I got nothing! So that's why I haven't posted in so long. Just the same ole day to day thing going on here. We are all healthy, so Praise God for that!
It is Spring Break so we've been lazy on top of doing nothing! The girls did get to spend a day and a half with their great aunt who they love! Came home exhausted! Hopefully we will spend today or tomorrow with Tracie and Caroline. Today seems like it is going to be a perfect day weather wise. Oh, I pray we don't have any more cold dips! Bring on the spring!
Just to emphasize how boring we are, yesterday Mark took the day off and the girls were with Aunt Judy. What did we do? I cleaned the carpets and scrubbed the bathroom floor (on my knees kind of scrubbing) and tub (the twins said Bounce dryer sheets take off soap scum so I had to try it - it works!). Mark worked in the yard, mowing and cutting down some stuff. How boring are we!? Most of you knew that already! (if anyone is actually reading this blog! I have no friends!)
Anyway, there's your update!
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
A Woman's Heart - week 4
We are a little behind schedule but we're not stopping until we're finished! It always takes us longer than the proposed 10 weeks to do one of these Bible studies but it is always worth it!
So the week 4 video segment was titled: "Hearts approaching the Alter". The homework the week before studied the alter in the tabernacle in detail. I'm telling you, this study is pretty difficult and it takes dedication to get throught the Old Testament reading. And if you have a weak stomach, I suggest you skip over the descriptions of the sacrifices! After gaining an understanding of the alter and the sacrifices, Beth directs us to the spiritual experience at the alter.
1. We will never be fre to fully experience God until our earthly kings crumble. Basically, whatever is between you and God must be confessed, forgiven, put aside to fully experience God.
2. We have never experienced God unless we have seen Him high and lifted up. This is a much more complex concept than it sounds. Our pastor spoke on this topic on Sunday and last night we watched a video of a message by Louise Giglio. Both messages centered on the majasty of God. But most importantly how we need to see the love He has for us. He created the heavens and the earth, has power we cannot even imagine and yet loves us and longs for us to love Him.
3. We almost never see God without also getting a sobering glimpse of ourselves. God's light is powerful and truthful, so the closer we get to Him, any flaws are going to be harder to hide. His purpose is for us to bring those flaws openly to Him so He can remove them from between us and Him.
4. Conviction is compulsory in God's presence.
5. Conviction is often very specific.
6. We are all cleansed by the same method: the blood of the acceptable, perfect sacrifice.
7. When God cleanses us from sin, we are completely clean.
8. The only way we can respond to God's call is individually. He knows us by name and calls us by name.
Her scripture for this message was Isaiah 6:1-8
So the week 4 video segment was titled: "Hearts approaching the Alter". The homework the week before studied the alter in the tabernacle in detail. I'm telling you, this study is pretty difficult and it takes dedication to get throught the Old Testament reading. And if you have a weak stomach, I suggest you skip over the descriptions of the sacrifices! After gaining an understanding of the alter and the sacrifices, Beth directs us to the spiritual experience at the alter.
1. We will never be fre to fully experience God until our earthly kings crumble. Basically, whatever is between you and God must be confessed, forgiven, put aside to fully experience God.
2. We have never experienced God unless we have seen Him high and lifted up. This is a much more complex concept than it sounds. Our pastor spoke on this topic on Sunday and last night we watched a video of a message by Louise Giglio. Both messages centered on the majasty of God. But most importantly how we need to see the love He has for us. He created the heavens and the earth, has power we cannot even imagine and yet loves us and longs for us to love Him.
3. We almost never see God without also getting a sobering glimpse of ourselves. God's light is powerful and truthful, so the closer we get to Him, any flaws are going to be harder to hide. His purpose is for us to bring those flaws openly to Him so He can remove them from between us and Him.
4. Conviction is compulsory in God's presence.
5. Conviction is often very specific.
6. We are all cleansed by the same method: the blood of the acceptable, perfect sacrifice.
7. When God cleanses us from sin, we are completely clean.
8. The only way we can respond to God's call is individually. He knows us by name and calls us by name.
Her scripture for this message was Isaiah 6:1-8
Monday, March 13, 2006
Finally a post!
I have actually tried to post a couple of times lately but this blog has developed a mind of its own! So hopefully this post will work, but if it doesn't I guess you won't be reading it! LOL!
I've been trying to post a layout I did of Courtney but it keeps putting it in here sideways! It is on 2Peas but I'm not sure how to make a link for that. Tracie, I need a class with you on the finer arts of blogging!
Anyway, I've actually been scrappin' a little. I did the quickie layout of Courtney and I did a mini-album highlighting each month of Kirsten's first year. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Hopefully you can see a couple of pages here!
I will give a Beth Moore update tomorrow!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Happy Dr. Seuss Day!
I know I'm a few days late but better late than never! They celebrated Dr. Seuss's birthday at Courtney's school last Thursday and Friday. Thursday was the official day so that's when she made the hat. She wore her only red shirt and a red/white striped ribbon in her hair. Her favorite Dr. Seuss book is what is written on the brim of the hat. "Daisy Head Maisy". I think she really just likes to say the title!
Gotta love Dr. Seuss!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
New shades!
Kirsten has been asking me for weeks for some sunglasses. Yesterday I finally remember while I was at Wal-Mart. I got Courtney a pair also. Kirsten was so excited! I put them on her when I picked her up from Mother's Day Out and she wore them to the car. Then she took them off and just keep talking about how pretty they were and how much she loved them. Of course, her's has Dora on them and Courtney's has Tinkerbell.
We're ready for the sunny weather!
Monday, February 27, 2006
Add another silver for the USA!
Before Christmas, the first graders at Courtney's school had a reading Olympics. They had to be able to read a certain list of words for each medal. Courtney got all three medals in that round.
Now they are doing a math Olympics. Courtney came home with her silver today. She had to count orally to 150. Write numbers to 150. And count by 2's and 5's to 100. Now we're working on her gold. It will be the same as above except to 200 and there are some addition and subtraction problems she has to do.
No sweat!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Finally got some scrappin' done!
The girls and I went over to Tracie's on Monday. Courtney was out of school and it has been forever since she has been able to play with Caroline.
I actually got my act together and took some pages to work on. Here are the results! Nothing spectacular but 2 two-page layouts is major for me. I would have liked some major uninterrupted time to keep the creative juices flowing but I'm glad I got to do what I did!
These pages are more vibrant IRL. I need to play with that photo software!
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Our Weekend
Mark, Jessica and I spent Thursday night, Friday and Saturday in Chattanooga looking at two schools there. It didn't help us make any decisions but it was fun spending the weekend together.
The first school we visited was Tennessee Temple University. This is a school to watch. It's not right for Jessica at this point because they don't have her major but in a few years it's going to be fabulous. First of all it's a Christian school which makes the environment very inviting. Their president is full of passion and dedication and I have no doubt he will accomplish all he is planning on. I do wish we were a few more years down the road so that it would be a serious option for Jessica. She got to stay in the dorms and experience "dorm life". She said it was more like church camp than what she pictured college being like. I would love for her to go to a Christian school but she wants to major in Biology and go into forensics. That field is getting pretty competative and she needs to go to the best school for that field. We just have to pray that she attaches herself to Christian friends and makes the right decisions.
Then we visited UT Chattanooga. I like it a lot better than UT Knoxville. It is smaller. Most of the buildings are newer. There was just a different attitude all around there in comparison to Knoxville. The dorm choices were better than at Knoxville and the campus is more compact. It would be very easy to walk to where ever you needed to go. Jessica seemed to like it too.
So, we are still undecided. I'm sure if and when we get letters of acceptance that we will have some decisions made for us.
I would love for her to experience to college life but I am certainly not ready for her to leave home and for me to not know what she is doing at all times. But we all have to grow up some time!
The first school we visited was Tennessee Temple University. This is a school to watch. It's not right for Jessica at this point because they don't have her major but in a few years it's going to be fabulous. First of all it's a Christian school which makes the environment very inviting. Their president is full of passion and dedication and I have no doubt he will accomplish all he is planning on. I do wish we were a few more years down the road so that it would be a serious option for Jessica. She got to stay in the dorms and experience "dorm life". She said it was more like church camp than what she pictured college being like. I would love for her to go to a Christian school but she wants to major in Biology and go into forensics. That field is getting pretty competative and she needs to go to the best school for that field. We just have to pray that she attaches herself to Christian friends and makes the right decisions.
Then we visited UT Chattanooga. I like it a lot better than UT Knoxville. It is smaller. Most of the buildings are newer. There was just a different attitude all around there in comparison to Knoxville. The dorm choices were better than at Knoxville and the campus is more compact. It would be very easy to walk to where ever you needed to go. Jessica seemed to like it too.
So, we are still undecided. I'm sure if and when we get letters of acceptance that we will have some decisions made for us.
I would love for her to experience to college life but I am certainly not ready for her to leave home and for me to not know what she is doing at all times. But we all have to grow up some time!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Valentine's Day
Yesterday was a good day for Courtney and Kirsten. They both got lots of goodies at school. After school, we visited Grandma and Aunt Judy and the girls got more candy! Hope everyone had a great day!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
A Woman's Heart - week 3
In this week's video, Beth talked about the characteristics of the people of Israel, their leader, Moses and the God of Israel. First of all the people of Israel weren't much different than we are today. They were sinners. They were stiff-necked which was a term used to describe a beast who refused to wear it's owners yoke. They were stubborn and selfish in not being willing to follow God's commands. Fortunately they were able to see their sin and repent. They mourned for what they had done. Before coming before the the Lord to worship they striped off all their ornaments (their worldly possessions or anything that comes between us and God) and came before Him on their knees to worship Him.
Next we see Moses. Two things struck me as important about Moses. It seems his number 1 prioraty was having an intimate relationship with God. Next, he prayed fruvently for the people of Israel.
Finally, the God of Israel. First of all, He hears and He acts upon and is affected by what He hears. Our prayers are important and very powerful. The people of Israel were spared because of the prayers of Moses. He gives rest. But rest accompanies our submission to God's authority. God sets us apart by His presence. We do not belong to the world and if God lives in us, the world will know we are different, special. He knows each of us by name. He moves beyond natural limits on our behalf. He is protective. He was all of these things to Moses and the people of Israel and most significantly, He is all these things to us, today. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
There is great comfort in knowing our God is the same God of the people of Israel. His word proves His power, love, comfort and promises are for forever.
Next we see Moses. Two things struck me as important about Moses. It seems his number 1 prioraty was having an intimate relationship with God. Next, he prayed fruvently for the people of Israel.
Finally, the God of Israel. First of all, He hears and He acts upon and is affected by what He hears. Our prayers are important and very powerful. The people of Israel were spared because of the prayers of Moses. He gives rest. But rest accompanies our submission to God's authority. God sets us apart by His presence. We do not belong to the world and if God lives in us, the world will know we are different, special. He knows each of us by name. He moves beyond natural limits on our behalf. He is protective. He was all of these things to Moses and the people of Israel and most significantly, He is all these things to us, today. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
There is great comfort in knowing our God is the same God of the people of Israel. His word proves His power, love, comfort and promises are for forever.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
An Update
Well, it seems we are all over whatever it was that hit us. Kirsten ended up having both ears infected so she has been on an antibotic. It hasn't agreed with her very well. Diarrea and now a yeast infection. So we've changed antibotics. We'll see how it goes. She has worn me down because she is so miserable. The rest of us seem to be better, so that's good.
I'll post tomorrow on this week's Beth Moore video.
I'll post tomorrow on this week's Beth Moore video.
Monday, January 30, 2006
The Crud!
Well, I've been fighting "the crud" for 4 days now and I am exhausted. I'm glad the worst of it was over the weekend with Mark and Jessica here but today has been rough. Kirsten has it now and has been running a fever of 102 all day. I am on day 3 of a Z pack and still not feeling better. It doesn't help that all the cough suppressant/expectorant meds make me feel sea sick so I can't take them. The house is disgustingly messy and I'm behind on some design work for a client.
How's that for a good whine!
I'll post again when we all feel better!
How's that for a good whine!
I'll post again when we all feel better!
Friday, January 27, 2006
Burdett's Tea Shop
Tracie discovered this fabulous place. We went there yesterday for my birthday. It was delightful! Thank you so much Tracie for this special treat. We had the Tea for Two which was just right! Everything tasted heavenly. I am really craving one of those raisen scones this morning! I can't wait to go again and I encourage you all to make the drive to try it!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
A Woman's Heart - session 1
We had our second Bible study meeting last night. It was technically session 1 as last week was the introduction.
The video segment was centered on the word "covenant" and what that means to us and why God made covenants with man. Two of the first covenants God made with man were with Adam and with Abram. The covenant with Adam occured when He created Eve and instituted the covenant of marriage. The covenant with Abram occured when He promised Abram that his decendants would be more numerous than the stars.
Beth sites three major purposes of the first covenant:
1. The ultimate purpose: to reveal Christ and His Bride
2. The corporate purpose: to produce godly offspring
3. The intimate purpose: to no longer be alone
"God will confront us with our need to show us He is the only answer to that need."
Characteristics of the enemy of every Godly covenant:
1. His chief goal is to make us doubt God's word.
2. He is a liar.
3. He often appeals to man through the beautiful and inviting.
4. His certain end is destruction.
What can we learn about our relationship with God from Genesis 3?
1. Women were created with a unique power of influence.
2. Believers must learn to apply Matthew 10:16 ("I am sending you out like sheep amoung wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." In other words, having wisdom of the enemy and his ways but remaining Christ like.)
3. Shame is satan's stamp of approval. (If you are ashamed of something you have done, said or thought, that is a sure sign that it is sin)
4. God created man to walk with Him, not hide from Him.
5. God's provision always matches our need.
This was all pretty deep and I am still absorbing some of this information. Mostly, this gave me hope to know that God is there, His promises are real. And because of who He is, He cannot break His promises. His purpose for creating man is the same today as it was when Adam took his first breath. We are given this life to choose between God and ourselves. He wants our love and worship to be honest and pure. Of course He could have created us to be born loving Him but it means more to Him for us to choose to love Him.
I am anxious to see what this week's homework will reveal!
The video segment was centered on the word "covenant" and what that means to us and why God made covenants with man. Two of the first covenants God made with man were with Adam and with Abram. The covenant with Adam occured when He created Eve and instituted the covenant of marriage. The covenant with Abram occured when He promised Abram that his decendants would be more numerous than the stars.
Beth sites three major purposes of the first covenant:
1. The ultimate purpose: to reveal Christ and His Bride
2. The corporate purpose: to produce godly offspring
3. The intimate purpose: to no longer be alone
"God will confront us with our need to show us He is the only answer to that need."
Characteristics of the enemy of every Godly covenant:
1. His chief goal is to make us doubt God's word.
2. He is a liar.
3. He often appeals to man through the beautiful and inviting.
4. His certain end is destruction.
What can we learn about our relationship with God from Genesis 3?
1. Women were created with a unique power of influence.
2. Believers must learn to apply Matthew 10:16 ("I am sending you out like sheep amoung wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves." In other words, having wisdom of the enemy and his ways but remaining Christ like.)
3. Shame is satan's stamp of approval. (If you are ashamed of something you have done, said or thought, that is a sure sign that it is sin)
4. God created man to walk with Him, not hide from Him.
5. God's provision always matches our need.
This was all pretty deep and I am still absorbing some of this information. Mostly, this gave me hope to know that God is there, His promises are real. And because of who He is, He cannot break His promises. His purpose for creating man is the same today as it was when Adam took his first breath. We are given this life to choose between God and ourselves. He wants our love and worship to be honest and pure. Of course He could have created us to be born loving Him but it means more to Him for us to choose to love Him.
I am anxious to see what this week's homework will reveal!
Monday, January 16, 2006
I'm It!
I've been tagged by Tracie. So, here goes!
4 jobs that I have had:
1. Golden Corral (I think everyone should work in the food industry at some point, so they know how to treat people in the food industry!)
2. One Price Clothing (retail also, for the same reason!)
3. Hermitage Kitchen and Bath (assistant kitchen designer)
4. Currently SAHM and freelance designer
4 movies I love:
1. The Sound of Music
2. My Fair Lady
3. O'Brother Where Art Thou
4. The Fisher King
4 places I have lived:
1. Lebanon, TN
2. Dugway, Utah
3. Madison, TN
4. currently and most of my life, Gallatin, Tn
4 TV shows:
I really have stopped watching TV but I do like the following:
1. CSI
2. Without a Trace
3. Numbers
4. Alias (but I'm behind a season)
4 Places I've been on Vacation:
1. Virginia - Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg
2. Did a school tour of NYC and DC
3. Gulf Shores, AL
4. Going to Disney in March!
4 Websites I visit daily:
1. Two Peas
2. Various blogs (I check about 10 daily)
3. The local news site
4. Then I just surf if I have the time
4 favorite foods:
1. Anything Italian
2. Chocolate
3. Bread
(I think I see the reason the area between my waist and knees is not very attractive!)
4. Drink of choice: Dr. Pepper
4 Places I'd rather be:
1. I really am happy and blessed to be home with my kids
2. But I would love to be on a nice, warm, white beach somewhere with a good book
4 Bloggers I'm tagging:
Well, this is pitiful but I don't know any other bloggers who haven't been tagged. So, if you read this and haven't been tagged, then You're it!
4 jobs that I have had:
1. Golden Corral (I think everyone should work in the food industry at some point, so they know how to treat people in the food industry!)
2. One Price Clothing (retail also, for the same reason!)
3. Hermitage Kitchen and Bath (assistant kitchen designer)
4. Currently SAHM and freelance designer
4 movies I love:
1. The Sound of Music
2. My Fair Lady
3. O'Brother Where Art Thou
4. The Fisher King
4 places I have lived:
1. Lebanon, TN
2. Dugway, Utah
3. Madison, TN
4. currently and most of my life, Gallatin, Tn
4 TV shows:
I really have stopped watching TV but I do like the following:
1. CSI
2. Without a Trace
3. Numbers
4. Alias (but I'm behind a season)
4 Places I've been on Vacation:
1. Virginia - Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg
2. Did a school tour of NYC and DC
3. Gulf Shores, AL
4. Going to Disney in March!
4 Websites I visit daily:
1. Two Peas
2. Various blogs (I check about 10 daily)
3. The local news site
4. Then I just surf if I have the time
4 favorite foods:
1. Anything Italian
2. Chocolate
3. Bread
(I think I see the reason the area between my waist and knees is not very attractive!)
4. Drink of choice: Dr. Pepper
4 Places I'd rather be:
1. I really am happy and blessed to be home with my kids
2. But I would love to be on a nice, warm, white beach somewhere with a good book
4 Bloggers I'm tagging:
Well, this is pitiful but I don't know any other bloggers who haven't been tagged. So, if you read this and haven't been tagged, then You're it!
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Bible study homework
I had a wonderful conversation with my friend Tracie today about our struggles as Christians and our relationship with the rest of the world. So as I sat down to do my "A Woman's Heart" homework, there were scriptures to support our conversation. These kinds of "coincidences" happen all the time if we keep ourselves open to them.
First of all, the key verse for the day:
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
This was just want I needed to hear after considering the daily onslaught of sinful thoughts, images, etc. we receive every day.
Beth goes on to talk about how our hearts are deceitful and the only guard we have is to give our hearts fully to God. She then leads into a study of Noah. She compared how Adam and Eve were in the midst of perfection (all the right circumstances) but made the wrong choice. Then there was Noah.
"He lived in a society where wickedness was rampant. Sin ruled. Perversion prevailed. Righteousness was as rare as a perfect gem. People followed every inclination of their evil hearts without restraint. The only absolute was absolute depravity. In the midst of all the wrong circumstances, Noah made right choices. How? Noah walked with God. Surrounded by a perverse generation, Noah knew that righteousness could not be attained and could not persist on the basis of a one-time commitment. Scripture does not even say that Noah religiously renewed his commitment every Sunday. He walked with God. He was in a constant state of habitual fellowship - day by day, hour by hour."
Then she concludes by saying:
" We are surrounded by every conceivable practice of sin and the continual mockery of God. We can be victorious but only if we walk with God. As we have seen, God was faithful to Noah, and the One who never changes will be faithful to us."
This is the answer to the questions Tracie and I were pondering. A relationship with God will protect us and strengthen us and give us what we need, when we need it.
First of all, the key verse for the day:
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
This was just want I needed to hear after considering the daily onslaught of sinful thoughts, images, etc. we receive every day.
Beth goes on to talk about how our hearts are deceitful and the only guard we have is to give our hearts fully to God. She then leads into a study of Noah. She compared how Adam and Eve were in the midst of perfection (all the right circumstances) but made the wrong choice. Then there was Noah.
"He lived in a society where wickedness was rampant. Sin ruled. Perversion prevailed. Righteousness was as rare as a perfect gem. People followed every inclination of their evil hearts without restraint. The only absolute was absolute depravity. In the midst of all the wrong circumstances, Noah made right choices. How? Noah walked with God. Surrounded by a perverse generation, Noah knew that righteousness could not be attained and could not persist on the basis of a one-time commitment. Scripture does not even say that Noah religiously renewed his commitment every Sunday. He walked with God. He was in a constant state of habitual fellowship - day by day, hour by hour."
Then she concludes by saying:
" We are surrounded by every conceivable practice of sin and the continual mockery of God. We can be victorious but only if we walk with God. As we have seen, God was faithful to Noah, and the One who never changes will be faithful to us."
This is the answer to the questions Tracie and I were pondering. A relationship with God will protect us and strengthen us and give us what we need, when we need it.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
A Woman's Heart - Intro
The women at my church started a new Bible study last night. We will be meeting every Tuesday night and I will, hopefully, give a recap here on Wednesdays.
Last night was the introduction to the Bible study, "A Woman's Heart - God's Dwelling Place." This is a Bible study by Beth Moore. We have done two other studies by her and have attended 3 of her conferences. I have to tell you, she is awsome! God has annointed her with a love and understanding of His Word that is hard to discribe! If you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak or participate in one of her Bible studies, then run, don't walk!
"A Woman's Heart" is a perfect example. We are going to be studying the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness and how it's significance is relevant to us today. The first time I heard Beth speak, her message was based on Old Testament scripture and I was amazed at how she opened my eyes to the relevance to my life. It was on the journey of the Isrealites out of Egypt, through the wilderness and finally to the Promised Land. She compared this to the different seasons of our lives and our relationship with God. It was amazing! I can't wait to see how this one comes together.
At each Tuesday night meeting we watch a video of a message from Beth and then we have 5 days of homework in a workbook to complete on our own. As I mentioned, last night was the introduction. She gave us 10 goals that we want to strive for during this Bible study. They are:
1. To encounter God's perfection against the backdrop of our poverty. (meaning we are poor in spirit and the realization that we cannot save ourselves. She also said this should be an ongoing reflection of what we would be like without Jesus)
2. To arrive ultimately at the same destination (the Holy of Holies), even if we have traveled at different paces. (she made the point that each of us will work at a different pace, will crasp the information in different ways, etc. but our final destination will be the Holy of Holies or the ultimate place of intimacy with God)
3. To encounter and acknowledge the reliability of God's Word. (She said, "A lack of faith does not affect God's fact. But His fact deeply affects our faith." I have not been able to get this out of my head. It is so profound!)
4. To develope further an honest relationship with God.
5. To gaze at the details of the tabernacle and discover Christ. (I can't wait to see how this come together)
6. To develop a fresh appreciation for what it means to be called by name.
7. To substantially increase our knowledge of scripture through the great Teacher.
8. To develope a deeper relationship with God as Father.
9. To have our focus changed from ourselves to our Savior.
10. To become living proof that Jesus lives.
I am so excited about this Bible study! The other two I have done have been equally exciting but I have to admit that I did not committ to them totally. I am going to really be serious about this one. I don't know if each entry on Wednesdays will be this long, or if you want it to be! Please tell me if this is too much info or if you would like to see more. Thanks for reading!
Last night was the introduction to the Bible study, "A Woman's Heart - God's Dwelling Place." This is a Bible study by Beth Moore. We have done two other studies by her and have attended 3 of her conferences. I have to tell you, she is awsome! God has annointed her with a love and understanding of His Word that is hard to discribe! If you ever have the opportunity to hear her speak or participate in one of her Bible studies, then run, don't walk!
"A Woman's Heart" is a perfect example. We are going to be studying the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness and how it's significance is relevant to us today. The first time I heard Beth speak, her message was based on Old Testament scripture and I was amazed at how she opened my eyes to the relevance to my life. It was on the journey of the Isrealites out of Egypt, through the wilderness and finally to the Promised Land. She compared this to the different seasons of our lives and our relationship with God. It was amazing! I can't wait to see how this one comes together.
At each Tuesday night meeting we watch a video of a message from Beth and then we have 5 days of homework in a workbook to complete on our own. As I mentioned, last night was the introduction. She gave us 10 goals that we want to strive for during this Bible study. They are:
1. To encounter God's perfection against the backdrop of our poverty. (meaning we are poor in spirit and the realization that we cannot save ourselves. She also said this should be an ongoing reflection of what we would be like without Jesus)
2. To arrive ultimately at the same destination (the Holy of Holies), even if we have traveled at different paces. (she made the point that each of us will work at a different pace, will crasp the information in different ways, etc. but our final destination will be the Holy of Holies or the ultimate place of intimacy with God)
3. To encounter and acknowledge the reliability of God's Word. (She said, "A lack of faith does not affect God's fact. But His fact deeply affects our faith." I have not been able to get this out of my head. It is so profound!)
4. To develope further an honest relationship with God.
5. To gaze at the details of the tabernacle and discover Christ. (I can't wait to see how this come together)
6. To develop a fresh appreciation for what it means to be called by name.
7. To substantially increase our knowledge of scripture through the great Teacher.
8. To develope a deeper relationship with God as Father.
9. To have our focus changed from ourselves to our Savior.
10. To become living proof that Jesus lives.
I am so excited about this Bible study! The other two I have done have been equally exciting but I have to admit that I did not committ to them totally. I am going to really be serious about this one. I don't know if each entry on Wednesdays will be this long, or if you want it to be! Please tell me if this is too much info or if you would like to see more. Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Is it Spring?
It is the first of January and it is almost 70 degrees outside. I have been putting away the Christmas decorations, organizing and cleaning for the past two days. I thought to myself, "Is this spring cleaning?" I guess it is more fitting that this is the start of a new year and I am trying to get my act together. I wasn't ready to put away the Christmas stuff but now that I have, it feels good to have it put away. I've sort of reorganized my scrap area. Now I just have to actually do something! I have a pile of photos I need to organize first and 15 rolls of film to get developed! Another reason to go digital but buying a new camera and printer is not in the budget for right now. I probably won't get any scrappin' done until next week when Courtney goes back to school. She is so ready! I've actually enjoyed not having to get up and out the door early in the morning!
Before you think I'm on top of things here cleaning and stuff. I do have some motivation. Mark's family is coming over Friday night for his birthday so I have to clean for that. Mark made the comment once that he didn't mind people coming over because that got me to clean and declutter the house! I will say that I do feel better when the house is clean and everything is in it's place! In case you were wondering, I didn't get that house elf for Christmas so I'm having to do all this work myself!
Before you think I'm on top of things here cleaning and stuff. I do have some motivation. Mark's family is coming over Friday night for his birthday so I have to clean for that. Mark made the comment once that he didn't mind people coming over because that got me to clean and declutter the house! I will say that I do feel better when the house is clean and everything is in it's place! In case you were wondering, I didn't get that house elf for Christmas so I'm having to do all this work myself!
Thursday, December 29, 2005
A lazy week
Well, Christmas is over along with all of it's busyness. We had a great one and I'm hoping you did too. But now I need some motivation! We have done absolutely nothing this week. I've done some laundry and managed to keep the house from looking like a total disaster. Mark, Kirsten and Courtney all have some kind of cold. So I'm sitting here wondering what I should be doing! I could scrap but I'm still deciding how I'm going to proceed after reading "The Big Picture". I do have some ideas for mini albums but not ready to work on them. I could organize my scrap stuff, maybe! I could start putting the Christmas stuff away but I'm not ready to do that. I've filled in all the birthdays on the new calendar. I need to make some lists of things coming up in January but not feeling that either! Oh well, I guess I'll just be lazy!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Christmas Art
Tracie and Caroline came over the other day so that we could have a little Christmas celebration. Courtney and Caroline made these cute ornaments (with some glue gun help). They exchanged gifts and played together. I love that they love each other and love playing together. We really need to make the effort to get together more often. I also enjoyed talking with Tracie. That is another reason we need to get together more!
I just got home from my final shopping. I hope! I had to go to Wal-Mart and that was a zoo! I am going to try and get my shopping done before this point next year. I did real good getting prepared and getting in the Christmas spirit this year. But for some reason the whole gift buying thing was harder this year. Well, I have to get wrapping! Have a wonderful Christmas!
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