Actions speak louder than words.

I have just been thinking, after
listening to a sermon by Doug Philips, about how much we miss by not
being constantly in the Word of God and following it. It has been such
a blessing for my soul to hear him speak of THE
FAMILY TABLE. I see the correlation to the Scriptures in what
he says, and the logic behind the methods, and I'm uplifted and
encouraged to try to produce the same in our family.
If Chris and I
work this into our home rituals, I can see how we could be blessed,
become more united as a couple and as a family unit. I also can see the
good that would come from others witnessing the apparent changes we'd
make, and the changes in attitudes, etc. I see all the benefits and get
excited thinking about working to that end.

But...what if I never get to it? What good does it do to just hear something good and uplifting, but then put it on the back burner
and think, we are too busy to implement that. It would be as pearls
thrown to pigs. I don't want to be as such. I want to learn and grow in
the Lord and make changing our family according to the Bible, a
priority. I can not make my priorities different from what the Lord
commands in the Bible and expect to follow what He's commanded, and get
those desired results. Such a situation would turn out as the Little Red's story with the bread. You can not expect to get the
same results unless you put in the work that is required to get those
results.

I can not expect to have a household that runs like
Doug Philips', without implementing the Biblical standards, rules, and
balance of love as he does. Such would also be like me wanting my
grandmother's lovely rose garden, but not willing to do the work to
make it happen here. I, of course, could start to work on it, and even
buy roses, dig up a plot and even plant the roses. But if I don't water
them, feed them, and weed them, my efforts will be lost. I may be lucky
to get an occasional rose, if they don't die all together, but I
wouldn't have what I originally had wanted, because I didn't do the
work she did, that was required to get the same results.

We
are all familiar with James, but it's one thing to be familiar, and
another to read it, be in the moment, and then apply it to our lives.
That is my prayer. I want to be fully given over to the Word of God,
and to apply it to my life and the lives in my home, and to not just be
a hearer of the Word, but a DOER.

James 1:19-27 "19.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath: 20. For wrath of manworketh not the righteousness of God. 21. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness,and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 22. But be ye doers of the word,and not hearers only deceiving your own selves
. 23. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like
unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24.For hebeholdeth himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was...."

I also have had it on my mind that once we have a priority...(speaking of following God's ways and not man's)it is imperative to seek Godly advice through His word, and those who are following His word and have the same priorities.

The
women whose blogs I read, and the other links I've listed have been
such an encouragement to my daily walk and priorities as aSAHM
(stay-at-home-mother). I must feed my need for Godly wisdom and
encouragement with those who are reaching for the same goal. If I don't
weigh the spirits and goals of all I listen to, and do not read God's
word, then I will not get vital instruction and encouragement that I
need to make choices that will lead me to the end I want. It'd be like
me wanting that same flowerbed and when having questions, going to a
welder or astronaut to ask what I should put on my roses to give them
the nutrients they need. Why would we do the same thing in spiritual
matters? And as Doug Philips said on the sermon this morning, the
Spiritual is not removed and separated from our everyday lives and
tasks. It is all wrapped up and applies to everything!

I
guess, one question I'd have for anyone trying to do what's right and
follow God, is: "Do you believe with all your heart that the Bible is
God's Holy word? If so, then we must believe all the consequences and
blessings to real as well. If it is a Living Word of God, it's ever
changing to be always current to everything that applies to us. In each
of our lives, in all our activities, in all our ups and downs, it isrelevant
. If we believe that God's Word is true in One aspect, then it must be
true in every aspect. Otherwise who's to know what is true and what
doesn't apply, and to whom?

Just a couple Scriptures that encouraged me today:

1 Timothy 6:3-8 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to
wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the
doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud knowing nothing,
but doting about questions andstrifes of words, where comes envy, strife, railings, and evil surmisings. Perverse disputings
of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, style="font-style:italic;">supposing that gain is
godliness: from such withdraw thyself."
It goes on
to say: Godliness with
contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and
it is certain we can carry nothing out. Having Food and raiment let us
be therewith content.

Also, 1 Timothy 6:20 & 21
O
Timothy, (I would replace this with my name, yours, etc.), keep that
which is committed to thy trust, style="font-weight:bold;">avoid profane and vainbabblings
, and "oppositions of science" falsely so called: which some professing
have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.


2 Timothy is a wealth of instruction and training for Christians...

1:7
For the Lord has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind.

2:15,16
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

3:1-7
WOW! This know also, in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; From such TURN AWAY.
For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away by diverse lusts.
EVER LEARNING, AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.


So,
as a conclusion...We must guard our hearts, and look to God and not to
men. When we find someone who has the same goals as we, then it is in
our best interest to "takeahold " of that person. We must encourage and
not just be encouraged. We must grow in God's Word, and not just be
Hearers, thinking "oh, that's lovely"; but be Doers as well!

May God be with you, leading you to deeper understandings of His word and Will for your lives!

Love,

Misti

Is Autumn upon us?

Oh, my. It's absolutely perfect weather. It couldn't be nicer, or more pleasant. It's about 70 degrees out. The air is breezy, and dry, so it feels wonderful to have a cup of coffee in hand while making my grocery list, etc.

I've really enjoyed this summer, but I'll say I'm looking forward to fall. Not for winter yet, but I love the cool breezes, the crisp, fresh air, and the mums that show their beauty this time of year.

Right now, we are quite busy working on readying our home for sale. I do hope it sells, because we feel this is our next step to getting on an acreage. I'm not sure if it'll sell, but if it's the Lord's will and He's changing our hearts towards this matter, then all will work out according to His perfect will, right?

I am looking forward to seeing people's comments and interest, or lack of interest. I have to admit it's a bit of an adventure for me. :) I do love our home and Chris has made it almost completely as we'd like it to be, however the adventure of moving to
another place, new decorating plans, gardening plans, animals and an even simpler life is calling me.

Well, I'd better make this day productive! I started off good, so I'd better keep it going!!!

Psalm 62:1-3,8
"My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from Him. 2. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.8. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge."


The Lord is so good!

Home Sweet Home

Have you ever felt in a complete state of peace? I don't know if I ever have before...but I did when I arrived home.

During
our visit there were a number of events, discussions, and episodes that
normally would have led me to be frazzled in spirit, as they have
before. However, this trip was different because I was different. I've
been reading my fellowbloggers ' writings, and reading the Bible and I
even read the Bible frequently while on vacation. I will have to admit
that usually is something I don't do when away from home...:(. This
time though, when I'd get to a point where my soul needed refreshing,
I'd read God's word and would feel a complete peace. Our stay wasn't so
much different, but the way I felt was. Isaiah 26:3-4 "Thou wilt keep
him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts
in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is
everlasting strength."

Having been gone for two weeks, I've been able to reflect alot on things here on the home front. It is rejuvenating to go somewhere and be inspired and thrilled to get home.
When
I was gone, I thought about ways to be more productive, creative, and
even resourceful. I even came back LOVING Nebraska and appreciating
things I hadn't noticed before. Not that I didn't have a grand time
visiting family, enjoying the flowers ofLouisiana , and shopping...but
getting back home was sweeter this time than ever. And for my relatives
that are reading...that DOES NOT mean I don't miss you!!! :)

As
I'm writing I have the windows open over the computer and a cup of
coffee at my hand. The 70 degree crisp breeze blowing in is a tease of
fall, for we haven't seen the last of summer yet. It's only about 50%
humidity or less so it feels as though fall has arrived.

My
tomato plants have produced a bountiful harvest and more this year than
ever before do I appreciate God's provisions and see blessings where
before I saw work. I have picked 3 heapingbasketfuls of the gorgeous
red fruit and have made sauces and will dice them today. I know there's
a debate in some hearts about whether it's really worth it or not, but
yesterday while I was cleaning and pureeing tomatoes I made myself
aware of what I was doing and what was going on.I listened to the birds
calling to one another, feeling the delicate breeze of summer passing
over my face, and smelling the juicy ripeness of the perfect fruit God
has made. I enjoy the thought of knowing my freezer is starting to fill
up with fruit that had no chemicals, and so therefore better to feed my
family with.

When I am not "busy" I enjoy doing things for my family rather than buying predone
stuff. There's a wonderful satisfaction in being able to put together
something with love and while doing it be relaxed and praise God for
what He's blessed us with. Not only the fruits themselves, but with the
knowledge and wherewithal to be able to do it.

In the pictures above you'll see
1. My first basketful of Tomatoes and my surprise lilies that appeared while we were gone on our trip.
2.
My cream and sugar set that I took out of my china hutch and decided to
use. (Thanks Aunt Holly for the idea!!!!) The green base is USA pottery
I found at a store for $1 and the cream and sugar set were Chris'
Great-Grandma's.
3. My Great-Grandma and Bekah are on the profile
picture...Oh how we can learn so much if we are taught to be patient
and sit at the feet of those who came before us.


The trip was a wonderful break from the everyday life; it opened my eyes to alot of new thoughts, ideas, and the wonderful blessings that God has provided for our family.


It's
wonderful to be home....yes....I still do miss my relatives and still
think a commune would be a great way to live. The only fault is that
you have to have more than one family that believes that way!

on vacation...

Sorry, I've not been posting...Rebekah and I have been in Louisiana visiting family and will continue to be for another week.

In the midst of our time here, the Lord has been faithful and kept us safe. It's neat how that even while we take a break from our routine, I know that He is still watching over us, and not taking a break from us!

So many thoughts running through my head and so many things to talk about, however I'm off to help my Aunt make a tote.

Best Wishes to all my visitors,

Misti