Monday, August 30, 2010

God's Grace Is Sufficient and Overflowing!

It's amazing how well God works together. I am in the midst of two bible studies. Today one talked about God's grace -do we often take advantage of that grace? (Yes!) Do we realize the cost of that grace? (To often no!) I want to recognize the cost of God's grace and live each day in awe and thankfulness of that grace by counting the cost of that grace. I want to live my life for him. The second study was centered in Psalms and it's amazing to see how much God not only cares about the big things but the small details as well. When combined together, isn't amazing to think that God would have sent his Son if I was the only one on the this planet that needed his grace? Isn't it amazing to realize that not only does God have a big plan for each one of us (his desire to see us all accept his grace and live according to his Word), but even smaller still, God has a smaller plan fit specifically for each and every situation that we encounter!

Today, my hope is that we might all be seeking his small specific plans for our individuals lives as we all accept his grace and move together to fulfill his big plan for our lives!

Enjoy the day my friends - God has created it specifically for you!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Bought and Paid For

I am working on a new bible study by David Nasser called "a call to die." Today's section was about our being bought and paid for. We are all slaves! If we are not living our life for Christ, then we are slaves to our sin. I've heard that before but it really hit home this morning. In ancient times, when a bond servent had finished his obligation to his master he had a choice to make, he could go on his own way and attempt to make a living or if the master had been loving and kind, he could choose to stay with him and continue working for him. If he choose to stay, the servent was 'peirced' to show that he had made the choice to stay with that master.



The price that God paid to free us from that life of sin, was the death of his only son. He willing gave him so that the price of our sin could be paid for. Once we accept that gift, we can continue to work (serve) a loving master and our hearts become 'peirced' showing that same kind of love to others.



My prayer today is that my heart is peirced for God. That all around me people may see that I have made a concious choice to stay with my master and live life for Him!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdCSU_IrNXg

Friday, August 27, 2010

Culinary Experiments

While Heather is away on her mission trip, her sister (Mandy) and I are trying new culinary experiences. Last night I attempted to recreate Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta. While it wasn't quite as good as the resturants (not yet at least), it was pretty good but the homemade bruschetta was wonderful. I LOVE tomatoes!

Today's culinary experiment involved a puff pastry that I had in the freezer, ham and swiss cheese - a ham and swiss puff if you will. It was good and I've eaten more than I should but I have placed the rest in the refrigerator for my husband to sample. On tomorrow's agenda are muffins. I'm not sure what kind yet, but I feel the need to bake.

I am embracing my new found freedom as (just) a mother and wife and have placed other things on the back burner for now. God has made me realize just how wonderful my life is and how much he has given me to be thankful for. I spend way too much time planning the future instead of living in the now - so my new goal is to seize the day! Time and time again I fall short of the goal that he has placed before me and I really want to do his will - so the one thing that I am certain of is his goal for me to be the best wife and mother I can be!

Keep a look out for how life's adventures keep our family returning to Him Thyme & Thyme again!