Music Monday: {Hello, My Name Is} by Matthew West

Hello friends, and Happy Monday to you!  It's officially Summer, and I hope that you're enjoying yours!  Things are well here, and Summer is in full swing with Bible study, swimming lessons, sleepovers, baseball games, reading, relaxing, and movie watching.  Oh, and I almost forget, I joined the gym two weeks ago!  I've been watching calories, eating healthier, and exercising more than I ever have.  It feels great to be making healthy choices!

Anyway, let's get back to Music Monday.  I don't know where you're at right now, but if you're like me, perhaps the enemy has been whispering (or shouting) lies into your ears.  As a matter of fact, just this morning I found myself actually believing those lies.  I was beginning to feel like my old self again, and I asked myself, "Who am I?"  Well, I'm certainly not the lies that I was listening to, and I wasn't about to listen to it for one more minute.  That's when I stopped dead in my tracks, and said out loud . . . NO, I'm not listening to this anymore!  I am a child of God!

The words of Matthew West's song popped into my head, and it felt amazing to get the devil off of my back!  He was weighing me down, and I have no time for that, because I am . . .

SAVED.  CHANGED.  SET FREE.  A CHILD OF THE ONE TRUE KING.  Can I get an amen?   No more living in defeat.  We have victory through His perfect sacrifice and His amazing grace.  Remember His word, and speak it out loud to the enemy.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

I pray that this song would speak mightily into your heart if you're living in a place of defeat and believing the lies.  If you'd like a list of verses that tells each and every one of us who we are in Christ, I've found a great list on Joyce Meyer's website.  Be sure to click here for this fantastic resource. 

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  1 John 4:4 NKJV

{Taylor's Gift}

I'm currently reading Taylor's Gift, and I must say it's an incredible story.  I won't go into too much detail now, since I'll be posting a review when I'm finished with the book.  For those that haven't heard of Taylor's story, I wanted to get the word out there, since April is National Donate Life Month.

Read on to find out more information about Taylor's Gift from Taylorsgift.org.

Taylor lived her life with joy and brought happiness to all who knew her. The world lost a vibrant and gifted young person on March 15, 2010, when a tragic skiing accident changed everything for the Storch family while vacationing in Colorado. After Taylor’s parents were told that Taylor would not survive, they made a choice—a prayerful choice they knew their daughter would want.
They agreed to let Taylor give the gift of life through organ donation. Although their grief is immeasurable, the Storch family has been transformed by the hope and happiness that have been restored to other families whose loved ones have been saved by Taylor’s organs.
Taylor’s organs went to a number of different people in need: her heart to a 39-year-old mother of two in Arizona; her pancreas and one kidney to a 49-year-old husband and father in Colorado; her other kidney to a 33-year-old man in Colorado; her corneas and liver changed two other lives in other parts of the country. Taylor’s Gift Foundation was created to honor Taylor’s many talents and gifts, and especially her ultimate gift: life for others.
Although her life ended too soon, her spirit lives on. Taylor’s Gift strives to increase organ donation through its mission to Regift Life, Renew Health and Restore Families.  Taylor’s life and her passing have already inspired thousands of people from around the world to become organ donors themselves. Taylor was able to give the gift of life to a few and in turn, impacting many who will need it in the future.

Find out more about the Storch Family's courageous story, and see how you can become an organ donor.  Be sure to visit www.taylorsgift.org

**Available April 2013 by Revell Publishers**

{Duck Commander Phil Robertson - Deciding to Follow Jesus} + Book Preview

Raise your hand if you're a Duck Dynasty fan!  Me, me, me! ::Jumping up and down, waving hands wildly:::

I watched Duck Dynasty on A&E on February 24th for the first time, thanks to my hubby's channel surfing.  I wasn't actually watching the show, but probably playing Candy Crush on my iPad, when I heard some VERY funny things being said.  My interest was piqued, and I looked up to see what he was watching.  I continue to crack up for the remainder of the show . . . and I was hooked!  Thankfully, they were running several episodes in a row, so we watched some more.  Come to find out, they're a Christian family, that incorporates their faith into their show.  No words are being bleeped out, and it's a great show that the entire family can watch together.  Amazing!  Sign me up for more of this, I say!  :D

Over the past few weeks, I've gotten to know the Robertson family even more, by reading their book, The Duck Commander Family.  It's a great book, by the way!  I highly recommend it if you're a fan of the show (or even if you haven't watched it yet)!

In addition, I stumbled across this LifeWay Christian video on my Facebook newsfeed, and I must say, I'm loving this family more everyday!  Their show has more than 4 million fans on facebook, and it just appears to be growing daily.  I don't know about you, but I think this is HUGE.  I'm so happy to see that this family is using their platform to bring glory to God, and that they appear to be staying grounded.  I just can't help but think, how many will be lead to Christ through this family and the example they set?  They have a huge platform, and a tremendous influence for Christ.  I pray they continue to use it well.

The patriarch of the family, Phil Robertson, has a book coming out on May 7, 2013, titled Happy, Happy, Happy.  Here's a little bit about the book . . .

In Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the DUCK COMMANDER, author Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander, shares his inspiring stories of creating the first duck call, beginning the Duck Commander business, becoming a Christian, and living his faith.

Music Monday: {How Great Thou Art} by Carrie Underwood + Jesus is the Greatest Gift of All!

**This is from the archives, and I thought I'd share it again for those that missed it.**

Praying that you all have a Merry Christmas!  Love & Blessings, Michelle

Many of you know that I'm a fairly "new" Christian.  I didn't come to know the Lord until the summer of 2006, at the age of 34, when I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.  I was so lost and not knowing my purpose, but my eyes have been opened to the greatest gift of all!  I often wonder, why did I have to be lost for so long, but I am so thankful that He never stopped seeking me.  I am so thankful to have been found by the lover of my soul . . . my God.

From Karla Dornacher's Blog

I feel hesitant to admit this, but many years ago when we would celebrate Christmas, there was no focus on Christ.  I vaguely remember saying to the kids something like, "Christmas is about Jesus' birth, but that's not the reason we celebrate it."  Those aren't the exact words,  but that's the basic gist of it.  Admitting that has me in tears.  I cry out to Him, please forgive me, Lord.  I'm so sorry.  I didn't know.

I can remember singing all of the Christmas songs as a non-believer, and truly not having a clue as to what they meant.  I can't help but think how sad that is.  But now, it's an entirely different story.  I know what it all means, and I can shout it from the rooftops!  I now know the true meaning of Christmas -- celebrating the birth of my Redeemer, my Lord, and my Savior -- not just at Christmastime, but everyday.  WOW!  The magnitude of it has me completely undone.

I had originally planned to share a Christmas song today, but this one seems to be very fitting any day of the year.  It's what I say to Him everyday -- How Great Thou Art!  Lord, How Great Thou Art!  Enjoy and be blessed!  Love, Michelle

{A Quote to Inspire You}

{Scripture} Colossians 2:7

Photo Credit: Good Morning Girls Timeline Photo (Facebook)

Music Monday: {Revelation Song} Gateway Worship led by Kari Jobe

I don't think this song will be new to you, and perhaps many of you sing it at your church, but I just feel like it's *the song* that needs to be shared today.  It's such an amazing worship song!  It's all about Him, all about Jesus . . . lifting Him up in worship!  We sang it at church yesterday, and like always, something amazing happened!  The presence of God became so alive in the room -- I'm talking heart-pounding in your chest, hands trembling in the air, goosebumps, and tears!  

Seven years ago, I would have thought this was complete craziness, but today . . . WOW!  All of this coming from the girl who was saved at 34 years-old, watching other church members standing in worship with their hands raised in the air, and thinking, "These people are a little crazy."  LOL!  Fast forward to August 19, 2012,  and I couldn't have kept myself in my seat, or my arms at my side even if I wanted to!  I am awestruck by the awesome power and love of God!  What a privilege to worship  our Lord and King, our Savior, and redeemer!   

Filled with wonder, awestruck wonder, at the mention of Your name.  Jesus, Your name is power, breath and living water, such a marvelous mystery!

 

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:12 (NKJV)

{A Quote to Inspire You} Beth Moore

I've been dealing with a certain someone who is "difficult,"  . . . my oldest child.  The same child I've been having a forgiveness issue with.  As Beth describes here in part 6 of her series on Loving Difficult People, my oldest daughter is my "thorny."  Sometimes, after an interaction with her, I feel as if I've been stuck with quills.  It's painful, and it makes me want to avoid her.

I've often wondered, "Why, Lord?  Why must she be so difficult?  I love her, Lord, but she often makes it so difficult to like her."  Does she bring out the worst in me?  Absolutely.  There has never been anyone is my life who brings out the worst in me like she does.  Do I like who I become in that "ugly place?"  Absolutely not.

Yet even in this, there is a blessing.  God is using this 15-year-old child to refine me, and to mold me into His image.  The tests used to come more frequently, but now they're fewer and far between . . . yet they still come.  I'm still in the refining process.  I'm not where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be. 

The following quote is from the video posted below, and the last line is one that truly strikes a cord with me.  We will never be more like our father in heaven than when we love the unlovely.  Amen? 

"Sometimes, the reason why that person has been assigned to our life, is to bring out the very worst in us, so that God can bring out the worst in us.  Turns up the heat, and everything toxic inside comes to the surface.  Not so it'll show, so it can be skimmed off.  That is a refiner's fire.  Thorny.  Thorn in the flesh . . .perhaps there to humble us.  Cause that's the very person that brings out somebody in us that we don't like.  We will never be more like our father in heaven than when we love the unlovely." ~Beth Moore

If you have a "thorny" in your life, I pray that you're able to see the blessing, and embrace what God is doing in your life to refine you and mold you into His image.

Sweet Blessings,
Michelle

{A Quote to Inspire You} Charles Spurgeon

This is such an encouragement to me, because there are so many days when I feel like I fall very short of living a holy life.  I feel like a broken mess, and then I start to listen to the lies of the enemy.  The lies that tell me I'll never be able to live a life that looks like Christ.  I'll never be able to truly set a good example for my kids.  I messed up today, and I'll probably mess up tomorrow, too.  I'll just never get it right.

Yet, when we're in Christ, walking with Him daily, He gives us everything we need to live a holy life.  We simply need to look to Him . . . keep our eyes focused on Him.  It's not about what I'm going to do.  It's not about me trying harder.  It's about looking to Him, staying in His word, asking for a fresh-filling of the Holy Spirit, and receiving His grace.

It's a journey, and as Christians, we're always growing.  I'm so thankful that He's patient with me, because I need His grace on a daily basis.  Which reminds me of something Joyce Meyer often says, "I'm not where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be."  It's a process.  The beautiful process of sanctification, where we are transformed into the image of God.  What a blessing it is to know our purpose!

Have a blessed day, my friends!

{A Quote to Inspire You} Elisabeth Elliot

I discovered this quote last year, and loved it so much that I put it on my refrigerator.  It's been a wonderful encouragement to me as a mother, but it can certainly apply to any job that God places before us.  I pray that it blesses you today.

{A Quote to Inspire You} Darlene Schacht

{A Quote to Inspire You} #11

A Book Review: Revell Blog Tour {Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn't Enough} by Kay Warren

About the Book:
Everyone knows how to be joyful in the peaks of life. But what about the valleys? When nothing seems to go your way? When everything is falling apart? When God is silent, and you feel all alone? Where does joy fit into those moments? In Choose Joy: Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, Kay Warren explains the path to experiencing soul-satisfying joy no matter what you’re going through. Joy is deeper than happiness, lasts longer than excitement, and is more satisfying than pleasure and thrills. Joy is richer. Fuller. And it’s far more accessible than you’ve thought. Joy comes from God . . . and it can be yours today!

About the Author:
KAY WARREN is the Founder of the HIV/AIDS Initiative at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA. She is a Bible teacher, author, and international speaker. Warren frequently travels the globe to encourage HIV positive men, women, and vulnerable children, and today she is a powerful voice on their behalf. Married to Rick Warren, together they founded Saddleback Church in 1980. In 2007, Kay authored Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say Yes to God, and the revised and expanded softcover edition, retitled Say Yes to God, was released in fall of 2010. She also co-authored Foundations, a systematic theology course used in churches around the world.  She has three children and four grandchildren, and lives in Southern California.

My Star Rating: 5 Stars

My Review:
Kay Warren has written a wonderful book about how we can choose joy, even in the most difficult circumstances.  The book is well written, and easy to relate to.  I normally get rid of books once I've read them, but this one is going to stay on my shelf as reference; one that I'll go back to again, and again.  Kay Warren's writing is so full of Biblical truth, wisdom, and insight, and definitely worth revisiting. On the inside flap of the book, it says, "Joy deeper than happiness, lasts longer than excitement, and is more satisfying than pleasure and thrills.  Joy is richer.  Fuller.  And it's far more accessible that you've thought.  Joy comes from God . . . and it can be yours!  Today."

The book is divided into four parts:
Part 1 -- Joy is My Inheritance: Embracing the Permission to be Joyful
Part 2 -- Joy is a Conviction of My Mind: Discovering a New Way of Thinking
Part 3-- Joy is the Condition of My Heart: Cultivating a Soul-Response That Allows Joy to Deepen
Part 4 -- Joy is a Choice of my Behavior: Ways to Choose Joy Daily

Each chapter opens with a scripture and a quote, and ends with a prayer, as well as points to help us reflect and apply.

There are so many great points throughout the book, but I will share a few here.
* "The only way to grow up spiritually - to become mature and well-developed in our faith - is to go through the fire of testing, trials, and troubles." (James 1:2-4)
* "In Jesus' role, he was a man of sorrow.  But in his essence - who he was in his unchanging nature - he was a man of joy."   We can be joyful, because Jesus has set the example for us.  Even through hard times, we can choose joy.
* "Here is the foundational truth that each of us needs to remember: God is the only true source of joy."  We can't find joy in the "dry wells" of people, places, possessions, position, and personalities.
* "Because God's will is good, we can embrace joy rather than fear."
* "Those who are joyful with thank God.  Joy and gratitude always go together."

I highly recommend this book, and don't hesitate in suggesting that everyone should pick up a copy for themselves!  This book does share a life-changing truth, and it's definitely worth the read.

 "Available June 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

**Thank you to Revell for providing a copy to review, in exchange for my honest opinion.**

For more information, visit Kay Warren's website.

{A Quote to Inspire You} #5

 

{A Quote to Inspire You} #4

Photo Credit: Darlene Schacht

{A Quote to Inspire You} #3

Music Monday: {I Choose Jesus} by Moriah Peters

I was driving home on Wednesday, listening to KLOVE, when I first heard this song.  I was instantly struck by the beauty of her voice and the message!  I didn't recognize the voice, so I did a little research and found that this beautiful song is by Moriah Peters.  Her debut album will be available on April 17, 2012, and needless to say, it will quickly find it's way to my iPod!  You can find a link to a free download of the song at her website, MoriahPeters.com.

This first video is the official, recorded version of the song, I Choose Jesus, with lyrics.



This second video is the live acoustic version, which is truly amazing! Her voice is so beautiful!



This last video is Moriah talking about her inspiration for the song.



You can read more about Moriah Peters at TodaysChristianMusic.

As always, I pray that this song will bless you.

Sweet Blessings, Michelle

{Why does God allow me to experience difficulties?} by Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley is one of my favorite Bible teachers.  I glean so much wisdom and insight from his sermons, and I always come away with a better understanding and knowledge of God and His word.  The following sermon deals with one of the biggest questions that believers, and even non-believers have -- why does God allow me to experience difficulties?

 

Follow this link to watch Charles Stanley's teaching on Why does God allow me to experience difficulties?

Click to find Podcasts

And if you're not familiar with Charles Stanley and InTouch Ministries, you can find more information here.   You'll find radio broadcasts, podcasts, and video archives, as well as information on receiving the free InTouch magazine.

I pray that this teaching by Charles Stanley will bless you.

Music Monday: {My Hope Is In You} by Aaron Shust

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 My hope is in you lord

all the day long

I won't be shaken by drought or storm

A peace that passes

understanding is my song and I sing

My hope is in You alone

Thank you, Lord, that you are the God of ALL comfort, and that our hope can be found in You!

Thanking Him for His Love, Provision, and Favor!

For those of you who don't know, I'm a substitute teacher.  Long story, short -- I graduated from college in 1994.  The plan was for me to be a teacher.  I changed my mind and took a detour.  I worked as an infant/toddler director for three years, then ended up being a stay-at-home-mom for 10 years.  When my little guy went to first grade, I had a lot of free time on my hands.  A close friend of mine suggested that I substitute teach.  Um, no, I don't think so.  The thought never crossed my mind.  It wasn't something that I wanted to do . . . at all.

I gave it some thought, and it turns out it's really the only thing that I could do with my degree, and I didn't want my degree to go to waste.  Right?  So I looked into it, and the rest is history.  I'm currently in my third year of subbing, and I love it!  And you know what?  I can't help but think that God's fingerprints are all over this situation.

Every time I think about it, I'm truly amazed how God used my friend to lead me right where He wanted me to be, because teaching of any kind was not even on my radar screen.  Bottom line, I had some bad experiences when I was student teaching, and the thought of being a teacher really scared me . . . we're talking major anxiety.  But I faced my fears and my anxieties with God right there by my side.  He is my strength.  He is my confidence.  The only reason I can do what I do is because of Him.  It's ALL to His glory!

Believe me when I say this, I am not in my natural comfort zone when I'm teaching, especially when other adults are in the classroom.  But the more I do it, the easier it gets, and I actually enjoy what I'm doing!  Not just for the joy that I get when I'm teaching, but the opportunity to be a light to each and every child that I come in contact with.  Without a doubt, I believe that God has placed me exactly where He wants me . . . as a wife, as a mother, and a teacher.  He has blessed me so abundantly, and every time I turn around I feel like He pours out His love to me, and lavishes me with His favor.

The other night, I got a text message from the Special Ed teacher that I often sub for, asking if I was available the next day.  Thankfully, I was, because I just love working in her class!  A few minutes later, I truly had a moment that took my breath away.  God is so good, and I felt completely  overwhelmed by His love.  With tears in my eyes, I thought about how He cares for me.  He's concerned for me.  He's a loving Father that sees to my needs.  It's hard to explain, but I just couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of GRATITUDE for His love and provision.  He's given me favor like I've never known would be possible.  It's truly amazing!  He. Loves. Me. 

He has taken a part of my life that I had turned my back on, and He has restored it.  He's given me the opportunity to contribute financially to our family, which has been such a blessing in these unsteady economic times.  He's a kind, gracious, and loving Father, and I'm so thankful that I belong to Him!

Praise the Lord that He saves, redeems, and restores!