Romans 12:2 (NIV)...

(read v.1 & 2)

Footnote from NIV Application Bible (v.1-2):

(V.1-2) The command to "offer" ourselves to God reminds us of ch.6, where Paul used this same verb to express the basic response of believers to God's grace to us in Christ (see 6:13, 16, 19).  We no longer offer animal sacrifices; we now offer ourselves as "living sacrifices."  This offering of ourselves to God is our "true and proper worship" (12:1).  We offer ourselves not ignorantly, like animals brought to slaughter, but intelligently and willingly.  This is the worship that pleases God.

    The old age to which we belonged in our pre-Christian past entices us to follow its "pattern" of sinful behavior.  Rather than "conforming" our conduct to that age we must be "transformed" in our behavior by having a completely new mindset.  A new orientation in our thinking leads to a new orientation in behavior.  

Application (v.1-2):

We as believers are guided by our minds, which are in the process of being renewed by God's Spirit so that they perfectly reflect God's will.  But because that process will never be completed in this life, we still need the external guidance of God's commands as set forth in Scripture.  Put another way: Guidance computers in jet airliners tell pilots where they are and where to go, but airports still have runway lights.  Similarly, knowledge of the truth comes with a call to penal accountability.  

Studying The Bible Just Got Better...

I've spent the better part of a couple weeks organizing and getting rid of books.  Some books were homeschool books that just aren't needed anymore with Tim graduating this school year.  Others were either given away or boxed away for Tim to have for his own bookshelves when he has his own place someday.  I now have all my Bible study guides in one place along with most of my study books.  It sure feels good to have this done.

Deuteronomy 11:18 (NIV)...

Take a moment to read verses 13-32 for context.

Footnote from NIV Application Bible (v.13-32):

(v.12-21) The land symbolizes a choice between two ways: the way of blessing, prosperity, and life or the way of the curse, adversity, and death.  The people must commit themselves wholeheartedly to the covenant.  Yahweh's desire is to see their population explode as the lifespan of each generation increases on the land that he promised their ancestors.

(v.22-25) Yahweh will dispossess all the Canaanite nations in advance of the Israelites (v.23), and Israel will "dispossess" nations stronger and mightier than they are (v.23).

(v.26-32) Moses concludes this part of the sermon with a climatic appeal for decision; he is handing the Israelites the options of "blessing" and "curse."  With his call to decision, Moses challenges the new generation to respond with greater faithfulness than their parents had done.  Their future in the land depends on it.

Application Note: For those who claim to be God's people, every day is a day of decision.  Our commitment to Yahweh must not only be renewed at significant junctures in our lives, but each day.  The blessings associated with the covenant are not to be taken for granted or viewed as automatic rights.  The covenant established by Christ involves a special relationship, which demands constant investment of energy and devotion.  The options open to the Israelites - blessing and curse - are open to us, but how we experience them depends on our covenant commitment to Christ, demonstrated by active obedience.

(v.29-32) Moses' attention shifts to an anticipated event on the other side of the Jordan.  Having identified Mounts Gerizim and Ebal as the place for the ceremony, Moses offers a description of the location.  In v.31 Moses confidently announces the end of the journey for his people.

Application Note: This passage reminds us that God is faithful; he always keeps his promises.

Isaiah 40:8 (NIV)

If God speaks a promise, that "word" will stand!!!

RIP Nancy Mills Olive...

posted on social media in 2023

This wonderful woman of God went home to be with Jesus this past Saturday, September 13th.  She is one of my dearest friends, Page Johnson's, mom.  She is one of the most precious women I've ever known.  God's joy overflowed in her life always.  I never saw her with a frown on her face.  She was always smiling ear to ear like you see in this picture of her.  I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to know this wonderful woman many years ago when I was a camp counselor at NLC.  Women like her are rare and being able to spend time with such women should be remembered and cherished always.  I know she is having the most fun time ever in heaven with her Lord and Savior right now and she wouldn't trade places with any of us for anything in the world.  

A Quote From A Friend...

A friend posted this on their social media page and it was worthy of sharing.  It's worthy of everyone hearing too.  It should be shouted from the roof tops for everyone that have it in their hearts to take lives.  

Quote from a F.ox Ne.ws Post....

Charlie Kirk Quote...

EKU v. The Thundering Herd...

EKU stunk it up at the Marshall game Saturday but our family had a fantastic time together supporting Corey as he coached with the other coaches.  It's was fun watching him do his thing on the sidelines.  He also got an opportunity to come up and spend a little time with the family as well.  

Elaine, Jeff, Nora, Kylie, Corey, Debbie, Britt, Kevin, William, Tim, Scot & Me.

The Cousins bottom to top of pic: Kylie, Britt, Corey, Nora, Tim & William

Elaine & Jeff

Scot, Elaine & Jeff

The best pic of all Nora with a VIP Pass!

C.harlie K.irk (sha.red from Tur.ning Po.int)...

Every one of us at Turning Point USA is crushed and devastated by the hateful murder of our founder and guiding light, Charlie Kirk. All of us have lost a leader, a mentor, and a friend. Above all, our hearts are with Erika and their two children. Charlie was the ideal husband and the perfect father. Above all else, we ask you to pray for the Kirks after the incomprehensible loss they have suffered.

More than anyone, Charlie believed in the power of argument and good-faith debate to find the truth and guide people towards, if not agreement, then at least mutual understanding. Charlie was no stranger to threats. He received thousands throughout his life. But he always prioritized reaching as many young Americans as possible over his own personal safety. Now, Charlie has become America's greatest martyr to the freedom of speech he so adored.

In his thirty-one years, Charlie lived more than any of us will in a hundred. He had an overwhelming passion for life and a deep belief in his power as an individual to make a difference. With the spirit of a pioneer, Charlie launched Turning Point out of his parents' garage as an 18-year-old with no money, no name recognition, only a dream. His energy and drive were awe-inspiring, without equal and deeply infectious. Charlie refused to squander a single day of his life. He was a natural builder and problem solver, who loved a challenge and saw every setback as a chance to learn, grow, pray, and try again. He was fundamentally decent, always eager to make new friends and allies and to support and defend the ones he had already made. His values were timeless American ones: Honesty, forthrightness, duty, loyalty, and fair play.

Charlie loved America, its people, its Constitution, its freedom, and the limitless good all of them have done for the world. But above all, Charlie lived every day with an overflowing love of the Christ he knew he would one day get to see. When asked, Charlie said that above all he wished to be remembered for his faith. Far more than any political victory, Charlie wanted to see a spiritual revival among America's youth. He wanted a nation of happy, thriving families who loved God and each other. At his final public speech, just days before his murder, Charlie witnessed to Christ to an audience of non believers. Even in his very last moments, Charlie was professing the Gospel. He ran his race well all the way to the end Now, he goes to his heavenly reward.

Although Charlie is gone, his legacy will endure. He shall not grow old; age shall not weary him. For all time, he will remain the brave young man who inspired tens of millions of Americans to better themselves and take action to better America. All of us will miss Charlie. None of us will ever forget him.

Before & After Bookshelves...

Before:

Lot's of school books and stuff.

After:

Replaced with my bibles, bible study books and Christian books. Now they are at arms reach.

It feels good to have my bookshelves organized and I'm still going to do some more adjusting and bring down more books from upstairs to have at arms reach for me to be able to reference.  

It feels weird to be ending this homeschooling journey we've been on for so long but I'm excited for the next chapter and being able to do all my reading/studying/research without having to always go to other bookshelves in the house to get what I need.  

Never Forget 9/11...

On the night of September 10, 2001 ... 24 years ago:

246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights.

2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning.

343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift.

60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol.

8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift.

None of them saw past 11:00am Sept 11, 2001.

In one single moment life was never the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted.

Never forget.

For The Haters...

This was shared on social media last night and I wanted to share it here.  

Here's the thing.  After seeing all that I saw last night on social media concerning this man and then watching some of his videos on his Turning Point Youtube channel I get why the haters would want him gone.  Charlie was reaching far too many Gen Zers for Christ and he was making a real impact on their politically thinking.  He had them all really questioning what they had been brain washed and fed all their lives in their schooling to believe and think.  He was opening so many of these young peoples eyes to see what my husband and I, and so many our age that are like us, already knew....Patriotism matters!  That we need to be Pro Our Countries People 1st!  Jesus is real!  He is Lord!  Family really does matter!  Getting married and having children in that order is how we preserve our future and the future of our nation!  This way we don't all die off because we aren't growing our country!  All life has value - Pro Life!  

    His message was a strong in your face message!  It had everyone thinking.  You either loved him or you hated him.  There was no room for middle road thinking/feeling when it came to his messages to everyone.  

    I pray Gen Zers rise up.  They stand tall.  They multiply his message in way that he never could.  That they open pandoras box so to speak.  Like the Japanese famously said after bombing Pearl Harbor, "I feel we have awakened a sleeping giant!"  Make the haters see that they have awakened a sleeping giant.  Make an impact that will have Charlie's legacy living on for eternity!

Death of an Awesome Man of God...

In recent years there have been so many deaths and attempted assassinations in our country that it breaks my heart.  It's like there's no moral compass anymore guiding our nation.  When I was growing up there was still some semblance of a moral compass even though it was in the beginning stages of the dwindling process.  Folks for the most part went to church on Sunday's.  Most homes still believed in God to some extent even if they didn't live it on a daily basis.  Most of our small towns pretty much closed down on Sunday's.  No business was done and it was truly a day of rest.  

  Fast forward 45-50 years and I don't even recognize the nation that I knew back then.  It's business as usually 7 days a week.  There's hustle and bustle all the time.  Sunday's aren't reserved as a day of rest to the Lord anymore.  The majority of homes in our nation don't believe in Jesus.  There are so many who hate Jesus and are turning the table on those who do saying we are like Hitler.  I don't know where in the world they are coming from with that because Hitler hated Jesus.  He hated the Jews who loved God.  He didn't want anything to do with God.  

    They called Charlie Kirk a Hitler type.  He loved Jesus therefore he loved God.  Nothing about the man screamed that he was that kind of person at all.  

    Today he was shot while speaking at a college campus in Utah.  I'm sure the doctors did everything they could to save him but he couldn't be saved.  He leaves behind a wife and two young children.  He was only 31 years old.  

    Here's what I would love to know, How could someone's opinion (Charlie Kirk's) cause someone to do something like this?  How could someone be filled with that much hate to murder someone in the prime of their life?  Now his kids will grow up without a father and their mom will have to do life raising her two kids without her husband by her side.  My heart breaks for them.  I'm deeply saddened at the state that this nation is in.  

    His family are in my thoughts and prayers as they deal with all the aftermath in the days ahead.  All of our young people are in my thoughts and prayers as well.  I pray that if this young man impacted your life at all that you make a stand for Christ in remembrance of him.  That you make an impact for Christ with your family and friends as well.  Don't let his death be in vain.  Give him a legacy that is worthy of the man of God that he was.  

Don't Go Gentle Into That Good Night!

Don't be passive!  Rage and Burn with the dying of the light!

Life Is Precious And It's Vitally Important That We Fight For It At Every Turn!

Let Us Maintain A Fierce Spirit Rather Than Succumb To A Peaceful, But Complacent, Ending!

Save The Date...

More information will be coming but here's the save the date for Tim's graduation from High School.  It's hard to believe that he's graduating this school year.  It seems like yesterday that he was learning to write his letters and numbers.  The time sure has flown by.  I'm thankful that we have cherished all the moments all these years and that we took tons of pictures of them as well.  

We still aren't sure how many family and friends will be allowed at the graduation because I don't know where the venue will be as of yet but it's a homeschool graduation so I'm assuming all that want to attend will probably be allowed to attend.  I will let you know for certain when I have more details😉.

Just About A Month Away...

Tim is looking forward to attending this Meet.  It will be his 3rd State Meet since switching to Olympic Weightlifting.  He really loves this sport and has learned so much and grown so much since August of 2023.  It's been the absolute best change ever.  

Level 2 License...

Tim received the hard copy of his license this week but I forgot to post of a pic of him with it.  He's so loving the freedom of being able to drive alone.  It has freed me up to be able to do other things however I do miss going with him to training and watching him train.  

I erased pertinent information on it so that no one can try and swipe his identification.  It's sad that you have to do that nowadays.  Yet another sign of the times.

John 14:1 (ESV)...

Dermatology Appointment...

Today Tim was seen at the dermatologist for this:

They told us it's Beckers Nevus.  That's basically a fancy name for a huge mole/birthmark that can get darker and grow thick hair (which it's starting to do). It affects 1% of the population.  It's more common in males than females.  There's nothing that can be done for it.  They don't know what causes them.  It's believed to be related to a genetic predisposition.  It doesn't cause any health issues.  If the hair gets thicker or darker there are things we can do for dealing with it but none of them are covered by medical insurance which totally stinks.  

Acts 1:8 (ESV)...

Footnote from NIV Application Bible (v.7-8):

Their primary concern should not be the political power that will come with the restoration of Israel's Kingdom.  It should be the spiritual power that will come through the baptism with the Holy Spirit, which will enable them to be witnesses.  

    In a sense the disciples were already witnesses, for they had seen the risen Lord; that was the key to their witness (v.22).  But they also needed the "power" that would come from the Holy Spirit. 

Missionary Speaker Quotes shared at Cross Assembly Yesterday...

There was a guest speaker yesterday at church.  He spoke on John 15:9-17 about being a friend of God by being loyal to Jesus; standing with Jesus, weeping with Jesus, and stewarding His trust.  It was such a great sermon.  Here are some slides that he shared.

I know many in our neck of the woods are more Baptist in faith than Pentecostal in faith.  Azuza Street was a Pentecostal meeting where God showed up in a huge way.  Lots don't understand Azuza Street.  In their not understanding they tend to spout opinions in order to sway folks to unbelief of what happened there.  

Here's my take on it.  It's not mine to understand the movings of God and His showing up in different ways for different groups of people.  What I do know is it's mine to believe that God can do anything at anytime with anyone who believes.  It's our lack of belief that holds us back at times.  When we open our hearts and eyes to allow Holy Ghost to show us how mightily God moves and has moved in the past we open ourselves up to a deeper belief than we could ever possibly imagine.  

So, you will never see me saying that what happened at Azuza Street wasn't God even though I've heard many non-Pentecostals spout that kind of talk.  What you will hear from me is to take the time to read and study about all that happened at Azuza Street for yourselves.  Really open your mind and heart to understanding all that happened there.  Let Holy Ghost be your guide as you read and study as to what is true or not.  If he does with you what he did with me then your heart and life with be touched with all that God did there.  And yes, I do believe that God showed up there in a mighty way because the people believed and were expectant for a move of God like they had never seen or known before.  Oh what a different, much better, world we would have today if all God's people were seeking Him as they did then.  Just saying.

Now, in the slides you saw above there was a David Livingstone quote.  He was a pioneer missionary to Africa from the prominent 18th century Moffat missionary family. He became one of most popular British heroes of the late 19th century Victorian era.  He was also an explorer of the region.  His disappearance and eventual death in Africa led to the founding of several major Central African Christian missionary initiatives carried forward in the era of the European “Scramble for Africa” during which almost all of Africa fell under European rule for decades.   Reading about his life is quite interesting.

In the slides you saw above there was also a Frank Bartleman quote.  He was a Christian writer.  His book Azuza Street (can be found on Amazon) describes the events surrounding the Pentecostal revival. He authored six books, four pamphlets, over five hundred and fifty published articles, and one hundred tracts. Bartleman is best remembered for his chronicles of the 1906 Los Angeles revival.  Of the revival, held in Los Angeles from 1906 to 1909, Bartleman famously wrote, "It seemed that everyone had to go to “Azusa.” ... There were far more white people than colored coming. The “color line” was washed away in the blood."  After the Los Angelas revival and his missionary work (ending with the start of World War 1) he returned to evangelistic street work until his death in 1936. He is buried in Burbank, California, at Valhalla Memorial Park.

His book is the book I would personally recommend reading in your journey of understanding Azuza Street and the pentecostal movement.  That way it will help you not be like so many who in their not understanding say something wasn't God just because they don't understand it.  

In my lifetime, I can most confidently say that God moves in mysterious ways and His ways are not our ways.  I've experienced Him in my life in ways that I could have never imagined.  He's touched my life in such a deep way that it stays with me always.  Although I was born long after the Azuza Street Revivals Franks book gives a great description of all that happened there.  To say that what happened there was not God is putting God in a box and I never wanna be guilty of doing that ever.  

God is my world.  He is my lifeline.  He's everything that I'm ever gonna wanna or need in this life.  It's my prayer that if you don't feel as I do that one day you will.   

Micah 6:8 (ICB)...

Footnote from NIV Application Bible:

Micah is not attempting to reveal some new standard of conduct or give an expanded or secret list of requirements that were previously unknown.  God has already communicated that he wants these three basic things.  Micah's description of God's requirements includes no negative statements about what is forbidden to the Israelites: It clearly and positively presents the keys to a full life within the covenant. 

Homeschool Coming to End This Year...

(Technically 13 years if you count Kindergarten)

Today I start going through all Tim’s school books. Some of it will be getting donated and others packed into a bucket for safe keeping. There’s just some stuff you don’t get rid of. IYKYK. #homeschooljourneycoming2anend #classof2026

I did this once before to make room for new books as we went into his highschool years.  There's still more purging to get done though because I didn't get it all done back then.  

It's hard to believe this journey is coming to an end this school year.  It feels surreal that it's almost over and that our son will be moving onto new things and adventures in his life.  

While we know that weightlifting will continue to be a huge focus for Tim moving forward we don't know what else God has in store for him.  It's gonna be hard letting go and letting God work in his life as he steps out into this crazy world and does life.  WE know we've taught him well and we have to trust in that as Tim moves forward. 

I'm also taking this time to figure out what's next for me now that the job of raising/homeschooling our son is almost done.  Life will be so much different after May 2026.  

I'm seeking God's guidance on what he would have me do next.  I'm sure there's a next he has in mind for me and I'm looking forward to walking it out with him.  God is my world!  He's my everything!  Besides, my relationship with him the only others that are my world are my husband and son.  I'm so thankful for God's many blessings in my life.  He has blessed me so much more than I could have thought or imagined.  He's touched my life so deeply that I'm eternally grateful.  I'm so glad that His presence in my life is always felt and appreciated.  I will never understand those who do this life without God.  I can't even imagine my life without God in it.  

This homeschooling journey has been a season in my life.  It's been a challenging season at times and a really blessed season at other times.  Such a mix of emotions going on for me in this last year of homeschooling.  

James 5:16 (NKJV)...

Read verses 12-18 for context.

Footnote from NIV Application Bible (v.12-18):

James aligns with the teaching of the OT that false swearing and the giving of oaths is forbidden (e.g. Lev. 9:12).

The true theme of the passage is prayer (v.16).  James here deals with the prayer of the individual (v.13), the prayer of the elders (vv. 14-15), the prayers of friends and companions for one another (v.16), and finally the prayer of the righteous prophet Elijah (vv. 17-18)

The first issue raised is that of suffering (v.13a).  In such times, James advocates prayer.  It allows us to be active and positive and keeps us in communion with God.  Then James discusses the case of those who are happy (v.13b).  God desires our prayers in both difficult and pleasant times.

The sick person is to be "pray[ed] over" (v.14).  It is obvious that the basis for this action is the firm belief that God is the source of healing.  James clearly teaches here that sickness can be alleviated through public confession and prayer.  

Our world places a great premium on eliminating discomfort.  In the face of this potent cultural value, evangelicals need to go against the grain and adopt a biblical understanding of adversity.  God uses adversity for spiritual preparation.  Prayer in adversity also urges us to renounce the pride that is associated with the world's materialism and self-centeredness.  This has been a constant theme in James.  

God's Timing is Perfect...

A friend shared this and I wanted to share too so I found an adorable picture to put with it as well😉:

An elephant and a dog became pregnant at the same time. Three months later, the dog gave birth to six puppies. Six months after that, she was pregnant again, and nine months later, she gave birth to another dozen puppies. This pattern continued for some time.

Eighteen months later, the dog approached the elephant and asked, "Are you sure you're pregnant? We conceived on the same day. I've already given birth to a dozen puppies three times, and you're still expecting! What's going on?"

The elephant calmly replied, "There's something important I need you to understand. What I carry isn't a puppy; it's an elephant. I only give birth once every two years, but when my baby touches the earth, the world will feel it. When it crosses a street, people will stop and stare in awe. What I carry is powerful and majestic." She continued, "Don't lose faith. When you see others receiving their rewards quickly, don't feel jealous if yours hasn't come yet Don't despair. Instead, remind yourself, 'My time is coming. And when it does, people will be amazed."

MORAL:

God's timing is perfect. Everything comes when it is meant to, never too soon, never too late, but always at the right moment.

Week 2 of A Jesus Shaped Life...

I am so loving this bible study.  Week 2 was all about the Trinity and Community.  

One way to define the Trinity is = God eternally exists as three persons (Father, Son, & Holy Spirit).  Each person is fully God.  There is one God.

We went over the "Nicene Creed".  Click on it to learn more about it.  

Our picture of God (how we see God in our mind's eye when we pray, read Scripture, and engage in other spiritual practices) absolutely informs the way we live our lives.  

Trinitarian theology = the oneness of God

God is a God of unity!  

Christianity is a monotheistic (one God) faith!

Trinitarian theology is 1 + 1 + 1 = 1.

It is essential to the Christian faith that our God is one.

Praise God for His infinite nature and that we can continue to grow in our understanding of Him for all of eternity!

For Paul, in the book of Corinthians, Trinitarian theology  was essential to understanding the redemptive work of Christ and the power of Holy Spirit.  

Paul's letters are important for us Christians today because although he was writing specifically to the ancient Corinthians and not us, through the power of God he was writing for us.

Because we know that all 3 persons of the Trinity have ALWAYS existed and none were created later on, we know that God has always existed in community.  

Genesis 2:18 - Why did God know that it was not good for man to be alone?  Because God Himself has never been alone either!

God, in His infinite wisdom, knows it is important for us to reflect His image & so He created in us a deep desire for good & whole community.  Basically, God is in community, so we should be too!

God is consistently gathering His people to Himself throughout the story of the Bible, & God is drawing near to us all over the pages of Scripture.  

Such a great week of learning.  Lisa Harper is an amazing Bible teacher.  I love her passion for God's Word.  It exudes out of every part of her and it's contagious.  It just stirs you in your inner most being.  So thankful for this woman of God and all I'm learning from her obedience to teach God's people what He would have her teach.  

The hymn "Holy, Holy, Holy" has been in my mind this week.  One because she mentioned it in the study but two because it fits perfectly with all that we studied this week.  The old hymns that I learned as a child are coming home to rest so deeply in my heart these days.  Don't get me wrong, I love all the new Praise & Worship songs but there is just something that hits you with such depth about the old hymns.  It's indescribable but I feel it in a way that I never did when I was growing up in church.  There's so much more meaning in them for me now.

God In 3 Person's,

Blessed Trinity!

Happy Labor Day!

Summers coming to an end 😢 but Christmas 🎄 will be around the corner but not before we get to enjoy the fall 🍂 colors 😍😊.

We hope you enjoy this Labor Day with your families enjoying the last glimmers of summer 😌.