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How I Abide in Him

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  (KJV) John 15:5


For so long I knew that verse to mean I am nothing without Jesus.  While that is true on a certain level, there is so much more.  Meditate on that verse. Dig deeper.  Ponder it awhile…

He supplies me.  If He lives in me and I remain in Him, I am fruitful.  I am productive. I am successful. It is Christ that gives me what I need to accomplish the life before me.  He works in me.  He works through me.  Have you ever wondered how?  Have you ever felt like it wasn’t working? Why?

It’s that word “abide.”  There’s the key.  I must abide in Him.  From experience let me tell you that you cannot abide in Him with just a weekly Church service and a nightie-nite prayer.  Abide means to dwell, live, remain, endure.  It’s a pretty weighty word.  Now it seems complicated- almost daunting.  Like any other relationship, it does take time.  There is just no way around it.  It doesn’t; however, have to be complicated.  Trying to set aside a particular block of time was not working for me.  I ended up overwhelmed, discouraged, and feeling guilty because it was a task I couldn’t accomplish.  That’s just it, though.  Jesus is not a task.  He is a person.  One who wants you to actually ENJOY time with Him. If spending time with our Lord has been difficult for you, don’t give up!  I de-mystified and simplified. Making small adjustments in my routine has made all the difference in the world for me.  Let me show you what I mean…

I do five very simple things every day to keep in touch with Jesus. These things don’t take much time at all when I spread them throughout my day.

  • Morning Devotion.  I use From Faith to Faith by Kenneth & Gloria Copeland.  You can purchase the book or view it for free online. They will even email it to you upon request. I have the link on my iPhone so I can view it anytime/ anywhere.
  • Daily Scripture Meditation. The Wonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord is an excellent one minute devotion by Charles Hurburt and T.C. Horton.  While it is available in paperback, I use the mobile version on my iPhone. 
  • Scripture Confession.  I have compiled a notebook of scriptures that I recite out loud throughout the day.  I rotate them.  One day I’ll say the ones on health, then one day on parenting, one day on finances.  You get the idea.
  • I pray all day long.  Not the stop what you’re doing, formal kind of prayers- hardly!  I say the “Good Morning Lord!  Help me face the day” kind of prayer.  You know: like,”O Lord, show me how to handle this.”  “Son is jumping on my last nerve, what do You want me to do with him? “Thank you for putting the milk on sale!”  I talk to God all day long like I would to my husband, my friends, or anyone else.  I’m not disrespectful but I am familiar.
  • Evening Bible Time.  Yes, yes, you know me well… I have an iPhone app for that too!  (Face it: its just FUN that way!) I like the Robert Roberts plan.  Two- Four chapters a night takes all of 15 minutes.   
Of course, if you can do more that’s great.  If not, do what you can. Jesus knows and He understands. Keeping it simple, fun, and weaving it into my minute-by-minute daily routine has made it do-able for me.  My faith is no longer an ideal.  It is PRACTICAL.  It is real and IT WORKS.




Posted on 8 Comments

How I Abide in Him

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  (KJV) John 15:5


For so long I knew that verse to mean I am nothing without Jesus.  While that is true on a certain level, there is so much more.  Meditate on that verse. Dig deeper.  Ponder it awhile…

He supplies me.  If He lives in me and I remain in Him, I am fruitful.  I am productive. I am successful. It is Christ that gives me what I need to accomplish the life before me.  He works in me.  He works through me.  Have you ever wondered how?  Have you ever felt like it wasn’t working? Why?

It’s that word “abide.”  There’s the key.  I must abide in Him.  From experience let me tell you that you cannot abide in Him with just a weekly Church service and a nightie-nite prayer.  Abide means to dwell, live, remain, endure.  It’s a pretty weighty word.  Now it seems complicated- almost daunting.  Like any other relationship, it does take time.  There is just no way around it.  It doesn’t; however, have to be complicated.  Trying to set aside a particular block of time was not working for me.  I ended up overwhelmed, discouraged, and feeling guilty because it was a task I couldn’t accomplish.  That’s just it, though.  Jesus is not a task.  He is a person.  One who wants you to actually ENJOY time with Him. If spending time with our Lord has been difficult for you, don’t give up!  I de-mystified and simplified. Making small adjustments in my routine has made all the difference in the world for me.  Let me show you what I mean…

I do five very simple things every day to keep in touch with Jesus. These things don’t take much time at all when I spread them throughout my day.

  • Morning Devotion.  I use From Faith to Faith by Kenneth & Gloria Copeland.  You can purchase the book or view it for free online. They will even email it to you upon request. I have the link on my iPhone so I can view it anytime/ anywhere.
  • Daily Scripture Meditation. The Wonderful Names of Our Wonderful Lord is an excellent one minute devotion by Charles Hurburt and T.C. Horton.  While it is available in paperback, I use the mobile version on my iPhone. 
  • Scripture Confession.  I have compiled a notebook of scriptures that I recite out loud throughout the day.  I rotate them.  One day I’ll say the ones on health, then one day on parenting, one day on finances.  You get the idea.
  • I pray all day long.  Not the stop what you’re doing, formal kind of prayers- hardly!  I say the “Good Morning Lord!  Help me face the day” kind of prayer.  You know: like,”O Lord, show me how to handle this.”  “Son is jumping on my last nerve, what do You want me to do with him? “Thank you for putting the milk on sale!”  I talk to God all day long like I would to my husband, my friends, or anyone else.  I’m not disrespectful but I am familiar.
  • Evening Bible Time.  Yes, yes, you know me well… I have an iPhone app for that too!  (Face it: its just FUN that way!) I like the Robert Roberts plan.  Two- Four chapters a night takes all of 15 minutes.   
Of course, if you can do more that’s great.  If not, do what you can. Jesus knows and He understands. Keeping it simple, fun, and weaving it into my minute-by-minute daily routine has made it do-able for me.  My faith is no longer an ideal.  It is PRACTICAL.  It is real and IT WORKS.




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What You May Not Know…One Lovely Blog Award

I would like to thank Tonya at http://www.redheadthoughts-tonya.blogspot.com/ for giving me the One Lovely Blog Award!  I feel so very special.  And happy.  And (shhhhh…whisper it) popular.  It’s so encouraging to know that people actually look at my blog – and like it.  I’m thrilled!

The rules are as follows: You thank the person who nominated you, share eight things about yourself that others may not know, and pass the award on to another blogger whom you love.  
     
Did you know…?
1.  I could eat Mexican food for EVERY meal, EVERY day, FOREVER.  
2.  I also have red hair.  Auburn, really-with highlights to cover extremely premature gray. (OK, not THAT premature.)
3.  If you want to bribe me, I can be bought cheap with a Vanilla Dr. Pepper from Sonic (Happy Hour prices from 2pm-4pm if anyone is driving by and coming my way.  Just saying…)
4.  I’m a late bloomer.  Married at 35.  Miracle Son at 37.   Good things take time so don’t be in such a rush.  
5.  Prior to this domestic bliss, I would have been the least likely person you would think would enjoy such a life.  Homemaking was the farthermost thing on my radar.  Who knew?
6.  Except for the indulgence of eating out (where nutrition rules are flung out the window once a week), we eat no refined sugar.  NONE.  NADA.  Not even corn syrup, dextrose, or anything that can not be easily spelled or pronounced.    
7.  I’m not a materialistic person.  Really, I’m not- but I am so totally into my iPhone.  How did I live without it?  There is an app for EVERYTHING.  It has my phone, my datebook, my music, my Bible, my recipes, my photos, AND I can surf the web.  How great is that?  My husband thinks I love it as much as I love him. I don’t but almost.  OK, I do.  Not really, but sort of. 
8.  Speaking of iPhone: I am obsessed with Words With Friends.  


Now that you know ALL about me, go visit Suzie Q at http://imarriedamoronandsurvived.blogspot.com/.  I am passing this award to her.  She is AMAZING.  Her blog is sure to inform and inspire you.

                           

Posted on 6 Comments

What You May Not Know…One Lovely Blog Award

I would like to thank Tonya at http://www.redheadthoughts-tonya.blogspot.com/ for giving me the One Lovely Blog Award!  I feel so very special.  And happy.  And (shhhhh…whisper it) popular.  It’s so encouraging to know that people actually look at my blog – and like it.  I’m thrilled!

The rules are as follows: You thank the person who nominated you, share eight things about yourself that others may not know, and pass the award on to another blogger whom you love.  
     
Did you know…?
1.  I could eat Mexican food for EVERY meal, EVERY day, FOREVER.  
2.  I also have red hair.  Auburn, really-with highlights to cover extremely premature gray. (OK, not THAT premature.)
3.  If you want to bribe me, I can be bought cheap with a Vanilla Dr. Pepper from Sonic (Happy Hour prices from 2pm-4pm if anyone is driving by and coming my way.  Just saying…)
4.  I’m a late bloomer.  Married at 35.  Miracle Son at 37.   Good things take time so don’t be in such a rush.  
5.  Prior to this domestic bliss, I would have been the least likely person you would think would enjoy such a life.  Homemaking was the farthermost thing on my radar.  Who knew?
6.  Except for the indulgence of eating out (where nutrition rules are flung out the window once a week), we eat no refined sugar.  NONE.  NADA.  Not even corn syrup, dextrose, or anything that can not be easily spelled or pronounced.    
7.  I’m not a materialistic person.  Really, I’m not- but I am so totally into my iPhone.  How did I live without it?  There is an app for EVERYTHING.  It has my phone, my datebook, my music, my Bible, my recipes, my photos, AND I can surf the web.  How great is that?  My husband thinks I love it as much as I love him. I don’t but almost.  OK, I do.  Not really, but sort of. 
8.  Speaking of iPhone: I am obsessed with Words With Friends.  


Now that you know ALL about me, go visit Suzie Q at http://imarriedamoronandsurvived.blogspot.com/.  I am passing this award to her.  She is AMAZING.  Her blog is sure to inform and inspire you.

                           

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Chic Click Carnival



I am so excited about participating in the Chic Click Carnival hosted by Chic Chick Media. My site is all about saving money, living simply, and enjoying the Blessings of our Lord. If you’ve read some of my first posts about saving money, you know I LOVE coupons!   Sooooooo…

Today I am featuring my favorite peep of the week: Valerie, TheCuteCouponer.  I found out about her blog over at BlogFrog.  Loving coupons, I had to go visit her site at http://www.thecutecouponer.blogspot.com. Look though her archives for some great ways to save when shopping.  While you’re browsing, check out Visit Our Peeps.  Have Fun!


Posted on 1 Comment

Chic Click Carnival



I am so excited about participating in the Chic Click Carnival hosted by Chic Chick Media. My site is all about saving money, living simply, and enjoying the Blessings of our Lord. If you’ve read some of my first posts about saving money, you know I LOVE coupons!   Sooooooo…

Today I am featuring my favorite peep of the week: Valerie, TheCuteCouponer.  I found out about her blog over at BlogFrog.  Loving coupons, I had to go visit her site at http://www.thecutecouponer.blogspot.com. Look though her archives for some great ways to save when shopping.  While you’re browsing, check out Visit Our Peeps.  Have Fun!


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Thank You

I have been exploring the Blog World and social media sites this summer.  All I can say is, “WOW!”  No, that’s not all I can say but it is a good summary.  There are all sorts of places to visit and people to meet.  For the most part, this has been SO MUCH FUN.  (I’ve seen some things I could live without… you take the good /dismiss the bad.) I had no idea what I was in for when I started blogging.  I guess I didn’t know what to expect. What would people think?  I started so sheepishly and somewhat apprehensive about connecting with virtual strangers.

Since then, I’ve joined Google Friends, Twitter, Twitter Moms, and BlogFrog.  I have met so many wonderful people.  Through the Blogs and Communities I’ve read your stories: laughed, cried, admired, and learned so much.  Some of you have even “followed” me in some way or another.  I want to thank you for putting yourselves out there. Thank you for welcoming me when I did.  I have genuinely enjoyed getting to know you.  Thank you for sharing yourselves and your stories.

Posted on 3 Comments

Thank You

I have been exploring the Blog World and social media sites this summer.  All I can say is, “WOW!”  No, that’s not all I can say but it is a good summary.  There are all sorts of places to visit and people to meet.  For the most part, this has been SO MUCH FUN.  (I’ve seen some things I could live without… you take the good /dismiss the bad.) I had no idea what I was in for when I started blogging.  I guess I didn’t know what to expect. What would people think?  I started so sheepishly and somewhat apprehensive about connecting with virtual strangers.

Since then, I’ve joined Google Friends, Twitter, Twitter Moms, and BlogFrog.  I have met so many wonderful people.  Through the Blogs and Communities I’ve read your stories: laughed, cried, admired, and learned so much.  Some of you have even “followed” me in some way or another.  I want to thank you for putting yourselves out there. Thank you for welcoming me when I did.  I have genuinely enjoyed getting to know you.  Thank you for sharing yourselves and your stories.