Give thanks.
With a grateful heart.
Give thanks.
In humility.
Give thanks.
With awe for what our God has done.
Give thanks.
For your family.
Give thanks.
For all the friends you have.
Give thanks.
Never forgetting, our God is so good.
Give thanks.
Not reservedly.
Give thanks.
With all that is within your soul.
Give thanks.
With awe for what our God has done.
Give thanks.
That Jesus saved you.
Give thanks.
For the complete victory.
Give thanks.
Never forgetting, our God is so good.
Give thanks.
*What is your favorite song of thanksgivng or praise this season?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
What a Mighty God We Serve! - Sudan Digest 1
We've been home from Sudan now for a week. I'm still not sure I can believe it is over. God did wonderful things in the villages of Southern Sudan and in and through the lives of our team.
I've been avoiding posting pictures partly in an effort to wait for photos from other team members :), but also becuase I wasn't sure I was ready to publicly discuss the things that those pictures represent. Last night, I felt it was time to begin the public digest. Maybe this will be the first and last, I don't know. But for now, it gives me a place to glorify God for all that He is and all He is doing.
It's just a highlight summary, but it's what I've got today. God is a mighty God, and I praise Him for everything He has done on this grip.
· Rain drops so big it seemed I could walk between them.
· Tucking myself in every night into my very own “canopy” bed.
· Passing out sandwiches, boiled eggs, and crackers to the villagers at lunch.
· Showering by head lamp early each morning, only after Justin checked for bugs.
· Sharing the gospel in the shade of trees, and at the home of many families.
· Shaking innumerable hands of new friends
· Calming an upset orphan boy simply by rocking him and holding him close.
· Teaching primary school kids how to make elephant trunks for Noah’s Ark.
· Eating pork and chips, rice and beans, fried eggs and bread.
· Bumping up and down out of dirt road potholes
· Worshiping Jesus under the mango trees
· Responding to Christ’s divine appointments
· Watching as the Lord confirmed His Word by laying it on my heart, and then later also on the hearts of others on the team
· Baby goats.
· Termite mounds.
· Teak wood.
· Humble testimonies and genuine questions.
· Being mistaken for a Chinese person
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Humility
Without my Savior, where would I be,
Without His mercy, that covers me?
Should guilt befall my soul too great,
Not one step more, be able to take.
A wall would grow, one step at a time,
Above my heart, my strength and my mind.
Instead His mercy, unearned; undeserved,
Rained down my cheek; warm, unreserved.
Rains down my cheek, trickles off my nose,
All down my arms, puddling at my toes.
Not a sprinkle, this love; an undying flood,
Flows from His hand, eternally above.
And paints a portrait, too beautiful to see,
His righteousness, grace, enveloping me.
Not quickly or briefly, once here and now gone,
But daily, continually, on and on.
May my heart not forget His transformation,
And ne'er forsake this so great salvation.
In humility bow, with sincerity glowing,
Thankful life in His hand, eternally growing.
Without my Savior, where would I be?
But in His mercy, He sanctifies me!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Kajo Keji, Sudan
June, 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
Greetings from Texas! We hope this note finds you well and enjoying the beginning of yet another summer. Justin and I are doing well and thankful for each new thing the Lord brings to us in our jobs, family, and church community. The purpose of this note is to share with you what God has laid on our hearts as His plan for us this summer.
Justin and I have answered a call to join our church on a mission trip to Kajo Keji in southern Sudan, August 4-14th. Our trip will be lead by e3 Partners Ministry, and together we will take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Kajo Keji.
Our team will partner with national churches and believers to target areas that are unreached with the Gospel, and use discipleship to encourage the church and assist with church planting efforts. Each day we will team up with several national believers, including a translator, and go out to share Christ with those in surrounding villages. One aspect of the trip I (Kari) am really excited about is women’s ministry: sharing Jesus with mom’s and their children.
As a young girl, I remember having a desire to visit Africa for missions as early as middle school, and see this open door as the beginning of fulfillment of what God laid on my heart several years ago. Justin is excited about the cross-cultural experience and about seeing the Holy Spirit work in ways that are different than in West Plano, Texas. It has been our desire as a couple to find ways to serve the Lord together, and we are very humbled and excited for this ministry opportunity for God’s glory.
We would like to ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with us on this mission trip. First, would you commit to praying for us? We covet the prayers of other believers as we prepare, plan, travel, and serve. Second, would you ask God if He would have you support us financially?
The remaining cost for us to both make the trip is $7,360.00. Our goal is to reach at least half of the funds by the beginning of July. We believe God is calling us to go, however we know that this can only happen if others sense God's calling to send us. As it says in Romans 10:13-15:
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of who they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' "
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration of this request. We look forward to seeing how the Lord will move as we take this step of faith. Your prayer and financial support are a blessing to us, as well as to many who will have an opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel as a result of your support.
Love in Christ,
Kari and Justin
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for prayerfully considering financeial support. If you would like to give, you can donate by check, or online. If you send a check, please make it payable to e3 Partners Ministry and send your contribution to 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2600, Plano, TX 75075. You will need to enter the name “Kari Copling” along with the trip code SD10N in the subject line to ensure that it is processed in a timely manner. Your gift will be placed in an account under our name. You can also make payments online at www.e3partners.org. Under the “Give” menu, you will need to click “Donate today.” Please follow the instructions given. You will need to enter either Kari Copling and the trip code SD10N after checking “Other” as the “Designation.” All gifts are tax deductible, and e3 Partners then will send you a tax receipt.
Thank you and God bless you for your faithfulness!
Dear Friends and Family,
Greetings from Texas! We hope this note finds you well and enjoying the beginning of yet another summer. Justin and I are doing well and thankful for each new thing the Lord brings to us in our jobs, family, and church community. The purpose of this note is to share with you what God has laid on our hearts as His plan for us this summer.
Justin and I have answered a call to join our church on a mission trip to Kajo Keji in southern Sudan, August 4-14th. Our trip will be lead by e3 Partners Ministry, and together we will take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Kajo Keji.
Our team will partner with national churches and believers to target areas that are unreached with the Gospel, and use discipleship to encourage the church and assist with church planting efforts. Each day we will team up with several national believers, including a translator, and go out to share Christ with those in surrounding villages. One aspect of the trip I (Kari) am really excited about is women’s ministry: sharing Jesus with mom’s and their children.
As a young girl, I remember having a desire to visit Africa for missions as early as middle school, and see this open door as the beginning of fulfillment of what God laid on my heart several years ago. Justin is excited about the cross-cultural experience and about seeing the Holy Spirit work in ways that are different than in West Plano, Texas. It has been our desire as a couple to find ways to serve the Lord together, and we are very humbled and excited for this ministry opportunity for God’s glory.
We would like to ask you to prayerfully consider partnering with us on this mission trip. First, would you commit to praying for us? We covet the prayers of other believers as we prepare, plan, travel, and serve. Second, would you ask God if He would have you support us financially?
The remaining cost for us to both make the trip is $7,360.00. Our goal is to reach at least half of the funds by the beginning of July. We believe God is calling us to go, however we know that this can only happen if others sense God's calling to send us. As it says in Romans 10:13-15:"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of who they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!' "
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration of this request. We look forward to seeing how the Lord will move as we take this step of faith. Your prayer and financial support are a blessing to us, as well as to many who will have an opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel as a result of your support.
Love in Christ,
Kari and Justin
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for prayerfully considering financeial support. If you would like to give, you can donate by check, or online. If you send a check, please make it payable to e3 Partners Ministry and send your contribution to 2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2600, Plano, TX 75075. You will need to enter the name “Kari Copling” along with the trip code SD10N in the subject line to ensure that it is processed in a timely manner. Your gift will be placed in an account under our name. You can also make payments online at www.e3partners.org. Under the “Give” menu, you will need to click “Donate today.” Please follow the instructions given. You will need to enter either Kari Copling and the trip code SD10N after checking “Other” as the “Designation.” All gifts are tax deductible, and e3 Partners then will send you a tax receipt.
Thank you and God bless you for your faithfulness!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
I love being random!
Random thoughts of today…
I love it that people at Starbucks will play along with me when I accidentally pull out my AAA card for payment. “You guys don’t take that, do you?” I asked, smiling at my own ridiculousness.
“What was it?”
“A ‘AAA’ card.”
“No," he said. "Only on weekends.”
The only thing that would have made that day better was if he had given me my drink for free :)
I love it when you meet someone and you just know you are kindred spirits. Things just click, and you understand each other in a special way even though the friendship is new.
I love old friendships that are comfortable and reliable. Honesty prevails, and even when one of you is uncharacteristically spontaneous, it isn’t stressful, but rather an absolute blast.
I love it when little kids say exactly what they are thinking. “Is that a hat?” my nephew sincerely asked me at lunch one day.
“Is this a hat?” I asked, pointing to the chandelier over head.
“No, is that a hat?” His little stature is completely facing upwards from his chair beside me and he points to something seemingly above my head. Turning to look, I try to identify what he could possibly think resembles a hat.
“Is that a hat?” Again, I point toward the ceiling. Dissatisfied with my suggestion, he tries one more time, pointing up over him and toward the ceiling.
“Is THIS a hat?” I said pointing to the top of my own head.
“Yes!”
I almost died laughing! “No, this is not a hat. That’s my HAIR, Silly!!” Apparantly he didn't appreciate my fashionable do!
I love phone conversations with family, especially when conversation leads to laughter!
I love that I married the most amazing man ever, and that he loves me as Christ loves me.
I love that our God is gracious enough to allow pleasure in the small things, to plan perfect timing in conversations and emails, to provide financially and physically, to give us His written word-alive and active, to love us when we’re unlovable, and to save us when we are beyond reach.
I love that God IS love, and that we were created in His image to love Him and others above all else, and that because He loves us, we can fulfill what we were created for!
I love it that people at Starbucks will play along with me when I accidentally pull out my AAA card for payment. “You guys don’t take that, do you?” I asked, smiling at my own ridiculousness.
“What was it?”
“A ‘AAA’ card.”
“No," he said. "Only on weekends.”
The only thing that would have made that day better was if he had given me my drink for free :)
I love it when you meet someone and you just know you are kindred spirits. Things just click, and you understand each other in a special way even though the friendship is new.
I love old friendships that are comfortable and reliable. Honesty prevails, and even when one of you is uncharacteristically spontaneous, it isn’t stressful, but rather an absolute blast.
I love it when little kids say exactly what they are thinking. “Is that a hat?” my nephew sincerely asked me at lunch one day.
“Is this a hat?” I asked, pointing to the chandelier over head.
“No, is that a hat?” His little stature is completely facing upwards from his chair beside me and he points to something seemingly above my head. Turning to look, I try to identify what he could possibly think resembles a hat.
“Is that a hat?” Again, I point toward the ceiling. Dissatisfied with my suggestion, he tries one more time, pointing up over him and toward the ceiling.
“Is THIS a hat?” I said pointing to the top of my own head.
“Yes!”
I almost died laughing! “No, this is not a hat. That’s my HAIR, Silly!!” Apparantly he didn't appreciate my fashionable do!
I love phone conversations with family, especially when conversation leads to laughter!
I love that I married the most amazing man ever, and that he loves me as Christ loves me.
I love that our God is gracious enough to allow pleasure in the small things, to plan perfect timing in conversations and emails, to provide financially and physically, to give us His written word-alive and active, to love us when we’re unlovable, and to save us when we are beyond reach.
I love that God IS love, and that we were created in His image to love Him and others above all else, and that because He loves us, we can fulfill what we were created for!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Excuse me while I enjoy some good schmooz...
Sometimes I am starkly reminded of the reason I was an English Major in College. Not only do I love to read and write, but I also just have a love of words, different languages and how they relate to one another.
During my weekly Starbucks study session this morning (perhaps a future blog on this in general), I finished one of the most unique and educational books I have read for fun in a long time. It is well marked up, and will remain on my resource shelf for easy access: too much to remember, but so much that I wish I did.
The book, entitled Jewish Culture & Customs: A Sampler of Jewish Life, takes the reader through a top level review of all things Jewish. The last chapter covers some popular Yiddish words that are common amongst the Jewish people. Granted, some of these have made their way into our English language and some have not. Some, we have in our English vocabulary but with completely different meanings.
I am going to include several of my favorites below. Hopefully you will get a kick out of some of them as I did, and don’t be surprised if I use them in a future conversation with you!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bashert (Ba-SHERT): A common expression heard from the lips of Jewish people, “What will be will be.”
Boobe (BOO-bee): An affectionate term, similar to darling or honey. - This makes my top favorite list
Chutzpa (HOOT-spa): Having guts, gall, nerve or arrogance.
Ferblonjet (Fer-BLON-jet): Confused
Fermished (Fer-MISHED): Bewildered
Fress/Fresser (FRES-ser): To eat a lot; one who eats a lot (in enjoyment).
Mazel Tov (MAZ-el Tov): An expression of good luck or congratulations. – Anyone in the mood for “Fiddler on the Roof”?
Mensch (like- Bench): A good person; one who is helpful and kind –for Christians, Jesus is the ultimate Mensch-He did what He knew He was to do at all times: the will of His Father. This too, should be our goal.
Nosh/Noshing: A Snack/snacking
Schmooz (SHMOO-ze): Friendly chatter. -I enjoy a good nosh and schmooz with friends!
Yente (YEN-tee): A gossipy woman.
During my weekly Starbucks study session this morning (perhaps a future blog on this in general), I finished one of the most unique and educational books I have read for fun in a long time. It is well marked up, and will remain on my resource shelf for easy access: too much to remember, but so much that I wish I did.
The book, entitled Jewish Culture & Customs: A Sampler of Jewish Life, takes the reader through a top level review of all things Jewish. The last chapter covers some popular Yiddish words that are common amongst the Jewish people. Granted, some of these have made their way into our English language and some have not. Some, we have in our English vocabulary but with completely different meanings.
I am going to include several of my favorites below. Hopefully you will get a kick out of some of them as I did, and don’t be surprised if I use them in a future conversation with you!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bashert (Ba-SHERT): A common expression heard from the lips of Jewish people, “What will be will be.”
Boobe (BOO-bee): An affectionate term, similar to darling or honey. - This makes my top favorite list
Chutzpa (HOOT-spa): Having guts, gall, nerve or arrogance.
Ferblonjet (Fer-BLON-jet): Confused
Fermished (Fer-MISHED): Bewildered
Fress/Fresser (FRES-ser): To eat a lot; one who eats a lot (in enjoyment).
Mazel Tov (MAZ-el Tov): An expression of good luck or congratulations. – Anyone in the mood for “Fiddler on the Roof”?
Mensch (like- Bench): A good person; one who is helpful and kind –for Christians, Jesus is the ultimate Mensch-He did what He knew He was to do at all times: the will of His Father. This too, should be our goal.
Nosh/Noshing: A Snack/snacking
Schmooz (SHMOO-ze): Friendly chatter. -I enjoy a good nosh and schmooz with friends!
Yente (YEN-tee): A gossipy woman.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Scripture Memory
Well, this last two weeks went by so quickly and I didn't get to blog about the verse I have been working on. I have just finished working on 1 Peter 4:8-10 (see previous post), and am now working on a verse we girls are doing together in bible study. Mark 10:43b-45. It goes like this:
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (ESV)
May you be challenged this week to look at your co-workers and family in this way, and serve them. Find ways to put them first: humble yourself to bless them in Christ's name!!
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (ESV)
May you be challenged this week to look at your co-workers and family in this way, and serve them. Find ways to put them first: humble yourself to bless them in Christ's name!!
4G
"Grace, Grace. God's Grace.
Gace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin."
Not sure what else to say after that.
God loves me. God loves ME! Have you thought about that today? He loves you as His child, and will never leave you no matter how far away you run, and how hard you try to make Him give up on you. He won't. That's grace.
When I find myself getting giddy for no reason as I walk down the hall at work, and burst out in my best faux-British accent as I talk to myslef as if I were someone else: I have to smile because
I know that the only One who hears me is My Savior. He created me with all quirks, and maybe even smiles when I crack I myself up. That's Amazing.
The people God has placed in my life blow me away at times with their gifts, humility, friendship, marriages, and hearts of service. So many of them truly live out what God's Word says in 1 Peter 4:8-10 "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." That's Blessed.
"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled. "
Gace that will pardon and cleanse within.
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin."
Not sure what else to say after that.
God loves me. God loves ME! Have you thought about that today? He loves you as His child, and will never leave you no matter how far away you run, and how hard you try to make Him give up on you. He won't. That's grace.
When I find myself getting giddy for no reason as I walk down the hall at work, and burst out in my best faux-British accent as I talk to myslef as if I were someone else: I have to smile because
I know that the only One who hears me is My Savior. He created me with all quirks, and maybe even smiles when I crack I myself up. That's Amazing.
The people God has placed in my life blow me away at times with their gifts, humility, friendship, marriages, and hearts of service. So many of them truly live out what God's Word says in 1 Peter 4:8-10 "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." That's Blessed.
"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled. "
Saturday, February 20, 2010
"Oh yes I did!"
That's right. I did it. Something I never thought I would do. Maybe I will regret it, maybe I won't. It's too early to tell. Probably what I need is a picture taken. Then when I have had a couple of weeks to sleep on it I can look back and see what I did.
Likely I will laugh and say, "that's not so bad!" But the next time I try to do it, it just won't be the same.
I wore my favorite jeans with a dress!!! Ahh, there! I said it.
Not a formal wear to church on Sunday type dress, but an above the knee, cotton shirt-like dress. Pink.
You might not think that's a big deal, but let me explain. I have often wondered about it, and never been sure I'd seen it successfully pulled off. On the other hand I could definitely imagine it on a mannequin at New York and Co. or Forever 21, but at the same time, not everything you find on a mannequin should actually be worn in public.
In the corner of my mind I could also imagine someone thinking I was pregnant becuase of the "big shirt" effect: not cool. "But I don't look pregnant, do I?" (I'm not either, just in case that thought is crossing your mind right now. This mental rant is a normal occurance in my very UN-pregnant, female brain).
So, I finally decided I that since I wanted to wear something cute and create a new outfit from clothes already in my closet, I would hopefully be able to pull of the confident, trend-fashion gait as I left my apartment in a style I couldn't have imagined myself wearing 6 months ago.
And here I am. Sitting at Panera, enjoying this blog confession while simultaneously feeling "I did okay" and being grateful that I don't have a camera (and that I'm alone. :)
My wardrobe affirmation: As I walked into Panera, a lady walked out wearing (you guessed it) a long dress like shirt. The only problem...she was carrying a baby in her arms.
Likely I will laugh and say, "that's not so bad!" But the next time I try to do it, it just won't be the same.
I wore my favorite jeans with a dress!!! Ahh, there! I said it.
Not a formal wear to church on Sunday type dress, but an above the knee, cotton shirt-like dress. Pink.
You might not think that's a big deal, but let me explain. I have often wondered about it, and never been sure I'd seen it successfully pulled off. On the other hand I could definitely imagine it on a mannequin at New York and Co. or Forever 21, but at the same time, not everything you find on a mannequin should actually be worn in public.
In the corner of my mind I could also imagine someone thinking I was pregnant becuase of the "big shirt" effect: not cool. "But I don't look pregnant, do I?" (I'm not either, just in case that thought is crossing your mind right now. This mental rant is a normal occurance in my very UN-pregnant, female brain).
So, I finally decided I that since I wanted to wear something cute and create a new outfit from clothes already in my closet, I would hopefully be able to pull of the confident, trend-fashion gait as I left my apartment in a style I couldn't have imagined myself wearing 6 months ago.
And here I am. Sitting at Panera, enjoying this blog confession while simultaneously feeling "I did okay" and being grateful that I don't have a camera (and that I'm alone. :)
My wardrobe affirmation: As I walked into Panera, a lady walked out wearing (you guessed it) a long dress like shirt. The only problem...she was carrying a baby in her arms.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Promises in Truth
Psalm 3:3 "But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
"Sometimes when you live by faith, all you have are God's promises"--Jarrett Stephens
How full is your memory bank: can you claim the Lord's promises from memory when things are difficult? Practice putting God's Word in your heart. Do not students practice for the ACT in prepration for college? Do not athletes train for the big game? Is it not wise to build a savings account for emergencies? Should we not fill up our memory in preparation for the trials of life? Be prepared. Hide God's word in your heart, that you might have truth at your fingertips to claim in time of need!
"Sometimes when you live by faith, all you have are God's promises"--Jarrett Stephens
How full is your memory bank: can you claim the Lord's promises from memory when things are difficult? Practice putting God's Word in your heart. Do not students practice for the ACT in prepration for college? Do not athletes train for the big game? Is it not wise to build a savings account for emergencies? Should we not fill up our memory in preparation for the trials of life? Be prepared. Hide God's word in your heart, that you might have truth at your fingertips to claim in time of need!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Results are in...
..."Following all that the Lord my God has commanded" and not turning "to the right or to the left" is quite a challenge. (Last week's memory verses Deut. 5:32-33)
Last week's scripture memory has been one of my favorite verses to think on in terms of God's will, and God's best. He knows what is best for His children, and sometimes it's as simple as obeying what He has already told us.
One big way that we can obey is to be debt free. It's hard. Really hard in this culture of 'have it now' and 'pay later.' But so important. This is a goal that my husband and I have been diligently working toward, and God is blessing our obedience already. Can't wait for the day to be able to say we are DEBT FREE!
Another way we know we need to obey is spending time with our Lord. Good, quality time. Oh, car conversations are important, and so is corporate worship and group Bible study, but we need to make time for Him on our own. Time to read. Pray. Listen. Obey.
House work. "What?" you might ask. "How is housework God's will?" It's a seemingly small thing butI think God considers it important. In it's place (not above family or God) it is part of being diligent and responsible for what God has entrusted us. Spending time dusting and doing dishes on a regular basis is a way to obey God by taking care of His gift to us.
So why am I going on and on about all this? These are some of the things that I believe take discipline in the Christians life. God's Word says to follow what God has told us, and not to get sidetracked by things on our right hand or left. And one thing I've noticed is that when I'm distracted from even little things like house work or saving money, other areas of my life don't run as smoothly.
A week ago, my husband and I sat down and talked about one area we needed to address in our discipline: watching TV. Although not bad in itself, TV for us was relaxation after a long day at work, but consumed our energy and time which affected our timeliness in chores, and time with the Lord. Together, we decided that during the week we would not watch any TV. Shows we wanted to see would be recorded and watched on the weekends (fast forwarding commercials), and weeknights would be spent taking care of our house, devos, couple time, and true relaxation.
And what fun it has been! By practicing discipline in one area, I have found discipline in many! I have had time to work out, cook dinner, clean up the house, play games with my husband and fall asleep as early as 8:30pm if I needed to! Such freedom! And another example of how God blesses our obedience.
So, two weeks into the memorization, and God is already at work. His Word is alive, and does not return void.
*************
My heart is burdened in prayer for several brothers and sisters I know facing health issues. Would you please pray for Matt, *Amy* and *Tammy* (names changed for privacy) who are facing serious health problems. Pray for God's peace that passes understanding, and wisdom for the doctors and family, as well as healing of their bodies.
How can I pray for you?
Last week's scripture memory has been one of my favorite verses to think on in terms of God's will, and God's best. He knows what is best for His children, and sometimes it's as simple as obeying what He has already told us.
One big way that we can obey is to be debt free. It's hard. Really hard in this culture of 'have it now' and 'pay later.' But so important. This is a goal that my husband and I have been diligently working toward, and God is blessing our obedience already. Can't wait for the day to be able to say we are DEBT FREE!
Another way we know we need to obey is spending time with our Lord. Good, quality time. Oh, car conversations are important, and so is corporate worship and group Bible study, but we need to make time for Him on our own. Time to read. Pray. Listen. Obey.
House work. "What?" you might ask. "How is housework God's will?" It's a seemingly small thing butI think God considers it important. In it's place (not above family or God) it is part of being diligent and responsible for what God has entrusted us. Spending time dusting and doing dishes on a regular basis is a way to obey God by taking care of His gift to us.
So why am I going on and on about all this? These are some of the things that I believe take discipline in the Christians life. God's Word says to follow what God has told us, and not to get sidetracked by things on our right hand or left. And one thing I've noticed is that when I'm distracted from even little things like house work or saving money, other areas of my life don't run as smoothly.
A week ago, my husband and I sat down and talked about one area we needed to address in our discipline: watching TV. Although not bad in itself, TV for us was relaxation after a long day at work, but consumed our energy and time which affected our timeliness in chores, and time with the Lord. Together, we decided that during the week we would not watch any TV. Shows we wanted to see would be recorded and watched on the weekends (fast forwarding commercials), and weeknights would be spent taking care of our house, devos, couple time, and true relaxation.
And what fun it has been! By practicing discipline in one area, I have found discipline in many! I have had time to work out, cook dinner, clean up the house, play games with my husband and fall asleep as early as 8:30pm if I needed to! Such freedom! And another example of how God blesses our obedience.
So, two weeks into the memorization, and God is already at work. His Word is alive, and does not return void.
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My heart is burdened in prayer for several brothers and sisters I know facing health issues. Would you please pray for Matt, *Amy* and *Tammy* (names changed for privacy) who are facing serious health problems. Pray for God's peace that passes understanding, and wisdom for the doctors and family, as well as healing of their bodies.
How can I pray for you?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
New Year Challenge
It's a new year and there are lots of things we as people try to do to better ourselves and our lives as we move forward with a fresh calendar. Amazingly, I have a pretty open calendar in the year of 2010 so far, but one thing I know is that I want to mark it up with scripture memory.
Most believers agree that it is important to memorize scripture, but find it hard to commit to, make time for, and follow through with. This year, ask God to show you how important it is to your walk, and commit to put His Words in your heart. No one can ever take away what you hide in your heart, and what goal for such a time as this!
"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11
"They Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
At the end of last year I saw http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/ (Beth Moore's ministry blog) where ladies across the globe had been working together to memorize two verses a month. That's my challenge to myself and to you this year. Choose two passages a month that you can commit to memory. I will post my verses here as I work on new ones every other week, and I would love to hear what you are working on, and how God is using it to empower your daily living!!
Verse one for me is found in Deuteronomy 5:32-33.
"Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess."
Ready! Set! Memorize!
Most believers agree that it is important to memorize scripture, but find it hard to commit to, make time for, and follow through with. This year, ask God to show you how important it is to your walk, and commit to put His Words in your heart. No one can ever take away what you hide in your heart, and what goal for such a time as this!
"I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against Thee." Psalm 119:11
"They Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts." Jeremiah 15:16
At the end of last year I saw http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/ (Beth Moore's ministry blog) where ladies across the globe had been working together to memorize two verses a month. That's my challenge to myself and to you this year. Choose two passages a month that you can commit to memory. I will post my verses here as I work on new ones every other week, and I would love to hear what you are working on, and how God is using it to empower your daily living!!
Verse one for me is found in Deuteronomy 5:32-33.
"Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess."
Ready! Set! Memorize!
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