tupperware sales
some success
a washer/dryer i can use for the time being
one room at a time
apples & bananas
quiet time every afternoon
time to rest, think, be productive.
a desire to do more with that time- more spending time with my Father
prayers for more wisdom
He listens
He's complete.
He's more than enough
He. fills. me.
there. is. nothing. more. that. I. need.
this baby, still in my belly
i'm thankful i'm still content with him being there. no rush here little guy. stay as long as you need.
quiet rain all afternoon.
one room at a time.
mom.
that helps me.
that supports me.
that is so much for me.
being able to do ministry with my husband.
that technology can save all those great messages between my love and I
so much love.
unwarranted grace from my Father in Heaven
wonderful coffee
warmth every morning
a good nights sleep
contentment
soft tissues at work for my little nose
support from dear friends
peace
rest
Christ crucified
out of death, into life
reconciled
draw me gently to my knees
focus on Him
a husband who helps and willingly puts those dishes away
songs for memory
naptime
whole world in His hand
faith in His power
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

Psalm 91

a psalm to take comfort from.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."
He will deliver. He will cover. No evil. He will command his angels to guard you.
JUST BECAUSE I KNOW HIS NAME. JUST BECAUSE I MADE HIM MY DWELLING PLACE.

LORD I AM SO THANKFUL.

But I'm also confused... evil and awful still come to those who love you. how do it all work. i don't understand. sometimes I don't want to try to understand. I want to trust You. You are my dwelling place. In this strange time of strange fear I will rest in you and know you hold it all in your hand. good or bad. I know that. but evil still might come. how come it says "no evil shall be allowed to befall you." I don't want that to be the important part. i want thankfulness to overflow from my heart. is that ok?

Mark 8:34-38
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”

deny themselves- how do I deny myself...? not what I want. not what I need. not what I desire. not what I think is best. not my plan.
take up their cross- to take something up you have to carry it. it probably isn't light. I don't think a cross would be easy to carry. kind of awkward. if I'm carrying a cross there is probably a lot I won't be able to do. what is my cross made of? what do I want it to be made of...?
follow me- seems like the easy one. there a billion ways to follow him. it's not easy. I deny Him and follow myself everyday. simply. follow Him.

Ephesians 6

6:5 talks about slaves obeying their masters. Although, I obviously am not a slave to Jackson/Jack&Indy because I get paid I do work for them and under them. And here I am instructed to serve with respect, fear, sincerity of heart, wholeheartedly, doing of the will of God from my heart just as if serving Christ. I wonder how many times I do that. Like never. I mean I was just cleaning and never was it with sincerity of heart. Good verse to keep in my mind as I come to work.

verse 10-17 talk about the amor of God. I've taught VBS lessons, Sunday school lessons, etc all on this topic and I think that often times it because a lesson for children and adults forget about it. Reading before it we are told to put on this armor "so that I can take my stand agains the devil's schemes." Not very childish. Seriously. this is for fighting against the dark world. {kinda sounds like Harry Potter} {funny because some people think Harry Potter is from the dark world} {I wonder what Christ thinks} {edifying} {more thoughts} but seriously the armor of God is serious business and I'm pretty sure most of the time my armor is more like cardboard- because I've made it that way. Ugh. Sometimes I get overwhelmed with how crappy I am.

Lord. Let me do Your will today. tomorrow. and everyday. I know I fail. And I know You love and forgive. Please love and forgive this sinner named Kim.

Ephesians 3

"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." vs.12

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." vs.20-21

These two passages stuck out to me.
Because of Christ we are able to approach God with freedom and confidence. I think about the Jews/Gentiles that heard this the first time from Paul or whoever. What a hard concept to grasp. It's even hard for me to fathom and I've been doing my whole life. What does it mean to approach God with freedom? Freedom means the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement. I am at liberty to approach God. Whoa. And in confidence? Being secure, no fear, no doubt. I can approach God every minute of every day whenever I want however I want and be confident that he is listening and there. Praise God.

Ephesians 1

continuing my gifts

242. He chose us in him before the creation of the world
243. To be holy and blameless in his sight
244. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus
245. In him I have redemption through his blood,
246. In him, I have forgiveness of sin
247. In him, I am lavished with God's grace
248. I know the mystery of his will because of Christ
249. In him, I am chosen!!!!
250. for all these promises. for I am a child of God. secure.

Ok so it's been 16 days since I last wrote, read, meditated on the Word of God.
Ugh. Sometimes I'm just so disgusted with my LAZINESS. Because yes, that is all it is. Laziness. Sure I've been sick and tired making this baby in my body. But that is no excuse.

But I'm back. Got my game face on. Wanting nothing more than to dive into the Word of God and learn more of who he is.

Finishing 2 Samuel... David's song of praise. You'd think it would be a good place to stop that chapter. After that lovely praise. But No. It goes on to talk about how David disobeyed and the Lord sent a plague that killed 70,000 people.
But no matter what God forgives and blesses those who live in fear of Him.
That means me too.

been seriously slacking. ugh. reviewed 2 Samuel 12-19 today. back on track. starting today.

2 Samuel 15-19

wow. David's son rose up against him to take over Israel. Their armies went against each other and the son was killed. David returned to Jerusalem.

A very interesting story... Many details about people and conversations. David is so forgiving and loving. Towards his son who tried to take over everything. And towards his servants. And towards pretty much anyone...

Lord, I pray that what I am reading in this book I remember. I want to apply it. I don't really get how right now. But I want to someday. Keep it on my mind and written in my heart. I don't want to look at the Word of God and let it be void in my mind or heart. I want to soak it up. Learn more about You from it...

2 Samuel 10-14

The stories of David and Bathsheba. And David and his sons.
Man, tons of sin. Adultery, murder, rape, incest, more murder.
And the Lord always forgives.
Sin is sin. For everyone.
And the Lord always forgives.

2 Samuel 10

I only read one chapter today.. Tomorrow is David and Bethsheba. Heavy stuff.
But today David went to battle... He was trying to be nice... It didn't come across as so and it resulted in a really huge battle. And David's soldiers/army is surrounded.
"Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight."
Battle lines in front of him and behind him. And what does he go. TRUST GOD.
Trust God. How am I trusting God? When I am surrounded...?

2 Samuel 7-9

David is now king. He is being so blessed by God. Defeating many different people and their armies. Then he remembers Jonathan and blesses his son greatly.
David. A man after God's own heart.

2 Samuel 6

David is praising the Lord. Dancing. "I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this."vs.22

*I already wrote this once. I'm very annoyed at technology right now.

1 Samuel 3-5

These chapters chronicle more of David's life and what lead to him becoming king over all of Israel. One thing that stood out to me was how David sought the Lord in every decision he made.
... Maybe that is what makes him a man after God's own heart...

2 Samuel 1-2

Chap.1: David is mourning Saul and Jonathan's death... I don't really understand... Saul tried to kill David many, many times. And Jonathan was a loyal friend. Yet somehow, David is mourning them equally; "Saul and Jonathan- in life they were loved and admired, and in death they were not parted. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions..."vs.23.
I guess it was because Saul was the "Lord's annointed." I mean yes, that means a lot. I just don't really get it...
And then there is this whole battle between the house of David and the house of Saul. Everything chasing after each other trying to kill each other... Crazy.

2 Peter 3 : The Day of the Lord

"But do not forget one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
But the day of Lord will come like a theif. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare."

So the Lord is patient, waiting for everyone to be saved... An interesting thought... Thinking of free will vs. predestination...
In the same chapter Peter is talking about how some people will distort the confusing/ hard to understand concepts of which he and Paul wrote about. How do I distort Scripture? Making it say what I want it to say. Or back up my opinion on whatever subject. In reality I just want to give it to God. He knows what was written and what was meant, and for those "hard to understand" parts of Scripture I just want to trust His will and not focus on the small parts that in the big picture are unimportant.

{so I finished 1 Samuel. yahoo. but didn't have the internet to post anything}

2 Peter 1-2

All of chapter 2 is talking about false teachers and their destruction using some seriously harsh language : "sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness... are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed... they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed- an accursed brood!... blackest darkness is reserved for them..." And that's just the beginning! I wonder who Simon Peter is writing about? Who were these false teachers? What were they teacher? Ok, I guess that's not really important. But man, it makes me wonder who are the false teachers of today? Are there people today who are teaching their own version of the gospel and have the blackest darkness reserved for them? Who are there? Where are they?

Lord, open my eyes so that I may see the false teachers of today. That I may not become wrapped up in their destruction.

1 Samuel 26-28

Continueing the saga of David and Saul. David again spares Saul's life. But now the Philistines are going to kill Saul and his family. hmmmm

This world doesn’t need trendy gratitude like it needs Jesus gratitude. The kind that gives thanks for the bread and the nails, for the fire that refines and the blood that saves.

105. coloring time : baby on my lap, scribbles, learning
106. a true celebration of a life lived in the Gospel, full of forgiveness and grace
107. a grateful heart when ungratefulness could so easily take over
108. the soft {cold} sand on my toes. that will never get old.
109. clear views of Catalina. Thank You Lord.
110. family blessing family
111. for my cousin who's on the right track
112. unexpected loud songs of praise
113. adventures in the backyard in the warm March
114. for tough kid. no longer a baby. but still a baby.
115. excitement. fear. trembling. emotions. running wild. goodness.
116. two blue lines. yes. two.
117. gifts from California.
118. more please. {nod the head}
119. baby learning : to understand. to ask. to talk - slowly but surely.
120. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34
121. meeting the goal on the trail.
122. a just God.
123. pastors sharpening one another
124. talking with the brother. yes, about football, but talking.
125. time spent with my parents. laughter and goodness for my soul.
126. open french doors. sun streaming in. early in the morning.
127. the unknown.
128. soaking in the Old Testament. learning from David. learning from Abigail.
129. chapstick.
130. Colorado clear.
131. honesty.
132. dreams aren't true. and Manny dear is not a horse. and he loves me.
133. new flip flops. already stained. coffee. blood. they must be mine :)
134. so thankful. so thankful. so thankful. words can not describe the overflow of my heart... and for me that's ok...

1 Samuel 24-25

Ch.24 : David spares Saul's life. As Saul continues to pursue David to kill him he goes into a cave where David and his men are hiding. David could do whatever he wants with Saul and he cuts off part of his robe and can't do anything more. Once out of the cave David reveals himself and the mercy he has shown Saul. Saul is all full of repent and "May the Lord reward you..." In the end, David gives an oath to Saul that he won't kill Saul or his descendants. How nice of David.
I think what stood out to me was how David was above reproach with Saul.
reproach: to find fault with (a person, group, etc.); blame; censure
He does not hurt Saul or even call him out for trying to kill him. He gives it up to the Lord. He trusts. "May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you" verse 12.

Ch.25 : This is the story of how David gets his wife Abigail. She is "intelligent and beautiful" and pretty much wicked smart for going behind her drunk and foolish husbands back, "acted quickly" to provide food for David's army as they came to kill all of Nabal's whole household. She makes it right and David leaves them alone. Though in the end, the Lord is just and "about ten days later, the Lord struck Nabal and he died." Then David gets a new wife. How lovely.

1 Samuel 22-23

Saul continues to pursue David. The Lord favors David and always keeps him safe.

1 Samuel 20-21

And the saga continues... Saul still wants David dead. And David keeps running. Jonathan, Saul's son, is a loyal and faithful friend to David. Keeping him safe, lying to his father on his friends behalf, and doing everything he can to keep David alive. As David runs he lies and acts like a madman; "making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard." HA.
I like this story.
God is good.

1 Samuel 18-19

Saul is insanely jealous of David. David has more success in battle, he is loved by more people, and he keeps on getting more and more famous. So what does Saul try to do? Kill him. Actually pin him to the wall with a spear. But David always gets away "because the Lord was with him."
One thing I don't get is why whenever Saul does try to kill David "an evil spirit from the Lord [comes] on Saul." What is up with that?
In the last part of ch.19 David escapes and goes to be with Samuel. Everyone that Saul sends to kill David, and eventually himself ends of prophesying... Why?

1 Samuel 17

David and Goliath. We all know the story - little servant boy David defeats giant solider Goliath with a sling and a stone [and then cuts off his head!]

"David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with a sword and a spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." verse 45.

David is so confident in the Lord. I mean why shouldn't he be? What is the Goliath in my life....?

[still feeling rather sick. ugh. praying for health.]

1 Samuel 15-16

So Saul is pretty much going downhill. He disobeys the Lord and Samuel is pissed! "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams..." 15:22
The Lord is displeased as well, "And the Lord regretted that he had made Saul king over Israel." 15:35. I don't really understand how the Lord regrets through... That doesn't make sense to me.
For the rest of his days Samuel never sees Saul again. In chapter 16 he anoints David "and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came on David in power." 16:13 And then David goes to work for Saul as his armor-bearer...

1 Samuel 12- 14

All about Saul. His reign as king. His relationship with his soldiers, the Philistines, his son, Samuel, and God. His battles.
"All the days of Saul there was bitter war with the Philistines..." 14:52

I still don't really understand because even though Samuel says "You will realize what an evil thing you did in the eyes of the Lord when you asked for a king" 12:17. but the Lord still helps Saul out "So on that day the Lord saved Israel..." 14:23. Why would the Lord have mercy on a king that he never wanted to be over Israel in the first place? Why would the Lord ever show him favor? Maybe he didn't? Maybe he did... I don't know...

1 Samuel 9-11

This is the account of Saul becoming leader over Israel. I'm a little confused because it seems like Saul is a king for the Lord but still God is angry that Israel needed a king...

Today I'm thankful for:
84. Jackson being so stinkin cute
85. that he listens to me so very well. i'm always impressed
86. that I am able to bless people by watching their many small children. I pray I always do it unselfishly.
87. coffee in the morning.
88. talks in the car with my husband. honest. true. humorous. real. lovely. everything I ever wanted.
89. the blessing of a free meal. thank you Alexander's for paying for our Valentine's day meal.
90. being able to bless someone with a free meal at Chic-fil-a
91. the challenges we've been given at church - that's what it's all about
92. that Manny made his 2 points yesterday at the basketball game!
93. for one man's maturity and integrity in a hand shake despite of the other man's immaturity
94. being able to buy new shoes.
95. clocks that only cost $3.99
96. that my husband cares about how our home looks
97. sweet four year olds that just want to be read to
98. true friends
99. lots and lots and lots of small children running around & full of joy at the Valentine's Day Party
100. good food, friends, and fellowship :)
101. for love - more than all the words ever written in every book in the entire universe
102. for love - that loves everyday
103. for a God that LOVED me so much that he sent his one and only Son to come die on a cross and save me for my sin.
104. for love - more love from my Saviour than I will EVER even comprehend

1 Samuel 7 & 8

I don't know if I find it comforting or sad... They way that God's people (myself included) always seem to turn their back on the God that delivers them. Over and over again in the Old Testament and in my life and in pretty much everyone's life we see God's faithfulness, righteouness, perfect plan, etc in our life "stand in awe and worship" and then two day, two weeks, two months, two years, whatever we forget that and want to be part of the world. Israel begged Samuel for a king - "We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles." 8:19-20. But you kno who was it that led you against the Philistines at Mizpah? O I don't know maybe...Samuel & GOD.
But I think about it. Maybe all this forgetfulness is recorded in this here Bible so that we don't forget. So that we can learn from this nation of Israel that so easily forgets. Maybe when we see their forgetfulness we'll stop being forgetful ourselves... I pray that is true...

1 Samuel 4-6

These chapters talk a lot about the Ark of the Covenant. After defeating the Israelites in battle the Philitines capture the Ark and bring it to three different city having to move it often because the Lord gives the people tumors in each of the Philistine cities. [Tumors, ha. One part said tumors of the groin. Lord, interesting choice...] Eventually they give the Ark back! And then even when it's back on Israelite territory God kills 70 people for looking inside!
I question what this means? Why? Was God just displaying His power and might? Creating that fear? I mean my guess is as good as the next...
God show me what this means & how I can apply it my life. Let me be changed by your word.

1 Samuel 2:12-36 - 3

So to God is going to punish the House of Eli. Eli's sons have blasphemed God and God shows Samuel just how how he's pretty much going to destroy Eli's whole family. When Samuel tells Eli he just says, "He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes." verse 3:18.

What an incredible statement. He is Lord. Let Him do what is good in his eyes. He is Lord. Let Him do what is good in his eyes. He is Lord. Let Him do what is good in his eyes. Amen.

1 Samuel 1 & 2:1-11

Hannah, barren, prays, gives birth to Samuel.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there." verse 27-28

Wow. I pray I have the selflessness of Hannah with my children some day. She was so grieved, so deeply troubled without a child and one God gives her one...She gives it back!!! What an incredible picture of a mother with her child. I pray that as a mother I can be like Hannah... I don't have a CLUE what that means. But goodness, that is so incredible!!!

Galations 5 & 6

Lots of great Scripture here. (not that it all isn't great) but for real.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." 5:1

You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ, you have fallen away from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." 5:4-6

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love you neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
So I say, walk by the Spirit and you will no gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." 5: 13- 18

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." 5:22-25

"Brother and sisters, if someone is caught in sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." 6:1

"People reap what they sow. Those who sow to please their sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; those who sow to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers." 6:7-10

Amen.

Galatians 3 & 4

Paul is pretty much frustrated with the church at Galatia. They keep turning back to the law.
"The law was put in charge of us until Christ came that we might be justified by faith."
"God sent the Spirit to his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls our, Abba, Father. So you are no longer slaves, but God's children, and since you are his children, he has made you also heirs."
So much changed when Christ came. I can imagine it was pretty hard for people who spent their whole lives learning the law so just put it down and follow Christ. But that's exactly what Christ calls us to do. "Pick up your cross and follow me." Can't really carry the books of the law if you are trying to carry a cross. [just ask the guys at church who move the communion cross every week!] I don't think I really try to carry the law... What do I try to carry? The Book of Kim {selfishness}... That sounds about right... But there is so much to live for when I'm not living for myself.

Lord, I pray that everyday I pick up my cross and follow You. Not even attempting to pick up "my book" or anything else...

Galatians 2

Paul continues to describe the early years of Christianity; where he went, who he saw, and the issues between the Jews and the Gentiles. At the end of the chapter he says:

"For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for it righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Thank you God, for the freedom we have in Christ!

Starting a New Testament Book- Galatians 1
God, use this book to teach me something new about You. Open my eyes to Your Word. Make it new to me. Allow me to see what You want me to.

This first chapter of Galatians is Paul talking about how he was called by God. "God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased to reveal his Son to me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles."
I think about how I would feel if someone who hated Christians all the sudden started preaching... It would be pretty hard to accept that teaching I think, but what did they do?
"They only heard they report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." And they praised God because of me."
How cool is that? They just praised God. That's it. Praised God.

In everything I do on this day, let me Praise God.

Daniel 10-12

These chapters contain "Daniel's Vision of a Man" that prophecies a bunch of war and battles between three kings... It's hard for me to determine what I am suppose to learn from this or how I am suppose to use these words to advance the kingdom. I think just being aware of that fact that God's got in all under control. He's always got a plan. He's thinking of Daniel, you, and me always and no matter what comes our way it's because He planned it. And all that yucky stuff- "so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end."

God, Refine me, Purify me, make me Spotless unto You. No matter what that means; war, pain, loss, or goodness. Whatever You have planned I am ready. Ready to become more Holy for You.

Daniel 8 & 9

So again more dreams, visions, interpretations, messages from Gabriel, etc. that I don't understand. Dang it.

God help me to understand what these verses mean and how to apply them in my life.

In chapter 9 Daniel offers up a prayer for the city of Jerusalem. The city has been devastated by the destruction of the Lord and they have remained sinful. Towards the end of the prayer after thankfulness and tons of confession Daniel says, "We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, becas your city and your people bear your Name."
How interesting is that? I wonder if I pray and make requests because I think I am righteous? Probably. I need to keep this in my heart.

Daniel 7

Daniel had a crazy dream. Four beasts. The last one crazier and more terrible than the rest. He interprets the dream as three kings and a kingdom.
"But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rules will worship and obey him." Is this a prophecy of Jesus?

I really don't know what to take away from this....
Lord, keep me diligent in spending time in your Word.

Daniel 6. Daniel in the Den of Lions

Well, I would say this is one story of Daniel that most people are familiar with, including me. I was struck by the qualities of Daniel that were described in this chapter.
When people tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel they couldn't because of his "exceptional qualities."
When a law was put in place to forbid anyone from praying for anyone besides the king Daniel didn't pray in secret, he didn't pray by himself or in hiding. He immediately went home and prayed, "giving thanks to his God...and asking God for help."
Even the king was trying to save Daniel against the law he put in place. "The king said to Daniel, "May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you."
And that's exactly what God did; shut the mouths of the lion, keeping Daniel safe, and turning the king into a believer...
The decree from the king:

For he is the living God

and he endures forever;

his kingdom will not be destroyed,

his dominion will never end.

He rescues and he saves;

he performs signs and wonders

in the heavens and on the earth.

He has rescued Daniel

from the power of the lions.

How cool is Daniel? That is the second king that has seen Daniel live and become a believer of the one true God.

I pray my life can stand as such a testimony. That I will serve continually, trust, and obey my God without fail and in doing so shine the light of Christ for all to see.

Daniel 5

There is a new king, Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar. He is having a party, praising the gods of gold, silver, iron, wood, stone etc. In the midst of this party a "hand" comes and writes on the wall... Ok, seriously strange... No one knows what it says, none of the magicians can figure it out so the king eventually calls David in again. David tells the king the story of his fathers rise, fall, and new life in the Most High God. He says, "But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this... You did not honor the God who holds in his hands your life and all your ways..." Nevertheless, David interprets the writing on the wall and honestly, I'm a little confused about where the story goes from there...
The writing says "Mene (mina, money) : God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. Tekel (shekel) : You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Peres (divided or half mina) : Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians."

What does it mean he was weighed and found wanting?
Why didn't God give him another chance, like he had with his father? I think because he knew all that had happened with his father and never "humbled himself..." But still pretty harsh because after he promoted Daniel the king was slain and a new ruler took over. Sucks for him.

And what can I learn? How can I apply this in my life?
Well, I think I better learn from the mistakes of my parents... What does that mean?
A little confused on this one...

Daniel 4

The king has another dream. Daniel interprets. The dream is fulfilled. God takes away the authority of the king: he loses his kingdom, his people, is forced into the wilderness to live like a wild animal, and after seven "times" he eventually "acknowledges that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes."verse32

It takes a lot, eating grass, his hair growing like feathers and nails growing like the claws of a bird and a very long time before the king recognizes the greatness of the Lord, before he know that my God can do what as he pleases, before he fears the Lord....

The king had gotten too powerful or thought he was at least...

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Proverbs 9:10

I pray that for a greater fear of my all-knowing, all-powerful God.

***Also, for church this week I will be reading through Philippians everyday.

This Sunday we learned Philippians is about CHRIST as my life, example, goal, and strength.

Daniel 2: 24-49 & 3

The story of Daniel interpretting the dream of the King. & of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the firely furnance and coming out unharmed.

Because these three men were willing to "Trust in [God] and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God" God protected them in the fire. He even sent someone to protect them and be with them inside the fire.
There are times in my life when I know I am being refined by fire. I must trust God and deny the ways of the world and he will be there. Seriously be there right next to me...
Thank you God for refining us by fire and standing next to us through it all.

Daniel 1 & 2:1-23

I decided to take it back and read Daniel.
So the land in which Daniel lives is over taken by a bad guy. Daniel and three others are summoned by the king to learn, study, train, and serve. They are the best of the best, the smartest, the youngest, the strongest, etc. And they are supposed to live and serve this king in training for three years and then enter the kings service. I find it so interesting that Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah "resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine." Instead he ate nothing but vegetables and drank only water. And in the end they were healthier and better nourished than any other of the men.
I wonder what could be considered "royal food and wine" in my life. What can I cut out, {eat only the vegetables}, and totally trust God in...? Hmmmm I'll be thinking/praying on that one today.

And in Daniel's words:
Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he desposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deap and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors...

Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever!

For the past many months the awesome, amazing, wonderful, Godly women I have the pleasure of being in a bible study with have been going through Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Although we have not agreed with everything she has said we have been challenged to not except the lies of this world and of Satan and to combat them with the undeniable Truth of God's Word. The study has been interesting and has made me question many of the things I do and say each day. Is going to school selfish and going against the will and leadership of my husband? How am I trusting God? Or do I just say it and not believe it one bit? What would happen if I lost Manny, would God really be enough for me? Why am I not more aware of my sin? Why do I allow certain circumstances to control me so much? Am I choosing to believe that God will meet all my needs or am I depending on myself and Manny? and so many more. As we come to the end of the book I realize that even if I didn't agree with some of the Ms. Nancy's points/examples/etc. this book has challenged me to the core and shaken the way I live. I know without the Truth of God's Word written on my heart I know nothing. Sure, I can "lie" my way through church, Christian-talk, etc but when it the dust settles if I do know know the Truth that is o-so-evident in every stinkin' page of my Bible I am nothing, I know nothing, and I am so easily deceived.

"We cannot assume a particular viewpoint is true just because everyone else thinks that way- or because it is what we have always believed, or because a well-known Christian author promotes that position, or because a well-meaning friend or counselor says its right. Everything we believe and everything we do must be evaluated in the light of God's Word. That is our only absolute authority."

"We must learn the Truth, believe it, surrender to it, and live it out- even when it flies in the face of our culture. Then we must proclaim the Truth with boldness, conviction, and compassion, seeking to turn sinners from the error of their way and to restore those who have wandered from the Truth."

More than any other time in my entire life, I desire to know God's Word, to have it written on my heart, fresh on my mind, and following from my tongue. I desire to change the way I live, talk, and even pray so that it more truly reflects who God is and what He wants in my life. The power of His Word is radically changing my life. I pray that never changes. I pray that I remember this book, remember my desperation for the Word of God, and remember that it is only through reading and know His Word that I will conquer the lies of the Enemy.

"The Word of God is alive and powerful; it is medicine for troubled hearts and peace for plagued minds. It is a lamp for our feet and a light for out path. Whatever our need, whatever our circumstances, the Word of God is sufficient to meet that need. And it is sufficient to meet the needs of those we love."

"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free... If the son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:31-32, 36

2 Peter 3

verse 11-12: You out to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.

This chapter speaks of the time when the Lord returns. Many people will question when it will be and how long it is/will take {already happening} but Peter says God is just being patient so that no one will perish but "everyone will come to repentance." Wow. Thank you God. He speaks of us preparing for the day by "making every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with him," and to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

I know I don't think about such things everyday. Should I? Am I too comfortable living as part of this world? I think just asking the question answers it...

Lord, I pray that every day I make every effort to grow in who you are so that I may be ready for your return. I pray that I can be used as a tool in your goal of seeing everyone come to repentance. I pray that I never allow myself to be content here, that I always look forward to the new heaven and new earth that you have promised. Thank you for who you are and for your promise. Amen.

this week I've gotten sick. It doesn't happen very often so when it does it kind of overtakes me.ugh.

2 Peter 2 is about "False Teachers and Their Destruction" and man, is that destruction harsh.
verse 17-18 "Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and by appeaking to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error."
God knows what he is doing. He's got it all figured out. I pray that I found rest in that knowledge. I pray against these false teachers and that I will always be aware; that I may never fall into the trap of such a teacher.

[I have to blow my nose like every two seconds]

Lord, I come to you this morning with a heavy heart. Please be with Grandpa Huntley and Grandma Chris. You know what is happening, I do not. You know what will happen, I do not. I pray for strength and peace in their hearts right now; that they rely on only You. I pray for my momma that she would find rest in who you are and in all your promises. I'm at a loss for words God. Take this heart and make it new, make it true, make it like You. I put my life in Your hands. I pray my grandparents, my mom, and all those who are surrounding them can do the same.

2 Peter 1

verse 4: Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

I find it so AWEsome that God gives us everything we need for success. He provides every avenue of holiness. He provides a way out of the evil and into the goodness of his promises. But how do we pursue those promises?

verse 5-8: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness, and to goodness knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, godliness; and to godlines, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they wil keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I wonder how often I have been ineffective and unproductive in my knowlege of Jesus...? Way to often!

Lord, I pray that every day I increase in goodness, knowledge, self-control, godliness, mutual affection [ok, don't really know what that means...], and love. I want to participate in Your divine nature! I want to always be effective and productive in my knowledge of who You are.

1 Peter 4 & 5

[Feeling a little frustrated with life today...]
4 verse 7- The end of all things is near you. Therefore be alert and of sober might so that you may pray.

just pray.

Peter talks a lot about suffering. yes, there are very small ways that I am suffering. but not because I am a Christian. I really can't even imagine that. I am so blessed with my community, this country, and my freedom.
my problems seems pretty small in comparison to someone living in the 1st century being persecuted.... yea, my problems seem pretty small...

God, I pray for clarity.

1 Peter 3 talks a lot about the character of a believer. Peter is describing the ways in which a believer should live, act, etc.

For wives, [that includes me!] I should be submissive, pure, reverent, beauty should come from within, gentle and quiet spirit, hope is in God; all of these things describe a holy woman.

Peter also calls us to be like-minded (with other believers), be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble, repay evil with blessing, and to be ready to answer questions about our faith with gentleness and respect.

Man, whoever said being a Christian was easy had no idea!
It is crazy to me that everyday I fail in one [or more!] of these characteristics. How often do I fail to submit to Manny, rarely am I gentle or quiet in spirit, pure-fail, reverent-rarely, humble-no, sympathetic-so often I judge first...

Lord, please keep these words, these characteristics on my heart so that I may be sickly aware of my sin and my need for a Savior. I long to be holy in your sight.

1 Peter 2

verse 4-8: As you come to him, the living Stone- rejected by human beings but chosen by God and precious to him- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

"See, I lay a stone in Zion,

a chosen and precious cornerstone,

and the one who trusts in him

will never be put to shame."

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

"The stone the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,

and,

"A stone that causes people to stumble

and a rock that makes them fall."

They stumble because they disobey the message- which is also what they were destined for.

So it took me some time to figure this out. But these verses stood out to me. I wanted to figure out what Peter meant...

So Christ is the living Stone, with Him as the cornerstone- the foundation, we (the body of Christ) are stones adding and building to His temple. We are a part of the holy priesthood offering sacrifices of holiness and righteousness to God through Jesus Christ.

I want to be holy. I want to live a righteous life. Lord, I pray that I may build up your temple, your kingdom everyday.

what am I truly thankful for?

the Word of God.
inspired. TRUE. blessed. LIFE-GIVING. worshipful.
I need more of God. I need more of the Holy Spirit filling me up. everyday. I need the truth of God's Word written on my heart. I desire to know only God SO much more.
Every day, every week, every night I get frustrated with myself- I let my lazy, sinful, worldly ways get in the way of truly, deeply knowing God. knowing His Word.
I need to change. I need to change. I need a new routine. I need to change. I need to make the Word of God my true priority. [NOT reading emails, facebooks, other blogs]

So what will I do? This blog will be my accountability. Every morning, just as I do now, I will get on the computer, but this time with my Bible by side and instead of reading emails, facebook, and other blogs, I will read and journal about what God is teaching me through His Word. Every-stinking-day I WILL.

So here we go. Day 1.
1 Peter. chapter 1.

verse 14-16. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
be holy in all you do. be set apart in all you do. be set apart in all I do. in everything I do I must be holy, be set apart, be different from this world, because He is holy. in everything I do, I must be set apart, be holy. as I nanny, in class, as a small group leader, as a wife, as a daughter, and friend. even when I drive, go to the store, or blog. I must be set apart for the world. BECAUSE HE IS HOLY.

verse 23- 25. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For,

All people are like grass,

and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;

the grass withers and the flowers fall,

but the word of the Lord endures forever.

Seems pretty fitting. I need that enduring Word of God in my life. in my heart. in my words.

Lord,
THANK YOU for Your Word. that it is living. that is enduring. that I even have the opportunity to read it. to soak it in. to apply it in my life. to memorize it. to speak it. I pray that you would fill me up. fill me up with your Spirit, your Word, your promises, your life.
More of you and less of me.