I can often become extremely discouraged as I listen to and observe the topic(s) of conversation among women in the church. The Lord quickly convicts me when my own words are not those that edify, exhort, encourage, build up, hold accountable and give grace to those who hear. I am also convinced that Satan has infiltrated our churches and has kept us immobile and numb to those who are desperate and needy among us.

One of the major ways he does this with us as sisters is to keep our conversation stayed on the worldly, the superficial, the materialistic, and the social. My prayer for myself as well as my sisters in Christ across the globe, and especially in America, is that we will make Jesus Christ our great and glorious satisfaction. That He would be made known in our conversations, that He would increase and we would decrease. That we would be held accountable by each other, that we would be compelled to worship by each other, that we would be moved to love the unlovable. That we would force each other out of our comfort zones... not for the glory of any specific church or person but for the glory of Jesus Christ alone. That He would be the focus and adoration of our words. We have far too great a God to sit idly by in our comfortable American churches feeling quite satisfied with ourselves. We have been adopted by the Great I Am and commissioned with the greatest news in the history of His world.... the Gospel of Jesus Christ!! Let us open our mouths and speak of His wonders, His life, His death, His resurrection and His glorious return!! Amen.

On that note, I came across some helpful questions to spur on biblical fellowship. Enjoy!!

Great blog: http://www.girltalkhome.com/blog//

Questions for Biblical Fellowship

1. What is one thing you could do this year to increase your enjoyment of God?
2. In which spiritual discipline do you most want to make progress this year and what are you doing to this end?
3. Who is one person you would like to spend time with asking questions about their relationship with the Lord?
4. What is one new way you could help strengthen the church?
5. What is one thing you could do to improve your prayer life?
6. What habit would you most like to establish this year?
7. Who do you most want to encourage this year?
8. What book, in addition to the Bible, do you most want to read this year?
9. In what area of your life do you most need growth and what will you do about it?
10. What one biblical doctrine do you most want to understand better this year?

Here is the link in case you have trouble viewing...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A6lWl_XzKA

We were debating over whether to remain here in our townhouse or move into a rental. After much deliberation we have decided to stay put. We signed our renewal lease, filled the 3 strips of grass in the "backyard" (patio) with veggies, herbs and flowers and are working on getting curtains for the windows. Everything is so expensive!!! The kids had a blast planting everything and shoveling the dirt around. We're hoping to have tomatoes, bell peppers and already have some basil. We're in the 60s at night here - it feels amazing although there are a few mosquitoes that seem to find me each time I walk outside. Did someone send those from the Gulf or what?

Ward is still going strong with school. He is taking two classes this summer. Still loving Greek and is having the time of his life translating the book of 1 John. The kids and I are enjoying a more relaxed schedule now that summer is here. Planning to take a few day trips to different parts of the state and maybe into Ohio.

Wyatt Ray Landry arrived last week and we are thrilled that he and Trisha are doing beautifully.

Please continue to pray for us as we are in a continual spiritual battle as a family. Thank you for your love and support.

To God Alone Be The Glory ~ Heather

As many of you know, Ward, the kids and I moved to Louisville, Kentucky in January. Ward graduated from the seminary in New Orleans in December which made him eligible for graduate work here at Southern Seminary. By the way, thank you to ALL [Scott and Trisha Landry, Kyle and Paula Miller, Justin and Brandie Thibodeaux, Stanley(in spirit) and Julie Head, Dmitri (in spirit) and Coretta Perkins, David and Ginny England, Shawn and Anne-Kathryn Johnston], who came to support us that day. You are amazing, loving, compassionate, patient, long-suffering, faithful, beautiful believers. You are loved deeply and your deeds do not go unnoticed by Our Father. Words can not suffice here.

So, we rolled up to our townhouse a few days before Christmas - thank you to those who shipped Christmas presents (you have no idea how special you made us feel). The ice storm came in January and we were out of power for about 6 days. We spent some of that time in Nashville which is only about 3-4 hours from here. Our townhouse is tight but we like its central location, stone fireplace and the park-like feel. There is stocked pond on the property where we watched the Canadian geese light for weeks. It was beautiful iced over with snow. We've met a few of our neighbors ~ everyone has been really sweet to us.

Baylee and Lydia began the second part of their school at Covenant Christian Academy, which we love. The parents and staff are amazing. They have both adjusted pretty well to their new curriculums and protocol. I have had a chance to serve there, including some substituting...... no snide remarks, please:)

Ward is finishing up his first semester next week!!!!! He is thoroughly enjoying his studies. The professors are amazing and he is learning so much. I am so proud of his discipline and his love for the Lord. His grades are excellent and he is preparing for finals.

Seminary Wives Institute is a program that allows seminary wives the opportunity to receive academic, spiritual and practical training alongside their husbands. The amount of time and energy that Southern pours into us leaves me speechless. It is overwhelming that the same professors that teach Ward would jump at the chance to also teach his wife. It says much about their view of the worth of marriage and women in ministry. We are grateful. Last night we had an end of the year Spring Celebration. Our piano class played while the hospitality class served 150 ladies. Sharon Beougher, whose husband is Professor of Evangelism, was our teacher and had us laughing so hard we were in tears. Fun stuff!! And I think I made an A in both my classes:)

After visiting 14-15 different churches, we think we may have found the one our family will serve at. There are SO MANY marvelous churches here that its, honestly, hard to decide. But after visiting Immanuel Baptist Church for a couple of months now, we believe that this is where the Lord would us. Here is the link to their homepage: http://www.ibclouisville.org/ You can also listen to the sermons by going to the resource page - they are listed by date and title. Please continue to pray as we make this decision. Membership classes are next weekend and sometime afterward, the elders, God willing, will consider us for membership.

All three children had birthdays this spring: Baylee 13, Lydia 6 and Isaac 5. Hopefully I can post pictures of said celebrations soon. We will be celebrating Baylee's birthday next weekand at a Cincinnati Reds game in Ohio. YAY!! Lydia wanted ice cream cake and a trip to the nearest pizza zoo!! We went on a Monday and there was NO ONE there - thank you LORD!! We took Isaac to dinner at a farm/orchard near here in Indiana. There is a life sized barn ~ complete with loft, swinging rope, hay and a 30 foot slide coming out of one side. There was also a silo and all the food is made from scratch. Superb fried chicken (although not Popeye's). We had a blast.

Lastly, we have and will continue to covet your prayers and support while we are apart.

May the Lord bless you and keep you!

wingsuit base jumping from Ali on Vimeo.

Won't you take my to crazy town???!!!!!??? If this is true then there is no Easter and no Gospel, no hope for sinners.

Second Timothy 4:3-4 says, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths ."

I wonder how many churches are doing exactly what Timothy was telling them not to do? 2 Timothy 4:2 "PREACH THE WORD; BE READY IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON; REPROVE, REBUKE, EXHORT, WITH GREAT PATIENCE AND INSTRUCTION." Pray with me that pastors will not waste their pulpits by relying on their own crafty opinions about what might tickle the ears/eyes/senses of their seeker congregations but that they will trust the Lord will all of their hearts, souls, minds and strength. That His Word is more powerful than anything else in the universe. By it men are saved, it does not go out and return void but accomplishes all that the Lord desires and wills for it to do. (Isaiah 55:11) By His Holy Spirit will unbelievers be brought to repentance not by our cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would be made void. (1 Corinthians 1:17).

Petition that you may want to sign. Follow the link to protect Pro-Life Doctors.
Thanks!
https://www.aclj.org/petition/Default.aspx?AC=DNE0903022&SC=3419&email=solideogloria7777@gmail.com&guid=3745E69A-7244-4F56-947A-ECD8D7407D50

Preparing for my quiz tonight.... Last's week lecture was on the Doctrines of the Holy Spirit and Salvation. Here's a quick run down.....

DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Purpose of the Holy Spirit is to mark out what is His, His territory / the King and all that is the King's. In the Old Testament, the King's head was anointed with oil signifying the Holy Spirit's presence and the Lord's choice of King. In Psalm 51 (my favorite), David is crying out to the Lord after he committed adultery and part of his petition is that the Lord would not remove the Holy Spirit from him.

The Holy Spirit meant two things for the King:

(1) Ability to Fight - For example - David and Goliath - many people say that this was a story of David's great courage. This actually would normally be a really stupid thing to do except that the Spirit was upon him and was giving him the ability to kill Goliath.

(2) Gives Wisdom - the King is able to rule, reign, discern and judge adequately because of the Spirit's presence. The Holy Spirit was removed from Saul and evil spirits took its place BEFORE he was physically removed from the throne. Other examples: Spirit came down like a dove on Jesus at His baptism, Spirit comes down at Pentecost and He makes His home with the Bride, our spirit testifies to the Holy Spirit.

Holy Spirit's Work/Job:
(1) Conviction - brings evidence and makes a case against us.
(2) Baptism - Jesus baptizes His church in the Holy Spirit.
(3) Indwelling - Not so much about having the Holy Spirit in you or in me but the church as a whole - He makes His home in the church (universal).
(4) Fullness - Constantly open to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit setting the agenda and we are carried away in it.
(5) Gifts - All Christians believe in the gifts.
(a) Pentecostal - Saved and then sometime after that you are baptized in the Holy Spirit which is only evidenced by speaking in tongues. This is the "fullness" of the gospel, hence, Full Gospel.
(b) Charismatics - Salvation and baptism of the Holy Spirit happen at the same time. All gifts are still operable today, including tongues, prophecy, healing, exorcism, etc.
(c) Open But Cautious - There is no scripture in the NT that states that some gifts are no longer operable. But that because of the abuse of certain extraordinary gifts we should be extremely cautious about the use and identification of such gifts. These people would say that they have never experienced a worship service where someone spoke in tongues to the congregation and then someone else adequately interpreted it for the same congregation. Cautious also about the use of power over others when it comes to certain gifts like "a word from the Lord", this makes it hard for someone to "argue" against you since what you are proclaiming to the congregation or an individual was something that "the Lord said should happen".
(d) Cessationist - Some gifts of the Holy Spirit were used to mark out the apostolic era. They were used, like at Pentecost, to let the church know that the gospel was now global. We now have the New Testament which is all we need for life and godliness and that the Holy Spirit speaks through the word instead of through specific revelatory gifts.
(6) Fruit - He prunes us and cultivates us to bring about healthy fruit.

DOCTRINE OF SALVATION

(1) Free offer - Anyone is called to believe. Only requirements are repentance and faith, upon these salvation is guaranteed. The only problem is that ALL have turned aside and none seek Him therefore none would be saved. Left to ourselves we would find ourselves running further and further away from God. Nothing in us wants to be Holy.
(2) Effectual Calling - While the free offer is being made the Holy Spirit works to call people to repentance and faith. Most people are not saved the first time they hear the gospel. We hear the gospel and hear it and hear it. One day it sounds different - usually not because we all of a sudden have more information.... like.... oh so there were 500 hundred eye witnesses to the resurrection. The Holy Spirit calls us to Himself - declares the light be shown on our hearts/eyes. When someone comes to faith it is because the Holy Spirit was active and working to bring that person to Christ. The proclamation of the gospel combined with the working of the Holy Spirit can save anybody. No one is too far gone nor more "likely" to be saved than any other. Faith is looking outside of ourselves to Jesus... believing. Repentance is agreeing with God regarding His judgment of our sin and our turning from that sin.
(3) Regeneration - Holy Spirit creates a new life - it's as if the the person is starting all over again. Although personalities don't necessarily change, we do however have a new set of affections.
(4) Justification - God declares us Holy!! Because Christ took my condemnation and my penalty, God sees me as already having been judged. My sins are paid for and I am hidden in Christ. This is how the Father sees me... Holy. Satan only has two offensive strategies against the believer at this point..... Fear of Death and Accusations (i.e., you are still under condemnation).
(5) Adoption - We are part of the household of God. Doctrines of Election and Predestination say that God was purposing to bring us into the household all along. Its not about our acceptability, our performance or how lovable we are. God had us in mind before the foundation of the world and HE does what it takes to save and sanctify His own. Adoption is our confirmation that salvation is God's doing from beginning to end and when trouble comes God will not abandon us. He is the One who is keeping us saved. Some object or become defensive over election and predestination because they assume it is saying that if someone wants to be saved and they weren't chosen then they can't be saved. This is obviously not the case taking into consideration both the Free Offer and the Effectual Calling definitions... if ANYONE believes and repents then they shall be saved.
(6) Sanctification - the Father makes us Holy. We are set apart for a specific use. We are not here for common purposes. He uses the Word (preached/taught), Lord's Supper, Baptism, and the work of the Holy Spirit to make us more and more Holy over the span of our entire lives.
(a) Discipline - this is our training for the world to come. He turns us away from those things which are opposed to Christ and toward those things which will prepare us for eternity. He only disciplines His own. This takes time and patience when dealing with ourselves and others.
(7) Perseverance - Anyone who comes to know Christ will continue to follow Christ until the end. We are consistent repenting sinners. God will not allow a Christian to walk away into apostasy.
(8) Assurance - confidence that we belong to Christ. This is not a feeling.

Are Prenuptial Agreements Okay for Christians?
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

A pastor emailed me recently to say that he’d been in the process of preparing a couple for marriage. In the flow of premarital counseling he learned that the man had insisted that his future wife sign a prenuptial agreement, and that she’d agreed to it. The pastor told the couple they’re not ready to marry, and wondered whether prenuptial agreements have any place in a Christian marriage.

Let me first note that I am sure there are some legal circumstances in which a prenuptial agreement is mandated by law or by insurance policies, say in the case of a widow who remarries and who has minor children from her first marriage receiving an ongoing inheritance.

The typical arrangement of a prenuptial agreement, however, is completely outside the Christian vision of marriage. Here’s why.

First of all, a prenuptial agreement assumes a contractual rather than a covenantal view of marriage. It assumes there are two “partners” in the marriage, each protecting his or her interests and resources.

A Christian marriage, however, is a one-flesh union. What is true of the one is true of the other. A prenuptial agreement in a Christian marriage makes about as much sense as a legal contract between one’s mouth and one’s stomach, in case of a refusal to provide nutrients. The Apostle tells us: “No man hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church” (Eph 5:29).

This one-flesh union is in view in the traditional Christian vows, “with all my worldly goods I thee endow.”

A prenuptial agreement also presupposes divorce. Divorce is a regrettable future possibility, in this scenario, but it is a possibility. A couple that begins preparing for the possibility of divorce is headed toward it. Why not have the couple sign a legal document with arrangements made for the children in the case that she murders him? We wouldn’t think to do so because murder is, or ought to be, unthinkable for a couple preparing for marriage. Sadly, divorce is all too thinkable, even for those marrying in Christian churches.

I’m with my pastor correspondent. This couple is not yet ready to marry, to give themselves to one another completely. If the future groom can’t trust his bride with his money, how can he trust her with his life, his family, his children, his future?

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=76661&id=668011075

Starting a new class tonight at the seminary. Very excited!! Class is called "Baptist Beliefs" and is taught by some of the professors for the seminary itself as well as the president. Textbook is, "Baptist Faith and Message" which was updated a couple of years ago. I've read through the old one in the past, but this new edition is set up like a mini-bible study, which in my opinion, is a marvelous idea, especially for those who have never read it or are unfamiliar with biblical doctrine and how it manifests itself in the Southern Baptist Convention.

I am really looking forward to being in a setting where learning is encouraged and where ignorance is welcomed and eagerly swept away. Being at one church all my life, learning one way of doing things "church", in a certain area of the world can be extremely beneficial but can also be a hindrance as you learn that you have no idea what "church" looks like in other people groups, cities, states, countries and continents.

The Lord is showing me that His people REALLY DO come in every shape and size and color and denomination and culture. When I read through the New Testament and watch in my mind's eye as Paul goes to countries he knows nothing about, it is invigorating. As Revelation says... the Bride of Christ is made up of people from every language, tribe, tongue, etc. The right way to do things is God's way of doing them in that moment, for those people. Ministry may look methodically different in all parts of the world but one thing remains the same... Matthew 5:16..... "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." I am praying that I will have eyes to see the works that He has laid out for me to do before the creation of the world and not just run around like a crazy person doing things I ought not do. I want to hear the Holy Spirit and then as we tell the children... "Listen and obey."

I am blessed by the people of God.

Rearranging / modifying..... sorry for the mess. Working on it.

This is a the first in a sermon series in Song of Songs by Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. Really good teaching. Pause the Playlist on the sidebar so that you can hear the sermon. Enjoy.

Taken from last week's edition of WORLD magazine.....
Some might say Pilgrim Congregational Church in North Weymouth, Mass., is for the dogs. Speaking literally, they'd be right. On Oct. 5, the church began a weekly "woof 'n' worship" service devoted to dogs and their owners. Rev. Rachel Bickford said the idea comes from an invocation in Psalm 148: "Let all wild animals, creeping things and flying birds give God praise." Bickford explained, "So I thought wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to let all things praise God together and have families bring their dogs to church." Bickford said parishioners who bring dogs to the 5 p.m. service will be responsible for cleaning up any messes created by pets.

I can hardly express how very angry this makes me.....

Maybe next we could not only carry our pets around in our purses, buy their newest fashion ensembles at Old Navy, save up for their Christmas presents, give them the same sanctified life status as our children.... and I quote, "We don't have kids yet, but my dogs are my kids", but we could also bring them to church and have a, "pet appropriate" instead of "age appropriate" worship service/venue.

Only problem with this is, like anything else when you move away from what biblical doctrine actually teaches, relativism sets in. For example: Who gets to decide what kinds of "pets" can attend? I mean who has "the right" to say that my pet python/monkey/rabbit/hamster, etc. can't attend the "pet appropriate" service? As long as I "clean up their messes". And what will these creatures receive from God's word or will we just feed their tiny brains a heaping load of feel good, American, rockin'out, relativistic, humanism?

So, in our nation today, we have men having sex with men, babies forced down the birth canal on their way to having their brains vacuumed out by their own mothers, amendments introduced to Congress on the behalf of dolphins, since there's a chance they could be harassed by tuna fisherman off the East Coast, the call for the total renovation of California chicken coupes by Ellen Degeneres because the chickens can't flap their little wings and are in danger of being treated like commodities (by the way they ARE commodities, in fact, I ate some today, as well as have some stocked in my freezer, I drive to the store and exchange money for it.... this is the very definition of commodity), and tons of "Christians" who have no idea what they believe or what the bible says because they won't turn off their cell phones, radios, iPods, video games, movies, text messages, twitter briefs, facebook profiles or televisions long enough to even remotely hear the Holy Spirit speak to their hearts fearing the conviction of sin.

I wonder how long it will take for this judgment to turn into full blown idol worship. No doubt, we worship idols as a nation and as a people, but what will it be like when we actually have "idols" literally to worship. You never know, it could very possibly start with this kind of thing...... "Canine Worship" or is it worship of the canine?

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, is scheduled to appear tonight on ABC World News with Charles Gibson. Mohler was interviewed today by correspondent Dan Harris on the evangelical reaction to the election of Sen. Barack Obama. ABC World News airs nationally at 6:30 PM EST.

The election of Sen. Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States came as a bang, not a whimper. The tremors had been perceptible for days, maybe even weeks. On Tuesday, America experienced nothing less than a political and cultural earthquake.

The margin of victory for the Democratic ticket was clear. Americans voted in record numbers and with tangible enthusiasm. By the end of the day, it was clear that Barack Obama would be elected with a majority of the popular vote and a near landslide in the Electoral College. When President-Elect Obama greeted the throngs of his supporters in Chicago's Grant Park, he basked in the glory of electoral energy.

For many of us, the end of the night brought disappointment. In this case, the disappointment is compounded by the sense that the issues that did not allow us to support Sen. Obama are matters of life and death -- not just political issues of heated debate. Furthermore, the margin of victory and sense of a shift in the political landscape point to greater disappointments ahead. We all knew that so much was at stake.

For others, the night was magical and momentous. Young and old cried tears of amazement and victory as America elected its first African-American President -- and elected him overwhelmingly. Just forty years after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, an African-American stood to claim victory as President-Elect of the nation. As Sen. Obama assured the crowd in Chicago and the watching nation, "We will get there. We will get there." No one hearing those words could fail to hear the refrain of plaintive words spoken in Memphis four decades ago. President-Elect Obama would stand upon the mountaintop that Dr. King had foreseen.

That victory is a hallmark moment in history for all Americans -- not just for those who voted for Sen. Obama. As a nation, we will never think of ourselves the same way again. Americans rich and poor, black and white, old and young, will look to an African-American man and know him as President of the United States. The President. The only President. The elected President. Our President.

Every American should be moved by the sight of young African-Americans who -- for the first time -- now believe that they have a purchase in American democracy. Old men and old women, grandsons and granddaughters of slaves and slaveholders, will look to an African-American as President.

Regardless of politics, could anyone remain unmoved by the sight of Jesse Jackson crying alone amidst the crowd in Chicago? This dimension of Election Day transcends politics and touches the heart of the American people.

Yet, the issues and the politics remain. Given the scale of the Democratic victory, the political landscape will be completely reshaped. The fight for the dignity and sanctity of unborn human beings has been set back by a great loss, and by the election of a President who has announced his intention to sign the Freedom of Choice Act into law. The struggle to protect marriage against its destruction by redefinition is now complicated by the election of a President who has declared his aim to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. On issue after issue, we face a longer, harder, and more protracted struggle than ever before.

Still, we must press on as advocates for the unborn, for the elderly, for the infirm, and for the vulnerable. We must redouble our efforts to defend marriage and the integrity of the family. We must be vigilant to protect religious liberty and the freedom of the pulpit. We face awesome battles ahead.

At the same time, we must be honest and recognize that the political maps are being redrawn before our eyes. Will the Republican Party decide that conservative Christians are just too troublesome for the party and see the pro-life movement as a liability? There is the real danger that the Republicans, stung by this defeat, will adopt a libertarian approach to divisive moral issues and show conservative Christians the door.

Others will declare these struggles over, arguing that the election of Sen. Obama means that Americans in general -- and many younger Evangelicals in particular -- are ready to "move on" to other issues. This is no time for surrender or the abandonment of our core principles. We face a much harder struggle ahead, but we have no right to abandon the struggle.

We should look for opportunities to work with the new President and his administration where we can. We must hope that he will lead and govern as the bridge-builder he claimed to be in his campaign. We must confront and oppose the Obama administration where conscience demands, but work together where conscience allows.

Evangelical Christians face another challenge with the election of Sen. Obama, and a failure to rise to this challenge will bring disrepute upon the Gospel, as well as upon ourselves. There must be absolutely no denial of the legitimacy of President-Elect Obama's election and no failure to accord this new President the respect and honor due to anyone elected to that high office. Failure in this responsibility is disobedience to a clear biblical command.

Beyond this, we must commit ourselves to pray for this new President, for his wife and family, for his administration, and for the nation. We are commanded to pray for rulers, and this new President faces challenges that are not only daunting but potentially disastrous. May God grant him wisdom. He and his family will face new challenges and the pressures of this office. May God protect them, give them joy in their family life, and hold them close together.

We must pray that God will protect this nation even as the new President settles into his role as Commander in Chief, and that God will grant peace as he leads the nation through times of trial and international conflict and tension.

We must pray that God would change President-Elect Obama's mind and heart on issues of our crucial concern. May God change his heart and open his eyes to see abortion as the murder of the innocent unborn, to see marriage as an institution to be defended, and to see a host of issues in a new light. We must pray this from this day until the day he leaves office. God is sovereign, after all.

Without doubt, we face hard days ahead. Realistically, we must expect to be frustrated and disappointed. We may find ourselves to be defeated and discouraged. We must keep ever in mind that it is God who raises up nations and pulls them down, and who judges both nations and rulers. We must not act or think as unbelievers, or as those who do not trust God.

America has chosen a President. President-Elect Barack Obama is that choice, and he faces a breathtaking array of challenges and choices in days ahead. This is the time for Christians to begin praying in earnest for our new President. There is no time to lose.

http://www.albertmohler.com/blog.php

By: John Piper

How does the Bible instruct us to pray for “all who are in high positions”? It says,

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1Timothy 2:1-4).

A few observations:

1. Giving thanks “for kings” is hard when they are evil.

And, as Calvin said on this passage, “All the magistrates of that time were sworn enemies of Christ.” This shows us that anarchy is a horrible alternative to almost any ruler.

We should give thanks for rulers because “non-rule” would unleash on us utterly unbridled evil with no recourse whatever.

Again Calvin: “Unless they restrained the boldness of wicked men, the whole world would be full of robberies and murders.” The better we understand the seething evil of the human heart that is ready to break out where there is no restraint, the more thankful we will be for government.

2. The effect we pray for is “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly, and dignified in every way.”

Dignified means “serious and reverent,” not stuffy. I suspect what Paul means is not that we can’t live godly and serious lives during times of anarchy. We can. I suspect he means that peaceful and quiet lives, which are the opposite of anarchy, are often wasted in ungodly and frivolous actions.

So he is praying for a government that would give peace and quiet (not anarchy), and that Christians would not fritter away their peaceful lives with the world, but would be radically godly and serious about the lost condition of the world and how to change it.

3. Using our peace for radical godliness and serious action will lead to more effective evangelism and world missions.

This last observation is confirmed by the hoped-for outcome Paul mentions. Paul says that the reason God delights in such peaceful, Godward, serious action is that he “desires all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

More people will be saved if our government restrains the horrors of anarchy, and if Christians use this peace not to waste their lives on endless entertainment, but seriously give their lives to making God known.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!!!!!!!!!

Ran across this as I was organizing some paperwork. This has been and continues to be extremely wise advice for me. Praying for gospel centered parenting.

~ By William L. Buchanan, Ph.D

It is important to give directives in a way that will invite the child to obedience.

1 - MAKE YOUR DIRECTIVE A STATEMENT INSTEAD OF ASKING A QUESTION

Oftentimes, parents will ask a question instead of clearly saying what it is they want the child to do. For example, instead of saying, "Go take your bath," a parent will say, "Don't you think it is time to take your bath?" The difficulty with this is that the child might genuinely believe that the answer is "No." Parents should not ask questions if they are not prepared to accept the answer. Parents need to be comfortable with making clear statements to their children.

2 - MAKE THE DIRECTIVE A MAXIMUM OF FIVE OR SIX WORDS

Parents often get into too much explaining. Children's attention spans are limited. The longer the parent goes into a great deal of explanation and detail, the increasingly lost the child gets and more likely to tune out the parents. Directives need to be short and simple. "Go take a bath," "Come to the table," "Turn off the TV", etc.

3 - TELL A CHILD WHAT TO DO INSTEAD OF WHAT NOT TO DO.

Parents frequently get into the habit of saying "Don't do this," and "Don't do that." Children get tired of hearing the word "don't" and parents get tired of saying the word, "don't." "Don't" is negative. It is much better to tell a child what you want them to do or what they may do instead of what they may not do. For example, instead of saying, "Don't run in the house," say, "You may walk in the house," or "Slow down and walk."

4 - WHEN GIVING DIRECTIVES, STAY CALM AND UNEMOTIONAL.

Parents often mistakenly think that becoming emotional will provide the necessary emphasis which will communicate that they really mean business. However, what this usually does is escalate the hostility and negativity. An upset parent will have a great deal of difficulty telling the child to calm down. Becoming emotional is like trying to put out a fire by pouring gasoline on top of it, Directives should be given in a calm, respectful tone.

In summary, remember to make statements of no more than five or six words, telling the child what to do rather than what not to do, and remain calm and unemotional.

So, I really blew it this morning with my children. Things didn't go smoothly and I lost it. I take them all to school and when I return home to go through e-mail and such, I come across a daily devotion that focuses on "sophron" which means self-control in Greek. The article describes what happens when we do not have a sound mind driven by the Lord, one who lacks the virtue of self-control.

Needless to say the Holy Spirit was confirming His own conviction on my mind and soul. How does the God of the universe continue to make the sun to rise and set, to make sea turtles lay eggs, to create thousands of babies daily each with a different set of finger prints, forgive sins, be totally satisfied with Himself and still have the ability to speak to me, in Lafayette, Louisiana at the exact time of 7:24 on Friday, October 31, 2008 about a problem that I had at 6:30 on the same morning through a devotional on my computer. I am amazed, overwhelmed and completely unworthy of the grandeur of His love for me. His ways are definitely not our ways.

Praying for supernatural self-control today. Thank you Jesus for the intimacy we have with you.

Here's just a snippet of the article below. To read the whole thing, which is excellent, copy and paste this link:

http://www.reviveourhearts.com/radio/roh/today.php?pid=10052


A woman who does not have sound thinking:

* is impulsive
* lacks discretion
* follows worldly philosophies
* is driven by her flesh
* lacks follow-through
* is self-centered
* is discontented
* has emotions controlled by circumstances
* seeks escapism from problems
* is easily provoked
* falls apart in a crisis
* easily loses hope
* says whatever she thinks without thinking first
* is highly opinionated
* speaks roughly with profane or crass talk
* is overly concerned about what other people think
* has unpredictable behavior
* is morally careless
* procrastinates
* is given to extremes
* is a pleasure seeker
* is easily distracted
* yields easily to temptation
* struggles to develop consistent life disciplines
* enjoys mindless entertainment
* looks for the easy way out
* thinks about the short-term rather than the long-term
* is demanding
* fritters away time
* makes decisions based on what is easiest

A woman who does have sound thinking:

* is restrained in: her thoughts, her tongue, her eating,
her spending and her reactions
* is calm under pressure
* is purposeful in the use of her time
* is a good steward
* is morally chaste
* has a well-ordered life
* show good judgment
* doesn't "lose it" under pressure
* responds in faith versus fear
* guards her heart and mind
* evaluates what she reads or hears in light of Scripture
* is mentally disciplined
* resists temptation
* shows delayed gratification
* demonstrates others-centered living
* is diligent and faithful in her responsibilities
* is intentional
* is modest in dress and behavior
* hopes in God
* gives thanks in all things
* makes wise, biblical decisions
* prays
* demonstrates the Spirit controlling her flesh

If you are having trouble viewing this copy and paste this link into your browser: http://www.monergismbooks.com/ESV-Study-Bibles-p-1-c-709.html

As evangelical faith becomes secularized, its interests have been blurred with those of the culture. The result is a loss of absolute values, permissive individualism, and a substitution of wholeness for holiness, recovery for repentance, intuition for truth, feeling for belief, chance for providence, and immediate gratification for enduring hope. Christ and his cross have moved from the center of our vision.

We reaffirm that our salvation is accomplished by the mediatorial work of the historical Christ alone. His sinless life and substitutionary atonement alone are sufficient for our regeneration, justification and reconciliation to the Father. We deny that the gospel is preached if Christ's substitutionary work is not declared and faith in Christ and his work is not solicited...God's grace in Christ is not merely necessary but is the sole efficient cause of salvation. We confess that human beings are born spiritually dead and are incapable even of cooperating with regenerating grace. We reaffirm that in salvation we are rescued from God's wrath by Christ alone. It is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit that unites us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life in Him. We deny that salvation is in any sense a human work. Human methods, techniques or strategies by themselves cannot accomplish this transformation. Faith is not produced by our unregenerated human nature. - adapted from the Cambridge Declaration of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals

This is an excerpt of an e-mail from Nancy Leigh DeMoss (Revive Our Hearts Ministries):

I have a friend who carries a list around in his billfold. It reminds him of the consequences of sin.

Sin steals joy.
Sin removes confidence.
Sin brings guilt.
Sin gives Satan the upper hand.
Sin quenches God’s Spirit.
Sin brings physical damage.

When he’s tempted to disobey God, my friend pulls out the list and reads it.

Sin causes an ache in the soul.
Sin breaks God’s heart.
Sin opens the door to other sins.
Sin produces fear.
Sin makes me its slave.

He asks himself, “Is this a price I really want to pay? Is this a price I can afford to pay?” You may want to make a list of your own. Next time you’re tempted to sin, pull it out and read it before you give in to the temptation.

We must educate ourselves when it comes to the state of our nation and the glory of God. This simply is not acceptable.

Copy and paste into your browser:

http://www.bpmdeejays.com/upload/hs_sal_in_Harlem_100108.mp3

"Fireproof" came in #4 in this weekend's Box Office Results!!
Follow this link in your browser to see the chart:
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/

Notice that "Fireproof" was only shown in 839 theaters nationwide compared to the top 3 of 2,500 - 3,500 theaters. And its budget was only $.50 million compared to $20 million and $80 million.

If you haven't seen this...... YOU SHOULD!! Ward and I made a date night out of it.

This movie will force you to reanalyze how you respond to the Lord and to your spouse. Ward is almost ALWAYS obedient. In fact, one of his spiritual gifts is FAITH. He is most assuredly faithful in all he does. His YES is his YES and his NO is his NO. I have to say that it is very convicting living with such a man. It's not what he says, its what he does that brings me to the place where I sense the Holy Spirit tapping on my brain....... yelling.......... "On your face, on your face, it's the only safe place to be right now, we need to talk."

If your marriage is rocky, in need of a little jolt or in excellent condition, seeing this film will move you to a place of great worship. Ward and I have been saved by the Lord Jesus from a hellish life of separation, divorce, split custody, self-seeking careers, fighting, mediocre parenting, chintzy giving, total selfishness, greed, addiction, etc. It is only by His grace that our lives have been made into something else. If our fate had been left up to us the preceding would have most definitely taken place.... a wasted life.

I am so grateful, appreciative and blessed to be united as one flesh with Ward. He is everything that I never knew to dream of. Apart from the Lord, he is the very best of me. I am interwoven with him. There is no more me or him, there is only us. All of my decisions, plans, dreams, goals, etc. have become one with his. He is Godly, righteous, holy, faithful, disciplined, humble, self-controlled, loving, kind, gentle, peaceful, JOYFUL, long-suffering(obviously), and patient to name a few. I want to be more like him.

I am forced into an attitude of worship. What kind of God does this? What kind of God heals and forgives this kind of people? What kind of God saves the undeserving? What kind of God breathes life where there is none? What kind of God does these things over and over again?........................................

The God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob, the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega, the Holy, Perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of His children. How blessed we are to be adopted by such a transcendent God! The One and Only God of Heaven and Earth who sits on His throne holding together all things through the power of His Son, Jesus Christ. May glory and honor and power and praise be His now and forever, AMEN!!

We babysat last night for some friends, making them able to see "Fireproof" the movie. They said it was incredible. If you get a chance, check it out this weekend.... maybe a Sunday matinee:) How a movie does during its opening weekend ultimately decides how long it will stay in theaters. We should do our best to show our support. I'm sure we could all use some encouragement and wisdom in our marriages. Two birds with one stone, right!

Here is the official Fireproof website:
http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/

For showtimes and to buy tickets online:
http://www.movietickets.com/movie_detail.asp?movie_id=65727

Sean & Tim Walker did an amazingly hilarious job making this video. It was used during 360 Camp this summer to explain the "camp rules" to our East Bayou students. DJ is the student "actor", he's pretty flipping funny as well.

You know, 5th graders sure are pretty darn sharp these days.

So, when you get to be my age you start to forget things or you realize you never learned them to begin with. Me and a couple of friends have set a few goals for ourselves. This month we will be learning/re-learning the 50 United States and their capitals. Funny, you think you know something, but as I printed out a blank copy of a US map and tried to fill in all of the states, I must admit, I was a little stumped when it comes to New England and places like Iowa. Who knew it was only 3 states directly above us? Directly above us!!!!! This should be interesting.

See how many you can do.....

Capitals Quiz:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/states_capitals_10_500.html

You can print these out and try it for yourself. NO CHEATING!!

http://www.50states.com/tools/usamap.htm
http://www.edhelper.com/geography/usmap.htm

Great videos..... worth your time!!!
Copy and Paste:
http://info.godtube.com/SaddlebackExclusiveVideo

sorry.... posted wrong background earlier......
Background of the song:



Song Lyrics:

For all of our out of town family and friends, Ward has spoken before but never given the actual sermon during a service at our church. Last Wednesday was the first time. Give it a listen. We are very proud of him and grateful that the Lord would use him to testify about the Word of God, Jesus!!

Here's the link:

http://www.eastbayou.org/default.aspx?pid=557

This is Ward, Joe, Kevin and Lyndale at church on Sunday morning. Joe Gary wrote the routine.

Recommended Reading: Incredible!!!
Buy here: http://www.amazon.com/Holiness-God-R-C-Sproul/dp/0842339655

Highlights of Baylee's year:

~ Coming a long way in her study of the drumset.

~ Baylee was nominated by one of her teachers to serve as a Junior National Scholar at the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C.

~ Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) ~ scored above average in 68 of 75 clusters. Scored Advanced ~ 747 ~ on the Bible Assessment subtest of the SAT.

~ Report Card ~ Scored 95% or above in every subject for the year.

~ Was awarded "Outstanding Achiever" presented by the principal for receiving the highest GPA in her class.

Received the following awards:

~ "Diligence Award"
~ "High Honor Roll" ~ for every 6 weeks as well as the entire year

The following are for 95% or above for the entire year:

~ "Bible Award"
~ "Language Award"
~ "Reading Award"
~ "Spelling Award"
~ "Science Award"

~ Also this year during her festival and recital she earned a Superior Rating for her piano performances.

~ During her studies in poetry Baylee penned the following two poems:

One is in limerick style:

"Georgine"
There was an old maid named Georgine,
Who wished she were still a young teen.
So, she tried spells and hexes
Incantations and vexes,
She was still one-hundred-nineteen!

One is in free-verse style:

"Skating"
Brrrrrrrrrrrr!
It's so cold!
I can't do it!
My feet are so, wobbly!
Comeon,
Do it!
I took a deep breath,
Then stepped onto the ice.
Zooooooooom!
Another skater whizzed by.
How does he do it?
I can't do it!
I held onto the rail,
And took one step at a time,
I move my feet a little faster.
Faster,
Faster,
Faster!
I can do it!
It feels like flying!
I have wings on my feet!
I'm skating.
I can do it!

We are so proud of Baylee and all that the Lord is doing inside and through her. Our prayer is that she continually enjoy God and bring Him glory. As one of your teachers wrote..... "we believe that the Lord has already begun a good work in you"!! We love you!!

In her short life, Baylee has experienced the Lord is amazing ways. When she was little she battled fear and as she grew she walked the death of three of her grandparents. She has learned many verses over the years. In first grade she memorized Psalm 23, which many people know from memory. Because the Word is living and active, the Holy Spirit has made this passage especially "real" to her.

Here is what the Lord wrote to Baylee as well as to all of His other children: This is Psalm 23:4 written as if the Lord were saying it to her:

Even though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Baylee, you shall fear no evil, for I am with you; My rod and My staff, they will comfort you.

Baylee ~ the Lord has graced you with so much, including, salvation, health, family, siblings, opportunities, intellect, shelter, food... and the list goes on an on. As your parents, we accept and rejoice in the responsibility of training you in the ways of the Lord. Our prayer is that you will use all that you are and all that you have to bring Him glory and honor as you have already done.

1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe." You challenge other believers with your obedience and encourage others, including me, to love the Lord with all their hearts, souls, minds and strength. It is an overwhelming honor to be your mom. I love you!! Happy Birthday!!

Christ and the Meaning of the Universe

Why did God create the universe and why is he governing it the way he is? What is God achieving? Is Jesus Christ a means to this achievement or the end of the achievement?

Jesus Christ is the supreme revelation of God. He is God in human form. As such he is the end not a means. The manifestation of the glory of God is the meaning of the universe. This is what God is achieving. The heavens and the history of the world are “telling the glory of God.”

But Jesus Christ was sent to accomplish something that needed doing. He came to remedy the fall. He came to rescue sinners from inevitable destruction because of their sin. These rescued ones will see and savor and display the glory of God with everlasting joy. Others will continue to heap scorn on the glory of God. So Jesus Christ is the means to what God meant to achieve in the manifestation of his glory for the enjoyment of his people.

But in that accomplishment on the cross, as he died for sinners, Christ revealed the love and righteousness of the Father supremely. This was the apex of the revelation of the glory of God—the glory of his grace. Therefore, in the very moment of his perfect act as the means of God’s purpose, Jesus became the end of that purpose. He became, in his dying in the place of sinners and his resurrection for their life, the central and supreme revelation of the glory of God.

Christ crucified is therefore both the means and the end of God’s purpose in the universe. Without his work, that end to reveal the fullness of the glory of God for the enjoyment of God’s people would not have happened. And in that very means-work he became the end—the one who forever and ever will be the focus of our worship as we spend eternity seeing and savoring more and more of what he revealed of God when he became a curse for us. Jesus is the end for which the universe was made, and the means that makes that end possible to enjoy.

Our babies, "Lydia Ruth" and "Isaac Son" are turning 5 and 4. Praise you Lord for all of your majestic, unfathomable blessings. Bring these two into Your kingdom ~ and may they bring glory and honor to Your Name.

Commentary by ~ John Piper

Today is Maundy Thursday. The name comes from the Latin mandatum, the first word in the Latin rendering of John 13:34, “A new commandment (Mandatum novum) I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” This commandment was given by the Lord on the Thursday before his crucifixion. So Maundy Thursday is the “Thursday of the Commandment.”
This is the commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” But what about Galatians 5:14? “For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” If the whole law is fulfilled in “Love your neighbor as yourself,” what more can “Love one another as Christ loved you” add to the fulfillment of the whole law?
I would say that Jesus did not replace or change the commandment, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” He filled it out and gave it clear illustration. He is saying,
Here is what I mean by “as yourself.” Watch me. I mean: Just as you would want someone to set you free from certain death, so you should set them free from certain death. That is how I am now loving you. My suffering and death is what I mean by ‘as yourself.’ You want life. Live to give others life. At any cost.
So John says, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” (1 John 3:16). Was Jesus loving us “as he loved himself”? Listen to Ephesians 5:29-30, “No one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.”
In the horrors of his suffering Christ was sustained “by the joy that was set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). And that joy was the everlasting gladness of his redeemed people, satisfied in the presence of the risen king.
Therefore, let us see the greatest love in action during these next 24 hours. “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end” (John 13:1). And let us be so moved by this love that it becomes our own. “He laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers” This is the commandment. This is the Thursday.

Watch the trailer: http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playground.php

So, the Lord has been doing some amazing things among our women's ministry team. And one of the results will be an evening for the women of our church to spend some time together to worship the Lord wholeheartedly, to be encouraged by the Holy Spirit, to fellowship with old and new friends, and to be satisfied in Him.

This Friday, February 8, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Bayou Cafe, our Women's Ministry Team will host, "P.S. ~ I Love You". We will worship and adore the Lord through music, we will be impacted and encouraged by the word of God through a message given by Linda McIntyre, and we will have some free time for fellowship.

I'm not sure if you call this a worship service, a fellowship or what... but it doesn't really matter. What matters is that as Valentine's Day approachs, let us relish in the love of Christ together this Friday.

If you have any special ladies in your life ~ widows, singles, single moms, seperated, divorced.... please take the time to extend an invitation to them. What a great way to minister to those who have no companion. Leading them to understand that the love of Christ can fill any hole. His grace and mercy are endless and His love is boundless for ladies of all walks of life. Amen? Amen!!

Looking forward to spending some time with our Bayou women, young and old alike. If you have any questions ~ please e-mail yeshuahameshiach@cox.net or call the church office ~ 337-984-8291.

God Bless You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13c1MH9Dj4w&feature=related

We celebrate the birth of our Jesus.... our Messiah....

......our Suffering Servant....... Isaiah 53

"Who has believed our message?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of parched ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.
He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced through for our trangressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.
All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.
He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth.
By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
And as for His generation, who considered
That He was cut off out of the land of the living
For the transgression of my people, to whom the stroke was due?
His grave was assigned with wicked men.
Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He has done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
But the Lord was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand.
As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities,
Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
And He will divide the booty with the strong;
Because He poured out Himself to death,
And was numbered with the transgressors;
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
And interceded for the transgressors."

His birth led to His death. We are alive because He died in our place. We are free because He paid for our freedom. We can love Him because He first loved us. This is Christmas.

Father - we love you, we desire you, we worship you this day and all days to come. Come Lord Jesus, your Bride is waiting in anticipation. Bless You!!

read article here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/12/06/wpope106.xml

Jesus was clear on this issue ~ if you believe in me you will be with me for all eternity. All but one of these verses below was spoken by Jesus, Himself. If there were another way (such as, purgatory, praying to statues, visiting shrines, etc.) then I am confident because of the magnitude of this doctrine that He would have spoken that as well.

This article and its beliefs calls into question why Jesus would suffer torment and die on our behalf if forgiveness of sins was as easy as getting on a plane, visiting a statue made of perishable material and praying to it???? At the very least, this is unscriptural and borders on blasphemy. Let us pray that those misled would "...demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and would take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:5

John 14:6 ~ "Jesus said, "I am The Way, I am The Truth, I am The Life, NO ONE comes to the Father except through me."

John 1:29 ~ "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

John 11:25 ~ "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”

John 3:16 ~ "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

John 5:24 ~ "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."

John 6:47 ~ "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life."

IF YOU WOULD LIKE AN EXTRA HOUR OF SLEEP ~ TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR!!! YEAH!! THANK YOU LORD FOR EXTRA REST!!

FOR GOODNESS SAKE,............................................
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click to read article: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2007/2406_What_I_Said_at_My_Granddaughters_Funeral/

Great Article..... http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2007/sepoct/3.28.html

I've been tagged by my friend, Katie.

8 random things about me:

~ I love listening to wind – just lying on the ground or sitting under a tree… listening.

~ I really like fountain drinks. Bottles and cans won’t do.

~ I am a tamale connoisseur.

~ Favorites desserts… those can be found at Café Des Amis in Breaux Bridge… right next to T- Nachelle’s Antique Boutique. (that one's for you jonathan)

~ My mind is transported by the word of God.

~ My parents met on a blind date in another state that neither wanted to go on…. and were married six months later.

~ 3 or 4 months after having Lydia I went in to the doctor for abdominal pain and his diagnosis was as follows, “Little Heather, (he always calls me little Heather) you have gallstones and another baby!!!!

~ A 60 inch water moccasin came up through the toilet of our trailer home right before I sat down on it. No joke!!! Yuck!!! It wound up in our closet and yes we destroyed it. It met its maker quickly. I hate snakes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My turn... Kim & Caryn - TAG you're IT!!!

watch this all the way to the end.......

http://www.ksbj.org/eblogs/afternoonShow/?p=86

check out this article:

http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070824/NEWS01/708240328/1002

We celebrated Brandie's birthday at Blue Dog. It was a great night of fellowship.



The food was soooo yummy - especially the wontons!



Happy Birthday to Brandie - Happy Birthday to You!!!



Thanks ladies for being so open and willing to share your personal struggles. It made for great conversation and the Lord was blessed.



Maggie Claire SLEPT THROUGH THE WHOLE THING!!!

If you need scripture permanently etched into your mind like I do..... please memorize this verse with us.

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 4:29

Because we should always be prayerful when choosing our words - the Lord has convicted me with this verse more than once. I pray He works miracles in our minds through His word.

Finally getting around to posting this........

Mona and I celebrated our "May" birthdays together.
Dinner at Bonefish Grill with some very special ladies..... Kim Rhinehart, Trisha Landry, Brandie Thibodeaux, Julie Holloway, Katie Brou and Heather Moore.




We enjoyed fabulous food!!!









And sweet fellowship!!



A few of us pulled an all-nighter. Finally giving up at 3 am!!!!!
Sometimes girls just have a lot to discuss... you know.

Thank you for making our birthdays so extraordinary.