Growing in Grace

Then Jesus asked them, "And who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." -Matthew 16:15-16 (NCV) This is the most important question you'll ever have to answer.

Photo Credit Oh how I struggled with worry and anxiety in the past. And while I can't say I never experience these two emotions; I feel them less and less. I've been learning over the years to take my fears and concerns to God immediately instead of dwelling on them. As I have learned to let go of my hold on these things that I cannot control, God has proven Himself faithful over and over. God is sovereign. Knowing that everything I experience has first gone through Him, comforts me. He knows what I can handle and He is prepared to give me what I need to get through each circumstance He brings my way. And because He has proven Himself faithful, I can fully trust Him to meet all my needs. "Do not be anxious" is a command. It's something we need to grow in in our walk with the Lord. It's not easy; but the more we "let go and let God", the more peaceful our lives will be - even in the midst of the worst trials.

Photo Credit Struggled with a migraine headache off and on all week. Asked for prayer last night at Bible study for it to be gone by today. So thankful I woke up pain free. My class of 4th graders was high energy; but their projects turned out great and I was told by a mom of one of my "active" boys that he likes my class. Blessed day! Very appropriate that we sang this song at Chapel this morning. . .

Photo Credit Today my kids and I learned about the Apostle's Creed. We read that around A.D. 150 "Christians felt it necessary to write out the basis of their faith. . . The Apostle's Creed was written by early Christians for several reasons. It was used at the baptism of new Christians to confirm what they believe. It was probably used to teach others about Christianity, and it certainly helped bring the churches together. The Apostle's Creed was undoubtedly memorized in the Early Church and then taught on deeper levels. It would have been like a curriculum for a new believers' class. And of great importance, the Apostle's Creed served as an anchor for early Christians who were persecuted. In other words, the creed may have helped Christians understand what they were dying for if indeed they were put to death for their faith." -p. 57; The Mystery of History Volume II ; Linda Lacour Hobar Apostle's Creed I BELIEVE in God Almighty And in Ch...

This happened to my hubby today as he was on his way home to coach our daughter's volleyball practice. As he was making the transition from the 10 freeway to the 15 freeway in Ontario, the car in front of him slammed on its brakes. My husband hit his brakes and lost control. He drove off the side of the freeway. The embankment was steep, but soft, so the front tires dug in. It took two tow trucks to pull the car out of the dirt and back onto the freeway. I pray daily for his commute - that God would keep watch over him as he comes and goes. We are so thankful today that God answered that prayer. He could have hit the car in front of him. He could have flipped over down the embankment. His car could have been damaged.  He had a hefty tow truck bill to pay on the spot. We are grateful that there was money in the bank; but we hope it will be covered by our auto insurance and we can get it back. If not, we trust that God will provide the funds needed in other areas that woul...

" Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." -Matthew 7:13-14

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe . -Ephesians 1:18-19 I am in week two of my study in Gideon. Today's nugget was found in the above verse. I spent some time looking at notes and commentary on this verse. I can easily personalize this prayer as I desire to live for Christ. The extraordinary divine force by which Jesus Christ was raised is the same power at work in and through believers. -NIV Study Bible The hope that belongs to our calling should be a dynamic force in our lives, encouraging us to be pure, obedient and faithful. The fact that we shall one day see Christ and be like Him should motivate us to live like Christ today. -Warren Wiersbe Gideon became aware of God's presence first and then discovered a new calling and the power to accomplish it. The s...

How great are His signs and how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and His dominion is from generation to generation. . .The Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind.   -Daniel 4:3, 17 God Most High, El Elyon, is the Possessor of heaven and earth. God is sovereign; He is ruler over everything. There is absolutely nothing that God doesn't have control over. Thankful for a sovereign God. photo credit

The real enemies we face, the ones that deal us the most severe blows are not. . .(physical) handicaps. There are enemies far worse: lethargy, irresponsibility, lack of ambition, and lack of desire. These are the real enemies. . . There is something more important, however, than just results. It is learning how to live, how to overcome your difficulties, how to really make your life count. . . There is one thing you can be sure of. You can do anything God wants you to do and you can find His strength and help in accomplishing it. -Dr. Harold J. Sala; "Heroes" photo credit

I was actually CHILLY at the park tonight during volleyball practice! But it was a NICE change from the high temperatures we've been having. And the sunset was BEAUTIFUL! Feeling thankful tonight for the variety the seasons bring in nature as well as in our lives. photo credit

Spent an awesome day at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. . . Loved the tigers, lion cubs and their majestic father, lemurs and beautiful birds. There is so much beauty and diversity in God's creation. He is the ultimate artist! For this is what the Lord says - he who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited - he says : "I am the Lord, and there is no other . -Isaiah 45:18 photo credit

After church, I was asking Josh what he learned in class. He said they talked about prayer. Josh sometimes has fear at night. I asked him if he prayed then. He said yes, but what really helped him was saying Joshua 1:9 a couple of times.  Proverbs 30:5 says that God's Word is a shield to those who take refuge in in Him.  I printed out Joshua 1:9 for Josh and have it on the wall above his bed. I'm glad it serves as a reminder to him to not be afraid because God is with him always.

Finally watched "God's Not Dead" which prompted me to ask. . .  Where is your hope? I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. -Psalm 130:5 Photo Credit

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  -2 Corinthians 12:9 photo credit On my own, I am not enough. It is Christ in me that makes me a enough for my family. To read a great blog post on this, click on the "photo credit" link. 

Sometimes I need to remember for whom I am working!

This is my life verse. God has proven faithful many times over in my life. All things for my good and His glory! 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. -Romans 8:28 photo credit

Talking as a family at dinner tonight about money. This is my hubby's favorite verse on the subject. ". . . give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." -Proverbs 30:8b-9 photo credit

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus . -Philippians 2:3-5 photo credit