Ok, so I thought I would visit this theme, aided by my father, Pat Horner...Short thoughts on courtship and marriage...how long does "courtship" last?
Taken from the biblical account of Isaac and Rebekah--
1. Help her get off the camel.
2. Say I do.
3. Take her into the tent.
Is it the Lord's will for me to be with this person? If the answer is yes, them marry them already!!!
Thanks, Dad, for letting me share your advice to all those out there comtemplating marriage!
Any thoughts, people??
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
ALL THAT I NEED
Based on The Valley of Vision prayer "Fullness"
By Stephen Altrogge
In you is strength to sustain me,
And wisdom enough to guide my hand.
Mercy enough to forgive me,
Mercy enough to forgive me,
And power to finish what You began.
All that I need is in You, Jesus,
The fountain of grace that overflows.
All that I need is in You, Jesus.
You are my only hope.
You are my only hope
In You is fullness of gladness,
And fullness of grace for every need,
Rest for the ones who are weary,
Rest for the ones who are weary,
And beauty surpassing all that we've seen.
All that I need is in You, Jesus,
The fountain of grace that overflows.
All that I need is in You, Jesus.
You are my only hope.
You are my only hope.
You satisfy my heart.
You satisfy my heart.
You satisfy my soul.
Oh, help me always know
All that I need is in You, Jesus,
All that I need is in You, Jesus,
The fountain of grace that overflows.
All that I need is in You, Jesus.
You are my only hope.
You are my only hope!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Welcome to the Dawsons!!!!! Shaunna and Blake have joined the wonderful world of blogging. Check it out, people, and leave them some love!
Btw, I have no idea what's going on with that space in my favorites...it's not there in my template, so who knows what the kink is this time with our wonderful Blogger!!!! :)
Btw, I have no idea what's going on with that space in my favorites...it's not there in my template, so who knows what the kink is this time with our wonderful Blogger!!!! :)
Gleanings from my reading today...
Luke 12: 29 - 32
Seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of a doubtful mind.
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
But rather, seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of a doubtful mind.
For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
But rather, seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Romans 8: 14-17
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself bearing witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself bearing witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
My Testimony
I realized recently that I have never shared my personal testimony or anything really personal about my life. Here is a short version of my salvation and the events leading up to God's true work in my life.
I will try to write more on a personal level when I post in the future. There are always so many thoughts in my mind that I could put together as a post, but finding the time and the quiet to put it all together...that's another story! I'm hoping though that as things fall into a routine again for me that I will be able to write more often, with more meaningful posts.
I hope you enjoy reading about what the Lord did in my life over four years ago. Maybe I'll get the chance to write in more detail about it later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I grew up in church, in a Christian family with a father who was a pastor. I’ve been taught the doctrines of grace for as long as I can remember.
When I was 13, I made a profession of faith. For a long time, I really thought I was saved, but by the time I was 17, almost 18, I realized that I wasn’t a true Christian. Many people ask me why wasn’t I saved at 13, and the only thing I can say is that I was trying to be and act as everyone expected me to act. Though I truly believed that I was saved, I think I “made a profession” to be what I thought was expected of me.
Shortly before graduating from high school, Steven and I started seeing each other. He proposed the following February, and we planned a June wedding! I was sure that marriage and the hope of children would keep me happy, but the Lord had other plans for me!
Our marriage was wonderful, but my lost condition only made me more and more unhappy, no matter how wonderful a life I was leading. In June 2001, almost a year after we were married, I went through my first miscarriage. Two months later, I was pregnant again, but lost that baby in October.
Between these two miscarriages, we bought the house here in Coleman, and as a result, Steven was let go from his job. Though the Lord did provide a temporary job for him, we moved in with his parents because he could not find a job here in Coleman. We had to put moving on hold.
The Lord used the stress of the miscarriages and our having to live with Steven’s parents to bring me to the end of myself. I finally came to the place that no matter what anyone thought, I had to get right with God.
One night driving home alone, the Lord brought I John 1: 9 to my mind. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I realized that there wasn’t anything that I could do to “be better” outside of the Lord Jesus Christ. I cried out to the Lord right there, asking for His mercy and deliverance from my sinful state. I praise the Lord for hearing me and fulfilling that promise in my life that night!
I have not always been faithful to my Lord, but I am so thankful that He is always faithful to me and brings me back, forgiving me over and over, no matter what I do or say to offend Him. I can attest to the fact that no matter how I fail or what trials come into my life, Jesus Christ is with me and within me, helping me and keeping me day by day. I praise Him for His unfailing love that surrounds me, holds me and preserves me!
I will try to write more on a personal level when I post in the future. There are always so many thoughts in my mind that I could put together as a post, but finding the time and the quiet to put it all together...that's another story! I'm hoping though that as things fall into a routine again for me that I will be able to write more often, with more meaningful posts.
I hope you enjoy reading about what the Lord did in my life over four years ago. Maybe I'll get the chance to write in more detail about it later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I grew up in church, in a Christian family with a father who was a pastor. I’ve been taught the doctrines of grace for as long as I can remember.
When I was 13, I made a profession of faith. For a long time, I really thought I was saved, but by the time I was 17, almost 18, I realized that I wasn’t a true Christian. Many people ask me why wasn’t I saved at 13, and the only thing I can say is that I was trying to be and act as everyone expected me to act. Though I truly believed that I was saved, I think I “made a profession” to be what I thought was expected of me.
Shortly before graduating from high school, Steven and I started seeing each other. He proposed the following February, and we planned a June wedding! I was sure that marriage and the hope of children would keep me happy, but the Lord had other plans for me!
Our marriage was wonderful, but my lost condition only made me more and more unhappy, no matter how wonderful a life I was leading. In June 2001, almost a year after we were married, I went through my first miscarriage. Two months later, I was pregnant again, but lost that baby in October.
Between these two miscarriages, we bought the house here in Coleman, and as a result, Steven was let go from his job. Though the Lord did provide a temporary job for him, we moved in with his parents because he could not find a job here in Coleman. We had to put moving on hold.
The Lord used the stress of the miscarriages and our having to live with Steven’s parents to bring me to the end of myself. I finally came to the place that no matter what anyone thought, I had to get right with God.
One night driving home alone, the Lord brought I John 1: 9 to my mind. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I realized that there wasn’t anything that I could do to “be better” outside of the Lord Jesus Christ. I cried out to the Lord right there, asking for His mercy and deliverance from my sinful state. I praise the Lord for hearing me and fulfilling that promise in my life that night!
I have not always been faithful to my Lord, but I am so thankful that He is always faithful to me and brings me back, forgiving me over and over, no matter what I do or say to offend Him. I can attest to the fact that no matter how I fail or what trials come into my life, Jesus Christ is with me and within me, helping me and keeping me day by day. I praise Him for His unfailing love that surrounds me, holds me and preserves me!
Another favorite
I've added a new link to my favorites. I intend to start checking this blog everyday as I do with many of the others.
I don't know Esther Ellis personally, but I was very blessed to read through her blog and see her heart to serve God and become more Christ-like.
After reading through her archives, I feel like I almost do know her and her family! :) I hope that each of you will check out "My World" when you have a few minutes.
I don't know Esther Ellis personally, but I was very blessed to read through her blog and see her heart to serve God and become more Christ-like.
After reading through her archives, I feel like I almost do know her and her family! :) I hope that each of you will check out "My World" when you have a few minutes.
Thanks
Hi, friends. I was very encouraged by the uplifting responses I've gotten over the past week. What a blessing it is to know that the brethren are praying for me and for my church. Nichole, thank you especially for all you've done to hold me up and be there for me the last few days.
The Lord is so gracious to His people! He knows that we need encouragement. He knows exactly when we are struggling and sends us just the right hope for that moment.
Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things! Jer. 33:3
The Lord is so gracious to His people! He knows that we need encouragement. He knows exactly when we are struggling and sends us just the right hope for that moment.
Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things! Jer. 33:3
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Restful chaos
My world is in chaos.
Our nation is at war against an intrepid, crazed enemy. The Middle East is in an uproar. Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, N. Korea...anyone who's connected at all knows that we face a threat like no other at this time in our history. Whether this is WWIII, I am no authority to say, but I do know that the physical world around us is becoming more and more dangerous to Americans and to Christians everywhere.
On a closer plane, our personal life is stirred up.
We are without a home of our own, and though I GREATLY appreciate being able to stay at my parents home, there is an unrest in not having a place for my family to come apart from everyone else. I miss my own home, my own kitchen! :) I know many of you who read this can relate!
My family, my brothers, my in-laws...so many trials of life compass us right now!!! My husband and I both have a brother serving our country by fighting in this war in Iraq. How our hearts are burdened for their safety and return to us! My parents-in-law are going through great trials with their health. Another of my brothers is facing a difficult transition is his life.
Our church has just unexpectedly lost a precious, precious brother in Christ. His family, all of us who are his friends, we are all hurting and grieving. We just yesterday laid our brother's body to rest, knowing that already his spirit, his soul is eternally resting with our Saviour. We are all emotionally and physically worn from the events of this week.
Where can we find rest at times like this when the world around us is falling apart, our family is going through difficulties, and our church is facing such a loss?
Throughout my reading the past few days, there has been a theme of God's sovereignty, God's presence with His people and His care for us in the midst of the storms of life. Truly, the only peace I can find, the only trust I have is in this Almighty God I serve. This is the God that knows all these things-- from the greatest threat to the smallest hurt!
How can I despair when I know that God's hand is moving and controlling all things! He knows each moment, each day!
He knew what this week would hold for the Barker family.
He knew what this move would mean for me.
He knew what my brothers would face these past months.
And He alone knows what the future holds.
So, though there are times I feel that my world is coming apart and will never be "right" again, I have a place to turn. I have a Refuge in this storm.
I praise You, Lord, for your providences in my life! Thank you for holding me through all of it! Thank you that I can come to you through the blood of Christ and find all I need to face what each new day may bring. Thank you, my God, for choosing me, calling me out of my sin and restoring my soul! Help me to continue to see Your hand in my life and to continue trusting through whatever YOU bring my way. I love you, Lord!
But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Psalm 115:1
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Psalm 145:17
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:3
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will lead us even unto death.
Psalm 47:14
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Psalm 49:15
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Psalm 145:8, 9
I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1
Our nation is at war against an intrepid, crazed enemy. The Middle East is in an uproar. Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, N. Korea...anyone who's connected at all knows that we face a threat like no other at this time in our history. Whether this is WWIII, I am no authority to say, but I do know that the physical world around us is becoming more and more dangerous to Americans and to Christians everywhere.
On a closer plane, our personal life is stirred up.
We are without a home of our own, and though I GREATLY appreciate being able to stay at my parents home, there is an unrest in not having a place for my family to come apart from everyone else. I miss my own home, my own kitchen! :) I know many of you who read this can relate!
My family, my brothers, my in-laws...so many trials of life compass us right now!!! My husband and I both have a brother serving our country by fighting in this war in Iraq. How our hearts are burdened for their safety and return to us! My parents-in-law are going through great trials with their health. Another of my brothers is facing a difficult transition is his life.
Our church has just unexpectedly lost a precious, precious brother in Christ. His family, all of us who are his friends, we are all hurting and grieving. We just yesterday laid our brother's body to rest, knowing that already his spirit, his soul is eternally resting with our Saviour. We are all emotionally and physically worn from the events of this week.
Where can we find rest at times like this when the world around us is falling apart, our family is going through difficulties, and our church is facing such a loss?
Throughout my reading the past few days, there has been a theme of God's sovereignty, God's presence with His people and His care for us in the midst of the storms of life. Truly, the only peace I can find, the only trust I have is in this Almighty God I serve. This is the God that knows all these things-- from the greatest threat to the smallest hurt!
How can I despair when I know that God's hand is moving and controlling all things! He knows each moment, each day!
He knew what this week would hold for the Barker family.
He knew what this move would mean for me.
He knew what my brothers would face these past months.
And He alone knows what the future holds.
So, though there are times I feel that my world is coming apart and will never be "right" again, I have a place to turn. I have a Refuge in this storm.
I praise You, Lord, for your providences in my life! Thank you for holding me through all of it! Thank you that I can come to you through the blood of Christ and find all I need to face what each new day may bring. Thank you, my God, for choosing me, calling me out of my sin and restoring my soul! Help me to continue to see Your hand in my life and to continue trusting through whatever YOU bring my way. I love you, Lord!
But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
Psalm 115:1
The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.
Psalm 145:17
The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Psalm 126:3
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will lead us even unto death.
Psalm 47:14
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Psalm 49:15
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.
Psalm 145:8, 9
I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.
Psalm 145:1
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