The Song of the Day...

As Easter approaches, I would like to share some songs with you that have touched my life over the years.  The first one that I am sharing is "El Shaddai" performed by Amy Grant.  El Shaddai means "God Almighty/ God All Sufficient".  

Prepare Day 26

Psalm 51

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Do I come before God with a broken and contrite heart over my sin?  Am I really sorry and longing not to do it again...or do I seek forgiveness until the next time?  

2. What I saw God do today...

God gave me the strength to make it through today and even though I have the same stresses of yesterday, He allowed me to not feel so stressed!

3.  My prayer for today...

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Ps. 51:10-12 NIV)

Prepare Day 25

Psalm 38

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Am I troubled by my sin?  Do I long to confess my sin to God?  Like David, do I seek God's forgiveness with all my being?

2. What I saw God do yesterday...

Yesterday, I witnessed about a dozen or so people accept Jesus as their Savior during the 3rd service at church!  If I heard right, there were about another 2-3 dozen people who made commitments during the first and second service!  (Just in case you're wondering...I attend a church that has around 2300 regular attendance.  Even though it is a large church, it doesn't feel that big.)

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, I celebrate with You for the people who have accepted You as their personal Savior yesterday.  I pray that they will earnestly seek after You and grow in relationship with You.  Give them excitement and fill them with Your Holy Spirit.  May they tell others about You and what You have done and are doing in their lives.  

I thank You for getting me through this tough day and pray Your blessing and strength on the rest of this week as well.  Give me the patience, knowledge, and strength that I need for each moment.  

I lift up a friend's cousin to You right now.  She really needs Your guidance and strength to do the right thing.  I pray that she would not try to make up for one mistake by eliminating this life that is growing inside of her.  This baby has a purpose.  I bind up the spirit of fear that she seems to be allowing to making decisions for her.  Protect this young lady and her baby.  I pray for my friend that she would be a positive influence.  Amen.

Prepare Day 24

Psalm 103

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

God deserves my praise for all that He is and all that He has done.  Praise Him not with words only...but from the deepest part of me...with ALL my heart; with ALL my mind; with ALL my soul; with ALL my strength.

2. What I saw God do yesterday...

Brought me through the thunderstorm!  He is mightier than all the loud roaring thunder.  He is brighter than the brightest lightning ripping through the sky.

3. My prayer for today...

I thank You that You are mightier than anything that comes my way.  Just like You brought me through the literal storm yesterday, I thank You that You bring me through the storms of life.

Prepare Day 23

Hebrews 4:14-16

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

We have a Great High Priest who knows first hand what we go through.  He faced every temptation, but without sin.  Since He did face temptation, He can sympathize with us.  He will be there for us in our time of need with grace and mercy!  (Just don't use this as a liberty to go sin.)

2. What I saw God do today...

Provided mother/daughter time over lunch.

3. My prayer for today...

Help me to feel better.  I've not felt well the past two days.  

Lunch with a view...

Today, I met mom downtown for lunch and I took these from the restaurant window. (hence the glare)

The new stadium is almost done.

A song that reflects my growth right now...

Prepare Day 22

Matthew 11:29-30

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

In biblical times, the yoke was what the teacher believed and taught.  So when Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me" He was telling us to also believe what He was saying and learn it.  To really learn something, we will act upon it and live it out.  So many times we will learn something as head knowledge and think we have learned it.  Taking Jesus' yoke means that it goes beyond head knowledge to belief and action.

2. What I saw God do today...

He took care of a stressful situation.

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, thank You once again for Your provision.  Help me to not learn things just as head knowledge; I want to learn from Your yoke and truly live it.  Amen.

Prepare Day 21

John 8:1-11

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

In today's passage there seems to be a line between condoning sin and condemning or being judgmental of the person. Jesus was not condoning the woman's sin when He said that He did not condemn her either; yet He didn't condone it either.  He told her to go and sin no more.  I have a tendency to make judgements of people in an effort to not want to look like I am condoning what they may be doing.  How many times though, do I make judgements with a big ol' plank in my eye?  I will be the first to tell you that I am NOT perfect!  No I am not the little miss "goody two-shoes" that some have believed me to be.  Jesus was able to give grace and forgiveness without condoning the behavior.  We need to learn how to follow His example.  People tend to respond to love and care than judgement.

2. What I saw God do today...

Brought out the sun to clear up a rainy dreary day.

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, thank You for Your grace and forgiveness.  Show me how to have grace and forgiveness towards others instead of judging and criticizing them.  Help me to take the plank out of my eye so that I can see You more clearly.  Give me wisdom in how to handle sticky situations with a balance of grace without condoning the sin.

Prepare Day 20

Ok...so I did today's passage yesterday...so I will do yesterday's today!

Isaiah 61:1-3, 10

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

God has given me beauty for ashes; He has clothed me with salvation and a robe of righteousness!  He is good!  He has also called each one of us whom have believed and have been saved to preach the Good News to others.  This does not mean we all have to become a pastor of a church or a missionary.  Though there are some who are called to do that, most of us will share it through our relationships and how we relate/treat others.  When we let the love of God overflow through us and listen to the Holy Spirit's promptings it should happen naturally.  People should be able to see that we are different and want to know why.  Getting into God's Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through You are important in order to accomplish this.  How am I doing in this area of my life?

2. What I saw God do today...

He is amazing!

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, You continue to provide for us.  Thank You for the warmer weather that You provided today.  You know what is best for each one of us.  May I seek You in everything; in every moment of everyday.  May I yearn to dwell in Your presence and rejoice in You.  May this be so in the good times as well as the difficult times.  Thank You for loving and accepting me where I am!  I thank You even more that You are working to make me into the person You have created me to be.  I look forward to the day when I will see You face to face and will truly be that person.  Amen.

Prepare Day 19

Luke 19:1-10

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

If you grew up in church, I am sure you are familiar with the story of  Zacchaeus and sang the song about him.  Being a tax collector and also cheating people out of their money, he was despised by others.  When Jesus went to Zacchaeus' house for dinner, people couldn't understand why Jesus would spend time with a sinner.  But think about it!  Isn't the very reason He came to earth to save sinners?!  Those same people wanted to spend time with Jesus...are they too not a sinner?  The issue was that they considered Zacchaeus' sin to be greater than their own and therefore unworthy of Jesus' time and forgiveness.  Who are the people in our lives that we view as unworthy of forgiveness?  Maybe we should follow Jesus' example and share His love and forgiveness with them.  They just might make a radical change just like Zacchaeus.

2. What I saw God do today...

He got me through the day today, even though I didn't feel very well.  I even got more done than last week!

3. My prayer for today...

Father God, please give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know You better.  I pray also that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which You have called me, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and Your incomparably great power for us who believe. (Eph. 1:17-19a) 

Prepare Day 18

Ephesians 2:1-10

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Who doesn't like to receive gifts!?!  God has given us the best gift one could ever receive.  He gave it to us even though we did not deserve it.  It is a gift that is by grace through faith.  Just picture a box wrapped up in pretty Christmas paper sitting under your beautifully decorated tree with your name on the tag with the phrase "Do not open until Christmas" on it ...And it is a few weeks before Christmas.  You have faith that the box contains something in it; something you desire, but you'll have to wait to experience whatever is inside that box.  God wrapped His gift to us in cloth.  We still must have faith, however, we do NOT have to wait to experience this gift!  We can experience it right now!  We can live in the Kingdom of God now here on Earth.  God has a plan for our lives and He wants to actively live in and through us now!

2. What I saw God do today...

I am rejoicing with my cousin and his wife that they are expecting a little one this fall.  God has created a new life and I anticipate seeing His handiwork! 

3. My prayer for today...

For You created baby Mc's inmost being; You are knitting this baby together in his/her mother's womb.  I praise You that this baby is being fearfully and wonderfully made.  His/her frame is not hidden from You; Your eyes see his/her body forming.  All the days ordained for this baby were written in Your book before one of them came to be!  I pray that this pregnancy would be uneventful, enjoyable, and that the baby will be born healthy.  Thank you for blessing this family with another child.  Give Dave & Wendi strength and wisdom as they raise their children.  May they all come to know You as their personal Savior and love and serve You.  Amen.

Then sings My Soul Saturday 3

This is a song that shows Jesus in every book of the Bible.  It is performed by the father/son duo AaronJeoffrey.  

Prepare Day 17

Romans 10:9-13

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Twice in today's passage it stated that if we confess with our mouth, we will be saved.  The first time it is mentioned it specifically states, "if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' ... you will be saved."  I think that confessing with your mouth is more than saying "Jesus is Lord," but also the words we say and how we say them.  We can say that Jesus is Lord; can the people around us hear it and see it in the way we talk and act?  Gossiping or talking behind someone's back for instance would not be a way to confess that Jesus is Lord.  Encouraging someone or building someone up can show Jesus is Lord.  I believe it is important to verbally confess that Jesus is Lord; it is also important to confess it in all our conversations.

2. What I saw God do today...

Since I work at a Christian bookstore, I was able to view a movie that has not yet been released so that I can talk about the movie to customers.  After a slow beginning, it began to get interesting.  It is based on a true story and is called "Faith Like Potatoes."  God used this movie to show me that I need to have faith like potatoes.  Basically it means that I need to trust God that He is doing His work in and through me and I may not see the results or the process that is happening until time to harvest.  The farmer compared it to corn:  (not exact words) "You can plant corn and see it growing on the stalk; but you have to have faith that the potatoes are growing since they are underground and you can't see them."  I may not see who I may be influencing, but God is working and I must have faith.  I may not know who God is preparing for me to marry, but I must keep the faith that God is working in ways that I can't see right now.  Faith is an action; Faith is a journey and not just the destination.  Faith holds on even when others laugh; faith holds on in hard times as well as in good.  This movie also helped me to see how little we as Americans expect.  We put God in a nice little box.  Our God is truly a all powerful God who can do awesome and HUGE things.  I don't know about you, but I think it would be exciting if we would believe, I mean really believe, that God will show Himself in BIG ways and work through us if we will believe and allow Him to be glorified and not ourselves.  He can use us to bring others to Christ.  

 

3. My prayer for today...

Jesus, You and You alone are Lord.  Please be Lord of my entire life; I give my life to You; use it to bring glory to Your Name.  I pray that it would be evident in my life through my speech and actions that You are Lord of my life.  Continue to reveal to me areas that need to improve and that I would make the choices necessary to do that.  Lord, I don't want to contain You in a convenient little box.  Help me to have the faith in You that allows You to work mighty and powerful things so that You can be glorified and others may see who You really are and that they may be drawn to You.  I want to be open to whatever You bring my way.  Guide me.  Amen.

Prepare Day 16

Acts 4:1-12

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

There is no one else!  It is only by Jesus Christ that we can receive our salvation.  His power alone!  It is not how good we are; how talented we are; or how smart we are that saves us...it is only in Who we know...Jesus Christ.  

2. What I saw God do today...

I saw Him work in some relationships today.

3. My prayer for today...

I thank You, Lord, that we can know You and have a personal relationship with You.  I pray that I would keep You first in my life, my entire life.  Thank You for the building of relationships that did happen today.  Give me wisdom with one person that I just haven't figured out how to relate to and need to communicate with her often.

Prepare Day 15

Isaiah 53

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Even though this passage mainly prophesies about the crucifixion, what popped out to me today was verse 7.  "He was oppressed and afflicted yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth."  How many times do I get angry or voice my feelings (often calling it venting) when I feel I have been wronged or taken advantage of or misunderstood?!?  This usually leads to bringing someone else down, making me feel worse, and most of the time doesn't help to make the issue better.  Sometimes vocalizing our thoughts can even make the situation worse or block God's will or His glory shining through the situation.  Jesus was the most innocent man that ever lived and He was falsely accused.  However, we don't see Him screaming or demanding His innocence.  He humbled Himself and let God reveal His glory in due time.  Don't get me wrong...there are times we are to voice our anger (Jesus did this at the temple when He overthrew the tables.) but it must be for the right reason at the right time.

2. What I saw God do today...

This is what I saw when I walked out the door to go to work this morning!  Spring is just around the corner!  How exciting to see new growth and all the plants God created!

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, thank You for setting the example of how we should live and respond when persecuted or being misunderstood.  May I not be hasty to jump to conclusions or lash out in anger.  May I looked to You and seek You and how You may be glorified in the situations I am going through rather than vent to anyone who will listen.  Thank You for the signs of spring that You have created as a sign of hope and a new beginning.  Amen.

Prepare Day 14

John 3:1-18

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

This passage lays out the basics of the Gospel message.  Verse 16 one of the very first verses I learned as a young child.  It has become so familiar to so many, that I wonder if we skip over it so easily and don't really stop to see the wonder of it all.  God loved US so very much, that He decided to sacrifice His Son in a most brutal was for us!  He didn't come as this domineering God to condemn us...He came to forgive us and love us!  However, He does not force us to return His love or believe in Him.  He wants so much to have a growing relationship; in order to have a relationship that is great, it can not be forced.  It is offered free to us (all we have to do is believe), BUT...it did come with a steep price that Jesus Christ was willing to pay for us!

2. What I saw God do today...

When I was walking out my back door to go to work this morning, I paused to take in the beauty and wonder of two bright red cardinals playing in my yard.  God created these beautiful birds (my favorite) as well as the songs that they sang.  I really enjoyed it.

3. My prayer for today...

Thank You Jesus, for Your sacrifice for me.   I am sorry that I tend to forget just how much You love me and what You did for me.  I am sorry for taking You for granted.  I pray that I would see Scripture that I have become so familiar in a new light.  Make it come to life within me; Your Word is living and breathing...sharper than any double edged sword...make it so in my life.  Amen.

Prepare Day 13

Matthew 1:18-25

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

God will guide us through times that can be misunderstood by on-lookers.  

2. What I saw God do today...

I was able to spend some time with my family tonight as we celebrated the March birthdays.  During this time, my sister and my niece at different times expressed their grief in different ways.  When I went for a walk with my niece, she opened up to me and shared memories that she had with her dad.

3. My prayer for today...

Thank You for coming to earth as a little baby and growing up just like we do, showing that You understand us.  Show us how to relate to others and really get to know them in order to know how to reach out to them.  Give us guidance and the words to say and when.  May the people we come into contact with be receptive to Your Good News.  Amen.

Prepare Day 12

Titus 3:3-8

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

God's kindness and love have come to us now.  We no longer have to be deceived and enslaved.  He brought us this kindness and love not because of what we have done...but because of His great mercy.  We should not base our love and reactions on how others treat us; but we should love them and show mercy.  

2. What I saw God do yesterday...

God is really bringing our small group together and we are caring for each other in community.  It seems that so many of us are struggling in one area or another.  God is showing us how we can bear one another's burdens and encourage each other.

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, I really need Your courage and Your words/timing.  I really feel that You have placed something on my heart to do and I am scared.  I know that I can not do it in my own strength.  May I be obedient to Your guidance and will.  Prepare the heart of the person that it may be receptive to Your calling.  Guide our conversation that it would flow smoothly and not be awkward.  May Your name be glorified.  In Jesus Name, amen.

Prepare Day 11

Romans 3:10-24

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

All of us have sinned and therefore fall short.  Some think they are good since they have not murdered anyone or any of the other major sins.  Little white lies, gossiping, going over the speed limit...those are sin too and are equal in God's eyes.  Observing the law also does not make us righteous; the law is there to make us conscious of sin.   BUT...there is hope!  Jesus Christ brought us redemption and now we are justified freely by His grace!  This does not give us liberty to go out and sin...we should obey God out of our love for Him and not take what Jesus did for granted.

2. What I saw God do today...

I was privileged to witness God bringing two lives together to make them one.  I am excited to see how He will use them together to impact the Kingdom.  They both have come from close, strong, loving, Christian families.  It was great to see these families interact and hear the memories that they have shared.

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, thank You for Your love and for creating marriage.  Thank You for the families that Kate and Jared have grown up in that have prepared them for a new life together.  I pray that You would surround them with Your protection.  May they never stop falling in love with each other.  May they always seek You and live for You.  Bless them as they begin their family and may they continue the legacy that they have grown up in.  

I also lift up my dad to You.  Give the doctors wisdom to know what is wrong.  Protect his heart and give him the strength that he needs as well.  Amen.

My friend Kate is a Mrs. now!

Today I attended the wedding of my friend Kate.  We first met when she attended SHC at the college I worked for.  Later, she worked for me in the Admissions Office.  We became friends.  She met Jared while in college and now are Mr. & Mrs.!

Mr. S. walking his daughter down the isle.

The best man was also the minister.  He was Jared's college room-mate.  Ricky really did a great job!

Kate and Jared can't keep their eyes off of each other.  

They are so in love and it really shows!

Exchanging of rings and wedding vows.

Jared, you may kiss your bride.  It was the longest kiss I have ever witnessed at a wedding!  I guess they wanted everyone to have a chance to capture it on camera :) !

Cutting the cake.  It was a very moist and delicious cake!

They behaved themselves...no messy faces at this wedding.

First dance.  (Sorry for capturing the shoeless feet.)

Kate shares a dance with her daddy.  Prior to the dance, they shared that he had a lot of practice over the years since Kate and her sister loved to watch Disney movies and dress up in their princess dresses...and being the only male in their family...they made him be their prince charming and dance with them.  They danced to Ten Minutes Ago from "Cinderella".

Her bridesmaids joined Kate to demonstrate a line dance.

Kate and Jared with Kate's parents and one of Jared's little brothers.

The happy couple.

When Kate's dad was giving a toast he shared that one year he had gotten his wife and both daughters a box that held the key to their hearts. (An old-fashioned key was inside.)  They kept the boxes and gave the keys to their heart for him to hold.  He kept them on his dresser so that when he saw them everyday it would remind him of his responsibility to love and protect them. To guard their self-esteem, provide for them, etc.  He said that he is going to hold onto his wife's key forever.  When Jared came to ask him for Kate's hand in marriage, her dad gave Kate's key to Jared.  He then said, "Now Jared holds the key to her heart, but I'm still her daddy."  

Jared and Kate are a couple who really want God to be the center of their lives and you could just see and feel it throughout the whole ceremony.  I am so happy for them and how God has brought them together.  They have touched so many people individually, now it will be amazing to see how God will use them together.

Prepare Day 10

Daniel 9:4-19

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Jesus didn't come to save us because of our righteousness...that we are NOT on our own!  He came because of His great mercy.  He came to make us righteous through His blood.

2. What I saw God do today...

My dad had a good day!

3. My prayer for today...

Lord, I lift up WinterJam that will be here tomorrow night.  I pray that You will soften the hearts of those who will be attending.  I pray that those who do not know You as their personal Savior will make a decision to follow You.  Speak through the music, speakers, and artists.  May they speak truth.  May this not just be another concert.  May Your will be done.  Amen.

Prepare Day 9

Isaiah 59:1-16

1.  What God said to me today through His Word...

Sin is bad if nothing else, because it separates us from God!

2.  What I saw God do today...

Helped me discern that my car needed attention and I was able to get it in before the serpentine belt snapped.  

3.  My prayer for today...

LORD, I lift up my dad to You.  He needs Your touch right now.  I am not sure what exactly is going on in his life or what may be wrong.  I'm not sure even how to pray for him right now.  You are the all-knowing God and know exactly what is wrong and what he needs right now.  Please touch him and heal him, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and relationally.  I pray that he would seek Your help to fight these battles that he is facing.  Thank You.  Amen.

Prepare Day 8

Romans 1:18-32

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

Where have I exchanged the truth of God for a lie?  What created things have I worshipped or served rather than the Creater?  Why do I do these things; What do I have to gain?  What is keeping me from worshipping and serving God with my entire being and Him only?  What is keeping me from seeking FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness?  

2.  What I saw God do today...

He is opening my eyes to see where I am lacking even in the small things.

3. My prayer for today...

You alone are the righteous judge and You alone deserve ALL my praise.  It is my desire to seek You first and worship only You, Lord God.  Thank You for showing me areas that I need to change in order to do that.  Give me Your strength and wisdom.  Continue to search my heart and bring to light what I have believed that is not true and the things I have placed ahead of You.  I do not want to continue in them.  Help me to not condone bad behavior/beliefs in myself or others.  Help me to take a stand for You.  Amen.

Prepare Day 7

Genesis 6:5-8

1. What God said to me today through His Word...

As it has been raining hard and steady this past weekend with more on the way...and as I keep hearing about all the horrible stuff going on in the world (even today, a law was reversed) it reminds me of today's passage of Scripture.  God was so grieved by how evil minded His creation had become that He was ready to wipe out everything.  However, Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.  God did promise to never flood the whole earth again...but there is coming a day when He will wipe out this earth and build a new heaven and a new earth.  (It may be sooner than we think the way things seem to be heading!)  Those who have believed and accepted Christ as their savior will find favor in the eyes of the LORD.  Am I living my life in such a way that it is obvious?

2. What I saw God do yesterday...

His guidance and hand of protection got me home safely after taking a wrong turn and getting lost in a bad section of town at 10:30 at night.  Did I mention I have no sense of direction!?!  It was definitely God guiding me back to a familiar place where I knew where I was and how to get back home.

3. My prayer for today...

Thank You, LORD, for Your guidance and protection.  Please fill me to overflowing so that Your light and favor will shine through me to those I come into contact.  I pray for the president and congress that they would seek You and accept Your guidance and will in making decisions and leading the country.  I pray for this generation of people would seek Your face, O God, and turn from our wicked ways. (2 Chronicles 7:13-15) Amen.

The one where I crash a bachelorette party...

Last night when I got off work, I went to my friend Kate's bachelorette party late.  I missed going out to dinner with them but after fighting my way through a torrential rain storm and wading through deep water made it in time for presents, cake, and picture frame decorating.  I felt special being invited and being the only one not in the wedding.  

Kate and I met when she attended Summer Honors College at the college I worked at while she was still in high school.  When she became a freshman, I hired her to work in the Admissions Office as one of our student assistants.  We became fast friends.  She is such a sweetheart.  Next Saturday she will get married to Jared whom she met at TUFW.

We used our crafty talents to decorate frames to put pictures of our time together.

Jess also made a delicious cake for us to enjoy. 

 Meghan hosted the event at her apartment.

Meghan, Kate, Jess, Me, Brie, and Khrista

At midnight we called it quits and went home to get some sleep since daylight savings started a few hours later and we would already be missing out on an hour of sleep.