Yea, it's Friday!! Since our daughter's basketball season began, I feel like we've done nothing but RUN. Although I truly enjoy watching her team play, I am excited that the only thing on my agenda for tonight is to spend the evening on a date with my husband. I'm not quite sure what it will consist of, but even if it's just staying home and relaxing on the couch - I will be a happy woman. Since our kids no longer go treat-or-treating and since we now live in the boon docks, they are passing out candy at grandma's. This leaves only one thing to do - go on a date with my hubby. I'm actually working on a list of all the things I've been meaning to talk to him about but haven't had the chance. I'm sure he'll be thrilled! :) :)



Back to James - 1:9-11 "But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away."



What is your pursuit in this world? Is it to gain more, to have more? What are you sacrificing to get whatever it is that you want?

Don't put money and posessions over God's desire for you. He doesn't care about what kind of car you drive, how much you have in your bank account, or what kind of house you live in - He does care about how you live your life.

Have a great day and a great weekend

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Good morning my bloggy friends! And what a beautiful morning it is, as I watch the sky turn shades of pink, orange and yellow as the sun rises.

My girlfriend was over last night and she asked me to give her a pedicure. I decided that could be fun and I wanted to try this new scraper (I can't remember what it is offically called) I had purchased. Never using one before, I started out going slow and soft on the bottoms of her feet. It was tickling her like crazy and not doing much good, so she instructed me to push harder. Hope this isn't grossing you out - but as I did, her calloused skin started peeling off in large chunks - it was so cool! The more I got the hang of it, the faster and harder I went. I got done with her soles and started on her big toe, when she yelled and I saw the blood start to flow. Whoops - I guess I got a little carried away when I took a big chunk out of her big toe. I bet that is the last time she asks me to give her a pedicure.

Unfortunately, I have this tendancy in other areas too - my husband is always complaining about how when I get excited over something and jump into it, every thing and every one else seems to fade to the background. I have really been working hard at overcoming this hindrance but I guess my enthusiasm got the best of me again last night. My friend shared that it is still bleeding and hurting this morning. I assured her that I'll try harder to control myself next time! :)

On to the study of James - at least this part shouldn't gross you out!

James 1:6-8 "But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a douuble-minded man, unstable in all his ways."

NAS Bible commentary: To "ask in faith without any doubting" means not only believing in the existence of God, but also believing in His loving care. It includes relying on God and expecting that He will hear and answer when we pray. We must put away our critical attitude when we come to Him. God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. We must have confidence that God will align our desires with His purpose.

Do you believe that God will do what's best for you? Do you pray in a way that shows God that you trust His will? Do you think about what God's plan may be before you ask for what you want?

We must pray in faith, knowing that only God knows the future - we do not. Do not allow doubt to interfere with your prayers. God never breaks a promise. He never fails or forsakes His followers. Trust in the One who is trustworthy.

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Wooooo Hoooo! I'm doing a happy dance! My baby girl - my 12 year old baby girl - won the Twin County Basketball Tournament!!!!! Yeeee Hawww

Ahem.

O.K., let me rephrase that - the Prairie Central 7th grade Hawks won the Twin County Basketball tournament last night. Can you tell, we're just a little excited and exceedingly proud around here this morning???!!!!!

Thank you for your prayers of protection over her team and also over Mike's grandma. Her surgery went very well and she was feeling no pain when we visited with her last night. Praise God! Please continue to pray that her recovery goes quickly.

Now, that we've got all that taken care of, let's move on to James 1:5. "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

It was about 8 years ago that I truly began to desire wisdom. It was the beginning of the time in my life when I really wanted to be totally commited to living my life as a Christ Follower. I started attending an adult Sunday school class and could see the wisdom in others around me. I so desired that wisdom and knowledge of God's Word.

I will never forget the day that I was feeling so overwhelmed with the Bible. I wanted to know what it said, what God said, what He wanted for me, what He wanted to do with me but I didn't even know how to begin. Then it hit me - I knew that the Bible said that if you ask for wisdom, God will give it to you. I remember getting down on my knees and pouring out my heart for God. I told Him exactly how overwhelmed I was feeling and my desire for more of Him.

From that point on, He has answered my prayer by continuing to give me a passion for His Word, He has prodded the discipline of studying His Word each day, through the process, He has spoke His Word into my life and into the lives of others. Praise God for His faithfulness. This was just another instance that makes me trust Him more! He hears and answers our prayers. He wants to speak to us through His Word - He wants to give us His wisdom but we can't just expect Him to instantly fill our head and heart without any effort on our part.

Are you asking God for His wisdom and then not doing your part? Do you expect knowledge and wisdom without spending quiet time with God - without studying the Bible - without showing His love to others?

It is a process, all of God's wisdom doesn't fall on you instantly, but when you seek it, He will give it to you. He will give it to you if you truly desire it - what are you doing to gain His wisdom?

I had someone tell me the other day that they wanted a closer relationship with God. They wanted to hear from Him and to know His desires for them but they just couldn't find the time to read the Bible or spend quiet time with God. In love, I explained that I didn't believe that they did truly want more of God.

When you truly want something, you go after it - right? If you want to go out to dinner with someone - you ask them. If you want to lose weight - you exercise and eat right. If you want something - you work at it.

In James 1:5, we have learned that God gives generously to those who ask. Ask for God's wisdom today and then open your heart and eyes to receive it in everything around you.

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Christ

Christie

Before we continue in our study of James, I would like to share a couple things.

Our daughter's basketball team is currently playing in the Twin County Tournament and they have won themselves into the championship game which is tonight. We are so excited to cheer on this group of talented girls that my husband has coached for the last few years, but had to let them go to the school coach this year. :( Their new coach is a wonderful and talented man, so we are sure that they will continue to do well, but after all this time it seems like they are part of our family. Anyway, please be praying for their safety and protection as they play their big game.

Also, Mike's grandma will be having hip replacement surgery today and we would really appreciate your prayers for the surgery and then the healing afterward. She is a very self-sufficient woman and just hates having others take care of her. She is very generous and wants to take care of everyone else. So, this will be a big adjustment for her, for awhile.

On to James 1:2-4
Just like I didn't get very far yesterday in our study, today is no different - there is just so much good stuff that we need to talk about before moving on!!!

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

O.K. people - check this out - consider it joy when you are in the midst of trials. Is this possible??

Absolutely! See, there is a difference between having joy and being happy. Happiness is based only on our circumstances. We are happy when things are going well for us. But having joy is based on what God has done for us. Joy doesn't change with our circumstances. Joy is in our heart because we are children of God. We have joy because Jesus died on the cross so that we could have eternal life through Him. We have joy because God loves us even when we don't deserve to be loved. We have joy because He will never leave us or forsake us.

Now, James is not suggesting that you pretend that you are happy during struggles but that even through these difficult times, our heart needs to continue to stay focused on the assurance we have in our Lord. Faith shouldn't fade away in the midst of turmoil. God is always the same, He hasn't changed, just your circumstances have.

I had someone say to me that they couldn't trust God any longer because He allowed them to be hurt by someone they love. God doesn't promise that we will not endure very difficult things. He does promise though, to draw near to us, to comfort us, to love us, to never leave us. He is hurt every day by those that He loves - US! He was hurt to watch His own son suffer through life on this earth and then His cruel death.

Going through these struggles with our eyes still focused on God, causes positive things to happen. It causes endurance. It causes stronger faith and trust. It makes us grow and change for the better. It makes us rely on the One who is trustworthy.

Consider it joy as you look for the positives in your current and past struggles.

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Happy Monday all my bloggy friends!!! I hope you are ready to be encouraged and inspired by God's Word as we begin our journey through the book of James.

As I was reading the intro in my Bible to James, something really stuck out at me. "Jesus is the answer!..."Believe in God"..."Follow me to church!"... Christians make great claims but are often guilty of belying them with their actions. Professing to trust God and to be His people, they cling tightly to the world and its values. Possessing all the right answers, they contradict the gospel with their lives."

Ouch, ouch and OUCH!

How true and could be said of us all at one time or another.

The book of James is written by James, who is Jesus' brother and a leader in the Jerusalem church. He has a great desire to teach right Christian behavior and to expose hypocritical practices.

As I began to read - I got stuck on verse 1, so that's where we'll stay for today.

James starts off by introducing himself as a bond-servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Bond-servant: servant, slave. One bound to service without remuneration

Are you a bond-servant of the Lord? Are you willing to submit to God's will, no matter what it may be? Are you willing to give yourselves totally to Him?

I believe that God so desires to hear those sweet words from the mouths and hearts of His children. Just like Mary, when the angel came to tell her that she would carry the Son of God in her womb - "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word."

May it be done to me according to your word. No matter how scary - Can you say it? Can you really mean it? Will you choose to overcome the fear of going far from your comfort zone?

Will you choose to trust God today? Will you choose to be His bond-servant? Or will you please satan by holding on to your fears?

It's your choice - it's up to you. Say yes and let God do the rest.

Have a great day

Living fearlessly
Christie

I forgot to share with you the incident from Wednesday that scared me half to death. I periodically look out the window to check on the dogs each day. They have this bad habit of getting into mischief. Knowing that our puppies are inseperable, I was concerned when I looked out and only saw Grace sitting at the back door. I opened the door to hear her wimpering and then a very loud cry from Cooper somewhere in the distance. A crying bark that I hadn't heard before. I ran in the house to check and make sure the kids were doing alright and to let them know I would be right back. Running outside again, I followed the sound of the cries to the deserted pig farm behind our house and found him treading water in the bottom of a pig poop pit. Not knowing how deep it was and how I would get back out, I decided against jumping in after him. Laying on my stomach over the side of the pit and reaching down as far as I could, he swam over to me. I could only reach one paw and started pulling him up until it looked like his shoulder would pop out of socket. I put my hands under each of his shoulders and attempted to pull him out, but being a 40 pound pup, it was more difficult than I expected. Thankfully, he was desperate to get out and helped me as much as he could by pushing against the concrete walls with his back paws. Eventually, I pulled him all the way out even though Grace was panicing and jumping all over my back and head during the rescue.

Since it was cold and windy that day, I immediately wrapped him in a blanket (even though he was black instead of his normal white/yellow color). His paws were bleeding since he had struggled to climb the pit walls for how ever long he was in there and scraped off his toenails. When the blanket was soaked, I pulled some freshly laundered warm towels from the dryer and continued to try to warm him. After an hour, he was still bleeding, weezing and shivering, so I called the vet, who of course wanted to see him. After laying under a heating lamp and being pumped full of antibiotics, he came home, safe and happy. (And by the way, I did change my clothes and get cleaned up so I wouldn't smell like pig poop all day)

Oh, the joys of being pet owners! May I ask again, who wanted these dogs, anyway??!!!

I read this yesterday, and wanted to share:

Give me a few minutes, I'm working on getting something clearer but I'm not having much luck - if you are unable to read this small print, email me at christie_todd@yahoo.com and I will be happy to send you a larger copy. It is just too good not to read!

We will start the study of the book of James on Monday. Talk to you then!

Have a great day and a great weekend

Living fearlessly in Christ

Christie

We are reading "The Purpose Driven Life" in our Bible study group and as we read and discussed chapter 33 last night, I was struck by the simplicity of serving God. The chapter begins: "We serve God by serving others." Period - it's that simple - we serve God by serving others.

We discussed how we sometimes serve others without even realizing it. Myself and another person in our group, have a daycare in our homes. We serve God by serving children and their parents. Another, served insurance policyholders at her job. We concluded that we serve our families, our co-workers, our friends and sometimes those we don't know. One person shared a story of how she watched an elderly woman slowly come into the hospital with a walker and sat down to rest. She noticed the woman watching and smiling at her 3 month old granddaughter, so she brought her over for the woman to play with. Just a small gesture caused great enjoyment for this elderly woman. She served God by serving this woman.

Serving God isn't always doing something huge that others around you will notice, but just loving on those around you. Jesus can shine in us through the smallest of gestures. A hug, a caring heart, a listening ear, a reassuring smile, a pat on the back - a God's servants we must pay attention to the needs of others. Ask God to help you see what is needed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OihvG607W-c

Have a great day keeping your eyes open

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Here's something a little fun for today.

35 Odd Things About Me
1. Do you like blue cheese salad dressing? can't say I've ever had it

2. Do you own a gun? Not personally, but my husband and son do. Gotta get rid of those skunks

3. What's your favorite drink at Starbucks? I don't like coffee and have never been to Starbucks

4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Hot tea

5. Do you do push ups? No

6. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? The few pieces my husband has given me

7. Favorite hobby? checking my emails

8. Do you have A.D.D? I don't think so

9. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? I give up too easily

10. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: My hot peppermint tea is tasting especially good on this cool morning; It is taking me longer than usual to wake up today; I'm happy that none of my daycare children are screaming or crying at this very moment.

11. Name 4 drinks you regularly drink. Hot tea, water, Sprite Zero, smoothies

12. Current worry right now? the right path to follow in furthering my understanding of the Bible

13. Current hate right now? crying for no reason and sassy mouths

14. Favorite place to be? somewhere that I can be still and quiet

15. Do you like to travel? I love to travel with my family but airplanes make me sick

16. What color shirt are you wearing? Gray

17. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I don't know, never have

18. Can you whistle? Yes

19. Favorite color? yellow

20. If you could, would you be a pirate? No, I picture them without having all their teeth

21. What song do you sing in the shower? I always wake up with a song in my head, so whatever that song is for the day

22. Favorite girl's name? Elizabeth

23. Favorite boy's name? Nathan

24. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing - I don't have any pockets

25. Favorite bedsheets as a child? Strawberry Shortcake - I had the comforter and sleeping bag too!!!!

26. Worst injury? lots of sprained ankles during sports

27. Do you love where you live? Yes, yes, yes! I love living in the country

28. How many TVs do you have in your house? two

29. Who is your loudest friend? Carol

30. How many pets do you have? I guess 3, now that we haven't seen our outside cat for 5 days

31. Does someone have a crush on you? He better

32. What is your Favorite Book? that's tough - I have alot - "The Purpose Driven Life"

33. What's your favorite candy? Candy corn pumpkins

34. Favorite Sports Team? Prairie Central Jr. High Girls Basketball Team

35. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I don't want to get out of bed

Bad mom, good mom - bad wife, good wife - in the opinion of others, it seems to change by the day, or should I say more like, the minute. Even my best intentions still seem to be making someone upset. Have you ever been trying your best at something, only to be shot down by a less than kind comment? Sometimes comments stem from misunderstandings or as a parent, knowing what's best for our children (and them not agreeing). Comments don't have to be verbal because body language can say alot (eye rolling, hair swinging, stomping feet, slammed doors, head shaking, and refusal of hugs and kisses when heading out the door)

What is a mom, wife, taxi driver, nurse, homemaker, cook, finder-of-all-lost-things, hold-everything-together, person supposed to do in the face of opposition?????

James 4:7-8 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

This is a great opportunity to allow satan to grab a foothold but you and I can choose to make the better choice. We can choose to submit and draw near to our Lord. We can choose to be loved on and comforted by our Lover and Comforter instead of allowing our feelings to be hurt, or to hold on to a grudge which only pleases satan.

How will you respond to comments, whether verbal or implied, made by others today. Will you please satan or God?

Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

We had a wonderful weekend at the Fall Festival. The weather was cool and beautiful as we enjoyed spending 3 days with Mike's family. Here's some pictures of the fun:

All the cousins ready for camper trick or treating

Liz and Nate with their cousin Chase

Here's their littlest cousin, Bethanie, enjoying a ride.
Next, we come to our sweetest Halloween treat as the cousins, put Bethanie in the candy bowl

Here's where bad little goblins go

Hope you enjoyed your weekend too!

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Christ

Christie

Believe it or not, I just rolled out of bed, again. My poor boy is sick, again. I'm not quite sure what is up with this flu bug of his but it wasn't but a few weeks ago that I was up during the night with him and then again, last night. When he and I got to bed around 4:30 this morning, I decided I better call off work and get some rest and hang with him. He's still asleep so we'll see what comes when he gets up. I hope no more puking!

We are supposed to be camping tomorrow for a Fall Festival at a local campground, so hopefully we'll all be well enough to go. Please pray that my sweet boy gets rid of his bug.

Over the last couple of days, I've been posting about following the Word and the voice of God. As I was reading in James, I found some fitting verses. James 1:22-24 "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was."

Have a great day and a great weekend
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

No one likes suffering. No one likes pain. No one likes hurt. No one likes these things, so do you think it would be better if we didn't have to endure any of these? I would like to say yes, but I know better. I know that I am a better person today, because of painful experiences. I have learned the most and grown the most because of experiences that I would rather have avoided.

Hebrews 2:10 "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings."

If Jesus had to suffer, how are we any different or any better?

My Bible's commentary says this - His perfect obedience (which led Him down the road of suffering) demonstrates that He was the complete sacrifice for us. Through suffering Jesus completed the work necessary for our own salvation. Our suffering can make us more sensitive servants of God. People who have known pain are able to reach out with compassion to others who hurt. If you have suffered, ask God how your experience can be used to help others.

Have you had the boldness and courage to ask God to use your pain? I hadn't, but felt God prompting me to for a long time. I was so worried about what others would think of me or what they would say about me that I put Him off. God had been asking me to give my testimony at church but I declined. I felt His calling stronger and stronger and then when the pastor came to me and asked me if I would, I knew I had to obey. In complete fear, I stood before the congregation and shared my past. Petrified of what people were going to say to me afterward, I tried to sneak out as quickly as I could but was overwhelmed by the positive response and the assurance of people's love. I was humbled when I received a phone call later that day from a high school student that wanted to meet with me and talk about how his life was much like the one I had described of myself. We were able to build a trusting friendship that continues today as I encourage him to follow Christ.

This was only the beginning for me. Since, God has shown me that His plan for me is to share my most embarrassing and hurtful mistakes with others to bring them encouragement and comfort. These are my deepest, darkest secrets that I want to hid within my heart, forever, but God has shown me that by sharing how He has pulled me from those deep pits in my life, I can give His hope to others.

What have you been hiding? What is pushed so deep down that you want it there, forever? Be bold and ask God how you can use your past to share His hope and power with those around you.

Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Good morning my bloggy friends! Watch out world - I'm getting pumped! I began reading a book called "Irresistable Revolution" and I can't put it down. So far, it has me pondering this question:
If I truly and literally followed the teachings of the Bible, how would my life change?

If we stopped picking and choosing what sections of the Bible we follow, if we took each challenge, if we followed the Holy Spirit's prompting - every time, if we fed the hungry, if we homed the homeless, if we took care of the elderly and the widows, if we loved our neighbors as ourselves, if we controlled our tongues, if we spoke the truth, if we shared the Gospel, etc, etc, etc, - what would this world look like? Would people be able to differentiate Christ Followers and unbelievers?

Something for us all to ponder

Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Happy Monday morning to you! It's Columbus Day which means no school, and a very busy day for me but I am attempting to go into my day with a good attitude and the desire to spend as much time as possible with my children.

I had a very enjoyable weekend and was able to spend alot of time together as a family and with extended family.

On Friday, my husband was coming home from work and witnessed a bad accident in front of him. He immediately called 911 and then went to see how he could help. Out of respect for the family, I won't share the details, but my husband came home extermely shook up and upset. One person died from injuries from the accident and I ask for your prayers for their family. He was a new friend of ours and a brother to a close friend. As this tragedy has affected many people in different ways, I pray that our God of comfort will draw close.

Irregardless of what life may throw at us, our God is faithful, our God is trustworthy, our God reigns, our God will be with us through it all. He never fails and He never forsakes. We can trust in His sweet promises.


Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

On more than one occaison this past week, I have attempted to encourage those who are down in the dumps. There were different responses - anger/frustration, disbelief/ignoring, and acceptance. The depression resulted from different situations, but doubt and wonder of God's faithfulness came to all.

I cannot tell you a magic secret to always be happy, to never let life get you down, or to keep bad things from coming into your life - these things are a struggle for us all but what I can encourage you and I to do is: stay faithful.

Get in a habit of studying the Bible each day (always doing it at the same time, works better for me), talk to God throughout the day (prayer does not have to be down on you knees, eyes closed, all alone, but continuous conversation with our Savior), and keep a thankful heart (thanking God for what He has blessed us with, keeps a good perspective).

Even though these practices will not always keep depression from creeping into our lives, I have found that they help me to stay more focused on God and less on my circumstance. When those dumppy feelings come, and I continue the habits, He has these avenues to console my heart.

As I read about Jesus' resurrection in Mark, this morning, I was reminded that Jesus kept His promise to rise from the dead, so we can believe that He will also keep His other promises. God is faithful - are you?

Have a great day and a great weekend
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

1 Timothy 1:12-17 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy becaue I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

In regards to the above mentioned - check out this great video
http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/index.cfm?hndl=details&tab=MM&id=4602

Enough said

Have a great day
Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Yesterday, I ended my post with the decision to trust. Again, I was reminded of trusting God as I read Daniel 6:16-28. We learn the story of Daniel and the Lion's Den from preschool, up, but as I read it this morning, it brought new insight to me on the faithfulness of God.

We have no control over what others are going to say, do or think but we do have control over how we respond. When in a difficult situation, we choose whether we will fly off the handle, blame others, get angry, be filled with fear, etc. or trust in the One who is trustworthy.

In worldly terms, Daniel had alot to be fearful of. He also was being treated unfairly. But nothing stopped him from believing in the God he believed in. Nothing stopped him from seeking God in prayer. Nothing stopped his trust in God. Nothing.

What causes you to stop trusting? What difficulties have caused you to doubt, wander, or make the wrong choices?

God never changes. He is always faithful. He is always trustworthy.

It is your choice. Will you choose to trust?

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

I fogot to add another reason why I had such a good time in Detroit - I didn't have a headache!! Once the farmers get into the field for harvest, I pretty much have a continuous headache until after they are done. I have lived on Tylenol, Ibuprofen and Mucinex for the last 2 weeks. Amazingly, about half way between Chenoa and Detroit, my headache dissapeared and stayed gone until we hit that same place on our way home. It was a sweet break from the pounding. I was wondering if my family would have an issue with me living in another state during harvest season but afraid of their answer, I thought I better not ask. I wouldn't want them to enjoy it so much that they never wanted me to return!! :)

Have you ever had one of those times in your life when you are confused? (yes, I can read your mind so stop thinking that it is a normal place for me! - not nice!!!) You think that God is prompting you to do something but it is something that brings you out of your comfort zone or that you are afraid of? You want to make sure that it is God's will so you continue to pray and you continue to received affirmations, but you still continue to wait. Well, this is a place that I've been for about a month. I have had other instances where God has called me to do something scary and I put it off for years, but not this time! I have watched His faithfulness in my life and I trust His will for me. So here goes........

God has been prompting me to learn more about His Word. I have looked into several different options, I have prayed, I have thought, I have discussed with my husband and we have come to the conclusion that I will take some online, undergraduate classes to receive a Bible Studies Certificate.

Even though, obeying God brings excitement to me, I also am afraid. How will this affect time with my family - my speaking and writing - and how will I ever fit everything into my schedule? This is where faith comes in - this is where trust comes in - this is where I will rely on my God to carry me. (Please remind me of this in the future when I need to hear it!)

I ask that you will be in prayer for my family and I as we are obedient to this calling.

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Christ
Christie

Just wanted to share a few pics from our trip to Detroit over the weekend. My sister works in marketing and advertising for GM Motors so here we are at the GM building. Nathan is standing with one of his favorite vehicles.
In front of the GM buliding is a fun fountain where the jets of water come out of the cement at different times and levels. Nathan and Uncle Jordan had a fun time trying not to get wet.

Here's a shot of Canada across the river. We couldn't go since we didn't have a passport. Bummer!
Here's the group that went. My mom, dad, grandma, sister, brother-in-law and Nathan.

Fun was had by all. We also spent time at an apple cider mill watching the process of making apple cider which was very cool and played hours of Wii (my body continues to hurt!)

Hope you also had an enjoyable weekend

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Christ

Christie

Today, I'm heading to Detroit MI to visit my little sister (at 24, I guess she's not so little any more). She and her husband come back to IL to visit on occaision but we rarely get to see her for any amount of time because she has to divide her time between all her friends and family. She is the only one of five children that have spread their wings and moved farther than 30 miles from mom and dad. Anyway, I'm excited for Nathan and I to ride up with my parents and granny. Our daughter is hot and heavy into basketball so with daily practices, she and her dad are hanging at home while we're away. Please be praying for safety and peace as we travel.

Another topic I've had on my brain lately is: Angels. We are studying the book of Hebrews in our small group which brought us on the conversation of angels. The worldly view of angels does not hold true to the descriptions in the Bible. I believe there are many people, who believe that angels are these flowing white, winged, halo wearing beings and that we turn into them when we die. This is not true when you look at the biblical description of them.

Daniel 10:5&6
I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. His body also was lilke beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 1:14
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.

Bible dictionary definition: Angel - devine messenger. Holy angels are special, superhuman beings who serve God and are sometimes sent by Him to deliver messages to people. Fallen angels are demons. All angels, with the exception of the angel of the Lord, are created beings and are not to be worshiped.

1. Angels appearances are far from our worldly views.
2. Angels are created beings by God
3. God and Jesus are higher than angels and they are the only ones to be worshiped.
4. Angels have several functions: serving believers, (Hebrews 1:14) protecting the helpless (Matthew 18:10), proclaiming God's messages (Revelation 14:6-12) and executing God's judgement (Acts 12:1-23 and Revelation 20:1-3)

Hebrews 2:1 "For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away from it." Be careful of what this world may teach you. I'm breaking out in "oh, be careful little eyes what you see".

Have a great day and a great weekend

Living fearlessly in Him
Christie

I had 2, three year olds comparing who had better books this morning. Here's the way the convesation went:
I have "Bears on Wheels"
Well, I have "Green Eggs and Ham"
Well, I have "Green Eggs and Hamburger Bible" and it's a big one!!!!
This is one translation I haven't heard of!!!!!

Do you ever struggle with being content? Do you ever feel like you are always in a quest for more? Have there been people around you that have told you "nothing is ever good enough for you"? What would it take to truly make you happy?

This has been a struggle for me and many others that I have spoke with. Contentment was a topic that I spoke about at last weekends women's retreat.

I had spent my life always seeking more. I lived saying "when _____ happens then I'll be happy." I was content, until.......

It wasn't until I was completely broken and alone that I finally realized that God is enough. I encourage you to consider this question: If I lost everything, would God be enough?

I thought I could say yes, but it wasn't until I was actually put in the situation of not knowing what was going to happen with everything important to me that I realized all I truly had was God. I was depressed, discouraged, alone and wondering how I ever let myself get where I was. It was God that stood by me, it was Him who pulled me from the pit, it was Him who never left me but continously poured His love over me.

God is the One person that we can always rely on. He is the only One who will always keep His promises. He is the One who will love us no matter what we do.

HE IS ENOUGH

He will provide abundant life when we learn to be content - truly content with more of Him instead of more of what this world can give.

Have a great day

Living fearlessly in Him
Christie

Check out this video on our pastor's blog - all I can say is: POWERFUL
http://www.pontiacbible.org/index.php?/blog/comments/an_example_of_ultimate_trust/

Good morning, yall! I hope you had the opportunity to look up this morning. The sky was so clear that I felt like I saw more stars than I ever have before. It was breath taking and a great reminder of how big our God is.

As parents, new to having a Jr. High student, Mike and I got to do something we haven't done before last night. After watching our daughter in the 7th grade basketball game (they won again - yea!), we ran the concession stand during the 8th grade game. At first, I was a little nervous about this adventure since I have seen how long the lines can get at the consessions. Would I make a mistake? Would I give back the wrong amount of change? Would people get mad if I wasn't fast enough? Well, it turned out to be a very fun experience and I can't wait until it is our turn again. My husband rolled his eyes when I told him how much fun I had talking to people as I passed out sandwiches, popcorn, candy and drinks. I enjoyed the fast pace of it all and using my brain to give totals and make change. (You'd understand if you stayed home with children all day, too)

Since his job calls for him to serve people all day long, count money and give out product - he felt like he was back at work. It wasn't exciting for him. It wasn't fun for him. His perspective was totally different than mine.

This example is no different than living in our everyday lives. It's our perspective that determines how we look at serving God in the different opportunities He gives us.

Will you miss opportunities because they seem old hat or inconvenient or will you excitedly seek every way that you can serve God today?

It is your choice.

Have a great day
Christie