Psalms 46

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the LORD has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Read on 9/11 by our current president.

Some Exciting News from the Wallace Family!

Baby #3 is on the way! We are so thankful and excited! Tentative due date is April 15th. God has blessed us richly with everything in Him!

We are taking the command to "be fruitful and mulitply" very seriously. Haha!

Also, around the same time that I got pregnant (and did not know it), God sent us renters to rent our house out in Columbia for the next two years, who also might be interested in buying it after their rental agreement expires. I had very special friends (Ashley and Betsy) praying and helping us find our renters.

I am currently 7 weeks (will be 8 weeks this Sunday). I go in for my ultrasound September 8th at 10 am and they will be able to see if there is one baby or two babies already then.

Been doing pretty good so far. Had one sneezing attack one day, plenty of acne (like with Abigail), and big craving of diced tomatoes. I am VERY laid back pregnant which Charlie and everyone else in my life is enjoying. I do not think anything is a waste of time and will actually read magazines pregnant. I'm taking a nap every other day and enjoying life. I am really thinking about staying off caffeine for a while because I do not get stressed out about hardly anything and think no caffeine has something to do with it.

Here is my post from announcing I pregnant with Abigail. This is when I am so thankful I have taken the time to blog!

Reading through Revelation right now with the Bible Experience and these verse keeps coming to my mind:

"You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honor and power,

for you created ALL things,

and by YOUR WILL they were created

and have their being."

So thankful, like Jackson says, that God put a baby in my belly. To Him be the glory!

Tuesday's Tip: Teaching What We Believe to our 2 and 3 Year Olds

A Catechism for Boys and Girls

Revised by Jared Kennedy

Section 1: Questions about God, Humanity, and Sin

Questions 1-8 (for ages 2-3):

1. Who made you? God made me. (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Acts 17:24-29)

2. What else did God make? God made all things. (Genesis 1, especially verses 1, 31; Acts 14:15; Romans 11:36; Colossians 1:16)

3. Why did God make you and all things? For his own glory. (Psalm 19:1; Jeremiah 9:23, 24; Revelation 4:11,15) Explanation: God’s glory is his goodness and his greatness

4. How can you glorify God? By loving him and doing what he commands. (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Mark 12:29-31; John 15:8-10; 1 Corinthians 10:31)

5. Why should you glorify God? Because he made me and takes care of me. (Daniel 4:39; Romans 11:36; Revelation 4:11)

6. Are there more gods than one? No, there is only one true God. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Jeremiah 10:10; Mark 12:29; Acts 17:22-31)

7. In how many persons does this one true God exist? In three persons. (Matthew 3:16-17; John 5:23; 10:30; 14:9-10; 15:26; 16:13-15; 1 John 5:20, 2 John 9; Revelation

1:4, 5)

8. Who are they? God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Peter 1:2; Jude 20-21)

Believe it or not, my kids get bored easily, and when they do I say, "Who made you?" Abigail usually sings the "God made me Song" (in my Bible book is says that God made me). We practice these especially at bath time.

Charlie talks about this more at his blog: http://www.pastorcharliewallace.com/

Update on our House: Having Faith

I talked to our Realtor yesterday and he informed me that our house is the last house in our new neighborhood for sale (which is good) by Realtor. When we were in Columbia last month, I laid hands on the house and prayed in Jesus' name that it would sale soon. Literally two minutes later, a couple was in our driveway and I showed our house to them. I have never had a prayer answered so quickly! This definitely increased my faith.

But, we never heard back from this couple, and a house in our neighborhood did sell in November. Yesterday we lowered the price again, to a Biblical number ending in 7 (this is only the second time we have lowered the price). I also put our house on Craigslist.The market in Columbia is down 40 percent from the year before, and the year before that is was down 40 percent as well. Please pray with me that our house will sell by March (in February house will have been on the market for a year)! Let me know if you have any other suggestions on selling our house. http://www.realestatebook.com/homes/listing/101-3000234304/209-Gardenwalk-Dr-West-Columbia-SC-29170/

This week in Bible Study a verse that really hit me hard was Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

I think many times I think the worse is going to happen to protect myself from getting hurt. This action, however, is NOT acting as a woman of faith and confidence in the Lord. I trust the Lord and know He has reasons for our house not selling yet. His reasons are for His glory and my good.

"See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this, How can I let myself be defamed? I will not yield my glory to another." Isaiah 28:10-11

30 Years Old Today and Sentimental

Wow, today I turn 30.

I feel like I have been thirty for a while considering I have two kids already, but to actually turn 30 is crazy.

Crazy, because when I was in college time went by not to fast and not too slow, just right. Now, after having babies time is just flying by so quickly, too quickly.

Maybe because I do not sit in a class room praying the time will go by faster. Now, some days it is 5:00 and dinner time, and I do not even know where the day went.

The next 30 years I want to be committed to enjoying life, and not be so concerned with what all I have to do. I am very thankful to be a part of Community Bible Study this year (teaching 1 year old babies), which is actually helping me getting my priorities back in order.

But more importantly, the next thirty years I want to somehow be like Paul and count all but a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ my Lord. I want when people see me, to somehow see Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.

What I daily strive for (this passage was read at our wedding), Hebrews 12:1-2:

"¹Therefore, 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. ²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Lord help me to throw of the sin that so easily entangles me, and let me run the race fixing my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Lord grant me the precious gift of faith. Faith that you will work out everything for your glory and my good. Faith that the Holy Spirit will give me supernatural strength not to overeat and do the many other sins that I do daily. Help us have the peace that surpasses all understanding that you have us exactly where you want us to be (especially me being a stay at home mom). Help us reach as many people as possible for Jesus and let us be instruments in the process of growing in the knowledge of Him. Lord, most of all help me and my family be all about Jesus period (for the next 30 years). Amen

Overal, I am very thankful to God for everything he has graciously given me at 30 years old. It is beyond my wildest dreams. Today, I am just very thankful to Jesus Christ our Risen Lord!

PS- Great article on "Why Gluttony is a Sin" by a pastor wife at Mars Hill Church here

Book of the Month: War of Words (Tripp)

We all know that we need to be constantly learning and growing, but especially if you are at home and have to listen to Barney a lot (Abigail's favorite).

I decided to find a book from Charlie's library this month, and this is one that I did not read in seminary for some reason.

Tripp states

"If your dream would crumble, if there were nothing left, would you rise in the midst of your tears and say, "I am full of joy because the Lord is my lord, the Lord is my life, the Lord is my strength, and gloriously, in the midst of all this loss and destruction, I have him"? You can pursue your dream, or you can pursue the Lord's dream for you, You can ask him to conform you to his image, so that more and more your life and your words would bring him praise. Or you can wish that Christ would conform to the scope and focus of your dream. Whose dream are you seeking"? (100).

and he goes on to say

"How does God produce long-term heart change in us? Or, as Paul says it, how does he "compel" us away from living for ourselves to living for him? Second Corinthians 5:11-21 clearly teaches that the thing that compels Paul---and us --- is the love of Christ. Ultimately, the thing that turns us is not just God's sovereignty, his holiness, his anger against sin, or his mighty power. It is the kindness of the Lord that leads people to repentance (114)."

Life-changing words here and I would highly recommend this book!

Romans 7: 5-7 and Romans 8:15

"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the minds controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God."

Later on:

Romans 8:

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship And by him we cry "Abba Father."

"Shopping for Time: How to So it All and Not Be Overwhlemed" Did I Really Just Buy a Book Talking about a 5 am Club?

I am pretty sure I picked this book out from the Westminster Bookstore because I love time management books.

The book starts off great with Bible verse Ephesians 5:15-16:

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Then they (Mahaney, Whitacre, Chesemore, and Bradshaw) give 5 Tips

1) Rise early.
2) Sit still.
3) Sit and plan
4) Consider people
5) Plan to depend

Then Chapter Two is about joing the 5 am club!

Ah! 5 am? Really?

I am really struggling with our schedule here and not letting Jackson take a nap anymore. Most nights he stays up till 11 pm sometimes even 12 am!

She goes on to say that there is biblical encouragement for rising early to seek the Savior.

I have always said what you do first is where you heart is.

John Piper states,

"Entering the day without a serious meeting with God over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons, The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart...We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer."

Martha Peace states:

"I have heard of women who pride themselves on being "night people." That means they have trouble getting up in the morning because they come alive at night. They may stay up till all hours reading, watching television, or pursuring some sort of interest. The next morning they are too tired to get up and care for their family...These women are not "night people." They are lazy and selfish. Who would not rather stay up late to do whatever they please and sleep late the next day?

Once a young wife begins getting up earlier than her children and husband, she will cease to be a "night person." She will be tired at night and go to bed at a reasonable hour so she will be there to serve her family the next morning."

Ouch!

Yes I know that early morning time is ofter more profitable than late-night hours, and I praying for the grace to start getting up before my family.

5 am tips

• Do not hit the snooze button
• Proceed directly to the coffee pot or caffeinated drink of choice
• Be prepared to feel absolutely miserable for the first 15 minutes, but then you will have gladness as you experience the delight of meeting with God

I am planning on starting to get up early to have 30-45 minutes in my Bible Reading and quiet time with the Lord. My family has a new terrible schedule and I do not have to be ready for my family till late so I am still praying about when this time will be.

What about you? Do you wake up before your family to read your Bible and prayer? How does this work for you?

Wednesday's Word: Better Than Life

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than Life, My lips will praise You." Psalm 63:3


A challenge from the book I am now reading (15 pages a day M-Friday), Idols of the Heart, Fitzpatrick challenges us to live a life where His lovingkindness is better than anything in our life.

Is His Lovingkindness better than

• Our children being obedient?
• A new camera?
• A new computer?
  
• Having an easy day?
  

Is His lovingkindness better than life to us?

"The good news is that the Holy Spirit can illumine your heart and cause you to grow in your esteem of Christ and disdain for the charms of the world."

Pray to the Holy Spirit for help. He will help you! His power is made perfect in your weakness.

"Our heart consists of our mind (thoughts, judgments, etc), affections (longings, desires, feelings), and our will (chooses and determines actions)."

"We can't accomplish this heart change on our own. We need His power to teach incline, and direct our hearts to Him."

Click here to see what Charlie is talking about this Sunday!

Revelation 19:6-9

"I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude and as the sound of many waters and the sound a mighty peals of thunder saying, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready? And it was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. And he said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invitied to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" And he said to me, "These are true words of God."
Revelation 19:6-9

This is how Love to Eat, Hate to Eat (Fitzpatrick) ended. I am so glad I finished this book. So far, new goal for this year of reading 15 pages a day (Monday-Friday) has been such a huge blessing for me. Next book is my last Fitzpatrick book for a while, Idols of the Heart.

Another goal for this year is also going well, loosing the last 10-15 pounds from Abigail. Fourth week on Weight Watchers and I have lost 5.2 pounds! Feel free to ask any questions about Weight Watchers here.

Things are pretty crazy this week. We now have a "for sale" sign in our yard. If anyone is interested in a one story, 1400 sq house, with garage and fence, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, email me at emilywallace80@hotmail.com (house is in West Columbia, zoned for White Knoll).

Also, I found out today that it is going to take 4-6 weeks for us to be completely covered health insurance wise, so pray that nothing major happens in these weeks for us!

But I know God is in control of all of these things and he will work them out for our good and His glory.

Believe it or not, none of these issues are really "stressing" me. However, what is bothering me right now is that we have noticed that Abigail is not regressing with her speech, but not really progressing either. Today, I had another speech therapist friend look at her top lip frenulum, and she said it was really really tight up there, and this has been really bothering Charlie and I a lot recently. I was able to talk to our doctor today and she has referred us to go see Dr. Anna Bouknight soon for Abigail. We know she is going to have to have it clipped, so might as well do it now so she will never remember it, and to make sure it does not affect her speech. It was just last March we had Jackson's double frenulum surgery, and I cannot believe we might be doing it again this March. Just pray for the doctors to have wisdom in what is best for my baby girl in the long run. She is getting in all her molars right now as well, so that could also affect her speech as well. Unfortunately, these frenulum issues are hereditary.

New Books We Are Working on

Jackson is still going to Oak Grove Elementary School on Thursday mornings at 7:45 am for speech (one hour sessions). He has done really well in January and is speaking in 4 or 5 word sentences now. He is saying so much in speech his teacher says she is having a hard time writing it all down. She said last time he was like, "Look, that is a diamond shape." I am so thankful! This time last year he was hardly saying anything. Now, he is almost non-stop talking...if I will not listen, he will talk to himself.

Every month they try to work on one specific book every therapy session. The books they are now working on for February are Emma Kate by Patrica Polacco, and The Three Bears by Paul Galdone. I got both of these books off half.com for under $5. I will not pay more than $5 (this includes shipping) for any book or dvd I buy for them, because we are at the stage where books get eaten by our little goat, Abigail. I am so excited about these new books!

I still do school time daily with the kids since they are not going to Preschool. I have started strapping Abigail down in her seat during this time as well and doing activities with her (we are trying for her not to use her pacifier during the day).

Here is our current 'school' schedule at home:

Mondays: Car and block day (he works on copying what I build)
Tuesdays: Bubble day
Wednesday: Puzzle day
Thursday: Animal day
Friday: Art day
Saturday: practice ball (putting, soccer, etc).

At the end of "school" time (they are both strapped down) they get a Popsicle as a treat. This kills some time and is good exercise for their mouths.

With Jackson, we are working on obeying Mommy the first time I ask him to do something. This requires me really meaning what I say, and getting down on his level, making eye contact, and speaking in a calm but stern voice. If he does an action that deliberately hurts his sister, or harms himself (i.e. running out in the middle of the street), he gets a spanking with the "rod." (wooden spoon).

Proverbs 13:24, "He who spares the rod, hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him." Proverbs 22:15, "Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him."

Ultimately, my primary goal for my children is to know Jesus. Jesus' death and resurrection is their only hope. My goal for my children is to teach them to strive to live a life where their goal is to die to themselves and depend on God.

How we live this out in their little lives may look like this: when my kids are sick, we lay hands on whoever is sick and pray in Jesus name that He will heal them. When mommy struggles with something, I pray out loud to the Holy Spirit that He will give me strength to overcome whatever I am struggling with. When Jackson is obsessing over what PJ's he is going to wear at night, and who got the certain PJ's for him, if it is us, I say, "Mommy and Daddy got them. Daddy works very hard so we can have money to have PJ's. But ultimately, Jesus graciously gave us our money and everything we have." God is completely in control (it might not be our plan but it is His plan, everything that happens to us that we have no control over). Also we sing such songs as, "Yes, Jesus loves me" and read stories daily all about Jesus from Read Aloud Bible Stories.

I have really been thinking a lot recently about parenting goals and how to practically live them out. One of my friends recently experienced an extreme family tragedy. There really were no words that I could say to comfort her. However, the Holy Spirit gave me words for her through a song. I texted her and said, "Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus Christ and His righteousness". He is the only reason we can get out the bed the next day, he is our ONLY HOPE. We can keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith. The Holy Spirit will give you the strength (that you do not think you havr) to set your hearts and your thoughts on Jesus. Our only hope is His blood and His righteousness. That is my "sermon" for today...ha!

Wednesday's Word: Children

"Scripture teaches that children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward from God." (Ps. 12/3-5)

I am so thankful for my rewards!

From the Women's Study Bible (26). Also, from reading the Bible through in a year using This plan.

What have I been doing this week? Reading!

I wish I had time to blog this week, but I am sticking to my new goal this year, and I am reading. I am reading the Bible through in a year and then I am reading a Christian book after that. Most of our church is reading the bible through in 90 days which I think is fantastic. Go here to see more details.

I actually finished Counsel from the Cross today. I think this is the first book I have finished since 2007...sad. I guess blogging has taken up more time than I had realized.

My prayer for my family and for my readers and friends is that we will soak up on how much God loves us, and mediate on His love. I want my husband and children to feel how much a love them, loving them through His Holy Spirit.

I main point I learned from this book was how important it is not to forget that God loves us so much! "We are to love God consistently and passionately, and we are to love our neighbors---whether our spouse, child, or enemy---the way we already love ourselves. Real love---not just as a warm impulse washing over our minds but as a solid determination to lay down our lives and serve other though it may cost blood, sweat, or our very lives---is the royal command to the children of God who is love."

With people:

"I am commanded to love them and live in close relationship with them. I have to be patient and forgiving. I have to serve others when they don't appreciate me. And, even more shockingly, I discovered that my love for the Lord can be measured by my love for others!

"By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil; whoever, does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother." (1 John 3:10).

I new goal for me is to show my husband and children how much I love them. As well, as loving them with God's love which cannot be measured.

I highly recommend reading this book Counsel from the Cross, and I also recommend us ladies reading 15 pages a day Monday through Friday. It will be life changing (we have time for what we want to have time for)!

Wednesday's Word: A New Year, A New Goal

I do usually like to make New Year's resolutions.

I heard today on the tv that the number one New Year's resolution was to lose weight. I always seem to be wanted to lose weight as well, I really enjoy good food. I have one simple goal this year with loosing weight. Eat healthy first! I am not going to let myself eat anything but healthy items when starting my day. I am drinking slimfast ready made shakes first (milk chocolate ones served in a cup with ice in it). I also might hide Charlie's candy/

Working out is really only like 30 percent of weight loss, eating is the rest (Weight Watcher is a great program as well, and I have done that many times. It is the only program I feel where you can actually keep the weight off when you stop going to meetings...aka you can still go out to eat!).

I digress, this is not my main new goal for the year.

My new goal for this year, drum role please (ha)....Read 15 pages a day of a book (not the Bible) Monday-Friday.

Why this goal? With two babies at home, I feel like I am loosing brain cells always thinking about what they need. I do a pretty good job of reading the Bible daily, but the rest of my free time I spend on the computer, and cutting coupons. There is so many great books I want to read that will help me grow in the knowledge of Him!

First, I am reading Counsel from the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick (one of my role models). She is a key biblical Christian counselor and I had to read her books for my classes. Next on the list is "No More Whining" by Plowman.

This book has been phenomenal so far. She write,

"the gospel tells her (a counselee) about herself: God's love for her isn't based on her performance or on her children's performance. His love is based solely on the performance of his Son. She can rejoice that God doesn't operate on a quid pro quo basis, like a cosmic vending machine that spits out treats for those who perform flawlessly. By grace alone she has been given the complete righteousness of the Son. She is his beloved child because she is in the Beloved One. The gospel tells her that her Savior, who took on flesh like hers in order to redeem her, is ruling sovereignly from heaven, never forgetting about her for one moment, never neglecting to cause all things---even her sin---to work for good. He will sanctify and keep her, even though it feels like she has been set adrift on a dark and stormy sea."

I already feel spiritual growth by just reading a chapter a day in this book! I am also reading through the Bible in a different way (a plan Crosswell Baptist Church is doing this year). It starts off reading Romans, then Genesis, etc. Click here to see it. I am reading through the Bible by reading my Woman's Study Bible (Paterson) that I used in seminary.

What about you what is your one main goal for this new year?

My Hope Is Built

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.

Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.

Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.

Refrain

(based on Mathew 7:25-26).

This is Abigail's hymn we sing to her. Jackson's hymn is "Great is Thy Faithfulness."

Rocking my babies to sleep I wanted to sing them a hymn and the year Jackson was born God showed me "Great is Thy Faithfulness" time after time in different ways. He is faithful to provide for our every need, their is no shadow of turning with Him!

Tonight, Abigail wanted some more bottle so I was able to sing this to her. God has shown me this hymn throughout her first year of life over and over again. One of my best friends tragically lost her sister and the words to this hymn kept ringing in my ears time after time.

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness."

Our hope is in nothing less than Jesus and His plan for our life that will ultimately glorify Him and help us die to ourselves and depend on Him for everything.

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

The Shepherds and the Angels

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

* Come to FBC this Sunday night for: CAROL, CANDLELIGHT, COMMUNION SERVICE

DECEMBER 20, 2009

6:00 PM

Charlie will be reading these verses and there will be childcare.

Wednesday's Word: Proverbs 29:20

"Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool then for him."

God showed this verse to me clearly in the last two days. I was changing out the dvd to a new dvd and all I heard Chuck Swindol (I think) read these verses so powerfully (he has a great voice) on 95.9 FM station. The only other thing I heard him say, is that we can choose to be slow to angry and to not be hasty in our words. Then, yesterday, in my daily reading of the MacArther Daily Bible this was the only Proverbs I had to read.

Yes, Lord I hear you. It is so hard for me not to be hasty with my words when false allegations are made against me. When the truth of what happened in situations are no where to be found. Lord, I know I am hasty with my words. I want them to know the truth and understand the entire situation. All for me, all for my glory and not Yours. Forigive me for this sin. You Lord ultimately decide on if you choose for people to see situations for how they really are. If that is not your will, I am at peace with that.

Lord, please in Jesus Name help me not be hasty with my words. Even more than that Lord, help me not say anything negative. If I have nothing good to say, help me not saying anything. I can help it, I can choose not to be hasty with my words. I can be the positive wife, mother, and friend you want me to be. Your word says there is more hope for a fool than for me when I am hasty with my words. Holy Spirit, help me, work in me, to be very careful with my words. Help me to just be concerned with what I can control, and that is me. Help me to focus on the solutions and not the complaints. Amen.

Wednesday's Word: Hebrews 12

Today's daily reading was Hebrews 12. Hebrews 12 is a special chapter for me because these are the verses we chose to be the main verses read at our wedding.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Wednesday's Word: Power over Fear

"When I am afraid, I will trust in You."

Psalm 56:3

Last Sunday I taught my 4th grade girls Sunday School class on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The title of the lesson from Lifeway was "Power Over Fear," it was a great lesson.

It is so funny, it seems like I am the one who always teaches on worry, fear, etc. Worrying is definitely a struggle for me.

I made all the girls right down on their sheet that:

God works out all the bad things that happen to you for your good and His glory.

Even though bad things will happen here on earth, God uses it to show his glory and will use it for a purpose (Romans 8). Even if you fail a test, which many of my girls were concerned about, God can use it to help you become more like him. God can use it to help you die to yourself and depend on him, which is an ultimate goal God has for your life.

I have realized that worrying comes straight from your thought life, and if you do not believe that God is in control and is a good God, you will live in a life that is full of anxiety over everything.

Some application from the lesson was for the girls to:

Pray when they are afraid
Remember Bible verses
Remember that God is with you or
talk to an adult.

What do you do when you are afraid?

I usually do pray that in Jesus powerful name that _____________ will not happen. I also pray that if the bad thing does happen that God will show me how he is using it for my good and to show His glory. I also pray that God gives me a peace that surpasses all understanding. Our hope is not in the temporal things of this world, but in our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Wednesday's Word: Psalm 119:89-96

From my daily reading in The Mcarthur Daily Bible:

Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.