I am NOT a quitter. In fact, I have always said, 'Can't NEVER COULD because can't didn't WANT TO' as a very good rationale for pressing on through obstacles.
And math is hard for me.
I must get a minimum score on the Praxis Core exam to gain admittance into my teacher ed program. If you know much about SisterT, she's always struggled in math. It's my worst subject ever! ALWAYS HAS BEEN...but...
I WANT to teach...
And so I am pressing on...
I thought you might be interested in the resources I'm finding that are so helpful. First, Jolene Morris of jolenemorris.com has wonderful FREE flash cards with knowledge level information for the math prep of the test, but as part of her website, she has correlated some test questions and also some 'mini movies' on YouTube where she explains the concepts. They are quick...about 2-7 minutes long and cover several topics grouped by type. VERY orderly and sequential. For $9.99 you can access all her prep stuff for 5 weeks... Also I've found some math games to boost my mental math skills on Soft Schoools.com with loads of ed resources...a one minute math game...pretty cool! I keep beating my score! I have also been working on Khan Academy...I LOVE Sal Khan. TY TY TY for such a dream as Khan Academy! I can't say enough good about Khan Academy. The way this site has developed over the years is incredible. For an avid learner like myself, it's a dream. I am not only studying math, but chemistry and have studies music as well...khanacademy.org is amazing!
I also want to mention my tutor, not by name, but by heart. She's got the heart of a teacher, While in the program of Early Childhood Ed and a peer, she's got real insight into the heart and mind of this student, and has worked to help me. I'm FOREVER grateful!
Soo I wanted to update you all on my PROGRESS! AND PROGRESS IT IS! Also, I am proud to announce a second semester of 4.0. I am pumped about this, too!
NOW, to accomplish chemistry and this Praxis...Wish me luck!
Blessings to you ALL!
SisterT
Monday, June 1, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
Learning to Teach~Challenge: Praxis Core by ets.org
As a former homeschool mom, it was just natural for me to shift my nursing focus into education to finish my bachelor's degree. This past fall, I've embarked on a four year journey to put together my skills to go into the classroom to bring quality education to my community's children. Rah Rah! right?? LOL...but seriously, it's a noble cause, right?
OK...so I am in school, since the fall, learning to TEACH. And I am learning. One thing I've learned is how little I know. Yup, I am being challenged to learn some stuff, and it's so fun. Also I have some proficiency tests that are required, so I'm meeting those challenges. One such test, early on is the Praxis Core. It's a minimum skills type test to assure competencies by my university before entrance into the Early Childhood Ed program.
Last week, I took the Praxis Core.
For more information on it, go to ets.org and read what it says about the actual test.
It's $130 bucks to take it. It takes about four hours to do all three parts: Reading, Math, Writing. My testing location was about 1.5 hrs away from my home, so the whole ordeal was exhausting, but I did it. Last Monday. Yup, forged a head.
My program requires that I have it accomplished by a certain date, and so I began a couple months ago in preparation, particularly in Math. SisterT readers KNOW that math isn't my talent...but let me say a couple of things first about preparation for these kinds of tests when you KNOW you have weak areas: DO IT!
And I have...
I also bought a couple of books, Praxis Core For Dummies which has online testing practice, as well as Kaplan Praxis which also has online practice. I have been meeting with a tutor/study group at the University nearly twice weekly do work on math skills and take practice tests... One area of huge prep was to use Khan Academy online. This is a free WONDERFUL website that covers loads of math skills...it's accessable 24/7 and totally interactive and even intuitive so it figures out what you might need to practice a little more. Or you can choose to practice a little more...it's ABSOLUTELY GREAT and is age graded from preK-college level skills...I recommend khanacademy.org to anyone for math...even children (which it's child geared with parent/teacher tools)!!! GREAT SITE and I used Sal back when he was just on youtube in our homeschooling...LOVE SAL~TY SAL! ;-)
And the results of my prep are not totally known at this point. It takes about 2 wks for scores on the writing portion to come in. I do know about math and reading, though. I passed the reading and failed the math. NO surprise here. So I press on in my learning...but I have some insights into the test. While I am nearly sworn to secrecy for the content, it's nothing short of secret that there are things I CAN discuss which will help future test takers and myself as I pursue retaking the math portion if not the writing...
Okay, so this is pretty much all I can think of that should make your testing experience a little better and hopefully more successful. I confident that I can succeed in retaking the math portion in a coming session. I already have rescheduled and have begun working..again! I would have been so shocked had I gotten the needed score the FIRST time! Experience is a great guide!
Please, DO NOT give up, no matter what your score, if you feel you are inclined to become a teacher...state requirements to teach other people's children and become state certified can be rigorous, but with preparation and hard work, for many this goal is attainable.
I am welcoming the challenges.
I hope today is amazing for you!
Warmly
SisterT :-)
OK...so I am in school, since the fall, learning to TEACH. And I am learning. One thing I've learned is how little I know. Yup, I am being challenged to learn some stuff, and it's so fun. Also I have some proficiency tests that are required, so I'm meeting those challenges. One such test, early on is the Praxis Core. It's a minimum skills type test to assure competencies by my university before entrance into the Early Childhood Ed program.
Last week, I took the Praxis Core.
For more information on it, go to ets.org and read what it says about the actual test.
It's $130 bucks to take it. It takes about four hours to do all three parts: Reading, Math, Writing. My testing location was about 1.5 hrs away from my home, so the whole ordeal was exhausting, but I did it. Last Monday. Yup, forged a head.
My program requires that I have it accomplished by a certain date, and so I began a couple months ago in preparation, particularly in Math. SisterT readers KNOW that math isn't my talent...but let me say a couple of things first about preparation for these kinds of tests when you KNOW you have weak areas: DO IT!
And I have...
I also bought a couple of books, Praxis Core For Dummies which has online testing practice, as well as Kaplan Praxis which also has online practice. I have been meeting with a tutor/study group at the University nearly twice weekly do work on math skills and take practice tests... One area of huge prep was to use Khan Academy online. This is a free WONDERFUL website that covers loads of math skills...it's accessable 24/7 and totally interactive and even intuitive so it figures out what you might need to practice a little more. Or you can choose to practice a little more...it's ABSOLUTELY GREAT and is age graded from preK-college level skills...I recommend khanacademy.org to anyone for math...even children (which it's child geared with parent/teacher tools)!!! GREAT SITE and I used Sal back when he was just on youtube in our homeschooling...LOVE SAL~TY SAL! ;-)
And the results of my prep are not totally known at this point. It takes about 2 wks for scores on the writing portion to come in. I do know about math and reading, though. I passed the reading and failed the math. NO surprise here. So I press on in my learning...but I have some insights into the test. While I am nearly sworn to secrecy for the content, it's nothing short of secret that there are things I CAN discuss which will help future test takers and myself as I pursue retaking the math portion if not the writing...
- I found that a great night's sleep and rest were essential. NO KIDDING! I slept and rested the entire weekend before my Monday test. DO THIS..do NOT short cut on rest and relaxation. The test and arrival/check in are STRESSFUL...you are wanded for contraband and nearly 'searched.' NOT kidding! Get ALL your faculties together...your mind, body AND soul...
- EAT healthful food for breakfast and plenty of hydration with good quality water...This helps the body/brain to function better...you are in a cubicle with either or not, headphones on to block out noise, which is just people coming and going in and out of testing area...but you are THERE...for the entire time, unless you want a time penalty...no breaks are scheduled...none...it's BAM-BAM-BAM. Now, the test is offered at a three in one price for the $130 OR you can take each separate for $80 each...See how it makes sense to prepare?
- Comfy clothes...Wear no clothing that is binding or restrictive or just plainly miserable. I think I should have worn my pajamas!!~LOL...well, nearly!...but aside from the security photo...WHO saw me, that I care about?? Ha!
- Pay CLOSE attention to the registration and 'ticket' instructions. IF you do, there are no problems in this area. I had none, but be aware you will be keeping your photo ID with you the entire time you are in the testing area~ It will be displayed out where it can be seen...on the desk as you work...
- The testing admins will give you pencils. I hunted for ones in the pencil can with good erasers...There weren't many, as most of the erasers were clearly worn down...DO what you feel you will need...I didn't want to have to hunt something once I got started...because once you are started, you are IN the test...and it will be BEST TO keep going....
- One REALLY crucial skill that I've not heard anybody talk about it typing. Let me say that I don't have gobs of typing experience in a sitting straight up/pro kind of way....as I type this post, my keyboard is on my body...not exactly how I typed for the test...so, what helped me was that some time ago, in one of my classes, I began taking my laptop to type lecture notes from one of my classes as it was happening...This led me to really work on my typing speed and accuracy. You will want both of these skills when taking the writing portion of the Praxis Core. You don't have a lot of time to compose and organize a well written essay if your typing isn't up to par. Just a word to the WISE, here...I didn't realize how important my typing would be in getting my essays DONE and proofed prior to the expiration of the time. I'm so happy that I had practiced this skill. ;-)
- I also suggest knowing the area where the testing center is located. I didn't know the area, so I packed a lunch, and while I didn't stop, it would have been helpful to know what food/rest areas are available in route, if you are traveling. Know where to park and other things as well. I had to hunt the testing center in an office building. This was stressful...and could have been more relaxing if I had known more...do your research. It's worth it!
Okay, so this is pretty much all I can think of that should make your testing experience a little better and hopefully more successful. I confident that I can succeed in retaking the math portion in a coming session. I already have rescheduled and have begun working..again! I would have been so shocked had I gotten the needed score the FIRST time! Experience is a great guide!
Please, DO NOT give up, no matter what your score, if you feel you are inclined to become a teacher...state requirements to teach other people's children and become state certified can be rigorous, but with preparation and hard work, for many this goal is attainable.
I am welcoming the challenges.
I hope today is amazing for you!
Warmly
SisterT :-)
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Printables for TEACHERS! Free!
I've been making quite a few things lately to help in my classes and so I want to share them with you for your use.
I'm in a Physical Geography class for my Elementary Ed program. Whatcha think? Useful for K-3rd? Actually I created it for me and plan to print it and put little doors over the places I need to know. This way, I'm doing some 'flip' learning...
Here's a Composer timeline for the Great Composer study I created for my Early Childhood Ed class...useful? You could have your child sketch the composer or you could also find a pic online.
Hope these bless your efforts to educate your children!
Happy Day!
SisterT <3 p="">
Happy Day!
SisterT <3 p="">
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
New Focus SAME CALLING
I was recently asked a question about my current educational intentions and aspirations.
WHY DO YOU WANT to be a teacher?
Good question!
GLAD you asked!
I want to be a teacher because first, I am a teacher. I'd like to complete my education so I can become state certified and able to go into the classroom and make a difference for one child at a time.
I am a teacher who teaches because that's WHAT teachers do...we teach!
And it's an important thing to note that EVERYONE REALLY is a teacher. Yes, we all teach something, but my aspirations are far nobler. I hope to empower and lead the way for others...
I'm an older student.
This isn't my first 'go round' the block, no.
But aren't wisdom and experience valuable to our children?
I think so.
I KNOW SO!
I want to bring my blog up to speed and share this latest journey leg with you all. I know I've not been here in a very long time. My precious littles are now all grown and working at life for themselves. Hub and I are making new adventures with each other...and I am in school...pursuing that BSED so I can become a TEACHER. YES!
I've recently created a pinterest board...If you want to follow me, Here's my widget!
Follow Cheryl's board Cheryl's MUS3630 SPRING 15 on Pinterest.
See you again soon!
SisterT ;-)
WHY DO YOU WANT to be a teacher?
Good question!
GLAD you asked!
I want to be a teacher because first, I am a teacher. I'd like to complete my education so I can become state certified and able to go into the classroom and make a difference for one child at a time.
I am a teacher who teaches because that's WHAT teachers do...we teach!
And it's an important thing to note that EVERYONE REALLY is a teacher. Yes, we all teach something, but my aspirations are far nobler. I hope to empower and lead the way for others...
I'm an older student.
This isn't my first 'go round' the block, no.
But aren't wisdom and experience valuable to our children?
I think so.
I KNOW SO!
I want to bring my blog up to speed and share this latest journey leg with you all. I know I've not been here in a very long time. My precious littles are now all grown and working at life for themselves. Hub and I are making new adventures with each other...and I am in school...pursuing that BSED so I can become a TEACHER. YES!
I've recently created a pinterest board...If you want to follow me, Here's my widget!
Follow Cheryl's board Cheryl's MUS3630 SPRING 15 on Pinterest.
See you again soon!
SisterT ;-)
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Review and GiveAway! VEGGIETALES!!! The Little House That Stood
 |
| Larry is adorable! But soo is Bob! ;-)) |
I love VeggieTales! In fact, my family has loved them for years and years, and this newest Bob and Larry adventure is no different from the other great tales of the past! VeggieTales The Little House That Stood is GREAT! CK IT OUT! We made this a family movie night and laughed our way through it! It's great for the littles, but also the bigs~Dad and I had a blast! Hidden within the show are references that the big kids all got~good clean fun that makes the belly rumble as roars of laughter sounded out... What a blessing to review such quality family fun designed for young children, but the olders enjoyed as well! Included are two stories~A Biblical one based on the man who built his house upon the rock as told by Jesus and another based in a fairy tale. They are very colorful, and the animation is well done...I love the whole VeggieTale concept and this newest holds up to the other greats...
Click to see more!
I have the op to share an additional copy! Just leave me a link telling me which of your children will be MOST excited to receive this dvd...and also be sure you leave me your contact information! ;-)) I'll do a random drawing on 3/17 11:59PM EST and notify my winner by email...
Thank You for reading and Blessings,
SisterT ;-))
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the
products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would
mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services
I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am
disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16
CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and
Testimonials in Advertising."
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Review & GiveAway: This Is Your Kingdom Come Now: Casey Corum and Friends
Here's a peak at the making of the album~
Here's a peak at one of the amazing songs! Album website: http://caseycorum.net/ I have GREAT NEWS! You can received one of these cds for your collection! Just leave me a message with a sure way to contact you telling me your fave Scripture verse~;-)) ENDS 10/1 11:59PM EST Blessings, SisterT <3
I received this cd as part of the Propeller promotions blogger program w/o monetary compensation and my opinions are my own."Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Saturday, August 25, 2012
AMERICAN Bible Challenge on GSN!
"If you don't know your Bible, then you haven't got a prayer!"
I wholeheartedly agree! Bible knowledge is essential for life and GSN (Game Show Network) has created a brand new FUN and EXCITING show filled with loads of Bible knowledge~trivia games AND laughs~host Jeff Foxworthy (comedian: You know you're a redneck...) makes it a kick as well as the CHOIR who sings some really upbeat inspiring good ole-time gospel music~This is GREAT and what's NOT to love!!? I know that all my Bible believing friends are loving this great new REFRESHING television show! Sooo ck it out! CLICK HERE AND YOU CAN PREVIEW the show! WATCH CLIPS and FULL EPISODE! WOOT!
BE SURE to *LIKE* on FACEBOOK!
And to CELEBRATE American Bible Challenge's FIRST SEASON and kick off~I'm giving away an American Bible Challenge tee and a Zondervan NIV Quest Study Bible for one fortunate reader! ALL you have to do is leave me a comment with YOUR FAVE Bible verse OR little known Bible fact~like: WHO IS Jacobed? OR Lazarus was dead in the grave HOW MANY DAYS before Jesus called him to 'come forth?" THIS OUGHTA BE FUN!
Okay, I wanna hear FROM YOU~
My fave Bible verse: Philipians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing that He who hath begun a good work in you will complete it until Jesus returns.
GiveAway ENDS Thursday, Aug 30 11:59 PM EST US residents only ;-))
I'm telling about this new game show as part of the Propeller Promotions blog program and to offer my readers an opportunity to win the tee shirt and Bible. I've received no monetary compensation and the opinions expressed are my own.
Blessings,SisterT ;-))
Monday, August 20, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
REVIEW & GIveAway! Carmex Tote and Products!
I am so excited that Carmex is celebrating it's 75th Yr this year~and they sent me a WONDERFUL tote~LOVE IT in yellow w/red logo...Daughter is modeling ;-))
And it came with the coolest lip balm flavors~THE NEWEST ISS...Pomegranate! Oh wow~it's so good and lush tasting! Just like all the other flavors, it's SPF 15 water resistant sunscreen~so it's amazing! SIX STICKS including:
THE NEW Pomrgranite
Original
Cherry
Strawberry
Vanilla
Lime Twist
SOOOOOOOOOOO don't you want one of these cool bags AND all the wonderful CARMEX Lip Balm? With winter on its way~woohoo!
Okay, here's what you do...this is gonna be so short and oh sooo sweet! Leave me a message with your contact information letting me know WHICH FLAV you wanna try or YOUR FAVE CARMEX FLAVOR and I'll enter you in~We'll draw on August 19th 11:59PM ET~so enter QUICK and tell all your friends! ADDITIONAL LINKS equals 5 BIG ENTRIES! Be sure to leave your name on each in succession with the link up (THANKS!)
US Residents ONLY please... (sorry friends ;-))
BIG HUGS
SisterT
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
REVIEW & GiveAway~Baguette Chips! CK THIS OUT!
These chips are amazing! My family really enjoyed them, and they were gone in a flash! You will want to try these too! I LOVED the crunch! My fave was the Italian Cheese and Herb ;-))
GREAT NEWS~I have a $.75 cents off coupon for you~HERE!
AND a contest to WIN 6 bags...oh yeah! ;-))
You can win a PRIZE pack with 6 bags of chips~
BONUS ENTRY: WHAT FLAVOR would you like to see??? 3 entries
Be sure I have a way to contact you ;-))
CONTEST ENDS: 11:59PM EST July 22nd
WANT MO info on the chips?
Website: HERE!
facebook: HERE!
“Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”
GREAT NEWS~I have a $.75 cents off coupon for you~HERE!
AND a contest to WIN 6 bags...oh yeah! ;-))
You can win a PRIZE pack with 6 bags of chips~
- (3) Bags of Pillsbury Baguette Chips in Italian Cheese & Herb
- (3) Bags of Pillsbury Baguette Chips in Cheddar Sundried Tomato
BONUS ENTRY: WHAT FLAVOR would you like to see??? 3 entries
Be sure I have a way to contact you ;-))
CONTEST ENDS: 11:59PM EST July 22nd
WANT MO info on the chips?
Website: HERE!
facebook: HERE!
“Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”
Friday, May 11, 2012
REVIEW: The VOICE New Bible Translation From Thomas Nelson
I want to share that I've been reading The Voice New Testament~Step Into the Story of Scripture, Thomas Nelson's newest translation of the Bible which just last month has become available, and I LOVE IT! What I love is the easy readability of the text, but not only this, but also that it brings to CONTEXT information not readily known by those who might not be as familiar with the Bible as a whole. Over the passion week of Easter, I read along with a friend the chapters of John 12-20 which cover the events of Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, His prayer in the Garden, arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection and of course the after effects of all these events on His disciples. WOW, The Voice NT made John's (the disciple WHO JESUS LOVED~ya think John THOUGHT HE WAS Jesus' FAVE??? LOL)account of these events come to life! Here's an excerpt along with the King James Version (KJV) so you can see for yourself what I'm describing~and I WANT to get the whole entire Bible in this storying version which has been translated with great detail to the ACTUAL Word in the original languages of Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
John 1:1-5
John 1:1 Before time itself was measured, the Voice was speaking. The Voice was and is God. (The Voice New Testamament)
John 1:3 His speech shaped the entire cosmos, Immersed in the practice of creating, all things that ever exist were birthed in Him. (The Voice NT)
(All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.) KJV
John 1:4 His breath filled all things with a living breathing light~ (The Voice NT)
(In him was life; and the life was the light of men.) KJV
John 1:5 A light that thrives in the depths of darkness, blazes through murky bottoms. It cannot and will not be quenched. (The Voice NT)
(And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.) KJV
As one who memorized and knows the KJV, in contrast, I believe that The Voice NT is useful for study by those who like myself and others who enjoy the historical account and story of it, but also for those who are seekers perhaps not yet grasping all the truths of Scripture. I will stick to my KJV Bible for teaching and study, but will always want to grab The Voice NT if I am sharing Scripture with one who needs to see and feel the events unfold and also to just pick up to read and enjoy!...The Voice NT makes the Word of God come alive and seem like a well told story of just how it all happened...nothing to be tied up with, in an attempt to understand language which is just difficult for some. The Voice NT makes a good narrative for everyone from about age 12 and up. Children's Bibles still rock in my opinion for littles.
Okay, so go ck out The Voice New Testament ~Step Into the Story of Scripture from Thomas Nelson and see what you think HERE! You can download a book from The Voice NTwhich is pretty cool and also see other resources such as how The Voice NT was put together. I'm always interested in the translation process of Holy Scripture and this is insightful. Go see what you think! Let me know, too! ;-))
I'm praying for my friend to know Jesus and the POWER of His resurrection in her life as His POWER has touched me so much!
TY for stopping by and checking out The Voice NT!
HUGS,
SisterT ;-))
John 1:1-5
John 1:1 Before time itself was measured, the Voice was speaking. The Voice was and is God. (The Voice New Testamament)
(In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.)
John 1:2 This celestial Word remained ever present with the Creator (The Voice NT)
(The same was in the beginning with God.) KJVJohn 1:3 His speech shaped the entire cosmos, Immersed in the practice of creating, all things that ever exist were birthed in Him. (The Voice NT)
(All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.) KJV
John 1:4 His breath filled all things with a living breathing light~ (The Voice NT)
(In him was life; and the life was the light of men.) KJV
John 1:5 A light that thrives in the depths of darkness, blazes through murky bottoms. It cannot and will not be quenched. (The Voice NT)
(And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.) KJV
As one who memorized and knows the KJV, in contrast, I believe that The Voice NT is useful for study by those who like myself and others who enjoy the historical account and story of it, but also for those who are seekers perhaps not yet grasping all the truths of Scripture. I will stick to my KJV Bible for teaching and study, but will always want to grab The Voice NT if I am sharing Scripture with one who needs to see and feel the events unfold and also to just pick up to read and enjoy!...The Voice NT makes the Word of God come alive and seem like a well told story of just how it all happened...nothing to be tied up with, in an attempt to understand language which is just difficult for some. The Voice NT makes a good narrative for everyone from about age 12 and up. Children's Bibles still rock in my opinion for littles.
Okay, so go ck out The Voice New Testament ~Step Into the Story of Scripture from Thomas Nelson and see what you think HERE! You can download a book from The Voice NTwhich is pretty cool and also see other resources such as how The Voice NT was put together. I'm always interested in the translation process of Holy Scripture and this is insightful. Go see what you think! Let me know, too! ;-))
I'm praying for my friend to know Jesus and the POWER of His resurrection in her life as His POWER has touched me so much!
TY for stopping by and checking out The Voice NT!
HUGS,
SisterT ;-))
I received The Voice NT in exchange for my honest opinions as part of the Thomas Nelson Review Bunch. I did not receive any monetary compensation and my opinions are my own.
Monday, April 30, 2012
HELP! I'm In A Mess!
House cleaning IS NOT SisterT's biggest joy, but I do LOVE LOVE LOVE a nice tidy CLEAN house! And it just don't happen without a little elbow grease on my part! But I did some to realize some time ago that I'm NO HOUSEKEEPER, but a DIVINE ...(wink) DECORATOR! I just love to fixy up and pretty up this place..and with all the construction we've been through~man oh man! I've been in a rut...which led me to thinking about a major clean out and spree for SPRING~yup! It's nice and warm now, so it's time to open up our windows and let some SUNSHINE IN~and throw some clutter and dirt OUT...
SOO I googled and found How To CLEAN A HOUSE!
Not overly deep, but did LOVE the flea prevention tip b/c I know it works AND will also prevent bugs...all bugs from entering the home! Hey, with summer fast approaching, we all need a little help in this area, right?
Here's to CLEANING UP!
How's your spring cleaning coming along?
Hugs,
SisterTipster <3
Monday, April 2, 2012
Canning~FOOD Preservation Quandry!
Well, I've had a problem. Last year we canned up all kinds of stuff~and so NOW we are consuming it with gusto...that is until I saw a blackish corrosion in the underside of my lid, well sealed jar of stewed tomatoes! YIKES! Is it going to KILL US?? Rather than take a chance, we pitched the tomatoes and lost some of our hard work, but until I could get a hold of a University Extension Agent for some authoratative info, we just weren't going to take a risk.
You know, home canning is a wonderful strategy for good solid food preservation and nutrition, BUT if you have to pitch out some of it, one might just wonder IF it's worth all the effort!
Well, after getting in touch, I've found that my tomatoes are FINE~oh YES! THEY ARE!! and so tastey, but you gotta know that now that I've had such a scare, SisterT has been busy updating all my info on canning to my trusty notebook so this summer when we're in full harvest/canning mode we will be all geared up with the info we need.
What about you? Are you planning your GARDEN HARVEST already by getting your garden in and working on your knowledge base or supplies?
Here's some ideas:
NOW IS the time to collect up those jars. I'm finding loads at thrift stores for cheap and also on give a way sites like FreeCycle. (FreeCycle http://www.freecycle.org/ (you can search this site for your local group!) is a yahoo group that is in many locations for gifting unwanted items on the FREE!) or other sources like a friend who found 4 boxes on the curb the other day~GOTTA LOVE curbshopping! LOL...
HOW does your GARDEN GROW?? Are you planning one NOW?? In many locations, it's THAT time of year to begin tilling and mulching the soil~and even if you aren't a FARMER BROWN type, you can get some 5 gallon buckets and grow a tomato bush or two..what about some peppers OR a green bean bush OR two?? YUM!! There's NOTHING like home grown produce straight to the pot!
BEGIN researching the HOW on canning! There are supplies you need and methods to follow...HOW overwhelming it will be IF you aren't prepared when your harvest is coming in and you NEED to can in short order~LEARN IT NOW! Practice~get together with someone who KNOWS what they're doing...or go help that person do THEIRS so that you can get their advice on yours! Collect info in a notebook and I recommend the Ball http://www.freshpreserving.com/home.aspx and Univ of GA site http://nchfp.uga.edu/questions/FAQ_canning.html#13 ~ck out your University Extension Office http://foodsafety.osu.edu/ask-the-pros/consumers/ohioline/food-preservation.php as well~Home Economists are usually in each state~it's amazing the wealth of information they have!
FIGURE OUT what you want to eat. THIS IS our biggie this year b/c last year we canned up over 100 qts of tomatoes and honest we haven't eaten that many this year~sooo I will can less, but will can some...but thinking about our garden~WHAT do we want to eat?? I'm loving FRESH FRESH FRESH green beans pan fried in olive oil and garlic~just tender crispy~ooohhla la! AMAZING flavor with just a little CRUNCH! But in the past, it wouldn't have done to eat them THAT way, so we like them canned too~home canned! We even made dilled greenbeans~oh if you haven't tried 'em...but they are soo sosoo good! They're called Dilly Beans! Anyway, we're looking at our garden and making a plan. Last year I also dried up some red peppers and jalapenos and crushed them for our own homemade crushed red pepper spice. YUM! Also hope to plant some fresh dill and basil again and crush for seasonings as well as mint~and don't forget the CATNIP! LOL..your kitty will love you...and one more...stevia is an awesome sweetner~you can grow it and crush it too! woot! Of course, we will do cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, the green beans, peppers, and I'd like to try pumpkins...NOTHING LIKE green pumpkin~oh I know...I digress! LOL...but seriously, figure out what you want to EAT so you can plan and preserve for next year!
Okay, now I know my tomatoes are good~WOOHOO! Sounds like a big pot of homemade speghetti sauce for supper to me!
Be blessed and have a GREAT DAY!
HUGS
SisterT ;-))
You know, home canning is a wonderful strategy for good solid food preservation and nutrition, BUT if you have to pitch out some of it, one might just wonder IF it's worth all the effort!
Well, after getting in touch, I've found that my tomatoes are FINE~oh YES! THEY ARE!! and so tastey, but you gotta know that now that I've had such a scare, SisterT has been busy updating all my info on canning to my trusty notebook so this summer when we're in full harvest/canning mode we will be all geared up with the info we need.
What about you? Are you planning your GARDEN HARVEST already by getting your garden in and working on your knowledge base or supplies?
Here's some ideas:
NOW IS the time to collect up those jars. I'm finding loads at thrift stores for cheap and also on give a way sites like FreeCycle. (FreeCycle http://www.freecycle.org/ (you can search this site for your local group!) is a yahoo group that is in many locations for gifting unwanted items on the FREE!) or other sources like a friend who found 4 boxes on the curb the other day~GOTTA LOVE curbshopping! LOL...
HOW does your GARDEN GROW?? Are you planning one NOW?? In many locations, it's THAT time of year to begin tilling and mulching the soil~and even if you aren't a FARMER BROWN type, you can get some 5 gallon buckets and grow a tomato bush or two..what about some peppers OR a green bean bush OR two?? YUM!! There's NOTHING like home grown produce straight to the pot!
BEGIN researching the HOW on canning! There are supplies you need and methods to follow...HOW overwhelming it will be IF you aren't prepared when your harvest is coming in and you NEED to can in short order~LEARN IT NOW! Practice~get together with someone who KNOWS what they're doing...or go help that person do THEIRS so that you can get their advice on yours! Collect info in a notebook and I recommend the Ball http://www.freshpreserving.com/home.aspx and Univ of GA site http://nchfp.uga.edu/questions/FAQ_canning.html#13 ~ck out your University Extension Office http://foodsafety.osu.edu/ask-the-pros/consumers/ohioline/food-preservation.php as well~Home Economists are usually in each state~it's amazing the wealth of information they have!
FIGURE OUT what you want to eat. THIS IS our biggie this year b/c last year we canned up over 100 qts of tomatoes and honest we haven't eaten that many this year~sooo I will can less, but will can some...but thinking about our garden~WHAT do we want to eat?? I'm loving FRESH FRESH FRESH green beans pan fried in olive oil and garlic~just tender crispy~ooohhla la! AMAZING flavor with just a little CRUNCH! But in the past, it wouldn't have done to eat them THAT way, so we like them canned too~home canned! We even made dilled greenbeans~oh if you haven't tried 'em...but they are soo sosoo good! They're called Dilly Beans! Anyway, we're looking at our garden and making a plan. Last year I also dried up some red peppers and jalapenos and crushed them for our own homemade crushed red pepper spice. YUM! Also hope to plant some fresh dill and basil again and crush for seasonings as well as mint~and don't forget the CATNIP! LOL..your kitty will love you...and one more...stevia is an awesome sweetner~you can grow it and crush it too! woot! Of course, we will do cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, the green beans, peppers, and I'd like to try pumpkins...NOTHING LIKE green pumpkin~oh I know...I digress! LOL...but seriously, figure out what you want to EAT so you can plan and preserve for next year!
Okay, now I know my tomatoes are good~WOOHOO! Sounds like a big pot of homemade speghetti sauce for supper to me!
Be blessed and have a GREAT DAY!
HUGS
SisterT ;-))
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Daily FEAR BUSTING Scriptures...
Are you ever afraid? I am...unfortunately I deal in fear at times. Sometimes my fears have been real, and other times they have taken the forms thoughts running through my mind and often like a little child who is afraid of the 'monster under the bed' or some other thought up or made up thing...and this year, I've been doing some things a little different. I know that my life needs continued transforming power which I believe comes from God so I committed to read and write a short line or two concerning what that verse means to me...I'd like to share them~all I have up to today for you to see and enjoy...FEAR BUSTING is kinda cool b/c it really seems to hit to the heart of the problem~FAITH. Someone has told me:
When fear comes knocking...
SEND JESUS to the door!
Oh yes, here's HOW HE IS helping me combat FEAR in my life and live so much fuller day by day~TY Lord!
I've heard it twice in this new year that there are OVER 365 verses directly dealing with FEAR in Scripture...I want to share them with you all in this year and focus on them each day in my recovery...won't you join me in DEBUNKING FEAR WITH FAITH??
(There are some wonderful recovery notes in the recovery Bibles, but this is my own thoughts I'm sharing...what are your thoughts??) God bless and BIG HUGS,c
FEAR~1/2
In Song: Psalm 23 http://www.bibleinsong.com/Promises/Music_promises/Psalms/Psalm23/Psalm23_4-5.htm
The Lord IS my shepherd and as I follow HIM...abiding or walking or living in the presence (shadow) of death...the reality of the brevity of life...NO FEAR OF EVIL...wow! What can evil do to me as HIS BELOVED? NOTHING! God's protection and provision are MINE...He's my God and my protector...my comforter...my all in all! THEN...the benefits are a table prepared for me...(DARE I SAY I GET TO EAT?? what food though? SPIRITUAL FOOD?? PHYSICAL?? I dare say, it must be all...well made/healthful/satisfying FOOD~perhaps not actually food for the body but for the spirit..or maybe it's physical food too..but either way...HE's prepared it for me...FOR ME..and anointed my head with oil~I am SET APART for HIS purposes and pleasure..HIS WILL in my life...then a huge blessing of my cup (my life? my all? my existance??) RUNS OVER~am I just pouring out in goodness b/c of HIS PROTECTION and provision?? TY dear Lord! TY TY TY for such a gorgeous reminder of ALL You do for me, with me and through me..amen
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FEAR~1/3
Psalm 91:4-7
4He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
This is a cool mental image of God having wings~the idea that HE COVERS ME with HIS faithfulness...HIS CONSTANT CONSISTANT ABIDING presence...protection...provision... as the mother bird covers her needy baby..the little baby bird who is so helpless and frail...
I WILL NOT fear or have terror at life's problems~there's nothing here to deny that there are things that are frightening~BUT JUST (and not a minimalization of it) a promise of HOW GOD will take good care of me despite what I'm going through...a thousand might fall (be defeated) beside me...ten thousand at my right hand (all around me??) BUT I'm GONNA BE OKAY...TY GOD for looking OUT FOR ME in all the turmoil of life... I can lay fear down~for right now...TY again God!
In Mp3 format you can listen to this portion in beautiful Scripture song:
http://www.bibleinsong.com/Promises/Music_promises/Psalms/Psalm91/Psalm91_4-7.htm
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FEAR 1/4
Psalm 19: 7-14
7 The instruction of the LORD is perfect,
renewing one’s life;(E)
the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy,
making the inexperienced wise.(F)
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
making the heart glad;(G)
the command of the LORD is radiant,
making the eyes light up.(H) 9
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;(I)
the ordinances of the LORD are reliable
and altogether righteous.(J)
10 They are more desirable than gold—
than an abundance of pure gold;(K)
and sweeter than honey,
which comes from the honeycomb.(L)
11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them;
there is great reward in keeping them.(M)
12 Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.(N) 13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins;(O) do not let them rule over me.(P)
Then I will be innocent
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.(Q)
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to You,(R) LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.(S)
FEAR isn't always a bad thing when I know that it is a healthy RESPECT and REVERENCE for the way I treat God and His Word in my life~WHAT blessings are there for me...what HOPE and JOY are mine when I do! TY GOD You are the source of all true freedom in this life!
Here's a list of the benefits:
life renewal
inexperienced are wise
heart glad
eyes light up
enduring forever
altogether righteous
WOW!
Have a beautiful day! ;-))
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FEAR 1/5
Psalm 2
Psalm 2
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 ¶ I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 ¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Fear is contrasted with trust. Clearly God can do as He wishes with us and He gives me great promise when He says "Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermosts parts of the earth for they possession. Thou shalk break them witha rod of iron; though shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." WOW~the people who wrong and hurt me are GIVEN TO ME? I suppose this idea is that God promises that I am going to come out on top somehow and be delivered from that pain if they hurt me with their wrongful ways...HE DOES THIS for me~WHAT A PROMISE! WOOT! I no longer have to be affected and concerned with the people who hurt me, but concerned with FEAR in service to God...fear...respect..honor...reverence..NOTHING NEGATIVE about this kind of fear~I guess trading in fear of men with fear the fear of God is sooo worth it~God's abiding promises...WOW!
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1/7
Isaiah 35:4 "Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you."
Isaiah is being instructed to share God's message of care and protection for the fearful~those of us who live in FEAR...a promise is added that God will come and save as well~WOW! God can FIX what I can't, and it's a blessing to remember THAT HE LOVES ME THAT WAY!
BE BLESSED TODAY...and FEAR NOT!
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1/8
This is yet another beautiful PROMISE of God's protection and presence...which gives PEACE..peace in the middle of life's storms! He's gonna HELP ME~and sustain me in the muck and mire of life...the image of His holding my hand is just precious, and little children, like me ;-)) grab on securely trust...Oh help me to trust HIS BIG STRONG HANDS!
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:10,13
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1/9
DOES the Lord have a secret??
Appears so...oh yes, those who FEAR HIM...this is not a terror or irrational fear but honor and reverence~RESPECT...when I look to God there are AMAZING PROMISES for my life! His character OVERSHADOWS my own needy and weak character as I depend upon Him moment by moment...and as a human, I have to remember that life is in the moments...OneDayAtaTime...TY LORD!
Psalm 25:8-21
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
9 The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
11 For Your name’s sake, O LORD,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
12 Who is the man that fears the LORD?
Him shall He[a] teach in the way He[b] chooses.
13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses!
18 Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.
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1/10
Ruth 3:11 "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ever worry about your reputation, what others THINK or believe about you? I have...and God's got our backs just like He had Ruth's when He protected this little widow woman who was in need of provision...Her reputation had been at steak and what Boaz the kinsman redeemer knew about her...well, her reputation made that she was foraging in his fields just peachy ...since a good marriage was next to follow and the linage of David furthered...God had a plan with Ruth's reputation~She was a virtuous woman, much like I should be..yeah, it's a different time period/culture...but God can care for me like He did her in providing for her needs and protecting her! Today is a GOOD DAY when God's GOT ME..(YOU TOO!!)
BE BLESSED!
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1/11
Proverbs 1:7, 20-33
7 The fear of the LORD
is the beginning of knowledge;(G)
fools despise wisdom and discipline.(H
20 Wisdom calls out in the street;
she raises her voice in the public squares.(W)
21 She cries out above[i] the commotion;
she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:
22 “How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?
How long will you mockers(X) enjoy mocking
and you fools hate knowledge?(Y)
23 If you respond to my warning,[j](Z)
then I will pour out my spirit on you(AA)
and teach you my words.
24 Since I called out and you refused,(AB)
extended my hand and no one paid attention,(AC)
25 since you neglected all my counsel(AD)
and did not accept my correction,
26 I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity.(AE)
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when trouble and stress overcome you.
28 Then they will call me, but I won’t answer;
they will search for me, but won’t find me.(AF)
29 Because they hated knowledge,
didn’t choose to fear the LORD,(AG)
30 were not interested in my counsel,
and rejected all my correction,(AH)
31 they will eat the fruit of their way(AI)
and be glutted with their own schemes.(AJ)
32 For the turning away of the inexperienced will kill them,(AK)
and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
33 But whoever listens to me will live securely
and be free from the fear of danger.”(
FEAR isn't always a bad thing...fear of the Lord IS the BEGINNING of knowledge...and listening to God means I will live securely and be FREE FROM the FEAR of DANGER...wow! Okay, so I better 'listen' to God and not be like that person in the verses who God won't answer...Lord, please don't let ME be that person...even for a moment today~help me to seek you in godly FEAR all this day and everyday!
What joy and peace there has to be...SECURITY when I can live FREE FROM the FEAR of DANGER!
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1/12
Matthew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[a] drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[b] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[c]
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
This particular passage contains imho a great paradox~losing my life will save it (vs 37). HOW can losing be gaining? It appears to be in the sacrifices of service~Jesus is clearly sending out His disciples (the 12) into ministry and service to share His message...He explains a good deal about its impact~the divisions that it will cause/THE COSTs..(v17-38). There are costs~namely DEATH..and more...And verse 38 discloses the sacrifice of 'taking up my cross and following HIM)~doesn't sound much like a 'wealth and prosperity doctrine' does it? But the PROMISES are clear: AS I FEAR NOT (as He instructs them twice (v 26 & 28)) I can trust Him as He promises reward...verse 42 says as I provide service to my fellow man, I won't lose the implied reward~ WOOT! There's a whole lot in here for me today~and giving God my FEAR and living FEARLESS is certainly an act of obedience to Him...Wonder what would have happened IF one of those disciples or a group of them had said...NO LORD, WE ARE NOT GOING~we're too afraid? It's a scary world out there! (and it was~Remember the times they lived..ROME and crucifixion/violent justice all around)! Woo~wonder what impact their disobedience would have had on the message being shared from Him?
Because of His promise, I can safely and confidently say for today~YES JESUS~I'm going...TY!
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1/13
Today for some is a DREADED day~day of poor or bad luck but I've chosen for many years to believe today is good and a gracious gift from God...Here's our verse for today~
Genesis 15:1 "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."
1 After these events, the word of the LORD came(A) to Abram in a vision:
Do not be afraid,(B) Abram.
I am your shield;(C) your reward will be very great.
2 But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”[a] 3 Abram continued, “Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in[b] my house will be my heir.”
4 Now the word of the LORD came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body[c] will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then He said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.”(D)
6 Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.(E)
7 He also said to him, “I am Yahweh who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”(F)
8 But he said, “Lord GOD, how can I know(G) that I will possess it?”
9 He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
10 So he brought all these to Him, split them down the middle, and laid the pieces opposite each other, but he did not cut up the birds.(H) 11 Birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. 12 As the sun was setting, a deep sleep(I) fell on Abram, and suddenly great terror and darkness descended on him.
13 Then the LORD said to Abram,(J) “Know this for certain: Your offspring will be foreigners(K) in a land that does not belong to them; they will be enslaved and oppressed[d] 400 years.(L) 14 However, I will judge the nation they serve,(M) and afterward they will go out with many possessions.(N) 15 But you will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.(O) 16 In the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”[e](P)
17 When the sun had set and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the divided animals. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “I give this land to your offspring,(Q) from the brook of Egypt(R) to the Euphrates River:[f] 19 the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaim, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.”
God encouraged Abram after he had been to war earlier with Sodom...and well, it seems to me that on the heels of God's great promise of protection/to do something great for him, he asks God a pressing question that had been bothering him: I have no heir~whatcha gonna do about that? Sometimes in the face of God's great promises, the nagging of my heart for the things or issues I have will become paramount in my thinking~an overshadowing of what He promises for the limited view of my heart as I see lack...and Abram lets God know his concern~his desire for a child...God is so faithful...and He is not offended by Abram but begins the process of meeting His desire...the desire of Abram's heart...and of course, the rest is history~a son was given...(called laughter by his mother...imagine being ooold and conceiving a child?? LOL) Uh...I say, you go Sarah...LOL..but not me...I AM too old! LOL..but in this account of God being concerned with Abram's pain and longing, I too can trust that God will give me what IS BEST...on HIS time table and in HIS way...(I am not praying for another child, okay??? LOL)But I am looking to the way of the cross~Jesus to be my shield...what BETTER protection is there? NOT!
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1/14
Genesis 21:17 "And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said unto her, What aileth thee Hagar? FEAR NOT for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is." Imagine having a son who's father really doesn't want him...who is born in less than ideal circumstances or who's very existence causes trouble within the household...Ishamel, the first born of Abraham was such a son~and his mother Hagar certainly suffered at the hands of her mistress, Sarah...I can just imagine the jealousy and rage~the angst Sarah had for this boy and his dear mother...oh what a troubling thing for Hagar to see...of what distress when she grabs her boy and runs away from Abraham's household...She clasps her boy...and...she prepares herself and ultimately him to die...rejected, hated, abandoned, and alone...but God hears this boy...hears and has the angel of God reassure Hagar that there IS a plan...for GOD HATH HEARD...and He hears me. He knows right WHERE I am...even when I don't...even when I am suffering...even when I'm facing death....life worse than death...what reassurance this voice from heaven, the angel of God who asks her WHAT AILETH THEE, Hargar? Oh isn't God interested in all my pain today? OH YES...HE HAS HEARD....me.....
BE BLESSED TODAY and FEAR NOT!
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1/15
Genesis 46:3 "And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: FEAR NOT to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation." Ever worry about your kids or the kids in this world, going places you've never been before or the FUTURE? God has great promises for those who follow Him..He's promised a great future just like He promised Israel or Jacob as he contemplated heading to Egypt, that foreign place where he knew there were 'issues'.... and then...getting such a promise? Sure takes the worry outta all that POTENTIAL bad stuff..TY GOD! You've got my future! TY!
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1/16
I Chronicles 28:20 "And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD."
Teaching FAITH to our children has to be the MOST important thing we can do in this life~David's great legacy over and over in the lives of the future Kings of Israel was so and so king (put whoever king's name you'd like in here out of I and 2 Kings or Chronicles...) "he did (or did not) do according as his FATHER, David..." David's faith and acts of worship MATTERED...and so do mine...even though, like David who sinned, I am not perfect. May my children see the God of Heaven, my Father IN ME~teaching them to FEAR NOT and all of His mighty attributes and character through mine: love, courage, faithfulness, honesty, generosity, humility, patience, joy, peace, longsuffering...all...TY GOD!
BTW~this applies to future generations as evidenced by the chronology of the heritage of David in the royal linage...WHAT WE DO matters!
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1/17
II Chronicles 20:17 "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you."
Imagine going to war...NOT FIGHTING...imagine STANDING STILL..and SEEING the salvation of the Lord with you...IMAGINE WHAT KIND OF HUGE HUGE victory this would be...and whoohoo!WHAT A CELEBRATION afterwards... The Lord promised the nation of Israel just this kind of PROTECTION and PRESENCE in the face of disaster...WHY won't I believe HE CAN and COULD and WILL/WOULD..for ME? This is SOMETHING to really *think* about... "FEAR NOT nor be dismayed...for tomorrow, GO..." Action is the key...ACTION!
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1/18
Isaiah 41:13 "For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
God has my right hand as I walk in this life...HE IS helping me each moment of the day~WHAT peace is mine! TY Lord!
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1/19
Isaiah 41:14 "Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."
Okay, so Jacob was a deceiver~loads of character defects! But GOD SAID: I WILL HELP THEE! I'm so glad HIS HELP doesn't depend upon ME being GOOD! I'm sure just as God didn't wink at the flaws in His holy men of old, He's not winking at mine~but...HE'S PROMISED to HELP me! TY GOD! THERE IS HOPE for all of us..even me!
BE BLESSED!
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1/20
Isaiah 44:2 "Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen."
2 This is what the LORD says—
he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
and who will help you:
Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
Jeshurun,[a] whom I have chosen.
Footnotes:
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1/21
Luke 12:7 "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."
I can't imagine COUNTING all the hairs in my hairbrush that seem to 'magically' appear in it after a week of grooming~BUT God knows just how many are in MY HEAD (all the time)...oh man, that's pretty detailed, I'd say! God is INTERESTED in THAT kind of detail about MEeee??? And He tells me to FEAR NOT~ I am OF MORE VALUE~WOW!!...yup, I am.. :-)) (GRIN!)
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1/22
Luke 12:32 "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Got your CROWN ON?? We're HIS FLOCK (not some other shepherd's..LOL) and GETTn' the KINGDOM! WOOT! NO MORE turkey scratching for ROYALTY, okay?? WE'RE HIS AND GOT NOTHN' TO FEAR~HE SAYYYYS so! WOOT! (Don't get much better!)
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1/23
Revelation 1:17 "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last."
I just can't imagine what it will be like to SEE the Lord, but if this verse is any indication, my arrogance and pride will all get wiped out somewhere between when my eyes and brain connect and my body HITS THE GROUND! What comfort though in HIS TOUCH~healing touch, He offers when HE SAYS, I AM THE FIRST and the LAST~This to me, just says it all...beginnings AND endings...in my life, in this world,,,for EVERYTHING. I really don't need to FEAR~for when God's GOT ME in the start and end~WHAT can FEAR do to me?
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1/24
I Kings 17:13 "And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son."
Interesting story~widow woman who running OUT of provisions (flour of some kind) has dealt with the prophet Elijah...now she's to take care of God's portion first (by caring for Elijah making him a cake,) BUT NEXT, she is to fix for herself and her boy...ALL without fear...wonder HOW scared I am when I'm running OUT of the very thing God is asking me to give HIM?? Evidently, God shows HIS PROVISION and PROTECTION to this little widow woman/mom by making SURE there is ENOUGH~oh yes, Lord...there IS ENOUGH...TY...Lord, help me to have YOUR PERSPECTIVE on YOUR provision/protection/promises! AMEN!!
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1/25
Luke 1:13 "But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."
GOD heard Zacharias' prayer for a child~HE CAN HEAR ME! (IMAGINE AN ANGEL showing UP to SHARE GOOD NEWS! THAT would be...fear inducing. BUT he was told, FEAR NOT...I am NOT gonna FEAR either.) Seen any angels, lately?? ;-)) The thought is pretty cool!
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1/26
Zechariah 8:13 "And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong."
God can take a BAD circumstance and TURN IT AROUND...making ME a blessing (in or through it!) AND HE TELLS ME TO "Let your(MY) hands BE STRONG." THIS IS my part...MY ACTION~what I gotta DO! So today, Lord, make my hands strong to DO..for You! TY Lord!
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1/27
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.I John 4:18
They say, LOVE CONQUERS ALL~yup....pretty much covers it..b/c IT DRIVES OUT FEAR! WOOT! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Oh yeah! Isn't it GREAT that GOD IS LOVE? HE IS..and look what LOVE can do! ;-))
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1/28
I Chronicles 28:20 "And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD."
FEAR and dismay~BUSTED...b/c God won't FAIL NOR FORSAKE me until I have FINISHED all the work for the SERVICE of the HOUSE OF THE LORD...Sounds (to me) like God is interested in my service in HIS HOUSE...I will be busy today for HIS KINGDOM~HIS HOUSE! TY Lord!
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1/29
II Kings 6:16 "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
IF I COULD SEE the battle as God does...IN HIS VIEWPOINT~what a change I could live in! Lord, help me to put on my spiritual glasses and SEE this battle like You do and then to ACT accordingly! WOOT~V I C T O R Y issssssss HIS!
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1/30
Isaiah 35:4 "Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you."
DEFINITION: RECOMPENSE~repay, reward
I have to keep in mind that GOD KNOWS and SEES all~and HE WILL REPAY/REWARD what pleases HIM...Okay, so I KNOW I'm not perfect~nope, far from it...but He tells me to FEAR NOT and HE COMES WITH VENGENCE with repaying or reward..He's gonna come and save ME~WOOT! (Wonder what he's gonna do to my enemies?~NOT MY BUSINESS!) I am gonna focus on HIS CARE for...ME! TY Lord!
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1/31
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.I John 4:18
PERFECT LOVE~the Love of GOD drives OUT fear...woot! Help me, Lord to walk in YOUR LOVE!
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When fear comes knocking...
SEND JESUS to the door!
Oh yes, here's HOW HE IS helping me combat FEAR in my life and live so much fuller day by day~TY Lord!
I've heard it twice in this new year that there are OVER 365 verses directly dealing with FEAR in Scripture...I want to share them with you all in this year and focus on them each day in my recovery...won't you join me in DEBUNKING FEAR WITH FAITH??
(There are some wonderful recovery notes in the recovery Bibles, but this is my own thoughts I'm sharing...what are your thoughts??) God bless and BIG HUGS,c
FEAR~1/2
In Song: Psalm 23 http://www.bibleinsong.com/Promises/Music_promises/Psalms/Psalm23/Psalm23_4-5.htm
The Lord IS my shepherd and as I follow HIM...abiding or walking or living in the presence (shadow) of death...the reality of the brevity of life...NO FEAR OF EVIL...wow! What can evil do to me as HIS BELOVED? NOTHING! God's protection and provision are MINE...He's my God and my protector...my comforter...my all in all! THEN...the benefits are a table prepared for me...(DARE I SAY I GET TO EAT?? what food though? SPIRITUAL FOOD?? PHYSICAL?? I dare say, it must be all...well made/healthful/satisfying FOOD~perhaps not actually food for the body but for the spirit..or maybe it's physical food too..but either way...HE's prepared it for me...FOR ME..and anointed my head with oil~I am SET APART for HIS purposes and pleasure..HIS WILL in my life...then a huge blessing of my cup (my life? my all? my existance??) RUNS OVER~am I just pouring out in goodness b/c of HIS PROTECTION and provision?? TY dear Lord! TY TY TY for such a gorgeous reminder of ALL You do for me, with me and through me..amen
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FEAR~1/3
Psalm 91:4-7
4He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
This is a cool mental image of God having wings~the idea that HE COVERS ME with HIS faithfulness...HIS CONSTANT CONSISTANT ABIDING presence...protection...provision... as the mother bird covers her needy baby..the little baby bird who is so helpless and frail...
I WILL NOT fear or have terror at life's problems~there's nothing here to deny that there are things that are frightening~BUT JUST (and not a minimalization of it) a promise of HOW GOD will take good care of me despite what I'm going through...a thousand might fall (be defeated) beside me...ten thousand at my right hand (all around me??) BUT I'm GONNA BE OKAY...TY GOD for looking OUT FOR ME in all the turmoil of life... I can lay fear down~for right now...TY again God!
In Mp3 format you can listen to this portion in beautiful Scripture song:
http://www.bibleinsong.com/Promises/Music_promises/Psalms/Psalm91/Psalm91_4-7.htm
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FEAR 1/4
Psalm 19: 7-14
7 The instruction of the LORD is perfect,
renewing one’s life;(E)
the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy,
making the inexperienced wise.(F)
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
making the heart glad;(G)
the command of the LORD is radiant,
making the eyes light up.(H) 9
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;(I)
the ordinances of the LORD are reliable
and altogether righteous.(J)
10 They are more desirable than gold—
than an abundance of pure gold;(K)
and sweeter than honey,
which comes from the honeycomb.(L)
11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them;
there is great reward in keeping them.(M)
12 Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.(N) 13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins;(O) do not let them rule over me.(P)
Then I will be innocent
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.(Q)
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to You,(R) LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.(S)
FEAR isn't always a bad thing when I know that it is a healthy RESPECT and REVERENCE for the way I treat God and His Word in my life~WHAT blessings are there for me...what HOPE and JOY are mine when I do! TY GOD You are the source of all true freedom in this life!
Here's a list of the benefits:
life renewal
inexperienced are wise
heart glad
eyes light up
enduring forever
altogether righteous
WOW!
Have a beautiful day! ;-))
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FEAR 1/5
Psalm 2
Psalm 2
1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 ¶ I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 ¶ Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Fear is contrasted with trust. Clearly God can do as He wishes with us and He gives me great promise when He says "Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermosts parts of the earth for they possession. Thou shalk break them witha rod of iron; though shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." WOW~the people who wrong and hurt me are GIVEN TO ME? I suppose this idea is that God promises that I am going to come out on top somehow and be delivered from that pain if they hurt me with their wrongful ways...HE DOES THIS for me~WHAT A PROMISE! WOOT! I no longer have to be affected and concerned with the people who hurt me, but concerned with FEAR in service to God...fear...respect..honor...reverence..NOTHING NEGATIVE about this kind of fear~I guess trading in fear of men with fear the fear of God is sooo worth it~God's abiding promises...WOW!
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1/7
Isaiah 35:4 "Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you."
Isaiah is being instructed to share God's message of care and protection for the fearful~those of us who live in FEAR...a promise is added that God will come and save as well~WOW! God can FIX what I can't, and it's a blessing to remember THAT HE LOVES ME THAT WAY!
BE BLESSED TODAY...and FEAR NOT!
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1/8
This is yet another beautiful PROMISE of God's protection and presence...which gives PEACE..peace in the middle of life's storms! He's gonna HELP ME~and sustain me in the muck and mire of life...the image of His holding my hand is just precious, and little children, like me ;-)) grab on securely trust...Oh help me to trust HIS BIG STRONG HANDS!
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Fear not,
I am the one who helps you.”
Isaiah 41:10,13
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1/9
DOES the Lord have a secret??
Appears so...oh yes, those who FEAR HIM...this is not a terror or irrational fear but honor and reverence~RESPECT...when I look to God there are AMAZING PROMISES for my life! His character OVERSHADOWS my own needy and weak character as I depend upon Him moment by moment...and as a human, I have to remember that life is in the moments...OneDayAtaTime...TY LORD!
Psalm 25:8-21
8 Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He teaches sinners in the way.
9 The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He teaches His way.
10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies.
11 For Your name’s sake, O LORD,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
12 Who is the man that fears the LORD?
Him shall He[a] teach in the way He[b] chooses.
13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses!
18 Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You.
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1/10
Ruth 3:11 "And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman."
Ever worry about your reputation, what others THINK or believe about you? I have...and God's got our backs just like He had Ruth's when He protected this little widow woman who was in need of provision...Her reputation had been at steak and what Boaz the kinsman redeemer knew about her...well, her reputation made that she was foraging in his fields just peachy ...since a good marriage was next to follow and the linage of David furthered...God had a plan with Ruth's reputation~She was a virtuous woman, much like I should be..yeah, it's a different time period/culture...but God can care for me like He did her in providing for her needs and protecting her! Today is a GOOD DAY when God's GOT ME..(YOU TOO!!)
BE BLESSED!
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1/11
Proverbs 1:7, 20-33
7 The fear of the LORD
is the beginning of knowledge;(G)
fools despise wisdom and discipline.(H
20 Wisdom calls out in the street;
she raises her voice in the public squares.(W)
21 She cries out above[i] the commotion;
she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:
22 “How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance?
How long will you mockers(X) enjoy mocking
and you fools hate knowledge?(Y)
23 If you respond to my warning,[j](Z)
then I will pour out my spirit on you(AA)
and teach you my words.
24 Since I called out and you refused,(AB)
extended my hand and no one paid attention,(AC)
25 since you neglected all my counsel(AD)
and did not accept my correction,
26 I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity.(AE)
I will mock when terror strikes you,
27 when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when trouble and stress overcome you.
28 Then they will call me, but I won’t answer;
they will search for me, but won’t find me.(AF)
29 Because they hated knowledge,
didn’t choose to fear the LORD,(AG)
30 were not interested in my counsel,
and rejected all my correction,(AH)
31 they will eat the fruit of their way(AI)
and be glutted with their own schemes.(AJ)
32 For the turning away of the inexperienced will kill them,(AK)
and the complacency of fools will destroy them.
33 But whoever listens to me will live securely
and be free from the fear of danger.”(
FEAR isn't always a bad thing...fear of the Lord IS the BEGINNING of knowledge...and listening to God means I will live securely and be FREE FROM the FEAR of DANGER...wow! Okay, so I better 'listen' to God and not be like that person in the verses who God won't answer...Lord, please don't let ME be that person...even for a moment today~help me to seek you in godly FEAR all this day and everyday!
What joy and peace there has to be...SECURITY when I can live FREE FROM the FEAR of DANGER!
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1/12
Matthew 10:28 "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Jesus Sends Out the Twelve
1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.
2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[a] drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
9 “Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— 10 no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household!
26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[b] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
“‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— 36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’[c]
37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
40 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. 41 Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
This particular passage contains imho a great paradox~losing my life will save it (vs 37). HOW can losing be gaining? It appears to be in the sacrifices of service~Jesus is clearly sending out His disciples (the 12) into ministry and service to share His message...He explains a good deal about its impact~the divisions that it will cause/THE COSTs..(v17-38). There are costs~namely DEATH..and more...And verse 38 discloses the sacrifice of 'taking up my cross and following HIM)~doesn't sound much like a 'wealth and prosperity doctrine' does it? But the PROMISES are clear: AS I FEAR NOT (as He instructs them twice (v 26 & 28)) I can trust Him as He promises reward...verse 42 says as I provide service to my fellow man, I won't lose the implied reward~ WOOT! There's a whole lot in here for me today~and giving God my FEAR and living FEARLESS is certainly an act of obedience to Him...Wonder what would have happened IF one of those disciples or a group of them had said...NO LORD, WE ARE NOT GOING~we're too afraid? It's a scary world out there! (and it was~Remember the times they lived..ROME and crucifixion/violent justice all around)! Woo~wonder what impact their disobedience would have had on the message being shared from Him?
Because of His promise, I can safely and confidently say for today~YES JESUS~I'm going...TY!
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1/13
Today for some is a DREADED day~day of poor or bad luck but I've chosen for many years to believe today is good and a gracious gift from God...Here's our verse for today~
Genesis 15:1 "After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."
1 After these events, the word of the LORD came(A) to Abram in a vision:
Do not be afraid,(B) Abram.
I am your shield;(C) your reward will be very great.
2 But Abram said, “Lord GOD, what can You give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?”[a] 3 Abram continued, “Look, You have given me no offspring, so a slave born in[b] my house will be my heir.”
4 Now the word of the LORD came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body[c] will be your heir.” 5 He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then He said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.”(D)
6 Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.(E)
7 He also said to him, “I am Yahweh who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”(F)
8 But he said, “Lord GOD, how can I know(G) that I will possess it?”
9 He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old cow, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.”
10 So he brought all these to Him, split them down the middle, and laid the pieces opposite each other, but he did not cut up the birds.(H) 11 Birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away. 12 As the sun was setting, a deep sleep(I) fell on Abram, and suddenly great terror and darkness descended on him.
13 Then the LORD said to Abram,(J) “Know this for certain: Your offspring will be foreigners(K) in a land that does not belong to them; they will be enslaved and oppressed[d] 400 years.(L) 14 However, I will judge the nation they serve,(M) and afterward they will go out with many possessions.(N) 15 But you will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age.(O) 16 In the fourth generation they will return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites has not yet reached its full measure.”[e](P)
17 When the sun had set and it was dark, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the divided animals. 18 On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, “I give this land to your offspring,(Q) from the brook of Egypt(R) to the Euphrates River:[f] 19 the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, 20 Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaim, 21 Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.”
God encouraged Abram after he had been to war earlier with Sodom...and well, it seems to me that on the heels of God's great promise of protection/to do something great for him, he asks God a pressing question that had been bothering him: I have no heir~whatcha gonna do about that? Sometimes in the face of God's great promises, the nagging of my heart for the things or issues I have will become paramount in my thinking~an overshadowing of what He promises for the limited view of my heart as I see lack...and Abram lets God know his concern~his desire for a child...God is so faithful...and He is not offended by Abram but begins the process of meeting His desire...the desire of Abram's heart...and of course, the rest is history~a son was given...(called laughter by his mother...imagine being ooold and conceiving a child?? LOL) Uh...I say, you go Sarah...LOL..but not me...I AM too old! LOL..but in this account of God being concerned with Abram's pain and longing, I too can trust that God will give me what IS BEST...on HIS time table and in HIS way...(I am not praying for another child, okay??? LOL)But I am looking to the way of the cross~Jesus to be my shield...what BETTER protection is there? NOT!
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1/14
Genesis 21:17 "And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven and said unto her, What aileth thee Hagar? FEAR NOT for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is." Imagine having a son who's father really doesn't want him...who is born in less than ideal circumstances or who's very existence causes trouble within the household...Ishamel, the first born of Abraham was such a son~and his mother Hagar certainly suffered at the hands of her mistress, Sarah...I can just imagine the jealousy and rage~the angst Sarah had for this boy and his dear mother...oh what a troubling thing for Hagar to see...of what distress when she grabs her boy and runs away from Abraham's household...She clasps her boy...and...she prepares herself and ultimately him to die...rejected, hated, abandoned, and alone...but God hears this boy...hears and has the angel of God reassure Hagar that there IS a plan...for GOD HATH HEARD...and He hears me. He knows right WHERE I am...even when I don't...even when I am suffering...even when I'm facing death....life worse than death...what reassurance this voice from heaven, the angel of God who asks her WHAT AILETH THEE, Hargar? Oh isn't God interested in all my pain today? OH YES...HE HAS HEARD....me.....
BE BLESSED TODAY and FEAR NOT!
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1/15
Genesis 46:3 "And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: FEAR NOT to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation." Ever worry about your kids or the kids in this world, going places you've never been before or the FUTURE? God has great promises for those who follow Him..He's promised a great future just like He promised Israel or Jacob as he contemplated heading to Egypt, that foreign place where he knew there were 'issues'.... and then...getting such a promise? Sure takes the worry outta all that POTENTIAL bad stuff..TY GOD! You've got my future! TY!
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1/16
I Chronicles 28:20 "And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD."
Teaching FAITH to our children has to be the MOST important thing we can do in this life~David's great legacy over and over in the lives of the future Kings of Israel was so and so king (put whoever king's name you'd like in here out of I and 2 Kings or Chronicles...) "he did (or did not) do according as his FATHER, David..." David's faith and acts of worship MATTERED...and so do mine...even though, like David who sinned, I am not perfect. May my children see the God of Heaven, my Father IN ME~teaching them to FEAR NOT and all of His mighty attributes and character through mine: love, courage, faithfulness, honesty, generosity, humility, patience, joy, peace, longsuffering...all...TY GOD!
BTW~this applies to future generations as evidenced by the chronology of the heritage of David in the royal linage...WHAT WE DO matters!
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1/17
II Chronicles 20:17 "Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you."
Imagine going to war...NOT FIGHTING...imagine STANDING STILL..and SEEING the salvation of the Lord with you...IMAGINE WHAT KIND OF HUGE HUGE victory this would be...and whoohoo!WHAT A CELEBRATION afterwards... The Lord promised the nation of Israel just this kind of PROTECTION and PRESENCE in the face of disaster...WHY won't I believe HE CAN and COULD and WILL/WOULD..for ME? This is SOMETHING to really *think* about... "FEAR NOT nor be dismayed...for tomorrow, GO..." Action is the key...ACTION!
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1/18
Isaiah 41:13 "For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee."
God has my right hand as I walk in this life...HE IS helping me each moment of the day~WHAT peace is mine! TY Lord!
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1/19
Isaiah 41:14 "Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel."
Okay, so Jacob was a deceiver~loads of character defects! But GOD SAID: I WILL HELP THEE! I'm so glad HIS HELP doesn't depend upon ME being GOOD! I'm sure just as God didn't wink at the flaws in His holy men of old, He's not winking at mine~but...HE'S PROMISED to HELP me! TY GOD! THERE IS HOPE for all of us..even me!
BE BLESSED!
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1/20
Isaiah 44:2 "Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen."
2 This is what the LORD says—
he who made you, who formed you in the womb,
and who will help you:
Do not be afraid, Jacob, my servant,
Jeshurun,[a] whom I have chosen.
Footnotes:
- Isaiah 44:2 Jeshurun means the upright one, that is, Israel.
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1/21
Luke 12:7 "But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows."
I can't imagine COUNTING all the hairs in my hairbrush that seem to 'magically' appear in it after a week of grooming~BUT God knows just how many are in MY HEAD (all the time)...oh man, that's pretty detailed, I'd say! God is INTERESTED in THAT kind of detail about MEeee??? And He tells me to FEAR NOT~ I am OF MORE VALUE~WOW!!...yup, I am.. :-)) (GRIN!)
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1/22
Luke 12:32 "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."
Got your CROWN ON?? We're HIS FLOCK (not some other shepherd's..LOL) and GETTn' the KINGDOM! WOOT! NO MORE turkey scratching for ROYALTY, okay?? WE'RE HIS AND GOT NOTHN' TO FEAR~HE SAYYYYS so! WOOT! (Don't get much better!)
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1/23
Revelation 1:17 "And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last."
I just can't imagine what it will be like to SEE the Lord, but if this verse is any indication, my arrogance and pride will all get wiped out somewhere between when my eyes and brain connect and my body HITS THE GROUND! What comfort though in HIS TOUCH~healing touch, He offers when HE SAYS, I AM THE FIRST and the LAST~This to me, just says it all...beginnings AND endings...in my life, in this world,,,for EVERYTHING. I really don't need to FEAR~for when God's GOT ME in the start and end~WHAT can FEAR do to me?
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1/24
I Kings 17:13 "And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son."
Interesting story~widow woman who running OUT of provisions (flour of some kind) has dealt with the prophet Elijah...now she's to take care of God's portion first (by caring for Elijah making him a cake,) BUT NEXT, she is to fix for herself and her boy...ALL without fear...wonder HOW scared I am when I'm running OUT of the very thing God is asking me to give HIM?? Evidently, God shows HIS PROVISION and PROTECTION to this little widow woman/mom by making SURE there is ENOUGH~oh yes, Lord...there IS ENOUGH...TY...Lord, help me to have YOUR PERSPECTIVE on YOUR provision/protection/promises! AMEN!!
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1/25
Luke 1:13 "But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John."
GOD heard Zacharias' prayer for a child~HE CAN HEAR ME! (IMAGINE AN ANGEL showing UP to SHARE GOOD NEWS! THAT would be...fear inducing. BUT he was told, FEAR NOT...I am NOT gonna FEAR either.) Seen any angels, lately?? ;-)) The thought is pretty cool!
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1/26
Zechariah 8:13 "And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong."
God can take a BAD circumstance and TURN IT AROUND...making ME a blessing (in or through it!) AND HE TELLS ME TO "Let your(MY) hands BE STRONG." THIS IS my part...MY ACTION~what I gotta DO! So today, Lord, make my hands strong to DO..for You! TY Lord!
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1/27
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.I John 4:18
They say, LOVE CONQUERS ALL~yup....pretty much covers it..b/c IT DRIVES OUT FEAR! WOOT! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! Oh yeah! Isn't it GREAT that GOD IS LOVE? HE IS..and look what LOVE can do! ;-))
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1/28
I Chronicles 28:20 "And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD."
FEAR and dismay~BUSTED...b/c God won't FAIL NOR FORSAKE me until I have FINISHED all the work for the SERVICE of the HOUSE OF THE LORD...Sounds (to me) like God is interested in my service in HIS HOUSE...I will be busy today for HIS KINGDOM~HIS HOUSE! TY Lord!
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1/29
II Kings 6:16 "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."
IF I COULD SEE the battle as God does...IN HIS VIEWPOINT~what a change I could live in! Lord, help me to put on my spiritual glasses and SEE this battle like You do and then to ACT accordingly! WOOT~V I C T O R Y issssssss HIS!
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1/30
Isaiah 35:4 "Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you."
DEFINITION: RECOMPENSE~repay, reward
I have to keep in mind that GOD KNOWS and SEES all~and HE WILL REPAY/REWARD what pleases HIM...Okay, so I KNOW I'm not perfect~nope, far from it...but He tells me to FEAR NOT and HE COMES WITH VENGENCE with repaying or reward..He's gonna come and save ME~WOOT! (Wonder what he's gonna do to my enemies?~NOT MY BUSINESS!) I am gonna focus on HIS CARE for...ME! TY Lord!
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1/31
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.I John 4:18
PERFECT LOVE~the Love of GOD drives OUT fear...woot! Help me, Lord to walk in YOUR LOVE!
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More on FEAR in the month of Feb:-))
2/1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3
Imagine TOTAL catastrophe~I almost can't, but the Y2K scare was terror inducing enough...MOUNTAINS INTO THE SEA? I think a whole lot about those 'jumpers' from the World Trade Center~people facing fire and flame so hot it was MELTING steel...okay, so...GOD IS MY REFUGE and STRENGTH...A VERY PRESENT H E L P...in trouble...TY Lord!
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2/2
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalm 56:3-4
FEAR has no schedule, but WHEN it crops UP I can look to HIS WORD for comfort and peace...I WILL NOT FEAR...
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2/3
So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13: 6
Humans can do a lot to each other, but I can CONFIDENTLY say that GOD IS MY HELP!
GO GOD! GO GOD! I am depending upon YOU!
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2/4
2/5
Daniel 10:19 "And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me."
NO fear, peace and strength...ALL IN HIS speaking to me..."LET MY LORD SPEAK"...He strengthens! TY LORD!
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2/6
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Sooo WHO gives FEAR??? ANY guesses??? I *think* I know...I'm guessing~YOU DO TOO!
TY God for NOT giving me fear...but POWER, LOVE and SELF-DISCIPLINE! WOOT!
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2/7
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Jesus said these words to His followers...I can count on HIM b/c I TOO follow...Soo true, the world can't deal in my troubles or FEAR...on HIM giving me PEACE of mind and heart! TY Lord!
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2/8
They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:7
CONFIDENCE...NO FEAR of bad news...the Lord's care...HIS CARE...CONFIDENCE... SOUNDS GREAT to me! WOOT!
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2/9
Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one! Isiah 44:8 NLT
I am coming to believe and understand that there IS NOT help aside from GOD...HE IS the ROCK! Amen and AMEN! TY Lord, God! Help me to rely upon You more and more! Check my fear~big time God and let me rest in You... ;-))
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2/1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3
Imagine TOTAL catastrophe~I almost can't, but the Y2K scare was terror inducing enough...MOUNTAINS INTO THE SEA? I think a whole lot about those 'jumpers' from the World Trade Center~people facing fire and flame so hot it was MELTING steel...okay, so...GOD IS MY REFUGE and STRENGTH...A VERY PRESENT H E L P...in trouble...TY Lord!
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2/2
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. Psalm 56:3-4
FEAR has no schedule, but WHEN it crops UP I can look to HIS WORD for comfort and peace...I WILL NOT FEAR...
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2/3
So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13: 6
Humans can do a lot to each other, but I can CONFIDENTLY say that GOD IS MY HELP!
GO GOD! GO GOD! I am depending upon YOU!
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2/4
2/5
Daniel 10:19 "And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me."
NO fear, peace and strength...ALL IN HIS speaking to me..."LET MY LORD SPEAK"...He strengthens! TY LORD!
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2/6
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Sooo WHO gives FEAR??? ANY guesses??? I *think* I know...I'm guessing~YOU DO TOO!
TY God for NOT giving me fear...but POWER, LOVE and SELF-DISCIPLINE! WOOT!
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2/7
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Jesus said these words to His followers...I can count on HIM b/c I TOO follow...Soo true, the world can't deal in my troubles or FEAR...on HIM giving me PEACE of mind and heart! TY Lord!
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2/8
They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:7
CONFIDENCE...NO FEAR of bad news...the Lord's care...HIS CARE...CONFIDENCE... SOUNDS GREAT to me! WOOT!
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2/9
Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago? You are my witnesses—is there any other God? No! There is no other Rock—not one! Isiah 44:8 NLT
I am coming to believe and understand that there IS NOT help aside from GOD...HE IS the ROCK! Amen and AMEN! TY Lord, God! Help me to rely upon You more and more! Check my fear~big time God and let me rest in You... ;-))
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Wednesday, February 8, 2012
REVIEW & GiveAway~Cooper & Me and the Military (children's book)
Cooper and Me and the Military
by Alexa and Monique PetersHardcover 27 pages
WEBSITE: HERE!
Ages: Preschool-3rd grade
I received Cooper and Me and the Military for review as part of the Propeller Review team for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My opinions are my own.
There's a freebie included with this book of a download for a FREE song included in the book as well as a section of parent-child communication areas such as Connections, Life Lessons, and Learning Together.
Measuring 8.5X8.5 in hardcover with glossy pages this book is a great addition to any child's library, male or female. I'm from a military town and actively support our military with prayers and other encouragement having at one time written soldiers who were deployed with my children.
Another real charm of this little book for me is the beautiful child-like illustrations that remind me of some of my own daughter's early artwork...but most of all, the little girl~Alexa..her picture reminds me of my own daughter...We have a black Lab too!
HERE's THE GIVEAWAY~
Leave me a shout out and you are entered in this giveAway~Contest ends 2/14/2012 11:59PM ET
Thanks so much!
SisterT <3
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Friday, January 27, 2012
I'm DIFFERENT NOW....SO...
It's really tough to KNOW what to do when life becomes different and it makes changes in us...I have just undergone such changes~and I AM DIFFERENT NOW...oh I'm still encapsulated in this same ole body and my thoughts and values haven't changed, but in my focus, I have moved, changed, rearranged somewhat...and my little effort here has suddenly left me without participation. I no longer can participate. Not because I don't want to, but because I am no longer homeschooling my kids MYSELF, but we have moved into the total techno age and utilizing the K12 program in a 'virtual academy.' My kids are enrolled in the largest highschool in our state and with good reason. It pools students far and wide. My two are just that..but it's left me in a DIFFERENT focus and mindset. I am no longer as intimately involved~it's THEIR game now, much more so THAN EVER...and so what do I share with you? I've found this hard. Very hard. I have loved writing for you dear reader over these past several years promoting the ideals of a Christian home education and so honestly believed and still do that it's possible to go the whole nine yards~totally the 12 or 13 yrs if you want to count kindergarten and instill all that is necessary and valuable in our children..YES~I STILL believe...but since my kids are now in an online public school, homeschooling antics while there are still many, may not be as inspiring or interesting to some..or may seem like we've somehow divorced the ranks of the homeschooled OR we might just be seen as more odd than others. But for whatever the issues, for me I am not inspired often to share about our current processes~even though I am no less proud. I'm just not sure that you care...kwim?? So with that, I have realized I have some choices concerning this newfound life I have~I can either leave this blog and all of you or I can refocus on another aspect of life~my life...and I DO have a life...LOL..that mothering and homeschooling didn't take it all or consume me entirely...so I believe I will begin today to put homeschooling in a good and solid place here in my blog much as I have done in my own life~in the past with all the grand experiences and memories...and move into my present and share..share..share...WHAT life is like...now and in the future of life...as a wife, mother...daughter...woman...Christian...There's a CHANGE going on here...in the next little bit~you will see...ME...differenly...but I am ...and don't blink..LOL, b/c it's likely to change again in a flash! B/C (I can!) LOL...No, seriously, I am excited about a refocus of SisterTipster and will be incorporating many facets into one ideal..right here, with you!
Have a beautiful day in the Lord!
SisterT <3
Have a beautiful day in the Lord!
SisterT <3
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
GiveAway & Review: A Mile In His Shoes (DVD) ENDS 1/22/12
Do you like FEEL GOOD extra cool movies? We do at my house, and A Mile In His Shoes is a really great film for a boy or teenage boy OR the whole family...My son loved it! He gives it the THUMBS UP! He says it's a good movie!
Here's the scoop:
"Sometimes MIRACLES HAPPEN when you least expect them and late in the game."
Special needs...Mickey has Asperghers and has a special baseball gift..and more! You will love this movie, and it's FANTASTIC for the entire family! (Rated PG so be sure to preview before your littles...but overall very good!)
AND I get to GiveAway a copy for a wonderful reader! TY ALL so much!
Leave me a comment and tell me WHAT special gift or talent do you SEE in your child ;-)) God gives each of our children a wonderful unique something special JUST for them!
And that's it~for one entry for the giveaway OR if you want 3 more entries, follow me on and leave a comment three times telling me that you did or do ;-)) We'll end this one on Sunday 1/22 11:59PM ET!
Check out the facebook page for
A Mile In His Shoes
Blessings,
SisterT
PaperWork:
“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Family Movie Night~Game of Your LIfe
Walmart and P&G (Proctor and Gamble) have once again teamed up for a great movie that is family friendly~Set in the mid west, Zach Taylor is a promising game designer who has won a chance to make it big...but his values are tested~HOW WILL Zach pull it all together? Will he be able to be true to his family AND his team??...This film will appeal to boys who are into computer games as well as girls. It's totally family friendly with a great plot and outcome. It's set to air Friday, Dec 2nd 8/7c on NBC~You will want to have the whole family gather for this one~
I really enjoyed Game of Your Life, but I couldn't get my almost 16 yr old boy interested. After viewing it, I believe he will really want to watch it b/c he's such a gamer. Maybe he'll tune in on the second~I think it's GREAT and most kids will like it.
I received a sneak peak in exchange for this review from Propeller for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My opinions are my own.
Thanks so much~ENJOY the trailor and catch it on NBC, Friday Dec 2nd 8/7c~;-))
I really enjoyed Game of Your Life, but I couldn't get my almost 16 yr old boy interested. After viewing it, I believe he will really want to watch it b/c he's such a gamer. Maybe he'll tune in on the second~I think it's GREAT and most kids will like it.
I received a sneak peak in exchange for this review from Propeller for my honest opinions without monetary compensation. My opinions are my own.
Thanks so much~ENJOY the trailor and catch it on NBC, Friday Dec 2nd 8/7c~;-))
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
HURRY~LAST DAY to ENTER for Christmas Film: Christmas Lodge
This is ending 11-16-11 12MN and hey, looks like low entries..shhhh....I WANNA WIN!! WOOT!
Gotta LOVE the Cow Queen!
Gotta LOVE the Cow Queen!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
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