The Fruits of the Spirit

Sunday Scripture

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 21:55:00 +0000

Today you can find me here.....

Sunday Scripture

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:55:00 +0000

Stop by the CAST team blog today where I'm sharing about choices. See you there!

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 03:39:00 +0000

I know I haven't been around so much for awhile now. Not even sure anyone is still out there. If there is, you've probably noticed that I've posted in spurts for quite a few months. I'm active for awhile and then drop off for awhile.

I've really been struggling over the last year or so to find a balance. A balance with family, with church, with work, with rest, and so on. All those things that many of us struggle with each and everyday.

I'm learning that I don't have to be 100% at everything 24 hours a day. (Actually, it's something I've known for a long time... just haven't acted like it much!) There is a time for family, a time for work, a time for rest, a time for church activities, and so on.

Likewise, I don't have to post each and everyday or even every week. Sure, I would like to. I enjoy the time I write here. Writing out my Bible studies and the direction God is leading is a great way for me to sort out my thoughts and beliefs. Hopefully, as I share in this little corner of the internet, someone will find something that speaks to them. BUT, I can write here and it not be everyday or even every week.

This may not seem like a big deal, but for me it is. I tend to put alot of pressure on myself to do things in a certain way. About 98% of the time, that pressure is coming from me and me alone... not from anyone else.

So, I hope to be around here more. But, it probably won't be any regular type of schedule. And, it won't be because I've placed some sort of pressure on myself that I have to post every week or every 3rd Monday or whatever.

Now that I've said all that and probably "over-talked" all about not keeping a schedule with posting, I have started posting elsewhere on a regular schedule. (Yes, you can laugh now at the irony... but, hopefully, you'll understand where I'm coming from.) Twice a month on Sundays, you can find me sharing a scripture on the blog for the "Christian Artists Street Team on Etsy" (CAST).

About a year ago, I opened a shop on Etsy and about 6 months ago joined the CAST team, reading their blog, and then had the opportunity to join the blog team. It's a great blog full of posts by other Etsy shop owners that love to be creative and to do so for the Lord. If you are looking for another blog to follow this is a great one. You can find it at: http://castteametsy.blogspot.com/.

I hope to see you around here again soon! Enjoy a great holiday weekend!

A Little Random Thankfulness

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:33:00 +0000

Honestly, it's been one of those weeks where I've struggled just to get up and get moving each day. I'm tired and nothing seems to be slowing down to give me a chance to catch up. Not meaning to complain, more to explain why this may seem a little choppy and I'm sticking to simple bullet points tonight. :)

So, here we go...

I am thankful....

that God will see me thru this week and every week that follows. He will see that I am caught up on my rest and provide my tired mind the opportunity to slow down.
for my family that keeps me going and never ceases to bring a smile to my face.
for the Bible Study I've been participating in.. if you get the chance, check out "One In a Million" by Priscilla Shirer. It's a great study about how God is with us, sees us thru, and teaches us as we journey through the wildernesses in our lives.
for a church that is committed to our children and teaching them of God's love. There is always something going on for them, providing them with great fun, wonderful ways to learn of God and about His Word, and a safe place for them to be as they grow up.
for my warm and cozy bed where I can lay my head down tonight and ssssllllleeeepppppp. :)
for the opportunity to share with each of you every week the many blessings the Lord has given me.

Happy Thankful Thursday!

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

We are Chosen

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:30:00 +0000

"While it's true that Israel was chosen by God then and Christians are chosen by God now, we should not understand chosen as a synonym for favorite. The point of our "chosen-ness" is as a means to an end -- so we can shine as light for those to whom God wants to demonstrate love. With our exalted state comes a call to share it with all who will respond."

Excerpt from Coffee Cup Bible Studies - "Kona w/ Jonah" by Sandra Glahn

Does this statement speak to you as it does to me? We willingly accept that we are chosen by God, but do we really think about what that means? Do we ACT on what that means?

It's certainly something that I will be thinking and praying about for awhile.....

Saying and Doing

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:30:00 +0000

The sailors said to him, "Tell us, whose fault is it that this disaster has overtaken us? What's your occupation? Where do you come from? What's your country? And who are your people?" He said to them, "I am Hebrew! And I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and dry land." Hearing this, the men became even more afraid and said to him, "What have you done?" (The men said this because they knew that he was trying to escape from the Lord, because he had previously told them.) Jonah 1:8-10

In the New International Bible translation, verse 9 in the above passage reads as, "He said to them, 'I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.'"

Notice how Jonah states that he "fears the Lord"? But yet, isn't the Lord exactly the one from whom Jonah is running?

How often in our own lives do we state one thing and do the complete opposite? I'm afraid that I do this more than I probably care to admit.

Yes, I fully trust in God! -- Do I really always FULLY trust in God? If so, then why do I doubt, why do I try to take matters into my own hands, why do I worry?
Yes, I want to share God's love with others! -- But, do I? Do my actions show that? Do I take time out of my day to be kind to my neighbors and SHOW them God's love in all my actions?

These are just a few examples, but how I respond to them speaks volumes to me about how I speak one thing, but don't always follow through and show that I truly believe what I said.

Can you imagine being one of the sailors on the ship with Jonah? They are scared and fearing for their very lives. They ask Jonah who he is and what is his profession. He responds that he is a prophet and that he worships and fears God. But yet, he has already told them that is running from the very thing that God asked him to do. I believe if I was one of those sailors that I would be questioning how much Jonah really worshipped and feared God.

The same is true in the words we say and how we follow thru in our actions. The world is watching. God has called us to be a witness to the world. What we say and how we live those words is so important to that witness.

How many times do you hear people say they don't attend church because they know how the church members act when they are outside the church doors? I am saddened when I hear those words for I know that, unfortunately, there is truth spoken. Sometimes, we barely make it to the church parking lot after services before we act in unkind and ungodly ways.

Take some time today to really focus on what you believe and how you live out those beliefs. If you say you fear God, do you? Are you, like Jonah, instead running away from God?

Love the Rain

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:44:00 +0000

Leviticus 26:34 "I shall give you rains in their season, so that the land will yield its produce and the trees of the field will bear their fruit."

Today I am thankful for the rain! We don't see alot of that in Texas this time of year. It tends to be more hot and dry in July around here. However, the last couple of weeks we have seen quite a bit of rain. We even experienced a slight drop in temperatures and humidity for a few days. What a treat!

Our yard is green without any assistance from the sprinklers, too. We have a few more weeds since the rain seems to have encouraged them to grow, but I'm just going to be thankful for them anyway because they are green, green, green. Instead of dry and brown. Woo-hoo!

As I am out in the yard this weekend pulling up all those GREEN weeds, I'm going to be thankful for the rain, rain, rain!! :)

Happy Thankful Thursday!

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

Freedom

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 01:53:00 +0000

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. For creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God; for creation was made subject to futility, not of its own accord but because of the one who subjected it, in hope that creation itself would be set free from slavery to corruption and share in the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:15-21

Happy 4th! I pray you enjoy this holiday weekend as we celebrate the freedom we are so blessed to have in this great country. And, as we celebrate the freedeoms we experience as a country, may we never forget to celebrate the freedom we have in the Lord.

So Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0000

I love this time of the week when I can sit down and express in words how thankful I am for the many, many blessings God has given to me. My mind is full of many things this week, so I thought I'd just list them out (I promise I won't list them all... it could get lengthy! After all, God is so very good!)

Safe travels - I have traveled much, much more than usual this year with my job. God has kept me safe each and every time. Additionally, as I've watched many of my co-workers experience all sorts of travel delays, I have only had one and I believe it was only about a 45 minute delay. Woo-hoo! This one is particularly great when it's time to catch that plane home each week... the quicker the airline gets me home, the better! :)
Great neighbors - tonight while I am again out of town, my husband had a work emergency that needed to handled outside of normal business hours. One of our terrific neighbors watched both kids while he was gone, took them to their swimming lessons, and then on to McDonald's for dinner.
Bible Studies with friends - this same neighbor invited me several weeks ago to join her and two other neighbors in a Bible Study that is led and hosted by a friend. It is a group of women (I think total is around 25) from around our community that last year started a summertime Bible Study. I was unable to join the first couple of weeks as I was out of town one week and helping with VBS at our church last week. I'll be able to join this next week and I am really looking forward to participating.
Long weekends - I am so looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend. A great time to relax and enjoy family and friends as we celebrate the freedoms we have in our country.

Last, but most certainly not the least (this clearly should be before my list instead of after!), I am so thankful for my God. He strengthens me, protects me, comforts me, and always loves me regardless of the day, the situation, or the struggles.

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Lynn at "Spiritually Unequal Marriage".

Sleeping thru the Storm

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:07:00 +0000

"But the Lord hurled a powerful wind on the sea. Such a violent tempest arose on the sea that the ship threatened to break up! The sailors were so afraid that each cried out to his own god and they flung the ship's cargo overboard to make the ship lighter. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone down into the hold below deck, had lain down, and was sound asleep. The ship's captain approached him and said, "What are you doing asleep? Get up! Cry out to your god! Perhaps your god might take notice of us so that we might not die!" The sailors said to one another, "Come on, let's cast lots to find out whose fault it is that this disaster has overtaken us." So they cast lots, and Jonah was singled out." Jonah 1:4-7

I've always wondered how Jonah could possibly sleep thru a storm of this magnitude. The winds are howling and the boat is being tossed wildly to and fro. The sailors are scared, tossing the ship's cargo overboard and calling out to their gods to save them.

Yet, thru it all, Jonah continues to sleep. Maybe because the storm was nothing in comparison to the battle Jonah was fighting within? Perhaps sleep was Jonah's way of "turning off" the storm raging inside him as he tried to run as far from God as he could?

We'll never know for sure why Jonah was able to sleep, but it does serve as an analogy of how many Christians carelessly sleep each day. Here's a few examples I found while reading more on this scripture at Enduring Word:

· Jonah slept where he hoped he would not be found -- the sleeping Christian tries to hide at church
· Jonah slept in a place where he couldn't help with the work to be done -- the sleeping Christian will stay away from the work of God
· Jonah slept during a prayer meeting up on the deck -- sleeping Christians don't like attending prayer meetings.
· Jonah slept with no idea of the problems around him -- sleeping Christians don’t know what is going on
· Jonah slept when he was in great danger -- sleeping Christians are in danger and don't even know it
· Jonah slept while the heathen needed him -- sleeping Christians sleep on while the world needs their message and testimony

I read thru these and find myself really trying to see if I fall into any of these areas. I know I'm not as open and aware to the world around me. I want to be... I really do. It will be something to pray about in the days ahead.

Let's not be a sleeping Christian in a world that needs our Lord so very much! Let's pray and seek God and allow Him to "wake us up" and lead us where we can share His undying love, His grace, His mercy, and His hope to the world we live in today.

Friendships from God

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Living in Kansas City as a college student and young adult, God gave me the best group of friends. We all met at church and we hung out together, graduated together (well, not literally, as we went to different colleges), experienced our first "real" jobs together, grew in our Christian walk together, some of us got married, some even had children during that time. And some of us, including myself, moved to other parts of the country. As we moved, we did so knowing we had the best group of friends that thought of us, prayed for us and supported us in our new journeys.

Over the years, we've not kept in touch well. Which, in my case, is almost shameful as one of these great friends lives only an hour or so away from me. We both admit to being quite poor at keeping in touch. :)

As I've grown older and experienced many life changes -- dating, marriage, children, jobs, etc -- I've learned that friendships sometimes are harder to make as we grow older. And, many times, are different. In many cases, friends you have as a couple are different than friends when you are single and so on. And, quite honestly, I've mourned that fact over the last couple of years. I have many friends, but none like those dear friends from my young adulthood.

A month or so ago, I was bemoaning this fact to my husband. He gently reminded me of all the friends I do have and how special each one is, but I wanted that "special" friendship. In that moment, I wanted what I wanted and nothing he could say made me feel any better.

The next weekend I dug my cell phone out from where it is usually buried deep in my purse and found a message left by the friend I mentioned earlier that only lives about an hour away. Carla had left a message to let me know that another friend from this same group was coming to town in a few weeks and would I be around to be spend some time together? Would I be around??!! You bet... no matter what!

As they pulled into our driveway last Saturday, it was like there had been no time since we had last seen each other. I hadn't seen Carla in almost two years and Betty I hadn't seen in 12 years. It was if those years didn't exist.

As the three of us, along with my husband and children and Betty's newly adopted son, sat around and talked and laughed and shared and laughed some more, God gently reminded that I DID have special, dear friends. I already had the friendships that I had been asking God for over the last few years.

What I needed to do was to BE a friend and keep in touch. I live in a large metropolitan area where a one hour drive is nothing. Why am I not spending more time with Carla that lives that distance from me? Betty lives in another state, but in this age of technology how hard is it to pick up a phone, type an email, or send a text message?

So, this week, I am thankful for wonderful and dear friends that are with me where ever I go. They may not be physically nearby or a part of my daily life, but they are there and I need to protect those friendships, nurture them and not let them slip away.

I'm also thankful for such a sweet reminder from God that He has already answered my prayer and did so many years ago when I was first setting out on my own. He gave me a very, very special gift in this group of friends. Friends that I found I am as close to today as we were when we first met over 20 years ago.

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Iris at "Grace Alone.... ".

Running Away

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 02:26:00 +0000

So, last week I just kind of jumped into this full force. I asked myself, and you, some rather tough questions....

"Would we be willing to take God's word to our mightiest of enemies?"
"Would we follow God's calling no matter where it led?"
"Would we go no matter how scarry it may seem?"

I started here primarily because it's where I was as I began studying the first chapter of Jonah. I couldn't help but question myself as to whether or not I would follow in the same type of situation. Would I go to such an evil city and share God's word, or would I be so scared to follow that I would run in the complete opposite direction facing other fears along the way?

In the first three verses of the book of Jonah, we find God speaking to Jonah regarding the journey to Ninevah.

The Lord said to Jonah son of Amittai, "Go immediately to Nineveh, that large capital city, and announce judgment against its people because their wickedness has come to my attention." Instead, Jonah immediately headed off to Tarshish to escape from the commission of the Lord. He traveled to Joppa and found a merchant ship heading to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard it to go with them to Tarshish far away from the Lord. Jonah 1:1-3

A few interesting tidbits I found as I studied these verses.....

In the Hebrew, God is literally commanding Jonah to "arise". However, if we read in the King James translation of Jonah 1:3, we find that Jonah "rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord." That's right, Jonah did "rise up" as God commanded, but he rises up to then go DOWN to Joppa and DOWN into the boat. The words paint a good picture of the situation, don't they?
For an Israelite, Joppa represented the edge of the earth. Additionally, many people of this time were fearful of the sea. So, for Jonah to run to Joppa and then to also get on a boat showed the total deperation and desire to escape that was felt by Jonah.

As I read it struck me for the first time how completely desperate Jonah was to do ANYTHING if it meant he wouldn't wind up in Ninevah. Oh, I realized he wanted nothing to do with Ninevah, but he faced some pretty big fears in where and how he chose to run, as well. That was the part that I really hadn't thought about previously

I keep going over that in my mind. So afraid to follow God as to be willing to face other fears.

Fears that are completely unnecessary to face if I follow God.

Fears that are completely unnecessary to face if I trust God and believe that he only has my best interests in mind.

If I truly believe the words of Jeremiah 29:11, do I turn the opposite direction and run as far away as I can get from God?

For 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

I can't tell you how often this has replayed in my mind over the last week or so. We humans tend to not react completely rationally when we are scared. Therefore, it is possible that I would run away from God and wind up facing fears that are alot bigger than where God is leading.
The one thing I keep coming back to over and over and over again, though, is this..... if I believe all that I say I believe about God, and if I fully trust that He means what He says, then I will follow regardless.

If I have a relationship with Him and keep Him as my priority, then I won't question and I won't risk falling prey to those very human tendencies to run away. I will follow.

Yes, I will probably be scared and there is a good chance that in the beginning I won't want any part of it.

But, if it is God leading, then He will show the way, he will carry the fears and the worries, and He will lead me to where I should go. He will guide me and direct me and show me the joys to be had by making the journey.

Thankful

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:16:00 +0000

"How marvelous it is that God became a man and walked among us. Had He not chosen to do so, we might feel removed from a distant Creator. But ours is not a distant God. Ours is a God who understands -- far better than we ever could -- the essence of what it means to be human.

God understands our hopes, our fears, and our temptations. He understands what it means to be angry and what it costs to forgive. He knows the heart, the conscience, and the soul of every person who has ever lived, including you. And God has a plan of salvation that is intended for you. Accept it. Accept God's gift through the person of His Son Christ Jesus, and then rest assured: God walked among us that you might have eternal life; amazing though it may seem, He did it for you".

These are the words that greeted me a few mornings ago as I sat down for my morning devotional. The thought is one that I have had often over the last year or so... how blessed we are to have a God that doesn't just know how we feel, but has experienced and understands those same feelings.
It is so comforting to know that my God that I turn to in times of fear, in times of sorrow, and in times of happiness has experienced those same feelings. For that, I am thankful!!

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Iris at "Grace Alone.... ".

Second Chances

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 03:48:00 +0000

Each day we find ourselves making decisions that determine whether or not we follow the path the Lord asks us to walk. Each day we either walk a step further or we find reasons to stay right where we are on the path.

Do we walk over to that person standing all alone looking lonely and confused, introduce ourselves and see if we can offer a hand? Or, do we walk away?

Do we give up all that we know, quit our jobs and move to another country to share God with people that have never heard? Or, do we continue on our current path in a place where all is familiar?

Obviously, each of the examples are at the extreme ends of the spectrum. The first may only effect the next hour or so of our lives and mean we may not get all accomplished that we had planned on that day. The second changes the course of our lives and that of our families for, quite possibly, the remainder of our days here on earth. Each affects the world around us and involves the sharing of God's love with others.

Imagine you are Jonah... God has asked you to go to another city and give them a message straight from Him. This city isn't just any city either. It is Ninevah -- Israel's archenemy. Everything in Jonah tells him he should run the other direction (which, as we know, is exactly what he does). At the very least he feared they would laugh in his face. At the very worst, they could harm him or his homeland of Israel. (A biblical description of Ninevah can be found in Nahumn 3:1-19.)

What if they repented of their sins after hearing Jonah's preaching? That could lead to the success of these enemies of Israel. A example would be to imagine a NATO soldier being called to help the Taliban. Not something we're likely to see, huh?

Yet, that is exactly what God was calling Jonah to do. Go and offer to help the people of Ninevah. Go and tell them how they, too, can receive a 2nd chance. It goes strongly goes against how our very human feelings lead us to act, doesn't it? As humans, it is not always our first instinct to offer 2nd chances. Unfortunately, many times our first response is that we want to see our enemies hurt in the same way we hurt.

My kids have the DVD of the Veggie Tales version of Jonah's story. At the end, it tells us that "God is a God of second chances". As Christians we know that to be true, but do we extend that same grace to our enemies? Do we want to be a party to our enemies receiving that same grace?

I have always believed God's grace and mercy extended to EVERYONE... even to our mightiest of enemies. However, what if God asked me to go to my mightiest enemy and proclaim God's love? What is God asked me to go and share of a love so strong and so powerful and so full of grace that they too could experience eternal life? What would I do?

How about you? What would you do? What if you were that NATO soldier being asked to go help the Taliban?

The "Full Story"

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Tue, 25 May 2010 03:28:00 +0000

Have you ever been afraid if you follow God completely that He might take you to the place you like the least? Have you ever felt you can't trust God?

My first semester in college, my family made a move to another state. It was difficult for me -- I didn't want to live there and I fought it tooth and nail. However, God had other plans. Turns out it WAS the best place for me and my family. I grew and I matured, both as a young adult and as a Christian. I can guarantee that my parents and each of my sisters would say we are where we are now because of that move. That experience shaped us and formed us into the people we are today.

What I couldn't see initially, though, was the big picture. All I saw was that I was being asked to move away from all my friends. I was being told that I was now living in a big and unfamiliary city instead of the small town where I had graduated from high school. The physcial move actually happened during my first semester in college..... I went home for Thanksgiving to a place I had never been before and I place I did not want to be.

The big picture, though? God knew there was a particular church there just waiting for me. A church full of special people that pulled me in (and, in the beginning, they literally pulled!), they befriended me, and they loved me. They supported me as I graduated college and started my first job, moved into my first apartment (along with another dear friend I had met in that church) and as I met my future husband and moved away to be closer to him. They supported me in my Christian walk and prayed with me. Thru that first job I had out of college, God gave me many experiences that helped me to grow. And, he even led me to my husband in that first job in that city I never wanted to move to in the first place.

God proved himself faithful, full of grace and compassion. He showed me that above all He loved me and only had my best interests in mind. But, I first had to allow God to work and I had to get a few miles or so down the road in the journey to see the full story.

The story of Jonah is like that, too. If we only look at the first chapter, we see a God that tells Jonah to go to a city he didn't like and to warn people he didn't like of impending judgment. Jonah runs the other way and winds up in the belly of a whale. From that alone, we don't see what many would perceive to be a loving God, do we?

But, if we read on to the end and get the full story, we see a God that is loving and compassionate, full of grace and mercy. In Jonah 4:2 we read of a God that is "gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in mercy, and one who relents concerning threatened judgment" .

I've started a study on the book of Jonah and am looking forward to all God has for me as I read more about the "big picture". I hope you'll join me as I study and share. I'm planning to start out by reading the full book of Jonah, then diving a little deeper into shorter passages one at a time. I'm using the study guide from the "Coffee Cup Bible Series" by Sandra Glahn entitled "Kona with Jonah".

I'll be back next week with some more after I've read the "full story"! :)

A Plan and a Promise

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 20 May 2010 03:40:00 +0000

For 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

It's so easy to get caught up in the things we don't like about our lives, isn't it? It's so easy to ask God why --

Why must we struggle financially?
Why can't my job be less stressful?
Why can't life be less "busy"?
Why must I struggle with this illness? disease? loss of a loved one?

The questions can go on and on.

What we fail to see, though, is that while today, tomorrow, next month, or next year may be less than ideal.... there is a purpose for it all. We get so wrapped up in the day-to-day, that we fail to realize there is a bigger picture. A bigger picture that may never be fully defined for us, but a bigger picture nonetheless. A bigger picture that God sees and that God leads us toward each and everyday if we will only follow.

It is that picture for which I am thankful this week. I might not always like where God has me at any given moment -- it may be hard and it may not be fun -- but I know that His plans have a purpose that promises me hope and prosperity. I may never know the full "big picture", but I can rest assured that God knows and that I can trust Him regardless of where I may be in the "day-to-day".

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Laurie at "Women Taking a Stand".

East or West, Home is Best

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 06 May 2010 03:55:00 +0000

Last week I spent 4 days in Georgia and this week I'm in California for 4 days. Next week, I'll be back east in Massachusetts for 4 days, I'll then in Missouri for two days (actually, not even quite that long) and then I'll be back in California for 2 days.

In between each trip, I'll be home in Texas for a day or two, maybe three depending on the week. Each place is great as each state is beautiful, the people I encounter are kind and so easy to work with... or, in the case of the trip to Missouri I get to spend time with family that I don't see nearly as often as I would prefer.

However, what has stood out to me the most is that, whether I am east or I am west or I am right in the middle of the country, Home is Best. And, I don't mean the state of Texas when I say that. Oh, yes... there are many things about Texas that I love. But, when I say "HOME" I mean the home I have with my husband and children.

God has truly blessed me with the family he has given to me. I couldn't ask for more. I have always felt so blessed to have the parents, sisters, extended family that God gave me. Since I got married almost 14 years ago (our anniversay is next week!) God has shown me even more in the way of family blessings.

He has given me a husband that is so kind and loving. Regardless of what I might say or do... his love is unconditional. He supports me in all that I do and follows that with helping me in any way that he can. He loves our children dearly and is involved in every aspect of their lives. I don't travel for work too often, but when I do as I have lately, he takes care of everything back home without a worry or a complaint. I certainly miss them all when I'm gone, but I don't have to worry. I know he's got it all under control.

God has given two of the most absolutely adorable, fun-filled, sweet kids ever (I know, I know.. all Moms say that, but I REALLY mean it!.. smile).

Josh is my almost always positive child, who is easily excitable with the type of excitement that is just impossible to keep inside and hide from anyone. Such a joy... it is hard to be down when this kid is up!

Abby, my sweet and giving and easy to laugh little girl. She tells us she loves us at least a half a dozen times everyday... without fail. She shares her little heart openly and expresses such sweet concern for others... her teachers, schoolmates, friends... really anyone that she encounters.

As I sit in sunny California on this evening, I'm saying a special prayer of Thanksgiving for the "HOME" God has given me. I love you, my sweet family, and can't wait until I see you on Friday!

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Laurie at "Women Taking a Stand".

Be Careful What You Ask For....

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:09:00 +0000

I'm sure we've all heard the saying "Be careful what you ask for 'cause you just might get it!" I am here to tell you that it is so very true... even when it is God that is hearing the requests.

If we pray to God with a sincere heart that truly wants that of which we are asking, we ought to be fully prepared for all the ways in which God might answer that prayer. How do I know this, you might ask? I can think of more than once that I have experienced this over the years, but right now I think I just might be living a perfect example.

I have been trying to live my life more flexibly. Not letting schedule changes and calendars full of activity get me down. I'm trying to just face life head on and live it to its fullest and not be so tied down to my to do list and all the things that I think need to be done (and many times aren't near as urgent as I seem to make them).

I have prayed alot about this over the last year or so and know that God has been walking along with me and has begun to answer this prayer. However, in my own mind I just imagined this would happen along the way as we just lived out our daily life -- our normal schedule.

Well, let me tell you what... I do believe God thought it might work better if the pace was picked up a bit. Or, maybe more than just a bit.

A few weeks ago, I was asked to make a trip to California, the week of May 3. OK... I was good with that. I always miss my family terribly on these trips, but I never have to worry. I have a great husband that just keeps it all going when I am gone. So, I scheduled that trip and hadn't thought much more about it.

Last Tuesday, my sister called to let me know that we had a wedding to attend in Kansas City on May 15th. Woohoo.. wonderful news! We had known she was getting married, but had thought they would be going off alone to get married. So, we are very excited we get to be there with them.

The next day as I sat in a meeting at work where schedules for the next week were being discussed, I found my name displayed to be in Massachusetts the week of May 10 (yes, I'll be there Monday thru Thursday and then on Friday leave for the wedding... a busy week!). OK.. I took a deep breath and said "OK.. God.. help me out here.. it is getting busy! I feel tired just thinking about it.

Imagine the surprise I got the next morning when I found out I needed to be in Georgia on April 26 for 4 days! And the date I discovered this was April 23.

Obviously, there had been some communication breakdown in my office, but what jumped out at me even more was that I was scheduled to be out of town three weeks in a row. I would be in 5 different states (including my home state) during that time. Each work trip takes me away from home Monday thru Thursday and then flow right into a fun trip for a wedding.

So, here I sit tonight in Georgia thinking about all the many ways God answers our prayers. Yes, I had an incredibly busy weekend getting ready to leave -- packing, getting laundry done for me and the rest of the family, doing all I could for them before I left -- but it all got done AND we had a wonderful weekend together as a family.

Even more importantly is that even as I look at such a busy, busy few weeks ahead of me with little time at home, I have a peace about it. Yes, I will be tired. Yes, I will miss my family. Yes, it will be hectic at times. But, there will also be fun and laughter and alot of learning for me.

God is showing me how to simply trust Him and finding that I can accept and live it all much easier.... regardless of how busy it is and how tired I might be at the time.

I kind of feel like I'm living out the words of the hymn "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus". And, let me tell you, it IS sweet!

Finishing the Race

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:59:00 +0000

I may have mentioned here a time or two (or three or four or more!) that I can be easily overwhelmed with the day to day of life. You know... the school activities, and the work responsibilities, and the meals to cook, and the church activities, and the house to clean, and on and on and on. Find me on a week when it seems every day is packed and even the evenings are full and you'll probably find me trying to calm myself and doing alot of praying. I don't know why, but the "busy" in life is hard for me.

Over the last couple of years God has been showing me how to keep pushing forward during these times. He has shown me that by simply trusting in Him I will get through it all and that all that "needs" to be done will get done. However, I still have moments when I just want it all to end.

Last week would have been one of those times. "Oh, why can't it be summer yet?" "Why can't school be out so that we can do away with the homework and school related activities for a few months?" (that one is more than a wee bit pathetic, too, since I'm not the one that actually has to DO the homework!) "Why can't we stop it all now?"

Did I mention that I may have been just a wee bit whiny about it? Well, I was... Ahem.

As God often does, He led me to just what I needed and 'Wow!' did it stop me in my tracks. My parents gave me a great little devotional book for Christmas, "A Woman of Faith", and this is what I read one morning last week:

"A well-lived life is like a marathon, not a sprint - it calls for preparation, determination, and lots of perseverance. As an example of perfect perserverance, we Christians need look no further than our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus finished what He began. Despite His suffering, despite the shame of the cross, Jesus was steadfast in His faithfulness to God. We, too must remain faithful, especially during times of hardship. Sometimes, God may answer our prayers with silence, and when He does, we must patiently persevere."

Now that got my attention! Jesus carried out what God asked clear to dying on a cross for my sins, but I'm sitting here grumbling because I don't want to finish many activities because I'm just too busy and I don't have time, and I'm tired??? Kind of puts it all in perspective, doesn't it?

God really spoke to me that day last week. He gave me a message that I won't forget anytime soon.... a reminder that was much needed.

"Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us." Hebrews 12:1

Thankful as They Grow

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 03:58:00 +0000

As a parent, I enjoy watching my kids do just about anything.... play, sing, read, interact with others, etc. However, I think one of my very favorite things is to watch them and interact with them when they are learning about the Lord.

Over the weekend we had a chance to see "Big Daddy Weave" in concert (by the way, if you get the chance to see them you must go.. great Christian group!). My daughter is 5 yrs old and had a hard time seeing the band over the tops of everyone's heads. So, my husband stepped out into the aisle a bit and put her up on his shoulders so she could see. Oh, what a grand time she had!

One of the songs they sang was one entitled "Just the Way I Am". The chorus is this: "You love me, You love me You love me just the way I am." As I looked up at her high on Daddy's shoulders those were the words she was singing. None of the other words, just those. And, sing them she did at the top of her lungs over and over again. If she can even begin to hold on to those words now and carry them with her thru life -- always knowing that God loves her just as she is -- what a wonderful truth she will have to cling to thru many tough situations in life (oh, my... especially thru those tough teen years!)

My son is working on his God and Country badge for Cub Scouts. This is something that he and my husband are working on together as a father and son activity. Over the weekend, they sat down at the kitchen table to do their assignments for the week. This week they were looking at John 3:16 and one of the tasks they had to do was re-state the verse in their own words. As I sat in the other room and listened, I can't even begin to explain what a privilege it was to listen to them talk about what that verse meant... what is eternal life, how great a gift is it that God gave us in his son? Truly a special moment for me.

So, this week, I am thankful for the many opportunities my children have to learn about the Lord. Opportunities at church, thru their extra-curricular activities, in daily conversation we have at home, and so many others. Thank you, Lord!

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Laurie at "Women Taking a Stand".

Trusting in Him for our Future

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:07:00 +0000

The below quote was in my morning devotional today. It stopped me dead in my tracks for a moment. Such simple words, but filled with so much truth. Something that we all know, but yet something that we all seem to forget or look past at times. I hope it speaks to you as it did to me.

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." -- Corrie ten Boom

Be Strong

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:07:00 +0000

This has become one of my favorite songs over the last few weeks. I think the message in the chorus is so great -- whether it be in words shared with a friend (as the song is written) or a message that we remind ourselves of daily. Consider all that is in the chorus... "Be strong in the Lord"... "Never give up hope"... "God's got His hand on you"... "Don't live life in fear"..."Thank God for each day".... "Take your time and pray".

If you take the time to listen to the video of the song below, read thru the scripture that is included. They are more wonderful reminders straight from God's Word... powerful words to carry us thru whatever we may encounter as we live each day.

A Quick Update

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:28:00 +0000

I haven't been around here a whole lot lately. Many reasons... life is busy, taking time to rest, and taking the time to listen to God and what he would have me share here with you, to name a few.

We've had a great January, February, and so far March is looking pretty good, too. Fun times with church and school activities, Cub Scouts, family time, as well as being completely swamped at work. Swamped at work is good as it keeps me busy (I mean, really, who wants to go sit in an office and just twiddle their thumbs all day long?), but it keeps me moving so fast that I leave mentally exhausted just about every day.

So, by the time late evening comes and the house is quiet, I struggle to sit down and type anything even slightly intelligible. And, really, it's been good. It's given me some much needed quiet, downtime in the evenings. Time to think and pray and determine exactly what God would have me to share.

I have started a great Bible Study about experiencing God in the workplace. One thing I really like about this study is that even if you don't go to a formal office everyday this can still be applicable to your life. Wherever your workplace is (office, home, school, etc) this is a great study. It deals with realizing that whatever you do and wherever you are that you are part of God's plan. It deals with your relationships with others and how to live well in an environment that is very often more in line with the world's agenda rather than God's. So far, I've really enjoyed it... and, I'm guessing that you'll probably hear more about this from me in the future. :)

We've just started off our Spring Break fun for this year. A great time we have together as a family each year and a great time to take a break from the day to day routine and just relax and enjoy.

Once we're back in the normal routine I plan to back around here a little more. I have lots of posts floating around in my head.. just awaiting some clear direction as to where to start.

Until then.....

Time to Relax

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:31:00 +0000

Wow! Life has been busy the last couple of weeks. It's included travel, school activities, church activities, work, a little stress, not as much sleep as I normally am able to get, and little time to be still and rest.

It has made me so thankful for the time that I am able to be still. Time to relax. Time to enjoy. Time to laugh and play with my family.

And, wouldn't you know... just when I am ready for it the most... here comes Spring Break! Which for us means a break from school for the kids and some vacation time for Mom and Dad. I think that it couldn't come at a better time for everyone of us.

So, this week I am ever so thankful for the week ahead of us to just enjoy and catch up on everything from time together to some much needed sleep!

What are you thankful for today? Join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Laurie at "Women Taking a Stand".

Thankful for New Days

noreply@blogger.com (Melanie) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:58:00 +0000

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

This time last week I was at the end of a long day full of many frustrations. I allowed myself to get so caught up in those frustrations that I focused on the frustrations and not the many good things of the day. I was doing everything except rejoice in the day the Lord had given to me.

As I crawled in bed that night, I had that moment of revelation. You know the one... where you suddenly realize that you've allowed your focus to shift away from God. It's that moment where you realize if you would have turned it over to God from the very beginning that it would have all turned out so differently. For me, it's that moment where I just want to knock myself upside the head because I've been there so many times that you would think I would know what needs to be done by now.

I fell asleep that night praying. Asking God to forgive me for moving so far away during the day and completely turning over to Him the frustrations of the day.

I woke up the next morning feeling better than I had all week. I had slept better than I had in several nights. Gone were the feelings of frustration and in its place was a peace and calmness. As I backed out of my driveway the song, "New Day" by Avalon came on the radio. I don't doubt for even one minute that God fully intended for me to hear that song at that exact moment. Here are the lyrics to the first verse...

Lookin' back on yesterday
There are things that I regret
But I put the past behind me
And I never will forget
You have covered my mistakes
And my broken dreams
Now over the horizon
I see the dawn is drawing near
And I realize the sun did rise
Tomorrow's finally here

Isn't God good? When we do turn it all over, He takes it and carries it for us. He replaces our discouragement, our frustrations, our disappointments, with peace and comfort and a love that is unending and neverfailing.

Since that day last week, God has shown me in many ways the gift He has given us with each new day. A new day to start over, a new day to be with family and friends, a new day to love and serve Him, and new day to reach out to this hurting world in which we live.

I am thankful for new days. I am thankful for God's love, for God's peace, for God's comfort.

What are you thankful for today? You can join us in sharing our thanksgivings this week by visiting Iris at "Grace Alone...".