My Walk Monday

Hello all :) I am excited to be here once again. And am blessed to say all three of my little ones are napping at the same time today after an awesome day at the beach for baptisms with my church yesterday!... and I have been hanging with the Lord the whole time they've been asleep.... a time so sweet!

I hope you all have been visiting and encouraging each other in this race we run together.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

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As you might know... last week I had a lot to share and I even shared more over the weekend in my Then Sings my Soul post regarding promises, moving, faith and trust in the Lord...

This week (well mostly just today) I have had the subject of stumbling others on my heart. You see I struggle very much with my husband (or anyone else for that matter) playing video games, for I know it can be something that so easily entangles someone. It has been an very ugly thing in my life, I point of hatred (murder in my heart) bitterness, unforgiveness, anger and even jealousies. I have given all of that up to the Lord. I don't want to judge others or be controlling of what they chose to do simply because it is something I hate, though I do know God sees that I have been hurt and stumbled.

But I also don't want to look at the speck in my brother's eye when I have A TELEPHONE POLE WITH LIVE WIRES hangin' out of my own!!!

What would God have to say about this is Romans chapter 14?

Even when I look back to Romans 13:14 it tells me to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh"... no giving in to anger, no plans of hatred, no old supplies of bitterness, unforgiveness or jealousy!

Then when I look on... I am to "accept the one... not for the purpose of passing judgement."

The gamer may have faith that he can play, but I, the weak one, who cannot handle the gaming, cannot??? (Am I interpreting it well so far in my situation?)

The one who games is not to loath or hate the one who does not, and the one who does not is not to judge the one who does, for God has accepted him! Amen! Did you hear that? I am not to judge him or control him by my hate, God has accepted him!!!

Who am I to judge the servant of another? To his own master (God) he stands or he falls. (Romans 14:4)

My husband just today on facebook talked of conviction on his status, it said: "What happened to conviction? We need to be a people of convictions. Do you have any convictions? Do you live by them? Food for thought... (the reason why I think I went into thinking on all this).

Well as I go on in Romans 14 it says, "Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind."

So I am to be convinced in my own mind on my own doings, and my husband in his own as well... I am not to say he has not heard from the Lord in this matter... So if I observe the day, I observe it for the Lord, and if he games, he does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who does not game also gives thanks to Him.....

Romans 14:7 says, "not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die we are the Lord's."

So for both the gamer and myself (from verse 10)... why do I judge my brother? Why do I regard my brother with contempt? For we will both stand before the judgement seat of God. Each of us will give an account of himself to God.

Therefore... Lord, help me not to judge anyone anymore, but rather help me to determine this... not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in anyone else's way. My husband may be convinced in You Lord in his freedom to game (lol - sounds funny - but I need to work this out), but to me who hates it so much, it is only I who is convinced (each person must be fully convinced in HIS OWN mind) and my only concern should be what MY account is to give before You Lord, not his, Lord help me with MY OWN telephone pole!

I dare to think more this way... because of games, I am hurt, so my husband is no longer walking according to love. He should not destroy, with his games, his wife for whom You died Jesus. Therefore even if gaming is a good thing and a liberty to him in You, without responsibility it can lead to evil results... for Your kingdom is not what we can or cannot do, but it is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. And if he serves You in THIS way (my way Lord?) THAT is acceptable to You and approved by ME????

Lord - please! You lead this situation, not me, not his mentors, not the church, but YOU Lord... guide our every steps... him in his gaming and me in my anger, or not anger even :). Help us BOTH to pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another (Romans 14:19)! Help us not to tear down the work You have already done for the sake of games. All things indeed are clean, so help us, in WHATEVER it may be, on whichever end, to not be evil to one another if the other takes offense. Help us BOTH to learn it is good for us BOTH to not do anything by which each other stumbles. Help us to know without a doubt our OWN convictions and not condemn the other for what his freedoms are! Help ME Lord not to cause my husband to doubt in his convictions making him be condemned if he games, if he is gaming in faith, then it is not sin and I am to be judged for my judgement! Lord help me to put You on and make NO provision for my flesh!

I know this might have been hard to follow, but this was an amazing eye opener from the Lord in this beautiful quite time He has provided for me...

what has He spoken to you this week?

I will walk by Faith

Lord thank You for establishing my steps (Psalm 37:23) for I am excited to follow where You lead. Again I say, Lord, thank You for ordaining and determining my steps (Proverbs 20:24 & Proverbs 16:9). I don't even begin to understand why You do things the way You do, but I do trust in You with all my heart and I acknowledge You in the path set before me and the one left behind me, and I thank You knowing that You will continue to direct me (Proverbs 3:5-6).

I fully trust in the scriptures You have given me and am waiting, excited to see them come to pass! I can't see what You're doing now, but I trust the end result because You told me You have done great and awesome things for me that I have yet to see (Deuteronomy 10:21). I trust the broken road, even along with all the hurt from the pulling, humbling and centering that has taken place. I am yielded to You Lord, thank You for being my Shield and my Protector in this time of need, thank You for using this to prepare Your will for me, for I know this is Your hand (Psalm 109:27) I trust completely that this is Your doing.

Help me to walk in victory (1 Corinthians 15:57), knowing that You wouldn't give me anything I cannot handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). I know You can do all things (Matthew 19:26), for I know You are the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). You who were able to make me NEW (2 Corinthians 5:17) out of a long used body of sin and death - You who blesses me, choses me, loves me, adopted me, is kind to me, gives me what I do not deserve, freely even! - You redeemed me, forgave me and You give to me all things (Ephesians 1) You are amazing God! And only You alone are to be praised! (Psalm 148:13) You are amazing God and I will walk trusting in You!



Lyrics:
Would I believe you when you would say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day

[chorus]
Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Help me to win my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do

yeah, yeah , yeah, yeah, yeah, ya

[more chorus]

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face
Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

Well hallelujah, hallelu
Well hallelujah, hallelu

Free from my Heart

As I told you on Tuesday when I shared my re-design with you I would have more free blog designs to share on top of the Strawberry Toile that is already up.

So here is The Purple Heart...

This is a Blogger only background I made.

To apply it to your blog please follow the directions below...

Directions:

1. Sign-in to the Blogger Blog you would like to change.
   
2. Click on the tab labeled 'Layout'.
3. Click on 'Pick New Template' and change your template to 'Minima' (if it's not already there).
4. Click on 'Add a Gadget' and chose 'HTML/Javascript'.
5. In the window that pops up copy and past the following code (If you already have a background using this coding you will need to replace your previous code with this one - you cannot have two)...
6. Don't forget to 'Save' your changes.

<style type="text/css">body {background-image: url("http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/yeshua55/PurpleFlame.jpg"); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: fixed; }</style><div id="tag" style="position:absolute; right:0px; top:30px;"><a href="http://scrappingservant.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q151/yeshua55/SScornerRT.png" /></a></div>

Now the font colors will probably be quite off as they will follow the Minima design pattern, so you could either follow the colors I had planned (below) or design your own :o).

1. Click on 'Layout' once again.
2. Click on 'Fonts and Colors'.
3. Then put the follow numbers in under 'Edit color hex code' for each color box (make sure you keep the # sign there and hint enter/return after you enter the number)...
4. Don't forget to 'Save' your changes.

• Page Background Color #BE8DAA
• Text Color #000000
• Link Color #6F3C1B
• Blog Title Color #612B48
• Blog Description Color #401931
• Post Title Color #800040
• Border Color #401931
• Sidebar Title Color #401931
• Sidebar Text Color #612B48
• Visited Link Color #51270B

I hope you like it - let me know if you use it, I would love to come visit... and let me know if you have any problems with it :) God bless!!!

Officially Broken!

Not me :) Just my camera...

Yes, now you got to hear my voice :) and a little of how weird I am :)...

Anywho... My camera has been going down the drain since about Easter this year it was freaking out on me. Well I let my oldest daughter play with it last week and it was fine, then I caught her with it again on Friday and it was just falling apart all over the place!

Here are the pics she took before it died...

The things that are interesting to a 4 year old...

What she was doing...

What it was she was watching... (the Tigger movie)

What mommy was doing... (all too often - I joke about fasting from chairs and sofas during the day, but maybe I should really DO it!)

Her foot... :)

Mommy's feet...

Daddy on her Magna-doodle and her love for him...

Her toy house...

Her babies...

And her other toys :)...

My husband told me he wanted to get me a new camera back in July for my birthday but I told him no because this one was still working some of the time and I didn't want to waste the money... now look at me - lol - too humorous... another lesson in the fact that I should submit to my husband :).

Morning Mischief

May 6th - When I woke up my son was in the daughter's bed :)

I could tell JJ thought she was in trouble because in order for him to be there she would have to have let him out of his room... but I thought it was cute :).

Little one was mostly likely woken up by their mischief and was wondering what was going on.

This is when they realized I wasn't upset with them :).

My three little monsters :).

Out with the Old!

Yep :) Time for a change...

After designing my sister's photography blog I have been admiring her framed topper image and have been wanting a busier title of my own. I have also been like blah - lol - about my busy pink sides... the color, the swirls, All the hearts! I really needed something new!

It is very different for me to have such an elaborate topper, but I really do love it!

I am also excited to say that I will have a couple more free blog designs for you in the near future... here is which ones they will be...

The Purple Heart...

The Empty Tomb...

The Snowball...

And Jesus loves you...

Strawberry Toile is already up for grabs if you want it.

This is the form in which I will be setting the others up for the taking :).

I really had FUN with this one, I hope if is enjoyable to visit :) Have a great night!!!

My Walk Monday :)

Hello everyone! Yes I am alive and TOTALLY kicking :)... God is so good! A-men?

Sorry again for not being here for so many weeks, but again my desire is that you all would continue writing without me  :).

We all run this race and sometimes we get too breathless to speak.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

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Wow - I guess I have a lot to share...

I know I mentioned to you all when I was reading through Deuteronomy that God had given me promises of great things He has already done for me that I have yet to see and a promise of possessing a land. I also know that I mentioned some not so happy things with a good friend that happened last time I wrote.

Well this time I have scriptures to share with MORE promises and guidance and much comfort to my wounded heart within me (Psalm 109:22).

God has called us out of our home and out of our church, we even know now that we will be moving out of the city and I am excited at what God is doing!

In Ezekiel 34 God told me...

"I Myself will search for my sheep and seek them out. I will care for my sheep and deliver them.

I will bring them out... and gather them up... and bring them to their own land; and I will feed them. I will feed them in a good pasture.

I will feed My flock and I will lead them to rest. I will deliver My flock and they will no longer be a prey.

I will make a covenant of peace with them that they may live securely.

* I will make them a blessing. (I so am ready to be a blessing, it has been hard in the past to be the needy one, the unloved one, the judged one, the unknown one, the despondent in heart... I know God has weeded a lot of this out and now He is replanting me for growth!!!)

They will know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bars of their yoke and have delivered them.

I will establish for them a renowned planting place (the replanting I mentioned :) and they will not again be victims."

God has also given scripture in Joshua 1 saying...

• v.3 - "every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you."
• v.13b - "the Lord your God gives you rest and will give you this land."

God is so awesome, this morning at the church we are being lead to He gave me a verse of confirmation on the city it is in, that we are praying about moving to...

Numbers 14:8 "If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into THIS land and give it to us."

Not only that but the message was on faith and living a life with SUBSTANCE! Not going the path of least resistance for ease and not doing whatever is convenient for SELF/flesh, but making your faith real and letting God work in a radical way in your life!

It has taken faith just to step out of our old church. It has taken faith to say we are moving since we live with other family members that will have to move elsewhere also. It has taken faith in waiting for God to show us which city to look for houses in. It has taken faith to tell people we are buying a home, when we don't have a lot of money and we have always rented. (God told me He is giving us a land of our own that will be an inheritance to our children - that sounds like a purchase to me!) These things have cause resistance and discomfort, they have not been easy, but I am willing to be radical in return for a little SUBSTANCE in God :).

He is GOOD and I trust Him! I cannot wait to update you all in the fruit of these promises! Soooo exciting!

Picture a Day - More Catch-Up!

August 20: My sister-in-law took a trip to Texas and came back with a souvenir for my son that makes him the equivalent of Chuck Norris!!! LOL

August 19: I shared how far behind I was on the laundry last time for Picture a Day... well here we go again... at least this time I am one step ahead! :) Let's just pray it doesn't fall over!

August 18: I was really trying to catch-up on my housework that had been piling up! Some things never end!...

August 17: I went out to eat with my good friend Nat! We hadn't seen each other in quite a while, we had a great dinner together. (No wonder here why I gained 2 pounds recently!)

August 16: My family and I went to a church in a town that we are praying about moving to... the Pastor's message was GREAT - we LOVED it there!

August 15: This is me and my friend Jenn! This picture was new to Facebook recently and I LOVE it! (This was at our National Scrapbook Day crop :)

August 14: I have been reading more recently and am really enjoying it... I am very tired of movies and have obviously not wanted to be on my computer much lately either.

August 13: I met my middle sister's newest baby!!! He's a sweet little guy. (My older sister took this shot of him :)

August 12: Oh d-d-d-ear (sorry my kids are watching "The Tigger Movie" while I type this)... You never know when the phone rings - just what type of news it will bring - the call this day was a very SAD one!

August 11: Look, more reading... yes romance - which I normally don't read, but I liked this one because it is based on the book of Hosea in the Bible, very strong life applications in this story, it was beautiful.

August 10: Yes before I got to reading I was watching more 'So You Think You Can Dance' on Youtube! This picture is from my favorite routine all season.

August 9: This is my son playing with his Vader Tator's arm like a gun... he's such a boy!

August 8: This is my niece on the day of a pageant I didn't get to go to since I was sick :( It seems like it was just a couple years ago when she was a little toddler in my wedding! She wows me now!

August 7: This is where the reading started :). I read it out loud to my hubby while he played his world of warcraft computer game and ate his dinner. Another very encouraging book!

August 6: :) My niece's birthday... another day I missed from being sick! I TOTALLY LOVE this picture of her that her mommy took!

August 3: I slept a WHOLE lot (thank you Joshie) and woke up with TOTALLY swollen glands! Ouch!!!!

August 2: Yes, more movie watching... sick - sick - sick!!! Cough, cough, cough, shiver, shiver, shiver, aaaaaaa-chooooooo!!!! a-chhhhhoooo! aaaaa-chooooo! This was a good movie.

July 31: Yep... we had the flu!

July 30: Not just any old flu - but the swine flu! And this picture below is funny (not mine) but not how we got the flu, lol!!!

July 28: I weighed myself - even while sick - and found out I hit my pre-pregnancy goal!

July 24: This I think was the day I started to get sick :( it took about 2 weeks to get better!

July 23: There were many beautiful days before we got sick - I found more flowers I didn't know our rental house had :)

... snapdragons are one of my favorites!!!! My daddy would always make them "talk" for me - a very fond memory!

July 22: This was my first day doing the P90X Core Synergistics DVD and I think it is my favorite... it was a little of everything and it HURT! I loved it!

July 21: My hubby and I met with my uncle's real estate agent, and have been praying about different areas to move to since... I am learning patience :)

July 20: Here was a fun birthday card I got it the mail that I thought you would enjoy!

July 19: This is the front of the first church we went to visit after God called us out of our former church home... great worship, sweet, friendly people and very down-to-heart messages.

July 18: My daughter is home again!!! I let her stay at my sister's house for a week to go to Vacation Bible School, I missed her so!! Oh! my girl is getting so big!

July 17: When I went to pick JJ up I also stayed for my sister's Ice Cream Party and got to see my lil brother! :)

(He's gone back to school! But could use prayer because he has already ended up sick and in the emergency room from the "new" environment of germs! My sister even had to give him the dreaded emergency shot in his leg because he was throwing up!)