promises in it, but do we really?

Do we believe Him enough to say "God, You said You shall supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Lord, I'm just going to rest in that promise, knowing you are going to come through for me"? Even when we are facing money issues? Unemployment? Demotion? An empty bank account?

Do we believe Him enough to trust in Him? Rely on Him? Depend on Him when we are in a crisis? For most of us, the answer is no.

Where has our belief in our circumstances gotten us? Where has our belief in the bad reports of this world gotten us? We received what we believed.

If that is true, wouldn't the opposite be true too? If we believe God's Word and put our faith in what God has said, wouldn't we receive what we believe too?

What do we have to lose? If it doesn't work for us, we are still in the same position as we were before. We are no worse and no better.

But what if it does work as God said it would? Then we could be living the life God intended for us to live.

Stay still in adverse circumstances. Believe God. Rely solely on Him and His Word because He keeps us in perfect peace when our minds are stayed on Him.

- Annagail Lynes

Copyright © - Annagail Lynes

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I share this with as the Faith-Lift Friday because I truly feel we all need the reminder to have Faith that God will see us through our trials & truly believe in Him and what He can do.

We need to prepare ourselves and read (bathe ourselves in) His Word, so that when the trial comes we can stay consistent in our readings and prayers. During the trial, stay consistent in reading the Word, don’t lag behind getting sucked into what Satan would want you to focus on. During a trail we need to focus on our beliefs and REALLY believe what God says He can do! I pray that I can remember to rest from the flesh, and walk in the journey of a great harvest while refreshing myself in our heavenly Father when the trials, depression, anxieties, and temptations come.

If you'd like to start receiving the Inner Fulfillment devotions: click here to subscribe!

Relate Yourself to a Character in the Bible...

8/15/2007

Choose a character from the Bible and after reading the story together
discuss how that message relates to your child today.

What an awesome idea... I look forward to being able to share our study as we discuss further who we're going to pick to see how they relate to my children. There are so many to choose from:
1. Jesus, 2. Adam, 3. Aaron, 4. Joshua, 5. Noah, 6. Andrew, 7. Amos, 8. Caleb, 9. Cain, 10. Abel, 11. Daniel, 12. Eli, 13. Isaac, 14. Isaiah, 15. Ishmael, 16. Abraham, 17. Jonah, 18. James, 19. John, 20. John the Baptist, 21. Nathan, 22. Matthew, 23. Paul, 24. David, 25. Samuel, 26. Zechariah, 27. Joel, 28. Jeremiah, 29. Moses, 30. Ezekiel ... ... ... ... ... there are so many more!

I'll update when we decide who to study.

Another Contest! Win a TV!

Yes, you could win this TV! --- I found this contest through 5 Minutes for Mom sponsered by Best Buy!

So Go on... check it out! Click on the TV or above "5 Minutes for Mom" and sign up as well. I look forward to finding out who wins the TV and thank Janice and Best Buy for running the contest!

Check back to see if I've located other contests in the future! Have a wonderful day & keep on Blogging!

Who Wants to Buy my Blog?

My blog is worth $1,693.62.
http://www.business-opportunities.biz/projects/how-much-is-your-blog-worth/">How much is your blog worth?

LOL - I found this link through Heather's blog! Pretty neat to see this! And BTW - I'm kidding, my blog is not for sale either. I wonder how they figure out what the blog is worth?

I AM... Lesson 3

Lesson Three

I AM - So You Don't Have To Be
Blog Bible Study Lesson Three

'When Life Doesn't Work Out Like You Planned'
Part 1

Discussion Questions:

1. It was stated in the Lesson that God has made you "once, twice, three times a lady." Where are you in this progression? Obviously we have all been physically born, but are you 'twice a lady'? Have you been born again spiritually? This may be a private matter you'd like to discuss confidentially. If so, email me. If you have already received this gift, write a brief prayer of thanksgiving or testimony.

Quote: "God has made you in the words of Lionel Richie (can I quote him in a Bible Study?:)) once, twice, three times a Lady. (Can't you just hear him singing it or am I totally dating myself?) Here are the three ways: He has placed you just in time, has saved you by His lovingkindness, and either has given or will give you a desire from the 'lower deep of your nature' to accomplish what He intends in your life."

YES!!! Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing me. Showing me that people will disappoint me, and helping me to understand that life is not fair, but you are fair. I am blessed to know that even though I strayed for a while in my teens and late 20's; You Father were still with me, and I thank You for the protection you gave. And I praise You even for the eye opening experiences that I had to endure to bring me back to you. I look forward to our continued journey and me learning more. In Jesus' name, amen.

2. Are you three times a lady? Has God given you a stirring deep within your Spirit to be a 'deliverer'? Do you have a desire or are you already meeting a need in the life of the church, a particular ministry (such as jail ministry, food ministry, etc.) or perhaps individuals who share common issues?

I believe I am in between being 'three times a lady.' As I know some of my gifts, but not totally sure yet what He intends for me to accomplish. I understand and love that I am a wife, Mom, daughter, care-giver... but maybe there is something more? Prayer and time...will only tell.

I share my own experiences with other's whom are going through the same. I give of myself when needed if I can, and usually I make sure that I can. The gifts I've been blessed with (word processing work, PowerPoint, etc) I love using to share with others. I help teach Mission Friends and voluntarily assist the Children's Pastor.

3. Do you ever get tired of waiting for that opportunity to do something
worthwhile for God? Do you ever feel God is using someone else instead of you?

Sure sometimes. But I have also learned that my timing is not always His.

4. What do you consider 'worthwhile ministry'? Are you like me and sometimes find yourself mistakenly thinking it has to be Big to be Important?
I guess you would say that I'm like you, as I try to go above and beyond to help others; which sometimes is not healthy, because I use up all my energy and then am no good to my family. Depression comes - but I'm working through that, and each day is rising better! But yes, I have in the past considered major things that are big to be important. In the past I took on a family of six children, babysitting and transporting because the parents were hardly ever home, always working. That was big... way to much for me to handle my senior year of high school. And I look sometimes and say, "How can doing this flyer, newsletter, PowerPoint, etc be a worthy help?" But I realize as I grow closer to God, that sometimes, that is why I am right where He placed me to do that type of thing on the computer and help that way!

5. Have you ever taken a spiritual gifts test? If yes, what are yours? If no, here's a good one from Ephesians 4 Ministry. Will you take it and come back with a response? Knowing some of you like I already do, I can almost pick out what your gift is before you say it. I can't wait to see if I'm right!

Your dominant gifts are Pastor/Shepherd, Showing Mercy

The results of your Spiritual Gifts Inventory indicate that your number one dominant gift is PASTORING/SHEPHERDING! The Greek word "poimen" means pastor. In Paul's spiritual gifts listing in Ephesians 4:11, this term is translated "pastor." Although the word "poimen" is translated pastor only one time in Scripture it is used sixteen additional times. The remaining sixteen are all translated "shepherd." Therefore, we are actually discussing the GIFT of shepherding, not the POSITION of pastor. Though a good pastor must have the gift of shepherding, everyone who has the gift of shepherding is not called to be pastor. The gift can be used in many positions in a church.

As a gifted shepherd, you have the Spirit-given capacity and desire to serve God by overseeing, training, and caring for the needs of a group of Christians. You are usually very patient, people-centered, and willing to spend time in prayer for others. You tend to be a "Jack of All and Master of ONE," meaning you are usually dominant in one of the speaking gifts (evangelist, prophet, teacher, exhorter) as well. You are often authoritative, more a leader than a follower, and expressive, composed, and sensitive. Your pleasing personality draws people to you.

You have a burden to see others learn and grow and are protective of those under your care. You want to present the whole Word of God and do not like to present the same materials more than once. (I can't totally agree with this - as I usually do read things several times and do studies more then once.) You are willing to study what is necessary to feed your group and are more relationship oriented than task oriented. You are a peace-maker and diplomat - very tolerant of people's weaknesses. You tend to remember people's names and faces. (Really?? LOL; I feel that most of the time I have a hard time remembering names - but this can't be exact all the time.) You are more concerned with doing for others than others doing for you. You are faithful and devoted and may become a workaholic. You can become an all-purpose person in order to meet needs.

People with the gift of shepherding make the best Sunday school teachers and group leaders because their desire is to go beyond just teaching or leading, to shepherd and minister to the daily needs of their students. The position of Sunday school teacher or group leader is an extension of the pastoral ministry in the church. These groups should be shepherded on a small scale the same as the pastor shepherds the whole congregation on a large scale.

Be careful to involve other people; don't try to do it all yourself. Work on making people accountable. Do not be overly protective of your "flock." Because of these potentially weak areas, other people may think it is your job to do all the work; they rely too heavily on you. You may be expected to be available at all times, know all the answers, and be at every function. Learn when to say no.

Beware of Satan's attack on your gift. He will cause discouragement when the load gets heavy, and pride because your "sheep" look up to you. You may develop family problems because of too little time and attention. You may become selfish when "sheep" feed in other pastures.

HOW CAN YOU USE YOUR GIFT? This gift is a great help in many areas. You may serve as a Sunday school teacher, small group leader, pastor or assistant pastor, bus captain, special ministry leader (such as youth, children, men, etc.), nursery worker or as a half-way house or other type shelter volunteer. You may consider serving as a dormitory leader in a college, orphanage, children's home, etc. Scout troops would appreciate your assistance as a den leader.

I look forward to continuing through this study and greatly appreciate Lisa for sharing this study openly. If you'd like to join us in the study, click on the icon at the top of the page or in my sidebar.

Additionally wanted to note that I pray I can retain all of this information and especially the analogy of: I, me, was placed just in time to have an impact on this earth through 'unrecurring incidents' of obedience, just like Moses. How extraordinary to think of myself in such a way. Also we all could use this reminder: "It took Moses 80 long years to be ready for the buring bush. This may serve to tell us that we have some waiting to do!"

God Bless Everyone, HL

Monday Madness #1

Each week I will post three (or more) questions; I try to keep them on the 'light' side. Once you've copied and pasted them into your blog, come back and leave a comment here.

Good Monday to you all! We're going to try something a bit different this week. Thank you for playing my meme, and have a great week! =)Please fill in the following blanks, to make a compound word:

1. GROUNDLESS
2. FIREHOSE
3. HOUSEWORK
4. OVERFLOW
5. SUNBURN
6. UNDERCOVER
7. OUTWEIGH
8. SOMEWHAT

I look forward to see where this "Monday Madness" goes! Interesting figuring out words this moring! Thanks for the brain candy!

Blog-Abration

I came across this really cool contest... I love to scrapbook my photo's and be able to journal things to really bring the pictures to life! Scrapping is so much fun, it helps us all remember so we don't forget what happened at the time of that picture!

Check it out!

God Bless, HL

8/11/2007

Start notebooks for each of your children, and together journal the changing world around us. Take note of the tiniest detail in God’s creation: Babies, Snowflakes, Lady Bugs, etc.

This is such a wonderful idea, I wanted to make sure that I saved it, incase someone missed today's Motivation for Moms! We take the time to journal for ourselves, but have you ever journaled for or with your children?

In the past, I have had my oldest keep a journal for himself; but I know that he does not maintain it as much as I suggest. So maybe we should journal together!

God Bless, HL

I AM... Lesson 2

I AM... So that you don't have to be
Lesson 2 - Beautiful to God

Discussion Questions:

What is your initial response when anyone suggests you are beautiful? It's hard for me to believe them; so I just say thank you, compliment them in some way and keep on going.

Do you find you engage in a lot of negative 'self-talk'? How much of your thought life does this form of thinking consume? I do find myself engaging in a lot of negative 'self-talk.' I used to do this more than I do now, as I've learned to turn a negative thought into a positive - it definitely doesn't always work, but I'm trying because I know that negativity tears down. And that's what Satan wants, not what God wants for me.

Has it ever occurred to you that you are a City Girl? How do you plan to use this knowledge? I have never thought of this before, "Me, being a City Girl," as you have stated this. One of His children... being thought of as well bread, polite, and eloquent. I don't think of my self in that much detail. I know that I am His child, and He loves me for I am. But with this knowledge - I see I have dig deeper to see what He wants me to see. What a feeling to hear, how He thinks of me! Amen!

In what ways has your view of Godly beauty changed as a result of these Scriptures? I've always known that God does not look on the outside for our beauty, but understanding more that He takes pleasure in me. I have to stop trying to go against what He says, it's not of Him if I deny myself the beauty He gives me.

Faith-Lift Friday: Having Faith in Freedom from your Past

For my Faith-lift today, I have to share my devotional for today 8/10/07 from the In Touch magazine... it just fits my day so well.

Thank You Father, for reminding me to accept your forgiveness. I will praise You in the hard times, and lift myself up to you, asking for Your forgiveness, strength, and guidance. I know and have faith that You will see me through. Thank You so, for seeing me through, walking by my side, holding my hand, and guiding me through every moment of happiness, joy, sadness, you name it - You were there; thank You! In Jesus' name, amen.

Freedom From the Past

Read: Matthew 11:28-30 (New American Standard Bible)
28"(A)Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29"Take My yoke upon you and (B)learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and (C)YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.
30"For (D)My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Take the time to read the devotional: http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.2383055/k.29A5/Early_Light_Devotional__In_Touch_Ministries/apps/nl/newsletter.asp

"Are you haunted by your past? Lay down the chains of regret, and experience the freedom of complete forgiveness."


Quote:
In Touch Devotionals (Early Light) from the In Touch Magazine—these devotionals are derived from Dr. Stanley’s sermons and contain principles from Dr. Stanley’s books. Therefore, because of copyright infringement concerns with the book publisher, we cannot grant permission to reprint the magazine devotionals. You can always direct people to links of the devotionals through e-mail or on a Web site by copying the URL or link on that page. As a matter of fact, we encourage this behavior. Please remember that our mission statement is to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and to strengthen the local church and if you feel that a devotional will help someone, please send the link to them. Another option is to direct others to sign up for the In Touch Magazine. It is free—whether in print, online, or the daily devotional podcasts. Here’s the link to sign up for our free magazine: http://www.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.2284587/k.CC7F/Magazine.htm.

Have faith and take your freedom from the past that our heavenly Father wants to grant you!

God Bless, HL

Identity Crisis

I receive this devotion via the In Touch Magazine & thought I should share...

Please take the moment to read this devotional here at this link:

Identity Crisis

READ 1 Peter 2:9-10

Today's passage calls believers "a chosen race," "a royal priesthood," and "God's own possession." And our purpose is to "proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Devotional Archives Subscribe to Magazine

So, take this to heart & memory, don't go by your feelings all of the time. Satan will use them against us. Try your best to see yourself as God see's you! Isn't it wonderful to know that we are His children! Trust & Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you & change your perception of yourself!

God Bless, HL

Due to privacy and copyright issues I cannot publish the devotional ... therefore see the link in the second line or you can find through the devotional archives link and look up date of August 3, 2007. I hope you enjoyed.

Children Need To Know...

Today's Motivational moment for Moms is: "Never forget to tell your children you’re proud of them. Don’t assume that they already know how you feel."

I wanted to take the moment to document this tip, as there are too many children in the world today that do not feel they've made their parents happy enough, proud, joyful... these children have no self-esteem. We all need to be reminded from time to time --- here's my little reminder.

Today I'm proud of my children because:
1) My oldest is volunteering at VBS to help out the 2-3 year olds teacher!
2) My youngest is doing his best to learn the VBS cheer!
3) We all had a great time bowling today! My youngest took the time to try to learn some more about bowling straight, and my oldest continued to excel in bowling (and wanting to beat Dad).

There are so many reason's I am proud of my children! I can't just sit and hope that they know that, I have to take the time to tell them. Thank you for sharing this Motivation moment to remind us all!

HL

Faith-Lift Fridays

Encourage others and yourself. Share a favorite scripture, devotional, quote, hymn... whatever has strengthened your faith and encouraged your heart.

To see what other's have post, and/or join in on the blogging, click on the picture to the left!

Quotes I'd like to share:

Faith is not belief. Belief is passive. Faith is active. - Edith Hamilton

Faith has to do with things that are not seen, and hope with things that are not in hand. - Saint Thomas Acquinas

Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. - Martin Luther

Faith is a reasoning trust, a trust which reckons thoughtfully and confidently upon the trustworthiness of God. - John R. Stott

Skepticism is the beginning of faith. - Oscar Wilde

Faith is the art of holding on to things your reason once accepted, despite your changing moods. - C.S. Lewis

I AM... so you don't have to be - Bible Study!

I came across this Bible study on Moses! Thank you Lisa, at The Preachers Wife for writing and keeping this study going!



The study started in April of 2007, although you can join in whenever you like. If you would like to participate - click on the picture directly above!

Lesson 1

Just In Time

Acts 7:17-20

"But as the time for the promise was approaching which God had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt. It was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of God, and he was nurtured three months in his father's home." (NASB)

Here are some questions I would like for you to consider in response to what God is showing us in these Scriptures:

1) Are there any circumstances or relationships in your life where you can see God has intentionally placed you to be a light for Him?

There have been many different situation that I am blessed to be a light for Him. Examples fulfilling my mind at the moment are my being able to teach in the children's wing at my church, and certain other people that I've come in contact with that I have helped or am helping with their walk!

2) Can you honestly describe yourself as a woman with a 'yes' in her spirit?

Unfortunately, not always. But I am getting better at having this 'yes' in my spirit; not worrying about what other's think because the only one that matters is my heavenly Father!

3) Are you in an emotionally and spiritually healthy place today? If so, what will you do with your series of unrecurring events? Will you commit to ask for spiritual eyes to see opportunities to defend a weaker sister?

I mostly feel that there are still many opportunities for me to need a defender, as I'm still growing. But I feel that I will always be growing, learning! Therefore, as I get stronger - yes I welcome opportunities to defend a weaker sister.

4) If no, are you taking steps to seek out wise counsel from a sister you admire or perhaps a Christian counselor if needed? If not, will you resolve to do so?

I have taken steps as I now have a mentor through email, and am working on being accountable to another sister at church. I thank God for surrounding me with the Sister's in Christ that he has, and welcome more on my journey!

Inner Fulfillment - Doubting???

I receive "Inner Fulfillment" devotion daily and really enjoy reading it. I want to share this particular devotion by Annagail Lynes because too many are out there believing satan's lies.

Please, take the time to read, retain, and remember this:

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"I accepted Jesus into my heart when I was younger, but if I died tonight, I don't know if I would go to heaven," a friend of mine wrote when she instant messaged me awhile back.
Unfortunately, each of us have felt this way at one time or another. I know, I have.
One day, the devil kept whispering in my ear, "You aren't saved. God doesn't talk to you like He talks to Joyce Meyer or Benny Hinn. He doesn't do things for you like He does for Marilyn Hickey."

At first, I tried to resist, but the more I thought about it, the more doubt seeped in.
The question of not being saved tormented my mind. As hard as I tried, I couldn't think of anything else. I decided to do something about it.
I picked up the phone and called my local Trinity Broadcasting Network station, praying a prayer partner would be down there. Within seconds, I was connected with a mild-mannered woman.

She listened carefully as I told her the problem.

After an agonizing moment of silence, she said, "I've had that problem myself, and let me tell you what God told me."

I couldn't wait to find out what God told her. Maybe it was the lifeline I needed to keep me from drowning in this ocean of torment.

She continued, "The devil is a liar, so the only reason he would tell you that you aren't saved is because you are."

A two-hundred pound weight seemed to be lifted off my shoulders. My mind suddenly became clear.

Revelations 12:9 says , "Satan, which deceiveth the whole world..."

John 8:44 also notes that satan has "no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

You may be thinking "How do we know that it is satan that is tormenting us?"

Are you full of doubt, fear and confusion? Are you restless and feeling condemned? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, more likely than not the devil has been speaking lies to your mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 explains "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

1 John 4:18 reminds us "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

When we are afraid of where we will spend eternity, fear's twin brother doubt moves into our minds as well.

"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed," states James 1:6.

I know when I am being tormented by the devil, I feel like I am on a ship in very choppy waters, the wind blowing hard. I am being tossed from the left side of the boat to the right and back again. If I don't make the boat stop, I will become sea-sick.

When we are harassed in our minds, we are not experiencing the peace that God gave us in John 14:27. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

One of God's Names is Jehovah-Shalom, which most people translate to mean the God of Peace. More specifically, though, the word Shalom means nothing missing, nothing broken.
That's the way God wants your life to be--nothing missing, nothing broken.

But how can you have that peace, that assurance, if you doubt whether you are saved or not?

Let's see, what the Word has to say.

John 6:44 assures us, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:"

If that is true, then the fact that you accepted Jesus into your heart in the first place means God drew you to Himself.

No man can pluck you out of His hand. If you flew to the far side of the sea or the remotest part of the world, the Lord's hand would still be upon you.

Sometimes even knowing this doesn't help us to feel better.

Although your spirit became saved when you asked Jesus into your heart, your soul--your mind, will and emotions--didn't.

Romans 12:2 instructs us to renew our minds.
We renew it by "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

When the devil whispers in your ear, "You aren't saved," grab your Bible and say, "Devil, the Word of God says that you are a liar. Therefore, if you say I am not saved then I must be saved."

You are replacing the negative thoughts the devil planted in your mind with the truth--the Word of God.

You may not feel saved, especially if you have sinned, but your feelings are not an accurate judge of what is going on around you.

Have you ever had a teacher who was tough on you, and you were convinced that he was out to get you? Then you found out that the teacher didn't hate you but was trying to bring out your potential? In that case, your feelings weren't telling you the truth, were they?

If you have sinned, 1 John 1:9 gives us the solution: "If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
There is nothing you can do that God won't forgive you for because Psalm 103:3 tells us "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities..." All, not some.

If you've walked away from God or the devil is continuing to torment your mind, give him a one-two punch by re-dedicating your life to Christ.

If any man comes to Christ, He will in no way cast him or her out.
Romans 10:9-10 instructs us "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, that he was beaten and bruised for every sin you have committed or will commit? That He was raised from the dead three days later? If so, then pray this prayer aloud:
"Heavenly Father, I believe in my heart that Jesus died on the cross for all my sins. I believe He was raised from the dead. I confess Him as Lord. Jesus, come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. From this day forward, I will follow you all the days of my life. Thank You, Father. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

If you prayed that prayer, let me know.

You are now a part of God's family. And there are no illegitimate children in His family.
The devil is a liar. If he says you aren't saved, then you must be a Born-Again Believer. Don't let the devil talk you out of your salvation. Hit him with the Word.

- Annagail Lynes

Copyright © - Annagail Lynes
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I hope you enjoyed this devotional... let me know what you think!
HL