Things the Lord is showing me right now

Start taking notes on the sermons given in church. On Mondays, take the specific points and/ or scriptures from within the notes that the Lord has laid upon my heart and type them and post around the house.

I am to soak up like a sponge each bit of scripture. I am to read only the Bible and concordances for right now. (With the exception of finishing the Karen Kingsbury book I am ¾ the way through and the book God specifically called me to order from Christianbook.com) After those books, only Bible and nothing else.

I am to highly guard the content that plays on my television. Both for my children and myself. Also the content that comes through my front door.

The Lord wants to do a mighty work in me. He told me: Daughter, you are a beautiful and gorgeous lady on the outside. You need to "wear" that knowledge and carry yourself as so, because it is so. Do not look at your body and think about how you want to change your weight. I love you the way you are. You are desirable to your husband. Do not worry. The inside of you, Daughter, your heart is what I want to change. You are cracked and dry and hardened by the things of your past. Those things that have happened have caused you to be angry and resentful and though you try to be happy, this is affecting your outlook on life. Anger is a sin. Anger is ugly, and I want you to have no part of it. You must let it go, cast it off. I will help make it a foreign thing to you and to your heart. Another thing; do not be so quick to judge others. For though they may seem ugly on the outside or even like they have it all together on the outside, I am doing a work on their hearts. Can't you see it matters not what is outside? It is a heart issue. Every time. I will teach you how to be skillful at approaching those subjects/problems you used to approach with anger in a different manner. To learn this, my daughter, you must get your head in My Word. Focus on it. Devour it. To say "soak it up" does not begin to tell you how to do it. I want more than that from you. I will make you voracious for my Word. Memorize it. Hide it in your heart. The second thing you must do is be silent before Me. I cannot speak to you if you are not silent before Me. I want to tell you so much more than this. But you must listen. I speak to the quiet places of your heart. It is there that you will find me. It is there you will be able to discern My will from yours and from Satan's. The more you listen and are silent before Me, the more easily you will discern and recognize the difference between the voices. You are so easily swayed right now by confusion. This will be no more if you heed my instructions. You will know exactly what to do in each situation.

I love you. You are my daughter and I love you very much. Consider this message a message of joy and love that will change your life, ignite your heart and grow your spirit. ~ God


Please be gentle, careful and loving with your comments. This is the most personal thing I have ever shared on my blog.

Also, Proverbs 9: 10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” I will be doing a study on this verse and what it means to fear the Lord in the near future.

What celebrity do YOU most look like?

I heard about a website from the christian radio station Air One. It has a free service where you can upload a picture from your computer of yourself or a family member and it will scan the picture and do a cross-reference of sorts to show you out of 3,500 most popular people of the world whom you most look like. I found that it mainly goes on the smile. See what you can come up with. Just a little bit of fun, but be forwarned: you may want to set a timer -- this can take up a lot of time if you really get sucked in to these things.

So who did they say I most look like? Anne Hathaway, Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts. I found it interesting that it showed Emma Watson for both myself and my daughter. Also, she had one that was the same as my husband as well. (Yes, you can choose after the scan male, female or both.) Its not entirely what I would call accurate, but it is fun. Click here if you want to go directly to the site. The address (in case you want it for later) is: www.myheritage.com

I did read through the "EULA" or the "Terms and Conditions" and it didn't seem bad. (No profanity, nudity, or copyrighted stuff.) Its free to sign up.
(Note: I will soon be posting my picture and then you can judge for yourself.)

Are you a slacker mom?

That's what was asked of me. I thought nothing of it at first and then decided to take the quiz.


Its not as bad as it sounds. Or maybe it is. I guess I scored pretty well. I don't usually do these things, but I can throw caution to the wind ~ once in a while! :) {FYI: It's meant to be fun, nothing serious.} If you do this, please share your results with me! :)

Here are my results:

Your quiz results make you a Zen Mom. How do you do it? Even when explosions are all around, you are able to take a deep cleansing breath and chant your mantra "this too shall pass." You are a calming influence on your kids in a hectic world.

Take this free personality test by Clicking Here>> or going to www.areyouaslackermom.com

Psalm 121 (NIV)

A song of ascents.
1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Speaks for itself. I cannot add anything to make it relate better. This is like a healing balm to my soul in the wake of what has happened and what lies ahead for my little boy. Praise the LORD!

Pediatric Gastroenterologist

Yep! That's where our pediatrician sent us. They said that it may be a food allergy, but since it was "tummy trouble" that he was having they wanted us to go to this kind of dr first. Then he could handle the allergy if there was one and if he needed allergy testing, that specialist would refer us out. On Wednesday when we went to the pediatrician and they found a cancellation at the pediatric gastroenterologists office for the next day! It usually takes about 1 month to get in, so can you see God's hand in this already? (For those of you who don't know what that kind of a doctor is, its a doctor that specializes in the tummys and digestion for children.) :) The doctor was very patient with DS#1. You can tell that kids are his specialty. He checked for blood in the stool. An immediate test. None. Whew! Thank you Lord Jesus! The next thing was to get an endoscopy from both ends. That is a scope done of his esophogus (throat) and stomach (to check for acid reflux and ulcers) and a scope done of his colon and lower intestine. He commented that it could be a resistant bug that won't leave, or acid reflux. Didn't mention anything else, although I know they will be probably looking for polyps and stuff. Once again, there was the ability to schedule soon, so the scopes will be done next Thursday. I will have the 40 minute drive for this one, though. Please pray that my son will be able to hold down the magnesium citrate that I will be giving him the day before. If he throws that up, I will have to give him a pediatric fleets enema. Yuck! But I will do ANYTHING for my son to help him! Doctor said that the upper scope would take one to two minutes and the lower no more than 5 to 10. However, they are going to be using general anesthesia and putting my little baby under. :( Now, I have faith in my regular pediatrician's office that they will send us to excellent specialists, but....it seems so sad that my baby has to have problems at such a young age! Each time I feel burdened with this; I fervently pray about it that the Lord's will be done and that he will be guiding the doctor's hands. That DS will wake up right away from the anesthesia with no problems. Please be in agreeance with my DH and myself on that day! BTW (by the way), DH will be taking the day off work to stay at home with the other two kids. (To understand more about this post and how things started, click here then scroll up.)

The Innocence of a 2 1/2 year old!

I want to share with you a conversation that took place between myself and DS#1. IT may be a little explicit but I mean no disrespect to my son or anyone reading this. I found it hillarious! It will be a great story to share with his future wife! Here goes:
DS:"Mom-mom! Help me peese! Got pdsklfasj (unknown word) im my bahow. (butthole) Here look with dis." And he hands me the focusing-part of my Easy Show Projector from when I was a kid. [Now I know that there was no way he could know that it was a magnifying glass of sorts! We haven't been able to get the projector to work in over a year.]
Me:"What?!" As I turn to look at him, he is bent over. I never knew a kid could bend over so far that his place "where the sun don't shine" could actually be pointed to the heavens and the sun could shine on it! For it was pointed straight up! Trying not to show the fact that I was alarmed and chuckling, I said "Whoa there! Now what is going on?" At this point, he has my FULL attention.
DS:"I got something, a p-jklelshghn. Its in my bahow, mom-mom! GET IT OUT! PEESE! I looked and saw nothing. I said "Buddy, you're clean as a whistle. There's nothing there. What are you tryin' to say, though. Poopy, puddle, puzzle, potty..." I could tell the word was starting with a 'p'. He was getting frustrated. He said:"It has one, two, free legs, mom-mom! Look!" And woump! There he is bent over again! I said, "Buddy. Really, there is nothing there." DS:"Mom-mom!!! [then very slowly] it has one, two, free, four, fi, sick legs. [wiggles fingers like crawling bug legs].
Me:"Oh! You mean a spider!? No, honey. There's no spider on or in your butthole."
DS:"Uh huh! I can feel it! [bends over again and points] Right here!" At this point, his rear is again pointed skyward and he points to the wrinkly part.
Me(now laughing uncontrollably):"Buddy, you are fine. You have nothing to be scared of. That is your butthole. Its part of you and how God made you and me and all of us. Don't worry, honey. "
DS:"Ok, mom-mom. Need new diaper now."


Another thing happened today: I was in the bathroom. Usually my dear daughter comes in unannounced and uninvited. Today, much to my surprise, it was DS#1! He was mumbling something about his sister and the baby that I'm watching. I couldn't understand him, so I asked him to repeat. To which he said .[while tapping his index finger on his chin]Hmmm. [then scratches his head] Me no no (don't know) what me saying."

Too funny! I love my kids so much! I learn from them every day.

The Timothy Posts

I will no longer be posting every day on Timothy.

DS #1 and my hubby

In my daddy's truck! :)

Nanananananananana Batman!

DH by his work truck! I am soooooo proud of him! :)

Happy lil guy!

DS#2's New Look

(Offering me a piece of cheese!)

Here's his new 'do! How do you like it? We had to trim the bangs; they were poking his eyes and he was rubbing them a lot. Then the hair over his ears had to be cut. It was past his earlobes! So of course we had to cut the back so he didn't have a mullet! Ha!

My Little Girl is 5!

Boating/fishing with her Hampa and Daddy. She just loved soaking them!

Opening presents from Grammy and Hampa and other loved ones in Michigan. (Not all presents are for her, though. Some are for her littlest bro, too!)

My darling little girl! I love her so much! It is happy and sad that she is already 5! This fall brings kindergarten and riding the bus! I will miss her dearly as she will attend 5 days a week all day. She will really grow and mature, though. I feel a total peace about having enrolled her in public school. Homeschool is out on the horizon for this family, that we do know. The Lord God will tell us which kids and when. She is already wise beyond her years.

Here is a story I would like to share about her:

Just the other day, little girl said "Daddy! Watch! I can drink this whole cup of juice really fast!" [According to my DH, he started saying "Chug-A-Lug! Chug-A-Lug! Chug-A-Lug!"] to which she replied "Daddy. Thank you for saying that but I didn't need the encouragement! I could have done it all by myself!" DH:" Wow! That's a big word! What does that word mean to you?" DD:"It means like teamwork, Daddy. That's the best way I can describe it. Like a team." DH and I were shocked and amazed that she has grown up so much. She is learning new words from the Noggin show "Pinky Dinky Doo". It teaches new big words each day and how to use them correctly.

(*Note: her birthday was actually the 9th, but busyness with summer activities and computer problems has kept me from posting sooner.)

2 Timothy 1

5I am calling up memories of your sincere and unqualified faith (the [b]leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), [a faith] that first lived permanently in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am [fully] persuaded, [dwells] in you also.(AMP) I hope one day someone will say the same about the faith from my grandmother and mother has been passed on to me. You both are amazing ladies of God! I look up to you and all that you have been through!

7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.(NIV) I love this verse.

11-12This is the Message I've been set apart to proclaim as preacher, emissary, and teacher. It's also the cause of all this trouble I'm in. But I have no regrets. I couldn't be more sure of my ground—the One I've trusted in can take care of what he's trusted me to do right to the end. (MSG) Do you know of any christian now days that would truely profess to live like this? I'd like to say I do, but I'm not 100% when it gets down to the nitty gritty.

Please Pray for my baby

My DS#1. Ok. I know he isn't my baby baby, but he will always be my baby. All of my kids will be. Last night, he awoke at 11:45 with a stomach ache. I tried not to read too much into it and just gave him a gas antacid tablet. He awoke about an hour later. It seems that he has like stomach cramps. He was almost doubled over at times holding his stomach crying. Then about and hour after that (now 1:45 am), DH and I awoke at the same time to a cry we now know as the "I've just thrown up or I'm just about to throw up" cry. I asked DH if that was why he awoke or if it was because I was grumbling about being awoken 3 times in 3 hours (the first two times the crying awoke DS#2) and he said he awoke immediately from the way DS#1 was crying.

We know the routine well by now. The problem is that he didn't have any whole kernel corn. This is what the doctor thought he was allergic to. About 2 weeks ago is when he threw up and had diarrhea from kernel corn. After a trip to the doctors, it was decided that we wouldn't do allergy testing just yet. Well, now I think the time has come. He is 2 years and 9 months so I know it should be affective. Frustrating. And scared. That's how I'm feeling. Part of my brain tells me if I think about every aspect hard enough then I will be able to figure out what is going on. I know that I'm not a doctor, but still. Then another part of my brain says its probably just a food allergy and we will have to get him tested, then we'll know and we can stop feeding him things that are poisoning his body. But then I think either way, this is going to revolutionize things in the Baker household. Lots more cooking from scratch. Like I have the time! But yet I cannot afford not to. I will go to the ends of the earth and back for my baby. For any of my babies. I would do ANYTHING to make him better or help him to feel better. Then another part of my brain is afraid that we're not gonna find an answer as to what the problems are before something really bad happens. Then another part of my brain knows that God knows the plans He has in store for my family and my little boy. I try to cling to Jeremiah 29:11, but lots of times the other parts of my brain think too much and I worry. I know it is not of God. But still I do it. I worry that I'm going to worry myself crazy. Deep breath. I have asked my neighbor to find another babysitter for her daughter. I don't know if I've posted this before, but I took on another baby about a month ago. I did it to help, but mostly to supplement our income while DH was getting on his feet with his new job. Things are going quite well for him, so we no longer need the extra money, which is a WONDERFUL PRAISE REPORT, I must say. Right now, I just don't need the added stress. She is 2 days older than my youngest. (So 1.) Makes it very difficult to go anywhere with 4 kids ages 5 and under! My neighbor seemed to understand. I told her to find someone asap, but I don't want her tripling what I am charging just for my sake, unless that's what she chooses. Please pray for our family as the Lord leads. I will try to keep you all updated. I will be calling the doctors in a few minutes when they open.

1 Timothy 6

6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.(NIV) One of my favorite pastors in Michigan had bought a White Pontiac GTP. I believe it was loaded, and he got it when GTPs first came out. I cannot remember the entire story, but I believe it is related to this part of Scripture. He loved this car very much. It was a beautiful car. But he had to remember one thing: that he could not take it to heaven with him. So he put a red round sticker on his car to serve as a constant visual reminder to him that the car would, one day, burn and that we cannot allow ourselves to get obsessed with material possessions because when we are in heaven, all our "stuff" would be staying here. (I am not sure if I got all the details of this right, but I know that was what he did and the reason why. Perhaps my DH will come on as my guest storyteller later....)

11But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen. (NIV) This part in the NIV is called "Paul's charge to Timothy" and it seems quite hefty to me. But you know what? It gives me not just hope, but fills me with excitement to know that this same charge given to Timothy we can still carry today. Its like a torch to be continuously carried on for all of time.

20Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. (NIV) People, please be careful. There are so many people out there that will try to distract you. They believe their way is correct. They believe they know the future. Please don't depend on anyone but God and His word to direct you. Be discerning in what you allow into your home. Not just your homes, but the conversations you take part in. Constantly hold it up to the Word of God and see if it measures up. If it does not, discard it or stop the conversation. This is my prayer for you.

Does Anyone Know?

I am looking for a website that compares secular versus christian music. For instance:
If you like Nickelback, try Scott Stapp (from Creed). Please post comment if you know of such a site. Thanks!

1 Timothy 5

8a If anyone fails to provide for his relatives, and especially for those of his own family, he has disowned the faith [by failing to accompany it with fruits].(AMP) This is good. The Bible also says in 3 places that faith without works is useless: James 2:18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.(NIV) // James 2:20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?(NIV) // James 2:26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (NIV)Good stuff to remember!

11As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. // 14So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.(NIV) How do you interpret this? It seems sort of contradicting. First saying that they have broken a pledge by marrying a second time, then saying he counsels them to marry. I thought sure that when a spouse died you were released from the pledge of marriage and that this was the one and only situation where God was clear that remarriage was ok.

16Any Christian woman who has widows in her family is responsible for them. They shouldn't be dumped on the church. The church has its hands full already with widows who need help.(MSG) To what extent, do you think, are we responsible?

21I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.
22Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.(NIV) Here, it seems like Paul is telling Timothy in the NIV translation that its ok to drink wine because of being sick a lot from the water. History tells us that water in Biblical times was full of bacteria and sickness and this was the primary reason for them drinking wine. Not for the relaxed feeling that most people here in America drink it. In fact, many other countries around the world still do this because their tap water isn't up to the standards for drinking like ours is. 23Drink water no longer exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.(AMP) This version seems like Paul is saying it is ok as well.

Father God, thank you for your rules. Although they may seem hard to follow, we know that You know what is best for us and You have our best interests in mind. Help us to be mindful of your Holy Spirit and to seek Your face daily. Keep us in Your word, Lord. Give us the unquenchable desire for You. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Praise The Lord

1Praise the Lord [Hebrew Hallelu Yah]
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.

2Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and the lyre,

4praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,

5praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

6Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. [Hallelu Yah]
Praise the LORD. [Hallelu Yah]

Bad Attitude

Today, I have a bad attitude. Don't know if it's a funk or what. I do not feel I can post on 1 Timothy 5 objectively with an open mind. Some things are going on in there right now that would prevent me from hearing God's Word. Maybe I will post it later today, maybe tomorrow. Please keep me in your prayers as the Holy Spirit directs. I am frustrated.

1 Timothy 4

1The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.(NIV) I don't want to read into this, but I wonder if this portion of scripture includes some false prophets that are masquerading as tele-evangelists? There are SOME that are false prophets. Now, that is my opinion. I do not mean to offend anyone. But come on, people! Let's be real! Those evangelists that are out their for their own agenda that preach only 'health and wealth'....I have to wonder. I could go on and on about that but I won't. Just be careful who you listen to. If you do watch teleevangelists, ask God to give you a discerning heart.

7Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever.(MSG)7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.(NIV) This is speaking to us to lean on God and His Word and not get caught up in the world around us for ways to be healed. Check out my friend Kellie's blog. Read her entry for Sunday, July 16th. It really applies to this. And how about the Message calling it "spiritual flabbiness"? Too funny, yet we all can clearly get the picture of the metaphor!

12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. This could almost be my anthem for doing this study. I am doing my best to do these things. Are you???

Dear Lord, please be with me today. Thank you for giving us your Scripture so that we know how you want us to live our lives. I ask that you would guide me so that I don't misguide others, God. I only want to do Your will in Your timing. Speak to my readers today, God. Impart wisdom to them. Speak clearly to their hearts. Allow them to soak up your word. Keep us all humble, Lord Jesus. It's in Your Name I pray; Amen.

1 Timothy 3

2Now the overseer must be above reproach...(NIV) according to dictionary.com, the word reproach means 1to express disapproval of, criticism of, or disappointment in (someone). 2to bring shame upon; disgrace. I just wanted to clarify the word. I knew that I understood the concept, but wanted a clearer view.
6He must not be a new convert, or he may [develop a beclouded and stupid state of mind]...(AMP) I thought that was kind of a funny way of explaining it, but very true. We all succumb to this once in a while, especially when our emotions get in the way, right?
9They must possess the mystic secret of the faith...(AMP) I don't like that version. To me, mystic secret sounds like its dark and evil. But who am I?
13Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.(NIV) I always thought that we were all viewed the same in God's eyes. Hmmmm.....
Overall, this chapter gives good teaching on what is expected of the leaders of the church and how they should live in order to remain upright and godly. But what happens when you know of a leader or pastor in a church that is very much not living a godly life? Do you only pray for them? Or do you approach them? What about if its in another church than the one you are attending? ***PLEASE NOTE: I AM NOT SPEAKING ABOUT ANYONE IN MY CHURCH FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO KNOW ME IRL (IN REAL LIFE). *** But I do know a church or two that I believe is unfruitful because of the pastor/leader(s) in it.

Dear Lord, please be with those you have called into ministry today. Speak to their hearts, Lord God. I pray that the Holy Spirit would convict them when and where needed and would either drop them to their knees or hit them over the head with a two by four if necessary. Help them to realize that there are souls at stake that they are responsible for if they mislead them. Allow them to live a life holy and pleasing to you, Lord. In Jesus Heavenly Name, Amen.

1 Timothy 2

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.(NIV) This is such a good reminder for us to pray for our government. Did you know that today is President Bush's 60th birthday? This is not a coincidence that I am reading this today! :) I understand why the Bible says "pray continually" (1Thessalonians 5:7). Think of all the things outside our little bubbles where we live! You cannot stay silent. Our lives should be continual prayer. I love to pray for people, but I don't like praying out loud if there are more than one or two people. I found myself a few years back saying to everyone who said "pray for me....." that I would pray for them. But then I'd forget. It made me feel sad, and like I'd let that person down. So, a wise person (I cannot remember who) advised that when someone approaches you and asks for prayer, that you tell them you will pray for them as the Holy Spirit leads you. That means that you are living in sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and when he places a person on your heart that you will pray as He leads. This works out much better, and still conveys that you care about the person and their situation.

8 I desire therefore that in every place men should pray, without anger or quarreling or resentment or doubt [in their minds], lifting up holy hands. (AMP) This is good, but this 9Also [I desire] that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with [elaborate] hair arrangement or gold or pearls or expensive clothing,
10But by doing good deeds (deeds in themselves good and for the good and advantage of those contacted by them), as befits women who profess reverential fear for and devotion to God.
11Let a woman learn in quietness, in entire submissiveness.
12I allow no woman to teach or to have authority over men; she is to remain in quietness and keep silence [in religious assemblies].
13For Adam was first formed, then Eve;14And it was not Adam who was deceived, but [the] woman who was deceived and deluded and fell into transgression. 15Nevertheless [the sentence put upon women of pain in motherhood does not hinder their souls' salvation, and] they will be saved [eternally] if they continue in faith and love and holiness with self-control, [saved indeed] through the Childbearing or by the birth of the divine Child. (AMP) This confused me. First, from biblical days to the present - the clothing has changed almost immeasurably. What is now considered modest in clothing would still probably be considered immodest in biblical times. I did not realize that jewelry was wrong. Second, I did not know the Bible specifically said anything about women teaching over men. My sister-in-law is a pastor (and married to one), although she is not currently preaching. There are different denominations that do allow women pastors. I wonder why? My mom leads a couples bible study, does that mean she is wrong to do so? Third, I did not know that childbirth had anything to do with salvation. ? Well, there is the obvious -- that being the birth of Christ Jesus, and maybe that's what Paul is saying here. Maybe I am reading into this too literally, but I can't understand it.

Dear Lord, please reveal your Word to me. Help me to understand its meaning so that I can apply it to my life today. Please be with our President today, bless him and keep him safe. Allow him to have an enjoyable day. Please be with our service men and women. Guard them. Go before them, and allow them to seek you as they make decisions regarding the war. Be with the other offices of our government, Lord. I pray that you would bring more honest, christian men and women into office and that your divine will be carried out. In Jesus name, Amen.

Surprise!

Betcha didn't see that one coming, huh? Well, what do you all think? Do you like it? I am getting more and more comfortable with my Template, and I have made some updates. Check it out. Let me know if you're dazzled (or not). I know my Spiderman 3 timer isn't working yet....still learning. I haven't found out how to make it tick yet. More to come on that. I must be off to nighty-night land for now, though! Watch for more changes real soon......

1 Timothy 1

(NIV) v9We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine. Don't we all fall into this category? So we are all unrighteous, and full of sin. Dictionary.com defines righteous as 'Morally upright; without guilt or sin'.

Then we see in verse 15 how we can be made righteous: 15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Did you notice in verse 17 the excitement from Paul? I can relate to his personality! Very exuberant, full of life, (seemingly) talkative and one who sticks their neck out a lot.

(AMP) The last thing that struck me was v19b and 20 By rejecting and thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith.
20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be disciplined [by punishment and learn] not to blaspheme. I found this to be quite interesting. Like, what does that mean, exactly? Is it figurative- That those two have gone astray from the faith, maybe backslidden, and Paul isn't trying to stop them? Or something else?

Father God, thank you for Your Word. Thank you for the work that you have begun in my life. Please continue to speak to me and allow your Word to be alive and fresh to me each day. Thank you is just not enough for your Son's life. We are wholly and completely unworthy of your love, yet you, oh Lord, love us unconditionally and desire us to be with you. I desire to learn how to love like that. Bless this time as I post these studys, Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Studying the Bible

I will be doing a study on 1 and 2 Timothy. A chapter a day, Monday thru Friday. I will be posting my thoughts from the reading on this blog. Anyone can join me. I'm not trying to copy Amanda, but I was held more accountable and I actually chewed on what I was reading and processed when I had to post my thoughts. My quiet time has digressed since we finished the Phillipians study, and I have prayed about this a lot. I feel that regardless if anyone joins me or not, at least I will be posting and it will cause me to dwell on God's Word.

I will be reading from BibleGateway. I feel led to read each chapter from these versions each day: New International Version (NIV), then The Message (MSG), then the Amplified Bible (AMP). Plus, it causes me to read the chapter 3 times, and also to slow down so it will soak in. I may not post thoughts on each of the different versions every time, but know that I am reading each version each day. If you are joining me, you may read whatever version you want and then post your thoughts. (let me know what version you read out of when you post). I am doing this in hopes to get a more thorough and complete understanding of God's Word so that I can apply it to my everyday life. Its my desire to get to know and understand Him more.

My Baby is 1!

Yes, it's true! My baby is one! Today has been a reflection of the past year. Back to my pregnancy with him, my easy labor and delivery. (Look for more on that to come.) Then I think to my other two children, about my pregnancies with them and the deliveries and all the milestones. Today, I was able to go shopping for free birthday cake, a few gifts for each child (DD will be 5 next Sunday, and we didn't want DS#1 to feel left out.) We celebrated with DH's parents by eating homemade lasagna, garlic bread and chocolate cake. Maybe I can post pics tomorrow. My mother-in-law brought some wedding pictures from various family members; so fun to remenisce! Then, to end the day, we received a phone call from a dear old friend from Michigan!!!! He will be taking a road trip to come see us and be here tomorrow night by dinnertime! We are sooooooooo thrilled! Can't wait! We miss Michigan A WHOLE LOT!!!! (For those of you that don't know, we moved to Ohio 2 years ago for my DH work.) Our friend will be here overnight until at least sometime on Monday, or maybe till Tuesday. DH will have to work Monday, but the kids and I will show him the lake, maybe go on a trailwalk. So thrilled!!! More to come!