I was supposed to leave at 6:45 this morning to head to an insurance license continuing ed class. When I awoke, it was 6:57. Mom was waiting outside and we left right at 7:03 a.m. - just in time to get to class...1 minute early.
Our first 4 hour class was on ethics. The teacher posed the question "why is a class like this necessary?" Had my mind been half alert, the obvious answer is "there is none righteous, no not one." We all are selfish in our nature, and it is not natural to make decisions with the other party's best interest in mind. These thoughts came to mind about half way through the class. Apart from Christ and God's Word there is no moral standard. The instructor used the idea of "karma" as a motivation for us. She said within each of us is a knowledge of right and wrong. We just need to follow the Golden Rule (which I wonder, by the way, how many people in my generation even know what the Golden Rule is??). The book of Romans tells us God's law is written on our hearts - He created us with a knowledge of "right and wrong," but apart from a relationship with Christ and Spirit-filled living, sin reigns in our hearts.
What did I learn in a class on ethics this morning? The world does not have the answer. Only in Christ can we truly live a life that is not about us, and promoting self. It's not easy. How quick we can be to point our fingers at the world and their failure to have good ethics, but even in my own life, promotion of self, or the tearing down of others is not at all something I am immune to.
Praise God for Christ and His example...and for reminding me this morning to walk humbly with Him...even during a CE class!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
29/365
Not too many children get to enjoy a birthday cake made by their Great-Grammie! Daniel enjoyed one tonight. We had a day-early celebration with Dad, Mom, Matt, Rach, Grandma K, Grammie C., Alli, Sarah, Aunt Karen, Benton and Kathryn! We enjoyed pizza, salad and cake. 2 years have gone by so quickly. How I thank the Lord for our precious son.
Friday, January 28, 2011
28/365
You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
Psalm 40:5
none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
Psalm 40:5
Thursday, January 27, 2011
26 & 27/365
Oops. I missed posting yesterday! I was a substitute-piano teacher for Rachael. It was fun, but I do wonder how I ever taught more than 1 afternoon a week!
We have so enjoyed the ministry of the Galkin team among us this week. Tomorrow night is the final night. Sad to see the week come to an end from a "week of meetings" standpoint, but God's Word does not stop working. By His grace this week has been the beginning of some areas of change in my life! I look forward to more conviction of the Spirit :). That's how He works. So so thankful.
One thought from tonight:
I am not self-sanctified because I am not self-justified.
Praise God for the work of His Spirit!
We have so enjoyed the ministry of the Galkin team among us this week. Tomorrow night is the final night. Sad to see the week come to an end from a "week of meetings" standpoint, but God's Word does not stop working. By His grace this week has been the beginning of some areas of change in my life! I look forward to more conviction of the Spirit :). That's how He works. So so thankful.
One thought from tonight:
I am not self-sanctified because I am not self-justified.
Praise God for the work of His Spirit!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
25/365
So thankful for the work of God's Spirit in my heart this week. This phrase from In Christ Alone says it well - "No guilt in life, no fear in death - this is the power of Christ in me."
My learning journey began Sunday morning when Bro. Will asked if God had already been working in hearts, even before the Word was preached - maybe through the scripture in song, or corporate reading of Scripture. He reminded us that it is God's Spirit who convicts our hearts.
For much of life I have struggled with guilt over "not doing" in my Christian life. For example, not being consistently in the Word, or not praying, or not witnessing. And so to help with the guilt factor, I would try to "read more" or "pray more," etc. What God is teaching me is that those feelings of guilt and my salve of "doing more" were really motivated by my own self-righteousness. I was trying to "look good" in God's eyes. My heart has been challenged to see that what I have been experiencing is the Holy Spirit's conviction, and that my response must be to confess my sin of self-righteousness (exposed in my "do more" to fix it responses) to the Lord. And to see my sin for what it really is. You see, I have no goodness of my own. Christ is my Savior. He pleads for me before my Father. In Him I am righteous before God.
Perhaps the Holy Spirit has just been the "great understood" in my life, but what I am realizing (He is doing this...I know!) is that the Holy Spirit is at work, and as I sin He will convict. Before this week, the guilt would just overwhelm me, and I would try to do to "measure up." But He has opened my eyes to the fact that no, it is His Spirit convicting me, and I am to repent, to confess and to obey.
I don't know that I can adequately put into words what all is going through my heart, but I praise God for answering my prayer from Ps. 119: 25 "My soul clings to the dust; revive my heart according to your word!" The dust this week that has been revealed is my own self-righteous living. I cannot live apart from God's Spirit. It is God who IS working in me. There is absolutely no righteousness of my own. Thank you, Jesus for saving me! And thank you for working in my heart to realize the Holy Spirit is not just the "Great Understood" - He is working, active in my heart!
Phil. 2:12-13
12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for(AD) his good pleasure
My learning journey began Sunday morning when Bro. Will asked if God had already been working in hearts, even before the Word was preached - maybe through the scripture in song, or corporate reading of Scripture. He reminded us that it is God's Spirit who convicts our hearts.
For much of life I have struggled with guilt over "not doing" in my Christian life. For example, not being consistently in the Word, or not praying, or not witnessing. And so to help with the guilt factor, I would try to "read more" or "pray more," etc. What God is teaching me is that those feelings of guilt and my salve of "doing more" were really motivated by my own self-righteousness. I was trying to "look good" in God's eyes. My heart has been challenged to see that what I have been experiencing is the Holy Spirit's conviction, and that my response must be to confess my sin of self-righteousness (exposed in my "do more" to fix it responses) to the Lord. And to see my sin for what it really is. You see, I have no goodness of my own. Christ is my Savior. He pleads for me before my Father. In Him I am righteous before God.
Perhaps the Holy Spirit has just been the "great understood" in my life, but what I am realizing (He is doing this...I know!) is that the Holy Spirit is at work, and as I sin He will convict. Before this week, the guilt would just overwhelm me, and I would try to do to "measure up." But He has opened my eyes to the fact that no, it is His Spirit convicting me, and I am to repent, to confess and to obey.
I don't know that I can adequately put into words what all is going through my heart, but I praise God for answering my prayer from Ps. 119: 25 "My soul clings to the dust; revive my heart according to your word!" The dust this week that has been revealed is my own self-righteous living. I cannot live apart from God's Spirit. It is God who IS working in me. There is absolutely no righteousness of my own. Thank you, Jesus for saving me! And thank you for working in my heart to realize the Holy Spirit is not just the "Great Understood" - He is working, active in my heart!
Phil. 2:12-13
12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for(AD) his good pleasure
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
23/365
Today begins a week long of meetings with the Galkin Team. I must say that God is good to bring to us exactly what we need from His Word. I am grateful for the team's ministry among us and look forward to more this week!
A new question from this morning's message:
Did you learn this from Jesus? (Eph. 3:20-21). Already the Lord has used this simple question as situations and "response opportunities" have come up, even today.
I am so thankful that God's Word is powerful, and that His Spirit continually works in my heart, even when I fall...again and again! His grace is sufficient. And He desires for me to learn of Christ. That is what life is about - not just at salvation, but every day He gives us!
A new question from this morning's message:
Did you learn this from Jesus? (Eph. 3:20-21). Already the Lord has used this simple question as situations and "response opportunities" have come up, even today.
I am so thankful that God's Word is powerful, and that His Spirit continually works in my heart, even when I fall...again and again! His grace is sufficient. And He desires for me to learn of Christ. That is what life is about - not just at salvation, but every day He gives us!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
21 & 22/365
Daniel should be napping, but he fell asleep on our way home from Greenville. We had a great morning with some friends of ours. We ate lunch at Sticky Fingers and then had dessert at the Blueberry Frog. We are getting a Blueberry Frog in Clemson ... eventually. They are waiting for the building to be completed. I can't wait!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
20/365
Where has the time gone? Rach is due with baby #2 this coming Sunday. Can it be we are almost 2 years away from the coming of our first kiddos?
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
19/365
We had oreos and milk tonight after we got home from church. Oreos remind me of the Fanbell beach trips to the Isle of Palms. Oreos were a must on the packing list! Now we are making memories as a family ... with Daniel. "Cookie, please?" was the phrase that started it all tonight!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
18/365
On Sunday night we were challenged from the account of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well that the fields are white unto harvest. Some sow; some reap. And we sow and reap some times at the same time! There is joy and delight in doing both!
Today we were privileged to see one of our Good News Club students come to Christ. What rejoicing and a sweet answer to prayer! The gospel goes forth with power. God's word does not return void!
The memory verse for today was John 3:17 ... For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world; but that world through Him might be saved.
Praise God for His love...that while we were yet sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.
Today we were privileged to see one of our Good News Club students come to Christ. What rejoicing and a sweet answer to prayer! The gospel goes forth with power. God's word does not return void!
The memory verse for today was John 3:17 ... For God sent not His son into the world to condemn the world; but that world through Him might be saved.
Praise God for His love...that while we were yet sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.
Monday, January 17, 2011
17/365
My Favorite Inny Inny.
Not too long ago when my mom was in college, or shortly thereafter, she was friends with a "girl" named Ann. When Rachael and I came along, we were to call her "Auntie Ann" I do believe, however "Inny Inny" is what we called her. And to this day, she is still "Inny Inny." She was our English teacher our senior year of high school, and Earthy Science teacher our 8th grade year. She is a wonderful friend, mentor, and well, really part of our family!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
16/365
One of my favorite Bible Story Books: The Jesus Storybook Bible
The subtitle is "Every story whispers His name." It takes many of the Bible stories and emphasizes the overall theme of scripture...Jesus...and His plan to redeem a people for Himself! It is beautifully written. We have enjoyed reading it, not just with Daniel, but with each other even before he was born!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
15/365
Favorite Dog: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
I was never a small dog kind of girl until I met Tango, Monroe (and Katie's) CKC Spaniel. I fell in love with the breed, and today we are the proud owners of Ginger Dallas! We call her Dallas. She is the most wonderful pup one could ask for. I love to hear Daniel say "Das, Das, Das" as he looks for her each morning.
Friday, January 14, 2011
14/365
For the next few days, I am going to do a series of posts entitled "a few of my favorite things." Please note that the word "things" is used very generously :)!
Southern Living at Home (now Willow House)
Also, please be aware that order of posts does not indicate order of importance!
Southern Living at Home (now Willow House) Message Center
This is a new addition to our home that I have had for MONTHS and finally hung. I love it. It sits directly to the right of my computer, so when I sit down to check my email for the umpteenth time each day, it is right in my line of view. Right now, it is my prayer reminder. It will serve to be very useful over time, I am sure!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
13/365
January 2011
August 2009
January 2011We had such a wonderful time with my friend Amy, even though we were stuck inside most of the time. She will just have to come again so that we can go to the children's museum and glazed (pottery place). How thankful I am for a friend who would travel all the way from Vermont with her almost 2 year old (tomorrow) to visit me!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
12/365
It was nice to work today!!!
We were hoping to have a Skin's hot dog for supper tonight, but they closed at 4:00 p.m. to be sure that their employees could get home safely. I do understand, but a hot dog would have been yummy!
We are still having church tonight :)! It will be nice to get out for a bit, even if the turn out is small. The joys of snow in the south. It is pretty, and the sun has been shining. No complaints here.
We were hoping to have a Skin's hot dog for supper tonight, but they closed at 4:00 p.m. to be sure that their employees could get home safely. I do understand, but a hot dog would have been yummy!
We are still having church tonight :)! It will be nice to get out for a bit, even if the turn out is small. The joys of snow in the south. It is pretty, and the sun has been shining. No complaints here.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
11/365
Another snow day. Who would have imagined? And schools are out again tomorrow. We had to get out of the house this morning, so Daniel, my friend and her little girl, and I "crunched" on ice down to the park and back. It was fun just to be outside. Late this afternoon the sun peeked out. That was refreshing! I do love the beauty of the snow, but enjoy it even more when the sun is shining. If the Lord ever moves us to a frozen tundra climate, I know He will help me adjust. Until then, I am content with my SC snow days!
We had a yummy lunch. My friend made this recipe when I visited her, and I have wanted to make it since then, so today was the day. Murphy's Hot Hamburger. It's a yummy recipe! A couple of steps, but well worth the effort. At least we think so!
And we finished tonight with a milkshake from Cook Out. Oh the joys of a snow day! Back to work tomorrow :).
We had a yummy lunch. My friend made this recipe when I visited her, and I have wanted to make it since then, so today was the day. Murphy's Hot Hamburger. It's a yummy recipe! A couple of steps, but well worth the effort. At least we think so!
And we finished tonight with a milkshake from Cook Out. Oh the joys of a snow day! Back to work tomorrow :).
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
8 & 9/365
Yesterday was such a fun, busy day I just didn't have time to post (or rather make time). So today is 2 for 1.
Funny birthday story. We met with the family at Chickfila for free spicy chicken biscuits for breakfast, and after we had been there awhile, the manager came up to us and asked if we were the birthday party. We told him, "well, it is our birthday, and we all came to get our free biscuits." We weren't the party he was looking for. A 3 year old came in shortly after!
Will it snow? We shall see. I do remember the snow from 1988. It came January 7, and I remember on our birthday (8th) eating at shoney's with all that snow outside. I am almost surprised it was open. I was wearing a brown sweater that Aunt Carol had made.
Tonight we had a party (for the kiddos) with my friend Amy, and her daughter and Daniel and Benton. We were all expecting our first babies at the same time, so they were all born within a month of each other. Pictures of the kiddos to come soon!!!
Funny birthday story. We met with the family at Chickfila for free spicy chicken biscuits for breakfast, and after we had been there awhile, the manager came up to us and asked if we were the birthday party. We told him, "well, it is our birthday, and we all came to get our free biscuits." We weren't the party he was looking for. A 3 year old came in shortly after!
Will it snow? We shall see. I do remember the snow from 1988. It came January 7, and I remember on our birthday (8th) eating at shoney's with all that snow outside. I am almost surprised it was open. I was wearing a brown sweater that Aunt Carol had made.
Tonight we had a party (for the kiddos) with my friend Amy, and her daughter and Daniel and Benton. We were all expecting our first babies at the same time, so they were all born within a month of each other. Pictures of the kiddos to come soon!!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
7/365
27. This is how old I am today. Tomorrow it changes to 28...that's 2 years shy of 30.30.30???
I am so thankful to the Lord for each day of life He has given me, and thankful even more for the eternal life that is mine in Jesus!
I am so thankful to the Lord for each day of life He has given me, and thankful even more for the eternal life that is mine in Jesus!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
6/365
I had several books to mail out today, so our trip to the P.O. took quite a bit longer than normal. Daniel earned a postmaster sticker :). When we returned to the car and were driving away he exclaimed "more office, mommy! more office." He enjoyed his "field trip."
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
5/365
Daniel is a creative child, for which I am thankful. There is never a dull moment. However, I am having to teach him that art work belongs on paper, not on the walls. I am considering buying some stock in Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. They are my new best friend. Now if I can just find the marker that is missing. I have the cap!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
4/365
Daniel and I had gone to the Post Office around 1:15 p.m. when Dan called. He was returning from a quick trip to Anderson, so we met him for a few minutes at DQ. I ate a waffle bowl turtle sundae for lunch. Yum! Healthy? Just depends on who you ask. Probably not! But it hit the spot. Does that count?
PS...this does fit in the budget :)...ice cream ALWAYS fits!
Monday, January 3, 2011
3/365
Mondays are just hard days :)...
I am reminded of Lamentations 3:22-24
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him."
His mercies never ever come to an end. What a great God I can rejoice in! Even on a Monday.
I am reminded of Lamentations 3:22-24
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
"The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him."
His mercies never ever come to an end. What a great God I can rejoice in! Even on a Monday.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
2/365
We did it :)...breaking the habit of just grabbing something "out" is going to take a little work, but we passed up the quick thought of going out to Cook Out tonight and had omelettes, toast (on sourdough bread with blackberry preserves...homemade gifts to us!) and bacon. And it hit the spot just right! And we had it all right HERE!
Sundays are one of my favorite, favorite days. Last week we had to cancel, not because of snow but because the electricity was out. I missed it. What a blessing to fellowship with other believers. And it is so neat how the Lord brings just the right encouragement to you in just the right time. I experienced that this morning. In fact, tonight Dan challenged us with a message on evangelism and one of the points was that our speech be seasoned with grace. Yes, that applies to our relationships with lost people, but it also applies to our relationships with BELIEVERS, and I experienced that grace this morning!!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
1/365
Happy New Year!
We stayed home ALL day, ate well and just relaxed! It was a profitable day. A good day for planning :).
What was on the menu?
Breakfast at 11 a.m. with Grandma Kline:
"Happy" New Year Fruit
mini-banana muffins
Apple Pannekoeken
Bacon
Eggs
Over the next couple of weeks, it's pantry/freezer clean out. i will let you know how that goes! We may have to get a little creative. On the menu for lunch tomorow is poppyseed chicken casserole. I have had sour cream in the fridge for a long time, but it wasn't growing anything...that is meal number one from the pantry project!
We stayed home ALL day, ate well and just relaxed! It was a profitable day. A good day for planning :).
What was on the menu?
Breakfast at 11 a.m. with Grandma Kline:
"Happy" New Year Fruit
mini-banana muffins
Apple Pannekoeken
Bacon
Eggs
Supper:
Ribs, Black-eyed peas, collard greens and cornbread (made in a cast iron skillet of course)!
Over the next couple of weeks, it's pantry/freezer clean out. i will let you know how that goes! We may have to get a little creative. On the menu for lunch tomorow is poppyseed chicken casserole. I have had sour cream in the fridge for a long time, but it wasn't growing anything...that is meal number one from the pantry project!
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