I am reading a new book, Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick. I wanted to write about it because I have not been able to put it down. It is such an awesome book and I think it will be an awesome movement if followers of Christ step up and believe in the power of Jesus Christ.
I labeled this post "Part 1" because I am only on chapter 6. I can't begin to tell you about the whole book or all the concepts in it, yet!
So the first thing I want to tell you about is the title of the book, Sun Stand Still. It is in reference to the prayer of Joshua when he was fighting the Ammorites. Joshua prayed and asked God to make the sun stand still (Joshua 10:12) so that he could defeat them all! God heard his prayer and he did just that. He stopped the sun. He suspended time. One thing I like about Furtick is that he believes that Word of God is just that, the Word of God. He takes everything that is said in between the cover of it as face value, 100% true, no if's and's or but's! I have been and still am the same way. So this miracle that God performed for Joshua was just that a miraculous thing. Furtick challenges modern day Christians to have the same boldness in their faith. To know what God has called you to do and then to act out in faith that he will provide for you and work miracles for his glory.
When I first started reading this book I felt like it was one of those 'if you believe it you can achieve it' books. This is NOT one of them! Furtick is very clear that there is only one way to get anything done and that is through Christ Jesus. He is just trying to wake up a stagnant church that goes about life in such a way that does nothing to further the Kingdom of God.
One of the cool things he talks about is "Audacious Faith". He notes that audacity has a negative connotation to it but that he wants to change that for God. Think about Joshua, he had the audacity to ask God to stop time...and he did! It makes me think of all the plans the Lord had and still has for me. Will I believe in his power and his promises and have the audacity to ask him to move in me so that his kingdom will grow? Or will I miss out completely?
I know that I can't wait to hear the words, "Well done good and faithful servant". But I need to act in order to hear them.
This book is really cool and I am excited to read more and share it with you all.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Something that I have noticed in my life and in this journey is that after a really big high from the Lord I usually have a deep plunge. Earlier this week I posted an awesome testimony of God's goodness in my life. I was at the top of the mountain. Today I sit in front of my computer at the bottom of the valley. I have been praying and asking God to get me out. He will, I just have to learn why I am here first. (He is funny that way!).
I was getting ready for church and the whole time I was having this HUGE pity party for myself. I started thinking about what caused it and there were a few things. One was the show that I watched last night. It really brought me down. It is one of my favorite shows but the content was so graphic and so inappropriate that it actually kept me from getting a good night sleep. For awhile now I have felt like I should stop watching such shows but I have yet to do it. I think that this is the kick in the pants I needed! :) Second, I feel very lonely. There have been some situations with friends that have happened recently that have been quite insignificant and yet Satan has been able to take them and twist them and made me feel like I didn't have a true friend in the world. I know that is not true. God has placed an awesome group of women in my life.
As I fought back tears, feeling sorry about myself, I started telling myself truth. The truth is that I am a child of God. He loves me above all other things and that is what truly matters. Not what is on TV and not my earthly relationships. Sure God has put people in my life to love on me and to encourage me, but really the most important thing is my relationship with Him. Without Him I have nothing!
I went to church this morning still battered. Worship was good. I just cried the whole time. I felt close to Him. There was a new song that we sang (I will get the words and post them here) that was so powerful. We then had an awesome sermon on legalism. It was out of Galations. It reminded me of God's true grace and how much He loves me. I let things get in the way of that and that is so silly. We all do though, I think.
Even in our ABF we talked about faith and it made me feel good. Thankful that God never goes back on His promises. That even though he called Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, He did not require him to do it. He instead allowed Isaac to be the fulfillment of the promise made to his father so many years before.
Life is not going to always be easy, this we can count on. I just have to remember that when I am doing something to further His kingdom then I will be on the enemy's radar. But I am protected by the Sword of the Spirit and the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ.
I was getting ready for church and the whole time I was having this HUGE pity party for myself. I started thinking about what caused it and there were a few things. One was the show that I watched last night. It really brought me down. It is one of my favorite shows but the content was so graphic and so inappropriate that it actually kept me from getting a good night sleep. For awhile now I have felt like I should stop watching such shows but I have yet to do it. I think that this is the kick in the pants I needed! :) Second, I feel very lonely. There have been some situations with friends that have happened recently that have been quite insignificant and yet Satan has been able to take them and twist them and made me feel like I didn't have a true friend in the world. I know that is not true. God has placed an awesome group of women in my life.
As I fought back tears, feeling sorry about myself, I started telling myself truth. The truth is that I am a child of God. He loves me above all other things and that is what truly matters. Not what is on TV and not my earthly relationships. Sure God has put people in my life to love on me and to encourage me, but really the most important thing is my relationship with Him. Without Him I have nothing!
I went to church this morning still battered. Worship was good. I just cried the whole time. I felt close to Him. There was a new song that we sang (I will get the words and post them here) that was so powerful. We then had an awesome sermon on legalism. It was out of Galations. It reminded me of God's true grace and how much He loves me. I let things get in the way of that and that is so silly. We all do though, I think.
Even in our ABF we talked about faith and it made me feel good. Thankful that God never goes back on His promises. That even though he called Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, He did not require him to do it. He instead allowed Isaac to be the fulfillment of the promise made to his father so many years before.
Life is not going to always be easy, this we can count on. I just have to remember that when I am doing something to further His kingdom then I will be on the enemy's radar. But I am protected by the Sword of the Spirit and the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ.
1 Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
whose sin the LORD does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent,
my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
as in the heat of summer.[b]
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the LORD.”
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin.
6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
but the LORD’s unfailing love
surrounds the one who trusts in him.
11 Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Psalm 32
Friday, April 1, 2011
His Wonderful Works
I know it is the name of a good friends blog but I had to post about how wonderful the Lord has been to us this last week. I am documenting our journey so that when I forget (much like those silly Israelite's) I will be able to look back and see how awesome He is!
On Sunday, after church, Troy came home way early from work and said that he had an ulcer on his foot and he was going to run up to the Walgreen's Clinic and get an antibiotic for it. This is the first I had heard that he was having problems (Troy is extremely private about certain things). Two hours later the phone rang and the caller ID let me know that someone from the hospital was calling. It was Troy letting me know he had been admitted into the hospital. He had gone to Walgreens and Urgent Care and they both said to go straight to the hospital. Once at the hospital the nurse knew right away he would be admitted.
I was shocked! I had no idea what was going on. I quickly found a ride because he had our only car. I wasn't able to see him right away because he was still in the ER and children were not allowed back. This was a God thing because I was so mad. I wanted to chew him a new one! But instead I had to go back home. I dropped the kids off with Lindy, my wonderful neighbor, and went to pick up dinner for Troy and myself. In the parking lot of Schlotzky's I just started talking our loud to God. "I am so mad, Lord! I can't believe that he kept this from me and I can't believe that he wouldn't just go to the FREE doctor. Now we don't have insurance and this is going to cost a fortune! Why do we always have to be in DEBT?!?!?!?" As I talked to Him I was soon comforted. I knew that my husband was priceless and really if the bill was a million dollars I still had him. I got all of my anger and frustration out by talking to the Lord and let me tell you that my heart was softened by the time I made it the couple of miles to the hospital.
When I got there, Troy was really down. He was mad at himself. But because I had already had this talk with God I was able to encourage Troy instead of tear him down. I admitted to him I was mad but that there was no changing it, there was only moving forward and doing better next time.
That night on the way home from the hospital there was an interview on KSBJ about debt with scripture affirming how God felt about it. I was encouraged that He gave me that opportunity to hear it. I also found out there will be a seminar coming up in April and it is free and I am going!
On Monday we found out that the infection was all the way down to the bone and Troy had to have an MRI to make sure that the infection was not IN the bone. I was still worried about the finances but I knew that somehow God would take care of it. I got a message from a friend that said she was praying specifically for God to do something miraculous with the insurance situation. She felt as though the Holy Spirit was leading her to pray this. That day a post card from Lowe's came in the mail reminding Troy to sign up for medical insurance online. We did.
Meanwhile back at the hospital Troy had an MRI and our worst fears were confirmed. The infection was in the bone. And we needed to decide whether or not to amputate. The amputation would be about half of his big toe. Y'all this the hardest thing we have ever gone through! What to do? I know what I thought was right but it was not my decision. It was Troy's. We prayed over it. I had a complete peace that no matter what we decided that it would be right. I just didn't have a peace about what to decide! (Does that make sense?). Meanwhile, I kept getting little notes here and there encouraging me and many of them were direct answers to prayer, they just didn't know it!
We had to make a decision fast and Troy decided to NOT amputate and try 6 weeks of IV antibiotics. I was worried but okay with his decision. Then his doctor came in and said that we had to get approval from the infectious disease doctor for antibiotics. All of the sudden our choice was taken away. I felt good about that.
Meanwhile I asked specifically from my prayer warriors to pray that the insurance would accept the claim. It would have to be an act of God because we enrolled after he was already in the hospital and this was considered a pre-existing condition. The ramifications of that are HUGE, let me just tell you! We were worried about after care and the cost involved. We filed for emergency medicaid and were denied. I was beginning to get discouraged. Then all of a sudden I felt peace, peace that passes all understanding. I was home when Troy called to let me know that the insurance company agreed to pay for it ALL!!
I couldn't believe it! It was a huge answer to prayer and I knew that it only could have happened with the Lord. He finally came home on Thursday. He is currently on oral antibiotics for the next 6 weeks. We will see how it works. He has MRSA, a staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics. But the doctors are sure his "cocktail" will make it better. I am sure that my God will make it better!
God is so good and He takes care of those that love Him. And you know what...He takes care of those that don't too. He loves you. Give Him a chance to love on you, you will be amazed!
On Sunday, after church, Troy came home way early from work and said that he had an ulcer on his foot and he was going to run up to the Walgreen's Clinic and get an antibiotic for it. This is the first I had heard that he was having problems (Troy is extremely private about certain things). Two hours later the phone rang and the caller ID let me know that someone from the hospital was calling. It was Troy letting me know he had been admitted into the hospital. He had gone to Walgreens and Urgent Care and they both said to go straight to the hospital. Once at the hospital the nurse knew right away he would be admitted.
I was shocked! I had no idea what was going on. I quickly found a ride because he had our only car. I wasn't able to see him right away because he was still in the ER and children were not allowed back. This was a God thing because I was so mad. I wanted to chew him a new one! But instead I had to go back home. I dropped the kids off with Lindy, my wonderful neighbor, and went to pick up dinner for Troy and myself. In the parking lot of Schlotzky's I just started talking our loud to God. "I am so mad, Lord! I can't believe that he kept this from me and I can't believe that he wouldn't just go to the FREE doctor. Now we don't have insurance and this is going to cost a fortune! Why do we always have to be in DEBT?!?!?!?" As I talked to Him I was soon comforted. I knew that my husband was priceless and really if the bill was a million dollars I still had him. I got all of my anger and frustration out by talking to the Lord and let me tell you that my heart was softened by the time I made it the couple of miles to the hospital.
When I got there, Troy was really down. He was mad at himself. But because I had already had this talk with God I was able to encourage Troy instead of tear him down. I admitted to him I was mad but that there was no changing it, there was only moving forward and doing better next time.
That night on the way home from the hospital there was an interview on KSBJ about debt with scripture affirming how God felt about it. I was encouraged that He gave me that opportunity to hear it. I also found out there will be a seminar coming up in April and it is free and I am going!
On Monday we found out that the infection was all the way down to the bone and Troy had to have an MRI to make sure that the infection was not IN the bone. I was still worried about the finances but I knew that somehow God would take care of it. I got a message from a friend that said she was praying specifically for God to do something miraculous with the insurance situation. She felt as though the Holy Spirit was leading her to pray this. That day a post card from Lowe's came in the mail reminding Troy to sign up for medical insurance online. We did.
Meanwhile back at the hospital Troy had an MRI and our worst fears were confirmed. The infection was in the bone. And we needed to decide whether or not to amputate. The amputation would be about half of his big toe. Y'all this the hardest thing we have ever gone through! What to do? I know what I thought was right but it was not my decision. It was Troy's. We prayed over it. I had a complete peace that no matter what we decided that it would be right. I just didn't have a peace about what to decide! (Does that make sense?). Meanwhile, I kept getting little notes here and there encouraging me and many of them were direct answers to prayer, they just didn't know it!
We had to make a decision fast and Troy decided to NOT amputate and try 6 weeks of IV antibiotics. I was worried but okay with his decision. Then his doctor came in and said that we had to get approval from the infectious disease doctor for antibiotics. All of the sudden our choice was taken away. I felt good about that.
Meanwhile I asked specifically from my prayer warriors to pray that the insurance would accept the claim. It would have to be an act of God because we enrolled after he was already in the hospital and this was considered a pre-existing condition. The ramifications of that are HUGE, let me just tell you! We were worried about after care and the cost involved. We filed for emergency medicaid and were denied. I was beginning to get discouraged. Then all of a sudden I felt peace, peace that passes all understanding. I was home when Troy called to let me know that the insurance company agreed to pay for it ALL!!
I couldn't believe it! It was a huge answer to prayer and I knew that it only could have happened with the Lord. He finally came home on Thursday. He is currently on oral antibiotics for the next 6 weeks. We will see how it works. He has MRSA, a staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics. But the doctors are sure his "cocktail" will make it better. I am sure that my God will make it better!
God is so good and He takes care of those that love Him. And you know what...He takes care of those that don't too. He loves you. Give Him a chance to love on you, you will be amazed!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
She can swing!
It is a typical morning in the Brown house today. We just finished working on our lap books and now the kids are outside enjoying the semi-cool morning while I catch up on email and other random things. I am sitting in the living room in front of our big window occasionally looking up and watching what they are doing. And much to my surprise I see me 2 1/2 year old sitting on a 'big' swing going almost as high as her sister. The only thing is there is no one pushing her. As I watch her I realize she is pumping her legs!
Oh my goodness! She can swing!
I know that first children are slow to do things because they don't have someone to watch and the subsequent siblings catch on more quickly; but man, I was not expecting this! She is growing up so fast and that makes me so sad! :( If I am being totally honest it makes my uterus hurt! I have been heart broken over her milestones because that means that she is no longer a baby. She is closer to a preschooler than a toddler now. I know I am not the only one who feels this way..right?
Oh my goodness! She can swing!
I know that first children are slow to do things because they don't have someone to watch and the subsequent siblings catch on more quickly; but man, I was not expecting this! She is growing up so fast and that makes me so sad! :( If I am being totally honest it makes my uterus hurt! I have been heart broken over her milestones because that means that she is no longer a baby. She is closer to a preschooler than a toddler now. I know I am not the only one who feels this way..right?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
God is so good!
I have been struggling with homeschooling and being a full time student myself. Especially since I want to work with special needs kids and my kids do not fall under that category. So what the heck is God doing? Why is He calling me to do all of this so? It doesn't make sense.
Then today in our ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) we talked about Abram and his faith. We talked about how he was righteous in the sight of the Lord because of his faith. He was not perfect but he still believed. There were several questions from others and our fearless leader, Barry, did a great job leading the discussion. I was even able to share some of what I have been going through over the past several months. I left class feeling good about the valley that I have been in. The emotional, physical, financial, uncertain valley. Only because I was reminded of how good God is. He truly is!
Fast forward to picking up my child downstairs....I ran into someone that I have been talking to about a possible job opportunity. One that would allow me to use my schooling and still homeschool my kids. One that seems very cool yet it is still so far away (not until May 2012). As she was talking to me she started revealing some very cool stuff. HUGE plans that she has for me. Plans that she has prayed and prayed over and the Lord has put me in the forefront of her mind. Plans that are so cool and so huge that I am SURE they are from the Lord.
I can't give all details now but what I do know is that my faith is still strong, but it just got a huge boost. It feels renewed. As I was making lunch for the kids I said a prayer thanking Him for His goodness and His plan. I was also mindful that there are other aspects that I don't know yet and that is okay but what I do know is that He is in control and that my friends is so comforting!
We were challenged to memorize some scripture this week and honestly these verses were the first thing to pop in my head as I was praying today.
Then today in our ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) we talked about Abram and his faith. We talked about how he was righteous in the sight of the Lord because of his faith. He was not perfect but he still believed. There were several questions from others and our fearless leader, Barry, did a great job leading the discussion. I was even able to share some of what I have been going through over the past several months. I left class feeling good about the valley that I have been in. The emotional, physical, financial, uncertain valley. Only because I was reminded of how good God is. He truly is!
Fast forward to picking up my child downstairs....I ran into someone that I have been talking to about a possible job opportunity. One that would allow me to use my schooling and still homeschool my kids. One that seems very cool yet it is still so far away (not until May 2012). As she was talking to me she started revealing some very cool stuff. HUGE plans that she has for me. Plans that she has prayed and prayed over and the Lord has put me in the forefront of her mind. Plans that are so cool and so huge that I am SURE they are from the Lord.
I can't give all details now but what I do know is that my faith is still strong, but it just got a huge boost. It feels renewed. As I was making lunch for the kids I said a prayer thanking Him for His goodness and His plan. I was also mindful that there are other aspects that I don't know yet and that is okay but what I do know is that He is in control and that my friends is so comforting!
We were challenged to memorize some scripture this week and honestly these verses were the first thing to pop in my head as I was praying today.
"Yet, with the respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform." Romans 4:20-21
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Spring Lapbook
My kids have been asking a lot of questions about Spring. They are excited that it is getting warmer and they are ready for Spring to get here. Today I realized we are only 5 days away from Spring! So I surfed the web and found a Spring Unit Study. We are going to make a lapbook. I am also excited because there is a lot of information about weather and I also purchased a weather unit study! So we are starting tomorrow and I will post pics and let you know how it all goes!
Monday, March 14, 2011
I should post something...
It has been busy. So busy that we have not had school the last 2 weeks! As a whole our family was sick for 2 weeks and then last week we were in DFW visiting my parents and grandmother. So this week, this Spring Break, the kids and I are buckling down and attempting to get back on track.
We are not trying to catch up because, well, I threw out the lesson plans the 3rd week of school! :) My goal is to just get a full weeks worth of work to get done. That means Jackson has a lot of work ahead of him! Today he did great with very little complaint. I must say I am very proud of his attitude toward school. He is so much better. He also started reading a new chapter book today (independent reading). He is doing so well I can't believe it!
We are also in the process of potty training Charlotte. She was almost potty trained several months ago but I was in the midst of my funk and didn't have the will or the want-to to get her completely trained. Today my funk is gone and I am ready to get back on track. So we took off the diapers and wore panties all day long! She did not have any accidents! She did both number 1 & 2 in the potty without issue! I am so proud!
Ellie is still Ellie. She is doing great. She is really turning into a little momma. She wants to help with EVERYTHING. She begs to watch cooking shows and she talks about what she wants to do when she grows up to be a mom. I have started teaching her the steps to different things like cleaning and cooking. When I was little I knew I was going to grow up and be a mom and I dreamed about cleaning house and cooking. So I know how she feels! I like being able to train up this little girl.
Other then that life is good. Troy got a job and that is always a good thing. My Pampered Chef business has been very successful and has done what I want it to. Until next time....
We are not trying to catch up because, well, I threw out the lesson plans the 3rd week of school! :) My goal is to just get a full weeks worth of work to get done. That means Jackson has a lot of work ahead of him! Today he did great with very little complaint. I must say I am very proud of his attitude toward school. He is so much better. He also started reading a new chapter book today (independent reading). He is doing so well I can't believe it!
We are also in the process of potty training Charlotte. She was almost potty trained several months ago but I was in the midst of my funk and didn't have the will or the want-to to get her completely trained. Today my funk is gone and I am ready to get back on track. So we took off the diapers and wore panties all day long! She did not have any accidents! She did both number 1 & 2 in the potty without issue! I am so proud!
Ellie is still Ellie. She is doing great. She is really turning into a little momma. She wants to help with EVERYTHING. She begs to watch cooking shows and she talks about what she wants to do when she grows up to be a mom. I have started teaching her the steps to different things like cleaning and cooking. When I was little I knew I was going to grow up and be a mom and I dreamed about cleaning house and cooking. So I know how she feels! I like being able to train up this little girl.
Other then that life is good. Troy got a job and that is always a good thing. My Pampered Chef business has been very successful and has done what I want it to. Until next time....
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