Sarah and Nathen's Happenings!!

Jan. Pics

2011-02-03T20:52:00.001-06:00

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DEC 2010

2011-01-03T22:57:00.001-06:00

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Today's Devotion

2011-01-03T14:59:00.002-06:00

Giving Praise!

"Praise the LORD O my soul; all my inmost being, praise
his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benifits-who
forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases~Psalm 103:1-3"

Okay I know I know it seems like I've been talking a lot about praising and worshiping
but that is what God has laid on my heart today. I'll start with a little story
about our morning....around 8:30 this morning both the boys wanted to watch the
DVD Nana got them from her VBS (Vacation Bible School) which had all the music
from VBS with lyrics and videos. Aiden woke up at 6:30 and already watched a
little bit of TV so I didnt want then to have any more screen time, but figured
this DVD viewing would benifit all of us; as we were dancing and singing to the
DVD I was almost in tears of joy hearing Aiden sing along and watching Evan
dance and play air guitar (yes he can do it pretty well) while I praised and
danced myself. Yes it is Monday and its hard to be joyful, and as I wrote last
night its okay to be uncomfortable---and let me tell you I was very
uncomfortable about 2 hours ago when I struggled to get the boys to take a
nap---and I leaned on God through KLOVE, and a car ride, and they both fell
asleep and are still napping!! A side note about being uncomfortable I really
believe that when we do rely on HIM during our challenging times we will be
blessed as I just was when my mother in law showed up to sit with the boys about
an hour ago so I could go for a run and continue to praise HIM while listening
to my upbeat Christian music. And you know what she was also blessed, being a
very busy, caring, loving person she seldom has time for herself and she read a
book my mom loaned me (that of course I have not even cracked open) and asked to
borrow it! So on this first Monday back to reality you may feel uncomfortable,
but I give you this challenge listen to a Christian song, read a chapter in the
Bible, and turn to HIM you will be blessed!

In God's
Love,
Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2011-01-02T22:39:00.002-06:00

Pray to be uncomfortable?!

"Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far
away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy
waves. About three o'clock in the morning* Jesus came toward them, walking on
the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified.
In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!" But
Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be
afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am
here!*"When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the
disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they
exclaimed.~Matthew 14:24-27, and 33"

This mornings
sermon was about Jesus walking on water, but it focused less on the miracle of
this and more on the disciples response and how we are so much like they were.
As you may notice this is coming rather late and I've reflected on today's
sermon much of the day....hopefully it all makes sense as I'm usually more of a
morning person than a night owl but wanted to get my thoughts down in hopes I
could get to sleep easier.

At the end of
the sermon the preacher gave us a challenge to pray to be uncomfortable, just as
the disciples were. This was the first time in scripture that they praised and
believed Jesus was the son of God, remember they just came from watching Jesus
feed 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish!!!! BUT only when they were faced with raging
waters which were only calmed by Jesus did they believe, and praise him. God's
timing is always right on, the last week although a wonderful week I have not
really leaned on Jesus, or even read my Bible until today, and just yesterday I
was thinking "I need to reconnect with God and read my Bible I'm getting too
comfortable not doing it". Now of course I'm not saying I wish my life to be
filled with less blessings, and more heartache but I think its important for me
to remember to not be content with the status quo and always seek or pursue HIM.
So on this Sunday night when I'm feeling the impending storm that is Nathen
being gone all week in Oklahoma I'm finding peace and comfort that I can cry out
and praise Jesus who is stronger than any storm any of us may weather!

In God's Love,
Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-12-23T13:58:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him
with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are
his we are his people, the sheep of his pasture~Psalm 100:1-3

As I woke this morning I was instantly in a great mood as today is a bit of a special day,
Dec. 23rd as a child was the day we would celebrate our Christmas. We are all
excited about celebrating Christmas on Christmas this year with my parents,
sisters, brother in laws, my aunt, and of course my 5 neices but Dec. 23rd will
always hold a special place in my heart as I have so many childhood memories
that occured on this day. Okay now you may all be wondering what this has to do
with this verse well not a whole lot but hopefully I'll tie it together
here.

Just as I woke up happy this morning, as Christians we have the wonderful joy of knowing God as our savior!! So regardless of the day we should always wake up with a joyful heart, and singing him praises. This time of year is a wonderful time of year to do just that, I know I've often gone into work
singing Christmas songs, so go ahead and celebrate this morning knowing that God
made you and loves you!

Here's one of my favorite Christmas Songs to get you started:

What Child is This
What Child is this
who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with
anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

[CHORUS]
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds
guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son
of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are
feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is
pleading.
[CHORUS]

Nails, spear shall
pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the
Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
[CHORUS]

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come
peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving
hearts enthrone Him.
[CHORUS]

Raise, raise
a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is
born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

IN God's
Love,
Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-12-22T20:56:00.000-06:00

Gifts!

You have every gift from God while you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to come again~1 Cornithians 1:7

This time of year we think a lot about gifts, what we are going to get, what we are going to give, and how to arrange them under the tree~something that I still have fond memories of
arranging and rearranging gifts under our tree as a kid (Cammie and Mom do you
remember me doing that? I dont remember having any help probably b/c I wouldnt
allow it:)~and as Aiden began to take the gifts from under the tree we
rearranged our gifts....just as I remember doing as a kid. It was a wonderful
moment shared with the boys on a somewhat trying day. A local family has been on
my heart and mind a lot lately as they face their first Christmas without their
son, brother, husband, and father. I can imagine that this family is having a
difficult time seeing the gifts God has granted them with as they wait to be
reunited with their loved one. BUT we all have a wonderful gift that is too big
to fit under any tree, the gift of salvation through Jesus' life.

On a rough day whether dealing with tantruming toddlers, mourning the loss of a loved
one, or just waking up on the wrong side of the bed remember the wonderful gift
that we all have!! I think when we recognize this wonderful gift it helps us see
the other gifts that have been given to us by HIM. For me today it was seeing
Aiden taking the presents from under the tree not to unwrap them but placing
them on the couch so he could rearrange them, taking me back to a wonderful
childhood memory~God allowed me to recognize that gift today even though I was a
bit frustrated with Aiden not taking a nap today. I pray for those families who
are facing Christmas for the first time without their loved ones that God will
provide comfort, peace, and allow them to see the gifts they have as they wait
to see their loved ones and Jesus.

In God's Love,
Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-12-21T21:40:00.002-06:00

To God be the Glory!

"Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy! Psalm 99:3", "For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me~Luke 1:49"

We serve an awesome and amazing God!! Sometimes its hard to praise
HIM when we are struggling or mourning a loss of loved one but I know I find
comfort knowing that everything is according to HIS plan not mine, and he does
do great things for ME.

This morning I spent a lot of time in prayer
for our nanny,Karli, who 1 year ago today lost her best friend in a car accident
in which she'll be traveling the same road later today as she drives home. As
Karli arrived this morning I asked her how she was doing and I could sense her
sadness and offered her a hug which she accepted and appreciated~as I was
leaving she thanked me for the hug! I tell you this not to bring sadness to you
but as a way to illustrate how God can work through us. It was definately a God
thing as we shared that hug, I could tell she was comforted by me allowing
myself to listen to God and give her that hug. It also got me thinking why HE
chose to take such a young christian home and only HE knows but I wonder if HE
saved her from pain that may have come her way, or maybe there were many
children who needed her energetic, and loving care and compassion (of course I'd
never met her but do know she and Karli babysat together through high school).
Now for the friends and family that she left behind although painful they know
she is with her Heavenly Father. And maybe through the loss their faith has
become stronger.

As humans we often think that we deserve all the thanks
and appreciation. I must admit that my top "love language" is that of
appreciation; and although it is nice to be appreciated and thanked, we need to
stop and thank who to really give our thanks and glory to. Its something I'm
constantly working on...especially when it comes to writing these devotions...am
I writing to get positive feedback and "pats on the back"---yes that is nice,
BUT who allows the thoughts and interpretations to come to me...God, so he
should recieve all the Glory and thanks!

As we get closer to Christmas
remember to give HIM praise and reflect on all the wonderful and great things
he's done for you!

In God's Love,
Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-12-20T12:05:00.002-06:00

Whatever we need he's there!

"For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation~Psalm 100:5 "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.~ Isaiah 9:6, NLT"

I love these verses, dont they offer such encouragment on a dreary Monday morning? This is going to be kind of a short devotion because the verses seem to say it all. It's hard to understand the love God has for each of us, but I think it can be somewhat compared to the love we have for our children. No matter what I know that my parents love me unconditionally and the same goes for my love for my wonderful children. I continue to love them when they hit, bite, and scream at me. I may tell them that I don't like their actions but always tell them that I will always love them. I think that God may feel the same way towards us he may not like some of our actions but his love for us never fades. And when we do or say things that may not be very godly isnt it comforting that HE is not only our Everlasting Father, but also Wonderful Counselor. We can go to HIM in prayer and say "God, help guide me". And when we have conflict with loved ones we can go to him as Prince of Peace. I know from experience that when Nathen and I have a conflict its easily diffused when we refocus our energy on God. God is always there whether we need counsel, peace, or a father...No matter what we've done, thought, or experienced God is there. As we get closer to celebrating Jesus' birth let us not forget all God has done for us.

In God's love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-12-16T11:02:00.002-06:00

Our job description!

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge,6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness,7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 1 Peter 2:3-7"

I stumbled across these verses as I went to the context for a verse I received from KLOVE this morning. I think that it provides us as Christians a wonderful job description of sorts, how we are suppose to live, and even the "requirements"/tools we have to live a godly life. Just last night my mom and I were talking about those who have experienced loss and how amazingly their faith grows stronger, in verse 4 the Bible tells us why "Promises that enable you to share his divine nature and ESCAPE the world's corruption caused by human desires". We do live in at times a very ugly, depressing, and ungodly world, but through our faith in God we can surive and thrive knowing what lasts forever, our relationship with HIM. I love the last few verses in this scripture basically outlining for us what we need to do to supplement our faith, almost like requirements to our job description; moral excellence with knowledge, knowledge with self control, self control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with LOVE for EVERYONE". Wow sounds like a pretty tough job to do, doesn't it. And yes sometimes being a Christian is difficult, and sometimes even quite lonely but as most humans want to excell and better themselves, this verse gives us all a great challenge, and I can only imagine the blessings that will come along with reaching for this. Something God has really been working with me on is loving everyone regardless if I like them or not. As Christians we need to help and support each other in our job as Christians, we are all coworkers and need to work together to serve God and ensure all the glory is for HIM! So today what requirement are you working on? FOr me its probably self control with patient endurance as we wait and see about a closer job for Nathen, and the loving everyone thing is something I'm always trying to work on.

Yes it sounds like a daunting task but through God anything is possible so go ahead say a prayer and jump into meeting the job requirements of being a Christian!

In God's love,

sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-12-14T22:22:00.000-06:00

Christmas time Confessions!

For you, O Lord, are the most high over all
the earth; you are exalted far above all gods~Psalm 97:9

Okay I must admit that I'm a bit stressing about Christmas. Just a few weeks I remember
hearing someone say they were stressed about Christmas and I thought "why, its a
wonderful time of year" well now I am, nothing major. Just trying to figure out
what gifts to give to family members that I barely know; part of me just wants
to skip the gifts even though I love giving gifts, its hard to shop for people
that you do not know. But is that what Christmas should be about? ABSOLUTELY
NOT...Christmas SHOULD be about doing just what this verse says, rejoicing,
exalting, and praising our God who reigns forever and ever!

It's sad for me to think that people, myself included get so stressed out about this time of
year. True it usually means more time with family, which can be anxiety
provoking for some, not for me but I know some people who are not as blessed as
I am with regards to family. True it can be a financial strain trying to budget
for additional spending. But all those stressors do not compare to the wonderful
gift we've received by the gift of Jesus! That is worth all our praises, so lets
all stop stressing and remember what Christmas is all about!

In God's
Love,
Sarah:)

Yesterday's Devotion

2010-12-14T10:36:00.002-06:00

David and Goliath!

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.~ Isaiah 40:29, NLT; Sing to the LORD; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.~Psalm 96:2"

Alright I used this first verse Friday, but was unable to write a devotion so am combining my thoughts today into one devotion. As I read and reflected on this first verse Friday I couldn't help but think of David and Goliath; as we all know David was a weak, young, small and quite powerless shepherd boy who knew God was strong and powerful so offered to fight Goliath and won the fight with throwing just one stone. We all know this story but how often do we have the same faith and courage as David? If you are like me not very often. Similarly do we praise him and spread the good news that he saves as the second verse instructs us? Yea again if you are like me probably not very often. BUT I wanted to share a couple of incidences where Christians have done just this, recognized that God is more powerful than anything, and gave praises to his name.

This weekend was a busy weekend full of socializing, something that generally causes both Nathen and I a lot of anxiety, and we usually come away from social gatherings disappointed and exhausted. BUT Saturday at a Christmas party we both had a wonderful time. At one point the conversation turned to faith, and although we did not have lengthy discussion another MOM and I shared with others the importance of sharing your faith in a loving and accepting way just as Jesus loved us. Looking back I wish I would have said more about my faith but I think what I and another mom said was appreciated and we did let the others know who we worship, so I do feel proud of myself because I think 2-3 years ago I would have just sat there in silence. Another friend of mine reached out this weekend as she had to tend to some family crisis'. I was able to watch her son so she could be with her parent. As she returned to pick up her son I could tell she was emotionally exhausted but still she praised God, asking me to pray and recognizing that we serve a poweful God and everything would be okay. In a middle of a crisis she was able to praise God!!

Whatever your Goliath is today know that God will provide you the "stone" to win the fight. We all have our Goliath's in our lives, but through our relationship with God and fellowship with other Christians we do not have to fight alone!

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-12-09T09:52:00.000-06:00

Geese in a Snow Storm

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.~John 3:17

Okay I'm cheating a bit today, I heard this story on KLOVE this morning and it really ministered to me so thought I'd share it with you. This man never believed but through his observation and trial with geese in a snowstorm it was clear to him what God had done for us, sent his only son to SAVE us, the only way we could be SAVED was for him to join us. The story is a little lengthy but worth it. Enjoy:)

There was once a man who did not believe in the virgin birth of Christ or the spiritual meaning behind it. He didn’t understand all the focus on Jesus at Christmas time. He was even skeptical there was a God who loved him.

He and his family lived in a farm community. His wife was a devout believer and diligently raised her children in the faith. He sometimes gave her a hard time about her belief and mocked her reverence of Christmas. "It's all nonsense -- why would God lower himself and become a human like us? It's such a silly story," he said.

One snowy December day, his wife and the children left for church while he stayed home. After they had departed, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening.

Then he heard a loud thump, something hitting against the window... And, still another thump. He looked outside but could not see anything. So he ventured outside for a better view. In the field near his house he saw, of all the strangest things, a flock of geese. They were apparently flying to look for a warmer area down south, but they had been caught in the snowstorm. The storm had become too blinding and violent for the geese to fly or see their way. They were stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter, unable to do more than flutter their wings and fly in aimless circles. He had compassion for them and wanted to help them. He thought to himself, the barn would be a great place for them to stay. It is warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he opened the barn doors for them.

He waited, watching them, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside. Nevertheless, they did not notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. He moved closer toward them to get their attention, but they just moved away from him out of fear.

He went into the house and came back with some bread, broke it up, and made a bread trail to the barn. They still did not catch on.

Starting to get frustrated, he went over and tried to shoo them toward the barn. They panicked and scattered into every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where there was warmth, safety, and shelter. Feeling totally frustrated, he exclaimed, "Why don't they follow me? Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm? How can I possibly get them into the one place to save them?"

He thought for a moment and realized that they just would not follow a human. He said to himself, "How can I possibly save them? The only way would be for me to become like those geese. If only I could become like one of them. Then I could save them. They would follow me and I would lead them to safety."

His words reverberated in his mind. (taken from KLOVE.com advent calandar)

Yesterday's Devotion

2010-12-09T09:51:00.002-06:00

Stuck in the MUD!

"He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.~ Psalm 40:2, NLT"

I apologize for the lateness of this, it has been a very busy, hectic, and not so good day!! BUT as I'm reflecting on my day I'm thankful for so many little things that happened that lifted me up. I'm going to appear to be complaining a bit just so you get some background on our day today...the positive stuff will come I promise:)The boys and I had a jammed packed day leaving the house at 9:30 and not returning until after 3. Our activities included a meeting, lunch with friends, and shopping with friends for a family we adopted. I was looking forward to crashing and relaxing with the boys after all this when I recieved a call around noon about another meeting tonight that I needed to attend, and I could find absolutely no one to attend in my place, and no one to watch the boys. Our shopping trip was close to a disaster both boys tired and cranky and couldnt quite understand shopping for toys that wern't for them~I'm still trying to figure out what I thought would happen taking them during their nap time their behavior was more my fault than theirs. Yes I literrally felt stuck in the mud with 2 cranky boys, and honestly was about on the verge of tears myself. I was in tears talking to Nathen at about 3 and said "I wish you could just come home", his response honestly surprised me~usually statements like this make him feel guilty and sometimes feel helpless and defensive, but his tone was so supportive and comforting saying "I wish I could too". Then I made one more call to another committee member to see if she could attend the meeting for me, she already had plans to have company for dinner but offered to watch my boys for me during the meeting. Once we got home thought I'd check my email since I hadn't all day, and there was a sweet email from a dear friend saying what a great friend and mom I was...boy did I need to hear that..slowly I was feeling less stuck!!! All of these little things were orchestrated by God's hands I believe that totally. All day I was feeling really guilty about dragging the boys around, and eventhough it was painful I think I got the message from God that I need to remember their needs first before worrying about what others think (I really thought since I'm President of MOMS Club I HAD to go shopping with the others, when in reality they didnt need me there, and would have understood if I didnt go). BUT God being a loving God he also put supports in for me by Nathen's response, a friends email, and another friends offer to watch the boys. So if you are feeling a bit stuck today/tonight remember there is always a loving hand in your relationship with God to help you out of the mud. I wish I would have read this verse earlier in the day, I think I would have felt a little more steadier on my feet!

In God'sLove,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-12-07T15:45:00.002-06:00

King of Kings!

The LORD is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength.The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your royal laws cannot be changed.Your reign, O LORD, is holy forever and ever~Psalm 93:1,5

Yesterday I wrote about sheep and well it is that time of year where we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ so although this scripture comes from the old testiment I think its fitting for Christmas time as well. This is one time of the year when many who may not know God as their savior but they most likely know the Christmas story and what better time to minister to those who may be lost sheep than NOW!!! There are a lot of Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers and others in leadership roles throughout the world. But none of them have the power that our God has. Our God is King of all Kings. Even in our very secular culture there seems to be a sense that we all want and need something Bigger than ourselves. I heard recently that many retailers are going back to saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays", some may think this doesn't mean a whole lot but to me I think it means a lot. It means that Christians have spoken and those in "power" have listened. So I encourage you as well as myself when a clerk wishes you a Merry Christmas that you respond by sharing what a wonderful King we serve, or share what God has done in your life. If at least one clerk accepts that statement as an invitation to ask Jesus into their hearts then what a wonderful Christmas gift for you and them!

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-12-06T14:38:00.002-06:00

We ARE Sheep!!!

Jesus said,] "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father -and I lay down my life for the sheep."-- John 10:14-15

Yesterday during our pastor's sermon something really spoke to me, we all just like sheep often "eating our way lost". The pastor explained that sheep get lost by focusing on just whats in front of them(green grass) and before they know it they are lost. My thought that we are just like sheep was validated just now when I googled "how sheep get lost" as I was trying verify what my pastor said. I figured my search would take me to articles from animal experts, a rancher, but nope all of the links I saw were scriptured based linking us as followers of Christ like sheep. So yes I think we are like Sheep, so does Google:)

Don't we often find ourselves lost spiritually. I don't think we intentionally go astray from our walk with God but somehow what we focus on becomes more important and we do become lost. This has happened to me at times through my life; I wont make it a priority to read my Bible, or go to church, or fellowship with other believers and before I know it I feel lost, there is a void. Fortunately I have been able to recognize this I think from God speaking to me through HIS Holy Spirit and can get back on track. But many people start out with such a drive to serve God and as they live their lives they become farther and farther away just as a sheep eats his way lost we fill our "appetite" with other things whether it be relationships, drugs, alcohol, profession, school, whatever it is we become just a like a lost sheep who can't find our way back and sometimes we may not even want to find our way back. That is so sad for me to think of loosing that relationship with God. But no matter how lost we become our shepherd, God, never gives up for us. He constantly uses HIS Holy Spirit to bring things in our lives that will help us lost sheep find our way back to HIM. So if you are feeling a bit like a lost sheep spiritually don't feel guilty, or ashamed but rather feel loved and know your Shepherd God is just waiting to lead you again.

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-12-03T19:02:00.002-06:00

Forever Thirst Quencher!!

Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He
who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be
thirsty." -- John 6:35

Okay as I titled this I cannot help but think of
Gatorade..which I think claims to be a great thrist quencher or something. Yes
our body may be quenched by our fluid and food intake. But what about our
spiritual intake? I know I feel I'm running on empty spiritually sometimes
especially in the middle of the night when I'm trying to calm and comfort a
fussy toddler as I was last night with Evan. However in my haze of sleepiness
and frustration you know what made me feel better? singing Jesus Loves Me to
Evan. At that moment I needed some spiritual rehydration and even at 2:00 in the
morning was reminded who provides what we need when we need it! Yes I was
still tired but not near as frustrated because I got a little shot of spiritual
comfort that I so needed, as did Evan needed a mommy that was somewhat hydrated
spiritually!!!

Our bodies may feel hungry and thirsty from time to time
and the majority of us fulfill that need as soon as we possibly can. AND we
should take our spiritual health and intake as important, when we feel
ourselves slipping away from our relationship with God WE NEED to rehydrate, and
feed our souls; and remember what a wonderful quencher it is ~ and its available
to us anytime, anywhere!!! Yes even when we are very busy we can say prayer,
instead of watching a sitcom we can read our Bible, the list goes on and on. If
we continue to recognize the importance of spiritual "diet" we will never be
hungry or thirsty. So go ahead take a big bite and gulp of the wonderful bread
of life that has been given to us!

Have a blessed
weekend,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-12-02T16:12:00.003-06:00

Waiting, thanking, and being loved!

"I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.~ Psalm 62:1, It is good to give thanks to the LORD,

to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening~Psalm 92:1,2"

Sorry for no devotion yesterday, it was a wonderful day of playing with the boys and fellowshiping with my wonderful mom, and just didnt have time to write a devotion.

I know I've written before about waiting, and I guess I feel like that is what I'm doing right now in our current family life situation with Nathen working on the road. We are waiting, and praying that his company will get a job closer to home so he can be home every night. As I was visiting with my mom last night I admitted that I often feel guilty for complaining because we have so many blessings to be thankful for, our kids are healthy and happy, we have a wonderful extended family, Nathen and I have a healthy marriage, we have money in our savings account, roof over our heads, vehicles to drive, the list goes on and on we do have a blessed life. BUT I miss seeing my hubby every night and the boys miss playing with their daddy everynight. I've been praying more frequently that God will somehow get Nathen closer to home, and also thanking him for all the blessings. I know that all prayers are answered we may just have to wait patiently for them to be answered. All the while I know God is a faithful, and loving God and maybe that is why we are going through this right now so we can really see his work in our lives.

As I'm writing this I'm recalling one of the boys' bible stories about the blind beggar, it asks "did his parents sin", "did he sin, is that why he is blind?" and Jesus answers no he is blind so my work could be seen and then he sends the blind man to a river to wash his eyes and then can see so I'm just praying, and waiting patiently for Jesus to wash away the blindless of not seeing Nathen every night just as he did with that blind beggar. Whatever you are waiting for today remember that God is loving and faithful and to just wait patiently and be faithful in your prayers. If you need prayer partner please let me know I'd be happy to pray for you.

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Tuesday's Devotion

2010-12-02T16:12:00.000-06:00

Eternal Rescuer NOT Enabler!

The LORD says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.~Psalm 91:14-16"

If you have about 5 minutes I encourage you to read this entire chapter especially if you are going through a difficult time, there are great promises to be fulfilled for you! I chose to focus on these verses because of my day so far. Anyone who is a social worker knows the word enabler~it is that naughty word that many parents are labeled with and sometimes rightly so! However, God IS NOT, he does not allow us to continue to make the same mistakes over and over, yes he continues to love us but if we allow him he guides us to make better choices. Earlier this morning I observed a 4 year old boy who has been struggling at drop off times, and will scream, cry, and cling to his mom as she leaves. His mom I believe is a loving, and caring mom and wants the best for her son, and took the advice I gave to not sneak out but rather give him a hug and a quick goodbye reassuring him that she would pick him up. This mom did not linger and feed into the child's attempts to make her stay that would have enabled him, rather she took my advice and left. She did wait outside without the child knowing to ensure that he calmed down, just as I would have done, and have done in the past with my children. I let her know that her son was playing and calmed down within 5 minutes of her leaving. I think our relationship with God is often like what was displayed with this mom and child. We may kick and scream when we feel God is abandoning us or not listening to us...when all the while he is there watching over us. If we just allow ourselves to be somewhat vulnerable and cry out to him he will comfort and rescue us from what we are experiencing. Now of course I'm not saying this mom is God or anything just the love she displayed for her child is much like the love God has for each of us, and he is always there even when we feel he is far away. So whatever trouble you are facing today, call out to HIM, trust him, and allow HIM to rescue you! You will become stronger not weaker!

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-11-29T12:42:00.000-06:00

Monday Monday.....

"Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good.~Psalm 90:14,15"

I'm not sure if I'm the only one who is slighly grumpy this Monday morning after such a long and wonderful weekend with family but in my daily Bible reading I found this verse and found encouragement in it so hopefully you will too:) My "misery" this morning was waking up to Aiden asking "why does daddy have to go to work?", it breaks my heart each monday morning when he has to leave and making it worse having our 3.5 year old express his sadness too; which I often don't respond in the most comforting way probably because I'm just as sad about it as he is. But after reading this verse I'm refocusing from the "misery" that Monday has presented to me to the wonderful love and blessings that God has granted me. Yea it really sucks to have Nathen gone through the week but we should be rejoicing, and praising God that he has a great job, and that he's such a wonderful husband and daddy that we WANT him home and enjoy our weekends together. I can imagine that there are families that experience more conflict and disappointment than us and that is probably because we really try to focus on the postives and maximize our family time. Of course we arn't perfect and conflicts arise as Nathen found a expired debit card still intact in my car...same account name and number so anyone could access our money. He was angered and I was embarrased that I hadn't cut it up to ensure our financial safety. This conflict could have ruined our weekend, but instead we each defended ourselves, agreed it wasn't worth ruining our weekend and continued on with our joyful weekend, and I learned a valuable lesson...cut up expired card immediately! In a way we did replace "evil" with good. We could have both caved into our humaness and argued over who was right but I'm so thankful that we decided to focus on the goodness that we had in our weekend instead.

So on this Monday morning whatever your "misery" is please remember the unfailing love God has for you, and try to find the blessings throughout the day, because I think when we refocus on this we can only feel good and loved by our Heavenly Father. Happy Monday!

In God's love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-11-24T12:53:00.002-06:00

Being Thankful: Small Miracles

Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live inhim, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as youwere taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.-- Colossians 2:6

Okay this will be short and hopefully sweet. As I laid the boys down for nap today I said a prayer that both of them would take a nap as I need to prepare a meal for someone and just need a break from them. Aiden rarely naps when I'm home so I really believe that my prayer was heard this afternoon and a little miracle performed. And yes I feel built up by 'God right now knowing that he loves me so much that cares enough to make these little miracles occur. And I'm overflowing with a thankful heart!! Ironically I had this verse picked out way before nap time but it is perfect for what I'm feeling right now. So as we enter into our Thanksgiving fellowship with friends and families please remember to be thankful for all that God has blessed you with even the small miracles like arriving to your destination on time, not burning the turkey, or whatever your small miracle may be remember to praise and thank God.

In God's love,
Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-11-22T15:30:00.002-06:00

Being Thankful: My hubby Nathen

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.-- Colossians 3:15

Sorry for the long break, its been a busy but wonderful weekend. I wanted to share with you why I'm so thankful for Nathen today, as a married couple with 2 small children we rarely have the chance to say how much we appreciate one another but this past Friday presented an opportunity for us to do just that. Some may have already heard this story and well Nathen you already know it, but I just have to tell it again. Okay Friday morning as I was pulling up into the church parking lot for our MOPS meeting in which I was presenting on ways to prevent powerstruggles, Nathen called and said "I have a little gift for you" feeling almost like a child I excitedly said "Can you tell me now what it is or do I have to wait". He then said I can tell you it's not that big of a deal, I replied again pretty excited "tell me". He then shared with me that in the gas station he was at earlier there were decals for cars and he looked through them and saw one that made him instantly think of me, it was a picture of young girl kneeling under a cross with "Real Women Pray" written on it. It meant so much to me that he saw me in that way, a praying and faithful woman. I instantly told him how much it meant to me, and he being a guy probably thought I was a little silly for reacting the way I did but I think he understood and respected why it meant so much to me. After drying my tears of joy I entered into the church for my MOPS presentation and meeting, and shared the story with other moms as a way to illustrate when we live our lives like Jesus wants us to, others around us will recognize and begin living their lives in similar ways. This past weekend both Nathen and I have really seen what a blessed life we have. Yes it is a challenge for all of us having him gone during the week for work, but that is temporary (and we are praying very temporary). I've been really trying to listen to God in every aspect of my life, and I think like this verse says it has brought peace in every aspect of my life. I'm not as short tempered with the boys, and I am I think(I guess Nathen can vouch for that:) a more patient wife to a wonderful husband. Today and every day I'm thankful for my wonderful husband who through a small gift really opened my eyes on how following Christ can affect those around me. I hope through me sharing this with you today you'll realize the affects a Christ lived life can have on you and your relationships.

In God's love,

Sarah:)

Yesterday's Devotion

2010-11-18T16:39:00.002-06:00

Being Thankful Part 5:Food and clothing

But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that~1 Timothy 6:8

Okay I was honestly going to write about something else today but this was the boys' scripture from their devotion and made me reflect how I often take simple things for granted. So today I'm thankful for having food and clothing. Its never an issue of not having any food or clothes, rather its what should we eat or what to wear. Some families don't have the luxary of a choice, they eat what they can find if they eat at all!!

So today be thankful for that closet full of clothes even if you think you have nothing to wear (I do that every day) and be thankful for the breakfast you just enjoyed!

Sorry this is so short~mommy duty calls:)

Have a wonderful day, In God's love

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-11-18T16:38:00.002-06:00

Being Thankful: Aiden and Evan

I will sing of the LORD's unfailing love forever! Young and old will hear of your faithfulness. Your unfailing love will last forever. Your faithfulness is as enduring as the heavens.~Psalm 89:1,2

Okay prepare for a few cute stories about the 2 cutiest boys I know because today I'm sharing why I'm thankful for these 2 little active boys! I must preface that my boys are not perfect and if you were in the mall today around 12:30 you would have seen, but today I want to share how my kiddos praise. I thought about doing 2 separate devotions one for each of them but so many of the stories include both of them so decided to combine into one devotion. Recently both of the boys have started singing the B-I-B-L-E song. It's so adorable Aiden will say "Evan sing it" and Evan will sing and dance with him. At bedtime we've in the last few months have been listening to KLOVE instead of bedtime music, mostly for me I thought--but the last couple of nights Evan has been raising his hands as I'm rocking him to sleep. Yes he's only 2 but I think he has an innate sense of what we are listening to is about God and so lifts his hands to worship. Now of course I would be thankful for my little guys if they didnt sing songs about Jesus but I honestly can't think of what could make me feel better as a mom than to see them dancing to christian music and singing sunday school songs. I believe that each child's life is a miracle regardless of the circumstances, and I feel blessed that I had no complications with either pregnancy, and both were born naturally as I wanted, and both are healthy! It breaks my heart when I read about families who have children who have a terminal illness, so today I'm praising and thanking God for granting Aiden and Evan into Nathen and our lives, and pray for all those families who have lost their little ones or have very sick children.

Oh and by the way I was the mommy in the mall, telling my boys to blow out birthday candles as way to calm them and well myself down, reflecting back I wonder if they'd respond better if I said "lets say a prayer to Jesus asking him to get out of here with no tears"~there were tears by both boys but not me so I consider it somewhat of an accomplishment:)

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-11-16T13:49:00.000-06:00

Being Thankful: Part 4 Church

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.~ Romans 12:9, NLT

Today I'm focusing on being thankful for church, but am using the wide defination of church being all believers where we should do just as this verse says not pretend and really love one another. I feel quite blessed to have a church home with 4 walls as well as a church among believers through fellowship to fill the void between Monday and Sunday. Now I will say without the formal structure of attending church service it does make it more difficult I think to walk a Christian life. We started attending our church about 2.5 years ago and since that time God has really worked in both Nathen and I's life; partly because I think we are getting that spiritual recharging each Sunday morning through worship, and message~they also do a wonderful job of encouraging us to continue our worship and fellowship through the week. So I'm so thankful for our church and the wonderful people I've met through our weekly attendance there. Now the informal church we can experience outside the walls of church on Sundays; fellowship with other believers. I thought I'd share a couple of examples of how God has blessed me with fellow christians in my life. First, all of our nannies for the boys have made their christian faith known and have been very open about sharing their faith, and even asking for prayer. It's such a blessing to know that the boys are cared for by strong Christians, and am so thankful that although a short time in our lives usually about a year I've been able to be a part of their lives. Michele was with us for about a year moving back home in May and for being in her early 20's her faith was so important to her she even talked about it in her interview! Karli our current nanny requested a devotional, bible study material so she could get back on track with her walk with God, and we share prayer requests for each other. Although my workplace is not affliated with a church I again feel blessed that I do know other Christians in my building that I can talk to and pray with. Just last week as I was preparing to do a presentation for a classroom one of the teachers shared with me about listening to God, now I barely know this teacher but she felt confident enough to talk about her faith with me, and I was encouraged by our conversation, I always feel like I can't share my faith much working for a school district but our talk made me realize that there are things I can do to show my faith. Now when I'm not working or at church I'm blessed by great friends, and a loving Christian husband (eventhough he claims he's not a good Christian, I've seen him be more Christ like at times than me) some very strong Christians, some may not be Christians at all but the fellowship that I have my friends in Christ is always encouraging, and helps keep me on track and motivated to continue to share the message with my friends who may not know Jesus as their personal savior. I'm not sure where I'd be in my walk with God if I did not have all these support systems/churches in my life. It's just amazing how your life's focus changes when people around you are Christian and you build each other up. So lets all try to love each other so we can experience the blessing of Christian fellowship.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-11-15T13:42:00.002-06:00

Being Thankful Part 3: Parents

"Now I am coming to you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I don't want what you have—I want you. After all, children don't provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children. I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me.~2 Cornithians 12:14,15"

As alluded to in my last devotion I was blessed to have loving, caring, and faithful parents. So today that is what I'm thankful for. My dad although was not a strong spiritual guide during my childhood he did provide for our family, and supported mom and all of us girls going to church every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night. Yep we went to church anytime possible because I think it was that important to my mom to raise us with God as our focus. I remember often times not living up to what other's at church wanted of me, I never completed Missionettes like Cammie and Sheldi did. I was never as active in youth group as Cammie was but never did my mom criticize me (or at least I don't remember it if she did) for these "failures". I have many childhood memories of going to church, children's church, sunday school, and yes even Missionettes. But I think the church can only be responsible for so much, the majority of my spiritual growth was caused by the seeds planted by my mom, and by her and my dad's continued prayers. Those prayers I can imagine were from anything to "help Sarah have a good day today" to "help Sarah find a Christian spouce" and I'm guessing "Help Sarah return to you" (during my rebellious years in my early 20's). I also just remembered an incredible interaction with my dad after my grandfather (his dad)passed away, when he told me the news I remember running and crying out of the house to the tire swing we had; not sure why I decided to run I guess in my 8 year old mind it made sense at the time, but what I really needed was a shoulder to cry on and a big hug in which my dad provided~I can't remember even what he said and who knows knowing my dad who is a man of few words he probably said nothing but provided comfort and support through his actions, looking back this was his dad and he was in pain too, but when his child needed him that took priority.

As the verses say parents provide and love us even if as children we are not loving them too much at the time. As a parent now I can appreciate more what my parents provided for me as a child. I remember when Aiden was about 1 both Nathen and I made a conscious effort to make our faith a priority and began looking for a church, what a blessing that church has been~but maybe we'll get to that tomorrow:) I would have never had the faith I have today if my parents didn't make it a priority by my mom taking us to church and my parents continued prayers, so for that I'm thankful. It's amazing to think of how many other blessings have come my way because of my parents.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-11-12T13:36:00.001-06:00

Being Thankful:Part 2; God

For God so loved the world that he gave his
one and only Son, that whoever belives in him shall not perish but have eternal
life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to
save the world through him~John 3:16,17

I'm so thankful today and everyday for what should be our first priority in our life, God. I was thinking
about this last night the order of things should go I think 1)God 2)Family 3)Church 4) Everything else; but that doesn't always happen. Nope but God loves us regardless if we have our priorities out of order. I'm so thankful that he loved me so much that he gave his Son's life for my sins, and am so thankful for being brought up in a family that gave me the opportunity to turn my life over
to HIM...but that will be for another day:)

So today join me in rejoicing, praising, and thanking God for the love he shows us
everyday!

In God's Love,
sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-11-11T14:10:00.002-06:00

Thankful:Part 1, Military Families

"Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed! Truth springs up from the earth, and righteousness smiles down from heaven. Yes, the LORD pours down his blessings. Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.~Psalm 10-12"

Well Thanksgiving is exactly two weeks away so thought I'd write about being Thankful until the Big Day (I love Thanksgiving its one of my most favorite times of the year!) The Lord has blessed me tremendously so I have no doubt I'll be able to fill up 2 weeks pretty easy. Today being veterans day I'm thankful for all that have given their time, energy, and lives to serve our country. I've been more aware and thankful for the service military families provide in the last few years due to Nathen working on the road and knowing several military families who have husbands deployed. I hate having Nathen gone during the week but I know he's safe, can talk to him whenever i want, and know he will be home every Friday night. Most military wives may not even get to talk to their husbands or know where or what they are doing over seas, I can only imagine how anxiety provoking and stressful that could be. I try to thank those families for their service as well, I think so often we forget to thank our military. Our nation has its areas for improvements and flaws, BUT because of the sacrifice that military families of the past, and present have made we do have freedom beyond compare to other nations. As for the verse I chose to use today I just thought it was a beautiful picture of the love, peace, and truth we have in our LORD. And I'm so thankful that I live in a nation that I can share that with others and that is because of our military. I encourage you on this Veterans Day to say thank you to a military family, but don't stop there, when you do meet a military family remember to thank them for the sacrifices they've made to keep our country safe, and free.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-11-10T22:07:00.002-06:00

Peaceful Living

Do all that you can to live in peace
with everyone.~Romans 12:18, NLT

Hey all sorry this is arriving so late in the day, another busy but
great day!!

Wow this verse seems like kind of a tall order doesn't it? It does to me, doing
everything I can to live in peace with loved ones is sometimes pretty hard to do
but with everyone...that almost seems impossible. I do strive to be a person who
is accepting, nonconfrontational, and loving but unfortunately I'm also one who
doesn't like to back down from an argument which seems to conflict with the
whole Peaceful Living idea!:) I read this verse first thing this morning and
have spent much of the day reflecting on it, and came to the resolution that yes
life would be much easier, less stressful and enjoyable if I let go of an
argument and really do all that I can do to live in peace with everyone. Now I
don't think that this means we are a doormat for people to walk all over and to
hurt...notice the first few words "do all that you can do" it doesn't just say
live in peace with everyone. I do think though that in relationships with those
closest to us that it is often hard to really do all that we can do...we often
just want to win!! Earlier this evening while talking to Nathen I could feel
myself almost start one of these winless arguments when I remembered this verse
and decided it was more important to me at that moment to have a peaceful
attitude and you know what by refocusing my "agenda" I could actually hear,
appreciate, and understand Nathen's point of veiw much better. So Peaceful
Living may sound unatainable, and idealistic but it is worth the effort and if
anything else the Bible tells us so....so we should at least
try!

In God's Love,
Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-11-09T22:41:00.002-06:00

ABCs of God's Love

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes
like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place
remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is
with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children--
with those who keep his covenan...t and remember to obey his precepts.~Psalm 103:15-18
(NIV)

Okay today I'm kind of cheating...I read my devotion
last night and one of the activities was to define God's love with each letter
of the alphabet. And this morning I received this verse in my email box about
the everlasting love that is God's love!! In our life we have challenges,
stressors, but isn't it reassuring that just as flowers die, leaves fall, and
wind blows them away so are our challenges and stressors fade and don't linger
with us forever. Yes I know when you are "in the thick of it all" it seems as if
it is never ending. But today I challenge you to think of God's love instead of
those stressors, you can help me complete the ABCs...if anything it will serve
as a nice distraction from the stress you are facing, and more than likely reset
our focus to what is everlasting and forever, God's love for us. Okay here we
go

A~Awesome or Always (Aiden's new thing when its time
to leave anywhere is its okay mommy Jesus is with me always you can
leave:)
B~Boundless
C~Compassionate
D~Determined
E~Everlasting
F~Forever
G~Grand
H~HUGE
I~Incrediable
J~Jesus' death for me
K~King of Kings
L~Love
M~Magnificant
N~Neverending
O~ONLY
P~Patient
Q~Quiet
R~Respectful
S~Sustains
T~Timely
U~Undeniable
V~Valued
W~Wonderful
X~Xciting(okay I know how to spell but couldnt think
of anything that started w/ X:)
Y~Yeilding at NOTHING
Z~Zebralike (okay I know this one will need some
explanation~yesterday while I was playing with Aiden and his leapfrog thingy I
learned that each Zebra has different stripes similar to our fingerprints, each
is unique~well God loved us so much to make us each unique with special skills,
gifts, and if he did that for Zebras just think of the love he has for you and
me:)

Wow that only took me 10 minutes, try it you will
feel much better about those daily stressors and challenges that you may be
facing right now.

In God's Love,
Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-11-08T12:33:00.002-06:00

Angels?

"And God never said to any of the angels,"Sit in the place of honor at my right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet." Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.~Hebrews 1:13,14"

As I was driving to work this morning I was feeling a little light headed and it took me back to about 2.5 years ago when I had a similar feeling while driving and to this day I know an angel was with me. I wanted to share this experience as a way to show how we are protected by God's angels everyday, but as I scoured the scriptures something else was made clear to me, angels are merely God's servants. They would not have a "job" without the guidance of God's hand. In fact much of the scripture I found regarding angels was the devil trying to tempt Jesus and Jesus' rebuttal and redifination of what angels' roles are.

The event that happened 2.5 years ago could have had a very different and traumatic outcome if God did not choose to send his angels to protect me, and give the truck driver behind me quick reflexes and alertness that still amazes me to this day. That day I was very thankful for the angels sent by God. But do I pray to angels? Of course not the only deserving ONE of prayers, worship, and praise is our Heavenly Father who is 3 in 1 (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Through the Holy Spirit we can live like Jesus lived if we only listen to the words, actions that God has placed in our hearts through the Holy Spirt.

Yes I appreciate that God sent that angel on that day, but I'm more thankful for the debt paid by Jesus for my sins. Today I encourage you to be thankful for the angels that may have been placed in your life throughout the years but also remember who placed them there and praise HIM today!

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-11-04T14:48:00.000-06:00

The fight that really matters!!!

Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.~ 1 Timothy 6:12, NLT

As human beings I think naturally we want to win an argument, be right, and be respected. Well right now I'm feeling a bit defeated and disrespected, nothing major just a conversation that was had between me and a coworker of mine. As I was beginning to wallow, feel insecure, and throw myself a pity party I remembered this verse. "Fight the good fight for the true faith", was the conversation that was so upsetting to me surrounding my faith? NO it was surrounding around my work with a family. Yes it is important as humans to feel respected by our coworker but is it the most important thing in our life, definately not. Whats most important to me is that people see me and respect me for my faithful walk with my Heavenly Father. If this coworker began to question my faith, or insult my beliefs well then I would hope I would have stood up to her. And honestly I did say, "I'm feeling attacked" we've worked together for 4.5 years so felt comfortable being honest with her. But that is not really the point the point is the fight to make people around us respect our work doesn't really matter in the Big Picture of life. The fights in life that surround my children, husband, and faith are what are most important. The fight to challenge my emotions when I'm frustrated and continue to show the same love God has shown me when people upset me, raise my children to love God, connect spiritually with Nathen, those are fights worth fighting....winning an argument/discussion with a coworker not so important!!!

The second part of the verse "hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you" yes this life and the coworkers that come with it is temporary but what I have with God that is forever, and its comforting to know that today!

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

No Ballarinas

2010-11-02T21:25:00.000-06:00

As I was driving home tonight from work I had a thought that both saddened and angered me; I will never have a ballarina because I do not have any daughters. I have long known (well for the last 2 years) that I would not have daughters and thought I had accepted it and embraced it. Just this weekend while at the K-State homecoming football game I was thanking God for my sons, knowing I'd never have any child of mine wearing skimpy cheerleading or dance team outfits!!! But tonight I was saddened that I would never take a daughter to dance class. I have so many memories of going to dance class, changing into my dance clothes in the car, ice cream after the recitals, the cute costumes, and well the memories are endless because dance was part of my life from Kindergarten to 7th grade when I decided to give it up to play or rather warm the bench for the Jr. High Volleyball team. After my initial sadness I was quite angry at myself for feeling sad about not having a daughter, and I'm still a bit angry at myself. Whenever anyone asks me if I wish I had girls I always say and genuinly mean "No, I'll have my daughters when my boys get married". And I still feel that way...but I wont be taking them to dance lessons I'm sure. However, I will I'm sure have my fair share of football games, wrestling matches, soccer games, track and cross country meets, and whatever else interest the boys. But I'm for certain that one of those interest will not be ballet!!! And thats okay because as I will miss out on that girly stuff that I would experience with a daughter I'm excited about all the new memories in the making of being a mom to 2 sons having no brothers it is exciting and a little anxiety provoking at the same time to see what experiences are to come with our two sons. We've already had so many precious memories made even if they are no ballarina memories. But still I wonder if anyone else with only sons or only daughters for that matter ever have these feelings of sadness of not having the other gender for a child. Please understand I would not trade in my sons for the most perfect little girl ballarina, because I think my little tackle monsters are pretty awesome! And feel blessed beyond measure still curious if anyone else have similar feelings like these or am I a bad mom!

Today's Devotion

2010-11-02T14:32:00.000-06:00

Weakness=Power!???

"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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.~2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV"

I think I may have used this verse before, but its a good one and one that ministered to me this morning when I got in my email box so you get it again as well:) The verse before this one is Paul pleading to take away his pain, and this verse is Jesus' response. How often do we reflect on the wonderful gift of grace that God has granted us? Um well probably not enough. No, if you all are anything like me we beat ourselves up when we make mistakes, we feel guilty when we fail, we feel ashamed, and embarrased, we think we are a "bad christian", wouldn't it serve us better to remember this verse? HIS grace is sufficient and allow Christ's power rest on us! I think so.

Last night was somewhat of a challenging evening internally for me. The boys were actually being quite well behaved I'm not sure if I was tired from the alarm going off at 3:30 AM so Nathen could drive his 3.5 hour trip to work~um yes I did go back to sleep...so really shouldn't have been so cranky at 8 PM. BUT I was irritable, snappy, and just not portraying the mom that I would like my children to remember. I had yelled at Aiden for a reason that I cannot even recall, snapped at Evan for wanting to drink out of my water bottle (when I had left his upstairs..what else was he suppose to drink since I was not going back up stairs to get his) by the time bathtime arrived I was to my limit and actually walked away to let the boys just play and let me cool down (our bedroom is across the hall from the bathroom so I could still see and hear the boys) and check my email when I got an encouraging and thoughtful email containing scripture from a dear christian friend. At that moment I felt God's power rest on me, HIS words given to my friend and I who needed them at that moment turned our evening around~its still amazing to me that I chose to walk out of the bathroom during bathtime because I hardly ever do that but now I know I needed that email at that exact time. (Tami, thank you so much for sending that message to me last night)

Yes I felt weak, helpless, and out of control last night but after reading that email I was encouraged and decided to turn what was left of our evening around. I went in and apologized to the boys for yelling and snapping at them and told them I loved them very much in which Aiden responded "I love you too, and mommy I yelled at you too". As if justifying for me my behaviors~but yea he's 3.5 and I'm 33 so should have more patience and control than him. Anyways, we ended our evening reading praying together, reading Bible stories and singing together. And honestly it was so peaceful and perfect and it was because I allowed Jesus' words to work in me and accept my weaknesses, knowing HE is more powerful than any mood I'm in.

I know I'm not perfect so am wondering why I get so disappointed when I make mistakes, maybe its because I'm not accepting God's grace and turning everything over to HIM? Through our weeknesses we need HIM more, and that is a good thing. So today I'm embracing the fact that I'm not perfect and accepting HIS Power and grace to work through me.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-11-01T11:50:00.000-06:00

Fishing for People

Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19

Yesterday's sermon really ministered to both Nathen and I so thought I'd share a little bit of it with you. The sermon was preached by our church's youth pastor (Josh), our senior pastor gets a week off a month and the sermon responsibility rotates among the other pastors in the church. The sermon really challenged us to share the Good News to those who are nonbelievers through both our actions and words we share with them. He gave the gamut of excuses that we all have for not sharing our faith with others, not enough time, they'll think I'm a crazy christian, ect. All of these excuses I've used at one point or another. Its our responsibility to share not to save others...I'd never thought of it like that before, not that I think I have the power to save people but its not up to me if that person chooses to be saved or not its my job to SHARE...that takes a little of the anxiety away at least for me.

We are to fish for people. I don't know much about fishing but do know that it takes patience, and a quiet environment for the most success. Fishing to some is very boring, but to my dad it is very relaxing and rewarding even if he doesnt catch anything I think he feels at peace during this quiet time in nature. I think as Christians we are to be honest in our living accepting the rocky waters we have in our lives and be real with the people we are sharing our faith with, they may see us as fake if we present ourselves in a different light. This was something that hit me yesterday...I try so hard to be perfect, and while sitting there being preached to about sharing my faith I thought "I have so many flaws, I'm not a good example of a Christian" and just as I had that thought the point in the sermon was to show our real selves and to be real! Just as in fishing for fish fishing for people takes patience, and determination while at the same time offering unconditional love and a peaceful environment. There are so many people around us that are not believers and if we dont share with them they will be destined to spend eternity in hell and sadly we don't really care. Now we can't save them but can cast out our line so to speak and share with them. We don't need to go on a big catch (mission trips to Africa, ect) we can fish for people in our own ponds in our back yards (friends, coworkers, family, ect).

At the end of the sermon Josh asked us to imagine ourselves being on trial for murder that we were innocent of and the main witness who could prove our innocence sat on the stand and said NOTHING, what good is a silent witness? So today I encourage you to push your level of comfort and go fishing, sharing the good news. Last night we did a little fishing of our own (I share this not to brag on myself but to make myself accountable to what I encourage others to do) passing out a bible verse with candy to trick or treaters. Yes I was a little nervous, and anxious about how parents and children would think of this extra treat, but it doesnt really matter what matters is that I shared, and if one family decided to turn their life over to Jesus then it was worth the uncomfortableness. Happy Fishing!:)

In God's love,

Sarah:)

Friday's Devotion

2010-11-01T11:49:00.002-06:00

Christian=Pumpkin?

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven~Matthew 5:14-16.

A friend of mine posted this on facebook earlier and although simple I think quite true:

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God takes you and washes all the dirt off of you. He scoops out all

the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine

.........for all the world to see.

I'm not a very crafty mom so can not say I know how to carve a pumpkin but I still love this metaphore. The work has already been done for us through God's sacrifice of his only Son on the Cross. To piggyback on yesterdays devotion, no sin is too much for God's love, he's already paid the debt. All we have to do is accept him as our Savior and let his light shine through us. Yes this can be difficult at times, but in my experience when I'm doing what I know God whats me to do it feels good regardless of the consequences! So on this almost Halloween evening and all the days that follow be that perfectly carved pumpkin that God has made you and allow his light to shine across your neighborhood.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-10-28T09:27:00.002-06:00

New Name

And you will be given a new name by the LORD's own mouth.~Isaiah 62:2

I've tried to keep my evenings after the boys go to bed more sacred, spending time reading a christian book I recently purchased and praying instead of wasting time on facebook~I was finding myself spending 2 hours a evening on really nothing. However last night I found myself on there again for just a few minutes and initially I was feeling quite guilty that I had fallen off the wagon so to speak but then one of Nathen's high school classmates had posted a link to a video of the new Tenth Avenue North song "You are More". I love this song so had to check out and share the video with my friends. I went to bed after posting the video praying that someone who needed to see it would view it. But I also had the thought that some naysayers may think oh this Christian group is just singing about what makes everyone happy and its not true so this morning I looked for the scripture which shows that yes we are more, and even given a new name!!! Take that naysayers!!! The video paints all the names, lables, emotions, and failures we may experience in our life in chalk on the chalk board and then shows all that being washed away. Yes through God's salvation, love, and grace all of what we've done in our lives is written in chalk not stone.

He's given us a new name, yet we may not know what that is all the other names, titles, lables that we've ever had are washed away. I've always loved my name although sometimes get annoyed by so many others with my name, but I've been labled other things that were hurtful, I remember when I was in 4th grade being called a Prep and it was not a compliment and was crushed by these words, other labels I've endured have affected me in both a negative and positive way but even the most postive lable I think will not compare to the name God has for me as he waits for me in Heaven.

Today if you have about 3.5 minutes I encourage you to check out the Tenth Avenue North video on youtube. If you don't have time please know that God loves you and wipes away all those nasty names, actions and sins.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-10-27T20:35:00.002-06:00

Stormy Goodness?

"In your distress you called and I rescued you, I
answered you out of a thundercloud~Psalm 81:7"

How often do we call upon
the Lord when we are distressed? I know if you are anything like me probably not
as much as we should but yesterday something amazing happened. I was visiting
with a great friend whom I don't see often enough, we were talking about how our
blessed life can be stressful and challenging we by no means regret any of the
blessings given to us, but also recognize the challenges that come with those
blessings. We both agreed that we needed to hand all of our stress over to God,
but that is hard and often difficult to interpret God's answers to prayers. Well
here comes the amazing thing...I was headed back to work but ended up at a
Christian book store, it was if God literally took the steering wheel and drove
me there. I'd been wanting for awhile to do a Bible study with Nathen and
through somewhat of a "thundercloud" of being the normal disagreements that all
married couples find themselves in; finally I listened to God and got our
materials. Although I hate disagreements and arguments that are had between
loved ones especially Nathen, I'm thankful for our most recent because it
brought to focus things that I need to work on and we need to work on together
as a couple. I'm sure I'll be writing about my need to reliquinish control
soon:)

If you are weathering your own storm please be sure to listen to
God through those thunderclouds you will be so thankful and fulfilled.

In God's Love,
Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-10-26T10:03:00.002-06:00

Get Revived!

"Then we will not turn away from you revive us, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved~Psalm 80:19"

We've explored the armour that God provides us the last few days through my and mom's devotions.Yesterday I touched on when we FEEL our armour is failing us, and today wouldn't you know this verse was part of my daily bible reading. I've often heard Christian authors refer to feelings as often going against God's will because feelings are ours not HIS, and I would have to agree. When I'm acting on merely my feelings or emotions generally they do not line up with what God would have me do. So what is a human to do? We have feelings we can't just delete them out of our system we are human not a robot. Well we TRUST in God and pray to him to guide us so our feelings and emotions are open to HIS words, commands, and then act according to HIS plans. If we call out to him he will restore and revive us.

I love that word Revive, how often as Christians do we feel we need a little CPR to get our Christian life back into an active state. I think many of us, me included walk through life almost as a flatlined Christian and just go through the motions. I'm guilty of this, yes I go to church, listen to my KLOVE, read my Bible, but as for really praying and connecting to God well sometimes that takes a back seat to everything else. And sometimes yes we all need a little restoration to feel revive and alive again in the LORD. We serve a loving, and merciful God that is always there so go ahead and connect with HIM and get revived, restored, and ready to live out your Christian Life.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-10-25T13:39:00.000-06:00

Football?

"Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. ~ Ephesians 6:15-18, NLT"

Okay as promised we are going to continue through Ephesians 6 and look at the rest of the attire God clothes us with as his children! Salvation is our helmet, when I think of a helmet I think of something that is very important in protecting not only our head, and brain but also our spinal cord. I was just listening to Coach Bill Snyder on game day talk about football safety and how new helmets make it safer for players, but in such a physical sport its impossible to prevent every injury. BUT the helmet we wear in our salvation in Christ can handle any tackle, sack, block or defense that we may face in our Christian life. Yes we may feel bumps and bruises as we walk in our faith and follow our savior but through salvation we will never be paralyzed spiritually. I wasn't planning on using Football as a metaphore for this but I think it works so we'll go with it:)

As Christians we may feel defeated and as if we can't get back up, this can be caused by an emotional attack feeling like a sack or tackle---you know the kind of words that just about make you sick to you stomach as though you'd rather take a hit in the gut than experience the words that were just spoken. Or we may experience a block when we try to share the Good News with a friend, and its not received in the way we had hoped. What can we do when we feel our helmet is slipping and failing us? Well I think we can take out our sword (okay not sure what football equivalent that would be maybe pads?~Nathen you can help me out here:)) Our sword is the Bible, read it, read it, and read it again, and reflect. I know when I'm feeling defeated, discouraged, and beat up I can always find encouragement and comfort in what the Bible says.

Finally, we are all on this team of Christians together so we need to pray for each other because the game we are playing in this life is hard, tough, and challenging but at the end of this game we will all be winners because of our always loving, caring, gracegranting, merciful Coach, God! So today as you prepare for whatever faces you consult with your Coach in prayer, read HIS Word and know He has saved you!

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-10-22T05:10:00.001-06:00

A Challenge for Today!

"Carry each other's burdens and in this way you
will fulfill the law of Christ.-- Galatians 6:2"

Okay this will be very
short because I'm excited to visit my new neice, see my 3 adorable other neices
and visit with my little sister Sheldi.

We need one another, as
Christians it can be a scary, and mean world out there we need to help, support,
and yes carry each other's burdens. Because with burdens, and stressors we can
often feel alone, defeated, and hopeless but with the support of others through
our relationship with Christ we can handle whatever burden the world throws at
us.

So today help one another out, and carry one another burdens, be it
simply listening, offering a lending hand, or a hug whatever it is I challenge
you and myself to live out this verse today.

In God's Love,
Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-10-21T15:19:00.002-06:00

Friends

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.~ Proverbs 27:9, NLT

I love this verse, how many times has a friend helped us feel better about a situation, made us smile and laugh, turned a horrible day into an awesome day? When I use the term friend I mean a real friend who you confide in, who knows your secrets, who has leaned on your shoulder and you on theirs~in today's society "friend" can often mean different things and sometimes may even not be a friend at all. But today I want to talk about this verse, and how true it is and how Jesus can be that friend as well.

First I have to share a couple of stories about my friends because I'm blessed to have experienced their "heartfelt counsel" and yes it was way better than perfume, incense, diamonds, anyhing. One is a story about a mom of a fussy infant and a sleepy toddler in the highchair after eating spehgettios, and husband working late. Yes I was that mom, Evan was a newborn (I think less than 6 weeks old) and Aiden was around 18 months, I was nursing Evan while Aiden was eating dinner and Aiden fell asleep covered in his speghettios. I tried to put Evan down so I could tend to Aiden but he was not having it. I remember feeling so helpless and alone, when I remembered the blessing of a friend living just a few doors down. I picked up the phone and called my good friend and neighbor Jenny, who gladly came over to help me. She helped in more ways that just getting Aiden cleaned up, she listened, supported, and comforted me. This happend about 2 years ago and still remember what a life saver she was that evening, and I dont think I'll ever forget it. Yes I could have let Evan cry for a few minutes while I tended to Aiden, and I suppose that is what I would have done if I HAD TO, BUT I didnt have to because of God placing Jenny in my life as such a great friend. I can honestly say that if a gift of perfume or diamonds would have arrived in the mail that day it would not have compared to her support and friendship that evening.

Another friend, Tami, has been a great listener and support as Nathen has worked on the road the last few months. We have the best conversations about faith, relationships, and just life and are able to provide each other a little respite from our toddlers as they play and entertain each other. I'm looking foward to experiencing her friendship this evening over dinner. Of course Nathen is another friend who always provides great counsel and support; he is probably the best person about telling me like it is (in a good way), when I get upset about the little things he can put things in perspective and really help me realize what is important.

As I've written before I AM blessed with friends to help me through my trials on this earth. As I wrote yesterday I'm making a concerted effort to have God work in my life in a more active and intentional way, and this starts with my relationship with HIM. I can say so many times which I've prayed, and honestly felt HIS words comfort me, or been having a bad day and see a wonderful sunset as though HE put it there just for me. Yes friends on this earth are a blessing and we should be thankful and appreciative of them but also recognize the wonderful relationship we can have with our Heavenly Father. The awesome thing is we can have the best of both worlds and explore this relationship with our friends together through Bible study, sharing our faith, listening to christian music, or praying together. So today I encourage you to reach out to a friend and experience the amazing experience of a relationship with God together~I assure you it will be better than anything the world has to offer, perfume or diamonds included:)

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-10-20T20:51:00.001-06:00

Hiding the Truth?

"We will not hide them from their children; we will
tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the
wonders he has done~Psalm 78:3,4"

As I've reflected on this verse
throughout the day it kind of hit me that I do not demonstrate and share the
Good News in every aspect of my life. Many people may not even know that I'm a
Christian, that saddens me, I try to make an effort to treat others well, speak
kindly, and use the word blessed instead of luck...but as far as really talking
about the Bible, Jesus or praying in public not so much. Last week while the
boys and I were at the park, there was a family enjoying a picnic lunch but
before they did they said a prayer to bless their food. It was obvious to their
children as well as other families at the park that praising and giving God
thanks was a priority. I so wanted to go up to this family and commend them for
walking their faith so boldly...but again I didnt, why did I want to hide
eventhough obviously this family would not reject me? I have no idea, but I do
not want to hide the wonderful news of Gods love or what he's done for us from
my children. One thing I worry about when my children get to public school (if
we decide to go that route) is that they will feel strong enough in their
beliefs and faith to be a light for Jesus. I think I need to start setting a
better example of how do this. The first thing that comes to mind is praying
more frequently whether at home, park, or McDonalds. I'm making myself
accountable so if you see me sitting down to a meal go ahead remind me of this.
I'd love to hear other's thoughts on why we hide the truth, or am I alone on
this, and how can we let Jesus' light shine more brightly through us.

In
God's love,
Sarah

Todays Devotion

2010-10-19T21:08:00.000-06:00

Our Roadmap

"Children who mistreat their father or chase away their
mother are an embarrassment and a public disgrace~Proverbs
19:24"

OUCH!!! This verse really hits it on the head for us parents,
huh? I'm constantly amazed by the applicability to our daily life that the Bible
has. Yes I know I shouldn't be surprised, but when I find verses like this
written over 2000 years ago it just validates to me that the Bible really is our
roadmap for life. As parents it is our job to raise our children to be
respectful to others while still encouraging their self-esteem and character.
For Christian's it also includes the important duty of incorporating Christian
values and beliefs into our daily lives. One of the things we try to tell the
boys as they misbehave is that "it makes us and Jesus sad but we still love
you". I think that is a valuable lesson for us adults as well, no matter how
often we have disgraced ourselves, embarrassed ourselves or parents from the
sins we've committed we are still ALWAYS loved by JESUS and if we are blessed
enough to have forgiving parents we continue to be loved by them as well. During
my early 20's I went through a somewhat rebellious time, where I remember making
the conscious decision about something knowing it would disappoint my parents,
and being young and a bit okay a lot dumb I went my own way even though it
resulted in embarassment, sadness, and disappointing my parents. No I didn't
blantently mistreat my parents but through my actions I did chase them away in a
deliberate way by making a decision that I knew they would not support. Okay
this devotion is going in a totally different direction than I anticipated but
that's okay (I was planning on writing about parenting 2 and 3.5 year old, but I
guess God has another plan for me today:).

Wheather we are adults, or toddlers we can disgrase and embarrass others; be it a toddler refusing to
listen in public or a 20 something daughter making stupid choices we have all
had our share of sins that have had negative affects on our relationships around
us. But one relationship is never ended, our relationship with JESUS, yes we may
fall away from him but he is always there to pick us up even if we've chased
everyone else away. Now I'm blessed with very forgiving, and loving parents, so
although I was a young dumb 20 something daughter they continued to love me, and
open their arms when I came running back. So today strive to make the Bible your
roadmap, and when you are feeling tempted by sin as we all do, get out our
roadmap for direction, it will save you a lot of hurt, disgrace, and
embarrassment. Thanks Mom and Dad for being so loving and forgiving for all I
put you through in those few years during my 20s.

In God's
Love,
Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-10-18T11:14:00.002-06:00

Thankful Heart

We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.~Psalm 75:1

This morning I really wanted to find a scripture to express the love and importance of my wonderful husband, on our 7th anniversary, but couldn't seem to find just the right verse to express what I wanted, so decided to "just read in my Bible" and this was the first verse in the chapter. Yes I'm blessed to have a loyal, hardworking, funny, and loving husband. But who placed him in my life at the right time? God, with a little help from my sister and brother in law who set us up:). I'm thankful today for my wonderful husband, my mom who prayed constantly for a godly husband for me, and God for answering her prayers and placing Nathen in my life. I'm thankful today for Nathen, and the wonderful years we've had as a couple. Yes, we are like any married couple with our share of disagreements, but at the end of the day we love one and are each others best friend.

Earlier today I read my mom's devotion, and it was short but a great one, MOM. It was on how our lives would be so much more painful and difficult if we did not have God. Just the thought is saddening to me. When I'm having a rough day I pray, I talk to Nathen, I call my mom, I read my Bible. Without God none of these things would even be possible, I'd just be miserable and alone. Thankfully though we do have a God who DOES answers prayers, and place wonderful people among our midst. Some may be for a season, some a life time like my wonderful husband, Nathen. Happy anniversary Nathen, I love you!

In God's Love,

Sarah

Tuesday's Devotion

2010-10-14T13:06:00.003-06:00

Helping HIM

"Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy..~Psalm 72:4"

I thought this was an interesting verse, I never thought of how I can help God but rather I'm usually focused on how God can help me!! I'm sure I'm not alone on this right?:) But what an awesome responsibility and privledge to have, to be able to help God while we are here on earth. I know I've writen before about being the hands and feet of God and doing onto others but today lets focus on not only being his hands and feet but also being his little helpers~with the same excitement and eagerness that toddlers have cleaning up toys---those parents out there with little toddlers know what I'm talking about, theres nothing better than watching Evan pick up toys proudly. You may ask how can we do this there are so many poor and needy out there. Well I think it starts in our own homes, as I write this I'm drinking a Route 44 Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper because Aiden was up much of the night, he was a child in need of comfort and sleep last night, and sadly I was not too helpful in meeting that need. Nope i was frustrated, irritated, angry and well yea tired. He wasn't upset or scared but just awake. I'm not sure if Aiden's being awake from midnight to 5 am this morning was God's way of showing me of how to help the needy children or just reminding me of my blessings of healthy children. Whatever the reasoning for Aiden's wakefullness last night it made me realize that the neediest of children may be in our own midst. Yes, our own children may need us more than any other child in the world. We can help God by being with our children and raising them to serve HIM. You may be thinking...sarah shouldn't we give to the poor and the really needy? Yes we should but I think its important to make sure the needs of our own children are being met as well, so if I want to help a local charity out why not bring my children along for a wonderful lesson of giving to others while spending valuable time with them. I apologize if this is coming across as a bit lectury its really me lecturing myself. Lets HELP GOD by helping each other in our own homes and communities.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Wednesday's Devotion

2010-10-14T13:06:00.000-06:00

Plans!!

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."-- Jeremiah 29:11"

If you know me well you know that I am a planner, I like to have things scheduled, and do not much appreciate surprises, and love to have control. BUT how exhausting to try to control, schedule, and how sad it is to not be excited about surprises. Trust me it is quite exhausting to try be in control, scheduled, and plan everything with two little ones. Our days rarely go according to my plans, but you know what most of the time we still have a wonderfully enjoyable day. As for surprises, I'm becoming more flexible to enjoy those too, especially if it means a vase of roses from my wonderful husband:)

We do not know what the future holds or what plans are in place for us, but thats okay because the best event planner, time manager, and all knowing God made his plans for us before we were even born...how awesome is that, before we were even a thought in our parents minds God knew the plans for us. Those plans as the verse says will prosper us and not harm us, so today remember that no matter what you are facing or plans being changed know that God has a plan for you that will give you hope, prosperity and safety.

In God's love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-10-14T13:05:00.002-06:00

God's Healing

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.~Psalm 73:26"

Regardless of your age I'm sure we've all felt as though our health was failing, our spirit weakening and realized through this that God is stronger than any ailment. Yesterday while I was checking a blog about a little baby boy recovering from cancer the parents shared a story about their neighbor's story of cancer. Although a neighbor the family didnt know this couple well because they usually live in Alaska, and this couple had never met the families' baby boy, but knew he had cancer. On a very difficult, trying, and stressful day these neighbors brought over pamplet and prayer journal to this young couple who felt overwhelmed and frustrated by the effects of continued chemo treatment for their 1 year old son to ensure the cancer does not return. Their neighbors story is quite amazing, basically the wife was diagnosed with cancer and her only treatment was prayer, refusing chemotherapy and radiation therapy and rather putting her faith in God, and praying constantly for HIS will to be done. I'm not sharing this story to discourage anyone from seeking medical treatment, we are blessed for the technologies and advances that have been made, but rather to just illustrate how one person's faith can lead to healing, she no longer has cancer. If God can perform such a miracle like that why not turn to him when I'm feeling weak? He is stronger than any ailment I could ever endure, and physically I'm rather healthy and need to remember to thank him for that as well. But when I'm feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and weak I need to turn to him and remember that my heart is strong as long as I allow HIM to work in me.

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-10-11T15:51:00.000-06:00

God is Great!

"But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you.May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "God is great!"~Psalm 70:4, NLT"

We have all been in contact with those people that regardless what life has thrown them they are at peace because of the love and comfort they feel from God. I try to make a conscious effort to live my life this way, of course I slip often and forget that God knows whats best and I need to trust him. Recently God has really made me realize to have a thankful heart and praise HIM for his greatness. Today especially, HE seems to be impressing this fact upon me. A few examples of his greatness just from this morning. As I was driving into work it was somewhat rainy, with a bit of sunshine and a rainbow appeared reminding me of God's awesome love and promise he made a very long time ago that he would never flood the earth again. Later, as I was circling the block trying to find a preschool I was to observe I passed a church which had a sign that said "Count your blessings not your problems"~how very true, huh. And finally today on KLOVE is Day of Praise, and they are taking comments from listeners on how God has been great. So yes today, everywhere around me I'm getting the message that God is great, and what a wonderful reminder and fact!!

We sometimes get caught up with what the world throws at us and I think its important to remember what is most critical to our happiness, nope not a high paying job, perfect children, spotless house, or lots of friends what is critical is the acceptance that God loves us and gave his only son for our sins. I think once we shift our focus from the world to God we are naturally filled with joy and gladness and able to recognize the Greatness that is God. Let us be one of those people who are at peace regardless what life and the world throws our way!

Feel free to share how God has been great in your life.

Friday Aiden was singing along with this song and just another way God can use our earthly blessings to remind us of his greatness. Thought I'd share the song with you.

God is Greater by Chris Tomlin

Water You turned into wine

Open the eyes of the blind

There's no one like You

None like You

Into the darkness You shining

Out of the ashes we rise

There's no one like You

None like You

CHORUS

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

Into the darkness you shining

Out of the ashes we Rise

There's no One like You

None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

BRIDGE

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

What can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us

And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

Then what can stand against?

Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

Our God is greater, our God is stronger

God You are higher than any other

Our God is Healer, awesome and power

Our God, Our God...

In God's love,

Sarah:)

Thursday's Devotion

2010-10-11T15:50:00.002-06:00

What are you thinking about?

Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.~ Colossians 3:2, NLT

What are you all thinking about right now? I imagine that like me you are thinking about a big game between K-State and Nebraska and getting done with work to watch said game. Yes it is quite exciting and I'm not saying that all the crazy fans out there are bad people or anything, I know I get caught up in the spirit and excitement as well. But today I want to encourage you to also think about things of Heaven. Think about God's eternal love even when we are focused on earthly things like a football game, yep he loves us no matter what isnt that even more amazing, and exciting than a game?:). Think about the beautiful weather that God has given us today. Think about the wonderful home God is preparing for us in Heaven. But most importantly think of the love Jesus had for us to give his life for all of our sins. NO I don't think God thinks we are sinners if we watch and enjoy the game, but as we explored earlier this week he wants us to put Nothing above him which includes football. So enjoy the game but also think of the heavenly things that God has done and has waiting for us!

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-10-06T20:43:00.002-06:00

God's Love is Enough!!!!

"But I pray to you , O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God..Rescue me from the mire do not let me sink ; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters~Psalm 69:13,14"

Sorry all for another late night devotion, thats just how my days have been going lately. But better late than never right?:) Well this evening I selfishly scoured scripture to give me some peace of mind, that what others on this earth think of me really doesn't matter, what matters is that God loves me. Don't worry nothing major has happened just kind of frustrated about something and someone, and wondering why I'm wired in a such a way to care so much if someone likes me. But don't we all want to be liked, and respected? I think so, it may be a human flaw, I'm not sure but this evening the only thing going through my mind is a song about God's Love and that is really enough for me tonight. I can rest even knowing that someone out there may be talking badly about me, disrespecting my friends, and even hate me. Yes my human instinct is to anger, retaliate, and want revenge but is that what God wants me to do? Most likely not, so tonight I'm resisting my human instincts and holding onto the fact that God's love is enough!!

Here is the awesome song that is running through my mind

YOUR LOVE Lyrics

Brandon Heath

I felt it first when I was younger

A strange connection to the lie

I tried to satisfy the hunger

I never got it right

I never got it right

So I climbed a mountain and l built an altar

Looked out as far as I could see

And everyday I’m getting older

I’m running outta dreams

I’m running outta dreams

But Your love

Your love

The only the thing that matters is Your love

Your love is all I have to give

Your love is enough to light up the darkness

It’s Your love

Your love

all I ever needed is Your love

You know the effort I have given

And you know exactly what it cost

And though my innocence was taken

Not everything is lost

Not everything is lost

But Your love

Your love

The only the thing that matters is Your love

Your love is all I have to give

Your love is enough to light up the darkness

It’s Your love

Your love

all I ever needed is Your love

You’re the hope in the morning

You’re the light when the night is falling

You’re the song when my heart is singing

it’s Your love

You’re the eyes to the blind man

You’re the feet to the lame men walking

You’re the sound of the people singing

It’s Your love

But Your love

Your love

The only the thing that matters is Your love

Your love is all I have to give

Your love is enough to light up the darkness

It’s Your love

Your love

all I ever needed is Your love

But Your love

(Your love is all that I needed)

The only the thing that matters is Your love

Your love is all I have to give

Your love is enough to light up the darkness

(Your love is all that I needed)

It’s Your love

Your love

It’s all I ever needed

In God's Love (which is all we really need:)

Sarah:)

September Pics

2010-10-05T22:26:00.001-06:00

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Today's Devotion

2010-10-05T22:13:00.002-06:00

Imitate as Children

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.~ Ephesians 5:1, NLT

All those parents out there know exactly what I mean when I say children imitate us...they do what we say, and do even if its not the our finest moments. As I've reflected on this verse through the day I think what we are to do as Christians is be as children and imitate HIM in everything we do. I know this sounds like an impossible challenge, so thought we would start with the basics of how to do this. Lets look at the 10 Commandments (I'm using the boys' childrens bible as sadly I don't know where they are located in my Bible...I imagine Exodus since God gave them to Moses, but being it almost 10 PM thought I'd just use theirs since I can locate them quickly:) Anyways, the 10 Commandments:

1. God is the Only True God-okay that one is pretty easy, I believe and think I do a pretty good job imitating this truth to my children. Example being Aiden has started saying "Mom, why don't we talk to God about that" granted its usually his way of trying to get out of some disciplinary measure but still he knows there is only one God.

2. Never make idols-again pretty easy for the most part,although I am guilty of putting some activities, such as running, work, relationships above God. I don't worship these things but unfortunately God isn't always first on my prioritiy list..case in point its 10 and I'm just now doing this devotion.

3. Never misuse the Lords name-Ummm sadly this one I need lots of work on and unfortunately have heard my 3 year old imitate me when I have misused the Lords name

4. Rest on the Sabbath day, keep it holy--Ummm yea Sundays are holy but not really restful in our house. So another one I can work on.

5. Honor your father and your mother-think I do a pretty good job on this one, but I guess Mom could verify that one. I heard recently on KLOVE that how we treat our parents have a direct correlation on how our children treat us. Makes sense to me, and even more reason to show them love, respect and to honor them just as Jesus loved and honored his earthly parents as well as his Heavenly Father.

6. Do not murder--okay thats an easy one for me to imitate and follow

7. Husbands and wives must not commit adultery--another easy one

8. Do not steal--another easy one to follow

9. Do not tell lies---well relatively easy unless the truth will hurt someones feelings

10. Never want what belongs to others---I think this is a difficult one for all of us.

Okay so I think those lay the foundation of how we can imitate God. Some of them are pretty easy for most Christians to follow some are more challenging, and I think its those that we just prayfully attempt and eventually we'll follow them as naturally as we do the "easy ones". I want to be the kind of Christian and person that I want my children to become, I want them to imitate my qualities not my sins. I think having children makes us more aware of our weaknesses and mistakes because they imitate them, and thats okay as long as we learn from those mistakes. So today I'm challenged to imitate God so my children will imitate my godly acts, and words and not my sinful ones.

Blessings,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-10-04T11:33:00.002-06:00

Bearer of Burdens!

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens~Psalm 68:19

What a wonderful verse for a Monday, don't you think?:) I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Mine was pretty busy and although enjoyable not really that relaxing, making this morning full of burdens for me. Just feeling way behind and the week is only beginning. Fortunately I have a flexible schedule and decided to take advantage of that and take the morning off so I could somewhat get caught up. Feeling a little frustrated that my morning was almost gone and I hadn't accomplished everything I wanted to I decided to read my Bible. It never ceases to amaze how just the perfect scripture arrives at just the perfect time. My burdens this morning are not enough time, too much dust in my house, and no furniture polish. But I'm turning all that over this morning to God, I know he has probably bigger burdens to bear this morning than mine, but you know what he cares about my the littlest things too. Instead of being frustrated like I was a mere half hour ago I'm facing my day with praise and a thankful attitude that God can handle any burden I have even if its just a dusty house, and thanking him that this is my major burden today.

Whatever you are facing on this Monday be it a dirty house, never ending to do list at work, relationship problems, financial problems, or whatever know that no burden is too big or small for our God, he is our Bearer of Burdens.

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-09-30T15:04:00.000-06:00

FEAR NOT

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18,19"

"Do not fear what they fear[a]; do not be frightened."[b] But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3:14-15"

It's been laid on my heart to write about fear today, maybe it was something my mom shared with me yesterday...FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. I love this, and I think it is really true. I searched for the scripture that I wanted to use today but couldnt locate it, but in the process found some that I think are pretty wonderful too. If anyone knows the scripture that says "Fear not for I'm with you" let me know where to find it. Thanks:)

Okay back to my devotion. I think what my mom shared with me is true, we often do not attempt things because of this emotion which most likely is not even accurate or even real. This morning I was driving to work and they had Christian Psychologist, Kevin Leneham (I think that was the last name) anyways, he was talking about how if we all lived life simply on our emotions most of us would probably end up in jail with one another. Yea, if I acted the way I feel when angry I may end up behind bars. But with that same thought lets look at Fear, if we live our lives by giving into this emotion what a boring life we would lead. I know some of my friends have loved ones going through very challenging times, in which nothing is certain, and fear is an overwhelming present emotion, and for those I encourage you to read the above verses. Whatever you are facing know that God Loves you and will be with you. And as far as the second passage I hope I can give answers to those who question their faith in a way that is gentle and respectful. This is something that I'm continuly working on as I try to let God's light shine through me. So today if you are a bit fearful about a decision, medical condition or the future look at the word...FEAR and see False Evidence Appearing Real, and turn your eyes towards the word LOVE (I tried to come up with a cool thing like my mom had for FEAR but couldnt come up with anything...i'd love your suggestions:), the love family, friends and most importantly the love God has for you.

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-09-29T19:52:00.002-06:00

True Beauty

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight~1 Peter 3:3,4"

Sorry this is arriving so late in the day. Its been a busy but blessed day. Eventhough I was busy today I did have time to read my daily devotional which is convienently located in our bathroom...you moms can appreciate this right...only place you MAY have a few minutes to yourself:) Anyways, this was the scripture I read this morning, and it has stayed with me throughout the day. What a blessing that in itself is. We live in a society that is unfortunately focused on our outward appearence of beauty instead of our True beauty, our spirit, and love of the LORD. I'm often pretty vain about my physical appearence...requiring a shower, make up, and clean clothes before going anywhere. This has changed dramatically since becoming a mom, don't worry I still shower daily...but I may go out in public without makeup and even with dirty clothes on. I had a wonderful opportunity today to reach out to young parents at the toddler fair, and although I was there for work I could still let my spirit shine through in the words I spoke, and the behaviors I showed towards them. Today I witnessed several examples of true beauty as the Bible has laid out for us and thought I'd share them with you:

~The brighteness in a toddlers face when running around on no nap, and the mothers laugh and smiles watching it.

~The beam a nana has when her 2 grandsons snuggle up to her to listen to her read them the Bible

~The friendly hugs between 2 young friends as their play date ends

~The proud feeling felt by a friend as she shares her toddlers accomplishments of the day

These are just a few things that I think God would think would be beautiful and I got to witness them ALL today!!! So what true beauty did you see today? I'm sure it wasn't the latest fashion magazine!!!

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-09-28T21:01:00.000-06:00

YOUR IN GOOD HANDS

"Our lives are in his hands, and he keeps our feet from stumbling.~Psalm 66:9"

Nope not Allstate but God's hands are the best hands to be in. Our lives are in his hands, and he can keep us on steady ground even when we feel shaken, broken, and defeated in fact in those times he holds us even closer I think because we need to feel HIS love even more. Today I'm going to do this a little differently because there were a lot of verses in this chapter that really ministered to me and pray it does the same for you. So lets see the proof that we are in HIS hands:

Verses 17-20

17For I cried out to him for help,

praising him as I spoke.

18 If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened.

19 But God did listen!

He paid attention to my prayer.

20 Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer

or withdraw his unfailing love from me.

Yesterday I wrote about how our sins are forgiven, and I guess I'm backtracking a bit but today let us confess those sins, pray and be comforted in God's love.

Sorry this is so short today but I think God's words says it all today, and well I'm just short on time:)

In God's love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-09-27T22:26:00.002-06:00

Forgiven

"Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.~Psalm 65:3"

Anyone else ever become totally overwhelmed by the mistakes and sins we make on in my case a daily basis? I'm sure I'm not alone we are humans who unfortunately sin. Sometimes I wonder why I make the mistakes I make, and often it almost feels as if someone else makes those mistakes like I'm not in control, something I hate to feel. Now I don't mean to sound totally crazy but I think sometimes Satan tries to get power over us and so we slip and act, say, or do things which are sinful. For me right now the greatest sin I'm struggling with is being short tempered with the ones I love most, Nathen and the boys. And honestly last night I felt like well I've already yelled, ridiculed, and been mean there's no going back...you know "damage is already done, who cares" attitude. Well someone very important DOES CARE, HIS name is Jesus, but he does not care in the way that we may think. He's not standing there over us with a ruler waiting to elicit punishment upon us, no HE has forgiven us for all of our sins and he's waiting for us not to punish but to feel his love and forgiveness. Now this doesn't mean that I can go around sinning and hurting people at will, but what it does mean is I can pray to be more of the parent and spouce God wants me to be, and eagerly work towards that goal through scripture reading, fellowship and prayer. YES I know I will continue to sin, just as every human will but I also know that when I do I should not become anxious, overwhelmed, or stagnant because God has already forgiven those sins. So today whatever sins are lurking in your mind from the past know that they are forgiven and submit them to GOD and let go of that overwhelmed guilt feeling.

Here is a song that I love because it is all about being Forgiven in Christ's love

FORGIVEN AND LOVED

Romans 8:1, Ephesians 3:17-19

Written by Jimmy Needham, Ryan Wayson and Blake Samperi

Tell me I’m forgiven and loved

Cause I hear it from the street corner priests

On how God is love and how man can be clean

But my joy has been on holiday

And my peace has almost passed away

Tell me I’m forgiven and free

CHORUS:

O I tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation

But I bought the lie I still have work to do

Now I’m working nine to five like I can earn my own salvation

But there is no condemnation in You

O whisper to me now that its for real

Cause in the silence of these walls righteousness lost its appeal

Dirty deeds have done me in

O but that can’t stop the Faithful Friend

Giving mercy once again as You heal

Here it is I’m feeling it

CHORUS

O He died He died to rectify my hopeless situation

And His blood commands my guilt to leave

Now on Calvary I stand

Empty pockets open hands

O there is no condemnation for me

CHORUS

Child you’re forgiven and loved

Child you’re forgiven and loved

Child you’re forgiven

And Child you are loved

Child you’re forgiven and loved

In God's Love,

sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-23T16:14:00.000-06:00

tragedy and hope

"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope~ Romans 5:3-4"

This has been a difficult week for many people in our small community as well I'm sure in other places of the world. In this week alone, parents have lost their child, children have lost their parents, and parents have received grave news about their children's health. I really felt God calling me to encourage those affected by these tragedies today, and received this verse in my email today. I think maybe I've used it before but I think God wants us to revisit it today. The first part almost appears as an oxymoron...rejoice in our sufferings~how is that even possible? Well I can speak from experience (although I have never experienced the losses people around me this week have endured) when I'm really struggling that is when I lean in on God even more, and realize that this life on Earth is only temporary and there is a better place being prepared for me. The next part of the verse is about perserverance, and I think that naturally makes sense as we accept life on Earth is temporary and that the tragedies are part of God's greater plan I think we can perservere, which leads to character and lastly hope. I know families affected by these tragedies are probably feeling numb today and the thought of feeling hopeful seems foreign and insane. And that is okay it is healthy to grieve and have those feelings, I think God made us this way for a reason. As difficult as the reality of the loss is know that God is stronger than any emotion, tragedy or loss.

As I've been reflecting on these 2 losses over the last day or so, I wonder if God chose to take these individuals when he did because he knew they would need each other, a baby needs a mom and a mom/grandmother a child/grandchild. Of course only God knows the reason he took these two people almost simulanteously.

Please join me in continued prayer for the Drago and Hill/Woodward family as they grieve the loss of their family members.

I'll close with a song that I think illustrates better what I wanted to do today:

There will be a day by Jeremy Camp

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have

But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab

The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,

that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings

That there will be a place with no more suffering

(Chorus)

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears

There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face

But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long

You feel you’re walking on your own

But there has never been a step

Where you’ve walked out all alone

(Chorus)

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart

Cause joy and peace he brings

And the beauty that’s in store

Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced

To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-22T21:25:00.000-06:00

Jesus and the Little Children

"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these; And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them~Mark 10:14,16"

Today I wanted to focus on little children since its Evan's birthday, and although we've had a wonderful day my heart continues to be heavy from the news of local little baby passing recently. I can't imagine loosing one of my children, and am so thankful that they are both so healthy. I don't know the Drago family personally but know many people who are affected by their loss, and I feel sad for them, as I cannot imagine loosing my children. So today really wanted to hopefully provide comfort to those who are mourning this loss of Baby Cade.

I think this verse really illustrates what little Cade is experiencing today, being held by Jesus along with all the other babies who have entered into heaven before him. We really don't know this side of Heaven why little ones are taken from their parents at such a young age but I hope it provides comfort to the family and others that their loved one(s) are being held and are out of pain, and happy in heaven. Again I can only imagine that it is a long, difficult, and painful road as you continue to live on Earth without your child and maybe just the picture of your child in Jesus' arms can help you get through to the next day.

Today I ask whoever is reading this to be thankful for your blessings, and pray for those families who have lost their children.

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-09-21T15:37:00.000-06:00

The Key

You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life...~ Deuteronomy 30:20, NLT

Arn't we all looking for the key to the "good life"? Of course we all have our definations of what the good life may look like. For me to sum it up in one word is happiness. Happiness in my relationships, happiness in my job, happiness in my service. This morning while I was driving to work I heard something that convicted me in that I need to spend more time obeying HIM, and listening to HIM. I think I have the listening to HIM thing down pretty well, you know I've often been described as a "great listener" but its that whole obeying HIM thing that often is more difficult. What convicted me is that I need to make my husband top priority after God. As he can atest, Nathen is most often maybe 2nd, 3rd, honestly probably 4th or 5th down the list. Other priorities are not necessarily wrong or bad, my children, church, outreach groups for moms, and work but nevertheless they do not need to be above my husband. I've been almost in tears throughout the day thinking about this. I think we often shaft our spouces because we know they love us and will always be there. And I honestly believe that no matter what Nathen and I will grow old together, but today I really heard God telling me that I need to spend more quality time with him through exploring the Bible together and doing a Bible study together. I was planning on doing a womens bible study but that fell through and I think it was God's will HE wants my study in the bible to be with my husband and to fellowship with my number 1 earthly priority. I think the key to happiness, and life is exactly what this verse says, listen and obey God. I pray that Nathen is as excited as I am about this new venture we'll take together and will want to do a Bible study with me. He is so supportive in all of my ventures so I'm hopeful the same will be true for this, but still I'd appreciate your prayers.

Sorry that this devotion is more of a journal than a peice of encouragement today.

Wishing you all a blessed and wonderful day,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-20T15:16:00.000-06:00

No Enemy too much for OUR GOD!

"for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.~Psalm 61:3"

Okay yesterday while I was running one of Nathen's favorite songs came on my Ipod. I like it too, and it really got me to running a bit faster as its a bit upbeat. But while I was listening to the lyrics I knew I had to share them with you, and wouldn't you know it the chapter I read today goes right along with it? Yea, God works like that!:)

I've tried several times to copy and paste the lyrics of the song with little success so if you want to check it out its called Dear X (you don't know me) by Diciple.

We all have our enemies whether it be a person, our own emotions, addictions, obsessions, computers:) whatever it is we all have our "X". But if we look at the verse above those enemies can never reach us when we are surrounded by God's love, and trust and faithfully serve HIM. One of my enemies is my own self, I tend to be very critical, and emotional, often taking words of others too personally. I've cried many tears over the years, and although I still probably care too much of what others think of me it is comforting to know that I can seek refuge from these emotions, and oftentimes distorted thoughts easily by focusing on my relationship with God, and digging into HIS word.

So whatever X you are facing today know that you can find shelter, refuge, and comfort in God's love.

Blessings,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-16T21:17:00.000-06:00

Work in progress

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.~ Philippians 2:13

I had a hard time deciding or rather hearing what God wanted me to write about today so am using the scripture my mom used yesterday in her devotion but feel I'm going a different way with it focusing on the first part of the verse.

Notice it says God IS WORKING in you not God has worked in you. We are all a work in progress regarding our walk with God and the work he has laid out for us. No matter our age we could be in 100s and God continues to work in us, just look at Abraham for example. God told him he would have many children at didn't have his first child until after he turned 100!!! And I'm sure we all remember the "Father Abraham" song which sang about all his "many sons":)

The other day I was feeling pretty good about myself, thinking yea I do a lot for others, i'm letting God's light shine through me, donating time, money to worthy causes, attending church, raising children, ect. But then as this thought cross my mind another reflection entered my heart--I should never think I'm doing "enough" because I don't know what God has laid out for me. I know it was the Holy Spirit stopping me in my self-righteous tracks, and I'm glad HE did. We can always do more, be more available, be more receptive, more open, more spiritual, the list is endless. So although I do think I am living my life the way God wants me to live I'm not just going to be satisfied with that and stop short of whatever he has for my future. As I'm writing this I can't help but think of Brandon Heath's Song Wait and See (He's Not Finished With Me Yet!). God is always working in us, so no matter what you are doing or where you are at spiritually know that he is not finished or given up on you!

“Wait and See (He’s Not Finished With Me Yet!)” – Brandon Heath

I was born in Tennessee

Late July humidity

Doctor said I was lucky to be alive

I’ve been trouble since the day that I got here

Trouble till the day that I disappear

That’ll be the day that I finally get it right

Chorus

There is hope for me yet

Because God won’t forget

All the plans he’s made for me

I have to wait and see

He’s not finished with me yet

I never really was that good in school

I talked too much, broke the rules

Teacher thought I was hopeless fool alright

I don’t know how but I made it through

It’s one of those things that you’ve gotta do

But I always had a knack for telling the truth

Chorus

Still wondering why I’m here

Still wrestling with my fear

But oh, He’s up to something

And the farther on I go

I’ve seen enough to know

That I’m, not here for nothing

He’s up to something

So now’s my time to be a man

Follow my heart as far as I can

No telling where I’m ending up tonight

I never slow down or so it seems

But singing my heart it’s one of my dreams

All I gotta do is hold on tight

Chorus

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-15T21:32:00.002-06:00

Be Gentle

"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.~Ephesians 4:2"

Yesterday I talked about how the words help, helpful, and helping are constants coming out of my mouth, well gentle is another one that flows pretty easily and regularly as well with two active little boys who love to show each other their love through tackles, hits, and kicks! Yes I say "Aiden or Evan (whoever is the perpetrator at the moment) be gentle to your brother" more times than I can count. I don't think my boys are unusually aggressive or rough they are just boys and need to be reminded to be gentle. Something happens in adulthood and we don't get these reminders as often as maybe we should. And yes I think we need those reminders as well. Earlier today I had a group supervision meeting and there is a lady in our group who is very negative, and my initial thought to her was to give her a hug and say "it seems like you could use a hug". But did I do that? Nope of course not, why? I'm not quite sure probably my human nature took over and it was easier to just sit there and listen to her negative comments, and defend mine instead of being gentle and surrounding her with love. No I don't know her well but I think in this verse love is referring to that kind of love you show to one another even without knowing them, like giving a smile to someone on trail just to brighten their day, making small talk and smiling to an elderly woman at the grocery store. Nope I did not offer that kind of love or gentleness to my colleague instead I guess I've opted to be patient and wait for next month when I see her and cease the opportunity to show her that love and gentleness.

So today whatever your circumstances are in a relationship(s) be gentle, patient and love one another.

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-09-14T14:36:00.002-06:00

Our Forever Helper!

"Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. ~ Psalm 54:4"

Being a parent as well as working with children and adults who work with children through my job I often say the phrase "Look..you are helpful" or "Please help me do x,y,z.." Yes this is something that we seem to say constantly throughout the day...maybe its not so frequent for people who work with adults for a living..but for me the word help is a much used 4 letter word~hopefully used more often than other not so helpful 4 letter words!

As Christians it is our responsibility and destiny to help and serve one another. But what to do when we feel helpless, and too exhausted to serve anyone? Easy, we simply call onto our Forever Helper, God. While we call onto our Lord our hearts, ears, and mind need to be open to his words and instructions. It's amazing to see in every day things how God answers prayers of help. I have a great example of how God did this for me just today. As I was picking Aiden up from preschool I was praying that it wouldn't start raining as I had packed a picnic lunch for the boys like I did last week because we had a great time playing and eating at the park while our nanny was in class. But today the sky was dark, cloudy, and no sun in sight. I was really looking forward to our time at the park today and prayed for the skies to clear, and you know what, by the time we arrived at the park the sun was out and only pretty puffy clouds were out. In the car we had a nice discussion about how God helped us by moving the clouds and having the sun come out because he loves us so much and wanted us to have fun at the park. I know its a little example of how our Eternal Helper can help us but if he can take time to listen and move some clouds away for me and my children just imagine what else he can do for you!!! So today whatever you are facing know that God is there and wants you to call onto HIM for help. So just as we are called to help others lets allow God to help us and just go to HIM for help! Here is a song just about that.

My Help comes from the Lord by The Museum

When sorrows come and hope seems gone

You're the rock I rest upon

When waters rise and I can't breathe

You're the love that rescues me

[Bridge:]

Out of the darkness I lift up my eyes

Unto the hills I feel my faith rise

[Chorus 1:]

Maker of heaven, giver of life

You are my strength my song in the night My refuge my shelter Now and forevermore My help comes from the Lord

[Verse 2:]

When I'm broken scarred by sin

Death gives way to life again

When I suffer when I doubt

In you I'm free in you I'm found

[Repeat Bridge:]

[Repeat Chorus:]

[Chorus 2:]

Maker of heaven, giver of life

You are my strength

You're my refuge

Now and forevermore...

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-13T13:57:00.000-06:00

Discipline

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever ~Hebrews 13:8, NLT "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love~Psalm 103:8, New International Version"

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, I had a very relaxing and eye opening weekend. I spent much of the boys' naptime on Saturday reading a book I actually got for work but its on discipline so found it helpful for me personally as well being a parent, as well as reading my Bible. Throughout my readings in both of these wonderful resource books I found the exact same message love is better than fear or anger. Yesterday during church the sermon was on blended families and how we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and how the first Blended Family was Mary, Joseph and Jesus. I feel tremendously blessed to have a wonderful family in my husband, and two children as well as an awesome extended family with my sisters, brother in laws, parents, neices, and nephew (still only 1 but maybe another one in a few weeks depending if Sheldi has a boy or girl!:) But I also have wonderful friends who are my family through our relationship with Christ.

Okay boy this is really all over the place this morning...sorry. Back to what I think God wants me to share with you today. HE is a loving, compassionate and slow to anger no matter what he loves us. I think disciplining children is one of the most difficult things I've ever done in my life, and I think I've completed some pretty challenging things, college, master degree, 10K, ect. But all of those combined does not equate to the difficulty that is disciplining children!!! Over and over i've read this weekend about how to discipline with love not fear, and over and over I read in the Bible how God loves us no matter what. If we are to be Christ like in all that we do I think I will try to model my discipline practices after HIM and guide my children lovingly rather than quickly anger and make them scared. One of the key principles in the discipline book I'm reading is "Be the person you want your child to become". I think that is a great message and to extend on that I think we want to be person God wants us to be so we can raise godly children. And in those moments when I am displaying the person that I'm not proud of and definately don't want my children to become, I can take comfort in knowing that Jesus Christ is the same today as he was yesterday and will be tomorrow, I can say a prayer thanking him for his grace, and ask him for guidance on how to guide my children. Remember he took Paul who killed Christians and then became one of greatest leaders of Christianity, all of this through Jesus' love. So if Jesus did that many yesterdays ago he can help us be better parents today and tomorrow! It's a challenge I'm putting forth for myself as well as all my brothers, and sisters in Christ!

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-11T08:36:00.000-06:00

My mom wrote this today and thought I'd use it today as it ministered to me and hope it does the same for you as well:)

Remembering

Even the darkness is light to You.And night is as bright as the day.Darkness and light are alike to You.Psalm 139:12,For we walk by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

I don't think any of us can think of this date and not get a lump in our throat. The first verse may seem confusing is light and darkness the same to God. I think a little is lost in translation. I think what this verse is saying is that God's light dispels darkness. The darkness is the same to to God because HE controls all. HE sees the end result the final result of all darkness being cast into the darkness of hell where it belongs.

We live in the here and now and its difficult to see other than what is right in front of us. And if we live be the second verse For we walk be faith not by sight Then we can live in the light constantly. Because we are not walking by our circumstances or our feeling or our fears. We are walking hand in hand with the author of faith our Savior! Walk with HIM today. Take HIS hand and follow step by careful step. Its okay h that you don't know where he is leading because HE knows the way...He created the way!

Pray today for all those who have been affected directly by 9/11!

Friendships

2010-09-09T21:35:00.000-06:00

I'm writing tonight just to document and journal my thoughts thats what blogs are for right?? Anyways, this evening I had a wonderful time chatting with a old high school classmate for a few minutes, and reconnecting with a childhood church friend after dinner. It really got me thinking about my experiences with friends throughout my life. Ever since I was a very small child I always felt like I was on the outside of my peer group....this coninued on through Jr. High, High School and even college. You know I had friends but I always viewed all the rest of the group of friends closer to one another than I was to any of them, and I think for the most part my interpretation was probably correct. I can remember in grade school being isolated from my group of friends because they thought I was "too preppy" and sitting and just crying on my moms lap saying "why doesn't anyone want to be my friend?" these feelings continued to haunt me at times. But here recently I seem to be blessed with a ton of friends some quite new others older friends from a different lifetime ago, like my friend Pam. We have not seen each other for close to 20 years until this evening, and yea there were some awkward silences a few times, trying to catch our breaths from catching up from so much lost time, but overall our visit was wonderful, and quite amazing how even as adults childhood friends still have a lot in common and similar beliefs and interest. And I know our friendship will grow even more now that we are adults. I'm not sure what has happened over the last year or so, am I more confident, self-assured that I don't care what others think of me, are people just more friendlier now than they were before, am I choosing better friends? I'm not quite sure what it is, but I think it's a combination of just being more mature, confident, and allowing God to work in my life. I'm more happy because of that relationship with God and so people may just be drawn to fellowship with me, not sure but I'm sure thankful and feeling blessed for the wonderful friendships I have!

Today's Devotion

2010-09-09T10:00:00.002-06:00

Riches?!

Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.Psalm 49:16-17, 20"

One of the 10 commandments is "Do not covet what others have" but goodness as humans don't we often wish our house was like that of someone elses, or had less financial worries like others? I think this is a constant issue for many couples in our era. We've become a society of wanting to "Keep up with the Jones'"! Sadly this is probably nothing new, I remember my mom talking about this issue saying during their early years of being married my parents would also get caught up in this game with their friends. I know this is kind of sounding a bit negative this morning but I'll get to the positive and hopefully encouraging part in a minute:) Yes we are humans we want what others have, but really does it matter how much money we make, what our home is like, what kind of car we drive or what our entertainment system includes? NO it really doesn't, because do any of those things bring us true happiness or stay with us throughout eternity? Nope...yes they may provide us with extra luxaries and comfort but true happiness and eternity not at all. Well here comes the good news, a relationship with Jesus Christ provides that true happiness and is everlasting. And you know what else no matter what Jesus will never say we need a new TV to view a football game (no this has never happened...but our house is usually never first on the list to view football games:) No all he asks is that we join him in fellowship, and everything he has to offer is richer than anything on this earth. So today I encourage you to get spiritually rich through a relationship with HIM!

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-08T20:57:00.002-06:00

Do HIS WILL

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.-- Psalm 143:10

This is going to be short and hopefully sweet today because honestly I'm just having a wonderful afternoon visiting with my mom while the boys nap.

We often try to do things on our own, our own will which may not be what God would have us do, but like any human we blindly try it on our own. Most often though we come crawling back asking for God's guidance and wisdom. Today I encourage you to reflect, listen, and do God's will. Whether it be reaching out to a new mom, making a meal, sharing a Bible story with your children, or fellowshiping with other believers, do it and be blessed. The more we do God's will the more the Spirit will work in and through us, and what a wonderful result that is.

So today what is God's will for you?

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-09-07T13:15:00.002-06:00

Being Persecuted

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Matthew 5:10"

The definition of persecuted according to Websters is to pursue with harassing or oppressive treatment, esp. because of religion, race, or beliefs; harass persistently. Last week I felt like I was being persecuted, no I wasn't being prisoned for my beliefs like many before me have, but I did feel judged, harrassed and mistreated because of my religion and the way I live out my religion. As some of you may know someone put on my scripture post last week that I should check out an article on CNN about facebook boosting egos. I may have read too much into this comment but I took it as this person was saying by posting daily scriptures I was some how feeling that I was better than others and getting an ego from it. It initially really upset me, I deleted the comment and reached out for support and encouragement, and even thought about quitting my daily scripture posts. But after some reflection, encouragment, and time in God's word I've come to the conclusion that this comment was just proof that I am doing what God wants me to. We may be ridiculed, harrased, mistreated and even persecuted for our beliefs but you know what that is okay, because God is preparing for us a place in Heaven, and its our job to live righteously, and for HIM regardless of the negativity that comes from it. And what to do if we are prosecuted well I think we continue to reach out and love on those who mistreat us, that is what Jesus calls us to do as well. So whatever your prosecution is today, a sly comment from another facebooker, a coworker mocking your beliefs, or a professor refuting your beliefs know that what you have is stronger, and more powerful than any insult!!! Yes we have a loving, powerful, and Awesome God behind us all the time.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Pictures from sarah

2010-09-04T20:12:00.001-06:00

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Today's Devotion

2010-09-03T12:53:00.002-06:00

Out of the darkness!

"Jesus said, "I am light, and I came into this world. I came so that every person that believes in me would not stay in darkness.-- John 12:46 (ERV)"

It is a beautiful day outside, cool fall type temps, sun is shinig, the birds are singing, BUT I've not been able to appreciate it because of yet another challenging day with my two blessings. I don't mean to complain I know we are blessed there are just several challenges right now with both of them and it being Friday my single mommy mind is getting ready for Nathen's return home and I'm just about on empty. So yes today I've felt a little overwhelmed, stressed, annoyed, and well just not recognizing the brightness of our day today. During naptime both boys were crying and screaming something that is pretty unusual...they usually both transition well into nap time but today was a challenge and for a while a very dark place--I kept telling myself to remain calm which I think I did for the most part, but the crying and screaming was overwhelming. And after some time (i'm not sure how long but it seemed like forever) Aiden dried his tears and said "Mommy read me my Bible". My 3 year old son knew how to get us out of the darkness of a challenging naptime. All three of us sat and rocked and read Bible story after Bible story until they both fell asleep. As I was reading about the miracles performed, parables told, and the rising of Jesus I couldn't help but feel like I had entered into a brighter part of our day, even if they hadn't fallen asleep I think I would still feel this way because of all the stories we read it just put me in a better place emotionally and spiritually. I know the "darkness" I refer to is really minor compared to what others may be faced with, addictions, negative relationships and the like; but God is an awesome and loving God and will help each of us out of the darkness if we only let HIM work in our lives...even if that work is facilitated by our children as it was today with me. So whatever you are going through today pull out your Bible and do some reading and praying you will feel lightness come into your day as well.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend,

IN God's love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-02T22:51:00.000-06:00

PRAISE HIM!!!

"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. How awesome is the LORD Most High,

the great King over all the earth! ~Psalm 47:1,2"

Yesterday we looked at how God is there during our most troubled times and to cry out to him, well today I want to focus on praising him and recognizing his awesomeness (if that is a word:). I hope you all have experienced the wonderful sight of children praising God it is really the most precious thing to watch. Our boys are still listening to their VBS songs from earlier in the summer praising God. If you are having a rough day I encourage you to think of my boys lifting their hands, dancing, and signing to glorify God...that will for sure put a smile on your face it does mine. Something happens though as we get older, I see it even in church on Sunday mornings we don't lift our hands and cry out in joy when praising. Yes we may sing and nod our heads (I think the men's favorite form of worship--no singing but just head nodding). This passed Sunday I noticed a young probably college aged girl who was rejoicing and praising God during our worship time, but I noticed her hands lifted up by her side...almost retraining herself from raising them up high. Of course I do not know this person at all and am just using this as an illustration of how even the strongest Christians in what should be safest place for worship feel need to restrain their joy and praises to God. WHY do we restrain ourselves from praising our most awesome God, the one who gave us everlasting life? The only thing I can come up with is our human embarrassment, I'm guilty of that...I sing outloud during worship but for some reason feel like I would be looked at weird if I raised my hands and really really gotten into my praise and worship time. Honestly we should not care what others think of us especially if it gets in our way of having a meaninful praise time with our Loving God. So my challenge to you and myself is really praise and worship HIM....and if we feel embarrased well that is a small price to pay for everything God has done for us, don't you think?:)

Here is a song to get you started:)

Oh Praise Him by David Crowder Band

Turn your ear

To Heaven and hear

The noise inside

The sound of angels awe

The sound of angels' songs

And all this for a King

We could join and sing

'All to Christ our King!'

How constant

How divine

This song of ours will rise

Oh, how constant

How divine

This love of ours will rise

Will rise...

CHORUS:

Ohh praise Him!

Ohh praise Him!

He is Holy!

He is Holy!

Turn your gaze

To Heaven and raise

A joyous noise

Oh the sound of salvation come

The sound of rescued ones

And all this for a king

Angels join to sing

'All for Christ our King!'

CHORUS {x2}

Oh la la la la la la..

Oh la la la la la la..

Oh la la la la la... laaa laa laa laaa!

CHORUS

How infinite and sweet

This love so rescuing

Oh how infinitely sweet

This great love that has redeemed

As one, we sing...

OUTRO:

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

He is Holy,

He is Holy

OUTRO

CHORUS

Oh la la la la la la..

Oh la la la la la la..

Oh la la la la la... laaa laa laa laaa!

OUTRO

CHORUS

Oh la la la la la la..

Oh la la la la la la..

Oh la la la la la... laaa laa laa laaa laa!

Happy praising!!

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-09-01T21:52:00.000-06:00

Always There

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.The Lord Almighty is with us~Psalm 46:1,2,5,7

Today has been a challenging but rewarding day. Yes this is not a typo although it was quite challenging at the end of the day I feel I've grown, learned and yes even received an reward!

I'd been trying to figure out what scripture to use all day and trying to find the time to figure that out (not an easy task with 2 active boys:). And finally after my lovely blessings were asleep I read this chapter in Psalm and it was like a big pat on the back from Our Loving Heavenly Father saying "Sarah I've been here all day for you just waiting for you". Yes I did turn to God throughout the day, praying please help me manage my emotions and be a good mom today. And thankfully my mom was here today and we had a wonderful talk about how sometimes we can have everything but still feel down and defeated which often may be a spiritual attack from satan. Well not to sound too crazy I really felt I was being attacked today, my children were really pretty good today but I WAS NOT, I was cranky, snappy, irritable and just not portraying the Christian mother that I strive to be. As I read this verse tonight I found it interestingly comforting that "her" was used instead of him. Even way back then God understood the stressors that females face. No matter the stressor in our life nothing is too big for God even the worse attack by Satan is an easy battle for our Almighty God. We simply just need to recognize HIM as our ever present shelter and refuge during our troubled times because he is always there waiting to pick us up dust us off and set us back on the path again.

Even the youngest little hearts know that God is Always there, in the last few days I've noticed Aiden singing "he's always always there"....which I think is probably a song he heard on KLOVE Always by Switchfoot. We need to have that song running through our head, mind, and hearts daily just as he has here recently. Here are the lyrics to help you with that task:)

Switchfoot Always Lyrics Songwriters: Foreman, Jon;

This is the star, this is your heartThis is the day you were bornThis is the sun, these are your lungsThis is the day you were bornd I am always, always, always yoursAnd I am always, always, always yours

These are the scars deep in your heartThis is the place you were bornAnd this is the hole where most of your soul comes ripping outFrom the places you've been torn

And it is always, always, always yoursAnd I am always, I'm always, I'm always yours

Hallelujah, I'm caving inHallelujah, I'm in love againHallelujah, I'm a wretched manHallelujah, every breath is a second chance, yeah

And it is always, always, always yoursAnd I am always, I'm always, always yoursAlways, always, I'm always yours, I'm yoursAlways, always, I am always yours

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-08-31T15:57:00.002-06:00

Healing Begins!

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. ~James 5:15,16"

As I was driving to work this morning I heard a little clip about the new 10th Avenue North song, This is Where the Healing begins and they referred to a verse in James...I'm actually not sure if I got the right one that they referenced but I think this verse is powerful in illustrating the point God has laid on my heart this morning.

Life can be so challenging sometimes, whether it is a sleepless night with a toddler, conflict with a loved one, quarell with a spouse, deadlines at work, and just the day to day struggles that we all have in our lives. And I know sometimes I slip and sin, whether it be saying a bad word, snapping at my children and husband, or ignoring deadlines at work. I always feel guilty and unworthy of God's love in those moments of human error. Lately I've been really struggling with how I respond to my children, I just get very snappy with them over really nothing, and I always feel like a horrible mom, like I'm a fake---I put on this facade that I'm the perfect mom and behind close doors I feel like I'm about to loose my patience, and sanity. This morning I'm being convicted to confess my sins of not being the best mom I can be to my children. I'll continue to pray for patience and self control. Even though we all have our moments that we'd rather hit the delete button and erase from everyone's memory, God has already forgiven us if we only confess. As I've said before God loved us so much, and knew we would sin, that he gave his only son's life for those sins. Isn't that an amazing fact to ponder this morning? So yes this morning the healing begins by simply confessing and praying to our Awesome God. Whatever you are facing today, whatever sin you've committed know that your healing can begin because the price of our sins have already been paid.

Here is the song:

So you thought you had to keep this up

All the work that you do

So we think that you're good

And you can't believe it's not enough

All the walls you built up

Are just glass on the outside

So let 'em fall down

There's freedom waiting in the sound

When you let your walls fall to the ground

We're here now

This is where the healing begins, oh

This is where the healing starts

When you come to where you're broken within

The light meets the dark

The light meets the dark

Afraid to let your secrets out

Everything that you hide

Can come crashing through the door now

But too scared to face all your fear

So you hide but you find

That the shame won't disappear

So let it fall down

There's freedom waiting in the sound

When you let your walls fall to the ground

We're here now

We're here now, oh

This is where the healing begins, oh

This is where the healing starts

When you come to where you're broken within

The light meets the dark

The light meets the dark

Sparks will fly as grace collides

With the dark inside of us

So please don't fight

This coming light

Let this blood come cover us

His blood can cover us

This is where the healing begins, oh

This is where the healing starts

When you come to where you're broken within

The light meets the dark

The light meets the dark

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-30T12:39:00.002-06:00

The Race!

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.~James 1:12"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.~Hebrews 12:1"

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, I think we had one of the best weekends in awhile. This morning God laid it on my heart to write about perserverence, he placed these two verses in my email box, and I really couldnt figure out what to write about this morning from my reading in Psalms so took that as a sign from HIM to write about perserverence:) Anyways, I'm not sure about you all but I know I'm guilty of just accepting the status quo of spiritual, family, and work life. This can be a very easy thing to fall into but it can also create a very stagnant environment with little excitement, change, or vigor. And sometimes we may be tempted to just give in to this type of life. As the Hebrews verse illustrates our life is sometimes like a race, and let me tell you I was very tempted to quit the race Saturday morning after the first 200 or so yards, I could barely see(with an eye infection had to wear my glasses and didnt have sunglasses), my legs ached, and I just wasnt feeling it at all. But I listened to the Christian music on my ipod and before I knew it I was at the finish line. Not to minimize the trials in our life at all but if we refocus our energies on what we have and on our ultimimate prize which is a Heavenly Home with our Heavenly Father we can make it through the race of life.

I know I am beginning to sound like a broken record but we can keep our focus, motivation, and perserverance through our relationship with God which can be encouraged by those Christians around us, Christian music, and of course time in HIS word.

On this Monday morning perservere whatever tasks, trials, and challenges that are ahead of you be encouraged by God's word, fellowship, and praise.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-26T14:14:00.000-06:00

What is your function!

Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.-- Romans 12:4-5

As believers we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. As the Bible says we may all have different functions but together we form one body, and belong to one another. I think that is pretty amazing that someone on the other side of the world is my sister in Christ, she may be a missionary in a third world country, that is her function, while I'm here in the comforts of my homeland sharing daily scriptures with others, and reaching out to those around me, that is my function. We are all human as well as Christians and it is our right and privledge to spread the word of Jesus to others, and to show others the love of Jesus. If we don't perform our "function" the body will break down just as a car breaks down if something isn't working right. So today do some reflection and identify what your function is to keep the family body of Christ strong. Once you identify it go and act on it!!! This is something I've really tried to live out more. Its easy to just do the scriptures online but I've really been convicted that I need to let my light shine in the real world as well, so I'm working on my function daily to ensure I am always glorifying God and making a stronger part of the christian body!

One of my favorite songs right now is Human by Natalie Grant I think it fits pretty well with this today so here are the lyrics.

Human by Natalie Grant

Every life has a choice

To rise up to fill the void

Every heart has a mission

And we are called to be human

Chorus:

We gotta do better than this cuz we only got

One chance to make a difference

We gotta do better than this cuz we only got

One life that we've been given

A little love, a little kindness

A little light in this time of darkness

It'll be what makes us different

It'll be what makes us human

I'm human, you're human, we are human

Verse 2:

We are marked with His image

And we are scarred with indifference

Maybe now we should listen

Hear the cry of God's children

Chorus:

We gotta do better than this cuz we only got

One chance to make a difference

We gotta do better than this cuz we only got

One life that we've been given

A little love, a little kindess

A little light in this time of darkness

It'll be what makes the difference

It'll be what makes us human

I'm human, you're human, we are

We are human

I'm human, you're human, we are

We are human

Gotta do better than this cuz I only got

One chance to make a difference

Gotta do better than this cuz I'm only

Just one

I'm human, you're human, we are

We are human x2

It'll be what makes the difference

It'll be what makes us human

Today's Devotion

2010-08-25T21:28:00.002-06:00

Godly Delight!

"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart~Psalm 37:3,4"

Okay I'm so sorry for the lateness of this today, no nap for Aiden and much needed fellowship with friends this afternoon.

It never ceases to amaze me how good I feel when I do what God wants me to do, and unfortunately it is still sometimes easier to go with the flow and go through the motions really not listening or fulfilling our Christian role that God has for us. I think this is a constant struggle for all of us Christians. This morning I was really butting heads and becoming quite frustrated with my boys, partly due to lack of sleep because Aiden didn't sleep well and partly because I did not pray for patience, support, and guidance to start my day...something I'm really trying hard to do daily. In the middle of my frustrated tyraid and huffing and puffing I noticed Aiden flipping through the pages of his Bible, the one he got from his granddad....its a real bible not a children's bible no pictures. I really think he was trying to get closer to God by looking at it and who knows maybe praying "God, please help mommy not loose her mind today". I'm not really sure but his actions helped me recognize that I needed to pray, realign my thinking, and appreciate the wonderful blessings that God has given me. I did pray for God to help me remain sane, patient and comforting not discouraging for my children. And would you know it as we visited Aiden's preschool both of them were on their best behaviors, listening, putting toys away, even lining up with the rest of the class, and as we were driving home I got a call from a good friend who came over and we visited, she even watched the boys so I could go on a run and then I got to hold another friends 5 day old baby. Our evening home was wonderful eventhough Aiden had no nap and a restless nights sleep last night, we spent most of the evening reading Bible stories that is what the boys wanted. We need to be more like our children and delight, be excited, and intrigued by the Bible instead of it just being on our "to do" list. I'm very guilty of this...you know just going through the motions, but not really living it. If we truely delight ourselves like I did tonight reading Bible story after bible story with my boys everything our heart desires will come true.

Blessings,

Sarah

The Cross

2010-08-24T13:30:00.001-06:00

Earlier today after dropping off our nanny at class I was driving her car, a chevy, and Aiden said "look mommy there's a cross on her steering wheel" taking a minute to actually see that the chevy symbol does look like a cross, I said "yea you are right and what does the cross mean?" Aiden replied "It means Jesus died on it for our sins". I followed up with yes and why did Jesus do that. Aiden's response was "because we dont want sin" ME:well yes we don't but he died because he loves us so much.Aiden: "oh yea". I just absolutely love seeing these little moments of faith shine through in children and just had to share it.

Some times it is challenging to feel like we are fostering a spiritual, and Christian path for our children but if we keep communication open and plant seeds of truth they will grow spiritually and yes will see a cross in sticks, macaroni, and yes even car symbols.

What little moment of faith have your children shared with you?

Today's Devotion

2010-08-24T08:30:00.002-06:00

God's Love

Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.~Psalm 36:5,7,9

First off if you have time to do so today please take a few minutes and read this chapter, it paints a beautiful picture of God's love for us. I could not just pick one verse! As I'm writing this today I can't help but think of a wonderful library book that Aiden checked out last week called Letters to God. Its a heartwarming story of a little boy who writes God letters to help him find a missing toy, and has he journeys to mail it notices other prayer requests so adds those to the letter finally noticing a rainbow and closes his letter thanking God for all the beautiful things he has made including the rainbow. This book is based on a true story of a little boy who lost his battle to cancer at the age of 10 and several years after his death his parents found many of his letters to God. Even though this little boy was very ill he still knew how much God loved him and eventhough his parents lost their only son they still know God loves them. No this young child did not question the existinance of God instead he relied on HIM for everything even his search for missing toys.

I think the infinity of God's love is difficult to understand for all of us, including our children. Last night while I was doing bedtime Aiden and I had a nice talk about everyone who loves him, he easily named off "mommy and daddy" but when I asked "you know who loves you more than anyone?" he was stumped...I attempted to explain God's love for each of us is stronger and bigger than anything, reaching passed all the clouds. I'm not sure if he got it or not, but if I continue to read bible stories to our boys with the truth of his love, and point out things that HE has done, such as rainbows, they will learn and experience how much God loves them. As adults we can be just as ignorant of God's love for us can't we? Yes we may say "God why me" or "God why did this happen" when really we should be thanking God always for giving his son's life for us. Yes often we experience more bumps in the road than we'd like to experience, and how can we focus on God's love when we are feeling defeated? Well I think when we surround ourselves with God's word, whether it by listening to Christian music, reading our Bible daily, or fellowship with other Christians, or better yet a combination of all of them, the bumps will soon be ironed out and we'll be able to better recognize God's love for us. So today let God's light provide you comfort and peace. As always if there are any prayer requests please let me know, I consider it a great privledge to pray for you.

And if I could ask for prayer, its really a minor one, but one I know that needs prayer. There is a Bible study beginning in September that I would really like to do, it works perfectly with my schedule, but I always feel guilty having something going on for me on my days off because I feel I should be spending time with my boys. So please pray that I'll make the right decision about this Bible study. Thanks:)

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-23T12:47:00.001-06:00

Shine your loving light!

"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. ~1 John 2:9"

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We sure did, it started with Nathen and I attending a parenting seminar at our church. Although the message was a great one..."parents should be responsible for their child's spirituality not the church" the delivery was somewhat negative. I wont go into all the details, as it will depress all of you and my intent is to encourage. Anyways, the speaker spoke of others who may think and have different life styles than him in a very negative way. Now much of what he said I agreed with, but I think we should love each other like brothers and sisters like the Bible says. We can disagree with each other's choices while showing God's love to each other.

As I read this verse this morning I could not help but think of Fred Phelps group who claims to be Christians but are better known for spreading messages of hate instead of messages of love. And unfortunately giving Christians a bad reputation of being hateful, judgemental, and intolerant. I'm not saying that we need to all hold hands and sing together or even agree with one another, but what I think we can do is offer each other unconditional love as God has offered us through giving his son's life. We can disagree with one another by using the Bible as our resource and defense, and do this out of love for another not hate.

You may be thinking "Sarah, brothers in this text is all Christians, and we all think a like". I could be wrong and I don't claim to be a Bibical scholar but I think we are all brothers and sisters in Christ even to a nonbeliever because its our responsibility as a believer to spread the good news of Jesus to each other. And I know us Christians all have differing attitudes, thoughts, and beliefs on several issues. And you know what it really doesn't matter at the end of the day as long as we all agree that Jesus died to save all of us, and is the son of God.

So as Christians let us all show our light and not be pursueded to be in the dark by not loving one another. I challenge all of us to give Christians a better reputation and when a nonbeliever hears someone being a Christian they will think of only loving acts and not hateful words.

In God's love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-20T14:47:00.002-06:00

Our Hiding Place

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surrond me with songs and diliverance~Psalm 32:7

Hide and seek what a wonderful childhood game. I still have great memories of playing this at a child, particularly after church on Sunday and Wednesday nights, Mom and Cammie do you remember this? Anyways, maybe this sticks out in my memory because we in the safe haven of the church grounds so we all felt safe, of course as children we probably wern't thinking that but just enjoying a great game with great friends.

Evan in the last few days has discovered his shadow and is quite frightened of it often screaming and crying running into my arms trying to get away from the strange dark figure that is chasing him. I become his safe hiding place from what he perceives is a scary creature. As adults I think we can relate to trying to run away from our scary creatures, whether its distructive relationships, addictions, or other worldly influences. We may be tempted to just give into these creatures but we will always have a safe hiding place from these in our Loving Heavenly Father. I imagine HIM picking us up wiping our tears away and sing to us just as I have done with Evan several times this week as he hides from his shadow. So today if you are struggling with your own scary creatures know you have a safe hiding place with Your Loving Heavenly Father. And as always if there is anything I can pray about for you please let me know.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-19T12:30:00.002-06:00

Obey and Rejoice?!

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD. So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!~Psalm 31:10,11

As a parent and a child it may be hard to understand the concept that obeying begets rejoicing. Disciplining children is both challenging and necessary and when done right we can rejoice instead of pulling our hair out! Monday I went to a wonderful conference on conscious discipline its main theme is to discipline ourselves first...calm ourselves down

and then state what behavior we want to see as well as naming the feeling for the child. I've tried a couple of the techniques with my children and I must say they have reduced power struggles, and frustrations emmensley and well have had me rejoicing. It's wonderful to see my children listen and obey! Well I think the same is true with our relationship with God except he is PERFECT and never becomes frustrated, angered, or to the point of pulling his hair out when we disobey him. NO his love is neverending, and although he may be disappointed he never stops loving us. Yes sometimes as adults we may be defiant towards our Heavenly Father, but if we only obey him he will bless us tremendously. For example writing these devotions, and posting daily scriptures was something I knew HE wanted me to do and at first I was very nervous and almost didn't listen to HIM because I didn't want anyone to take offense to them. BUT I am so glad that I listened to HIM because I have been able to reach out to more people, and been blessed by more Christian relationships with friends. So yes today lets all OBEY HIM and I promise you blessings will follow.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Todays Devotion

2010-08-18T21:27:00.002-06:00

Our navigator and copilot

"Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. I trust in you, O LORD; I say You are my God My times are in your hands.~Psalm 31:3, 14,15"

Yesterday I wrote about our Eternal Healer, and today well I'm going to write about our God being our Navigator and Co Pilot---Yes our God is that awesome to have many job descriptions:)

Often we may feel lost in the world and sometimes surrounded by unbelievers who may not understand it when we say "let me pray about that" but that does not mean we need to stop relying and turning to HIM for direction. We need to constantly remember and consult HIM to ensure we stay on our spiritual path. I think we get into trouble when we think we can do things on our own without the guidance and comfort God provides as he guides and leads us.

I know in my relationships when I start becoming the center of it instead of having God be the center of our home conflict always arises. But when we turn our focus, and trust God we will be blessed. Now I'm not saying that we will have no conflicts, trials or disappointments but they will be easier to manage because they are in God's hands and we just need to look for him to lead us.

So today whatever you faced with ask yourself "Am I trying to do it all on my own or am I looking to God as my copilot"?

One of my favorite songs right now is exactly about how having God at the center of your relatonships. Here are the lyrics.

Lead Me by Sanctus Real

I look around and see my wonderful life

Almost perfect from the outside

In picture frames I see my beautiful wife

Always smiling

But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

“Lead me with strong hands

Stand up when I can't

Don't leave me hungry for love

Chasing dreams, what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight

That I'm still the love of your life

I know we call this our home

But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes

They're just children from the outside

I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine

They're in independent

But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

“Lead me with strong hands

Stand up when I can't

Don't leave me hungry for love

Chasing dreams, but what about us?

Show me you're willing to fight

That I'm still the love of your life

I know we call this our home

But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength

To be everything I'm called to be

Oh, Father, show me the way

To lead them

Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands

To stand up when they can't

Don't want to leave them hungry for love,

Chasing things that I could give up

I'll show them I'm willing to fight

And give them the best of my life

So we can call this our home

Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

IN God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-17T13:49:00.002-06:00

Our Forever Healer

O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.You turned my wailing into dancing....and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever~Psalm 30:1,11-12

I think we've all told a loved one, especially our stubborn hubbies--"go to the Dr" when they are ill or hurt, but how often do we tell others or ourselves for that matter "go to God you need a spiritual tune up?" No if someone is hurting or ill we may say "I'll pray for you" which of course is helpful, supportive, but I think we should also take that opportunity to pray WITH that person if at all possible. Now the same is true for ourselves we need to check ourselves and take everything to the LORD as he can heal whatever wound we may be burdened with.

As some of you may know several years ago I struggled with body image issues, and although sometimes irrational thoughts about my body pop up its nothing like it used to, and within minutes of prayer get back on track. I had the wonderful opportunity to see my Dr last week, I had a nasty eye infection, and the last time I saw him was when I was 19 or 20 and in the griphold of those body image issues, and he told me if he saw my weight any lower he would hospitalize me. I remember thinking at the time, "he doesn't know what he's talking about". But when I saw him last week for my eye he remembered me and I could feel myself almost beaming as he said "you are so healthy now". It was a hard time in my life all those years ago but God helped and continues to heal me, and because of that I can't help but rejoice and dance for the love he's given me.

So today what are you dancing and rejoicing about? How has God helped you? You don't have to respond to those questions but just reflect on how HE has helped you through a difficult time in your life. And if you are currently in that difficult time make an appointment with Forever Healer, there is never a waiting room and he's always on call for you!

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-16T20:49:00.002-06:00

Its All good!

All things work together for the good for those who love God~Romans 8:28

I apologize for the delay in getting this out today, I had a training for work from 8-4 and was planning on waking up early to do this, but you know how that works out on a Monday morning:) Anyways, it was probably a good thing because my mom included this verse in her devotion and I could not think of something better to write about on a Monday to correlate with what I wanted to express to you today.

I was thinking yesterday that regardless of what my week had been like I felt peace and love from God. We've all heard the phrase "its all good". But with God it really is all good. We may not understand it at the time we are experiencing something painful whether its a low score on a test, a conflict with a loved one, a quarrel with a spouce, or frustration from a child. But if we center our lives around God he will guide us through these trials and in the end it will all be good.

In God's love,

Sarah

Forgiveness

2010-08-12T22:12:00.000-06:00

Okay this post is really just going to be a journal for me to collect my thoughts, and who knows maybe help someone along the way. Anyways this past week has been emotionally exhausting as you may have noticed from some of my devotions. I know in the Big picture of the Life GOD has blessed me with the situation is very minimal but I'm having a difficult time forgiving someone who hurt me tremendously. This person is someone I respect, love, and care for so it is painful to have no commincation with her the past few days. However, I can't seem to forgive what she has requested and said to me, and have taken the attitude of "waiting it out until she apologizes" I have prayed a lot about this, and the issue of concern is regarding disciplining our children and I feel that no one has the right to tell us how we discipline our children unless we are paying them for a conference or therapy or something. When I pray I wonder if I'm just hearing what I want to hear "Sarah, I love you thats all that matters, you are a great mom and you are raising your children to follow ME" and filtering out what is difficult to hear "Sarah I love you and so does this person forgive them and move on". And I wonder if the person who hurts me is only hearing what she wants to hear "Guide her, support her, help her" and filtering out "let her live her life I will watch over her". My human side does not want to forgive, I want an apology!!! This person knows how much my feelings were hurt but continues to stand her ground saying I need to change how I'm raising our sons, particularly our 3 year old. Like I said I want an apology I dont want to forgive her!! So tonight I'm scouring The Bible on Forgiveness for some guidance

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive me their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins~Matthew 6:14,15"
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you~Colossians 3:13"
"Be kind and compassionate to one another forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you~Ephesians 4:32"

Okay i think I know what I need to do, but it will be very difficult, and will probably hurt my husband since he is very angry about this situation as well and is all in favor of the "wait until she apologizes" option.

Yesterday's Devotion

2010-08-12T13:10:00.004-06:00

Test me and Try me

"Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for your love is ever before me, and I walk continually in your truth~Psalm 26:2,3"

The last 24 hours has been quite dififcult and emotionally draining for me but last night as I was praying about this situation I was comforted knowing that I live my life for God and his love is stronger than anything I am or will experience. Then this morning I read this and again felt comfort that in the big picture of life the trials, hurts, and dissapointments we endure are truely a test. Will our faith waiver when relationships are strained, jobs are lossed, love ones die, or disagreements arise? For me NO WAY, I will continue to walk with HIM, knowing he LOVES me and any experience in my life that is painful is temporary and a test for me to always focus on HIM.

As I write this I can't help but think of a song about the relationship with God. The last 24 hours I've been so thankful that I have a relationship with my Heavenly Father. Since this is a pretty short devotion thought I'd share the lyrics with you

More Like Falling in Love by Jason Gray.

Give me rules

I will break them

Give me lines

I will cross them

I need more than a truth to believe

I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes

To sweep me off my feet

It ought to be

More like falling in love

Than something to believe in

More like losing my heart

Than giving my allegiance

Caught up, called out

Come take a look at me now

It's like I'm falling, oh

It's like I'm falling in love

Give me words

I'll misuse them

Obligations

I'll misplace them

'Cause all religion ever made of me

Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet

It never set me free

It's gotta be

CHORUS

...It's like I'm falling in love, love, love

Deeper and deeper

It was love that made

Me a believer

In more than a name, a faith, a creed

Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me

Today's Devotion

2010-08-12T13:10:00.003-06:00

Hand it over

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."1 Peter 5:7, NLT

What a wonderful thing to remember no matter we are facing. I think each of us can benifit from remembering that no matter what life has dealt us we can hand it over to God and he will care for us and carry us through it. On this temporary place we live called Earth we will have a lot of stress, worries, and anxieties. Although life here is temporary 70-100 years of dealing with everything that we may encounter is a long time isnt it? I'm only 33 and some days I feel I can't handle one more thing. But its not all grim here on Earth we can have a personal relationship with our loving Heavenly Father if we just ask him into our hearts. And you know what HE will provide comfort, guidance, and peace during those times of trials and tribulations. So today whatever stresses or worries you have go ahead and hand it over to God and he will get your through because he loves and cares about you so much. Just as the new Amy Grant song says sometimes when we cry out to our God its better than a Hallelujah

Better than a Hallelujah by Amy Grant

God loves a lullaby

In a mothers tears in the dead of night

Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

God loves a drunkards cry,

The soldiers plea not to let him die

Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries

God just hears a melody

Beautiful the mess we are

The honest cries of breaking hearts

Are better than a Hallelujah

The woman holding on for life,

The dying man giving up the fight

Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what's been done,

The silence when the words won't come

Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries

God just hears a melody

Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

Beautiful the mess we are

The honest cries of breaking hearts

Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing,

Better than a choir singing out,singing out.

We pour out our miseries

God just hears a melody

Beautiful the mess we are

The honest cries of breaking hearts

Are better than a Hallelujah

In God's love,

Sarah

Todays Devotion

2010-08-10T20:27:00.000-06:00

Always there

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.-- Psalm 46:1 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.--Psalm 25:5

Okay is anyone else feeling a little frazzled today as though they are just running in place and getting absolutely nothing accomplished? Well I am so I apologize if this devotion comes off as more of a journal of my thoughts today instead of an encouragement to you today. This morning both my boys woke up with horrible coughs and grumpy attitudes, crying as I left for work with Aiden saying "mommy, please stay", it breaks my heart when my babies cry out for but I do know they are in good hands while I'm at work. Before I left I tried to find some notes I needed but could not find them, and was unable to print out something I needed for work. I felt very frazzled and overwhelmed...and while I was driving to work I heard a song "You never let go"it brought me almost to tears. It felt like God was saying "Sarah I have you in my arms, just trust everything will work out" Yes I know my troubles are really minor but it was comforting for me to know I'm always in God's hands if I only rely on him. Here is the song I heard this morning I hope you find encouragement and comfort from it as I did.

You Never let Go by David Crowder Band

When clouds veil sun

And disaster comes

Oh, my soul

Oh, my soul

When waters rise

And hope takes flight

Oh, my soul

Oh, my soul

Oh, my soul

Ever faithful

Ever true

You I know

You never let go

You never let go

You never let go

You never let go

When clouds brought rain

And disaster came

Oh, my soul

Oh, my soul

When waters rose

And hope had flown

Oh, my soul

Oh, my soul

Oh, my soul

Oh, my soul

Overflows

Oh, what love, oh, what love

Oh, my soul

Fills hope

Perfect love that never lets go

Oh, what love, oh, what love

Oh, what love, oh, what love

In joy and pain

In sun and rain

You?re the same

Oh, You never let go

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-08-09T08:17:00.002-06:00

Temporary Hurts

For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!"2 Corinthians 4:17, NLT

On this monday morning I am presented with several tasks here at work but before I start those tasks it helps to know that these troubles are temporary. As I've said several times I do live a blessed life but still daily challenges affect me in negative ways I may snap at those I love, or may fall short(well very short oftern times) in living like Jesus, or may be mocked for my beliefs. I'm thankful to live in a society that most respect our beliefs and Christianity, but we may still run into some folks who may ridicule, mock, or belittle our faith in Jesus. Although these remarks may hurt our feelings in the long run they are temporary hurts. Just think if we all lived our lives knowing what lays ahead of us in Heaven. Of course I have no idea what heaven will be like but I do know our loving Father will be there with all other Christians. I can imagine there will be a lot of my favorite activities, food (a lot of chocolate maybe:), and more importantly the loving fellowship of God and other Christians. Yes some of those Christians may be people that we may not get along with very well here on Earth but once we get to Heaven I think we will all see each other as God sees us so we will all love each other unconditionally. Yes the problems that we face today although may be difficult they are temporary and if we turn our focus towards God which is a neverending loving relationship we can get through everything.

In God's love,

Sarah

Friday's Devotion

2010-08-07T19:28:00.003-06:00

Loving one another

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God~1 John 4:7

I did not have enough time to read my bible this morning so am taking this verse from the boys' devotion today, but I think its pretty applicable to us adults. We need to love one another no matter the circumstances because as humans we need that connection, support, and encouragement. And as Christians we should strive to live like God who loves us so much he gave his only son for our sins so the least we can do is love the people around us. This past week has been a bit trying, challenging and stressful for me; nothing major just the normal single parent through the week stuff. And by last night I was almost in tears, but thanks to a new friend I was able utilize the entire VBS time, about 2 hours just visiting, listening and supporting one another while Aiden learned about the Bible and Evan played with her son. It was such a blessing, and I'm so thankful I have this friend in my life. This morning I was frustrated because Aiden woke up early and I didnt get the me time after my run that I was planning on (since the little burger didnt go to sleep until after 10), but he woke up so happy and just wanted mommy to read him books, and snuggle with me. Still a little frustrated and exhausted from parening 2 children, working, planning meetings, attending VBS, ect I took the boys to open gym with the hopes of a good nap (which they crashed minutes after hitting their pillow) and to again vent, talk, and find support from my friends. And again I felt blessed by the friendships in my life, and had a wonderful time visiting with several friends, and had a great lunch visit with one of my best friends which because of life we'd been a bit disconnected lately, but we both need each other and value our friendship and so glad we could have such a great visit today. So I guess what I'm saying is life is too short to hold grudges, hate, and be intolerant whether it be towards friends, children, spouses, or other family members, as humans its difficult but let us strive to love each other has God has loved us. Ironically as I was running this morning, before reading the boys' devotion to them I heard this song which fits perfectly we do all need one another. Here are the lyrics.

We need each other by Sanctus Real

I think I caught a glimpse of

Life without friends

Bitter, empty, hollow, dark and lonely

We never meant to hurt each other

So Can’t we trust again

And take it as a chance

To keep on growing

I don’t know why it doesn’t come easy

But I know that we could be happy

If we’d only learn to love

Oh oh we need each other

So what’s the fighting for

Oh oh we need each other

Please don’t close the door

Oh oh we need each other

Through all the highs and lows

Oh oh we need each other

Cuz no one’s meant to live alone

Life revolves around the need

Of having someone

Causing every complicated feeling

Oh and I don’t want to loose you

And there is nothing wrong with

Telling me what you need

To keep our love strong

It’s just a part of being a family

Taking the good with the bad and the ugly

If we could only learn to love

Oh oh we need each other

So what’s the fighting for

Oh oh we need each other

Please don’t close the door

Oh oh we need each other

Through all the highs and lows

Oh oh we need each other

Cuz I don’t want to be alone

Oh Oh we need each other

Fathers and Mothers

Oh oh we need each other

All your sisters and brothers

Oh oh we need each other

We need friends and lovers

Oh Oh we need each other

Well I need you

You need me

Cuz that’s the way

It’s meant to be

I need you

We need each other

(I don’t want to be alone)

(x2)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, I'll be back with devotions on Monday morning.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-05T14:07:00.002-06:00

Where do we put our Trust?

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They are brought to their knees and fall,

but we rise up and stand firm. O LORD, save the king! Answer us when we call! Psalm 20:7-9

I don't think many today put their trust in chariots or horses but still may put their trust in something, someone other than God. Some may put their trust in their job, relationships, education, themselves, ect. When we put our trust in our God we will not be disappointed. Even the best job, relationships, education can disappoint, but God is always loving, comforting and supporting. And he does answer prayers. I have a story to share about an answered prayer today. I received a texted from our nanny stating the boys had been good but everything else was having her down and to check my email. Thinking the worse I immediately checked my email to see that she had misplaced a new library book and movie they had just checked out earlier in the morning, and asked I pray that they be relocated. I was so relieved that nothing serious was wrong with her or her family and encouraged that she asked for prayer about finding them. And would you know it someone had found the book and movie and returned them to the library, she quickly informed me that their is great power in prayer. I know that this is a little thing compared to all the major prayer requests out there, but to me its comforting that God cares about our little requests just as much as the large ones. See the thing is I think we should trust in God for everything whether it be a sick infant, terminally ill elderly, or lost items. So the next time you loose your keys, books, whatever it may be instead of saying "why can't I ever keep track of anything" say a prayer, you'll feel better and most likely find the misplaced item much faster. Happy praying and trusting in God!!

In God's love,

Sarah

Yesterday's Devotion

2010-08-05T14:06:00.002-06:00

Thinking before you talk

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer~Psalm 19:14

We have all heard the rule about thinking before you talk, havn't we? And if anyone is like me have been burnt a few times by not following this rule. Several months I learned a valuable lesson about the words I speak, through hearing the exact words I said coming from my 3 year old son. Something I'm not proud of is that when I'm angry and or frustrated I will say words that are not pleasing to God. I have made a conscious effort to hold my tongue (and instead pray for patience)when I'm frustrated, but unfortunately that does not mean that my son has not forgotten those "bad words" when he's angry, frustrated, or just wanting to get mommy mad. Yes the words I used because I did not think before I used them continue to disappoint my Heavenly Father. We never know how the words or thoughts we use have a lasting effect on those around us, not to mention hurting and disappointing our always loving God. Its a constant goal and challenge to keep my words and thoughts pleasing to the Lord, but it is definately one that is important to me!

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-08-03T09:46:00.000-06:00

Let HIM Light your WAY!

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:28,30

I read a book several months ago, The Shack, which is a wonderful book and something I remember about it is as humans we often have a difficult time giving up our independence and totally trusting and depending on God. It is difficult but if we relinquish our control to HIM he will light our way. Anyone that has a toddler knows that they are very much intrigued and entertained by flashlights (at least my children are). Just think how our lives would be different if we showed the same enthusiasm following God's light as our children show following the light of their flashlights. Yes I know it is difficult it is human nature to crave independence and control. I think the longer we think we can do everything on our own the less we are able to let our own light shine to others. And you know what if we allow him to light our way HE will provide a shield for us for whatever we may face in our lives. So go ahead give up a little control and let HIM light your way, the benifit will far outweigh any sense of loss of control you may have. One benifit is that you'll be able to let your light shine brighter for HIM.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-08-02T12:58:00.001-06:00

Message through a sunset!

I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. Show the wonder of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes~Psalm 17:6,7

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, I've decided to keep my devotions for Monday-Friday as I try to maximize my time with family on the weekends. Anyways, our weekend went extremly too fast, and last night I must say I was calling out to God quite a bit during VBS when my children were in rare form. Aiden could not sit still during the worship part in the sacturary instead deciding to blow air in people's faces (I'm still trying to figure out where that came from) once I took him out of the sacturary in the bathroom to talk to him he began calling me names, and I was about in tears. He continued to call me names off and on throughout VBS but did do pretty well but when he wasn't misbehaving Evan seemed to pick up the slack by running around, laughing, and well just trying to be cute---which he knows he is, but not really listening to the Bible Story. As we returned home I was frustrated, angry, and embarrased although the women at the church were very comforting and supportive ensuring me my kids "were not that bad, and we've all had those times with our kids". I was still emotionally exhausted and told Nathen he could do bathtime, I was going to the store for groceries. Well on my way to the store there was a wonderfully beautiful sunset, and right there in my car I realized God had answered my prayers earlier that night, my children were not perfect by any means but who is and they could have been much worse, my friends and other helpers at VBS were very comforting, and through that sunset I could feel God's comfort although he was saying "Sarah, I know you are tired, frustrated and angry but I'm here". Not to sound too crazy but just seeing that sunset made me feel God's love, comfort, and almost creating a refuge for me emotionally. As we did bedtime I prayed to God for more patience with the boys, and that the boys would sleep well. And wouldn't you know it Evan slept until about 5 this morning in his crib (which hasn't happened since well forever!) and Aiden slept well too. I know I have a blessed life but still there are challenges and its so comforting to know that my God is always there to give me a big hug wheather it be something in nature that brings a smile to my face like a sunset or a restful slumber, God answers our prayers because he loves us so much.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Devotion-073010

2010-08-02T12:57:00.000-06:00

Be Encouraged by OUR MAKER!

You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry ~ Psalm 10:17

While I was trying to get Aiden to take a nap I read him a wonderful book by Max Lucado "If Only I had a Green Nose" It takes us through a journey of how we often try to fitin , keep up with the trends and finally realizing it never makes us happy the only one that makes us happy is OUR Maker, God. At the end of the book the characters go back to their Maker afraid HE will be mad and he isn't he's just sad that they walked away from him but takes them takes away all the paint on their painted noses, and brings them back just as they were as HE Created. These are wonderful children books, and I love reading them too because they serve a as a great reminder to myself.

Just as this verse said and the wonderful children books by Max Lucado writes God wants nothing more than to encourage, listen to us, and help us through our lives, no matter what he will always love us if we only allow him to and recognize HE made us perfect just the way we are.

So go ahead cry out to HIM today and be encouraged by HIM.

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Today's Devotion

2010-07-29T13:23:00.002-06:00

Praising and Trusting God

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in you;

I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you ~Psalm 9:1,2,9"

Rejoice in the lord always and again I say rejoice...Rejoice!! Remember that wonderful song? I know I do, we sang it as a child in church ALOT. That is exactly what this verse is saying praise, rejoice and be glad because of our God. I know that sometimes it is difficult to do this when we are faced with things such as a loved one is lost, children are challenging, friendships fade, and work becomes stressful. As humans we experience the realities of life such as losses, tantrums, and life stressors but look at verse 9. HE will never forsake those who seek HIM. As long as we continue to put our faith and trust in our Lord we can continue to praise him no matter what we are facing. Today I'm rejoicing in the Lord for obvious reasons I have healthy, happy (most of the time) children, a loving husband, wonderful family, and great friends. But I'm also rejoicing for a little boy miracle. One of my best friends has a little boy about a month older than Evan and while she was pregnant with him the Doctors said he wouldn't survive and if he did he would be a vegetable. Well today I was blessed to see this friend (although too briefly) and little boy miracle, he has already surpassed what the Drs said he would by simply surviving but today I saw him crawling, laughing, saying words, and smiling at me. I know he is where he is today because his mommy and daddy trusted in God during the most stressful, dismal, and saddest times during her pregnancy and first year of his life. Their faith, and strength was amazing, and what a wonderful blessing their son has been to them. So please remember that no matter what praise and trust our Heavenly Father.

As I was typing this song came on that fits perfectly so thought I'd share it.

No Matter What by Kerrie Roberts.

I’m running back to your promises one more time, Lord that’s all I can hold on to, I gotta say this has taken me by surprise, but nothing surprises you. Before a heartache can ever touch my life, it has to go through Your hands, and even though I keep asking why, I keep asking why,

No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what.

When I’m stuck and there’s nothing else by myself, I’m just sitting in silence, there’s no way I can make it without Your help, I wont even try it. I know You have Your reasons for everything, so I will keep believing, whatever I might be feeling, God you are my hope, and you will be my strength,

Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com

No matter what, I’m gonna love You, no matter what I’m gonna need You, I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what, no matter what.

Anything I don’t have You can give it to me, but it’s ok if You don’t, I’m not here for those things, the touch of Your love is enough on its own, no matter what I still love You and I’m gona need You

No matter what I’m gonna love you, no matter what I’m gonna need you, I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain but if not , I’ll trust You, no matter what, no matter what. I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain, but if not, I’ll trust you, no matter what no matter what no matter no matter what

In God's Love,

Sarah:)

Yesterday's Devotion

2010-07-29T13:22:00.002-06:00

Lord of ALL CREATION!

"O Lord, our Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth~Psalm 8:9"

I read this earlier this morning and I must say it motivated me to see all the goodness around us which is made by our all powerful God. Those who know me well know that I'm not a real earthy, tree hugging type of person but today I was more appreciative of the wonderful nature that God has made here on earth. For example the wonderful trees that provided great shade in the park which enhanced the gentle breeze on a hot july day. It was pretty warm but it amazed me how comfortable it was under the trees and with the breeze that God sent today. Another thing I'm appreciating more, probably because I have boys is animals. My boys had a wonderful time petting a dog and watching bullfrogs at the park. As we were walking home Aiden commented on the "forrest" (a very shady block of trees) and in that moment it came to me that God created everything just perfectly, the shady trees, the bullfrogs, dogs, light breeze in the air, sun, everything. With that thought I couldn't help but be happy for the wonderful day God had made today and appreciate everything he made. So today look outside your window, or better yet step out side and appreciate HIS Creation, I'm telling you if you are having a bad day it will turn it around and if you are blessed with having a great day it will only make it better. Our God is majestic and we need to appreciate everything in his creation and praise him for it.

Here is a song that came to mind while writing this.

All Creation by Mercy Me

Separated until the veil was torn

The moment that hope was born

and guilt was pardoned once and for all

Captivated but no longer bound by chains

left at an empty grave

the sinner and the sacred resolved

chorus:

and all of creation sing with me now

lift up your voice and lay your burden down

and all of creation sing with me now

fill up the heavens let His glory resound

Time has faded and we see Him face to face

every doubt erased forever we will worship the King

repeat chorus

ohh ah ohhh…ohh ah ohhh

the reason we breathe is to sing of His glory

and for all He has done

praise the Father praise the Son and the Spirit in one

repeat chorus 2x

and every knee will bow oh and every tongue

praise the Father praise the Son and the Spirit in one.

In God's Love,

Sarah

Today's Devotion

2010-07-27T13:16:00.000-06:00

Finding Refuge

O LORD my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me. I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.~Psalm 7:1, 17

What a great verse for my morning today. Aiden woke up at 4:30 and although was not upset did not go back to sleep, therefore neither did I and I'm pretty tired this morning. But even though my fatigue, tiredness, and irritability wants to take over and pursue me this morning, I've got someone stronger on my side, God, and will take refuge in HIM throughout my day through my yawns. I know that many others face more challenging struggles, and difficulties that you seek refuge from, and there is no problem, issue, or sin that God is too big for God to save or deliver you from. So go ahead and find refuge in HIM, and give thanks for such an AWESOME and righteous God. Yes today eventhough I'm tired I'm praising HIM.

I'd also like to ask that we raise the following prayer requests to HIM:

1)Josh-our youth pastor recently had surgery in which he donated part of his lung to one the parents of one of the youth in our church. Pray for speedy recovery for both Josh and Russ

2) Stacey, and Bill friends of my parents, Bill has a job interveiw today please pray for confidence and guidance during the interveiw and that its a perfect match for them.

3) Baby Chase-who is 9 months old is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and very sick please pray he'll feel soon better.

As I reread this I couldn't help but think of Casting Crown's song Praise you in the storm here are the lyrics

Praise You in This Storm

words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down

and wiped our tears away,

stepped in and saved the day.

But once again, I say amen

and it's still raining

as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain,

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind

You heard my cry to You

and raised me up again

my strength is almost gone how can I carry on

if I can't find You

and as the thunder rolls

I barely hear You whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

and as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise

the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes onto the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

I lift my eyes onto the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Thanks, and have a blessed day giving God all the Glory.

Sarah