If you are in Oklahoma I'm sure you are trying to manage in all this snow. It has been snowing again for the past several hours and it's a pretty picture, I'm sure if your not out in it. For those of you that can and have to get out, please be safe and drive safely, I heard Hwy 75 is down to one lane and very slick and dangerous. For those of you like me who are snowed in, try to enjoy it and enjoy your family. I haven't blogged in quite a while so I figured I'd take advantage of the time I have. I have a big fat bright red cardinal that keeps landing and sitting on the stack of wood, he's so pretty. I guess it's because of the weather, but I have been so sleepy these past several days. We wake up about 6:30 and then I half way sleep on the couch, in between kisses and hugs and I love yous the next several hours. All the ins and outs between the dog and Billy I can hardly keep up. And yes, watching the Dukes of Hazzard for the thousandths time. Oh Yea, and making sno cones with the snow. Billy got an old fashioned sno cone maker for christmas and the snow makes great sno cones. Cody is snowed in at my parents house so I have no bickering to listen to, although I do miss him. I think Marvin is going to try to go get him this evening. I'm sure my parents will be very appreciative of that. Those of you who have teenage boys know what I mean, ha ha. Yeah, I got the fire going, I didn't think it would get going, I didn't have very much kindling wood, but the dryer lint works great, I'm glad it's good for something.
Enjoy the snow and have a great day!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Depending on God
Yesterday I made a trip to Hot Springs, AR. It was about a 9 hr round trip. Ok, if you ever go there, don't come from the north, you haven't seen curves and hills until you go on that road, Hwy 7, the scenic route. I was just concentrating on not throwing up the whole time. I'm sure it was pretty, but all I saw were the signs that showed curves and steep hills ahead. My map was a little different from the actual way so I was uneasy about the directions as well. I went home a different way, one that was less curvy and hilly. A very nice lady at the dealership printed me a map to get back the new way. This map was different than the actual way, too. I was so dependent on God for the whole trip. I just prayed the whole time! Every time I started to doubt I would see a sign that I recognized or that said the town I was heading for. I started to just follow the signs and I made it! It was by God's helping hand that I made it home without getting lost. It was probably the hardest trip so far. I drive dealer trades for the Chevy dealership here in my hometown. I seriously need a GPS like a Tom Tom or something.
Have you ever felt like this, not knowing where your going and your map turns out different than what you expected. Just when you think your lost, suddenly a light shines, a sign shows up out of the blue to lead you in the right direction. I have felt this way many times, just when I am about to give up, suddenly a light shines on me to show me the way.
Faith Triumphs in Touble - Romans 5, 1:5 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Father, you are holy, you are our provider, you are worthy of all praise and worship. Forgive me now for doubting. Thank you for all your faithful guidance and protection. Thank you for showing me the way home. Bless all who need your guidance and protection and may we have faith in you. We praise You in Jesus Name, Amen.
Many Blessing and Much Joy!
Shari
Have you ever felt like this, not knowing where your going and your map turns out different than what you expected. Just when you think your lost, suddenly a light shines, a sign shows up out of the blue to lead you in the right direction. I have felt this way many times, just when I am about to give up, suddenly a light shines on me to show me the way.
Faith Triumphs in Touble - Romans 5, 1:5 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Father, you are holy, you are our provider, you are worthy of all praise and worship. Forgive me now for doubting. Thank you for all your faithful guidance and protection. Thank you for showing me the way home. Bless all who need your guidance and protection and may we have faith in you. We praise You in Jesus Name, Amen.
Many Blessing and Much Joy!
Shari
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Live On Purpose
It's time, today, right now, to live on purpose. Don't just exist! Really LIVE! Dare to be Bold, step out of that comfort zone and be Brave! I attended the most awesome virtual retreat today and discovered that I am here to serve God's purpose. He has instilled in me a desire to dream and achieve such heights I could never believe attainable. What are your dreams and desires? What would your ideal life look like? Take a few minutes to write down what you really want.
It's so fun to dream about what the ideal life would be like. Like imagining what you would do if you won the lottery. I don't gamble but I have dreamed of what I'd do if I won the lottery. My favorite is the HGTV Dream House. I sign up every year and am sooo disappointed when someone elses name is called. I love to dream what I'd do if I won it. How I'd sell it and buy land and build my own awesome house.
I'm talking to myself about living on purpose. I just exist and am tired of it! I have been praying for clarity, for direction. I have this deep desire to write and speak, but I have no training and have a fear of public speaking. Why do I want to do the things that scare me the most. I have a desire to motivate and uplift others and write a book about it. It sounds so silly to put that out for others to hear. Oh what others will think. Why do I worry about such things? I'm ashamed to say that I have felt a leading to fast and pray but I haven't done it yet. I don't know why, I just haven't. It's kinda scary if you've never done anything like that. I have been feeling this for some time. Don't ask me why I haven't been obedient, I'm not sure. Since I have been disobedient my mind is so fuzzy and unclear. I know if I will obey God and do what he is telling me to do, I will have a clear mind and vision. I have been struggling for some time with God's calling on my life. What is it? What am I here for?
Do you ask yourself these questions?
We must remember Philippians 4:6 - Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The Power of Cultivating an Intimate Relationship with Christ.
Prayer Time:
Praise: Maybe listen to your favorite worship music
Gratitude: Keep a journal
Prayer: like Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 7:7-8
Listening: What is God saying to me? Write down what you hear God saying.
Take time to spend with God and then listen to what he says. Keep a journal.
Make today count!!
It's so fun to dream about what the ideal life would be like. Like imagining what you would do if you won the lottery. I don't gamble but I have dreamed of what I'd do if I won the lottery. My favorite is the HGTV Dream House. I sign up every year and am sooo disappointed when someone elses name is called. I love to dream what I'd do if I won it. How I'd sell it and buy land and build my own awesome house.
I'm talking to myself about living on purpose. I just exist and am tired of it! I have been praying for clarity, for direction. I have this deep desire to write and speak, but I have no training and have a fear of public speaking. Why do I want to do the things that scare me the most. I have a desire to motivate and uplift others and write a book about it. It sounds so silly to put that out for others to hear. Oh what others will think. Why do I worry about such things? I'm ashamed to say that I have felt a leading to fast and pray but I haven't done it yet. I don't know why, I just haven't. It's kinda scary if you've never done anything like that. I have been feeling this for some time. Don't ask me why I haven't been obedient, I'm not sure. Since I have been disobedient my mind is so fuzzy and unclear. I know if I will obey God and do what he is telling me to do, I will have a clear mind and vision. I have been struggling for some time with God's calling on my life. What is it? What am I here for?
Do you ask yourself these questions?
We must remember Philippians 4:6 - Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
The Power of Cultivating an Intimate Relationship with Christ.
Prayer Time:
Praise: Maybe listen to your favorite worship music
Gratitude: Keep a journal
Prayer: like Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 7:7-8
Listening: What is God saying to me? Write down what you hear God saying.
Take time to spend with God and then listen to what he says. Keep a journal.
Make today count!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
The Way of Wisdom
Proverbs is so Awesome!! I pray for wisdom all the time. Proverbs 9: 10-12 states the following:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.
My Women's Study Bible explains it this way:
Wisdom Personified
Wisdom, together with the virtuous wife(Prov. 31) and the aldulteress of folly(Prov. 5-7), is one of the three dominant personifications in the Book of Proverbs. This literary device does not present a literal woman or godess but is a means of picturing the contrast between good and evil and between wisdom and folly.
This divine attribute and activity is personified as a dignified and noble woman who is warm, caring, and competent. She offers life with long-term satisfaction(Prov. 1:33; 8:34, 35). In contrast, her rival or "counter-wisdom," called "folly"(Prov. 15:21), provides immediate gratification but ultimate ruin.
Wisdom pleads with her hearers, begging them to follow her and learn how to take their knowledge about God and apply it to the lives in a practical and successful way(Prov. 8: 1-11). She sets forth her virtues and her rewards. She is incomparable, better than rubies (Prov. 8-11); her instructions more precious than silver and her knowledge exceeding the worth of choice gold (Prov.8:10). Excellent things from her lips lead to life, and her followers are blessed materially and spiritually(Prov. 8: 17-21).
After detailing why wisdom and not folly is the appropriate choice. Wisdom invites all who wish to sit at her banquet, to eat of the fruits of wisdom, to forsake foolishness, and to go in the way of life and understanding (Prov.9: 1-6). The shining and winsome godliness of Wisdom set against the dark and evil seductiveness of the adulteress shows the path of wisdom in all its beauty. Wisdom, in fact, foreshadows the divine wisdom found in Jesus Christ.
When women move away from Scripture as their sole authority and rather claim a collection of extra-biblical texts as authority in order to establish a biblical deity, they are reconstructing the basic foundation of theology itself. For example, to introduce goddess worship through creating a feminine deity named Wisdom or "Sophia" (a transliteration of the Greek word for "wisdom") is using language loosely in order to blur the distinction between the Word of God and pagan ritual. We must reject any union of Christianity and paganism. A careful look at Wisdom points directly to the God who names Himself by revealing to us who He is.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.
My Women's Study Bible explains it this way:
Wisdom Personified
Wisdom, together with the virtuous wife(Prov. 31) and the aldulteress of folly(Prov. 5-7), is one of the three dominant personifications in the Book of Proverbs. This literary device does not present a literal woman or godess but is a means of picturing the contrast between good and evil and between wisdom and folly.
This divine attribute and activity is personified as a dignified and noble woman who is warm, caring, and competent. She offers life with long-term satisfaction(Prov. 1:33; 8:34, 35). In contrast, her rival or "counter-wisdom," called "folly"(Prov. 15:21), provides immediate gratification but ultimate ruin.
Wisdom pleads with her hearers, begging them to follow her and learn how to take their knowledge about God and apply it to the lives in a practical and successful way(Prov. 8: 1-11). She sets forth her virtues and her rewards. She is incomparable, better than rubies (Prov. 8-11); her instructions more precious than silver and her knowledge exceeding the worth of choice gold (Prov.8:10). Excellent things from her lips lead to life, and her followers are blessed materially and spiritually(Prov. 8: 17-21).
After detailing why wisdom and not folly is the appropriate choice. Wisdom invites all who wish to sit at her banquet, to eat of the fruits of wisdom, to forsake foolishness, and to go in the way of life and understanding (Prov.9: 1-6). The shining and winsome godliness of Wisdom set against the dark and evil seductiveness of the adulteress shows the path of wisdom in all its beauty. Wisdom, in fact, foreshadows the divine wisdom found in Jesus Christ.
When women move away from Scripture as their sole authority and rather claim a collection of extra-biblical texts as authority in order to establish a biblical deity, they are reconstructing the basic foundation of theology itself. For example, to introduce goddess worship through creating a feminine deity named Wisdom or "Sophia" (a transliteration of the Greek word for "wisdom") is using language loosely in order to blur the distinction between the Word of God and pagan ritual. We must reject any union of Christianity and paganism. A careful look at Wisdom points directly to the God who names Himself by revealing to us who He is.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Reflection
I have been thinking a lot lately about God's Purification Process. All week, everything I have listened to or watched have been talking about purification. When a silversmith purifies silver or gold, he has to sit continually watching (without turning away) the metal as it is melted at a heat so high as to separate the impurities from the metal. The impurities will rise to the top and a mirror reflection will remain. This is how the silversmith knows when the silver or gold is pure, he can see his reflection in it. This is what God is trying to do with us. We must go through the fire to remove all the impurities. God wants to see his reflection in us.
This revelation hit me so hard. I never thought of all the hardships we go through as a purification process. It makes so much sense to me now. It was a lightbulb moment for me. I have repeatedly heard this message all week. God has gotten my attention with this message and I felt so led to tell everyone. This answers so many of my why's as to why we go through so many hardships, PURIFICATION PROCESS. God wants to see his reflection in us, in all that we do, say, think and so on. He wants us to depend solely on him, no other. Not our jobs, spouses, finances, toys, etc. It's a scary thing to ask, for purification, this means we have to go through the fire to get God's desired outcome. We must have faith in him to take care of us, and when it's finished we will mirror God. Oh, how I want to have God's reflection, but the process is scary. My human nature says to stay comfortable and play it safe.
I have been struggling this week with fasting, I have felt led to fast and pray, but I haven't been faithful to do this yet. It's something so different for me. I think it will teach me to not rely on food for comfort but to rely instead on God. We must be faithful and obedient to follow God's instructions. It's so important to listen to him, how do we expect him to hear us when we don't listen to him. How selfish of me to ask for so much and not to obey his simple request.
Father, I pray for your reflection to be seen in me and all those reading this. My desire is to obey you and listen when you speak. Forgive me for not obeying you when you have spoken to me. I love you and praise your Holy Name, in Jesus Name, Amen.
This revelation hit me so hard. I never thought of all the hardships we go through as a purification process. It makes so much sense to me now. It was a lightbulb moment for me. I have repeatedly heard this message all week. God has gotten my attention with this message and I felt so led to tell everyone. This answers so many of my why's as to why we go through so many hardships, PURIFICATION PROCESS. God wants to see his reflection in us, in all that we do, say, think and so on. He wants us to depend solely on him, no other. Not our jobs, spouses, finances, toys, etc. It's a scary thing to ask, for purification, this means we have to go through the fire to get God's desired outcome. We must have faith in him to take care of us, and when it's finished we will mirror God. Oh, how I want to have God's reflection, but the process is scary. My human nature says to stay comfortable and play it safe.
I have been struggling this week with fasting, I have felt led to fast and pray, but I haven't been faithful to do this yet. It's something so different for me. I think it will teach me to not rely on food for comfort but to rely instead on God. We must be faithful and obedient to follow God's instructions. It's so important to listen to him, how do we expect him to hear us when we don't listen to him. How selfish of me to ask for so much and not to obey his simple request.
Father, I pray for your reflection to be seen in me and all those reading this. My desire is to obey you and listen when you speak. Forgive me for not obeying you when you have spoken to me. I love you and praise your Holy Name, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Attributes of God: He is the Essence of Grace
My Women's Study Bible states that Grace and Mercy are like fraternal twins. They are initiated by the same Person, spring from the same source, and appear simultaneously; but they are not identical. Mercy does not give us what we do deserve; grace gives us what we do not deserve.
"Grace" (Greek - charis) denotes goodwill, kindness, and benefit. It evokes images of a superior granting favors to an undeserving inferior. The Lord's grace includes undeserved favor, unexpected acceptance, and unconditional love.
Jesus is the giver of grace(John 1:14,17). A sampling of "grace gifts" includes; salvation(Eph. 2:8), adoption(Eph. 1:5), inheritance(Eph. 1:11), heavenly citizenship(Phil. 3:20), holiness(Eph. 1:4), access to God(Eph. 2:18), forgiveness(Eph.1:7), and much more. No wonder His grace is called "manifold"(1 Peter 4:10).
Sin is no match for God's grace. Whatever sin's impact may be, His grace is more potent. God is a giving God. He gives out of His love and loves to give-grace is one of His greatest pleasures.
Ephesians 4:7 states; But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Those who have been saved by God's grace are His "workmanship"(work of art), specially created by Him for the purpose of doing "good works". In eternity past God prepared these good works that He will accomplish in and through each believer by the power of His indwelling Spirit.
Thank You God, for your Grace! Amen.
May God Bless You,
Shari
"Grace" (Greek - charis) denotes goodwill, kindness, and benefit. It evokes images of a superior granting favors to an undeserving inferior. The Lord's grace includes undeserved favor, unexpected acceptance, and unconditional love.
Jesus is the giver of grace(John 1:14,17). A sampling of "grace gifts" includes; salvation(Eph. 2:8), adoption(Eph. 1:5), inheritance(Eph. 1:11), heavenly citizenship(Phil. 3:20), holiness(Eph. 1:4), access to God(Eph. 2:18), forgiveness(Eph.1:7), and much more. No wonder His grace is called "manifold"(1 Peter 4:10).
Sin is no match for God's grace. Whatever sin's impact may be, His grace is more potent. God is a giving God. He gives out of His love and loves to give-grace is one of His greatest pleasures.
Ephesians 4:7 states; But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Those who have been saved by God's grace are His "workmanship"(work of art), specially created by Him for the purpose of doing "good works". In eternity past God prepared these good works that He will accomplish in and through each believer by the power of His indwelling Spirit.
Thank You God, for your Grace! Amen.
May God Bless You,
Shari
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
How Much is Too Much?
Alright, ever since I started my blogs, the weather has been crazy and when that happens our internet goes crazy as well. Between the internet being off more than on and taking my youngest to have testing done, I haven't been able to attend to my blogs. I sincerely apologize. Hopefully some day I will be able to get the data plan on my cell phone.
I have recently taken on so many projects, it's hard to do all of them. I need to decide which one has the highest priority and do it first. I got out my self talk CD's and have been listening to them. Some people might think they are silly, but I think, when applied, they really can work. I am in the process of training with the Life Coach Institute, founded 30 yrs ago by Dr. Shad Helmstetter, to get certified by Dr. Shad to become a Life Coach. I am sooo Excited!!! I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Shad several years ago at an Arbonne Training. He specifically wrote a book called,The Gift, which is all about Arbonne. Also, I just found out that I have been picked to work for a purse party company, Diva Girl Purse Party. It's NOT a network marketing company like so many others. I am only the 2nd person in Oklahoma to work for them. I am sooo Excited about this adventure, too!! So I have the purse company, Arbonne, and Life Coaching, needless to say our lives are busy. But, I now look forward to getting up in the morning and have to make myself go to sleep at night. My husband has been working very hard and I want to help, but to be able to work around my family's schedules at the same time. I know this is what everyone wants but I am determined to make it work, for my families sake. I have started writing down my, this is very important! Writing down specific goals and action steps to achieve them and the obstacles that I may face, puts everything out there where I can see it all. I focus on these and envision my outcome and I have a more positive outlook. One of the books from my Life Coach training is entitled, Who are you really and what do you want. I am only getting ready for ch 2 but already it's so helpful. I can't wait to read more! It's kind of difficult when I have a very talkative 7 yr old around. It is helping me to think about what I want and don't want and how I am going to get it and what to do to avoid what I don't. I also put up a dream board so we can put up pictures of what we would like to have and places we want to go. I just purchased a bulletin board so we can add and change pictures as our lives and goals change. One thing I have learned is goals Don't have to be made in concrete. As our lives change, so can our goals. The important thing is to make goals, and work toward reaching them, and Never Give Up!!! Trust me I have quit so many things and so many times I can't even count them. I am working on that issue, along with many others. So don't feel alone if you too are needing to change some areas of your life. Know that I will be working right along side of you. We will work together and grow together.
Lord, help my friends and I as we work to better ourselves for you and for our families. We want to glorify you in everything we do may it be at home, work, sports and church. We want you to shine through us, so when people see us they see you instead. Make us a blessing to all those around us and bless us in return. We Love and Adore You, Father, and give you all the Praise and Glory. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Bless You All,
Shari
I have recently taken on so many projects, it's hard to do all of them. I need to decide which one has the highest priority and do it first. I got out my self talk CD's and have been listening to them. Some people might think they are silly, but I think, when applied, they really can work. I am in the process of training with the Life Coach Institute, founded 30 yrs ago by Dr. Shad Helmstetter, to get certified by Dr. Shad to become a Life Coach. I am sooo Excited!!! I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Shad several years ago at an Arbonne Training. He specifically wrote a book called,The Gift, which is all about Arbonne. Also, I just found out that I have been picked to work for a purse party company, Diva Girl Purse Party. It's NOT a network marketing company like so many others. I am only the 2nd person in Oklahoma to work for them. I am sooo Excited about this adventure, too!! So I have the purse company, Arbonne, and Life Coaching, needless to say our lives are busy. But, I now look forward to getting up in the morning and have to make myself go to sleep at night. My husband has been working very hard and I want to help, but to be able to work around my family's schedules at the same time. I know this is what everyone wants but I am determined to make it work, for my families sake. I have started writing down my, this is very important! Writing down specific goals and action steps to achieve them and the obstacles that I may face, puts everything out there where I can see it all. I focus on these and envision my outcome and I have a more positive outlook. One of the books from my Life Coach training is entitled, Who are you really and what do you want. I am only getting ready for ch 2 but already it's so helpful. I can't wait to read more! It's kind of difficult when I have a very talkative 7 yr old around. It is helping me to think about what I want and don't want and how I am going to get it and what to do to avoid what I don't. I also put up a dream board so we can put up pictures of what we would like to have and places we want to go. I just purchased a bulletin board so we can add and change pictures as our lives and goals change. One thing I have learned is goals Don't have to be made in concrete. As our lives change, so can our goals. The important thing is to make goals, and work toward reaching them, and Never Give Up!!! Trust me I have quit so many things and so many times I can't even count them. I am working on that issue, along with many others. So don't feel alone if you too are needing to change some areas of your life. Know that I will be working right along side of you. We will work together and grow together.
Lord, help my friends and I as we work to better ourselves for you and for our families. We want to glorify you in everything we do may it be at home, work, sports and church. We want you to shine through us, so when people see us they see you instead. Make us a blessing to all those around us and bless us in return. We Love and Adore You, Father, and give you all the Praise and Glory. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
Bless You All,
Shari
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