A Product of Confession

"Do you think we can get through the day without yelling at eachother?" I honestly asked my son this question last night at bed time. WOW. We have had a rough few days at our house. I have a slush of thoughts going on in my head about this.

Allow me download these bits and pieces, in no particular order.
We launched 7th grade homeschool. This is certainly why things have been rough.
I have a preteen son. Enough said.
We defined several math terms this week. One being: Factor x Factor = Product
I have had to repent ALOT this last week.
Mom x Flesh = The need to repent/confess
We also launched two seniors and a 5th grader this week. This is also why things might have been a bit rough.

Bottom line, we have started a new week. All forgiven. New graces. All anew. BUT I have been thinking about how I am a product of confession. And really, it not an awful thing, for I worship God, not myself. He is enough, what He did was enough. I am in Him and He makes me new. I am trusting what His word says is true.

Yet even now, say the Lord, 

return to me with all your hearts, 

with fasting, with weeping, and with sorrow;

tear your hearts and not your clothing.

Return to the Lord your God, 

for He is merciful and compassionate

very, patient, full of faithful love, 

and ready to forgive. 

 Joel 3:12-13

Want to make an impact on the world??????

Then start with one person at a time. Disciple someone.

If we are believers, we ought to desire to "make disciples" not only because we were commanded to do so by Jesus in the book of Matthew. (His words demand that we teach those whom we reach.) But because we would want to raise up a generation of leaders who are steadfast in Christ.

If I polled my friends, I can almost guarantee a low percentage of them disciple someone. Why is this? Why are we failing to conserve and enlist our people to fruitfulness?

Is it just plain laziness? Or just the lack of time and making it a priority? Could it be that we just don't know HOW to disciple someone??

I was encouraged just recently when someone asked for direction when it comes to discipling someone. She knew I would have some knowledge for I have been faithful in this area for a few years now. The Lord had burdened my heart to teach those within my reach during the spring of 2010. Since then I have made it a priority to give a slice of my time over to someone wanting to meet and grow.

I gave this person a few practicals and wanted to share them here, just in case there is someone out there needing some direction.

Discipling someone is easy, as long as you know your parameters and you know what they need from you in this season. In order to have purpose and direction, I like to send some thoughts to ponder to the person I will be discipling ahead of time. We talk through these thoughts during our first time together.

Thoughts to Ponder
How often will we meet? How long will we meet? Lets commit to a time period.
What do you need in this season?
What are you believing for?
What can I keep you accountable to?
Do you have any goals I can help you accomplish?
Any areas you want to grow?
What does the format of this meeting need to look like? Would you like us to just gather, talk through your journey and highlight all God is doing and finish with prayer? OR would you like to do some type of study? A study is good if the Lord is highlighting a particular growth area, or focus in this season.

We discuss these things during our first gathering and lay out our calendar. I think its best to schedule a semester at a time. You never know what the future holds. At this first time, we both agree to commit and devote ourselves to this time period.

I generally take notes all throughout the time frame of discipship. Its good to see the goals accomplished, the Lord to show breakthroughs, and to commemorate any victories. It is also good to keep me on track so that I may pray for this person with precision.

I truly trust God to lead me in this process and I'm always trying to find fresh Word to pass on or a fighter verse to help bring victory. I ask the Holy Spirit to guide each time before we meet. Apart from Christ I can do nothing.

Things the discipled person does not need from you:
-Perfection
-A Lecture
-A Sermon
-All the Answers
-A Narration of your life

Things the discipled person does need from you:
-Humility
-Consistency
-Prayer
-A Person to Dialog with
-A fresh Word- Scriptures
-Accountability

May God stir your heart to fulfill His great commission. May He bring those within your reach to teach and may there be much fruit to come of it!

In His Grace,
Tressa Strickland

Best days ahead...

Max Lucado recently came to my church to preach. He is an amazing man. His words gave me hope. I am so thankful.

"Today's questions will become tomorrow's proclamations."

A while back, I posted all my troubles, concerns, and frustrations. I had many many questions of doubt. I have come to realize that I was only seeing my circumstances on my level.  I have been living in a spirit of fear. My mind and heart have been in agony. I have been so stressed that my hair has been falling out.

I got this mind picture that God wanted to hold me, like a mother wants to hold her hurting child. He said to me "I have not given you a spirit of fear my dear child, but a spirit of power, of love, and a sound mind."

I realized I have not put my trust in my Heavenly Father. I have lost my faith. Faith is choosing to believe and act upon what God says, regardless of my feelings or circumstances.

He is trustworthy. And I will choose to look upon Him, when my feelings and circumstances tell me to be fearful. He has told me not to fear, for He is with me; to not anxiously look about me, for He is my God. He will strengthen me, help me and surely uphold me with His righteous right hand (see Isaiah 41:10).

So here I am, declaring----> I choose to live by faith in the God who has promised to protect me and meet all my needs as I walk by faith in Him. 

Psalm 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom should I be afraid?

Youthfulness

“Youth offers the promise of happiness, but life offers the realities of grief.” ― Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue  

This is a great quote, I remember so much hope and promise and joy in my youth. We just fewer demands, and a different perspective on life. Lately I have found myself stuck in the realities of life. It has been more grievesome than anything with all the recent pressures we've had to endure.

But recently we have found ourselves in the midst of some really cool college aged people. It has been so filling to be around these guys. I've recently realized that I/we need a little more YOUTH in me/us. I mean, we might as well enjoy our youth now, we'll never be younger than we are. We are only 33&34 for crying out loud.

Anyway, we recently went on a double date with a younger couple. This couple knows how to have fun and they sure do love Jesus and life. It was SO refreshing to go out with these two.

We picnicked on the river, did some major paddle boarding, enjoyed some frozen yogurt afterwards. 

"Thank you Lord for our younger friends who are so full of zeal. I pray that we can give them something in return. Amen."

Psalm 62:8

"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." 

We are journeying through a season of faith with our finances. Sometimes our budget is so overwhelming I feel like I can't breathe. We budget, and we barely get our bills paid. Other than that- there just isn't enough extra money for things like school clothes, curriculum, tuition, birthdays, speeding tickets, and vacations. We sure don't have extra money for savings- which is super scary.  Our house is falling apart around us, and we are in the middle of a homeschooling room renovation that is moving slowly. We also have dental needs that can't even be thought about at this time. SO FRUSTRATING.

For the month of July we have worked extra and scrounged to cover school tuition and wrote the big check this week. Not even sure how much it will clear...thankful for overdraft protection. We know God has called us to these things, and so we know He will provide a way. He has proven Himself faithful.

For some reason this summer, I had to battle jealousy. I have found myself envious of those darn pictures on Facebook from numerous friends on vacation.  ALOT of our friends were in Colorado and posted every day a new picture of the mountains, the goodness, brag, brag, and the cooler weather. One "friend" wrote "sorry if all these mountain pictures are too much for you. Wait...no I'm not. They're amazing". It was at that moment I decided to just get off Facebook, twitter, and instagram... for they were only bringing me down.

I realized that this is a heart issue. Psalm 62:8 says "TRUST in Him at ALL times....pour out your heart before Him." I have poured out my heart before Him and have vented, cried, talked, complained, and strategized with Him. And I tell you, somehow I feel better afterwards. I have a peace come on me. I see little by little Him coming through to help cover all our needs, AND even supply for some of our wants.

I recently opened up my devotional and found this written by the Lord "Do not worry about tomorrow! This is not a suggestion, but a command. I divided time into days and nights, so that you would have manageable portions of life to handle. My grace is sufficient for you, but its sufficiency is for only one day at a time. When you worry about the future, you heap day upon day of troubles onto your flimsy frame. You stagger under this heavy load, which I never intended you to carry."  Yep- well put, I have such a flimsy frame. I simply cannot carry this. I must seek refuge in Him.

Family, Forgiveness, Goodness, and Gratefulness

OK SO, I think I am just gonna come out 100% here and be vulnerable with my heart and honest with my thoughts on a topic that is very sensitive in my life.

My older brother, the man in my life I had admired greatly, walked out on me and our family a few years ago. He has completely distanced himself from us. He no longer partakes in family activities, holidays, or funerals. These are his choices, his actions, and he will be accountable to them. I do have to mention that he has initiated a relationship with just my little brother- and has chosen to see him a few times. He also has his wife do all the communicating with us and allows her to bring their kids by so we can see them a few times a year. I am very thankful that I have this opportunity with my nieces and nephew.

I'm sure he has his own reasons to withdraw, and I know he has his own perspectives. There are always two sides to a story. But this is my perspective and my side of the story. :)  I'm not gonna lie--my family was dysfunctional. I realized that when I was put in the Methodist Home when I was 15. Thank God I was able to experience another way to live out life. (It changed me forever and I will always be grateful for that.) I do think though, that these new differences in lifestyles might have been what created the personal division between my brother and I.

"Other things may change us, but we start and end as family." I love this quote because I think we can have different lifestyles, different values, and yet still respect each others differences and be a family. I still want that for my family-- with my brother included. Despite the hole he has left, it has been great to see how my family has blossomed. How we have evolved individually and yet grown together. We have accepted eachother and our differences, we have forgiven and have worked through all the dysfunction.

My goodness, all the dysfunction. I know I have many wounds that have healed up over time from my family. And I know and acknowledge that I hurt and caused wounds to my family as well. There have been times of personal repentance as well as forgiveness. Because at the end of the day, a loving family should find everything forgivable right? Today my family is still not perfect, we have conflict and differences, but we still love each other unconditionally. There are no limits, conditions, or judgments we have on eachother.

I can say I honestly hold nothing against my brother anymore. I have chosen to fully forgive him. I have come to grips with the death of our brother/sister relationship. I have released him. But, it still hurts. It still stings. The hole is still there. It hurts the most when I think of my kids. They have a minimum relationship with their cousins. It's hard to explain to my daughters why their uncle they once knew walked out on their lives. And my sons don't even know they have an uncle Shawn. So sad, it truly grieves my heart.

I am so thankful for my family- for my dad, mom, and both brothers, for their wives, and for their children- my sweet nieces and nephews. I am thankful for the trials and the tribulations my family has endured- for they have strengthened and grown us. I would not trade any of this for anything.  

But I need to add- I am so blessed, because of God's hand in my life. His Word promised to me was that His goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

I cannot begin to express how thankful I am for my heavenly Father:

I know I am secure and accepted by God. I know that He will never leave or forsake me and my family. He gives me the perfect love I need. He is the perfect doctor and has fully healed up my wounds. He has also given me the power of forgiveness and the strength to do so fully and completely. 

I cannot begin to share how appreciative I am for my own family:

I have such beautiful family of my own. I have an admirable husband who reflects the true character of God. I have been given the honor to be "mom". We have a chance to raise up world changers. We can foster love into our children's' sibling relationship which will reflect into any other relationship they have. 1 Peter 3:8-11 is a Word God has spoken for our family.

I cannot begin to share my sincere gratitude for our Spiritual family:

God has brought honorable men and women into our lives. They have enriched us in so many ways spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially. He has given me spiritual fathers to guide me, and brothers to care for me, and fun loving men to "uncle" my children. He has given us spiritual grandparents to love and be loved by. We would be so lost and lonely without this community of people.

Whenever I feel low, or hurt from the sting of loss with my earthly brother, I have to reflect and look on the joy of all the good God has worked into my life. Romans 8:28 says

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Turning Wounds Into Wisdom.

I have all these posts in my mind for my blogs, and today I decided I will make one of those posts a reality!!

Since November, I have been working my BOOTY off to gain better health and a better body. Recently, I received a very degrading comment towards my progress and so as I've recovered from that blow, I realized I can turn those wounds into wisdom, I must stay focused and not lose heart. Here is what I have concluded so far with the whole journey of being a fit chick.

~If you are WORKING HARD for something, do it for yourself, not for anyone else.
~Your desire for something MUST go through a form of discipline to reach that delight of desire achieved.
~Treat negativity like a duck treats water- let it roll off your back! Ha!
~Setting goals are not unGodly. Go to Him, and allow Him to lead you in doing good works. Ephesians 2:8-10.
~Don't be distracted by criticism. Satan wants to thwart your purpose and will use anyone or anything to do just that.
~Dont run away from adversity. Its the hottest fires that forge the hardest steel. 
~NEVER GIVE UP! Never, ever, never give up! Nothing worth doing ever came easy!

Intoxicating Love

Proverbs 5 says
"Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well.
Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?
Let them be yours alone, never to be shared with strangers.
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love."


I really like this passage. The water spoken in this passage resembles love. I don't think it's talking about a neighborly type of love but about a passion-intimate intoxicating type of love that's shared between a husband and wife.

This precious love cannot be shared and isn't meant to overflow in the streets. I think of a family in the olden days who had a well as their water source. They had worked hard to maintain these waters, for it to overflow into the streets would be wasteful and devastating I'm sure!!

My and Joels love is to be drank by only Joel and I. It would only be wasteful and devastating if we ever shared with others.

I like even more that the passage ends with "May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer— may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love."

God doesn't give us these first instructions about keeping our love within our marriage because He is a controlling God and doesn't want us to have pleasure and fun. It's entirely the opposite!

He wants SO much more for us in our marital love! He created this passion-intimate intoxicating type of love that's shared between a husband and wife. It is GOOD and healthy and right!

He is blessing my and Joels love when His Word says "may your fountain be blessed, may we ever be intoxicated with our love!"

:)

Just makes me wanna go have some love!!

FREE!!!

I've almost felt like a prisoner in my own home. Bounded to this life. I'm privileged to be living this lifestyle, married, stay at home mom, of four kids, and educating each of them. This is a major sacrificial position.I'd have it no other way, but at times, its hard.

Not like that's enough- having a in depth role in our church body...and involved in many other activites....aaaaaghhhhh!!!

I've had to give up so much...to be selfless. And sometimes it's too hard. Letting go of my gym membership was the hardest. Getting to work out really filled me.

So, of course, I feel as if I'm enslaved here in this Life. And recently, the thought of caparison has been heavy. Of moms who have their children in private education and get to spend alot of time at the gym. They get a lot of alone time and look great! Comparison has only binded me tighter into a depression. Its like my eyes get scales on them, and my brain gets foggy.

Yet,I persevere and pray and seek the One who has come to set all free.

Then I see an opportunity to exercise in my favorite class with my favorite instructor at a local church. Donation only, as its sort of a ministry. And boy was I ministered to!!

Not only did I get filled. But I got free. The Lord has been working to loose me. And the last song of the night was "Shackles (Praise You)" I exercised, and I cried.

Here are the lyrics.

Whoo!
It sure is hot out here
Ya know?
I don't mind thought
Just glad to be free
Know what I'm saying, uh!

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
(What'cha wanna do?)
I just wanna praise you
(Yeah, yeah)
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
(Uh feel me?)
And I'm gonna praise you
(What'cha gon do?)
I'm gonna praise you

In the corners of mind
I just can't seem to find a reason to believe
That I can break free
Cause you see I have been down for so long
Feel like the hope is gone
But as I lift my hands, I understand
That I should praise you through my circumstance

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you

Everything that could go wrong
All went wrong at one time
So much pressure fell on me
I thought I was gon lose my mind
But I know you wanna see
If I will hold on through these trials
But I need you to lift this load
Cause I can't take it anymore

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you

Been through the fire and the rain
Bound in every kind of way
But God has broken every chain
So let me go right now

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
[repeat x3]

Take them off
What'cha gonna do, yeah

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you

Too long....

It has been too long since I have had the time and capacity to sit down and write. I thoroughly enjoy writing. Im not super fancy at it, and I dont have alot of big words, but I like to express the things on my heart.

Maybe soon I can take the time to sit and write out the latest things that have impressed me lately...

The FAVOR of the Lord!

I extremely dislike favoritism!! I will CHOOSE the benefits of being in the favor of the LORD and nothing else will matter!!

Those benefits listed:
* Our petitions are more likely to be granted (Esther 7:3).
* God will compass us with a shield (Psalm 5:12).
* We will receive life (Psalm 30:5).
* Our enemies will not triumph over us (Psalm 41:11).
* God will show mercy (Psalm 119:58).

Very recently, I was struggling with this topic. I like things to be FAIR. It bothers me that myself, and certain people dear to me weren't getting treated fairly. I made a choice to rely on and trust my Heavenly Father that He will provide and give favor.

Instantly, there were other means of favor that obviously came from the Father. He brought people, He brought peace, He provided means, He gave clarity, and poured out lot's of encouragement.

I'm in awe of His works!

Vision

Here we are. January 2010. A brand new year.

Did you know January is named after the god Janus from the Roman times? Janus has two faces, and can see both the future and past. Interesting isn't it?













I think it's a wise to take time in January to look back over the last year and to look forward to a new year.

Im not one to set big resolutions, because I usually never follow through with them. But I do try to be intentional by looking ahead and setting goals for me and my family for the year. Proverbs 21:5 says "The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but to everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty". I know I want the advantage for my family!

So we take time praying, thinking, talking and casting vision for our family. As we were in the middle of thinking ahead. I was at a Christmas party and found this on a white board.
It read "Vision without strategy is only a fantasy."








I will tell you, it offended me to think that it would only be a Fantasy to have a healthy marriage, or be debt free, or rear up my children right. So I went home and implemented some strategies for these goals.

So, if you havent looked ahead or even reflected on the past, take the time to do so. Think of the things or areas in your life you want to advance.

-Spiritually (Personal, devotional life, disciplines, etc.)
-Mentally (Books, health, mind sets, etc.)
-Family (Time and focus, etc.)
-Financially (Budgeting, giving, working, etc )
-Relationships (Discipleship, evangelism, friendships, etc.)
-Physically (Evercise, eating, sleeping,etc.)

One big goal we have set for our family and implemented strategies for- is to be DEBT FREE. We have hope and vision. If we follow through with our plan- we can do this!

HAPPY 2010!
May it be a year of abundant blessings for you!

Titus 3:1-7

"For I dare not stand on my righteousness", is a quote a friend of mine used as her status update on Facebook recently, and it has intrigued me ever since.

Lately, I've been scrutinized a bit about my walk with Jesus. How my decisions, convictions, and actions have made me appear to be better than everyone. Obviously this person doesn't know me well. It still pains me though, because thats not the kind of impression I want to make.

But after searching my heart and alot of time with the Lord, I've settled that no matter how it may appear, I choose to do what I believe is good... I have subjected myself to my God, those who have authority over me. I have chosen to be obedient, and not to slander anyone, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward everyone.

Who knows how this may convey to others. Especially the people who have known me before I've grown to know the Lord. Because after all, I have been known to live out of the flesh.

At one time I too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. I lived in evil and envy, being hated and hating others.

But I have to proclaim that when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared in me, He saved me, not because of righteous things I've done, but because of His mercy.

He saved me through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on me generously through Jesus, so that, having been justified by His grace, I might become an heir-- having the hope of eternal life.

Have you ever heard of the song by Brandon Heath called "I'm Not Who I Was"? Some of my favorite lyrics are copied below.

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace
Is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about

I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was

These words string a cord in me because so badly I want to tell people of my past and those who think they know who I am-- that Im not who I was. I have been made anew!

Despite what others may determine....I know in my heart that Im truly free from any condemning charges against me. I have been redeemed and forgiven. Doesn't mean Im perfect..but any righteousness anyone may see in me is a reflection of Him.

Bottom line- I have resolved to stand firm in my faith and put all my confidence in Him.

Just sayin'

Just wanted to share a new motto Im trying to live by.

"Say what you mean,
mean what you say,
and don't be mean when you say it!"

You would think this wouldn't be such a hard thing for me, but it IS!

And by the grace of God I will master how I use my words!!

Dont leave out thankfulness!

"Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude."

~E.P. Powell

Worth a read.

We read this from a book called Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey. I will blog more about our journey in Financial Peace University in later posts. Great things must be shared!

I am your constant companion,
I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.
I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.
I am at your command.
Half of the tasks that you do you might just as well
turn over to me and I will do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed,
you must merely be firm with me.
Show me exactly how you want something done;
after a few lessons I will do it automatically.
I am the servant of all great people and
alas of all failures as well.
Those who are great I have made great,
those who are failures I have made failures.

I am not a machine, but I work with all the precision
of a machine, plus the intelligence of a person.
Now you may run me for profit or
you may run me for ruin.
It makes no difference to me.
Take me, train me, be firm with me,
and I will lay the world at your feet.
Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

Who am I? Im called Habit.

HEALED!

Something BIG happened to me recently, and I thought Id testify to all of Gods power and goodness!

Its been about three weeks I have been suffering severe pain. Bottom line is I have bad teeth. Terrible teeth! Like- I have some places where only my roots are taking up space in my gums. This has resulted in some nerve problems in my face. Im not a dentist, but this is what I conluded: Your teeth roots are basically branches off of a larger branch of nerves in your face. Each side of your face has its own nerves. For some reason, due to certain circumstances, my facial nerves would get set off. And I would have intense pain in my left eye, left ear, left jaw, and even in my left nostril. It was a sharp pain that almost felt like warm electricity. Talk about horrific! I would end up with massive headaches due to all the madness in my face.

With heat compressions, and lots of drugs, I was able to cope with the pain. I knew what types of foods would make it hurt worse..and avoided them. At night, it was worse when I laid down, so I took some heavy medication to be able to sleep.

Why dont I just go to a dentist you ask? Well, I cant afford it. My teeth are very very very very bad. I have been and have started on a restoration plan with a great dentist, but Im at a standstill until I can bring in more finances. There is really nothing they can do for my mouth, except the big overhaul.

Anyway, I have just dealt with the pain. And seriously went weeks eating medicine like candy. In the midst of pain, I have been able to worship, and seek God on a new level. I embedded a song I have litsened to alot. The words are included. It just gave me great peace knowing God is in control. He knows my needs and circumstances.






Yesterday at a gathering at ACC for Lifegroup leaders and ACC staff, there was a session on healing. The teacher talked about God's healing power. Then he had the congregation wait on the Lord and see if God might want to heal anyone. Everyone was quiet for a little bit, and then the teacher asked if anyone had heard anything. A few people heard a few things, and one lady stood up and said " I felt like somebody has had sharp shooting pain in their jaw and face associated with a tooth ache." I was not there, but Joel stood up and mentioned my situation. They all took sometime to pray for me.

At that time, I was at home. I had just made the kids some ice cream- a huge set off for the nerves in my face! But I made me a bowl anyway. After we all enjoyed a bowl and I cleaned up, I realized- MY FACE DOESNT HURT?? So, I just thanked the Lord and went on. Later Joel came home and explained what had happened.

I was SO SO SO overhwhelmed by Gods goodness and by His power, and by His willingness to heal me..and rid me of this pain.

Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Our God is an amazing God. He cares for His people, and His healing power is available to all by faith!

I LOVE MY CHURCH!!

We just celebrated our TEN year anniversary. Boy it was alot of work for my hubby and others to get set up, but sure was worth it! So thankful we have such an amazing church family!!

Pride and Humility

God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

A study this morning on humility was just what I needed. Believe me, I have my moments of pride, but I try to stay in a humble attitude and think of others above myself. So this is not a Tressa is perfect and judging others post. This is a Tressa had a revelation on this subject post.

Lately, I have become so disgusted by the pride and arrogance of others. I just wanted to gag yesterday as I sat and litsened to someone build themselves up the entire time we were together. Note: I had to pray hard beforehand, because I knew I would be around this person. I didnt want to join in with all the elavating, but I want to celebrate this person in their accomplishments, but where do you draw the line?

Then this morning I came across James 4.

¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? ²You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. ³When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

⁴You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? ⁶But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Let me highlight a few things here:
~Pride makes its own agenda without any consideration of God and others.
~What is gained through pride is always lost.
~God opposes those filled with the pride of life for they are the friends of the devil.
~It is pride that makes us lust and covet and envy and murder and fight and war. Pride is to the life of the flesh what humility is to the life of the Spirit. It is at the very foundation of the lifestyle, which displeases God.
~Pride brings destruction.

Humility starts with the decision about who is in charge of our lives. GOD! God's enabling power is available to those who truly submit themselves to him. He gives GRACE and covering to those who call on Him and give Him glory.

My revelation is that God's power will be discovered in the lives of the proud, but it will only lead to their destruction. I can rest in knowing that God sees the heart of man, and He is the Judge. I can also have pity on the proud. Because after all big egos are like big shields for lots of empty space. The proud are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves for one reason or another.

I must remain humble, even when I want to join in (in times like yesterday) and point out all of my successes and accomplishments. I submitted myself and prayed before my time with this person, He gave me the ability to stay low. I saw pride for what it was and I even left our time together feeling renewed. God's power for living life well is given to those who humble themselves in His sight.

LOVE- the most important ingredient

Today, I was called a "Betty Crocker" by a friend, she mentioned I was maybe even better than Betty. TO be honest, I love to cook- and what I cook might taste good, but it doesnt always look magazine perfect. Im not good at drawing lines, or making perfect cuts and such.

I shared the story with my friend about the two little girls staying with us. Today I decided we would make homemade pizzas. One girl gapsed, "you can make a pizza?" So we got out the premade crusts, the sauce, grated the cheese, and cooked the grease out of the pepperonis. We then sat and everyone had a job to putting the pizza together. (spreading the sauce, sprinkling the cheese, putting on the pepperonis) Once the pizza was put together, I infromed them that we saved the most important ingredient to put on for last----love. I made everyone sprinkle their love over the two pizzas.

We cooked the pizzas, let them cool, cut them up and served them on everyones plates. At the table while we were eating, one of the sweet girls said "This pizza is the best, its because of all the love we put in it!" At that moment, I realized, we are better cooks than Betty Crocker- because we cook with love.