November 30, 2010

Yesterday we got up early and went to Grand Forks, I had an appointment to see Dr. Peterson about my feet, he is a very kind and caring Dr. and he explained that my problem had to do with the hammer toes, and that the pads on the bottom of my feet were not protecting my fee, hence I was walking on the bones and it hurts, and that affects my legs etc.  He had me get different shoes.  I also got a warm winter jacket and dad did some shopping, too.  We ate lunch with jacqui, and enjoyed our time with her.  We didn't stay in Grand Forks very long and headed home.  We stopped in Crary to see Jerry's family and their new home and got home when it was getting dark.  It was really blowing snow yesterday.

VERSE:
  The day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will
disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and
the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything
will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?
You ought to live holy and godly lives.
   -- 2 Peter 3:10-11
THOUGHT:
  Holiness is that forgotten character virtue that is the
Christian's reflection of God, his or her holy and righteous
Father. In a day when grace is so easily cheapened, when anything
goes just as long as we want to be buddies with Jesus, Peter's
words should shock us into reverence - the holy commitment to set
our lives apart from the evil and satanic sludge that defiles our
world and to offer our bodies, hearts, and minds to do his will and
reflect his character.

PRAYER:
  Holy and Righteous Father, teach me to do your will and reflect
your character while offering your grace to others. May the
movements of my heart, the thoughts of my mind, and the actions of
my life be pleasing to you and reflect your holiness and grace. In
Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:8  he will keep you strong til the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 24:43  But understand this: If the owner of the house had know at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.

1 Thessalonian 5:2 For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night...

Revelations 3:3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard: obey it, and repent.  But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Revelations 16:15  Behold I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.

2 Peter 3:7, 12 By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.  As you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.  That day will bring about the destruction fo the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat.

Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Revelations 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth ahd passed away, and there was no longer any sea.

I was impressed by these thoughts, when I look around and hear and listen I see I world that is hurting and certainly not living for God, but I can have this confidence and hope that as long as I choose to live for Jesus and follow his ways, I am prepared for the future.

November 29, 2010

Yesterday we went to Sunday School and church.  A new couple;e came and it is difficult for him to go down stairs so they met in the sanctuary for the adults.  I had more than usual in my class, but it was a good day.  Our pastor challenged us with what is a Normal Christian....

Dad and I stayed and we got the church decorated for the holidays and then ate togethr at  cenex, we rested here at home and just enjoyed the day.

VERSE:
  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures
forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures
forever.
   -- Psalm 136:1 and 26

THOUGHT:
  Our thanks arises from the nature of God and his glory and
goodness. The steadfast reason we give thanks is because God is
good and his love is inexhaustible, beyond decay, and never ending.

PRAYER:
  O great Lover of my soul, thank you for sending Jesus as the
demonstration of your love. I love you Father. I love you for who
you are and what you have done. I love you for what you have
promised. I love you for the blessings you shower upon me. I love
you for giving me hope. I love you because you first loved me. I
love you because you are worthy of all love. But I confess that my
love is not as strong as yours, so please, fill me with your love
by the power of the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus, your Son and
my Savior, I lift my heart to you. Amen.

Other verses:

Psalm 124:8  Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 113:1 Praise the Lord.

Praise , O servants of the Lord,

praise the name of the Lord.

Psalm 134:1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord

who minister by night in the house of the Lord.

Father, thank you for being a loving and gracious Father, one who has our best interest in mind, help us this day as we living and walk your earth, help us to be God conscious in all that we do. In Jesus Name. Amen

November 28, 2010

Yesterday we had a bigger breakfast together and then honored Trey on his 12th birthday.  Everyone left.  They helped Jerry load more items for Crary and Cody drove his car there and they were on their way.  It was really quiet at home, in the afternoon Julie and I decorated for Christmas and decided what should go to Dakota Boys ranch.  I need to keep doing that.....  I had lunch with Seniors, that is how I know what is happening in the community, and then a good visit with Frank and Dorothy.  Julie made us some really good bread  that we enjoyed in the evening.

VERSE:
  Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the
nations what he has done.
   -- 1 Chronicles 16:8
THOUGHT:
  Giving thanks is more than being thankful to God; it is letting
others know of his gracious works so they too can come to know him
as Father, Redeemer, and Victorious Lord. Then others can join
their voices with our own in a chorus of thanksgiving from the
hearts those God's love has redeemed.

PRAYER:
  Holy God, Almighty King, bless all those who serve you in
difficult places today. I especially am thankful for all the
missionaries in other cultures sharing the grace of Jesus with
people who need to know you as Abba Father. Empower their words,
protect their lives and families, and bless their efforts with
fruit. Please help me to understand that true thankfulness involves
sharing your grace with others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Father, we give you this day in our lives and pray for your guidance and direction, show us your desires for our lives and help us to live them out with faith in you.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

November 27, 2010

Yesterday was dumpling day, I hope that everyone had enough and then some fried for supper and the rest go home with the guests. No special news, they worked til quite late getting the computer printers to work,  I really appreciate all of your help to make our lives easier.

I am impressed with Greg Laurie's thoughts.  Over the past couple of years, I have  been praying for each of you using the Armour of God, I don't usually think of it when I leave the house, rather when I am driving to school.  But his take on the helmet is really good.

Wear Your Helmet!

Paul tells us we are to take "the helmet of salvation" (Ephesians 6:17).

The two most sought-after and vulnerable targets on the ancient battlefield were the heart and the head. With our heart and other vital organs ably protected by the breastplate of righteousness, the enemy will try to strike the head. One well-placed blow to the head and the battle is over.

What does it mean to wear the helmet of salvation?

It would seem to me that the apostle is telling us to watch our thoughts in general. Most temptation comes through the gateway of the mind and imagination.

This is why Paul tells us, "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (2 Corinthians 11:3 NIV).

When those "flaming arrows" of ungodly thoughts come, we need to have our guard up.

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5–6:

"We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity" (MSG).

So watch what you allow into your thought-life. Our minds, thoughts, and imaginations must be protected. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, "As a man thinks, so is he."

Satan recognizes the value of first getting a foothold in the realm of the thoughts and imagination, as this will "prepare the way" for that thought to translate into action! As it's been said:

Sow a thought and reap an act.
Sow an act and reap a habit.
Sow a habit and reap a character.
Sow a character and reap a destiny.

So think "heavenly thoughts" this weekend!

Father, we pray for this day, that you would draw us to you and that we would be guided by your spirit and aware of those thoughts in our life that hinder our walk with you.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

November 26, 2010

Yesterday was 'turkey day' or thanksgiving, and it was a time to be together.  We are thankful for all who were able to be here and missed those who couldn't come.  We enjoyed a visit of cam with Brenna.

I appreciate Joni and share her thoughts with you;

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

-Proverbs 18:10

My sister Jay, as a teenager, was famous around our home for whining, "Daddy, I've
got a problem." We knew what that meant. He would laugh, reach for his wallet and
say, "Okay, Jay, how much?" It irritated me that she seemed to take advantage of
 Dad's kindness, but Daddy didn't seem to mind.

That's often the way we are with God. We run to Him for all the wrong reasons. We
go to God because someone has snubbed us and our feelings are bruised. We go to
God when we've failed and our pride is wounded. We run to God for sympathy, hoping
that He'll understand our point of view. I know I sometimes run to God because I've
procrastinated, forgot to prepare a message, and I don't want to appear stupid before
a whole bunch of people.

None of these are good reasons for running to the Lord, but thankfully, God doesn't
hold against us our wrong motives. The Lord doesn't even want us to waste effort
 trying to clean up our act before we come to Him - that's His responsibility.

Whether it's silly pride or self-centered disappointment, run to the Lord. Come
to the cross for all the wrong reasons. It is there God will redeem every impure
 motive.

Lord, when I have a problem, I know You are the place to go. You are the person
to reach for. Thank You for not demanding that I clean up my act before I come to
the cross - I trust that You will do that for me when I kneel at Calvary, confess
my sins, and bow before Your will. Bless you that Your name is a strong, high tower.
Your name gives me safety. I thank You for that.

Do we have something that we should take to God today? 

Father, we commit this day into your hands and desire to be your vessel.  Father guide us this day and give us grace for our needs.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

November 25, 2010

Yesterday, they were planning to let school out at 1:30 but when the other schools let out at noon, we were dismissed at 12:30.  I know that Mr. Docktor doesn't want to leave until all of the students and staff have left, so I went and helped Jeannette with the dishes.  Then i drove to Cando to clean the church, I met Julie and Naomi on my way and also talked to Janet on the phone.  I always try to see my cousin Mavis and her husband Matt and have a brief visit with Jay and Illa Mae.  When I got home Russ Janet and family were there, too. I made two kinds of soup , Lefsa and grilled cheese sandwiches for supper.  Some didn't like the wild rice soup but I think they got enough to eat.  

The best part is that the computers were moved and Jerry and Janet changed the frig door so it opens the right way.  I am thankful for help with those things.

I have chose to share with you Joni's message this morning:  

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do
people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and
it gives light to everyone in the house."

-Matthew 5:14-15

Born in 1900, my father loved to tell stories of days as a little boy in Baltimore,
Maryland. I heard about the first time the Wright Brothers flew their plane over
 the city. I heard about the first Model-T to chug down Howard Street, scaring all
the horses. And I remember Dad's talking about the old lamplighter.

Every evening at dusk the lamplighter would come down Stricker Street where Daddy
lived, carrying a lantern and a pole. He would make his way back and forth across
the street, lighting each street lamp. When the lamplighter disappeared into the
 twilight, you would always know where he had been by the avenue of light left behind.

An old story such as this communicates a fresh truth for present-day lamplighters.
As Christians we have the privilege of leaving a long trail of light behind us as
we touch for Christ the lives of those around us. Where we go, darkness is dispelled.
Where we minister, people see the lighted path we've left. Where we love, the Light
of the World shines.

"You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light" (Psalm
18:28).

The lesson of the lamplighter is to touch lives one-by-one. Saying and meaning "God
bless you" to the bag boy at the supermarket. Telling neighborhood children that
 Jesus loves them. Listening to the heartfelt pleas of a hurting friend and stopping
to pray right there.

May I introduce others to You, the Light of the World, and may their lives to touched
with Your glory so that they might leave a trail of light, too.

Father, help me to light the area where you have placed me, help the light I shine reach out to those around me, In Jesus Name.  Amen

November 24, 2010

Yesterday, I helped the online foods class prepare and serve a turkey dinner for the entire school.  They decorated the tables and and prepared the food.  It was very good and appreciated by everyone there.  I got a call in the morning that there was a cancellation so I could get into the dentist, so I went after school to Edmore.  We got a call that they are letting school out early today.  I still haven't gotten to Cando to clean the church so we will see how the day goes.  truthfully this house isn't so clean either but I am working on it.

This is a bit long but I really appreciate Joni's thoughts:

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be
exalted in the earth."

-Psalm 46:10

One of the best ways to get to know God is to be... still. I have learned that lesson
from spending years in forced bed rest.

Up in my wheelchair, I can at least flail my arms or shrug my shoulders. But on
my bed, gravity works against me and, for that reason, I'm even more paralyzed when
lying down. Things aren't as distracting when I'm lying still and so I experience
firsthand a deeper knowledge of God through prayer.

Sometimes I'm amazed that, from my bed, I can help set into motion the cogs and
wheels of God's workings in the world. Through my prayers I may change the destiny
of a life or a nation. Lying on my bed, I can hasten the day of the Lord's return.
I don't move a muscle while I'm in bed, but I help move the hand of God here and
 abroad.

Try praying sometime while lying in bed (make sure not to do this when you're tired
or you might fall asleep!) Lie very still. Don't move. Invite the Lord to speak
to you in the stillness and quiet. Press your weakness up against His strength,
your ignorance up against His knowledge. Be still... pray... and get to know God
 better.

"An intercessor means one who is in such vital contact with God and with his fellowmen
that he is like a live wire closing the gap between the saving power of God and
the sinful men who have been cut off from that power," says Hannah Hurnard.*[1]

Lord, I quiet my soul before You. I am still. I lie down in Your love and open my
heart and mind to Your word. My prayer, this day, is to know You more intimately
 and personally.

When I have times at night and I can't sleep I use those times to pray, this is a reminder of the value of using God's time wisely and the power we have to change events around us.  God is able and he is waiting for us.

Father, I pray that you would help each of us to be more serious about our time and what we do with it.  In Jesus Name. amen

November 23, 2010

Yesterday was interesting.  Sometimes I have students who are quite chatting, I had that happen yesterday, all I can be is a listening ear, and maybe she doesn't have anyone to do that in her life.....Later in the day we realized that we needed to get wreaths from Devils lake for school, so I and another gal drove down to get them, I think she had 137 ordered, so as we near Devils Lake we get into a lot of snow and compacted snow.  Then when I get to the light to turn left unto highway 2, they have fixed the light so it almost near lets you do that, we sat there through 4or 5 lights and people started sneaking around, It finally changed, they had called the school wondering where I was,  I will just never use that method of going that way, try a different street, so I changed all my plans and came home and cleaned, it is getting better.  I had a really long telephone conversation with Edna, and she has had a heart attack and is going to Fargo in December to see Dr.

VERSE:
  Enter [the Lord's] gates with thanksgiving and his courts with
praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is
good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues
through all generations.
   -- Psalm 100:4-5
THOUGHT:
  Worship is always about entering - entering into grace, entering
with thanksgiving, entering to share with others, but most of all,
entering into the Lord's presence in a special way. But our
entering is not the basis of worship. Instead, worship is about the
Lord's faithfulness, goodness, and enduring grace. We come to God
like so many before us, with God waiting for us. We come to praise
him for all he has been, all he is, and all he will be. We come to
enter and worship. We can do this simply because God is faithful,
through all the generations, to wait for us to come.

PRAYER:
  Faithful God, the Almighty Rock of Israel, the God on whom the
generations trusted, you alone, LORD, are God. I praise you for
your enduring grace and mercy. I praise you because I want my heart
tuned to your will. I praise you, because I want to prepare for my
longest lifetime, the one in your presence. I praise you in Jesus'
name. Amen.

Additional verses:

Psalm 96:9Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;

tremble before him, all the earth.

113:4  The Lord is exalted over all the nations,

his glory above the heavens.

Leviticus 19:2  Speak to the entire assembly fo israel and say to them: Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

1 Samuel 2:2 There is no one holy like the Lord;

there is no one besides you;

there is no Rock like our God.

Isaiah 6:3  and they were calling to one another:

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;

the whole heart is full of his glory.

Psalm 335  the Lord loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Let them sing before the Lord.

What kind of a song are we singing today?  Can we rejoice in God's presence and care, 

Father, I pray that you would set us free to have that kind of relationship with you each one of us.  In Jesus Name.

November 22, 2010 part 2

Last night I spent the evening in a time of devotion, I was actually listening to a set of deliverance tapes, because being God's vessel and free from all the situations I face was important to me, and  after I had spent time in prayer I sensed a new peace in my life, so when I read this this morning I was blest, and wanted to share it with you.

VERSE:
  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of
one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
   -- Colossians 3:15

THOUGHT:
  Peace - that illusive state of grace that incorporates all of
life's well-being. Because of Jesus, we have true shalom - wellness
in body, soul, and spirit. His relationships with others, his
victory over sin, death and the grave insures that we can have
peace, too! So as we receive the Spirit of Christ into our hearts,
we can live with our brothers and sisters, no matter how flawed in
a state of peace. Besides, as Paul changes metaphors on us, we are
the Body of Christ and of course a body does not want to be at war
with itself. So live in peace with others, and do so with
thanksgiving.

PRAYER:
  Blessed Father of all believers, please give me a heart to love
your people. I know as the character of Jesus permeates my life, I
will appreciate the preciousness of each of your children more and
will come to see those difficult family members as the grit out of
which you will fashion my pearl. I pray you give me grace till my
heart matches my commitment to love all of your children. In the
name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Colossians 1:28  We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ,

Ephesians 5:19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Romans 12:5 So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Romans 14:19  Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

November 22, 2010

Yesterday we had Sunday School and church and a pizza party to honor a girl that had graduated.  She and her family are missionaries to a variety of countries but they have chosen to live in Cando.  She was homeschooled and in August took tests that said she was done.  She is going to start at the jr college in DL after Christmas.  

This the devotion of Joni, I felt like ti was special and trust that it will be a blessing to each of you who read it.  Joni is a remarkable woman who even if she is handicapped she still gives encouragement to others.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to
be praised."

-Proverbs 31:30

Why is it I cringe whenever I read Proverbs 31? Probably because the wife mentioned
is more than chief cook and bottle washer. This lady buys real estate, reads The
 Wall Street Journal, designs and sells clothes, keeps a daily exercise routine,
 runs her household as smoothly as a fine-tuned machine, is praised by her children,
helps the homeless, gives to the poor, then goes to bed late and rises early. I'm
exhausted just reading about her.

When I look to Proverbs 31 for inspiration, I find it hard to get past the first
 verse. Because of my disability, I can't even open a refrigerator door. Push a
vacuum cleaner? I tried that once when I had a friend "tie" it to the front of my
power wheelchair so I could push and pull it over the carpet. I'm still finding
nicks and scratches on my floorboards to this day.

What's funny is that Ken thinks I'm a good wife. Our marriage is good not because
I know how much toilet paper is left on the roll, or that I can juggle five bags
 of groceries when leaving the market. Ken believes I am a good wife because of
one tiny verse in Proverbs 31 - I've learned and am still learning, to fear the
Lord.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and it is wisdom that gives any
 marriage depth and meaning. You and I may not be able to match the work level of
the Proverbs 31 woman, but we can have her character. No matter what we do, we can
be faithful, supportive, sensitive, kind, observant, creative, and loving.

The best way I can love my family and friends, Lord, is to first fear You.  May
I be faithful and loving today to those whom You've placed in my life.

Jesus bless your day.

November 20, 2010

Yes winter is here, the ground is covered with snow and it is cold.  But thankful for home and the warmth it provides. Good day at school and a short visit with Frank and Dorothy.  I baked cookies last night to take to DAR meeting this morning.  They are sending the cookies to the veterans home with someone who goes there.

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power
and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been
made, so that men are without excuse.  For although they knew God, they neither
glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and
their foolish hearts were darkened."

-Romans 1:20-21

What child hasn't been told a thousand times, "Now, be sure to say thank you"? It's
part of good training. More than common courtesy, expressing gratitude is critical
to the development of a child's character.

I painfully learned that lesson when, as a little girl, I failed to say "thank you"
to Aunt Kitty after she gave me (under my mother's watchful eye) a charm for my
bracelet. The next day I was on the telephone, rubbing my sore backside and apologizing,
"Aunt Kitty, you will never know how grateful I really am."

It's an old story: Ingratitude carries serious penalties. Probably the oldest story
is out of Romans chapter 1. It says that although men knew God, they failed to give
Him thanks.  And you know what happened next. God seriously punished them for their
thankless hearts.

That should say something to you and me; because if a thankless spirit was the undoing
of a generation long ago and far away, is it any different today? In fact, you know
God far better than those to whom He revealed Himself through creation - that means
that you have even more to be thankful for!

Look around you. The blessings abound: The smiles of children, the beauty of a glorious
sunset, the comfort of a warm bed at night. Small and great, there are plenty of
 reasons to say to God, "Thank you."

Lord, receive glory today through my thankful spirit. I am so grateful for who You
are and what You've done. Show me more reasons today for which I can give You thanks.

Those were thoughts from Joni,  who through out her life has had a lot of suffering and presently is dealing with cancer besides being in a wheel chair, and yet she has reason to be thankful.  We are coming to Thanksgiving and I always feel like I want to have us express something of why we are thankful and yet when we get together it seems that by the time I get the meal ready and on the table we just eat.  It isn't the way I want to do it.

Father, we give you this day and thank you for your presence, Father I pray that you will guide the steps of each family and protect them, In Jesus Name. Amen.

November 19, 2010 b

This is so good that I want to share it with you.

"'Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message.' So I went
down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was
shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another
pot, shaping it as seemed best to him."

-Jeremiah 18:1-4

On November 19, 1991, Cathe Chermesino was running down South Street, trying to
make it to Calvary Baptist School before the late bell rang. On the surface she
had it all. She was a beautiful, talented thirteen-year-old who possessed YMCA swimming
medals, not to mention a beautiful singing voice. When she ran across the street,
she was hit by a fast-moving car and thrown into the air. Immediately Cathe became
totally paralyzed.

Cathe now goes to school sitting rigid and upright in a bulky wheelchair. She breathes
through a ventilator and has to carefully mouth her words so others can lip-read.

On the first anniversary of her accident, she gave her testimony at her church.
"I'm like the potter's clay," she said. "I'm being reshaped into something that
I believe will be far better. What looks harmful for me will actually turn out to
be good. Before the accident I was an awful snob, but now God has given me an inner
peace. I'm giving my voice a rest until I get to heaven."

Her mother looked lovingly at her daughter and added, "Cathe needs just two things
to make it through. A lot of prayer and a little bit of oxygen."

Recently I wrote Cathe and gave her a verse from Deuteronomy 31:8, "The Lord himself
goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do
not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Lord, if You can help Cathe to rise above her circumstances, I know that with Your
grace I will rise above mine.

November 19, 2010

Yesterday, was another day of school.  In the morning I drove the foods students to Devils Lake for a day of cooking, I returned to school and the bus driver picked them up in the afternoon.  Dad and I went to Sharon Martinson's family service at Devils Lake.  Winter has arrived.

VERSE:
  Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the
wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of
mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law
he meditates day and night.
   -- Psalm 1:1-2

THOUGHT:
  I get to choose which sources of information I feed my mind. But
this privilege and freedom is also a responsibility. God longs to
bless me, but that blessing remains dormant until my heart delights
in knowing and doing his will.

PRAYER:
  Wondrous Creator, just as you fashioned such a beautiful world
and put me together in my mother's womb, I also ask that you create
in me a desire to know your truth and an insight in how to live
that truth. I know your Holy Spirit is in me to help me in this
journey, but I want so much to please you and bless you because of
all the ways you have blessed me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

I pray for each of you that you would have a desire in your heat to know Jesus in a greater way and that you would sense his presence in your daily life, that he would be honored and glorified in your lives and in your home.

November 18, 2010

Yesterday was a good day, after school I went and cleaned the church.  I have kind of a ritual I follow, I try to get done so I can stop to see Jay and Illa Mae Brandt, Matt and Mavis, and Gladys.  I had enough time this week to do that.  Even a short visit helps them.  Gladys is really lonely.  Then we had Bible study and there were a lot there.  It was a good time.

VERSE:
  Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
   -- John 17:17
    

THOUGHT:
  God's promises, God's Scripture, and God's clearest message of
all, his Son, are truth. But only the last of these is truth,
grace, deliverer, friend, Lord, Savior, brother, Redeemer...

PRAYER:
  O God, give me a holy passion to know your truth and live it in
both word and deed. Make my life a reflection of your Word, who
both proclaimed and lived your truth. In the name of Jesus, your
ultimate Word, I pray. Amen.

John 15:3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

1 Kings 17:24  Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.

Psalm 51:6  Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;

you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

Psalm 119:6 6  Teach me knowledge and good judgment,

for I believe in your commands

Psalm 143:10  Teach me to do your will,

for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Job 34:32 Teach me what I cannot see;

if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.

Isaiah 45:19b  I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.

Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;

John 4:23 Yet the time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

I am impressed with God's desire for truth, whether inside of us or around us or as we worship that truth is ever there.  That we seek the truth in our lives.

Father I pray that you would open our hearts up to your word, which is truth that you would minister it in our lives.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

November 17, 2010

Sorry no writing for a couple of days, we have had some challenging times and I didn't really have the energy to write.  Last night Dad and I were over to Cando for supper with a family.  They are missionaries who have chosen to live in Cando. and Dad and the man did some shell reloading.  

VERSE:
  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
   -- Psalm 119:105
      http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+119:105

THOUGHT:
  God's promises, God's Scripture, helps us find our way in a
pluralistic world of competing voices and lights our path in a time
so given to cynicism and despair. What such great grace we have to
know God's will in our own words! Now if we will only walk in the
light!

PRAYER:
  Loving Father, thank you for giving me your truth in Scripture.
To know that you love me enough to communicate in language so I can
hear and read your message is truly awe inspiring to me. Make my
heart hunger for your truth revealed in your Word. I want to grow
to be a righteous and gracious child in your family. With all my
love I pray to you in the name of my older Brother and Savior,
Jesus. Amen.

Proverbs 20:27  The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man;

it searches out his inmost being.

2 Peter 1:19  And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it,  a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

Psalms  119:130  The unfolding of your word gives light it gives understanding to the simple.

Proverbs 6:23 For these commands are a lamp,

this teaching is a light,

and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.

Proverbs 10:17  he who heeds discipline shows the way to life,

but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.

Psalms 7:15 He who digs a hole and scoops it out falls into the pit he has made.

Psalm 35:7  Since they hid their net for me without cause

and without cause dug a pit for me..

Psalm 57:6 They spread a net for my feet--

I was bowed down in distress.

They dug a pit in my path--

but they have fallen into it themselves.

I have read a few verses that go with the above verse, some I do not see the relationship and others I do.  But when ever we read God's word,  he can use verses to speak to us.

Have we dug a hole in our lives that we need to get out of, what is controlling us and keeping us from being effective in our walk with God,  It could be something major and it could be something simple  But God wants to take it over and he wants to set us free.

November 15, 2010

Yesterday was church and Sunday School, and after a nap Dad and I went to Sr. center where a fellow told about his trip to Washington DC on Honor flight, it was very good, eh was enthusiastic about what he had seen and a very good presenter. We ate together and then came home. I wrote some letters, and then got the call from Jacqui that Sharon Martinson had died, that was a shock, again a reminder we never know when and are we ready?

VERSE:
 Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my
delight.
  -- Psalm 119:143
THOUGHT:
 This verse is hard for me, because I know I am so blessed.
Trouble and distress do not seem to be a part of my vocabulary
right now. But I know in many places in the world this statement is
true of Christians who are under attack and live under the threat
of persecution and possibly even death. But their love for God and
their commitment to obedience is greater than Satan's threats
because God's will is their delight.

PRAYER:
 Majestic and holy God, I ask you to bless and liberate your
church under persecution. But Father, I also ask that if physical
deliverance is not what is coming, I pray for my brothers and
sisters and myself, that we may be found faithful in death before
surrendering to compromise in life. Please strengthen our faith: we
believe but help our unbelief. Empower us through your Spirit to be
obedient: forgive us when we fall. Most of all, deliver us into
your glorious presence without fault. I pray this in the name of
Jesus, in whom I find my salvation and assurance. Amen.

Psalm 119:27  Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.

Jesus bless your day.

visit to Alicia's and lunch with Jacqui, Tessa and friend.

Last week, November 11, 2010  Grandpa and I went to visit Alicia and her girls and then ate lunch with Jacqui, Tessa and her friend.....It was a fun time thank you for sharing yourselves with us....

combine in the ditch

combine incident earlier this fall right behind our house....front and back view.  it belonged to Hampden Oil company.

November 14, 2010

Yesterday was a day at home, and I am still cleaning in preparation for the computer move, it is good to have a motivation to clean, and to throw..... We also took stuff out to the gravel pit.  One more step in being ready for winter.  In the after noon I went to town for lunch with the Sr's and then over to see Frank and Dorothy.  after supper I worked on book work.

VERSE:
  Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the
unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body
but made alive by the Spirit.
   -- 1 Peter 3:18

THOUGHT:
  Having stood over the open graves of friends, family, and
strangers, I know the appearance and feel of death's finality and
our human frailty. But Christ's death is that great reminder that
death is a matter of perspective and faith. I believe God raised
Jesus from the dead and that Jesus is the first fruits of those of
us who believe in him. He is alive, not just in Spirit, but in
bodily form. Because Jesus lives, so will we!

PRAYER:
  Almighty God, thank you for the gifts of your grace, Spirit,
forgiveness and life. Most of all, thanks for the gift of your Son,
who brought life and immortality to life in me through your
salvation. While I have no great desire to die, I know I can look
through death to you and your victory in me through Jesus. Please
give me the courage to live for you every day until that day you
take me home. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

When things don't seem to be the way we would like them to be,  with Jesus in our heart and guiding our steps we are reminded that there is more to life than now,  this is such a small part of the whole picture.  I was recently reading about a person who left their Muslim belief for Christianity and the torture they are experiencing because of it.  Our lives are sheltered and we do not comprehend what we really believe in Jesus.  The speaker at Zoar also brought that home to us as he shared about his life under the communists in East Berlin.

November 13, 2010

Yesterday, we were back in school after having a day off, hard to get into the mood.  Next week will be the only full week of school in November, there have been days off every week.

I came home and took a nap and after super I continued the process fo cleaning and preparing for the computer move.

From Heart light:

VERSE:
  It is God's will that by doing good you should silence the
ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your
freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
   -- 1 Peter 2:15-16
THOUGHT:
  What does the world most need to hear from me today? A life
tuned to the melody of grace that I claim I believe. Doing good,
being like Christ, is Peter's answer to opposition, cynicism, and
even persecution. We are free in Jesus, but being free means that
we don't have to pretentiously prove we are free. Instead, we can
live for him who died to conquer death and renounced absolute
heavenly freedom so we could find it. We are free to serve others,
and most of all to serve God.

Romans 13:1  Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God. 

1 Peter 3:17 It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

PRAYER:
  Holy Father, my Great Emancipator, you have freed me from sin,
law, and death at the cost of your precious Son. I open my heart to
you today to say I love you. I want to thank you for this gift of
incredible redemption. Please accept the actions of my life and the
words of my mouth and the thoughts of my mind and the emotions of
my heart today as my offering of thanks. In the name of Jesus, my
Sacrifice and your holy Son, I pray. Amen.

November 12, 2010

It was a special day to get to see more of our family.  Jack and I drove to see Alicia and her girls and then ate with Jacqui, Tessa and a friend.  

VERSE:
  Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves
the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in
the world - the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and
the boasting of what he has and does - comes not from the Father
but from the world.
   -- 1 John 2:15-16
THOUGHT:
  Love for things, especially temporary ones, can sure get us into
trouble. Even worse, we can begin to think they will make us happy
or fill the empty places in our hearts. But if we really sink our
hopes and dreams in our Abba Father, we are attached to eternity
and what we need most is always with us!

PRAYER:
  Give me wisdom, Holy God, to invest in you and things that
matter. I confess to you that my eyes and my heart are often
distracted by the glitzy stuff that is temporary. By your Spirit, O
Father, stir my heart to yearn for you. In the precious name of
Jesus I pray. Amen.

After a day in Grand forks where there are people and shopping, this is a good devotion, it is so easy to get side tracked by the things about us when our relationship with God is really the most important and all the rest will fall into place.

Jesus bless your day.

November 11, 2010

Today is a special day, we remember those who represented our country and helped to give us the freedom that we have.  Jack and I have been hearing the speaker at Zoar who as a young person lived with his family behind the Berlin Wall, he tells of the sacrifice he made to follow Christ in that situation.

Several on staff at school were absent yesterday so there were subs and I had an extra job to do.  In the afternoon we had a lesson on stamp collecting for grade 5-6 I was in grades 3-4 another day.  This year there is a senior who got started collecting and actually got a real stamp book.

I am doing a study from Ann Graham Lotz  entitled Embracing God.  So you will be a part of this.  When pressures mount, instead of withdrawing or exploding or complaining, you and I need to run to our Heavenly Father, throw our arms of faith around Him, and embrace Him more tightly.  Why?  The Psalmist gives us three reasons.

1. He is my song   Psalm 84:1-4

Isaiah 49:13  shout for joy

Isaiah 52:9  burst into songs of joy together,

Job 35:9-10....who gives songs in the night.

Psalm 126:5-6 

 Those who sow in tears

   will reap with songs of joy.

He who goes out weeping,

    carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

   carrying sheaves with him.

Exodus 15:2 

The Lord is my strength and my song;

he has become my salvation.

He is my God, and I will praise him,

my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song;

he has become my salvation.

2 Samuel 22:1  David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul....

    The Lord is my rock...

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trust in him, and I am helped

My heart leaps for joy

and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalms 18:1 I love you, O Lord, my strength

Psalm 32:7 

You are my hiding place; 

you will protect me from trouble 

and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Psalms 126:2

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

The Lord has done great things for them.

Psalms 42:8  

By day the Lord directs his love,

at night his song is with me--

a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalms 59:16 But I will sing of your strength,

in the morning I will sing of your love;

for you are my fortress

my refuge in times of trouble.

What theme has been lacking in your lfie?  Have you lost your "song" do you need to tune your heart to all the themes give above?  What are some other  'themes' that fill your heart with joy?

Father, I pray that you would reveal yourself and your desires for our lives, father show us how we may experience your joy and how we may then share it with others.  In Jesus Name.  Amen

November 10, 2010

Yesterday we finished testing at school, I cleaned church after school and after we ate, Dad and I went to Zoar to church, they have a speaker who lived behind the iron curtain with his family

This is a devotion that I read today written by Joni  I was really encourage by it and hope you will be too:

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

-Acts 13:47

There is a church in England that has no lights. Many people who visit the church
are shocked that the architect left out something as important as overhead lighting.
But the architect had a plan. The various families who regularly attend the church
are given their own pew, as well as a lamp and a book. When a family comes to church,
their lamp is lit. If they are not in church, the pew is dark.

What difference can one darkened pew make? Not much, you might think. But what if
several pews are lacking lamps? Then the whole church would be affected. It's obvious.
If all are present and in their pews, the church is alive with light. If not, the
place becomes dark.

What a beautiful picture of the body of Christ! If any one of us is not using the
gifts God has given, there will be darkness; but as we use our gifts, the whole
body will be full of light,. This is how intimately we are linked one with another.
That's why the Lord made it a command - He has made us a light in order to shine
 for the sake of others.*[1]

"If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every
part rejoices with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26).

Help me to know, Lord, what it means to be a part of Your body, to function with
 others for the good of all and the glory of the Son. Help me to understand my place
in the body, including my responsibility to brothers and sisters around me. Help
 me to realize that my role, no matter how small, is significant. Shine through
me, Lord, so that the lives of my friends and family will be brightened.

Jesus bless your day.

November 9, 2010

Yesterday we were back to school, it was a regular day, after school I went to Devils Lake to do errands and back to school for the two one act plays,  I try to take some photos for the annual.  

"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.  Isaiah 1:18

Nothing stains quite as sin. It not only leaves a stain in our heart but a residue in our minds. But God's grace is shown in that he doesn't just forgive our sins, he doesn't just forget our sins, he banishes them. They are gone. The stain is removed, the guilt is taken away.  We are clean by his grace.

O the joy your grace gives me, glorious God! I can never thank you or praise you enough for rerouting the whole direction of my life so that it will end, and begin again, in you and your grace.  In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

I think as I read this devotion, of several people who recently have been in my path.  One a little boy in Sunday School who couldn't see that he did any thing wrong.  So he doesn't see that he has sinned, God has to first reveal that to him.  Then a teenage girl, who things she is "good"  I reminded her than none of us are good.  It is so hard to yield to God when we think we are 'good'  God has to first put us in a place to see that we are sinners, and then we can come to him and experience his grace.  We need to be re-reminded of our relationship with God and his grace towards us.

Father open our eyes to see who we are and what you have done for us, make it real in our lives. In Jesus Name.

November 8, 2010

Yesterday we had Sunday School and church, Michael had a good message about the trials we have in life, and how there is good in them,  As we drove out of the yard, I had reminded dad about Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose....The reason I said that was, Dad's glasses broke the night before in such a way that he can't wear them, I found another pair but in the morning he found even an other pair and needed a screw to make them work, so we had been working on that just before we left for church.  I have been thinking of that verse when I think of my feet and legs and the computer room move.  God is with us, but sometimes we don't like what we see, but in the end we will understand.

I had three for Sunday school and I am always blest by Trevor Fluge and the comments that he makes.  I feel that he is a child who knows Jesus and loves God.

We came home and rested, I keep doing a little bit more on the computer room project, it should be ready when you come.  Later i went to Frank and Dorothy's and then in the evening to Zoar Lutheran Church.  They have a speaker whose family was under Hitler, and part of them lived behind the iron curtain, he tells of how God provided for them, also how they were treat because they were believers.

This is the devotion for this day:

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,....but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord    joshua 24:15

While we can't speak for everyone in our family, we can commit to what everone in our family should desire: We will serve the Lord! But more than commit, let's set the example and lead the way. "I will serve the Lord, TODAY!" Then we can ask them to join us.

Give me wisdom, O tender Shepherd, on how to lead my family to love you more. Please bless my parents and thank you for their faith.  Please give me courage and sensitivity so that I can effectively share your truth with my children. O God, please bless those parents who are seeking to raise godly children that will someday marry the children you've given me.  I want my house to be a place where you are know, appreciated, honored, and loved. In Jesus name I humbly ask it. Amen.

This was the prayer with the devotion.  granted I can't bless my parents, but I can ask God to bless my children and I do daily.

Jesus bless your day.

November 7, 2010

I have not been writting for a long time and Jacqui you said that you missed it.  Every morning I read this devotion before I go to school or whereever, it is always fitting.  It is from Heartlight

1 Timothy 2:1-2  I urge, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - kings, and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

God wants us to be a praying people. But more than that , God wants us to pray for people.  The blessing of that kind of prayerful life is that we get to live peaceful and quiet lives full of godliness and holiness. So pray, dear friend in Jesus, pray as if the world peace depends upon it, because it does.

We have been gone for several days, we left Starkweather Thursday afternoon and drove to Bismarck. We ate supper with Julie and Naomi and stayed in our favorite motel, the next morning we took Julie to a Starbucks, where we visited over coffee, and then took hr to work, we did a bit of shopping and then went to get this man in Mandan and he drove us out to the Mandan airport in the country.  He was a very neat person, and Dad and he had good conversations,  Later Jack and I saw Julie briefly and then drove on to SD.  Cody had to work on Saturday be we had some time together on Friday night.  I read his Senior story that he is writing.  I appreciate what he is saying.  We stayed that night. Saturday, Janet and I sorted out some clothes that I will take to second hand store for her and then Dad and I started home, we got our meat at Hecla, and were home before dark.

Father, i pray for my family that you would draw them to you and that they would see Jesus in people around them, and that they would be the Jesus that someone else sees.  I pray that you would put your blood over them and protect them and minister to them today.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

November 5, 2010

In another blog I will tell you about the past couple of days, but this is a bit about our trip to the Mandan airport to see this airplane.  The man was very kind to take us to see it and they sat in it and talked.