Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for...

150. Birthdays and friends to share them with. Fun son and these friends (twins) were born 1 week apart and have known each other since they were 5. What a blessing - they will all be twelve after the beginning of February.

MIA

For the next several days I will be MIA from the technology driven world. I am taking the 4 boys hunting. I have NEVER been hunting and the boys have NEVER killed anything. Precious husband will be in and out depending on his work schedule. So pretty much it will be me and four boys.

I am kind of looking forward to sitting in a deer stand, surrounded by God's creation, book in hand. Ah, sounds peaceful. I am not looking forward to the cold, damp weather (However, at least it is not -47 and snowing. It will be in the 40's and raining.). There is also the apprehension that if they do get a deer, what are we suppose to do next. This is our first year hunting. I am praying Precious husband is able to be there if a deer is killed. I am looking forward to the dishes we can prepare with the venison.

Will let you know my thoughts and if we were able to put meat in the freezer when I return. Have a blessed rest of the week.

In Jesus,

Nancy

I start...you finish

So, I popped over to Seedlings in Stone yesterday and found this fun idea "The Great Poem Caper". Wonderful poet, L.L. Barkat, started the poem..."If memories were sparrows"... and then gave three options. I chose the third option to finish with a poem of my crafting.

If memories were sparrows

They’d sing a sweet song

Of glorious sunrises and

Peaceful sunsets.

The melody would rise

On wings soaring high

Crisp and clear to the

Listening human heart.

The timbre of trills

As they quickly pass by

Invites to remember

The journey of memories.

Go on over to her website, linked above, and choose an option. I think it is interesting to see how many different directions those few words can take an individual. There are some really good poems there!

In Jesus,

Nancy

Scripture Only Sunday

"Light is shed upon the righteous, and joy on the upright in heart." Psalm 97:11

Working Out

Gold-hearted mom and I joined a gym about three weeks ago. It has been a lot of fun going and working out with her. Except for yesterday. Yesterday we met with a trainer to be weighted and taken through a suggested workout routine. Let me tell you it was brutal. In the morning I am sure I will not be able to walk, my legs feel like jello.

This got me to thinking about the verses in 1 Corinthians 9 which talk about running in such a way as to get the prize. "Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

"Strict training" is what athletes do in order to become the best at their chosen sport. How hard am I training to receive an eternal crown? Am I training my mind, my spirit, my body to be obedient to Christ? I believe now, more than ever, I need to be diligently working out my spirit - seeking His kingdom FIRST! I need to be exercising my mind - bringing every thought captive to the obedience of Christ and being transformed by renewing my mind to have Christ's mind. Yes, I need to be pushing my physical body, yielded to purity, strong in overcoming the desires of my flesh.

This will require hard work on my part. It will involve a commitment of time and effort and energy. I'm sure that is why the Bible uses the term "strict training." So I have committed myself to several opportunities during the first part of this year to grow spiritually, intellectually, and physically. I am challenging myself in all three arenas - going into strict training.

Dear Father, give me wisdom and stamina. May every area of my life be yielded to Your work. May I become fully equipped and grow up into all that You created me to be and do.

In Jesus,
Nancy

Thankful Thursday

Father God, Today I am thankful for...

146. Fun day having nails done with Princess daughter...

147. Beautiful smile for Helpful son after 3 years of braces...

148. Okay, it's not much, but this is snow on my jacket. It was fun for the three minutes it lasted here yesterday.

149. My blog on his blog for Blogapalooza today. Thanks Robert, I have enjoyed reading the various blogs you have featured all day every day this month.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Inauguration Day 2009

In America it has been Inauguration Day. A new president, elected by the people, will take his place in history. Barak Obama is the 44th president and the first African American. This is an historic event. So many people are celebrating, excited about the possibilities.

Yet as I awoke this morning and watched some of the televised coverage I felt sad. I arose to prepare breakfast for the crew. When I opened the egg carton I read the words...

I've never noticed Scripture printed inside an egg carton before. But today I found it such an encouragement. This is the Lord's day, just as every day is His day. Then as I began my morning Bible readings in Psalms and Proverbs - truly when you seek the Lord He is wanting to be found...Listen..

The Psalms reading for today were Psalms 96-100 and I will combine those chapters to just what jumped out at me..."The Lord reigns...He will judge the people with equity...He will judge the world in righteousness, The Lord has made salvation known and revealed righteousness to the nations...The Lord reigns...Know that the Lord is God."

Today is the 21st so I read Proverbs 21. Verse 1..."The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases."

It is not my responsibility to judge, to reveal righteousness or salvation. God is plenty capable all on His own. He really doesn't need my help. My responsibility is to pray. So I pray...and think what could I possibly say to President Obama?

Dear President Obama, I pray for you today as you step into office. That you would be a wise ruler - receive instruction, get knowledge, seek the council of many advisers - know that your heart is in the hand of the Lord Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. As you begin, keep the end in mind. One day we will all stand before the judgment seat of the Lord. May the decisions you make be the ones of His choosing...decisions regarding your salvation and your term as president. In Jesus...

Today I found hope because my trust is in the Lord Almighty. My faith is fixed on the Creator of the universe, not a man, not a government. "May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:30

Find 2009: His Hope, full in me, overflowing by the power of the Holy Spirit with all joy and peace.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Find

So it has taken me 19 days to "Find" the name for 2009. Sad thing is, God gave it to me back in November. I just did not realize this was the season for it (I can be a little slow). If you want to know more about naming the year, something I have never done before but see wisdom in, please visit Ann's inspiring blog or perhaps Prairie Chick's precious words. Their words have encouraged me to seek the same thing for my life.

And because I am learning to start with the end in mind may this whole year be about seeking Him. Not that I haven't done that before, because I have and do. It is just I want to be more intentional, more focused, more intimate...more everything with God my Father. For this year to be more of Him and less of me. To FIND Him.

Find 2009

Finding God is solely a work of God. Those who seek Him will find Him because He will give them a heart to recognize Him as Lord. Marvin Williams

To find God we must be willing to seek Him.

I sought the Lord,
And afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek
Him, as He sought me;
It was not I who found,
O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee.
-Anon

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

May God be found…
His glory
His presence
His joy
His peace
His forgiveness
His wisdom
His righteousness

In Jesus,

Nancy

Scripture Only Sunday

"...All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth." Colossians 1:6

Thankful Thursday

I am grateful for:

139. Children's creativity - Youngest two playing school to help each other get their work done.

140. A healthy body - exercise is good.

141. Gold-hearted mom to exercise with.

142. Birds

143. Pizza

144. A library with helpful staff and cute little animals

145. Books

Father - continue to help me be thankful for all the gifts You daily place in my life.

In Jesus,

Nancy

In Honor of a Bird

The traffic seems so loud this morning. Louder than usual I should say. Faintly in the background, I strive to listen to the melody of the birds. It seems the noise increases, drowning out the beauty. A single bird, right outside my window, begins to sing with zeal. He sings so loudly, so incessantly. The traffic noise recedes. I focus on his insistent song. Then it happens - I begin to hear other birds singing their distinctive songs. As I focus on the birds the traffic noise abates.

Rather like my own life, so much traffic seeks to draw my attention away from THE most needful voice. As I listen to Him softly speak His voice grows louder. Then it happens - even through the rituals of my common life I hear His voice. Tender words from husband, laughter of children, gentleness of mother, songs of worship, words of wisdom whether written or spoken, all, His voice encouraging me onward, upward.

Sometimes I have to listen intently. It seems the traffic stifles His voice. Too many cares in this life, my flesh gets in the way, seeking to steal my Master's loving voice. Stop, my heart cries. Take a moment, listen to the sounds of my life, focus, find the Lord's voice, listen.

God's Voice

The noise of traffic outside my window,

Seeking to steal the peace of the morning.

The melody of the bird outside my window,

Singing the glory of the Lord.

My eyes open slowly, I awake to the sounds,

Their voices competing for my attention.

Stop for a moment, take it all in,

Listening to the birds declaring God's majesty.

- Nancy Kourmoulis

Father - Thank You for Your voice in my life. Daily, moment by moment help me to stop and listen, to focus, to hear Your voice. May it be a flood, covering all other voices. And may my voice rise in response, to praise You. Giving You honor always.

In Jesus,

Nancy

New Day

I'm glad it is a new day! Yesterday got better as the day went along, but started out a bummer. I awoke with a headache - ouch. That only happens rarely, but is awful when it happens! So the kids were excited because we took a sick day, for mom. They were also really good playing with each other and keeping each other company so I could basically just lay here. By lunchtime I was up and we all had lunch together. After a quick shower, the day looked a little brighter. Gold-hearted mom and I tried to go to the gym for a workout today. Father God must have known I really did not need to workout because the gym we just joined is moving locations and they were not open for business.

The great part about the morning with the headache was listening to a sermon from a local church. It is a church I have visited a couple of times. It is a great place to worship and hear God's Word taught. So I listen to their services several times a month. The new series is called "From Here to There". The premise is everyone ends up somewhere, but do you have purpose in reaching where you will end up. Do you know where you are going? This reminded me of a ladies conference I attend several months ago. One of the key speakers made the statement "Begin with the end in mind."

Which led me to Colossians 1:10-14..."And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

If the end is God's presence I want to live a life worthy, pleasing Him in every way. Bearing fruit, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened, having great endurance, patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father. Because He has qualified me to share in the kingdom of light - the kingdom of his Son. The Son who rescued me, redeemed me, forgave my sins at such a high price. The Son who qualified me as a saint, who counted me worthy of rescuing.

So as I begin each day I want to keep the end in mind. Think about how to get from here, where I am today, to there, where I will spend eternity, in a way that honors my Master most. Loving God, loving my family, daily living the common life, daily pointing others to Jesus. Even if those others are just my wonderful children.

Father - may I truly life a life worthy and pleasing to You. Help me to grow in knowing you more. Teach me to pray what is on Your mind and heart. Oh God, you have been so good to me.

In Jesus,
Nancy

John the Baptizer

Yesterday over at Awake21.org they have begun their devotional link for the 21 days of prayer and fasting. The Scripture reference was John 1. As I was reading through this chapter several verses really seemed to stick with me - John 1:31, 33. It reads, "I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed....I would not have know him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, "the man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit."

Can you image with me John, in the desert, preaching repentance, eating wild honey and locust, wearing the apparel of a prophet (camel hair with a leather belt - a prophet's fashion). Many people coming to him to be baptized - coming to see this man of God. Yet he is searching, looking into their eyes, waiting with baited breathe as each is baptized to see if this one is THE one.

Jesus comes to the Jordan and the Spirit inside John leaps. Just as it has leaped another time, John knows the Spirit's promptings since he was in Elizabeth's womb. He recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God. And then it happens, Jesus steps into the water to be baptized by John. John has been given the sign and as Jesus rises from the waters God's word to John is fulfilled. The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus and a voice from heaven declares, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

John's destiny has been fulfilled, his purpose complete. He recognizes and is full of joy to hear the bridegroom's voice. With humility John offers, He must become greater, I must become less.

Father - May Jesus become greater in me, may I be transformed into His image. May Your Son be revealed in me. Glorifying You, the reason I was created.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Scripture Only Sunday

"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42-47

Awake

I want to refer again to Awake21 a website that has called on churches around the world to fast and pray for 21 days. One of their most recent posts really hit home for me. There were words there that just jumped out at me after reading several blogs about naming the year. Awaken, aware, and shining and light (these words are focused on in the first 21 days of this year where I attend). As far as I know my local body is not participating with this focus (even though they are doing 21 days of prayer and fasting). However, there will be things on Awake21's website for individuals to follow. Prayerfully consider if God would have you participate.

In Jesus,
Nancy

Poetry

Sacrifice

Shed the blood

A harmless little lamb

Innocent

Born to die

He is the Great I AM

Atonement

Covering my sins

A suffering Savior

Victorious

Conquering death He wins

He is the Great I AM

Resurrected

Light shines bright

Revealing the true King

Eternally

He rules, He reigns

He is the Great I AM.

"When God wanted to defeat sin, His ultimate weapon was the sacrifice of His own Son."
Chuck Colson, A Dangerous Grace





Artwork by Erik Hollander

25th Anniversary Year

So this year Precious husband and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage. Yesterday I meant to post a picture from our wedding - but between homeschooling and hubbies off day I did not. So around the 7th or 8th of each month I will be posting a photo of remembrance of that day years ago when we pledged our vows before God and man. How quickly the time has gone by. Such joy and pain we have shared. Thankfully we have shared them together!!

The first photo is also in honor of my father who passed away last July. He and my mother were married just shy of 48 years. My mother's parents were married about as long when my grandfather died. What a wonderful blessing to have such a heritage to observe and benefit from.

Thankful Thursday

So I have been pondering this since I did my lists of daily thanks in November. Daily I am thankful for my life, yet I find I am not specific. So I will begin taking Thursdays to be accountable and specific for the things I am thankful. I want to expand my list, to reach a Thousand Gifts as suggested by Ann (and more).

I am thankful for:

134. A place to read and think in silence (amazing with 5 children in the house, 4 of them lively boys)

135. A warm, cozy home

136. Rainy days

137. Board games

138. Veggie tale movies

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

Father - thank You for all Your gifts.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Little is Big

Have you ever had a desire to do something "big" for God? Something to bring Him honor, to show the world what a great God He is. To sing a song, write a book, speak a message that would encourage others to draw near to God. I have had this desire.

What I am learning is that living a daily life that points to God IS doing something big for my Saviour. Simply watching over and tending the sheep in my care is huge in his eyes. Until He returns it is a legacy of heartfelt love for Jesus.

Even when I fail, fall, disappoint, this is just an opportunity for those around me to grow in grace and forgiveness. I am given an opportunity to walk in humility. We are all given an opportunity to look to God to transform us.

Max Lucado writes in his book The Applause of Heaven...

"The angel came in the night because that is when the lights are best seen and that is when they are most needed. God comes into the common for the same reason.

But God dances amidst the common."

It makes my little life big. To have God come into my common life because there He is needed most.

Father - may I make room for You to dance. May I dance with You - now - here - in the common life you have blessed to give.

In Jesus,

Nancy

Photo: kids playing a card game during holidays

Into the Fog

Do you ever feel like life is kinda headed down a path and you really don't know where you are going? There are a few constants, God, precious husband. I know I am going to homeschool our five children, take care of the house, do all the things mothers and wives do. Yet other things seem so uncertain - so unknown - rather like driving in the fog. The only thing that seems sure is there is the road in front of you - because that is the only thing you can see. Ah - but praise God - you can see the road right ahead.

"May God be gracious to us and bless us,

and make His face shine upon us, Selah

that Your ways may be known on earth,

Your salvation among all nations.

May the people praise You, O God;

may all the peoples praise You.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,

for You rule the peoples justify

and guide the nations of the earth. Selah

May the peoples praise You, O God;

may all the peoples praise You.

The the land will yield its harvest,

and God, our God, will bless us,

God will bless us,

and all the ends of the earth will fear Him.

Psalm 67

The fun thing about driving in the fog is watching the road come into view ahead of you. The adventure, the unknown. There are bends in the road, just as there are bends in life. Hard places to see or understand which way your are going. There is also knowing that on the journey you are with the people you love and who love you most. The knowing that in the end, all the peoples, I, will praise the Lord.

So even though I am driving in the fog - I rejoice. God is gracious and has made known His ways - I will choose to drive down the road with the radio turned up and a song of praise on my lips.

Darling Daughter's Visit Photos

Darling daughter and dear son-in-love came in to town for a long weekend visit with both families. There was a lot of fun hanging with friends and playing board/card games.

Make a Smilebox greeting

Scripture Only Sunday

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. John 1:1-4

New Year Poetry

New Year

The past lays behind
In a heap, a tangled mess
Seeking to understand
Seasons of gladness
Periods of pain

Hungering to start over
Yearning for peace
Fearful of the future
Searching for joy
Promise for the future

Willing to be confounded
Enthralled to be elected
Filled with hope
Eager expectations
Yielded to the Father

- Nancy Kourmoulis

(photo from moving days back in October)