Word-filled Wednesday: Thirsting for God

Happy Word-filled Wednesday! I took this photo at a state park located near my childhood home in Maryland. Adjacent to this stream is a beautiful waterfall. There is something so soothing to me about being around or in the water. Is it becauses it reminds me of our Creator and the only source of the living water ~ Jesus, our Messiah? I thirst for him and await His return!

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." Psalm 42:1-2

"If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' "  John 7:37-38 

The purpose of Word-filled Wednesday is to share God’s Word (no famous quotes or other literature — only the beautiful word of our Heavenly Father) through photos and a bible verse! Please be sure to visit the home of Word-filled Wednesday at The 160 Acre Woods. Also, to enjoy many inspiring verses & photos, be sure to visit today's WFW host, Penny @ www.pennyraine.com/blog

Have a joy-filled day! Blessings to you all~

Melodic Monday: God Shaped Hole

This youtube video was created by Diane M Faller

God Shaped Hole

Performed by: Plumb

Lyrics: Tiffany Lee Arbuckle, Wayne Kirkpatrick

Every point of view has another angle

And every angle has its merit

But it all comes down to faith

That's the way I see it

You can say that love is not divine and

You can say that life is not eternal

"All we have is now"

But I don't believe it

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us

And the restless soul is searching

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us

And it's a void only He can fill

Does the world seem grey with empty longing

Wearing every shade of cynical

And do you ever feel that

There is something missing?

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us

And the restless soul is searching

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us

And it's a void only He can fill

That's my point of view...

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us

And the restless soul is searching

There's a God-shaped hole in all of us

And it's a void

Only he can fill

Only he can fill

Thats my point of view

Thats my point of view, yeah

"The idea for this song was taken from a conversation two people once had regarding C.S. Lewis' quote, 'Emptiness is at the center of my being.' Augustine said it along this line, 'We have a God-shaped vacuum in us that can only be filled by Him.' There is in each of us a void, a missing part, that can only be filled by the completeness of Christ - nothing else. You can argue against this, but the true answer is that everything we try always ends up being only a temporary fix. God's love, on the other hand, is eternal, never-ending, and completely unconditional." ~ Tiffany Arbuckle (Plumb)

~ Tiffany Arbuckle (Plumb)

Word-filled Wednesday: Teach me!

I found this photo posted on Photobucket and wanted to share its beauty. The scripture verse resonated with me and this picture stirred my soul. How wonderful that our Heavenly Father desires to teach us His ways and lead us in His truths. He will direct or paths and provide the light as we make our way! Truly, He is our salvation and is with us each step of the way on our journey. Oh, that I may have a teachable spirit, Adonai, and that I would rejoice in your truths! Enable me to endure in faith and walk daily with you.

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long."   Psalm 25: 4-5 ESV

Be sure to visit today's WFW host, Susan at Forever His for more inspirational verses and photos.
Also, find additional encouragement at The 160 Acre Woods with Amydeanne ~ the home of Word-Filled Wednesday

Always and Forever

Always and forever. Our Lord promises that if you belong to Him, He will never leave nor forsake you. He is a promise-keeper. A covenant God. I find so much comfort in who He is and the promises he makes to His children. While life's circumstances are constantly changing, there is one thing that always remains the same - God's character and His Word. Yesterday, today and forever, God is the Unchanging One. Unlike me, He is not fickle, or wavering, or inconsistent. He does not leave a trail of broken promises. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end... and everything in between. He is always there. His love is perfect, complete and eternal. As we repent and put our faith in Him, we enter into the most beautiful of covenants. He gave His life for us. He is our redemption, our hope, our Saviour. This is the ultimate love story. Forever and always.

Melodic Monday: Emmanuel ~ God with Us

Servant's Heart Sunday: Birthday Blessings

Last week we celebrated the birth and life of my eldest daughter. As my husband and I reminisced and recalled fond memories, we marvelled at how quickly our little girl has transformed into a young woman. We rejoiced and celebrated this child that God has entrusted into our care. While we have not been perfect parents, God has. His grace has abounded and has been sufficient, even when my husband and I fell short. She is precious in the Lord's sight and in ours! While we have had some bumps and hiccups as we navigate through these teenage years, I see evidence of our Lord's amazing love and grace as it transforms my daughter into a godly young woman. I was so touched as she made her handmade party invitations requesting that her friends forego bringing a birthday gift and instead consider making a monetary donation to a local mom of 5 (and expecting another baby this summer) who was recently widowed as her young husband died unexpectedly. I am encouraged that my sweet girl chose to use the occasion of her birthday as an opportunity to bless others. My other kiddos have done this as well in previous years. I always leave it up to them. I want it to come from their heart and for them to give sacrificially to the ministry, cause or family that they feel God is directing them to. As followers of Christ we have been blessed with new life that is not simply counted in years or candles on a cake... but is eternal and infinite. My hope is that our family will continue to share God's love and message consistently, each year, each month, each week and each day.

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15:58

Who is God?

Who is God to you? God is so many things. So many facets. Impossible to comprehend and know completely while earthbound. But as we seek Him and begin to truly know Him, I imagine we each relate a little differently to Him. I love that He is my King and my Lord... and that I am a daughter grafted in by my Heavenly Father, my Kinsman-Redeemer! He is a rock. My strength. Adonai, is my refuge and strong tower. To me... He is the Unchanging One. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. A covenant keeper, who has promised to never leave or forsake me. He is my shepherd and my protector. Full of love, grace and mercy. He is my God. And He is glorious and worthy of my praise!

"On God my salvaton and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God." Psalm 62:7

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe" Proverbs 18:10

"For God is my stronghold" Psalm 59:9

He is so beautiful to behold! Anyone who has known me for a long time might find it funny (maybe both ~ funny=odd and funny=how ironic) that this is how I view God and relate to Him most intimately. You see I used to be quite the feminist. Very insistent that I was independent and in control. What a relief it was when I stopped trying to play God and surrendered to the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. His created order and plan is so wonderful. My hope is that I will be a faithful servant and handmaiden of the Lord. Who is God? He is my Creator and my Saviour. My beginning and my end. He is my everything.

A link to the song Strong Tower

A Place of Refuge

Today's Word-Filled Wednesday is being hosted by Lori over at

All You Have To Give

What's in a Name?

Greetings to my sweet sisters in Christ! I am so glad you stopped by because I want to tell you about a bible study that will bless you! This is a 10-week online study written by Jenifer at By His Grace Ministry. The study is being hosted on one of my favorite websites, At the Well. The study will take us on a journey to discover the attributes and character of God as revealed through His names! I am so excited about this study and hope you will be too!! When I first began studying the Word of God, I simply knew the Lord as God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Through various bible studies and ministries, I discovered that God shares many different names for Himself throughout the Old Testament. I also learned that as the Hebrew manuscripts were translated into English, these names were simply translated as God or Lord in most cases. Now don't misunderstand, God heard my prayers, my cries, my pleas when I simply knew Him as Lord and He loved me just the same. But now, as I call on Him in His various Hebrew names, I am drawn closer as He reveals Himself more and more. I am comforted by these names. I am convicted by them. I am inexplicably awed by them. They resonate in my spirit as they speak the truth of who and what He is!

Did you also know that in the Hebrew tradition, names were so important? They would describe something about the individual and often times would almost be prophetic in nature regarding the life of the individual. My name, Carol, means song of joy. Oh, how I desire for the meaning of my name to be lived out consistently in my life! I long to fully know the joy of the Lord and have it radiate in me and through me. I pray that my life would be a sweet song offered to the Lord in worship. That the words of my mouth would honor and glorify Him. That my life would be lived as a song of love poignantly revealing the wonder of His grace.

I hope your interest is piqued and you to will wonder what is revealed in and through the Lord's names!Here's the link to get started ... http://www.titus2atthewell.com/2005/01/join-us-for-new-bible-study.html

Please stop by Bloom & Grow tomorrow as I post about our Week 1 Discussion Question: Who is God to You?

A Direct Line

Emergency Telephone Numbers

When...
You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51

You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91

People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139

Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11

You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is bigger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip, phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87

You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
You are depressed, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You want to bear fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12

Alternate Numbers
For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18

ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY.

NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY.

ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.

FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH

 

* I wish I knew who wrote this so I could give them credit, but there was no author listed (but God knows)!

Also, since it is Word-Filled Wednesday, I wanted to share a verse that I received from a friend yesterday that spoke to my heart:  

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word."

Don't you just love God's Word?!?! What a wonderful encouragement and reminder of our Lord's love for us! May you find comfort and a hope as you continue to seek God daily.

Melodic Monday: All I Need

Happy Melodic Monday! Been a full day, but good. I wanted to share with you one of my favorite songs. I love the acoustic guitar and Shawn's unique style and sound. But most of all I love his heart for the Lord, his complete surrender, and desire to share his faith with others. He has a great testimony and is living proof of God's amazing grace! I was not able to embed the video of  his performance on my blog, but here is the link to this soulful song! Just click and be blessed! And just try not to sing or hum along... (impossible)!



Shawn's testimony:



Be blessed and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Servant's Heart Sunday: Dear Riley

This week I didn't have to search for a service project for our family or for this blog post, it found me! The homeschooling forum I belong to is always a wonderful potpourri of ideas, thoughts, opinions, requests, resources, recipes, stories, laughs, inspiration and more. This weekend as I tried to catch up and read the accumulating messages in my inbox, I came across Riley's wish. Riley Philpot is 9 year old girl who has been battling a rare form of cancer since she was six. Her cancer has returned and so have the hospital visits. Riley's wish is to have the mailman bring a bag full of get well cards and wishes. As I read a posting from her father regarding her "race" I was so touched by their faith during such trying times. Please join me and my family as we sign, stuff, seal , and stamp as much love and encouragement as possible into letters for Riley. Also, please consider praying with your children for Riley and her family.

Send your "love letters" to:
Riley Philpot
206 Slaney Loop Rd.
Winterville, N.C. 28590

Have fun and be creative! Pour out your love in a drawing, poem, card, collage, or letter and seal it with a kiss! Perhaps you can even include a picture of your family. You could draw a big get well sign or banner and take a picture of your family holding it. I'm sure it will delight Riley to see the smiling faces of those lifting her up in prayer! I know that Riley will be blessed, as will you and your family as you share the love of God with a little girl that is still running the race.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Dollars & Sense: Homemade Glass Cleaner

I don't do windows... with expensive cleaning products. Ever notice how expensive cleaning products are? Of course you have! I'm sure you're gasping for air like me... either from the sticker shock, the fumes - or both! They are way overpriced and excessive. I mean do we really need a special cleaner for every housekeeping task? Keeping the house clean is overwhelming enough for me without dozens of different cleaners that clutter my cabinets and empty my wallet! So, over the last couple of years our family has transitioned to making homemade cleaning products to aid us in our chores. I wanted to share several recipes for homemade glass cleaner. These will work great for windows and mirrors. In my opinion, they streak less than the commercial cleaners and are definitely cheaper.

Recipe #1
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia

Recipe # 2
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Recipe # 3
1 part vinegar
1 part water
1 part rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol

I purchase the large jugs of vinegar and ammonia. I also buy large bottles of the rubbing alcohol sold at the dollar stores. You can purchase all of these very inexpensively. I then place the "ingredients" into a plastic spray bottle (you can also purchase these at a dollar store or in the gardening section of a store like Wal-Mart). I always write the name of the cleaner and the "recipe" directly on the bottle using a permanent marker. Never use these spray bottles for any other purpose. These cleaners are easy, effective and inexpensive. Being a good steward with our resources just became a little easier. Happy housekeeping!

Word-filled Wednesday: New Every Morning

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3: 21-23

I have been thinking a lot about the New Year. Why is it that people are so drawn to this new beginning? As the calendar page turns, many embark with well-intentioned resolutions, refurbished dreams, renovated optimism, restored goals and renewed hope. This annual phenomenon just confirms to me that God-shaped hole in each of us that can only be filled by our one true hope, Jesus. I too love new beginnings, second chances, clean slates, fresh mercies. Thankfully, I don't have to wait to the turn of each year to find renewal and restoration. Every sunrise, every daybreak... His mercies are new every morning. And therefore I have hope.

Melodic Monday: Free To Fly

"But drink deeply of God's Spirit. Speak one to another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5: 18-19

Okay, just curious. Are there any of you ladies out there that are ministered to by children's music and books? I'm not sure exactly what kind of commentary that is on my faith walk or me, but the Lord often uses "kid music" and children's books to speak and minister to me! Even though we are not in the preschool years anymore, my elementary-aged son, still enjoys being read to. Sometimes its advanced chapter books and other times its one of his old picture books. As I was going through some of our old tapes, books, and dvds to use in the preschool class I was teaching at a homeschooling co-op, I came across my copy of a Jana Alayra music cd. As I listened to it, my spirit was refreshed and I was reminded how much God longs for us to have a simple child-like faith and to just take His hand and love and be loved by Him! Jana Alayra has an amazing and touching testimony. I saw her at a MOPS conference several years ago and was blessed by the story of her journey with the Lord. She has a heart for worshiping the Lord and an annointed music ministry. Check out her website, her testimony and her music:

http://www.janaalayra.com/

more about Jana, her faith, her music...



Be blessed and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Servant's Heart Sunday

"Then the King will say to the people on his right, 'Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world. I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' The righteous will then answer him, 'When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes or naked and clothe you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!" Matthew 25: 34-40

Oh, how I desire to raise children that have loving hands and willing hearts to serve and honor the Lord! As we find volunteer opportunities where we can serve together as a family, our Heavenly Father teaches us about compassion, mercy, love and extending grace. It is then that His light shines brightly like a city on a hill! As this New Year unfolds, let us look for ways we can minister to others and demonstrate the love of Jesus to the world and let our lights burn brightly.

Check out these websites with me! How can we help?
Let's pray about how we can let our light shine before men!

http://www.compassion.com/
http://www.biblesunbound.com/
http://www.feedingamerica.org/
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
http://www.worldvision.org/
http://www.cefonline.com/
http://www.kidscare.org/


"You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Recipe Swap: Oatmeal Pancakes

Oatmeal Pancakes

3 cups of quick-cooking oatmeal (uncooked)
2 cups of vanilla yogurt
1 cup of fat free milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon imitation vanilla
2 tablespoon honey or honey granules
1/2 cup mini-chocolate chips
(Yields 20 - 22 pancakes)

In a mixing bowl, place oatmeal, vanilla yogurt, milk, eggs, baking soda, salt, vanilla and honey (also the chocolate chips if you would like). Stir these ingredients until they are blended well. Let stand for 5 minutes. Spray pan or skillet with non-stick spray. Cook over low-medium heat. They will take a little longer to brown than traditional pancake mixture made from flour.

These pancakes are great topped with real maple syrup, yogurt or applesauce! Also, consider serving with a mixed berry medley such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. These pancakes freeze and reheat well in the microwave. So I suggest making a large batch so you can freeze some for future breakfast and brunch meals. Finally, I use the generic brand oats and yogurt - no compromise in taste and it save moo-lah! :)

Where's the Line for Jesus

"You shall call his name Jesus/Yeshua (Hebrew name of Jesus, meaning salvation), for he will gave his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Okay, given that we spent the Christmas holiday at the doctors, urgent care, then hospital, I am admittedly a little behind on things... but I just came across this beautiful, thought-provoking song/video. I know the calendar says Christmas is over and it is a New Year, but should not we marvel daily in the gift of salvation that was made available through Jesus/Yeshua, the promised Messiah? When my kids were little we did do the "Santa" thing. But at a tender age, they began to ask questions about Jesus versus Santa. I was ambivalent about the situation and wavered in what to say. I did not want to lie to them. Finally, my little Kenzie tilted her precious head, looked me in the eye and asked me point blank! I paused and thought... Jesus is truth, Santa is imaginary - a tradition. I wanted them to trust me with the truth and not confuse fantasy with the Word of God. So when they questioned me, I thought it was best to just come clean. Fortunately, I had been trying to plan the best way to clear up the confusion and I found a book Santa, Are You For Real? by Harold Myra (on sale at www.cbd.com currently). It is a lovely story that retells the legend of Saint Nicholas. I like that it emphasizes St. Nick's desire to honor Christ through his giving and concern for others. We explained that St. Nick is no longer alive, he is now with the Lord. We also explained that "Santa" is a tradition loosely based on the legend of St.Nick and has evolved to what it is today. They quickly grasped the difference... that Santa is fantasy, fun & fiction and that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. If you and your family are have wondered about how to handle the whole "Santa" thing and are struggling with how to separate the fantasy from the facts, this book may be helpful. Hope you enjoy the video. It was written by a grandpa who was inspired by his grandson who asked this very question, "Where is the line for Jesus?" as he observed the long line winding its way to Santa. Out of the mouths of babes...

Freedom from Fear

Abba Father,

I come before you Lord seeking freedom from the fear that hinders my spirit. In your Word, you have commanded us to be strong and of courage, to not be afraid. You would only ask this of us if it was possible. And with you all things are possible! It is not your will for me to be ruled by a spirit of fear. Through You, I have access to a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. May my thoughts be held captive to Christ! As I begin to have anxious thoughts, may I be reminded that You are the One who goes before me. As my worries threaten to consume me, may the Holy Spirit stir my heart with your promise that you will never leave or forsake me. As I walk through the darkness of this world, may I recall that the Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Strengthen me, Jehovah-Tsur. Hold my hand, Heavenly Father, and deliver me from my fears. Let not my heart be troubled, Adonai. I thank and praise you that Your perfect love casts out fear! I will take refuge in you, my strong tower. In the shadow of your wings, I will find comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. Because you are my Lord and Saviour, I will not fear or be dismayed.

In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

The Sword of the the Spirit:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid."  Psalm 27:1

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."2 Timothy 1:7

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed."  Deutoronomy 31:8

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenghthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with  my righteous hand."  Isaiah 41:10

"For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Family Photo Shoot

Thought you might like to catch a glimpse of our fun, family photo shoot (circa December 2009). Picture days are always entertaining. I am not sure who is most unruly and high-maintenance on these days... the kids, the dogs or the husband. Of course, I am sweet as pie during these picture perfect moments. Okay, my nose is growing...