Redefine this World

Depression. Resolve. Future. Danger. Happiness. Effort. Luck. Plans. Determination. Inconvenience. Trials.

What do these words have in common? You might respond that they are all mental. You also might respond that they are personal. (And you just might come up with something completely different and random). Allow me a moment of your time- I picked these words with the intention of making a list of words that are conpletely misunderstood.

These words aren't uncommon, rare, complicated, or SAT worthy. These are household terms, used regularly, by people with all ranges of education. So how could they possibly be misunderstood? I believe it comes from a root misunderstanding, deep seated in our belief systems and world views.

Let's down the list, redefining a few of these. I'll pull definition's from Dictionary.com, where I can.

Depression: A condition of general emotional dejection and withdrawal; sadness greater and more prolonged than that warranted by any objective reason.

Try this: A state where the mind over comes the spirit, and the joy of the Lord is blatantly shut out of a person's life.

Resolve: To come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine.

Try this: The act of using futile human strength to set ones mind to the accomplishment of mortal-made plans.

Future: A procedure of life events toward which a person plans and hopes.(my own definition)

Try this: The fictional tale humans contrive for the days they assume will follow the one they are living in currently.

Danger: Exposure or vulnerability to harm or risk.

Try this: The concept of harm coming to the disposable body a person uses on this earth.

Happiness: Good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

Try this: Temporary pleasure found through the satisfying of carnal desires.

Effort: Exertion of physical or mental power

Try this: The expenditure of futile energy and ignorance of the strength of the Lord.

Luck: The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities

Try this: The best explanation for the hand of God in one's life.

Plans: To arrange a method or scheme beforehand for (any work, enterprise, or proceeding)

Try this: To arrange a method or scheme before relinquishing it all to the hand of God.

I hope that by reading this, you will see the new perspective. I want to challenge each of you to look at your life, your plans, your disappointments, hopes and schedules. Remember that your efforts are nothing compared to what God's strength can accomplish. Remember that your life either works for God, or against Him. Your plans are not necessarily God's plans, but they should be. Remember that the framework of this world is not that of the Lord. The terms, concepts, advice, tendencies, accepted pieces of wisdom, traditions, catch phrases and principles of this world are not those of the Lord. They are rooted in a world that is stained with sin.

Don't just accept something at face value. Don't accept it because its tradition. Don't accept it because your parents or grandparents did it. Don't accept it because you read it in a book, heard it on the radio, or saw it on the internet. Accept it because it is in line with God's Word. That is the foundation made of rock. The only compass that points to true north.

To worship in prayer...

Psalm 19

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
² Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
³ They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
⁴ Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
⁵ It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
⁶ The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.

⁷ The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
⁸ The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
⁹ Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
¹¹ They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.

¹² How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
¹³ Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.

¹⁴ May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Clouds

Isn't it magnificent, seeing both above AND below the clouds?

Have you ever heard the analogy that even on the rainiest cloudiest days, the sun is still shining? And have you considered that God is above the clouds and can see all that happens, even when you can't?

These pictures from my latest airplane trip remind me that even though when i'm on the ground it seems like my life is a cloudy day, God knows the sun is still shining. And He's leading me to that place.

Be blessed :)

A merciful God

Alright, I have got to share this with you guys because it's just something I can't keep to myself. This morning was one of the harder moments I've had in awhile. As you may know, I've been running a crazy schedule lately. I have almost every moment of my week carefully scheduled. Everything I'm doing is carefully chosen and has a definite purpose in my life. And I'm very confidant that evrything I'm doing is something God has led me to take up.

This morning, it kind of came crashing down. I struggled once again with setting up meetings with a lady at my church, since I have almost no spare time. Those emails stressed me out. Then I try and record a project for class and I can't figure out how to get the technology to work together like it used to, so I can write it to DVD. I realize I have papers I need to write, gifts I wnt to make, Letters to write and send out, a room to clean, homework to do, classes to study for and NO TIME TO DO IT!!!! So I desperately try to figure out what I can get out of my schedule for next semester, so maybe I won't live this chaos for longer than necessary, but as I run through all that I'm doing, I realize I can't get rid of any of it!

So I break down.

And then, that still small voice, through my tears, reminds me that the one who gave me this schedule is the one I need to turn to for help. And I haven't been giving Him as much of my time as I need. So I turn to Him, and cry out. Really God? Why can't I get this figured out?!?! Can you at least give me SOME sort of a sign that will show me You actually notice me and that you are still in control? i know you are all powerful, but lately I haven't noticed your magesty. I've been too busy!

(Add on top of this the fact that I barely missed a much needed hug frm mom this morning, she returned from working all night right after I left. I got a wave, as we passed on 688).

So, through my tears, still, I drive into town. I'm headed to school. Clearly, my schedule never stops. On the way down 29, I see something that almost puts me off the road. Daisies! In the median! I saw two bunches of them, growing as though it were May! Remember me asking God for a sign? I did! What other reason would daisies have for blooming in November?!? Thank you Lord, I know you are in control!

So thats the first few hours of my day :)

PS- Isn't it great to have a God who isn't afraid or offended when we complain to Him? He takes it all in stride. Don't be afraid to tell God what you think, so long as you have an open heart to recieve the peace and reassurance He will send you!

HOP Team

Hey guys! My dance team at church did the most AWESOME worship performance this morning- and i think I've *finally* got this link to work! Click HERE to see the video!!

Meekness, not Pride

In my devotions this morning, I was pondering the story of Joseph. His brothers betrayed him, and turned against him. He was apart from them for years, and when they came in his presence once more, he had a choice, to despise, or to forgive. Can you imagine what a place his brothers must have been in, upon hearing the words “I am Joseph” come from his lips? Truly, have you ever been in that place? Have you ever had a sin weighing upon you as a burden because it had not been reconciled? And then to find yourself in the presence of him who has power to bring judgment upon your head- how would you respond? Joseph’s brothers were stunned into silence, and greatly troubled. You and I can relate to this feeling, and can imagine the emotions and fears that would pass through their minds!

Our Lord and Savior holds a similar power, do you not realize? We each have sinned against Him greatly, and rejected Him to the depths of our being. Though we may be apologetic, repenting, and remorseful, there is nothing in our whole beings that deserves anything less than punishment to the fullest extent. Too often we forget that! When we approach the throne of grace, we aught not to come in expectation of grace- we should come in reverence and fear, as Esther did to the Persian throne, and as Josephs brothers do now.

When we lose sight of our state, and do not carry respect for our position and His, we come expecting a party. Remember the prodigal son? He came with a heart full of shame and remorse. We Christians are hindered by our knowledge of the end of the story. Let that not change our attitudes as we approach the throne. You must understand your position, before you can appreciate what a great love He has for you.

In his sermon titled “Joseph and the Brethren”, Charles Spurgeon presents His love this way:

“I want you to notice again, having given the invitation, what consolation Joseph gave! He did not say, “I am not angry with you; I forgive you:” he said something sweeter than that- “Be not angry with yourselves,” as much as to say, “As for me, ye need not question about that: be not grieved nor angry with yourselves.” So my blessed, my adorable Master, says to a poor, cast down, dejected sinner- “As for my forgiving you, that is done. My heart is made of tenderness, my bowels melt with love; forgive yourself; be not grieved nor angry with yourself: it is true you have sinned, but I have died; it is true you have destroyed yourself, but I have saved you. Weep no more; dry those eyes and sing aloud“‘

All this said, the Scriptures do say to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name". I do not intend to call you to a persistently mournful and depressing spirit. I intend to call you away from a callous heart that comes for favors, expecting blessings. A heart must be soft and broken, or His gift cannot be fully received. Do not let yourself get bored with the Gospel- it is the greatest amount of love and forgiveness you have ever received. Truly, it has changed your life. Do not allow yourself to become insensitive to this.

http://www.biblebb.com/files/spurgeon/0449.htm

Its more of a "step" than a "journey"

"Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven.... nor is it beyond the sea.... no, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it" Deuteronomy 30:11-14

The Matt 18:3 Principle

I must warn you, this will not be a post of sage wisdom and Biblical theology. This is more of me gabbing about my dear sister, whom I love. I pray you are blessed :) It is also a call to duty, for older siblings, mentors, parents, educators, and role models (that includes you, whether you realize it or not). I have a 3 fold message tonight.

My sister and I have formed a habit (praise the Lord) of reading the Bible every night and praying. My first testimony about this Matt 18:3 principle is something I experience every night. We read the Bible together, and then whoever didn't read out loud turns the nights off. Then, laying in bed, just before I drift off, I hear this soft voice in the darkness, "don't forget to pray Coco". *Sigh* I wish I had a better memory, but I am so blessed with a sister who NEVER forgets and always encourages me in this direction. I encourage each of you to instill theses habits in the young ones in your life, because when they are older, they will not depart from the way you train them up when they are young.

Now, we have read much of the Bible over the past few years- truly incredible how much ground you cover at a chapter a day! We have read through much of the New Testament (possibly all of it, but I'm not sure) and Psalms and Proverbs, and in the past few month we have been working through the Old Testament. I think we may have started this cycle in 1 Samuel, picking up with Saul and his story. We have read through Saul, David, Solomon, and Reheboam and Jereboam who both just died. Why am I telling all of this? Well, just so you have a little background for the story I'm about to tell. The other day at dinner, my dad was sharing a bit of a lesson he was learning, and referenced one of these Old Testament stories, and couldn't remember the details. So who piped up with numbers, names and facts? Little Miss Katie. The smallest one at the table was the only one who had all the facts. Lesson number two for us mentors and role models is to never underestimate the amount those youngsters can learn! When you present scripture as fact, and keep their Biblical history fresh in their mind, imagine the impact they can have! It also challenges us to study more, doesn't it? Our old decrepit minds have to keep up, and be able to present the facts to our brothers and sisters, lest our testimony be weak!

At night as we wrap up our reading, and I put the bookmark in its place, she often begs me to read another chapter! I oblige her sometimes, but often I am so tired I can't. Imagine, though, if we had the same exuberance and excitement about the Word of God? I hope that each of you takes an extra moment or two to help the Word of God come alive to the young people in your life. As Gregg Harris says, there are two things in this world that are eternal- the Word of God, and the souls of man. No life spent bringing these two together will ever be spent in vain.

I hope you were encouraged by my sisters witness, and I admonish you each to speak anew into the life that is looking up to you. Be the wind that God uses to blow them towards Him.

"Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Love like Dandelions

I know that when you read that word you probably thought "weeds" because for some reason, everyone thinks that about dandelions :) But I want to challenge that. Websters Dictionary defines the word "Weed" as "A plant that is not valued where it is growing". My goal here isn't to influence you all to let them ravage your lawns, but rather, I want to shed light on a reason why God may have put them there. If I succeed, you will learn to value the bright yellow flowers wherever you see them- thus removing them from the "weed" category :)

Let us consider first the line in Toby Mac's "Diverse City". The line is "And we'll spread this love like dandelions". What does he mean by this? Well, the dandelion is just one flower, but from its spot in the yard it can spread hundreds of seeds in the course of its life. It spreads seeds faithfully, like we Christians should be. Planting them in lives wherever we can. Not every seed sown will produce another dandelion, but many will. and through the work of a few dandelions, many will pop up the next morning in your yard! :) Next time you see that, resist the urge to be frustrated, and be challenged instead!

Now, what about the song titled "Dandelions" by Five Iron Frenzy? In that song, an analogy is proposed. Imagine a young boy in a field, gathering these yellow flowers and taking them to his delighted mother. Now, imagine us, wretched sinners gathering up all our goodness and taking it to our Heavenly Father. Its the same picture. One of love, and mercy. We think we present something of value, and He sees the love in our weeds! Remember this, also, when you see those bright yellow buds! God loves us, even in our wretchedness!

Simply Devoted

"With what shall I come to the LORD and bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, with yearling calves? Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:6-8

Listen to the desperation in his voice! How can I please the Lord? Will He be satisfied with thousands of rams? With ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I even present my firstborn? What does this sound like in your life? How can I please Him? If I read my Bible every morning and every night? If I teach Sunday School? Sing on the worship team? Wear skirts and never cut my hair? If I stand in the center of campus and preach from a box? If I give up my job and tote my family to a foreign country? To what extent must I go, in order to please this God?!

Micah lived in a time where God was seen as an unreachable God who watched us suffer in our iniquities, and will not be pleased. Today, although this is a different time with different teachings, there are still those moments in our life when we are found searching for that last bit of service or devotion that will finally make us right with God. I think you knew 3 things, when you read the previous paragraph. You will know that there is nothing wrong with any of those acts of devotion. At the same time, these things are not a checklist for closeness with the Lord. And yet you may also know that at some point in your life you have tried desperately to get right with the Lord through an act like one of these.

Micah's message is that closeness with the Lord is found when we do as He has asked. Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. You will know which of the other, more superficial acts of devotion are necessary because it will be God's specific request to you, made in the quiet moments while you wait on Him.


For more insight, read Charles Swindoll's message.
http://www.insight.org/library/insight-for-today/keep-it-simple.html

My True Love

I have found my Jesus to be the happiest Love of my life. He never leaves my side, and best of all, He helps me become better than I am. When the worries of this world distract me, my Jesus will woo me back to Him with a beautiful sunrise or a starry night. He takes extra special attention to make those yellow flowers blossom on the side of the road just so that I will smile when I drive by. He hid my shoes so I would walk to the driveway with my shoes off and feel the grass between my toes- just because He knows how much I love that  He knows exactly what I love, want, like and need, and he spares no expense to delight me!

Like a lover, He gallantly surrenders His life to those who would try to steal mine, just so I would be saved. He sends me love notes and messages via those around me (and the Bible) so I won’t ever forget Him. He holds my hand when I’m lost and brings me close when I’m scared. When I am so distraught I am bewildered and do not know what to do, He gently calls my name, puts His arms around me and carries me to the place I belong.

The Colors of this Journey

PINK-
Like the pretty but common flower we call a carnation, my life is very nearly cookie cutter shaped. I was raised in a Christian home, and went to church, got saved, and was baptized at all the right times. I love God with all my heart, I obey my parents, I am a friend to those in need. All who know me speak well of me, I truly dislike no one, and am oblivious to any unkind word. My only fault is to assume all people in the world are good, and thus I am very trusting. I have very few trials; I skip through each day with bliss and happiness. My life is PINK.

BROWN-
After a heavy rain, it is easy to find small pools of murky brown water. Standing water, with no purpose but to mix with the dirt and mud below, is what we call a puddle. Such is my life now. Many doors are opening, like floodgates, to introduce the dirt and grime of this fallen world into my life. I am learning selfishness, and vanity. I am also learning expletives, and innuendos. In an attempt to keep my head above the flood of worldly humor and relationships, I am teaching myself to tread water with the rest. I am still seen as a “good girl” in my workplace and school, but as I allow this dirt into my life it begins to pool and settle in places I did not notice. My life is becoming bland and passionless. My nights were filled with confusion; my days, distracting jubilee. I tried not to think, because when I did, it seemed so evident to me that there was something missing, that there had to be more I hadn’t found yet. My life is BROWN.

BLACK-
Like in the dead of night, with no moon or stars, I have come to a place where I cannot get up, and I cannot get out. I am stuck, and completely useless as a tool for my Maker to use. I have tried on my own to escape this pit, but the more I try, the farther I slide back in. My life is BLACK.

“You’ve learned where wisdom is SUPPOSED to come from in times of need, but hasn’t it been long enough? Haven’t you tried hard enough? Why do you still stare into the darkness, looking for guidance that you’re just not good enough to get. You don’t have faith strong enough to be led by the Holy Spirit, trust me!”

WHITE-
When I close my eyes and search my soul I see only darkness, like I am lost in this world. Then, in the distance, I catch a glimpse of a light that is so faint I am sure I imagined it. With my hearts eyes I sought it out, squinting against the pressuring darkness to see if this flicker of light was truly there. I sit quietly, yearning for the light to come and show me the way. I see it again, and this time it remains! So small, and easily missed, it burns steadily, bringing me hope for my life. I am sure I have never seen anything quite so beautiful, even at such a great distance. As I reach out to it, the light comes nearer, and grows brighter and stronger. Warmth is covering my body and a song is rising in my heart, Hallelujah, He is coming! As the light is gaining on me, I can see a figure, from which the light is emanating. Soon I can feel myself completely enveloped in this wondrous light, and I can stand again! The way is made clear and the bondages of this world have disappeared. Without restraint, I run to my Savior, into His arms just to thank Him. I can do nothing, for I AM nothing, and yet, He loves me enough to seek me out and set me free. I am new, and full of life yet again. Monotony is gone from my sight. I do not blend in any longer! I AM WHITE.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17

GREEN-
New Life. That is what I am. Like the small sprout in the ground, such a fresh green, needing quite a bit of growth and nurturing, pruning and rain. God has saved me and made me whole, I am His, and now I must pursue Him on my own. No longer can it be my family’s religion, or my parents faith. It is MY relationship, in which *I* must put in the effort and *I* must maintain. I am not perfect, and I am not complete, but Christ has made me holy, and the Counselor (Holy Spirit) is bringing me closer and closer to being perfect (“Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” 2 Cor 7:1). I am growing, I am changing, I am becoming more like Christ and less like the person I left in the mud puddle. I am a new creation. I am GREEN.


This is a telling of my spiritual journey, and it was not something that could be seen from the outside. I am sharing it with you in hopes that God might use it to bless you or impact your life in some way.

What is this world?!

Once upon a time, there was a world that did not know Love, moved too fast for Beauty, longed for Peace but didn’t know where it was, erased the line between Good and Evil, and persecuted all those that sought to change it. In this world resided a young girl who was raised with a firm belief in the existence of all these wonderful things her world had lost, and her family desired for their daughter to experience them. She learned to guard her heart against the poison that had numbed the hearts of the world to Love. She trained her eyes to pause and seek out Beauty in unsuspecting places. She found Peace in her Father’s arms and His home was a sanctuary for her. She used His guidelines to rediscover morality. Although she tried to surround herself with friends who believed in these wonderful things, she found many of them to only say they believed without the faith to pursue them. She will be called Lamb, for she was never without a shepherd.

When We Lose

Watching the movie "Facing the Giants"... Going to the first day of school..... Discussing the comparison of Eden and Heaven...... Having the schedule, and plans, turned upside down....... Trusting God.

How are these related? Well, mostly it is just the run down of my past 48 hours. But it all fell into place this evening, after a particularly hard afternoon. Let me explain.

Yesterday night we watched "Facing the Giants". For those of you who haven't seen the movie, it is about a football team who learns to "Praise Him when we win, and praise Him when we lose." I recommend it as a stellar family movie. The phrase I quoted above is key to its application here. You will notice it tied in at the end of this.

This morning I left for my first (incredible) day of school, and I left feeling overwhelmed and impowered. A tough semester lay ahead of me, and I was stepping up to the plate. I knew Tuesday would bring ASL 1, which we fought long and hard to get my brother into, and my toughest class yet, Linguistics.

Then this evening, while hanging out with some friends, I get a text from a classmate telling me the Linguistics class is cancelled. Not just for one day, but for the semester. It is also offered in the evening, but that conflicts with my current (well-established) job. Now I'm not sure what to do. I have to be a full-time student to keep health insurance, and I was just at 12 credits(minimum for full-time) with that class. I have to take that class in order to graduate. I have to work in order to take 12 credits each semester. This cancellation rocked my world. I had worked very hard to get a schedule where I could take my classes in the morning, and work in the afternoon. And I was balanced delicately with my income just meeting my needs.

So what now?

Well, first I start worrying. Then I start praying. Then I start brain storming.

Linguistics is offered in the evening, but I coach in the evening. They may be able to get by without me on that one night, but that would drop my income. I don't think I can afford that. I will need another job, but i don't have time. Maybe I can take all night classes and work during the day, but i don't have a day job. But wait- last week I got a job offer from an old ASL teacher. I had to turn it down because it conflicted with school, but maybe now?

The realization of how much this will change things is hurting my brain, on the evening of the first day of school.

I can't get ahold of anyone to see if the job is still available, I can't get my concerns about night classes answered, and I can't make any decisions tonight. Oh, I wish it had just stayed like it was settled before! Why did God have to pull the rug out from under me?!

Then it hits me. There is a purpose for everything. This new plan may be better than it was before? Perhaps the turmoil I am experiencing now is for a better purpose?

I don't know what tomorrow will bring, and I haven't a clue where I will be next week. And I can peacefully praise Him tonight. This control freak is learning to let go :)

Reading...

Do you ever find that you can't finish as many books as you would like in as little time as you would like, one at a time? I know what you are feeling! Please share with me some of your favorites! Here are some of the books on my shelf:

Books I have read that I recommend-

First 3 books of Anne of Green Gables Novels

Piercing the Darkness ~and~ This Present Darkness- Frank Peretti
The Great Divorce- C.S. Lewis

What He Must Be- Voddie Bachaum

Books I'm reading right now!

Emma-Jane Austin

The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment- Jeremiah Burroughs

Keep a Quiet Heart- Elizabeth Elliot

The Drill Master of Valley Forge- Paul Lockhart

America and Vietnam- Albert Marrin

Books I want to read...

The True Darcy Spirit- Elizabeth Aston

Ultimate Proof- Jason Lisle

Pride and Predjudice- Jane Austin

Last 5 books of the Anne of Green Gables Novels

The Power of Information

Recently, I have been educated in many topics by leading Christian scholars, such as DNA, Cell Biology, Astronomy, Carbon Dating, and many others. As all of this plunges me deep over my head, I am absorbing so much! I encourage you all to get this information! There is so much information out there to support our faith in the Holy Scriptures (cover to cover), and we just need to use the resources we have!

More importantly than this, though, is the importance of memorizing scripture. I have been convicted these days that I have been found wanting in this area. There is so much scripture that can be used in daily debates or conversations, that we need only to hide in our hearts!

I pray that each of you would endeavor to not only let the Holy Spirit touch your heart, but also your mind.

Rosemary Honey Lemonade

I just love working in the kitchen- I'm so thankful the Lord gave me a hobby that is productive! Today I took regular lemonade and edited it slightly to make it more exciting :D The more basic a task, the more creative one can be with it! Let me share with you the details...

Rosemary Honey Lemonade

First:
7c water
3tsp rosemary leaves (3 small sprigs of fresh rosemary)
Boil, strain, and let water cool slightly

Put into pitcher:
1cup Lemon Juice
1cup Honey

Pour in hot/warm rosemary water and stir. Let cool and serve over ice.

(Variation: replace honey with white sugar and cool the water completely before adding it to the pitcher)

Thank you Mama for Praying for Me

Somebody somewhere was praying last night
when Jesus came in and I saw the light.

It must have been Mama. I heard her before as she knelt by her bedside,
her tears touched the floor.

Thank you Mama for praying for me. If you had not prayed, then where would I be?
They called you old fashioned but you loved the Lord
and your prayers touched the Master as your tears touched the floor.

She held to the Altar and wouldn't give in
till she knew all her children had been born again.
Just an old fashioned Mama but she loved the Lord
and your prayers touched the Master as your tears touched the floor.

Thank you Mama for praying for me. If you had not prayed, then where would I be?
They called you old fashioned but you loved the Lord
and your prayers touched the Master as your tears touched the floor.

By the Inspirations

God Bless the USA ~Lee Greenwood

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.

That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.

A Memorial

Joshua 4

¹ When the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the LORD said to Joshua, ² "Choose twelve men from among the people, one from each tribe, ³ and tell them to take up twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan from right where the priests stood and to carry them over with you and put them down at the place where you stay tonight."

⁴ So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, ⁵ and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, ⁶ to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' ⁷ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."

⁸ So the Israelites did as Joshua commanded them. They took twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, as the LORD had told Joshua; and they carried them over with them to their camp, where they put them down. ⁹ Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been ^{a]" style="font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 0.5em; ">[a]} in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.

¹⁰ Now the priests who carried the ark remained standing in the middle of the Jordan until everything the LORD had commanded Joshua was done by the people, just as Moses had directed Joshua. The people hurried over, ¹¹ and as soon as all of them had crossed, the ark of the LORD and the priests came to the other side while the people watched. ¹² The men of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over, armed, in front of the Israelites, as Moses had directed them. ¹³ About forty thousand armed for battle crossed over before the LORD to the plains of Jericho for war.

¹⁴ That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses.

¹⁵ Then the LORD said to Joshua, ¹⁶ "Command the priests carrying the ark of the Testimony to come up out of the Jordan."

¹⁷ So Joshua commanded the priests, "Come up out of the Jordan."

¹⁸ And the priests came up out of the river carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD. No sooner had they set their feet on the dry ground than the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and ran at flood stage as before.

¹⁹ On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. ²⁰ And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. ²¹ He said to the Israelites, "In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, 'What do these stones mean?' ²² tell them, 'Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.' ²³ For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. ²⁴ He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."

Promises and Paths

Joshua 3

Crossing the Jordan

¹ Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. ² After three days the officers went throughout the camp, ³ giving orders to the people: "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, who are Levites, carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it.⁴ Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about a thousand yards between you and the ark; do not go near it."

⁵ Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you."

⁶ Joshua said to the priests, "Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people." So they took it up and went ahead of them.

⁷ And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. ⁸Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: 'When you reach the edge of the Jordan's waters, go and stand in the river.' "

⁹ Joshua said to the Israelites, "Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. ¹⁰ This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. ¹¹ See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. ¹² Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. ¹³ And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD -the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap."

¹⁴ So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. ¹⁵ Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, ¹⁶ the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. ¹⁷ The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."

A Time of Crisis

Joshua 2

Rahab and the Spies

1 Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitute [a] named Rahab and stayed there.
2 The king of Jericho was told, "Look! Some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land." 3 So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: "Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land."

4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. 5 At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, the men left. I don't know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them." 6 (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.) 7 So the men set out in pursuit of the spies on the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut.

8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea [b] for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. [c] 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. 12 Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign 13 that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death."

14 "Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land."

15 So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. 16 Now she had said to them, "Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way."

17 The men said to her, "This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18 unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. 19 If anyone goes outside your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head; we will not be responsible. As for anyone who is in the house with you, his blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on him. 20 But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear."

21 "Agreed," she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.

22 When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. 23 Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, "The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us."

Strong and Courageous

Joshua 1
The LORD Commands Joshua
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea [a] on the west. 5 No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.' "

12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 "Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: 'The LORD your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land.' 14 Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, fully armed, must cross over ahead of your brothers. You are to help your brothers 15 until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise."

16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"

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