It's Hard Not To

...dance and shout Hallelujah!




Hallelujah Anyhow Lyrics:

I believe I’ll testify, God’s been good to me.

Through every test and trial, I’ve got the victory

The enemy has tried his best to make me turn around, bring me down

But my God has never failed me yet so I’m gonna stand my ground.



No matter what comes my way

I’ll lift my voice and say

Hallelujah anyhow

Wait a minute one more time

I think I’ll say it again.

God’s been so good to me; He’s my closest friend

I’ve come too far to turn around now

I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna wait,

Watch God work it out somehow

No matter what comes my way,

I’ll lift my voice and say,

Hallelujah anyhow!

Oh, Hallelu, hallelujah anyhow!

Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!

Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!

Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!

No matter what comes my way, I’ll lift my voice

Oh, Hallelu, hallelujah anyhow!

Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!

Hallelu, hallelu anyhow!



No matter what comes my way,

I’ll lift my voice and say

Hallelu anyhow

Hallelu anyhow

I’ll keep singing

Hallelu anyhow

Hallelu any how



(REPEAT to final end)

Blessings, our Maker and Jean

Of course, at times, we are blessers.  Just when we think we are going to do the blessing, someone comes along and blesses us!

We went to the "soup kitchen" in Chicago again to feed the homeless and those in need.  The volunteers (bless their hearts) all gathered for prayer and began to pray.  Prayers went up to our God asking Him to fill our mouths with the right words and lead us to the people that He is already at work in so that we could be used to bless in Jesus' name. 

Many, many times, the Holy Spirit leads us (the volunteers) to speak into somebody's life and or pray with them.  Many, many times, people have given their lives to God right there on the spot.  Sometimes, we are just giving someone a little smile and encouragement.

Then came the blessing.

I was delivering full plates to the tables and was in quite a rush.  Some of these people haven't eaten and are HUNGRY with a capital H. 

... and then I met her... the one who blessed me from my head to my toes.  Picture her - poor looking, dark skin, mangled teeth with a large mouth AND the most ABSOLUTELY hugest smile ooozing Jesus!

I am going to call her "Jean".  Jean tried to tell me something as I gave her table the plates.  She was so soft spoken that I couldn't hear her.  After I finished putting down the plates, I leaned in to her and she repeated what she said.

Jean blessed me up and down, inside and out.  She said, "God blesses you.  He always will bless you."  I agreed and told her that He is blessing me right now.  Jean said, "Yes.  He is." and then she proceeded to ooooooze God's blessing to me - some of which I couldn't hear but knew in my spirit what she was saying.

I started to cry.  I knew that she was Heaven sent.  I was having a perfectly fine day and God, the Maker of the universe, sent Jean to bless ME!  All of those poor and homeless in that room and I was blessed.  I often wonder if she is an angel. 

Oh God, Father in Heaven, Maker of everything, Yahweh my God, thank you.

Isn't He sooo amazing?  Words can not even begin to describe.



photos from google images

I praise Him

Yahweh ~ (Yahweh is God's personal name.  Just like my name is Janet, He has a name.  Yahweh.)

For His blessings ~ both physical and spiritual
For the way He blessed yesterday ~ He REBUKED the devourer (Malachi 3:11)
For good times with our family
For God speaking through Scripture
For the new book I'm reading ~ Supernatural Childbirth
For God building my faith
For the Espressos getting into musical instruments
For the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

What are you praising Him for today?

Post #2 for: Church... ??

 

It's time to rise above laziness and meritocracy!  

There seems to be a little confusion over what is meant by, "do something" when you get to church, so I'd like to go a little deeper into this subject.

Here are some great verses that support my previous post on "Church...??".  People (in general) need to start somewhere!

Have any of these verses ever inspired you? If so, please, tell us how.

(Bold type, mine.)

Philippians 2:3-4  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 

Titus 3:14  Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.

Hebrews 10:24-25 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. 


Galatians 6:10  So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.


(All verses NASB)


Proverbs 16:3

Proverbs 3:27
Proverbs 25:21
Romans 12:6-13
Romans 13:8
Galatians 5:13
Galatians 6:9

Blessings!!

Question for YOU!

Would you do me a favor and answer this question:

What are your top 3-5 praise and worship songs at church?

Hello Bloggy Friends!

I am so glad that you stop by my blog to read.  I'd love to hear from more of you!  Please leave a comment; I'd like to get to know who you are and what you're like.

Blessings to you this day,

Janet

Church..... ??

Are you sitting or serving?

Do you go into church each Sunday, sit down and say, "feed me pastor"?  Do you find your friends and hang out in a little group and chat?  Do you run in at the last minute and skip out before anyone can get to you?

What DO you do when you get to church?  If you don't have responsibilities, have you asked how you can serve?

Some people don't even realize that there is plenty to do before and after the service.  I just thought I'd let you know!

Here are some suggestions just in case you aren't sure what needs to be done:

• It would be great if you found your pastor or administrative assistant and asked,                            "What can I do to help?"
• You could put your Bible down somewhere and walk around greeting people.  
• Ask people about their week and give some encouragement.   
• Find people with struggles and pray with them.
• People aren't your thing?  Make copies for a teacher.
• Make coffee for the teachers and staff.
• Help the sound people. 
• Pass out praise banners to the kids.
• See if the pastor needs a bottle of water at his pulpit.

There are million things that you can do to serve.  Find out what your spiritual gifts are and ask your pastor or administrator to plug you into the ministry.

Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing.  Psalm 100:2

Do SOMETHING!  Don't just sit there.


Photo from google images

Just a little FYI

I am looking to change the look of my blog, so stop by again in a few days and see what I've come up with!  I have some good ideas of who to go with but I'm always up for suggestions!

If you know of someone who does free templates or is reasonably priced, let me know!  I have a good list going on my money saving blog: The Goody Box.  I'd like to totally change my homeschool blog too.  Homeschooler Cafe

So, if you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Is the enemy lurking around your corner?

While it's true, the enemy does "seek whom he may devour."  That doesn't mean that EVERY bad thing that happens in our lives is the enemy.  Don't give him more credit than he deserves.

Sometimes, a bad thing may happen to us and it's actually OUR fault.  Yes, perfect little us.  (not)  For instance, if you go to Starbucks with a friend and drink a bunch of bold coffee and get the jitters later on, that's not the enemy attacking you!  You drank the coffee.

If you eat a doughnut every morning for breakfast and gain 10 pounds, guess what?  That's not an attack from the enemy!

On the other hand, there are those whom are completely unaware that we live in the middle of a spiritual war. We actually do have an enemy and he does look to destroy.  There is a lot going on in the spiritual realm that we don't notice.  Out of site and out of mind.

We really need to keep perspective.  Be alert.  Don't place blame where it doesn't belong.

Be encouraged, if you are under attack or being devoured, we have a Mighty Warrior on our side.

1 Peter 5:8 (New International Version)

 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Random Dozen ~ One

Want to play along?  2nd Cup of Coffee

1. What is one really fast, know-by-heart "go-to" meal to fix in a pinch? Tacos!  So easy, so good.


2. What is one item you won't leave home without. (Purse and license do not count.) My coupons.  I'm running a little low, though.  I think I need to subscribe to the news paper.

3. Where is one place you never tire of visiting? A local county park that I've been going to since I was a little kid.  Lucky me, I get to go there twice this week!  ;)

4. Share one factoid of your family's history.  Well, when I got married, I didn't know that my husband would be a pastor.  But you see, in my family, there are many pastors and many police men.  Once my husband answered God's call, he became the 11th out of 12 pastors on one side of the family.

5. Complete this sentence: "Once upon a time I ...."  Was a little girl who loved to twirl in her dresses.  Ok, I still am.  I just get too dizzy now.

6. If you could win a one year's supply of anything, what would it be?  Food.  I get tired of thinking up meals to eat.  Anyone have suggestions for that?

7. "One quirky thing you may not know about me is ...."  I don't like my food to touch on my plate.

8. You have one dollar in your pocket. What will you buy?  Well, I don't suppose I'd want to buy anything!  Maybe... mints.

9. "One thing that always makes me laugh is ...."  Double Espresso dancing.  It just thrills my soul.

10. What is one thing you could do today to help yourself reach a personal goal?  I just made a list the other day and as I do things, I mark them off. That's what helps me.

11. What is one thing you could do today to bless someone else?  Listen to them.  So many times people run me over in a conversation.  Very rarely does someone actually ask me how I am or what am I doing and then actually listen to me.  Listening is a skill that needs practiced, desperately!  So, I guess I would bless the way I'd like to be blessed.

12. What is one thing you're looking forward to soon?  Going on a road trip.  I love to travel.

The Simple Woman

FOR TODAY


Outside my window... rain, gray, cool.

I am thinking... about how much work I got done today.  I am very pleased.  That's less I'll have to do the rest of the week.  Mom's like to enjoy a day too!

I am thankful for... being a mom, wife, homemaker, and my spiritual gifts.

From the learning rooms... we did Bible readings and notes, guitar, and life skills today.  The boys are both pretty good at organizing.  I'm sure that is my "sickness" rubbing off on them!  They are going to make such awesome husbands.

From the kitchen... I am smelling the cookies that my husband baked today.  You know, if the boys watch their dad - that will make them awesome husbands.

I am wearing... uhhh, my pj's from last night!  Yah, that's right.  I didn't get dressed today.  I just worked and worked and now I'm resting.  Stay-at-home / homeschooling moms can stay in their pj's allllllllll day!

I am creating...  an organized home.  Did I mention how pleased I am with what I got done today?  Well, I'm pleased!

I am going... to write some reviews this evening and relax.  Doesn't that sound exciting?  Well, it does to me!

I am reading...  Supernatural Childbirth - Experiencing the Promises of God Concerning Conception and Delivery.  This book is a wonderful reminder of "how to put faith principles into action for your very own supernatural childbirth" or anything else for that matter!  I'm not necessarily going to birth more children, but this book is helping me focus on faith and Scripture.

I am hoping... to have more children somehow someway - Birthing them or adoption would both be fine.

I am hearing... a basketball game.  Does it EVER end?  I guess I wouldn't want it to.  That would mean that the basketball lovers weren't around. 

Around the house...  the boys are enjoying their newly organized, cleaned, and rearranged rooms.

One of my favorite things...  meeting with the homeschool moms.  I'm really starting to enjoy doing that.

A few plans for the rest of the week:  we will be meeting with other homeschoolers Thursday and Friday - Looking forward to that. 

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...  Double Espresso (with hat) and his bud at church on Resurrection Sunday.  Aren't they a pair?  ... and yes.  I bought a white suit for my 11 year old son. ... and yes.  He keeps it clean!

You must choose!

This takes some concentration to watch but what she says at the end gave me goosebumps!

Very short video that says A LOT

High School High

I found this "meme" on several websites and couldn't figure out where it came from.  I thought it sounded like fun so if you participate, leave your link on the comments so we can all read!

1. Did you date someone from your school?  Not really.  I think I would have been too embarrassed for everyone to know everything about my "relationship".  After high school I did.

2. Did you marry someone from your high school?  Yes I did!!  Ha!

3. Did you car pool to school?  As a matter of fact, I often rode home with a boy whom I ended up marrying.

4. What kind of car did you have?  I didn't have a car nor did I want one.

5. What kind of car do you have now? N/A.  TMI for bloggy land.

6. Its Friday night...where are you now?  Well, sometimes we have families over for dinner.

7. It is Friday night...where were you then?  Probably at a girlfriend's house doin our nails / having a slumber party.

8. What kind of job did you have in high school?  I was a secretary for a lawyer.

9. What kind of job do you do now?  I have the best job in the world!  I am a homeschoolin mama!

10. Were you a party animal?  Nope, not in highschool.

11. Were you considered a flirt?  Oh, I was a terrible flirt.

12. Were you in a band, orchestra, or choir?  I was in choir and now I lead worship at our church!

13. Were you a nerd?  Not really.  I had decent grades though.

14. Did you get suspended from school?  No way.  The closest I came was, I almost got swats in 2nd grade because my desk was messy.  ??  Is that swat worthy?

15. Can you sing the fight song? No, I didn't go to one single game at our school.

16. Who was/were your favorite teacher?  Well, my gym/track coach was one fave and my history teacher was another fave because he was a family friend.  Uhh, I really didn't/don't care much about history!

17. Where did you sit during lunch?  Usually at a long table full of different kinds of people including a couple of my best buds.

18. What was your school's full name?  N/A.  TMI for bloggy world.

19. Where did you party the most? I was never a party animal in high school.

20. What was your school mascot? N/A

21. Would you do it again? High School? Absolutely, positively NO!  Not even for money.

22. Did you have fun at Prom?  I didn't go to my prom; I went as a favor with a friend.  Nope, wasn't much fun.  Prom is overrated!

23. Do you still talk to the person you went to Prom with? No way.

24. Are you planning on going to your next reunion? Yes!  Just the picnic.

25. Do you still talk to people from school? Classmates?  Usually just when I run into them at the grocery.  That's always fun!  I'm not on facebook or I'd talk to them more.

26. What are/were your school's colors?  N/A

Just Say Yes! ~ Works For Me!

Join us at:  We Are THAT Family

I once read in one of James Dobson's books (possibly Bringing Up Boys) that you should say "yes" to your children as much as possible.

Say what?!  Yes.  Have you ever said no to your kids just because you were being lazy, tired, or didn't want to be distracted?

Some days, I catch myself saying no for absolutely no reason.  When I do this, I often realize that it's not too late to change my answer to yes. 

"Mom, can I play with the bubbles that are put away on top of the fridge?" 
"No... I'm sorry.  I'll get them as soon as I dry my hands."

JUST SAY YES!  (If it is in your power to do so!)

For My Dad - Weekend Worship

My Dad really likes this song and was telling me about it today.

I thought that it may touch someone in bloggy world.  Is there something that you are waiting on God for?  Praise Him in advance!!  It may be the dark before the morning!!

Before the Morning:

What are you reading?

I am curious, what are you reading in your Bible?

Do you have a tendency to stay in one area?  Why do you think that is?

How do you read your Bible?  (One chapter at a time.  One verse at a time.  Skip around?)

I was talking  to my DH (dear husband) the other day and realized that I haven't been out of the Old Testament in years.  YEARS!!  Of course, I reference the New Testament and go there during Sunday classes and church.  I may have read a book or two over the years but mainly, I stay in the Old Testament.

Now, one may say, "But your salvation is found in the NT!"  That is true but I find Yeshua ALL OVER the OT!!  He is everywhere!  It's like a mystery novel - like a where's Waldo or an Eye Spy! 

I am very interested in Hebrew and the complexity of the language.  There is more to a Hebrew word than what one may realize.  A word may represent a bunch of words, a picture, a number and more! 

So, what are your Biblical interests?  I'm interested!!

Photos from Google images.

Thankful Thursday - in pictures

Found this while on a date night with my husband.

I love date night! 

Date night helps to put the spark

into a marriage.  It's just fun!

Had a great day shopping for patio furniture with the family.

Double Espresso thought he was some kind of king

being pushed around the store on his "throne". 

Espresso in my brother's ghillie suit.

My mother has 2 children. 

One is a Pastor's wife

and one is a sniper.

(She gets a lot of weird looks when people find that out!)

I am just thankful!

This is Mother's Day weekend and I am thankful for my family. 

We love each other.

We get along and have fun together.

I am proud of each of them.

Mush - Mush - Mush

Mother's Day - What are you doing?

Are you doing something special for your mother for Mother's Day?

I'd like to hear about it!

Do you get fat from eating your words?

                                                      Do these words look yummy to you?

Never say never!  I am learning all about that the older I get.  I haven't had to eat too many words lately but it is the norm for me.  I don't know how many times I've said or thought, "I'll never do that!"  Wouldn't you know, that day of "never" just seems to sneak up on me. 

I have changed so much over the years.  I guess that's a good thing.  If I'm not changing, I guess I'm not moving closer to being like Yeshua (Jesus). 

So many people say, "That's just the way I am. That's just the way I've always been."  Well, if you're talking about liking the color pink, I guess that's ok.  If you are a Christian, and you are talking about something like an anger issue, potty mouth, unkind, or negative attitude (just to name a few) it's not ok.  God wishes for us to be ever changing; moving closer to being like His Son Yeshua.

Romans 8:29
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son

I guess eating my words isn't such a bad thing.  Maybe I shouldn't say, "I'll never..." but at least I'm ever changing!

Are you the same - yesterday - today - and forever?