In Him: Songs in the Key of Life, part 3

Yesterday's message that Pastor Rickey delivered taught us how to have a fresh start. Psalm 51 is a song of hope, we all need hope and a fresh start don't we? Money, greed, lying, bad language, anger, bad choices...there is hope in Him that He forgives and is always waiting to welcome us home no matter what we have done.

Pastor used this Psalm of hope to deliver a message that some may not want to talk about. I will admit, it's not the easiest for me to write about. God wants to welcome everyone with open arms, so If there is someone that this helps/reaches then that is part of His plan.

There IS a problem among those in the church and out, among adults and kids, among men and women, among married and single. What is it? The view for many that online pornography is socially acceptable. "Lots of people look at it." "What does it matter, there is no harm done."

Pastor Rickey shared some facts with us on the effects porn has on your brain. Did you know that it is as addictive as the strongest of narcotics? Did you know that it makes structural changes to your brain...it runs deep ruts in one direction toward that addiction? Do a Google search for "effects of brain by porn" and read for yourself the damage porn causes to a person's character, brain, marriage, family, career...

If you know someone who is not convinced from the moral side that porn is wrong, Pastor offered another excellent way to help someone determine if looking at porn is harmful. If they are married, have them ask their spouse if the act of them looking at porn makes their spouse feel more valued. I know their spouse's answer will be NO! If they are single or a young adult/child, ask them if they feel closer to God when they look at porn. Ask them if they feel guilt, shame, humiliation or regret. The GOOD news is they can be free of this addiction and these feelings by turning to God!

Pastor reminded us of the story of King David, chosen by God, a man after God's own heart, but he allowed his thoughts to turn to actions of adultery with Bathsheba. David wrote Psalm 51, which shows us no matter what we have done, how to have a fresh start with God.

1. Recognize your own sin, while acknowleging God's Mercy.

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Psalm 51:1-3 (NLT)

2. Confess your sins and seek God's purity.

Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the womb, teaching me wisdom even there. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Psalm 51:4-8 (NLT)

3. Ask God for full restoration.

Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Psalm 51:9-13 (NLT)

We can learn from each others sins and pain. Though it is hard to make the bold choice of sharing with others our mistakes, we help others who suffer from the same pain.

4. Stay humble.

Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness. Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you. You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. Psalm 51:14-17 (NLT)

A humble person is both transparent and teachable.

5. Vow to make worship a priority in your life.

Look with favor on Zion and help her; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit— with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings. Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar. Psalm 51:18-19 (NLT)

Pastor shared these two passages as well that shows the family line that Jesus came from:

This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:
Abraham was the father of Isaac. Isaac was the father of Jacob. Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers. Matthew 1:1-2 (NLT)

Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon (whose mother was Bathsheba, the widow of Uriah). Matthew 1:6 (NLT)

Why is Bathsheba mentioned in this lineage? There was adultery and sin, wasn't there? Pastor shared that she is here to show us God's love, how he takes our worst and weaves it in to His plan. "He can take your biggest failure, secrets and pain and give you a fresh start!"

Lastly, Pastor shared some resources to help reach those looking for help:

• The Porn Event from May 23-28 present a 25 minute interactive experience focused on the real life effects of pornography.
• Safe Eyes helps fight porn and impurity in your home.
• Covenant Eyes is an accountability software that helps you and your accountability partner monitor where you should and should not be online.

In Him,

In Him: Songs in the Key of Life, part 2

Pastor Rickey continued his series, "Songs in the Key of Life" with today's message teaching us how to ask for help. "One of the most frequent prayers in the bible is help!" But, as Pastor reminded us, while God didn't promise us a perfect life, He did tell us we would not be alone!

The really cool thing about God is that He listens to us! We can be real with him, about where we are in life, what we are struggling with and ask him to help!

Our Worship Arts Pastor, Jonathan, shared that one of the great things about songs is that they can say it better than we can at times! Isn't that so true? The song above from Hillsong "Still" says it better than I can so that is why I wanted to share it with you!

There always seems to be something that we need God to help us with! I am so thankful that no matter how big or small God always listens!

Pastor used Psalm 143:1-12 to walk us through a pattern for asking God for help...sending out an SOS!

Sending out an SOS

1. God, Listen!

a. Hear me, please!

Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea! Answer me because you are faithful and righteous. Psalm 143:1 (NLT)

b. Don't look at my mistakes.

Don’t put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you. Psalm 143:2 (NLT)

I am so thankful that He does not look at my mistakes, instead He is patient and forgiving and ready to listen! We just need to bring our worries and problems to Him!

2. I am tired of running from big things.

My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear. Psalm 143:3-4 (NLT)

Pastor did something different today, different is good! Throughout his message he asked for audience involvement...bold souls willing to stand up and share how God has helped them. You can join in too!

One area that I'm losing the battle- ______________________

For me, it is a battle I have to remind myself to keep taking back to God...my hubby's new pay structure and our house! This June will be four years that we have been in the house, almost two years since we tried to sell it in fear when values began to decline and hubby's company tanked.I am good for a few months after I take it to God...then I start to let fear creep back in and worry, and funny enough just last night I was telling hubby my fears were back again!

3. I know you have helped me before.

I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. I lift my hands to you in prayer. I thirst for you as parched land thirsts for rain. Interlude Psalm 143:5-6 (NLT)

One word that describes a time God helped you-_____________

One word? Finances. For all of the worry and fear I have taken to God over the years, He has always provided for our needs! Leaving my career of 15 years to stay home with our girlie took a huge amount of faith in Him. And I continue to say, that as long as He wants me to be home with her, He will bless it, He will provide. Thank you!

4. I need a clear answer.

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. Psalm 143:7 (NLT)

Where I need an answer now-___________________________

Well, of course hubby and I are wondering if he will earn a bonus this year. I don't suppose God will send me an e-mail with that answer huh? But, I guess more important is the answer to keep living by faith in Him.

5. I need clear direction.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Psalm 143:8 (NLT)

Where I need direction now-____________________________

I shared our experience with trying to sell our house out of fear and trying to control things...instead of praying to Him first. We finally did turn to Him in prayer and decided to live by faith. We are trusting Him that when and if we are to sell our house, He will guide us and we will know it is His will, not ours.

6. Save me, teach me, and lead me!

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. For the glory of your name, O Lord, preserve my life. Because of your faithfulness, bring me out of this distress. In your unfailing love, silence all my enemies and destroy all my foes, for I am your servant. Psalm 143:9-12 (NLT)

Where I need to grow right now-________________________

Our previous Pastor Leonard once said "be careful what you pray for, you'll get it!" I say that with a smile on my face and in my heart. I have always prayed for a strong faith in God, to trust Him, not my own efforts, to give glory to Him! When I look at hubby's income, our house value and waiting on a second child He is building my faith! Thank you!

In Him,

Remember When?

Isn't it neat how as our kids get older they want to know what they were like when they were younger? Now, I have a pretty good memory for big stuff, but for the little details my girlie is already asking me about I am thankful for two things I have done since she was born: keeping a journal and writing letters to her on each birthday!

A friend gave me the journal at my baby shower and told me to "start writing in it the day she is born and don't stop until it's full...then get another journal!" I love looking back to what I wrote the night she was born! I don't write in it every day, but I at least try to write in it once a month. I have a page that I write down what she dresses up as each year for fall festival too...can you imagine trying to remember what costume your kid wore 15 years ago? I can't! I also have a few pages saved to jot down funny things she says or calls things! As she has gotten older she has seen me writing in the journal a couple of times and decided she wanted to "write" too. I love those pages with her scribbles in the middle of my writing! She has her own "journal" that she now fills with the words she knows how to write and pictures she enjoys drawing.

Before girlie was born I read somewhere the idea of writing a letter to your child on each of their birthdays. You put them away and when they are older (I am thinking after college) you can give them the letters. Each year since her first birthday I write her a letter telling her how much she has meant to me in the past year, what new things she has learned, what I have learned from being her mom, my favorite memories of the past year...I also have been including thoughts in each letter about the type of person I hope she grows up to be...Jesus loving, honest, truthful, giving...On the outside of each envelope I write "Letter to Girlie on Her _____ Birthday Love, Mom!"

Remembering all of the little reasons I love her, love being her mom, and who she is as she grows up is something that not only works for me, but something I cherish!

I am linking up with We Are THAT Family for Works For Me Wednesday. Check out the other helpful tips over there! You never know what good stuff you will find! Kristen has some great tips on keeping your family safe online!

Weight Watchers Friendly Chocolate Muffins

I was going through my recipe box and found a recipe that brought back such great memories I had to share it! It is still written on the same pink sticky note from our office! I had the blessing of working with three ladies that made each day coming to work fun (thanks SB, DS & CT)!

SB shared a super easy, super tasty and Weight Watchers friendly chocolate muffin recipe! At first when she told me the ingredients I was not so sure about these! They are really moist and super good though!

Ingredients

• Duncan Hines Devils Food or Chocolate Cake Mix
• Libby's Pumpkin (NO seasoning, just pumpkin, soup can size)

Directions

Mix cake mix and pumpkin together. Spoon in greased muffin pans or paper lined muffin pans. Bake according to box directions for time and temperature. That's it!

Thanks to Bake Space for this picture!

I also found a similar recipe but with added yum, bye bye Weight Watchers good points though! Our Best Bites has the recipe using Spice Cake mix and adding chocolate chips to the mix! Oh My!

I am linking up with Blessed With Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday and Balancing Beauty and Bedlam for Tasty Tuesday. Check out the other taste inspirations over there!

Enjoy,

In Him: Songs in the Key of Life

I don't know about you, but songs have always had a way of connecting me to my emotions and thoughts. I can hear a song from my teenage years and still feel like I am back in that time when that song had the most meaning to me.

Today, our worship songs in church are one of my favorite parts of being there. I try to totally focus on the words and sing praise to Him. Sometimes I get so caught up in emotion that it's hard for me to sing because I get welled up. John Waller's song "While I'm Waiting" has held special meaning to me over the past couple of years.

Pastor Rickey is beginning a 7 week study on the book of Psalms that I am really excited and looking forward to..."Songs in the Key of Life!" The book of Psalms is a book of songs about life. I think Pastor said it best when he said, "in every mess there is a message." It is reassuring to me in times when there are no solutions that I can control that I can turn to Him!

Sometimes people can misunderstand that Christians are not praising God for all things, but rather we are praising Him in all things/circumstances. That's what Faith is all about, isn't it? Trusting in Him, that He is in control, that He will do what is best for us, that even when things are tough or don't seem fair He is teaching us, strengthening our faith, possibly to have us someday be there for someone else going through the same thing, right? Right!

So let's get to it! This week Pastor started the series with "A Pattern for Praise" from Psalm 145. He challenged us to try these 5 steps every day for 21 days to then create a habit of praise that will take over even when we are not thinking about it! As pastor said, "praise the Lord not curse the world!"

1. Praise God every day!

I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:1-3 (NIV)

Yesterday in church we had such a treat...the little ones came in to say a poem and a sing a song to the moms! We so enjoyed seeing our girlie and her friends have such joy and praise for the Lord! I learn so much about having faith, trust and joy in the Lord from my girlie! She doesn't think twice about starting to sing a song to him regardless of who's around! If she has a problem, say the hiccups, she stops and prays right then to God to take them away! If you have a girl then you know how much they love their hair getting brushed...not! Or should I say knots? The other day she said "Jesus totally needs to take these knots to jail!" May we all sing spontaneous praise to God and have a deep faith that reminds us to give all of our problems to Him!

2. Praise God to the next generation!

One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalm 145:4-7 (NIV)

One important thing we do when we pray together as a family is always start by giving thanks and praise for every blessing He has given us. Even at 5 my girlie is learning to focus on all of the good that God does and will continue to do!

3. Praise God for who He is!

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalm 145:8-9 (NIV)

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:13-14 (NIV)

He does not kick those who are down! He lifts us up, provides comfort, peace, He knows what we need! Thank you!

4. Praise God for how he provides for us!

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Psalm 145:15-16 (NIV)

He certainly provides for our needs! I am so thankful to Him for each day! We can in all circumstances "peel back the junk and see the giver of good" as Pastor shared with us!

5. Praise God for his loving care!

The LORD is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made. Psalm 145:17

His love is an action verb

• He is near. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NIV)
• He hears our cries. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. Psalm 145:19 (NIV)
• He watches over. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:20-21 (NIV)

Pastor closed by reminding us of the awesome truth that Jesus is a friend who:

• is compassionate
• is gracious
• is slow to anger
• keeps promises
• lifts me up when I am down
• gives me what I need
• is truthful
• is never busy to talk and listen
• has the power to fill my desires
• runs to my cries of help
• watches over me

What song speaks to you most at this time in your life?

In Him,

Friday Follow: Free Stuff Programs

Sponsored By

I just had to share another game with you this week! And, bonus, I got it for FREE!

I buy Disney Movies and LOVE the Disney Movie Rewards Program! I have gotten so many cool items that I put away for Christmas presents for my girlie. OK, the one year I did get the singing Troy pen for hubby and the singing Gabriella pen for me, but mainly they are gifts for girlie!

The prizes change, but the latest one we got was the Lilo and Stitch's Island of Adventures DVD Game!

It can be long, but it is so interactive and fun you will be shocked when you look at the time! They do have a speed version too that cuts the time in half!

The tokens move on the board and the DVD transports you through different parts of the island! You get out of your chairs to cheer on your lizard in a race, compete in a surf competition and more! You only get to advance if you participate so hubby found out quick he better play along!

What programs have you found that offer great FREE stuff?

Happy Friday,

The Power of a Positive Mom: Introduction

I have mentioned before I love to learn! Yes, I was probably the annoying nerdie kid in school! I recently learned how much I loved learning God's Word, how to apply it to my life and fellowship with other ladies through bible studies at our church.

I also realized that it can be difficult for some to be able to take part in a group study like that due to their schedules. Since I always have a book I am reading/learning from and get so excited about the concepts I thought why not share them on my blog? It will be a virtual book club!

The book "The Power of a Positive Mom" by Karol Ladd has really been a handbook of encouragement to me over the years...what a good place to start!

Think about one of your greatest joys in motherhood and one of your biggest challenges.

The Introduction in the book can be summed up in four words "You Can Do It!"

Karol shares how every child needs a positive push in life, and as a mom it is our very important job to make a positive difference. "As moms, we have the opportunity every day to boost our children onward and upward. Ours is a very influential job. Through our affirmative support and loving care, we are in a unique position to help our children reach for their dreams and God-given potential."

Let's face it, it is pretty challenging to always stick to our good intentions! Do you feel like you spend your day putting out fires, tantrums, correcting, cleaning, doing laundry, running errands, cooking, need I go on?

Karol reminds us how we felt the day our little ones were born and first put in our arms...so precious! Then life begins, chaos ensues and we learn that being a positive mom is more challenging than we thought it would be!

The good news is that her book is written with great gems that really work when applied, to help you be a more positive mom!

"Yes, you can do it! With God's help and his Holy Spirit living inside you, you can be, as the writer of Proverbs said, "the wise woman (who) builds her house" (Proverbs 14:1). The seven principles I offer in this book are meant to help you recognize the amazing power that God has put in the hands of positive mothers-and to inspire you to become the positive mom you want and need to be."

I will be sharing the Power Points that are at the end of each chapter that include a suggestion for a bible verse reading, a model prayer, a positive choice, and an activity to reinforce the learned point from the chapter. "After all, God's power is not in the reading; it's in the doing!"

Discussion Questions

1. What is one thing you said "I will never do that" as a mom but now you have done.

2. Who has been the greatest influence in your life in helping you to be a better mom?

3. If you were going to choose one time of the day that you most enjoy or cherish as a mom, when would it be?

4. What is your most dreaded time of day?

I know we can't answer all of them...pick what jumps out at you! I will go first...

The one thing I said I would never do is put my child on a leash! Then I had her, at Disney, and panicked I would not be able to find this running, crazy girl! It wasn't exactly a leash, they make cute puppy and monkey backpack harness looking things now! I got her to learn that if she didn't want to wear the puppy then she had to agree to stay by mommy and daddy...it worked...eventually!

I look forward to reading your comments!

I pray that from these postings you will have something new to take away and apply in your life as a positive mom! We are not perfect, but through Him we strive to be a little more of a positive light!