What am I expecting in 2009?

To expect: to regard something as likely to happen.
I had a list of several things I wanted to see improve or happen in 2008 and many of them came to pass. Some are a work in progess. A new year is here and I've made a new list. I am expecting God to answer them. The bible talks in James about expecting. James says to ask in faith without doubting. He says further that if you doubt you shouldn't expect to receive anything from God. Wow. If you don't BELIEVE and EXPECT, you won't receive from God.
I am expecting God to bring salvation and deliverance to my family and friends. I am expecting God to work through me. He will be Psalm 91 for me. I am expecting to absorb more of the Word, becoming closer to Him. My relationships will flourish and I will walk in the favor of God. Big expectations you say? I serve an even bigger God. He is able to do "...far over and above all that we dare ask or think (infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts,hopes or dreams)." eph 3:20
Here's to what God will do in 2009!!

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”

End of 2008

Another year has passed and a new one begins. I encourage you to take a minute to evaluate what you place as priorities in your life. What matters most? A sure way of knowing is to look at your schedule and your checkbook. I encourage you to simplify your life next year. Turn off all technology of an evening to have time as a family without distractions or mark out a saturday to not have any plans-find a way to simplify life. As pastor Floyd taught, we have to keep margin in our life. Keep is an active verb requiring action. We won't have it unless we cause it to be. You want a new year's resolution? Learn to create margin in your life next year. You and your family will be better, calmer, happier because of it. Happy New Year!

Living Simply

Have you heard of the movement "voluntary simplicity"? It is a growing trend! People realize they don't NEED so many things and they choose to live a simple life- small home, growing veggies, only having necessary items. Really, after reading about it, I became more than intrigued. Sure, part of me would enjoy an enormous home with fabulous trim and new furniture...yeah, I'd like some furniture...anyway, the other side of me sees the real benefit of living your life simply. No striving for a certain level of "success"-who decides the definition of success any way? Shouldn't that be defined by each of us according to our OWN life, not society?
In ways, we have chosen to live simply. It isn't that we can't afford to "have more" but we don't want to spend so much of our money on "stuff". Sometimes, in an effort to be successful and happy, we end up stressed out, too busy to know which way we're going and ultimately 'sleepwalking through the possibility of joy'. Joyce taught this morning that happiness is a decision-a choice. She is right. The only way someone or any circumstance can steal your joy is if you allow it to. Choose to be happy today. Let go of whatever has you weighed down. Enjoy simplicities in life, after all, if you can take a hot shower, sleep without fear for your life, and read; you are more blessed than billions of people on our planet. See, you've got it good. Go and be happy.

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone's had a very merry Christmas! We had a restful day with lots of cooking. We're thankful our friends and loved ones are healthy and we're saved no matter what tomorrow brings. Jesus is the reason for the season! It's been a blessed year!

spreading Christmas cheer

Stacy had two spare christmas trees and wanted to give them to families in need of one. A group of us girls-Stacy, Sheri, Me, and Debbie had a blast delivering these trees. One little boy said this was his first christmas tree. What a blessing...future ministry?

Financial Freedom

Today was the last day of our financial ministry's seminar at the Springdale campus. I know God will use this to to bring to people's mind the state of their finances and spur them to change their behavior. Our involvement with this ministry has been a great blessing. This is only the beginning. It is the spark igniting a wild fire that will spread.

December is here

The Christmas season is underway! The financial seminar begins this Sunday at church. We are excited about it, not only because we had our hand in it, but also what God will do for His people through this! Even alex is reading how to manage his money! ha ha (look at pic) Alex's ear infections have improved somewhat but he is still taking ear drops and returns to the vet in two weeks. This has been quite a battle for him- one I am determined to win.