A Great Responsibility


Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 
2 Timothy 2:15

Our church has recently started a new bible study called 'Read the Bible for Life'.  When I heard that this study tool would be available, my heart leaped or leapt (?), because I have such a difficult time sticking to anything (I'm sure it's because of this ADD problem:).  I love to read the Word of God, but never have approached studying the Word with a great plan of action, and I lack one of the most important requirements- DISCIPLINE. 

I was prepared to come in, get a bullet list of important study guidelines, and I'd be on my way, but, I'm finding it's so much more than that.  For instance, this week, we're talking about reading Gods Word in context: Historical, Cultural, Literary and Theological. (Now don't let me lose you here, hang with me, this is really interesting:)  This study is bringing something very important home to me- Very few Christians actually KNOW the Word of God- How many times have we heard the old adage :  Spare the rod, spoil the child; Cleanliness is next to Godliness; God works in mysterious ways; God will never give us more than we can handle; the lion will lay down with the lamb; money is the root of all evil; Pride comes before the fall, etc.  While most of these things sound good, they cannot be attributed to the Bible. We'll find when reading scripture, that some of those old adages are actually twisted versions of a verse, and some may be lyrics to songs, or from a line of poetry!  Also, many times we'll hear verses taken out of context; and doing this steals the actual meaning of the scripture.  We often use those familiar man-made quotes to ease our pain, or to create a false sense of hope, rather than understanding that all scripture should point us to God, showing us  that He is our hope, and He carries our burdens-  (when we give them to Him).   

It's important for each of us to read Gods Word, and to speak God's Word IN TRUTH- which basically means, before we go sharing something from the Word of God, make sure that what we are sharing is actually in the Word, asking the Holy Spirit to show us what the LORD is saying through the passage, make sure we know who was writing the scripture, who they were writing to, and what they were writing about.  I see why the world thinks that most Christians are so flaky- because we really don't look like we KNOW what we're talking about. And if we don't speak the Word in truth, it's best for us to keep our mouths closed, so that we are not deceiving others.

We have a blessed life as believers, however, we also have a great responsibility to share the Word of God, a Word that is true, right, never changing, that does not contradict itself, a Word that always accomplishes what God has planned,  a Word that is accurate, and even historical....and prophetical!  A Word that applied 1000 years ago, that applies to us today, and will apply to us hundreds of years from now, if the LORD tarries.  

Rather than being discouraged, I'd like to challenge you, as I have been challenged, to KNOW this precious Word, and for this Word to be deep in our hearts, so that it naturally flows from our mouths.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" Luke 6:45

"For the Word of God is full of living power.  It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires.  It exposes us for what we really are."  Hebrews 4: 12

Ask God to give you a desire to read His Word, and to show you what He has for you today!

Blessings,

Hear this!!!!

Today as I was doing my bible reading, and my focus was on why, as a nation, we as Christians have strayed so far from the Word of God.  Is it from lack of prayer in schools, is it from acceptance of sin, is it the entertainment industry, is it feminism, divorce, greed,  drugs, rock & roll,  alcohol, sex, self absorption, etc? 

Could it be that it's not those things at all that have brought us to this place today, maybe we should look at the above as symptoms of a greater disease!  Could it be that those who follow Christ have allowed this to happen because we did not do what God has called us to do?

This disease I'm referring to is:   complacency, lack of discipline, and  lack of  obedience in  loving God and reading the Word of God and then applying it to the life that God has given us. 

So, is it too late, have we gotten so sick as a nation that there is no remedy available to us?  I think not, for now.   I feel that we must listen, and obey- God is calling His people out, and we need to stand up, listen and obey.  Where do we begin?  I believe, we begin with prayer and God's Word.  Read the Shema passage below- Shema means- Listen, or Hear this!  It applies to us today, just as it did to the Hebrew people thousands of years ago---

Shema- Listen

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them on your hands as a reminder and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

What this means to me is this:  Listen- this is important!  The Lord our God is one, He is the only God- One Creator, One Way, One worthy of our worship, and commitment. We must love the Lord with all of our heart (He is our #1love) with all our soul (our longing should be to think on him, love him, and talking to him regularly), and all my strength (he should get the very best of me, actually ALL of me).  God has given me a word- his WORD- ( I must love this WORD, take it in, believe it, and live it with all of my being- heart, mind and body)Repeat them again and again to my children ,we should raise our children in the Word, which means to-- Tie them( the WORD) to your hands- we do with our hands- our hands should reflect the Word. Wear them (the WORD)  on your forehead- we think, see, hear, and speak with our heads- our heads should reflect the Word. Write them on the doorposts of your house- our doors are where we bring things into our lives and hearts-our hearts and homes should reflect the Word. Write them on the doorposts of your gates- where the world comes in- don’t allow the world to creep in our hearts/homes-rather, show the world the WORD.
I am so convicted to live as a child of God with all of me and with all that I have been given.  This great disease that has brought such depravity into America is our own fault- we have neglected to stand up for what is right, we have been lazy in sharing the word with our children at ALL times, we have not loved our Lord the way He asks us to.  If we did, we wouldn't be in this state, would we?

A real friend sticks closer than a brother...............

Last year at this time, my second son Josh was serving in Afghanistan, 9 months into a very tough deployment. We (my prayer warrior girlfriends, & my family) spent a lot of time on our knees begging God to protect our boys as they fought an evil enemy. A closeness developed between so many.  We knew that in our helplessness, we could only depend on God’s plan and protection.

Something I never did realize was that during my son’s time stateside, he was building bonds with young men that will probably last a lifetime as well! You see, when you live together, sleep together, suffer together, have fun together, worry together, cry and laugh together, pray together and fight one another, you start to develop a bond. You learn to trust one another, to watch out for your brother. You learn that most of your brothers got your back when you’re not lookin. You learn that you really do love each other. And a lot of these guys  love each other. They were preparing for hell on earth before their deployment. And they faced this ugly reality with courage, faith, and family. I can never imagine having even a millionth of the courage that I see most of these young men display. I personally think they are book worthy- each young man has an amazing story to tell.

I have recently pulled out some old prayers from my journal during that difficult year, and I’ve been in awe at how God worked in all our lives. He was quite busy, but our needs and prayers are never too much for God to handle!. I was broken at the remembrance of those who died over there, those who were hurt, and for those who will never be the same. God is so reassuring that He is the great Healer, and I ask you to pray for all of our young men serving. Many may look ‘whole’, but inside they are hurting more than you can imagine. Looking over those entries I can see how God was not only here with me and my family, comforting us, and giving us courage and faith. He was right there with Josh, and all of his buddies- helping them fight a battle valiantly. You could never imagine what kind of heroes we have walking among us- they will never tell you.

I want to tell you, I want you to know how special each and every one of these boys are, how much so many people prayed for them and supported them through various projects and gifts! I wish I could tell you every amazing, impossible story that I’ve heard. I wish that you could see the amazing heroes that I see, with a life story behind every sweet face! I want you to know them all personally, and I want you to love them and pray for them constantly!

Our family feels a special connection with two very special young men who had our sons back in so many ways, they were like big brothers to him while he was on post, preparing for battle. And, when the dreaded day arrived, on the battlefield- they looked out for him, as he did for them. I am sure that many days Sam, Adam, and Josh were directed by the very hand of God, and saved each others lives, and the lives of many others.  There are many things that these young men will hold to the grave. No one else will hear the tales of bravery, fear, despair, grief, pride, and relief that they experienced moment to moment.

Please pray for our servicemen and women- they need it today, tomorrow, and always. Don’t stop praying for them. Even though my boy is home, there are so many who are not, and many who are going back yet again.

To Adam and  Sam - I love you boys- My kids have 2 extra brothers now, and I am so proud of you, and love you like my own. I am able to spend time with my son, because he has friends who love him like a brother.  I'm so thankful for Christ's example to us, for He is the ultimate friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Thanks

Susi

Things that make me happy........

Leonidas Tsementzis

Besides time with family and friends, here are a few of the things that make me smile:

Norwichnuts

Lifecreations

Lel4nd

2009 Blog Cabin

Susi

dalangalma

2009 Blog Cabin

Brabourne Farms

Sarah Richardson Cottage

Brabourne Farms

Southern Living

US Army

Under the Mimosa Tree- Susi

2009 Blog Cabin

I'm so thankful that God gives us so much to enjoy- I'm speaking mainly of family, friends, His beautiful creation, the opportunity to give and reach out to others.  I enjoy looking at beautiful things, but, even more than that I'm so thankful to have a healthy happy home, filled with love and laughter.  You're all welcome to come see us anytime.  I'll fix some sweet tea, we can sit on the back porch and visit for a while.  Have a wonderful week!

Life can't be all flowers and sausages

Well, the last few years have been a stretch for me.  I've helped plan a wedding, sent my son off to the military, helped gut and rebuild a house, tiled a house, remodeled some of my own house,  watched my beautiful dil and son have my first grandbaby, landscaped my house then sold my house, moved to a rental, graduated my baby from high school, and dealt with my son being deployed to a horrible place for a year.  This year good things have come to those who wait, and I must take a little break.  I'll have tons of stories and pics for you- but here are some of the blessings we're overflowing with right now:  We're expecting our second grandbaby any day now:), my son has just returned from the military to live the civilian life:), our home is being built-and we are getting ready to get really busy, and my baby girl is preparing herself for a 5 month mission trip across the world, next spring- that will be hard- but life can't be all flowers and sausages..................................can it?!?!?!:)

Love you all

Do you realize your worth?

My daughter and I have conversations that I will forever cherish.  Our relationship is the kind that I have always hoped to have with my sweet girl.  We can laugh and poke fun at each other, and we can have deep conversations about God, life, men and babies!   This young woman is going to be an amazing catch for the young man that God has chosen for her.  I am blessed beyond measure to know such a strong, confident, sweet, vulnerable and beautiful young lady. 
Today she has been sharing a great book that her bible study group is reading together.  The book is called 'Captivating' by Stasi Eldredge, and  I was a captive audience before the close of page 1 .  I appreciate authors like Stasi- very descriptive, to the point, adventurous, and always directing us to God and how He created you and I to be so full, so alive, and so free!
Men and women are so unique,  different in very special ways.  In this day and age, however, many have blurred the lines, where men are afraid to be strong, and protective of the one they love,  afraid to open doors, pay the dinner bill, respect her virtue.  And then there's women- oh my word- what have we become-  some are hateful, closed off , cold, afraid of trusting a man. Then there are some who are needy,  begging for someone to romance them, love and take care of them.  Some have got it all wrong.  Men and women both crave adventure, both love to be loved, and both have specific roles that only one or the other can play- God didn't create us the same- and I am so glad he did not, because we'd all be quite bored:) 

Something I wish I could see more of is a respect of the opposite sex, and appreciation for the way GOD has created them, rather than belittling or bashing.  We need to stop playing games, and stop relying on advice of those who don't know God, or don't care about His plan.
Take some time, and pray about what God has called you to be.  I would encourage you to allow God to define you, not Oprah, not Tyra and not even Ghandi.  You are worth Christ dying for you!  You are God's precious one.  Realize your worth, and don't short change yourself any longer.  When you have a chance please pick up Captivating by Stasi Eldredge- I think you may be pleasantly surprised.

Ephesians 2:10 ---For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Shout out to my 10th Mountain Boys

photo credit Adam Holroyd (love you Adam)

This week I'd really like to focus on thanking our men and women in uniform- and I'd like to send a special thank you to 1-32 IN Scout/Snipers- you guys are truly the best, and we will always be thankful for your service and sacrifice during your 2009 deployment.  You lost some great young men in battle, and came home with scars that are much deeper than the physical scars suffered.  Each one of you is in our thoughts and prayers, and will be admired as great men of valor by me, my family, friends, and all of America. 

I Love you boys!

there's no place like home

I've had many 'dreams' in my life, many of which, did not come true. To be a famous singer,to sit front row at a Leif Garrett concert, to ride a motorcycle, to get taller, and to live out in the country. Mind you, I've practiced singin in my hairbrush, and I'm pretty good. Leif Garrett never happened, and I've never had the nerve to ride a motorcycle. I'm too chicken and getting taller just isn't gonna happen. I stopped growing at about 12 years old, and was never meant to reach 5'4". The livin in the country thing, I didn't think that would happen either, until a couple of years back when my b-i-l asked us to go look at some land with him, and that was the beginning. The guys decided to split the land. So we can all build our 'grow old together'  homes next to each other. So now, we get to live on this fabulous acreage with my husbands brother and my sweet sis in law Karen (broccoli salad Karen:)
After much prayer and planning we're finally breaking ground today. I'll post some pics of the process throughout the build. Here are a few 'before' pics. Have a great day:)

the one thing

If you haven't figured this out already, I'll let you in on a little secret. I have some major ADD! It's true, you'll see, and you'll say that girl is nuttier than, well nuttier than squirrel poop. This blog is to help give me the free therapy I need:) It's gonna cover every creative and crazy thing that comes into my mind, that's always in overdrive. So, that should explain why I go from recipes one day, to decorating and then on to pondering the meaning of life the next. I'm just that way, so bear with me as I ponder...........................

Right now, I am overwhelmed with 1 thing, it's something that invades my thoughts and my heart & soul every single day, often all day long. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry,it gives me peace, it makes me wanna hug, and it gives me hope. It causes some people to fight for their country, some to travel around the world away from their home, and for some, it has led to death. It can bring peace, it can move mountains, it can change a hardened heart to marshmallow. The "it" I'm talking about is LOVE. I am so amazed at it, and so grateful for this gift. A gift with no limits, a gift you can give away, and still have enough of. There are times when I take it for granted, or don't realize what a gift it is. Just imagine for a moment if there were no love, or if someone never felt loved............ok that's enough, it's the most horrible thing I can imagine, without love, there's no good thing, NONE!! Love motivates , it drives you to give, to share, to reach out, to be available, to be the best you can be, to put others above yourself. Love gives us hope, real hope. Love has a name, and his name is God! I am so thankful that He teaches me what LOVE really is, each and every day of my little life. Thank him for His love, the most wonderful love of all. I love you!

I Corinthians 13

beautiful photo courtesy of Ashley Rose Flikr