Well the joy continues with our house hunting progress; but I do find myself getting overwhelmed with the speed of things. We recently put an offer in on a house and I was totally set on taking our time regarding when we have to move. We don't have any time frame we have to be out of our current rental property (a family member owns the home); so I was thinking a couple months down the road. Well....after choosing the house we were happy with and felt God calling it our home; we sent the offer on Sunday evening around 8pm and it was signed by the seller Monday morning! It seems the bank has approved the offer as well (it's a short sale) and the inspection was done today - whew....my head is just spinning.
I was not prepared for this; I have not packed; I have little one's birthday parties coming up; but as I read the following verse it just reminded me again that God has his own timing - "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)
I love how when I let God take control and put my patience in overdrive; he gets busy! We are extremely thrilled for what He's doing and to be closer to owning our own home as a family for the first time! So if you have something you've been praying about and being patient about; watch out because you might get your answer when you least expect it. Go God!! -CiCi-
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Simple Things.....
Well it's Monday; were you running around like crazy today trying to get your week started? Phones going off like crazy, texting every 5 minutes or so and getting stuck in traffic of some sort? Have you ever stopped and thought about what it would be like to live before we had all this technology? Think about how peaceful it was and unrushed life was. To get somewhere you went by horse and it could take a week; today you can hop on a plane and be there in 2 hrs.
In my attempt to slow down life a little and remove some stress we recently cancelled our cable and our texting! Your probably thinking OMG.....how can you survive? It's been very quiet around here. Now we still have a television and we use netflix; which is much easier to control what the kid's watch. I'm not talking about going back to the stone ages; just reducing a little bit of the fast life.
We, as a society, have removed ourselves from being personable with people; it's all email, facebooking or texting. A human voice is very nice to listen to once in awhile and while you can 'unfriend' someone on FB you can only avoid a phone call so much; they have your number!
So look around and see if there is even 1 thing you can do to de-stress your life a little. Maybe it's listening to only classical music while you're in traffic, not playing games on facebook or maybe it's a little more drastic like me and cutting out texting all together. It has done wonders for my spiritual life as well as my mental one! -CiCi-
In my attempt to slow down life a little and remove some stress we recently cancelled our cable and our texting! Your probably thinking OMG.....how can you survive? It's been very quiet around here. Now we still have a television and we use netflix; which is much easier to control what the kid's watch. I'm not talking about going back to the stone ages; just reducing a little bit of the fast life.
We, as a society, have removed ourselves from being personable with people; it's all email, facebooking or texting. A human voice is very nice to listen to once in awhile and while you can 'unfriend' someone on FB you can only avoid a phone call so much; they have your number!
So look around and see if there is even 1 thing you can do to de-stress your life a little. Maybe it's listening to only classical music while you're in traffic, not playing games on facebook or maybe it's a little more drastic like me and cutting out texting all together. It has done wonders for my spiritual life as well as my mental one! -CiCi-
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Way You Hold Me....
Today's post isn't anything real deep from me personally; but I want you to read the following lyrics and look up this song today; it's upbeat and so true!! "Hold Me" by Jamie Grace
Oo, I love the way You hold me,
by my side You'll always be
You take each and every day,
Make it special in some way
I love the way You hold me
In Your arms I'll always be
Yout take each and every day,
Make it special in some way....
He holds us each and every day no matter what we're going through; the hard times and the easy times. His arms are always around us protecting us, loving us, just holding us! I pray you all have a blessed weekend and that you remember; even when our arms aren't open to Him; His are! -CiCi-
Oo, I love the way You hold me,
by my side You'll always be
You take each and every day,
Make it special in some way
I love the way You hold me
In Your arms I'll always be
Yout take each and every day,
Make it special in some way....
He holds us each and every day no matter what we're going through; the hard times and the easy times. His arms are always around us protecting us, loving us, just holding us! I pray you all have a blessed weekend and that you remember; even when our arms aren't open to Him; His are! -CiCi-
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Run the race.....
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" - (Hebrews 12:1)
Are you a runner? I am not a runner; have never liked running; but my oldest daughter is a track runner. So in honor of her I ran a 1/2 marathon; which consists of 13.1 miles; in December of last year. In preparing for it I had to train; building endurance and of course eating and drinking well. This was the hardest thing I think I have ever done in my life! I had great timing on the first 7 or so miles and then had to get my feet bandaged for blisters on mile 8. And in no shame admitting it; I had to walk the entire last mile. It was hard; but I finished it!
This same thing applies for the race that Christ has laid out of us. In training for this race we need to have healthy insides as well. We need to feed our soul with the word of God as well as with all other kinds of healthy intake; what we watch and what we listen to and the friends we surround ourselves with on a daily basis. It is of course just as important to eat healthy so that you stay physically healthy. This takes perseverance on a daily basis! Even those days when it's hard to get out of bed; we must press on. Just a few minutes with God daily is a start; even if it's "Lord, you know my heart but you know that I'm not feeling well today; please give me the strength to just conquer this day with you in mind." Throw off the things that hinder you no matter what race you are running; we are training for the ultimate eternal award - you will find peace and strength in giving your load to Christ and running the race He has marked out! -CiCi-
Are you a runner? I am not a runner; have never liked running; but my oldest daughter is a track runner. So in honor of her I ran a 1/2 marathon; which consists of 13.1 miles; in December of last year. In preparing for it I had to train; building endurance and of course eating and drinking well. This was the hardest thing I think I have ever done in my life! I had great timing on the first 7 or so miles and then had to get my feet bandaged for blisters on mile 8. And in no shame admitting it; I had to walk the entire last mile. It was hard; but I finished it!
This same thing applies for the race that Christ has laid out of us. In training for this race we need to have healthy insides as well. We need to feed our soul with the word of God as well as with all other kinds of healthy intake; what we watch and what we listen to and the friends we surround ourselves with on a daily basis. It is of course just as important to eat healthy so that you stay physically healthy. This takes perseverance on a daily basis! Even those days when it's hard to get out of bed; we must press on. Just a few minutes with God daily is a start; even if it's "Lord, you know my heart but you know that I'm not feeling well today; please give me the strength to just conquer this day with you in mind." Throw off the things that hinder you no matter what race you are running; we are training for the ultimate eternal award - you will find peace and strength in giving your load to Christ and running the race He has marked out! -CiCi-
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Let it Rain.....
Rain, Rain please stay and come again another day.......I can do without the tornado's but ladies we needed this rain; our land has been in drought for sometime now! Speaking of drought; have you ever been in a spiritual drought? Of course we have! We're human; remember ladies this blog is about honesty.......sometimes we may reach a point where we feel stuck; not moving ahead or maybe your time with God is less and less each day. I have totally been there on more than one occasion; but God is always faithful in taking us back and putting his big arms around us and saying 'welcome home'.
As you ponder the rain today and are stuck inside for a majority of it; pick up your bible and read Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." This is just a great mini pep talk for a rainy day! Until tomorrow and drier weather -CiCi-
As you ponder the rain today and are stuck inside for a majority of it; pick up your bible and read Proverbs 16:3 "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." This is just a great mini pep talk for a rainy day! Until tomorrow and drier weather -CiCi-
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Worry, worry, worry.....
Are you thinking about the errands you have to run next week or if you're going to have to owe the IRS this year? How about a family member that has been given a terminal diagnosis? He says, "and which of you by worrying can add an hour to his life?" (Luke 12:25) Did you get that; are you really benefiting yourself by worrying about what either may not happen or about something you can't change to begin with?
I take this matter to heart. Last May my oldest daughter was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This was extremely hard and tested my faith. I can tell you that as a mom of course I worried about what our future held; but at the same time I can honestly say I didn't plea with God to heal her. I prayed she would be healed; but only once. I knew that before she was even born God had this planned. He was in control and by me worrying about the outcome it lacked faith in the Almighty!
Worry is a form of unbelief is what he's telling us. Ouch! As humans we will worry; but it is not going to change the outcome of the situation. I could only pray that God give me the strength to deal with her cancer and our situation and that He be in charge of her life whatever may happen. The thought of losing a child is awful; but I have no guarantees that one of my other children wouldn't die tomorrow or the next day or the next week. We never know when God decides to call us home and we may never understand why; but we have to trust that He knows! Don't worry ladies; let God take this burden as well and accept the peace that He is offering; it's much more satisfying. -CiCi-
I take this matter to heart. Last May my oldest daughter was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This was extremely hard and tested my faith. I can tell you that as a mom of course I worried about what our future held; but at the same time I can honestly say I didn't plea with God to heal her. I prayed she would be healed; but only once. I knew that before she was even born God had this planned. He was in control and by me worrying about the outcome it lacked faith in the Almighty!
Worry is a form of unbelief is what he's telling us. Ouch! As humans we will worry; but it is not going to change the outcome of the situation. I could only pray that God give me the strength to deal with her cancer and our situation and that He be in charge of her life whatever may happen. The thought of losing a child is awful; but I have no guarantees that one of my other children wouldn't die tomorrow or the next day or the next week. We never know when God decides to call us home and we may never understand why; but we have to trust that He knows! Don't worry ladies; let God take this burden as well and accept the peace that He is offering; it's much more satisfying. -CiCi-
Monday, January 23, 2012
I Am Second......
Happy Monday ladies - I hope you had a great weekend! This post will sort of be a continuation from the last but I had to share what God showed me. Remember I discussed being weary and shared Matthew 11:28 with you - 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.' Well last night I was reading a book called 'I Am Second' by Doug Bender & Dave Sterrett. It's about real people and how they came to know Jesus. The first story in the book is about Brian "Head" Welch who used to be the guitarist with Korn. I was crying by the end of his story not because of what Christ did for him but because the above verse is what got Brian's attention!
I started really realizing that God is trying to tell me something; that I am not being faithful in trusting him with my burdens and I'm trying to carry them on my own shoulders. I am tired and I am needing the rest called for here. It was just a beautiful example of how Christ works in us and how he reveals to us our weaknesses. I can't begin to tell you the feeling that came over me and my prayer is just that I let go and let God! This is my new verse that will be tattoo'd on my heart and mind and soul for the rest of my life. It speaks to me right now like no other.
So as I said before ladies; rest! Do not be weary and give your burdens to the one that can handle it! May you ladies have a blessed evening and I would love to hear about a verse that speaks to you and why. -CiCi-
I started really realizing that God is trying to tell me something; that I am not being faithful in trusting him with my burdens and I'm trying to carry them on my own shoulders. I am tired and I am needing the rest called for here. It was just a beautiful example of how Christ works in us and how he reveals to us our weaknesses. I can't begin to tell you the feeling that came over me and my prayer is just that I let go and let God! This is my new verse that will be tattoo'd on my heart and mind and soul for the rest of my life. It speaks to me right now like no other.
So as I said before ladies; rest! Do not be weary and give your burdens to the one that can handle it! May you ladies have a blessed evening and I would love to hear about a verse that speaks to you and why. -CiCi-
Friday, January 20, 2012
The Weary....
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
Every once in awhile we need to take 'rest' from the business that surrounds us. This morning after taking the kid's to school I crawled back in bed for another couple of hours. This is something I rarely do but felt God telling me I needed some rest. Most of you reading this know my recent situation; we've had a child go through cancer treatment and a husband who works out of town; so needless to say I am very weary most of the time and busy keeping up with the home and the children. So today, instead of starting the laundry as needed, I listened to God!
I can honestly say I feel so much better right now! A daily prayer I have is that Christ give me the strength I need for each day; but sometimes I don't listen when he tells me to sit, listen, rest and not worry.
I'm asking you ladies that some time this weekend put off a chore and rest; even if it's for 30 minutes. The dirty toilet will still be there; the laundry won't get up and walk away (although you wish it would) and the dust surely won't mind being left a little longer. If you do find yourself overwhelmed as I often do; grab your bible and open a Psalm or Proverb and let Christ release your burdens; just like he did for David. David had much to be overwhelmed and anxious about; but he gave it to God and was not only restored but turned out to be a Great man of God! How exciting!!
So go and NOT conquer that house; but REST! -CiCi-
Every once in awhile we need to take 'rest' from the business that surrounds us. This morning after taking the kid's to school I crawled back in bed for another couple of hours. This is something I rarely do but felt God telling me I needed some rest. Most of you reading this know my recent situation; we've had a child go through cancer treatment and a husband who works out of town; so needless to say I am very weary most of the time and busy keeping up with the home and the children. So today, instead of starting the laundry as needed, I listened to God!
I can honestly say I feel so much better right now! A daily prayer I have is that Christ give me the strength I need for each day; but sometimes I don't listen when he tells me to sit, listen, rest and not worry.
I'm asking you ladies that some time this weekend put off a chore and rest; even if it's for 30 minutes. The dirty toilet will still be there; the laundry won't get up and walk away (although you wish it would) and the dust surely won't mind being left a little longer. If you do find yourself overwhelmed as I often do; grab your bible and open a Psalm or Proverb and let Christ release your burdens; just like he did for David. David had much to be overwhelmed and anxious about; but he gave it to God and was not only restored but turned out to be a Great man of God! How exciting!!
So go and NOT conquer that house; but REST! -CiCi-
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Good morning ladies! It is rather chilly this morning; but it's just Beautiful outside! God's picture of serenity - today's scripture is one of my favorite that I have memorized and something to say each morning as I wake...'Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassion's never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.' (Lamentations 3:22-24)
This is brought to my mind especially today as I opened my emails this morning. My husband and I have begun our house hunting and on Sunday we looked at a house that I fell in love with and thought for sure it was 'The One'. It came up today as out of market and all I could say to it was that God must have a BETTER house in store for our family. He knows what we need and he will also surpass any of our expectations and give us more than we desire when we put Him first in our lives.
I am excited to see what he does provide for us as this will be our first home to own as a family! May you all be reminded that every morning is a new day and His compassion for us covers a multitude of our selfishness! Thank you so much Lord for reminding me daily of your love and your grace. Have a Wonderful day ladies - CiCi
This is brought to my mind especially today as I opened my emails this morning. My husband and I have begun our house hunting and on Sunday we looked at a house that I fell in love with and thought for sure it was 'The One'. It came up today as out of market and all I could say to it was that God must have a BETTER house in store for our family. He knows what we need and he will also surpass any of our expectations and give us more than we desire when we put Him first in our lives.
I am excited to see what he does provide for us as this will be our first home to own as a family! May you all be reminded that every morning is a new day and His compassion for us covers a multitude of our selfishness! Thank you so much Lord for reminding me daily of your love and your grace. Have a Wonderful day ladies - CiCi
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
New things.....
Good evening fellow Ladies of the Lord! I am so excited to be starting this blog and I look forward to sharing God's love with you all. I pray you are having a Wonderful New Year and that out of all those resolutions you made one of them was to have a closer walk with Christ! That's my goal. Have a blessed evening and here's to new things to come.....
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