"Issac"

I got a new minivan today. We named it "Issac".










Are you familiar with the story in Genesis where Abraham was tested? You can read all about it here. Well, just like Abraham, Joel and I were tested. We had to put "Issac the Honda Odyssey" on the alter to sacrifice about 6 months ago. And by the grace of God, we are the proud owners of the van today.

I could go into great detail, but I will basically cut it short here. We were approached by a "soon to be" missionary who needed to sell her van, she wanted to sell us her minivan. We had to decline, there was no way we could buy such a car. Someone else came along ready to buy the van. (Which broke my heart) well after the van being put aside on hold until it was time to sell, the people had to back out- couldnt buy the car. So it was two weeks time to leave the country, and the car still wasnt sold. SO, we were approached again. God opened alot of doors, and we were able to purchase the van. WALLA, we now own a new minivan!! GOD IS GOOD!!

I encourage you, to search, and hear, what is God asking you to put aside for Him? Who knows! He might have something BETTER planned for you!

Warning! THIEF! Stolen treasure!!

It has appeared my outlook on what a treasure my marriage is has been stolen lately by my lack of appreciation for my sweet husband. I have focused on what ISN'T being done, rather than on all that is being done and done well.

The enemy of my faith is called a thief and a liar. And one of the thing I've recently allowed him to steal from me, is seeing my hubby as a gift from God, to help me to become more like Christ. I've failed to see Joel as a true blessing in my life. I've allowed my eyesight to become focused on the negative to such a degree that I don’t see the positive and acknowledge it.

The Bible says in Ephesians 4, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ouch! As I think about what I've said to my hubby lately, it wasnt wholesome and it sure didnt benefit him!!!

So I admit today, that my marriage is a treasure and gift from God, and I choose to do what I can so it won't lose its luster so it can SHINE to the glory of God. I will no longer allow my marriage to be robbed of being people, who “give thanks in every situation” knowing that God can “work good” even out of that which appears to be bad on the surface!













How about you? Is there a place where you might see a theif trying to steal? Maybe not even in a marriage, but a friendship, or with a relative, or coworker?

Money, Possessions and Eternity by Rany Alcorn

If you haven't read this book, I strongly enourage you to do so. It gives a great eternal perspective on earning, spending, saving, and investing money.

In America, we are surrounded by material abundance. Toys and gadgets abound, roads are clean and wide, houses are beauitfuly perfect and restaurants throw out loads of leftovers each week.

Money is powerful, unlocking the door to endless conveniences and many options in life.This book challenges you to expand your views of money and material wealth.

Did you know Jesus said more about money than any other thing? Because money is an index to a man's true character.

Jesus said (Matthew 6:19-21)
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

This is a video that only touches on this type of perspective Randy talks about.

Confession.....

I have a fear of bridges. I do. And I can manage it well.

But recently, there was a major bridge that collapsed and its all in the media. Which I think brought back some legitimate fears.

Well, I have been forced several times to drive over a bridge that goes over a lake this past week. I find myself going 10-15 over the speed limit just to get over the forever long bridge.

My mind ponders what my plan would be if the bridge collapses and my car falls into the water. By the way, do you think car seats float? Hmmm.

Anyway, I thank God for stretching me. Sending me over that bridge, to work out that fear, because after all, the spirit of fear has all the power I will relent to it.

Can anyone relate? Bridges might not do that to you, but maybe spiders? Or men? Or airplanes?

A thought to ponder.......

"DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING??" from God

I read that off of a church billboard today. And I was wondering...hmmm, do I really know where I am going?

Yes, I knew that I was headed home, but in life???

You know, I at times think through PLAN B, I ask the Lord for provision over PLAN B, knowing that this is the ultimate plan for my life at the time. Frusteratingly enough-- PLAN B just doesnt pan out.

THEN God gives me PLAN A.

Has this ever happened to you? Right now, are you thinking through PLAN B?

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

My husband and I have been documenting every dollar that comes through since January. Its actually very interesting now that we are halfway through the year and seeing what we spend our money on the most.

I challenge you to take record of your spendings for a month. And by the end of the month see where your every dollar went. You will be surprised!

Can you guess what what most of our dollars go to?
Mortgage! Home sweet home!

Second thing we spend most of our dollars on: groceries
Third: tithe

Interesting isnt it?

A lesson in Humilty by Max Lucado

Jesus … made Himself of no reputation … He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:5, 7–8

Deflating inflated egos is so important to God that he offers to help.

He helped me. I recently spent a week on a book tour. We saw long lines and crowded stores. One person after another complimented me. For three days I bathed in the river of praise. I began to believe the accolades. All these people can’t be wrong. I must be God’s gift to readers. My chest puffed so much I could hardly see where to autograph the books. Why, had I been born two thousand years earlier, we might read the gospels of Matthew, Max, Luke, and John. About the time I wondered if the Bible needed another epistle, God shot an arrow of humility in my direction.

We were running late for an evening book signing, late because the afternoon signing had seen such long lines. We expected the same at the next store. Concerned, we phoned ahead. “We are running behind. Tell all the people we’ll arrive soon.”

“No need to hurry,” the store manager assured.

“What about the people?”

“Neither one seems to be in a hurry.”

Neither one?

By the time we reached the store, thankfully, the crowd of two people had tripled to six. We had scheduled two hours for the signing; I needed ten minutes.

Self-conscious about sitting alone at the table, I peppered the last person with questions. We talked about her parents, school, Social Security number, favorite birthday party. Against my pleadings, she had to go. So I sat alone at the table. Big stack of Lucado books, no one in line.

I asked the store manager, “Did you advertise?”

“We did. More than usual.” She walked off.

The next time she passed I asked, “Had other signings?”

“Yes, usually we have a great response,” and kept going.

I signed all the books at my table. I signed all the Lucado books on the shelves. I signed Tom Clancy and John Grisham books. Finally a customer came to the table. “You write books?” he asked, picking up the new one.

“I do. Want me to sign it?”

“No thanks,” he answered and left.

God hit his target. Lest I forget, my daily reading the next morning had this passage: “Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Prov. 3:7).

When you’re full of yourself, God can’t fill you.

But when you empty yourself, God has a useful vessel.