Planting Seeds and Praying for the Lost

Prayers are not always answered in our time..Sometimes our prayers are even forgotten by us but never are they forgotten by Him!

When I gave my life to Jesus I was always in prayer. I prayed for salvation for my family, all the lost and for my father for deliverance from alcohol, you name it. I remember 2 months after I gave my life to Jesus I talked to my younger sisters. Prior to me talking to them I prayed that God would speak through me to them. That they would understand what I was saying (they were younger about 10 and 11 years old) I prayed that God would soften their hearts and hear His words and have a desire to live for Him as well. I felt discouraged after speaking with them. I said I should have mentioned this or this. I continued to pray that they would come to know the Truth. I would talk to my father as well. He knew his Bible and quoted scripture all the time. But Christ wasn't in his life and He was not his cornerstone. He was numbing himself with alcohol like he did when I was younger. I prayed and prayed for him as well.

2 years later (last year) my dad surrendered his life to Christ and was delivered from the addiction that Satan so many times told my dad he needed. I was in awe and ever so grateful to God for the miracle he was doing in my father.

I hadn't talked to my little sisters in a few years. God reunited us just a few weeks ago! Well, talking to the younger one of the two she told me that she is going to church.....we all know that it takes more than going to church to have salvation. I told her about salvation. Also that after coming to Christ we are no longer the same. He changes us. She told me she isn't the same anymore and she did get saved in May. I was in tears!!!!! I thought of when I talked to the both of them and didn't think it did any good....I remembered all my prayers. I planted a seed and God provided increase!!! He answered my prayers...in HIS time, not mine! Even though I forgot those prayers for them, He remembered and answered them! My other sister is starting to go to Church and I'll be praying for complete surrendering. Three years later might seem like a long time to us for prayers being answered, but to Him it was just a blink of an eye. He could have waited 20 years if He wanted to. Regardless of how long it was my prayers are being answered. He has shown me to be more patient and things and prayers aren't always going to be answered in our time. Things had to happen to lead to the point that they finally turn to Him.

The lost are all the same. My family, your family even complete strangers. They are all the same to Him. That's why regardless of who they are we always need to be praying for them and continue to plant seeds with whoever we come across. I have a love and a heart for the lost since they are all headed in the same direction and haven't come to salvation yet. How many times have you planted seeds over the years? Do you know where all those people are right now? You never know when your in heaven they might come to you and thank you for the time you took to pray for them and tell them about God's greatest gift He gave them!

Rumors of God Book Review

Rumors Of God

Experience the Kind of Faith You´ve Only Heard About

Rumors of God, authors Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson's words are anointed in this AMAZING book that gets to the point. These men of God make you think about your own walk with Christ. Have we lost our first love? Who do we seek first? Are we lukewarm? Are we becoming molded by our worldly influences? Not using all those words, Darren and Jon make you wonder these things. I cried in only the first few chapters and was convicted to the core a few times. Honest, insightful and sincerely written you can see the passion Darren and Jon have for the souls of their brethren in Christ. I'm thankful they took the time out of their busy lives to put Rumors of God together. I can't recommend this book enough and I feel every Christian should read it whether your on fire for God or not. If we are satisfied on our walk with Jesus than something is wrong. We should always desire a closer relationship with Him and this book defiantly pushes you in the right direction with scriptures to back up everything being said. If you ever have a chance to read Rumors of God please do....I guarantee you won't regret it! 

This book was provided to me for free, courtesy of Booksneeze, to review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own

Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-22 21

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

It's easier said than done, I know. Just recently I have noticed a sour taste in my mouth when hearing a certain someones name or when seeing them. I realized when I would tell myself I forgave them, they were just words being spoken. There was no forgiveness behind the word "forgiven". Why is it so hard? My flesh wants me to vindicate myself, but I already know God is my vindicator (1). This person is still hurting me though they don't know that I know. It's so much easier to say people are forgiven even to think that we have forgiven them....But if you can replay situations over and over, if you see the person or hear their names and remember what they did, if you get a sour taste in your mouth when you think of them.. Chances are you honestly haven't forgiven them.

Last night I was thinking about Jesus. How we are called to strive to be like Him. How He is in us and how I want Him to shine through me. I thought of all the people He forgave and is still forgiving. The things He went through and what people did to Him yet He still forgave them. His friend betrayed Him!!! His other friend denied even knowing Him! He was mocked, spit on and tortured!!! Yet, He still forgave...... To this day mockers of Jesus are still around, people who had relationships with Him that turn their back on Him. If they ask for forgiveness He WILL forgive!! Wouldn't it be upsetting if He just said we were forgiven, but then remember everything we have done to hurt him every time he sees us?

How much more forgiving do we need to be? I realized if we don't forgive bitterness forms in our hearts. We haven't truly left this person and situation at the foot of the cross. We need to hand it over to God and let Him deal with our hurts and fill that part of us that was sour. All the wondering why and what made this person say the things they did eats at me. I remember people are going to hate me because of He who is in me, since they  hated Him first (2)(3). Maybe that should be a compliment :) We serve an awesome God who just doesn't say we are forgiven, but actually forgives us when we come to Him and ask. He doesn't dwell on the things we asked to be forgiven of. They are no more to Him. Gone and we are as white as snow with not one blemish. Wouldn't it be nice if we could forgiven all the wrong doings to us like how He forgives us? I know He said that if I don't forgive He won't forgive me. That's were my flesh kicks in since I want to forgive I truly do.

Before I was saved I had a rough bringing up. I won't even go into details since I honestly forgave them and even pray for their souls and want them to make heaven their home. I honestly love them. When I gave my life to Jesus I forgave them all and when I think of what happened to me for all those years not one taste of sour in my mouth. :) The hurt I'm talking about is after giving my life to Christ. I think it hurts so much is because they should know better and the things they have said were awful :( (4). They are brethren. I've gone out of my way to be super nice to them. Then I thought of my motives. I wanted them to feel super bad and that wasn't right either. I don't go around saying so and so did this and said this. My husband knows of course, but as a woman of God I don't need to point them out.  I'm on fire for God and He is in everything I talk about. I wonder if that's why..Do I get on their nerves? See.....there I go again. I need to stop wondering and accept it. It happened, still is and all I can do is pray for conviction and softening of hearts.

Forgiveness is so important, like I said when we don't forgive it turns to bitterness (5). Also, when we stand before God on Judgement day those people that have done us wrong aren't going to be there. It's no longer going to matter and they aren't important in our walks. Are we losing our First Love and flooding our thoughts with past situations and hurts.. if so we are pushing our First Love further and further out of our minds (6). Writing  this has been convicting for me as well as eye opening. I'm glad I'm not so into myself (feeling sorry) that I missed God speaking to me!(7)(8)


(1)Isaiah 54:17 17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,”declares the LORD.

(2) Matthew 10:22
22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

(3) John 15:18-20
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

(4) Matthew 15:18-20 18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:20These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

(5) Proverbs 14:10 10The heart knows its own bitterness,And a stranger does not share its joy.

(6) Revelation 2:4 4Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

(7) Acts 22:14 14 Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.


(8) Isaiah 30:21 21And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Getting Ready!

I just registered Eddie Rey last week for homeschool! YAY! I'm so excited. Only one more month and we start. Since we don't have the money to buy a school curriculum I have been looking all over the web for ideas and printables. I have already written out what we are doing for the year, printed out an attendance tracker (since he needs to attend 180 days), progress report card, over 30 worksheets and the receipt saying I registered him. I need to print a lot more actually. I know we have this year (Kinder) down and am confident that I can do this. What I'm worried about is the next 12 grades!!! I guess on my free time I can start looking things up and bookmarking pages as well. I wonder how in the world am I going to do this and if I'm going to be a good enough teacher. I don't want to fail him as his instructor! I stop and have to remember....

Philippians 4:6-7

⁶ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Book Review- A Wife After God's Own Heart.

BOOK REVIEW

Being a wife after God's own heart sounds difficult-even challenging- doesn't it? But it doesn't have to be. Bestselling author Elizabeth George reveals what the Bible really says about how to have a good-no, an exceptional!-marriage. With a step-by-step guidance, you'll discover practical insights and advice on..

*being a better wife

*improving or rekindling sexual intimacy
*communicating more effectively

*becoming a better team player

*having more fun in your marriage

A Wife After God's Own Heart reveals how you can have what every married woman desires- a wonderful marriage filled with mutual love, friendship, romance, and happiness. And, a an added bonus, each chapter ends with "little things" you can do right now- today!- to enhance your relationship with your husband.

Get A Husband After God's Own Heart by Jim George, and you and your husband can grow closer together.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elizabeth George is a bestselling author who has over 4 million books in print. She is a popular speaker at Christian women's events. Her passion is to teach the Bible in a way that changes women's lives. For information about Elizabeth's speaking ministry, to sign up for her mailings, or to purchase her books visit her website: www.ElizabethGeorge.com

MY REVIEW

OMGoodness!!!!! This book really spoke to my heart about becoming "a wife after God's own heart"!

Plenty of times the Bible tells us how, as wives we should be. A lot of the times we remember and strive to be that wife for our husband. This book however is filled with those verses and detailed pointers on how we can follow them. Many things God spoke to me while reading this, and here is the most important one. 

• If you aren't right with your husband there is no way that you are right with God.

Nowhere in this book does it say this, but if we are to honor, love, obey, respect and etc our husbands and we fail to do so, what does that say about out walk with God. Are we really obeying Him? I honestly thought everything was ok with how I am in my marriage. God showed me that was a lie from the devil trying to deceive me into thinking that. First I preach at my husband and NEVER are we supposed to do that. Second, I let him know his ideas aren't the best (not in a loving way). This is uncalled for! Next, I  as his wife am to follow his leadership, not be the leader or try to, which I was guilty of. 

Now I could go on with the convictions our loving God gave me, but I won't. I don't want too give the whole book away. This is a must read, even if God hasn't brought you a husband yet and even if your husband is not a Christian (she talks about this as well).

Elizabeth George also wrote the book A Woman After God's Own Heart, which I am going to have to read as well!

A MUST READ!

I just finished an amazing book. OMGoodness it was good! I started it yesterday and thought it was just a few chapters online. I thought....wow I need to buy this for sure! Then realized this morning that it was the whole book online! Regardless I still want to buy it. I really felt God lead me to read this. So many things just hit so close to what I have been through, what I go through and think at times. This book has truly blessed me with deeper insight and a new found strength. Wow! Seriously if you get a chance to read this please do! It's free online. I also went to the site and it can be bought for $12. As soon as we have the funds. I will be purchasing my own copy.  The book is called So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore by Jake Colsen. Click HERE to read.

New Blog

For those of you who don't know I have another blog. But I wanted to make another one with followers who wanted to read what I had to say. A lot of the followers I have are from blog hops (you know I follow you, you follow me back). I want to write whatever I feel like and not be pressured to keep up with the other top bloggers and post everyday. A lot of times I don't have time for that and don't want to feel bad if I can't. Another thing is I had giveaways and it was mandatory to follow my blog to even get to enter. So, I had a lot of followers unfollow once the giveaway ended and the winner was picked or after other posts. If I ever have a giveaway following me won't be mandatory...lol and I promise not to make you follow or subscribe. If you do it will be because you want. If I never have any followers that will be fine too. This blog is for my family and I, but others are always welcome to read. Thank you for stopping by. Take care and God Bless.

Why do I want to Homeschool My Kids?

I have tons of reasons why I want to homeschool.

1. I want to raise my kids in the Lord and to have a Biblical based education.

2. Bad influences. Yes, they can be anywhere not just school but since they would be at school majority of the day then a lot of unwanted views and attitudes would be rubbed off on them. I don't know what other kids are learning in their own homes and certainly don't want them teaching or telling my kids about certain things too early.

3. Drugs....yes.....In my town a few elementary kids have been caught with marijuana in these last few school years. 7, 8 and 9 year old kids with drugs.

4. Kids can't be kids anymore. If they are running around horse playing and goofing off. People all of a sudden want to diagnose boys with ADHD and give put them on meds.

5.  All of our kids don't learn the same way, so they shouldn't be taught the same way. What works for one kid, might make another kid fail miserably. I as a parent know what is the best way to teach my kids.

6. Teachers sometimes let their personal views and opinions affect the way they teach and determine what they teach about. I don't want my kids believing there was a Big Bang and that we evolved from apes. When I was a kid I remember my teacher telling me this. I told him about God and that it wasn't true. He told me to look at the pictures and there is evidence and there was no God. It was all lies. I went home telling my dad that we evolved and about the Big Bang. He told me that it wasn't true...I didn't believe my dad...who knew better, a teacher or my dad? Yup the teacher! So for years I thought those text books and that teacher was right.

7. Keeping them pure, minds and body. Kissing... etc. Kids are doing that, yes in Elementary school.

8. Ratio. 25-30 kids to 1 teacher. My children need more one on one time and need to be watched more carefully.

9. Sick days and Dr appointments and breaks. Sometimes kids are sick and sometimes they are sick more than one day. Now you need a Drs note for everything and if not you can get in trouble for keeping your child home. Also, kids need breaks. 5 days a week 7-8 hours a day in school is too much I think for a child. You can't just pull them out for a break day without risking getting thrown in jail!

10. I love and care more about my kids and their education than any teacher could.

11. My number 1 reason is that I feel God has called me to homeschool my children.

.Scriptures for Homeschooling

*Isaiah 54:13 All your children shall be taught by the Lord, And great shall be the peace of your children. *Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.  *Psalm 78:4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. *Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?  *1 Timothy 3:4 ... one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence ...  *Ephesians 6:4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. *Proverbs 3:1 My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands. *Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  *Proverbs 1:8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.  *Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.

About me!

My first post will be about me.

I gave my life to Christ Sept 7, 2008. The most important day of my life. I was lost and God found me and welcomed me with open arms. My life changed after that day. My views the things I said and did. I was convicted of my horrible mouth that just had to say a swear word every 5 -10 sentences. Before I was saved I was a huge gossip with itching ears. Always wanted to know what was going on with so and so and then 2 min later calling someone else to tell them. I couldn't wait to tell someone something that was going on about someone else. I also exaggerated AKA lied a lot. I couldn't go one day without lying no matter how hard I tried, same goes with gossiping and swearing. I had tried many times to be a better person and not do things but it was not easy! When I got saved I was instantly convicted (1st) of smoking a cig 5 min from leaving the church. Not only was I convicted it didn't taste the same. I got home and got a different pack same thing. I knew God didn't want me to smoke anymore. Alcohol, same thing, I tried drinking some and it was horrible and I knew God didn't want me doing it so I dumped it all out. I was convicted of the music I was listening to and movies I had and watched. They all went in the trash. God was doing a work in me (and still is). He who is now in me took away the desire to gossip and to hear gossip,now in which I'm sickened by. The profanaty I used was no longer as well as the lying. 

I became on fire for God and couldn't get enough of His word. I was reading my Bible 5-6 hours a day. I was craving anything and everything having to do with Jesus and I called and told everyone I could. Because of this the closest family I had would be no more. I lost all my "friends" and just about all the close family I had. At first it tore me to pieces. I just didn't understand why. Luckly I called a lady from the church and she took me right in. I had a new family. My brothers and sisters in Christ. I wouldn't have it any other way. I do have a cousin who is saved (she is the one that witnessed to me a former pagan and invited me to her church).

Who is getting married actually on this Sunday to a great man of God. They haven't even kissed or hugged which I think is amazing. 

Everything I do now I want to do to please God. I strive now to be a woman of God. My life, views and heart are totally different now than it was then. I couldn't have done it alone and it's only because He who is in me that I am who I am now. I give praise and all the glory to my Father the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Next post will be a about my family and why I'm homeschooling.