Praise Report!

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus"-Philippians 4:6-7


WE ARE HOMESCHOOLING AGAIN!
WE ARE HOMESCHOOLING AGAIN!
WE ARE HOMESCHOOLING AGAIN!
AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!!


My friends the Lord is SO FAITHFUL and amazing! Give it to Him in prayer and wait-He does miracles! But you have to leave it at His feet, and He will give you the peace to leave it there and accept what plans He has:)


Bless you, may you be encouraged in your walk and any requests you may have before Him, may your heart be at peace, in Jesus name-Amen...


You can check out previous posts to read about our homeschool journey to public school...and now back to home! Also on my other blog- www.homeschoolblogger.com/thoughtsandprayers/


Hope you had a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving!
Bree

thanksgiving & rejoice...

Hello sweet friends,

I love blogs. I love that I am able to be encouraged by women I don't even know, who are walking on a path with the Lord that He speaks to me too with. I love that I am able to share what He is working in my heart or even something silly my kids did.

I am so grateful and inspired by these other blogs that many times I have so many things I want to share that I think I would be glued to the computer all day! However, I know that that would not be a good choice! So I have to try and post when I can and not over think it!

Thus my post today is just this- love the Lord with all your heart. Enjoy your family. Sing while your doing the dishes and making dinner for the thousandth time (instead of grumbling-I going to post this all over my kitchen!) See the sweet face that is behind the screaming because you've said no. See the man you've been blessed with when your list starts compiling of the things "he hasn't done" and begin listing the things he has done (and does everyday). Pray for that angry person in the store, or the mom who is yelling at her kids (because you don't know what her day is, you've probably been there or she may not have hope in her life-Jesus). Rejoice when a flaw you have has been pointed out (when it comes from love) and not become defensive. Trust that the Lord is in control. That He is there, cheering you on, giving you hope, wiping your tears, laughing with you, hearing your prayers, taking care of you, going before you.
Rejoice that your life has meaning. Rejoice that every moment of your life He lavishes His grace and mercy on you. Rejoice that you can be forgiven and that you can forgive. Rejoice that you are loved, even when everyone may seem like they are against you, He is not!

Take pleasure in the moments, don't rush through to get to the next moment (sometimes a lot easier said than done!) God blesses us and teaches us all the time, even in the small things and I sure don't want to miss that. Rejoice in doing for others and don't allow the lies of what's not being done for you-bring all thoughts into the obedience of Christ!

Rejoice with PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!!!!!!

I can't think of anything better than filling your mind, heart and mouth with His word and His love to get rid of the things that try and steal your (and the ones around you) joy.

This post didn't have much direction other than me just wanting to share what was on my heart, but I can say I am learning what the meaning of Thanksgiving is...

Lord help me to make Thanksgiving everyday, not just one. Help me to see your hand in everything. Lord help me to not grow weary with the everyday. Instead may I rejoice that I have an everyday and you allowed a place, a family, a friend, a neighbor for me to serve you in. Lord forgive me for my selfish ways and cleanse my heart, help me to forgive and to be a light for you. Thank you for your mercy and grace. May I show your love to all of those I am around. May my home be a place of joy, peace, and unconditional love. In Jesus name-Amen.

"Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:5-6

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:8

Praise His name, for He is worthy!

God bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

freedom...

We're still doing our bible study from the Peacemaking Series with Ken Sande. This evening we spoke about confronting conflicts, be it something done wrong to you or something you see where accountability is needed.

It is so very important for us to be able to have peace in our lives. I think many of us fall into a pattern of trying to "keep the peace" or being "nice and agreeable." I remember Beth Moore in one of her bible studies brought such a great point of choosing to be a peacekeeper or a peacemaker. I've almost always been in the seat of peacekeeper- avoiding conflict, trying to smooth over the cracks, keep everyone happy. But in turn, there have been times I've not stood up for loved ones or myself. I've become fearful of making mistakes or not trusting my own judgement. And then I always find myself making excuses, justifying my or someone else's actions to "keep the peace."

This, however is not keeping the peace.

Peace: (5.) freedom of the mind from fear, anxiety, or annoyance

The Random House Dictionary

The first definition presented was "the absence of war" but the above definition is what truly speaks to me. When I'm being a peacekeeper and putting "band-aids" over problems or concerns, my mind is not free from worry, fear, doubt...because my heart knows that we're not dealing with the issue causing the turmoil.

There truly is a time and place for everything, and our faithful Father will let us know when we ask. I believe the most important thing here with all of this though is finding freedom. Finding freedom to be who God created. Finding freedom from your past, your hurts, your sins. Finding freedom through Jesus Christ to love who you are and who He has placed with you. Finding freedom from judgment and condemnation of yourself and others. Finding freedom to love and be loved unconditionally and mercifully. Finding freedom to heal, to have faith and to trust.

...finding freedom to have His peace.

"A heart at peace gives life to the body..." Proverbs 14:30

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" Matthew 5:9

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18

Wow! The wisdom of heaven is peace! I sure do want that in our lives! When we are seeking freedom through Him from ourselves, we can begin to see the life He truly wants for us. A life full of love, hope and peace from Him.

Dear Lord, thank you for the peace only you provide. Thank you for allowing me the chance to find freedom from my hurts and sins and the gift of seeking you out. Dear Lord, walk with us as we seek freedom through you that we may know and love you more. I pray for protection and covering of us and our loved ones as we embark on this journey with you. In Jesus name, Amen.

God bless you!