New Day Grace: October 2010

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Some Favorite Scripture :)

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." -Psalm 118:24

But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way,
who can't see where they're going.
I'll be a personal guide to them,
directing them through unknown country.
I'll be right there to show them what roads to take,
make sure they don't fall into the ditch.
These are the things I'll be doing for them—
sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute."
Isaiah 42:16

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. Philip 1:21

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector. Psalm 19:14

Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

He picks up the poor from out of the dirt, rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash, Seats them among the honored guests, a place of honor among the brightest and best. He gives childless couples a family, gives them joy as the parents of children. Hallelujah! Psalm 113:7-9

The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: "See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God." MIcah 6:8

I'm after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings. Hosea 6:6

See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil. Deuteronomy 30:15

Don't be jealous or proud, but be humble and consider others more important than yourselves. Care about them as much as you care about yourselves and think the same way that Christ Jesus thought: Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. Christ was humble. He obeyed God and even died on a cross. Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others. So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, "Jesus Christ is Lord!" Philip 2:3-11

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25

"So don't be afraid: I'm with you. I'll round up all your scattered children, pull them in from east and west. I'll send orders north and south: 'Send them back. Return my sons from distant lands, my daughters from faraway places. I want them back, every last one who bears my name, every man, woman, and child whom I created for my glory, yes, personally formed and made each one.'" Isaiah 43:5-7

For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13

The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Monday, October 25, 2010

Rise and Shine

Gratitude is the inspiration of heaven's most melodious anthems. Its fruit is joy in the time of mourning, courage in the day of despondency, security in the hour of loneliness, peace in the midst of battle, and satisfaction in spiritual or physical famine.
~Dorothy K. Patterson

When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words, than thy words without a heart. ~John Bunyan

"Every opportunity to worry is also an opportunity to trust God." ~Mary Southerland

I'm going to be blunt and ungraciously honest: I have really been struggling with false guilt, anxiety and depression lately. Unlike my monthly pms and occasional periods of "the blues", no amount of sleep or happy talks are fixing it.

The thing that has really made a dent in it, which is sadly the last thing I've "resorted to", is confessing my struggles to others and trusting in Him through the power of prayer. I had some dear friends pray over me at our MOPS steering meeting and we've prayed in our lifegroup. I must say that although nothing has changed environmentally speaking, spiritually I have literally felt God's hands on me. His love has held me when I've felt like I can't get through another day. I thank the Lord for amazing friends, His gift of prayer and for the strength of it in numbers!

"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." ~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The story of Elijah is one that has touched me lately. Read through some of it and insights that go along with it here in this great article:
ELIJAH – 6: DEPRESSION – How to get up when you are down!

A couple of new songs have really spoke to me and are helping me get through this time. Music is such a great ministry!

Lift Up Your face by Third Day

Lift up your face, lift up your face
Salvation is calling, salvation is calling

You have fallen so far now
You don't even know how, you are going to survive
(But) Just above the horizon
A new light is shining, breaking through the darkest night
Love is coming and it's calling out your name

Lift up your face, lift up your face
Salvation is calling, salvation is calling

Lift up your face, lift up your face
Salvation is calling, salvation is calling your name

You feel like your life is fading
You're tired of waiting, for your moment to arrive
But tomorrow will bring a song that you can sing
And your hope is gonna rise
Love is coming and it's calling out your name

Lift up your face, lift up your face
Salvation is calling, salvation is calling

Lift up your face, lift up your face
Salvation is calling, salvation is calling your name

Oh yeah...
Do you hear Him calling?
Can you hear Him calling?
He's calling out your name
He's calling out your name

Lift up your face, lift up your face
Salvation is calling, salvation is calling

Lift up your face, lift up your face
Salvation is calling, salvation is calling your name

Can you hear Him calling?
Can you hear Him calling now?
Oh, can you hear Him calling you
He is calling you now
He is calling out your name

Just above the horizon
A new light is shining
Salvation's on its way

Beautiful by Mercy Me

Days will come when you don't have the strength
And all you hear is you're not worth anything
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart
They'd see too much

You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful

Praying that you have the heart to fight
Cuz you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
But they are nothing in the shadow of the cross

You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves
Enough to die!

You're beautiful, You're beautiful
In His eyes

You're beautiful!
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful!
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful!
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful!
You are treasured
You are sacred
You are His

************************************************************************************************

Dear Jesus, I trust in you. I know there is always a reason for the pit.... but that is not where it ends- I know you will pull me out of it! Thank you Jesus! You are my light and my salvation!

Household Habits

I got this from Christian HomeKeeper Network and thought it was worthy of posting :) I know I need to do a better job of staying on task throughout the day! Check out the full blog post at: http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/household-habits/

I will start with the Evening Habits because your day really begins the night before!

Evening:
Get in the habit of doing these things each evening….
Clean the kitchen
Pick up and straighten the living room
Sweep
Straighten the bathroom
Put away all clean clothing
Put away or straighten all shoes (especially helpful if your family leaves shoes at the door)
Figure out what’s for breakfast and make sure you have it all ready.
Lay out clothes for tomorrow.

Morning:
Run a sink of hot soapy water.
Clean sink and faucets while you do your personal grooming.
Take towels from bathroom to laundry.
Clean the shower and tub after you shower each morning.
Start the washer.
Start the dish washer if needed.
Get dinner started. Lay out frozen food to defrost, start the crockpot, etc.

Afternoon:
Keep the washer going.
Sweep.
As you use dishes and pans, rinse them and place them in the hot soapy water.
Use the hot soapy water to wash down kitchen counters and appliances throughout the day.
Keep everything cleaned off counter tops.

You can add what ever you need to add to this list. If you personalize it, it will serve you better. This is not an extensive list of what needs to be done during the day. The main idea of a Household Habits list is to do certain things each and every day that will help you keep your home more organized and orderly.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Foolish Woman and The Wise Woman

Thanks http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/ for these two wonderfully convicting messages with scripture references. Check out her blog!

The Mark of a Foolish Woman

She is not satisfied with the mate God has provided…
Rather than looking to God to fulfill the deepest needs and longings of her heart,
she focuses on what she does not have and looks to others to meet those needs.
Rather than pouring her love, attention, and devotion upon her husband,
she invests her heart, energy, and efforts in another man, other vain pursuits and material things.

Do not follow the path of the foolish woman!!!!

But learn steadily and faithfully the marks of a wise woman. And your efforts will be blessed!

14 Marks of A Wise Woman

Today I am sharing 14 marks of a wise woman. She...
Fears God, Proverbs 31:30.
“Openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness ,” Proverbs 31:26.
Is content to be a “keeper at home,” Titus 2:5. (This doesn’t mean she never leaves her house, but her focus and the bulk of her attention is on her home and family.)
Loves her husband and children, Titus 2:4.
Is focused more on inward character than outward adornment, I Peter 3:3-4.
Is modestly attired, I Timothy 2:9.
Is trustworthy, Proverbs 31:11.
Has a meek and quiet spirit, I Peter 3:4.
Is industrious, Proverbs 31:13-27.
Is giving, Proverbs 31:20, Luke 8:3.
Is discreet, Titus 2:5. (“of a sound mind, sane, in one’s senses, curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate,”)
Is chaste, Titus 2:5.(“exciting reverence, venerable, sacred, pure; pure from carnality, chaste, modest; pure from every fault, immaculate; clean”).
Builds up instead of tearing down, Proverbs 14:1, Ephesians 4:29.
Is praiseworthy, Proverbs 31:28-31.

Do these marks describe you?

Now if someone asked your husband and children---would they wholeheartedly agree?

Fruitful Living

Thanks to http://homespunchildren.blogspot.com/ for this great read. Check out her site!

Living a Fruitful Life

God’s word says that He will cut off every branch in Him that bears no fruit for a true follower of Christ will live a life that is fruitful. This verse made me ask myself, "is my life producing spiritual fruit, what exactly does spiritual fruit mean, and where does it come from?" If spiritual fruit is so important, then why was it that I knew so little about it? I prayed and studied scripture until I found the answers to my questions. Spiritual fruit is produced as a result of having the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us and comes only through the Spirit, not from our own effort. Some times we think that the busier we make ourselves for God, the more fruit we are producing. Notice the word "we". "We" can not produce fruit on our own, for fruit only comes from the Spirit. While God has called us to do good works, we need to remember that good works should come from the spiritual fruit that is already evident in our lives, not for the purpose of producing our own fruit, for apart from Christ we can do nothing. Even a sinner can help the needy and perform many good works. Spiritual fruit comes from abiding in the vine, which is God. The more we abide in the Lord, the more our lives produce characteristics of the fruit of the spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Abiding in Christ requires effort. We can’t just sit back and expect to grow in our relationship with Christ. We have to be obedient to his commands, repent of our sin, and continue to grow daily in His grace with our eyes fixed on Jesus. If your life has no evidence of spiritual fruit, repent and reconnect yourself with the vine who promises to produce spiritual fruit in our lives when we abide in Him.
John 15:2
"He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."
John 15:8
"This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."
Matthew 7:20 "'By their fruits you will know them'"
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
John 15:4-5 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing"
Hos. 14:8 "From Me comes your fruit."

Fruit of the Spirit

Apart from Christ we can do nothing. It is only through abiding in Christ can our lives have true spiritual fruit. Here is a list I found that names some of the things that will be present in our lives if we continue to abide in Christ.

A Partial Inventory of Spiritual Fruit.

A desire and ability to:
1. Pursue God's glory (1 Cor. 10:31).
2. Mature in Christlikeness (1 Pet. 2:2).
3. Be kind to others (Eph. 4:32).
4. Restore relationships (Mt. 5:9).
5. Rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 4:4).
6. Persevere through trials (Jas. 1:2-3).
7. Suffer persecution for Christ (2 Tim. 3:10-11).
8. Delight in God's commandments (Psm. 119:47).
9. Read, study, memorize, listen to and meditate on the Bible (Jos. 1:8).
10. Share your faith (2 Tim. 4:5).
11. Be patient with others (1 Thes. 5:14).
12. Contribute to church unity (Eph. 4:3).
13. Desire goodness (2 Thes. 1:11).
14. Pray without ceasing (1 Thes. 5:17).
15. Faithfully prioritize church (Heb. 10:23-25).
16. Prefer others (Rom. 12:10).
17. Surrender fully to Christ (Lk. 9:23).
18. Act faithfully (Gal. 5:22).
19. Serve in the church (1 Cor. 12:7).
20. Experience true peace (Gal. 5:22).
21. Be a committed marriage partner (Col. 3:18-19).
22. Love God and others (Mt. 22:37-39).
23. Guard your heart (Pr. 4:23).
24. Manifest a tempered spirit (Tit. 2:2).
25. Exercise self-control (Gal. 5:23).
26. Grow in the knowledge of God (2 Pet. 3:18).
27. Repent of known sin (Lk. 13:5).
28. Develop biblical wisdom (Eph. 5:15).
29. Examine yourself (1 Cor. 13:5).
30. Practice hospitality (Rom. 12:13).
31. Be humble (1 Pet. 5:6).
32. Work hard with integrity (Col. 3:23-24).
33. Act with gentleness (Gal. 5:23).
34. Manage your home (1 Tim. 3:4).
35. Instruct and discipline your children biblically (Eph. 6:4).
36. Listen more than you speak (Jas. 1:19).
37. Want Christian fellowship (Ac. 2:42).
38. Speak wholesome words (Col. 4:6).
39. Encourage others (1 Thes. 5:11).
40. Be an example for others (1 Tim. 4:12).
41. Forgive others (Mt. 6:12).
42. Fast (Mt. 6:16).
43. Hate evil (Rom. 12:9).
44. Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
45. Support missionaries (3 Jn. 1:7-8).
46. Engage in spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:13).
47. Sacrifice with your finances (2 Cor. 8:3-5).
48. Experience hope (Heb. 6:11).
49. Sing spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19).
50. Develop biblical convictions (Jas. 4:17).
51. Commit to pure doctrine (Tit. 2:1).
52. Desire God's will (Jn. 4:34).
53. Be thankful (Col. 3:15).
54. Submit wherever necessary (Eph. 5:21).
55. Prioritize spiritual things (Col. 3:1-2).
56. Long for our Lord's return (Rev. 22:20).

Note: Our hearts must always be examined as much of this can be produced in the flesh.

Randy Smith

Seasons of Change

A great encouraging and quick read from http://inspiringsisters.blogspot.com/
Also, I might add in the scripture reference of Ecclesiastes 3 ... You can also listen to The Byrds song Turn! Turn! Turn! for even more effect :)

Seasons of Change
Sisters, Come on in and have a cup of tea and lets talk about ...Season of Change.
Today my cousin announced he was selling everything he owns and relocating to another country.
Yes, I mean outside the U.S.A. I was very shock and didn't see it coming.

I started to think Wow, maybe God wants him to make such a radical change to grow his faith. Fear can really keep us bound up. How can we ever achieve those dreams, goals or visions if we never take a chance. If we never embrace our season of change.

I love Joyce Meyers testimony, she stated that if she wasn't unemployed for a year she would not have been prepared for the ministry. You see it was during that year that she studied the Word like she had never did before and she grew closer to the Lord. That time, gave her the faith and strength to walk out on faith into heer ministry.

Without a season of transition, change will not come in your life. If you continue to do the sam thing the same way you will always get the same result. It's time to get out of the rut ladies. Yes, God can remove those obstacles in your life that is holding you back. He can move and remove them but you have to have faith. September is just the right time. Dust off your old dreams and think of some new ones too. Develop an attitude that you expect God to move mountains in your life this month. What is God telling you to do? Write it down. Have you been faithful in the little things he have given you?

So tell God what you want right now. Think BIG--there isn't anything too hard for God. Now its time to believe God for miracles!

Prayers of an Excellent Wife

Attention all Wives: Check out this link http://hismagnificence.com/d/PEW_web.pdf

This is a free pdf version of Prayers of an Excellent Wife. I am looking forward to reading this, as the power of prayer is often not used enough!

It has been highly recommended by http://pairofbartletts.typepad.com/a-pair-of-bartletts/

Prayer example and excerpt from the book:

"Thou Great Being who made and rules the world, Put Your Spirit in my husband with perfect power and bear His fruits from his life. May hebe a loving man; a joyful, peaceful man; a patient, kind, good husband. Make his soul and actions abound with faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, for against such things there is no law. By Christ Jesus crucify his flesh with its passions and desires. Let him not grow weary in doing good, for in due season he will reap if he does not give up. And may he never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to him, and he to the world (Gala- tians 5 & 6).

Prayer seem’d to be natural to me; as the breath, by which the inward burnings of my heart had vent. ~Jonathan Edwards"

Boosting Nutrition in Your Fruit Smoothies – Greens & Herbs!

I ran across this post from a great blog. Adding herbs and greens to your diet via a delicious smoothie... I think even Seth will go for this one!
Boosting Nutrition in Your Fruit Smoothies – Greens & Herbs!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Websites

This is a conglomeration of some great couponing and frugal living sites that I've bookmarked. I benefit from them, so I am sure you will too! I feel that any good thing needs to be passed on... so feel free to pass it on too! Be blessed!