Living Above Ministries

HIs Word Sunday

2012-01-29T06:48:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm not sure if you've heard on Facebook... but I wanted just to thank everyone again for praying for me regarding my last Certification Exam! I passed with flying colors!!!

I have a few more supplemental certification tests I'll be taking in the upcoming months - but they are just add-ons - not requirements. Those are now in my rearview mirror. Thank you so much for being an integral part of this incredible new journey with me!!

So often in scripture my eyes go to the words of encouragement, promises, blessings - but this morning, I couldn't get away from a word of warning.

I've always told those that I mentor, if you see something in a passage over and over - take note of it. The Lord used those same words, repeatedly for a reason. It's just like when I repeat things to my own children, or in my classroom - I want to make sure they really "get it!"

Today in my One Year Bible I saw this verse over and over:

Exodus 8: 19 (ESV)

But Pharaoh's heart was hardened,

and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said.

Pharaoh's heart was hardened and he did not listen. I firmly believe that God allows us to experience the good and the bad of life to keep us close to Him. To keep our hearts tuned to His ways and not our own.

My prayer this morning is that I would not ever get to a point in my life where my heart becomes hardened to the ways & instruction of the Lord. I don't ever want the Lord to become just another mundane exercise of my day. I want my heart to be alive for Him.

I missed the Friday song on my blog this week. I didn't even realize it until yesterday!!! So today I thought I would combine God's Word with a song.

I hope you a very wonderful worship experience today with the Lord - as He keeps your heart alive for Him!

His Word Sunday

2012-01-22T06:41:00.000-06:00

Why do we doubt?

This morning I read a very familiar passage from my One Year Bible.

One that typically I would just skim over as, "Oh, I already know this story - nothing new to see here." But the Lord wanted me to be reminded of a simple yet profound truth.

He's right here with me - and there's no reason to doubt.

Picture just for a moment, what your life would look like if you got to take walks with the Lord Himself! As the day's drama arose, you could just look over at Him... and He would give you that reassuring look that spoke volumes to you - that everything would be okay and not to worry.

Sounds comforting doesn't it?! Peter and the boys got to experience that very thing - and yet they still let the day's drama affect them.

Check this out...

Matthew 14:28-33 (ESV)

And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water."

He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.

But when he saw the wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God."

He's still right here with me - as He was with Peter. Maybe not where I can touch Him - but human touch certainly does not limit my God from saving me from the wind and waves that I experience.

Oh that my faith with increase and my doubt would decrease. This is my prayer today!

Carry me

2012-01-20T05:00:00.000-06:00

Here I am again.... Friday. It seems that my precious blog and I have been rather distant lately. You'll understand why here in a bit.

My days and weeks have just been absolutely crazy! I'm working on 3 major certification tests:

1. PPR - I don't really know what this is. What I do know is that I must take a content test and a regular school and class management test. This is the second part to achieving my full certification.

2. ESL - English as a Second Language

3. GT - Gifted and Talented

The PPR exam is next Tuesday - Yikes! The ESL is in February and the GT, I'm taking in 5 parts - one part every month until May.

In addition to this... we've had the Academic Decathlon, official observations for my certification, a bible conference at church, and a youth retreat where I was a leader.

Oh yeah... not to mention just being a regular Mom to my very patient and forgiving kiddos.

Whew! The only way all of this is even humanly possible is if Jesus carries me every day through all this good and tiring stuff.

That's why when I heard this song on the radio, I quickly hit Shazam on my phone! It totally describes how I live every day - all because Jesus carries me! Have an awesome Friday!

His Word Sunday

2012-01-15T08:04:00.000-06:00

Wow! What a weekend! Starting on Thursday night, with a kickoff concert, I've been a leader for a Youth Retreat called Disciple Now (D-Now) at my church.

My group was 8th grade girls. I love them all so much! We started Thursday with me trying to remember their names... and now I'm hugging them and telling them I love them!

I read a verse this morning - a prayer really - spoken by Jacob that voiced my heart this morning.

Genesis 55:9-10 (ESV)

And Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham

and God my father Isaac, O Lord who said to me,

'Return to your country and to your kindred,

that I may do you good,'

I am not worthy of the least of all the

deeds of steadfast love and all the faithfulness

that You have shown to Your servant."

Lord, I am so honored and blessed to be a part of such a wonderful weekend! Thanks God for letting me be in Your service!

All that I've been up to now...

2012-01-13T04:16:00.000-06:00

No, I have not abandoned my blog - I'm a leader at a Youth Retreat this weekend. Every available moment, I've been prepping for this awesome event!

This has been a super eventful week. I've felt like I had several things going at one time. I love them all and want to succeed and make God proud of all He's brought my way.

I heard this song in the quietness of my classroom and couldn't wait to share it with you!

Some of my favorite lines involve heaven! One day I'll get to enter His chamber and I'll be able to dance at His feet! What a day that will be!

I also really love this line, "All that I've been up to now belongs to You."

"Lord, I give You all that I've been, all that I'm planning for tomorrow - I give You today! It all belongs to You. I pray that Your hand be upon it all. I love You!" - Your servant, Penny

Blessed

2012-01-06T05:30:00.001-06:00

A day to work in my classroom - a chance to work with my Science team - Friday... what a wonderful combination!

I'm really looking forward to today! My Mom is providing lunch for my team at school and I'm preparing for 4 new classes that will start on Monday.

All week as I've been grading finals and cleaning out the past semester I've been listening to Pandora in my classroom. I like to have it on softer music so I can really concentrate.

This song came on and I almost did a double take - wondering somehow did God put John on my Pandora - just for me. As I looked to see who the artist was - I found that I was not going crazy. (always good) It was Third Day. Many folks used to tell John he had a very similar sound to them.

The song is super familiar - but I hope you can take time to sit back and let God remind you of how great He is.

In addition to that - as I started my One Year Bible this January... God showed me that He wants to me see just how many verses begin with, "Blessed..." - so I'm keeping a track of them, while I read them.

We truly are a blessed people to be able to have a relationship with our Creator! It is the most important thing in my life! And THIS is my story - and THIS is my song!

Enjoy your Friday!

His Word Sunday

2012-01-01T07:27:00.000-06:00

Today in my Sunday School class I'm teaching about the gift that we're all about to unwrap... the gift of living in 2012. Yes, LIFE truly is a gift.

Some gifts come with instruction manuals. Most of which none of want to read - we just want to get to the goods of the gift!!!

However, I'll be using this verse as one of my instructions for this new year.

Proverbs 1:5

Let the wise hear and increase in learning

and the one who understands obtain guidance.

From my own journal this morning...

1. Hear - Lord give me ears to hear your instructions for every step You want me to take this new year.

2. Increase in Learning - Lord I want to read more this new year and not waste time in front of the TV.

3. Understanding & Guidance - Lord, first I want to gain understanding for the things You want me to understand and then seek Your guidance instead of doing things my way.

Have a great Sunday unwrapping your new 2012 gift!

Didn't I just blink?

2011-12-30T08:23:00.000-06:00

"It feels like it was yesterday" - isn't this what they all say when it seems like time has passed all too quickly?

Or what about this one... "It seems as if I just blinked"?

I said this to a dear friend just this week and he said, "No, you've had quite a few blinks since that day."

He's so right! I could spend this blog writing about the things that have happened since December 30, 2010 - but you would get bored reading it all. Because in true John Franklin form he would want to hear about each and every haircut. He would want to know the details about how I felt when I took my certification test.

He would want to know the facial expression on everyone's face for every big and small event that has transpired. So what do I write about?

How do I honor a man that meant the world to me? How do I celebrate the one who was the best at celebrating... without him?

You'll find 3 things in this blog post. Feel free to skip around and only read or watch the things you want. Here you will find:

1. The things I love most about John

2. The verses that have gotten me through this first year

3. A video that was shown at his "Special Service"

where you can hear him sing and the kids laugh and talk with their Daddy.

Here are some things that I love most about my hero - John Franklin

1. Friday night date night - he never missed it! Even if it meant hot wings at home with a movie we'd seen before - we put the kids to bed, and pretended our living room was a romantic place set just for us.

2. Friday mornings with the family. His day off from the office was Friday. During the summer we would all load up for a fun family day - which usually meant Chick-fil-A for breakfast, then driving around New Orleans exploring!

3. His amazing active love for his kiddos. Every day he loved for his kids to use him as a human jungle gym.

4. Everything was special to John. He saved every little note not only from me but even pieces of paper that had scratches on it from his children.

But most of all I loved this about him...

5. His intimate relationship and love for Jesus Christ! Nothing was more important to him than seeing people come to know Jesus as he knew Him. This was the glue for every relationship he had!!

Now what? These are some pretty amazing things. How do I put one foot in front of the other without these in my everyday life.

The verses that gave gotten me through this first year

since his move to Heaven (basically a walk through my journal):

1. Isaiah 57:1-2 - "The righteous man perishes and no man takes it to heart; and devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from evil, he enters into peace"

2. Psalm 40:17 - "As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought of me. You are my Help, and my Deliverer, do not delay, O my God!"

3. Psalm 40:3 - "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

4. Psalm 31:24 - "Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait on the Lord!"

5. Psalm 18:6 - "In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry to Him reached His ear."

6. Proverbs 4:12-13 - "When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life."

I could go on and on here - this was just from about 3 pages from my journal. The message here is God's Word - daily, and your prayers - daily, have held me up! I will continue to live like this no matter what comes my way.

Now, instead of a regular Friday song and video -

I give you a very brief glimpse of the life of John Franklin...

After Christmas... now what?

2011-12-29T08:11:00.000-06:00

I'm posting my Friday song a day early this week. Tomorrow is more than just a "Friday" - tomorrow will be my husband's One Year Anniversary in Heaven. I'll be writing something special to honor him - so I'm posting my weekly song today.

Yesterday my Mom & I cleaned the house. She tackled the Christmas decorations while I took on the kids' room and the bathroom! We both agreed that each year we love pulling out the decorations and talking about the memories behind them all.

However, we're equally as glad to put them in their special boxes and send them back to their happy home in the attic once Christmas is over. I'm waking up this morning with an "Ahhhh!!!!" feeling seeing all the furniture put back in its normal place.

I heard a song this past week that I totally fell in love with it and wanted to share it with you today. There is one very important aspect of Christmas we don't ever need to pack away. The Light that is Christmas is to be decorated in our homes and in our lives every day!

Let's not forget that as we move further and further away from December 25th.

Leavin' Heaven

2011-12-23T07:33:00.001-06:00

Yay! It's Christmas Eve Eve!

John & I loved celebrating! We celebrated almost everything - it didn't matter how small or big - we celebrated life together!

So on this day, we enjoyed doing something special. We woke up with bright eyes like our children and said, "Merry Christmas Eve Eve" to one another before we even got out of the bed. Silly? Perhaps.

I'm so excited that today a very special family is taking me to Houston to hear the Trans Siberian Orchestra! I know it's going to be a treat I'll remember for a very long time. I can't think of a better way to celebrate Christmas Eve Eve!

Obviously I've been thinking about Heaven a lot lately. John's first Christmas in his new Home. I know there's no "Christmas" as we know it in Heaven - but it helps me to know that he's "celebrating" in the best place possible.

I heard this song this week and it made me smile. I'm so glad that Jesus loved me so much that He left such a perfect place to come and give me hope!

His Word Sunday

2011-12-18T06:33:00.000-06:00

Yet I will rejoice!

I know I should probably write something about Christmas today - but this is what the Lord showed me this morning.... so I'm passing it on to you.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (ESV)

Though the fig tree should not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,

the flock be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls;

yet I will rejoice in the Lord;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

God, the Lord is my strength;

He makes my feet like the deer's,

He makes me tread on my high places.

So... let me get this straight...
Even though there is no food, medicine (from the olive plant), income (from the sell of produce & livestock), or clothing (from the livestock) - I am to rejoice in the Lord.

Even though I may not have all the comforts of my life around me - those things that I believe will give me security and ease - I am to find my joy in the Lord. I am to rejoice in the midst of this? Yes!

Today I have been reminded that no matter what troubles are around me - He makes me strong enough to climb rocks like the deer - and for this I am to find joy!

Merry Christmas!

The Only Way

2011-12-16T05:54:00.000-06:00

Yay!!! I'm really looking forward to today! I have fun treats for my students - stuff to eat, a movie in class and I'm even going to read them a bedtime story! I know... I can be dorky sometimes.

This past week me and the kids were talking about how our Christmas was going to be different this year. I wanted to check on their little hearts and make sure they were REALLY doing ok. We talked about how Daddy is spending his first Christmas in Heaven. I basically wanted to see if they felt like Christmas was ruined this year because of our tragedy.

Then Jordan said the most amazing thing! She said,

"Mommy, the only way Christmas could ever be ruined

is if Jesus had never come to us in the first place."

Did you hear what was in the middle of what she said - the only Way. Jesus is the only Way for us to have hope!

I love my kids! JP wanted to get his two cents in as well, so he added,

"Yeah, Christmas is about Jesus!"

I love their resilience and strength in the Lord - even at such a young age!

That's why I love this song for today! Merry Christmas everyone!

His Word Sunday

2011-12-11T06:37:00.000-06:00

The other day I was craving something sweet. I've been a diet lately and have denied myself so many of these wonderful holiday treats. But... I remembered my Mom saying she baked some of her famous chocolate chip cookies a couple of days earlier.

The likelihood that there were still some in the cookie jar was slim to none. But I thought I would check anyway. Wow! There were 2 left!

I felt like a little treat had been hidden away just for me at this time. LOL!

As I was reading my Bible this morning I connected this to something the Lord told John to tell the churches in Revelation.

Revelation 2:17(b) (ESV)

To the one who conquers

I will give some of the hidden manna,

and I will give him a white stone,

with a new name written on the stone

that no one knows except the one who receives it.

One day, the Lord is going to make all things right. One day I will have a new body and a new name. I won't have to worry about dieting any more!!

In this verse, He says that if we conquer, if we make it to the end without Satan getting the best of us, then He will give us some hidden, treasured Heavenly food!

When I found that remaining - almost forgotten cookie - my spirits lifted - even if just in the moment. Just think about that day when the Lord says, "Oh! I have something wonderful just for you!

Let's go be conquerors for some Heavenly treats!

I need a Silent Night

2011-12-09T05:19:00.000-06:00

Ready. Set. Go go go go!!!

Well, we're in the full swing of all that December brings. I looked at my calendar for the weekend and the first night that where nothing is scheduled is next Tuesday.

Seriously.

My very first school semester is winding down and I'm already gearing up for the things I want to make better for my next batch of kiddos - who by the way arrive on January 9th. There are Christmas parties and programs galore and just a little bit more shopping to do.

I wonder if for Christmas I could ask for peace & quiet. Oh yeah... Christ is Peace. I'm so glad that He is a place I can turn to when the world gets a little too busy and a lot too noisy.

People ask me all the time why in the world I get up at 3:45am. Do you know how quiet it is at that time of day? It's quite Heavenly!

That's why I love this song! I hope you enjoy some Peace & quiet this season!

Stuffed in a Box?

2011-12-05T05:46:00.000-06:00

I've been working on this blog in my head and my heart now for about 2 weeks. Since Thanksgiving really, and I haven't completely worked it all out - but I decided to go ahead and put fingers to the keyboard and see where the Lord took me.

It's December, and decorations have been placed and arranged. Everywhere you go people are gearing up and getting excited about Christmas. Believe it or not, me and the kids are having a nice holiday season so far.

We're doing all the typical things...
decorating our home, reading Christmas books, watching Christmas movies, singing Christmas songs - and mostly smiling through it all. It's different - but okay.

However, there has been this nagging question that I haven't really been able to answer. It seems everywhere I go I hear this age old question...

"So what's your favorite Christmas tradition?"

Hmm... most people answer this question by telling what they do with "things" or "people".

For example: decorate with ornaments, bake favorite cookies, get together with specific people...

Well - here's where my struggle begins. All of my "Christmas tradition" is stuffed in a wooded crate where costs prohibits me from acquiring and the "people" we shared those "things" with is likewise unattainable as well!!!

I guess I could just hang on to the memories of...

1. Reading a different children's Christmas book every night during the month of December
2. Decorating our entire house for Christmas while watching Elf, or the Charlie Brown Christmas Movie
3. Going caroling with our church a week before Christmas - and sharing yummy treats and hot chocolate afterwards
4. Having a beautiful midnight candlelight service on Christmas Eve - and watching the kids go to church in their new Christmas pj's.

All the traditions that John & I built together are stuffed in a box, in a town I no longer live in, or all the way up in Heaven!

So the question becomes is

"tradition" only something you can touch and feel?

I really don't think so - but if you listen to people answer this question of "What's your favorite Christmas tradition" this is how they answer - with things that are tangible.

If this is the case - I don't get to have tradition this year. And quite frankly that's just not good enough for me and my children! No matter what our circumstances are!

Yes, I know what you're thinking.... "I can make NEW Christmas traditions." Oh goodie! Then, I've put myself right back to where I started - building something that can be gone at a moment's notice.

I'm sure the more I heal, these feelings will calm down. I know that as time marches on - I will build new Christmas traditions - in fact, I probably already am - and just don't realize it. This does actually make me smile.

This year though, I want to truly instill in my children that Christmas really is about Christ. How He came to give us eternal hope. How God loved us so much that He wanted us to feel Him right next to us - so He sent His Son to live with us. He wanted us to know that He truly "gets" us - because His Son became a human. What an amazing thing - Almighty God with us! That's some kind of steadfast love!

This is a tradition that can't be stuffed in a box!

This is the kind of thing that my children and myself can take with us no matter where the Lord directs our paths. I don't know what our future holds. Where will we be Christmas 2012? Will the things we did this year get repeated next year and become "tradition"? Only God knows this answer.

I want to encourage you all to find a way to build a tradition in something that can't be touched with human hands - but can be felt and experienced no matter where you are - no matter what your circumstances and that has lasting - eternal - significance....

IMMANUEL - God with us!

His Word Sunday

2011-12-04T06:37:00.000-06:00

Sunday. This truly is my favorite day of the week!!

Today's passage is simple. It is my prayer that everyone would find joy & gladness in what David has written here.

Psalm 122:1, 9 (ESV)

I was glad when they said to me,

"Let us go to the house of the Lord!"

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I will seek Your good.

Today - be glad about going to church - and seek His goodness!

Beautiful Life

2011-12-02T05:35:00.000-06:00

Here we go.... it's December. I have so many mixed emotions floating around in my head and my heart for the upcoming days.

I'm excited about what this time of year means to my young children. I'm looking forward to closing out what has so far been the absolute hardest year of my entire life. I'm extremely sad that I'm not sharing it with the love of my life.

I've written many blogs in my head lately - and yet had no time to put them on the computer.

I still wonder if God will let the sun shine again on my life or will I live in the rain and the clouds forever.

I heard this song this week and found hope. I know I have some more hard days ahead... but like this song says, "just like the sun, you'll rise to fill the empty skies."

Listen for this one too... it made me smile - "I can't wait for you to hold what I already know."

His Word Sunday

2011-11-27T06:40:00.000-06:00

I want to ask you a quick question this morning...

How do you respond to God when He says, "Yes" - to your prayers?

I think far too often we pray and we pray and when He finally says "Yes" we run with it to the next thing. Do we really give God the credit and the invested time that He so very much deserves?

Take a look at this awesome prayer that Daniel prayed after God said "Yes" to one of his prayers. I often wonder how much my life might be enriched if I prayed like this!

Daniel 2:20-23 (ESV)

Daniel answered and said:

"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

to whom belong wisdom and might.

He changes the times and seasons;

He removes kings and sets up kings;

He gives wisdom to the wise and

knowledge to those who have understanding;

He reveals deep and hidden things;

He knows what is in the darkness,

and the light dwells with Him.

To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise,

for You have given me wisdom and might,

and have now made known to me what we asked of You,

for You have made known to us the king's matter."

Unstained

2011-11-21T05:39:00.000-06:00

I love short weeks! While I wish our school was out all week - I am thankful that we only have to be there today & tomorrow. We've even got a fun 2-day project planned that will be acceptable for everyone - teachers & students!

Therefore, I only have to plan for 2 professional outfits for this week! Yay!

You know the downside to clothes? You have to wash them - regularly! I am more than thankful that my Mom washes all of our clothes. She does a FABULOUS job keeping us all in clean clothes.

Don't you just hate it when you've spent all day doing laundry - only to find that some of the clothes came out - not cleaner than they went in - but stained from some strange source inside the washer?!

Recently we discovered that some of the clothes were coming out of the wash with cute little lined up in a nice row - black dots! Oh no! Where was this coming from?!

Stained. Not a good word. We had to do two things. Try to get the stain out - but more importantly establish the source of these little black dots.

I recently read a verse about stains in James. A kind of spiritual "little black dots."

James 1:26-27 (ESV)

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not

bridle his tongue but deceives his heart,

this person's religion is worthless.

Religion that is pure and

undefiled before God, the Father, is this:

to visit orphans and widows,

and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

"Unstained from the world" - how in the world do we do this?!

I feel like each morning I have a wonderful prayer time, and then I step outside my house and am immediately faced with the source of little black dots! How do I avoid getting stained?!

I'm bombarded with many who do not have positive attitudes, who do not share a love for Christ like me, and I'm tempted to engage in their way of thinking, acting, and living. I want my faith, my "religion" to get me much farther down the road than just my own house.

This is going to sound strange - but I want my prayer time to stick! I want it to last throughout the day! I want to remain unstained from all that comes my way in the washer of my life.

The first part of this verse gives us a hint as to how we can avoid the little black dots - or stains...
1. watch what I say
2. do not deceive my heart, and
3. look after those that may need my help

It begins with my tongue & heart, and ends with my actions!

We found that the little black dots was probably coming from grease leaking out of those little holes in the washer. It was important that we find the source so we could do more than just get the stains out - we wanted to completely avoid the stains in the future.

Today, I want to remain unstained from the world. I've learned here that the source of stains can come from my speech and my heart not being set on the things above. I will have a closer watch on those today. As a result, I hope to have a cleaner - more pure - example of my relationship with the Lord! A religion that is not worthless - but one that is pure and undefiled - unstained.

Will you join me in keeping the stains away?

His Word Sunday

2011-11-20T06:28:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite verses talks about how the "Lord is for me." I think the Lord knows that in general, no matter who we are, we all experience times of insecurity - for there are constant reminders throughout scripture that the Lord not only loves us - but that He's with us!

This morning I totally enjoyed reading this passage. It reminded me of elementary PE days and how we would have to stand there and wait to be picked. We would wait anxiously for someone to say, "be on my side!"

In this passage the Lord says that very thing! I hope you'll be just as encouraged as I was and feel ready for whatever the day may bring knowing He's on your side!

Psalm 118:5-9, 13-18 (ESV)

Out of my distress I called on the Lord;

the Lord answered me and set me free.

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.

What can man do to me?

The Lord is on my side as my helper;

I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

than to trust in princes.

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,

but the Lord helped me.

The Lord is my strength and my song;

He has become my salvation.

Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous;

"The right hand of the Lord does valiantly,

the right hand of the Lord exalts,

the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!"

I shall not die, but I shall live,

and recount the deeds of the Lord.

The Lord has disciplined me severely,

but He has not given me over to death.

Let His valiant hand guide you today!

Every time I breathe

2011-11-18T05:29:00.000-06:00

This morning I'm thanking God that I've had a really good week. It's been super full with very busy schedules. I think we had something going every night! But in spite of the crazy schedule, I had many smiles!!

So... today I wanted to do a happy song!

I read a verse on Tuesday that is still with me today... I think about it every time I walk into my classroom.

Hebrews 12:14-15 (ESV)

Strive for peace with everyone,

and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God;

that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble.

Wow! This whole passage is wonderful - but the part about seeing that "no one fails to obtain the grace of God" has stuck with me.

Every time I open my mouth, or look someone in the eye - I want them to experience God's grace and not my drama. I directly come in contact with 70 students and about 25 teachers every day!

100. I have 100 opportunities every day to show God's grace! What a thought!

That's why I love this song for today! Enjoy!

Work Over Time

2011-11-17T05:32:00.000-06:00

My students are taking a test tomorrow. We're now in the Physics part of IPC and while I like physics - chemistry remains the stronger of the two for me. Therefore I must study extra hard to teach this part of the class.

Last week I wrote a vocabulary work on the board, (as I often do), but the more I wrote it - class after class - I knew the Lord was trying to teach me something that had nothing to do with Physics.

The word is POWER. The scientific definition of power is the rate at which work is done. The formula for calculating power is:

Power = Work / Time

Most students would read this formula as "work over time".

It's not unusual for me to think of the Lord when I see the word POWER... mainly because I need His power to just get up every day and do life... but as I wrote "work over time" class after class it got me to thinking.

I know I typically only share one verse - but bear with me today - I have a formula, or a calculation of a spiritual kind and it involves a few elements.

Someone asked me recently how I find the strength or the motivation to get up early every day and have my prayer time. My answer was simple.... I am desperate for the work of the Lord to be in my life. I am desperate for His hand of favor and I don't want to miss even one small little word of encouragement that He may have for me.

So the first part of this spiritual formula is this - to allow God to work in your life.

Philippians 2:13 (ESV)

For it is God who works in you,

both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

I must be willing to let God work His good pleasure (not always mine) in my life... and I must allow this not just one time, or when I feel like it - but OVER much TIME.

Here lately the Lord has been teaching me a more in-depth understanding of the word "steadfast."

Steadfast means firmly fixed, unwavering, or constant.

Today I read the final part of my spiritual formula.

James 1:2-3 (ESV)

Count it all joy, my brothers,

when you meet trials of various kinds,

for you know that the testing of your faith

produces steadfastness.

And let steadfastness have its full effect,

that you may be perfect and complete,

lacking in nothing.

I want God's POWER in my life. And in order to have His POWER - I must allow Him to WORK over TIME to bring about His perfect and complete purpose.

His Word Sunday

2011-11-13T06:44:00.000-06:00

Greater Wealth

In my One Year Bible this past week, the Lord has really been teaching me some serious heart lessons from the book of Hebrews. This morning was no different. In fact, it's this verse that I will probably be chewing on for a while.

That is to say, I'm not sure I'm 100% there yet and need to sit and work on this one for a while. It's really the last verse (verse 26) that I want to focus on - but I'm going to give you the two verses before so you'll know and understand the context.

Hebrews 11:24-26 (ESV)

By faith, Moses, when he was grown up,

refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God

than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.

He considered the reproach of Christ

greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt,

for he was looking to the reward.

Wow! The reproach of Christ - or critique or correction from Christ - is considered "greater wealth" than anything this world has to offer.

Can I say that I truly feel this way? If I did, then think about how much more joy would be in my life. Each time a trial came my way (which feels like every single day of my life!) then I would realize that my bank is filling up - not that God is out to get me!

His corrections are far better than the pleasures of this world. Like I said, I'm going to have to chew on this one for a while. Guess this is what sanctification is all about.

The end of the verse, I think, gives the fuel that makes this kind of thinking possible. "He was looking to the reward." If we think more about the end goal of the Lord - instead of what we want in the moment - we could possibly see Christ's working in our lives as far greater treasures than anything else!!

What do you think about this verse?

Where I Belong

2011-11-11T05:22:00.000-06:00

Happy Veteran's Day! Before I left school yesterday I cleaned off my white board and prepared for today. I wrote the date: 11-11-11 - how cool! Then I remembered what this day is for - honoring our Veterans!

So thanks Dad, Paw Paw, Papa Joe, Uncle Sammy, Uncle Gordon, Caleb - and all the many other family & friends who have or are still serving this wonderful nation!!!

As I think about my own life this morning - I wonder how these men felt as they traveled to new & different nations. I'm sure there was an appreciation for the USA - and probably a little bit of "this is not my home. I'll serve my time here - and then return to where I belong."

I've often wondered that about my own life. Where exactly do I belong? I'm learning a little more every day what God wants me to see & do in this new life. But the one thing that keeps coming to the surface is - I'm supposed to serve here. Complete my assignment here - but this too is not my home!

I must say - Heaven is so much sweeter now and I can't wait to go home! Just give me Jesus!

I heard this song by Building 429 this week and totally fell in love with it! I hope you enjoy it!

Soul-Delivering Assignment

2011-11-08T05:06:00.000-06:00

I give assignments almost every day to my students. Some are pretty simple - fill in the blanks or do a simple physics calculation with the calculator. Others require more time, like a lab assignment or a research project.

If you've been around me much, or visited this blog - you've probably heard me talk about the "assignment" God has given me. I'm still trying to figure out all the parts and pieces and what exactly is required of me. I sure wish God had sent a syllabus to me so I could see all the details of this new project and how it will be graded.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has gotten discouraged with the assignment God has assigned. I'm certain that we all get dismayed at some point in time or another with our responsibilities.

I've been asking God lately some very personal questions. Thankfully, He faithfully answers them... I just haven't been too fond of the answers.

Today I read about something the Lord told Ezekiel and through these passages God showed me something that will give me energy to continue on in my own assignment.

God has told Ezekiel that he is to present a warning to the children of Israel - both to the wicked and the righteous. Check this out...

Ezekiel 7:19 & 21 (ESV)

But if you warn the wicked,

and he does not turn from his wickedness,

or from his wicked way, he shall die for his iniquity,

but you will have delivered your soul.

But if you warn the righteous person not to sin,

and he does not sin, he shall surely live,

because he took your warning,

and you will have delivered your soul.

Wow! This is often how I feel day after day - like I deliver my very soul. I often wonder will I ever see any results? Will I ever see how people live after I "deliver my soul"?

I kind of had a little pity party with the Lord when I read this passage. Telling Him how exhausting it is day after day "delivering my soul" and watching the behaviors, the attitudes and the lack of enthusiasm or effort by my students.

I poured out my heart to the Lord in my journal. But something interesting happened as I was writing... the Holy Spirit spoke to me and revealed to me that this is EXACTLY what He did as He delivered His very Son. He delivered His soul - rather His Son - for everyone, and still - daily watches bad behaviors and lack of enthusiasm for the incredible gift He's given us all.

I literally stopped writing when heard this from the Lord. There's no comparison of eternal life or a daily walk with God Almighty with anything I can do. Therefore, I can do this assignment He's given me.

But then... I also know I'm not God. So, even with my little task I know I'm going to need some help. God quickly led me to this next verse...

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

Let us then with confidence

draw near to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy and

find grace to help in time of need.

Mercy & grace... in time of need. Perfect!

So with the knowledge that God gets how I feel when I've "delivered my very soul" and I can approach Him boldly for His mercy & grace - I'm much better equipped to continue on in my assignment and hopefully on my way to a "Well Done" grade.

His Word Sunday

2011-11-06T05:35:00.000-06:00

God's Awesome Forever-ness!

Don't you just love the "forever-ness" of God?! I was reading in Hebrews this morning about the difference between regular priests and Jesus (as our priest).

I came across a passage that really blessed me & brought comfort regarding His permanence.

Hebrews 7:23-25 (ESV)

The former priests were many in number,

because they were prevented by death

from continuing in office,

but He hold his priesthood permanently,

because He continues forever.

Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost

those who draw near to God through Him,

since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Just a brief Penny rephrase: He saves completely or at all times - those who draw near to Him through Jesus - because Jesus is always living to make intercession for us!

Beautiful words - uttermost and always! He has completely saved me and continues always to make intercession for me.

I wrote in my journal that I'm sure that Jesus knows when He needs to make intercession for me even before I ask.

Can't you just hear it? Jesus saying to God, "Hey Dad, I know Penny is going to struggle here - let's send her some of our strength today. She doesn't even yet know she's going to need, but we do."

I took just a moment to thank Him for "always living to make intercession" for me. I'm certain I've taken it for granted far too often and this morning I wanted to recognize His awesome "forever-ness" and how it even includes taking care of me.

Hungry for Him

2011-11-04T05:27:00.000-05:00

Here we are.... Finally Friday!

I sure have missed coming to my blog this week! I've started a new morning routine - that involves working out! Writing here is one of my greatest passions - so I'll work it back in, I promise! I even wrote a blog, but signing permission slips and reviewing spelling words - cut my time short.

Here's a sneak preview of what God's doing in my life...

He's been showing me just how much He emptied Himself for me - and how I must do so too - for others. I've gotten to the end of the day feeling so "poured out" and empty. As I've cried to the Lord about this - He's reminded me that 1) He did this for me, and 2) It is this hungry and empty feeling that keeps me close to Him!

This song reminds me that I truly am desperately hungry for the Lord. I will walk any road as long as He walks it with me! And as we walk together - He heals my broken spirit.

His Word Sunday

2011-10-30T07:03:00.000-05:00

Follow Suit

Most of you know that for my prayer time, I read the One Year Bible. Most of what I share with you, here on my blog, is what God has shown me in His Word from that day's reading.

I do my best to keep everything in context and not look for ways to make everything that I read fit my own circumstances. Rather I want God to show me what He wants me to see - not making scripture fit my life. Because in reality - not everything in the Bible is about me! LOL!

However, I love to watch and see how God's people, in the Bible, reacted to real-life situations and see if there is a way I can follow suit.

I saw a great example of one that I'm going to do my very best to follow today.

Jeremiah

Jeremiah was known as the "weeping prophet" - we read of how he cried buckets of tears for God's people and His judgment on them in both Jeremiah & Lamentations. Jeremiah witnessed the great exile of the Israelites to Babylon and the fall of Solomon's Temple.

You might say he lived an entire life of heartache. So what were his feelings toward God?

Check it out:

Lamentations 3"55-58 (ESV)

I called on Your name, O Lord,

from the depths of the pit, you heard my plea,

"Do not close Your ear to my cry for help!"

You came near when I called on You;

You said, 'Do not fear!'

You have taken up my cause,

O Lord; You have redeemed my life.

Wow! In the midst of Jeremiah's hurts and cries.... He still felt redeemed.

He felt like God had taken up his cause and remembered him. He still felt near to God!

These were his "feelings" in the midst of so much turmoil and devastation. What an example!!!

If Jeremiah can find a way to feel this way in the middle of all his pain - I can too. There's really not room for the "poor me's" when you find examples like this.

Honestly, I don't always "feel" this way... but I know my God with His great compassion and Him saying "Do not fear" - I can eventually get there. This is my prayer today.

When the Chaos Comes Together

2011-10-28T04:54:00.000-05:00

I started my week very sick. Although it was nice to only have a 4-day week... It wasn't fun starting Monday in bed (or the bathroom - yuck).

But now that it's Friday... I can see how it all came together and everything worked out.

God sees how everything works out too... right now! He doesn't have to wait to see - He just already knows.

He already knows how all of what seems like chaos right now will turn out for His glory and my good.

I wish I knew. I wish there was a little keyhole that I could look through and just see a glimpse of all this "good" I keep reading about, praying & hoping for....

I know I can't - so instead I just have to trust Him. The Bible says He's the Alpha and the Omega - the beginning and the end. He was there at the beginning and He's already designed the end.

I heard this song this week and it brought me comfort knowing He knows the end. He knows how all this chaos will come together.

Shopping... Easy or Hard?

2011-10-27T05:03:00.000-05:00

I am not a fan of digging for bargains when it comes to shopping. Don't get me wrong, I love to shop - but I also love for it to be easy.

I'm not a big fan of garage sales. Thrift stores are not really my thing. I know... I'm a girl - you would think I would be willing to pilfer all day through a bunch of stuff to find that one great singular bargain. That treasure in a haystack! I certainly enjoy the benefits - but I'm not always willing to put forth the effort.

When in reality, if truth be told, I would rather walk into a nice store and what I'm looking for be right out in front, and HUGELY on sale.

Now, just because I've bared my soul on this little shopping matter, doesn't mean that I won't or haven't shopped at thrift stores and garage sales! Sometimes, depending on what I need or the occasion - it's very much been worth it.

This morning I realized that sometimes I want finding God's riches and rewards to be just as easy.

Check this out...

Psalm 97:11 (ESV)

Light is sown for the righteous

and joy for the upright in heart.

Simple. Yes. I for sure could use some "light" and "joy" in my life. I wrote in my journal, told the Lord, that I wanted these 2 things not only in my life overall - but I needed them for the day ahead of me. Of course I asked the Lord to keep my steps righteous and my heart focused on Him.

Then, I asked where I could find this treasured "light and joy"? Actually I just asked if the Lord would put it right out in front of me, nicely hanging on those front racks - where it would be easy to find.

However, the Lord encouraged me to read further and there I would find the answer to where I could find "light and joy" in just my size.

Psalm 97:12 (ESV)

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,

and give thanks to His holy name.

Oh! So I've got to put forth a little effort in this "light and joy" endeavor. In order to find the light and joy I want in my day, I'm going to first need to praise Him - thank Him for who He is and the blessings, He's already shown me.

I'm going to have to dig further into who He is instead of just wait for Him to bring things to me.

The wonderful thing about bargain shopping is when you find that most perfect treasure. I'm typically so very proud of it - that I brag about how and where I found it. Today, I want to dig into who God is. All the way to school I want to spend time rejoicing in the fact that He's God and I'm not. I want to thank Him for saving me and giving up His Son for me.

I know that by taking time to do this, I can't help but to see light and joy in my day, because He will ever be before me. And He is light and joy! Then, I want to tell others where I found this great treasure!

Lift me up

2011-10-21T05:19:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad that my God is here to lift me up when I'm falling down.

It's been one of those "survival' kind of weeks.

I love this song and have listened to it many times. The official video by this group is really awesome. You should check it out on You Tube. But... I thought you might enjoy a more light-hearted version on my blog today... and one with words.

Enjoy your weekend.

Even when I'm riding my bike!

2011-10-17T05:44:00.000-05:00

Monday morning.

These two words make me want to just take a really deep breath and say, "Here we go!"

I know the topics I'll be covering this week and even the assignments that are required of me. It's going to be a very full week!

As I've been praying over this day - Monday - the Holy Spirit continued to send one word to my heart... STEADFAST.

I've been praying over the meaning of this word for a while. I love this word. It occurs throughout scripture in the ESV translation 193 times! I've even written a few blogs about this word and the verses that spoke to my heart.

Lately JP and I have started this little routine. And I think it's a picture of God's steadfast love for us.

At no specific time - it could be morning, evening, or smack dab in the middle of the day - JP & I will have this little dialogue,

JP: "Mommy, I love you."

Me: "JP, I love you too."

JP: "I love you all day & all night."

Me: "I love you even while I'm sleeping."

JP: "I love you even while I'm at recess."

Me: "I love you even while I'm at school."

JP: "I love you even while I'm riding my bike."

At this point, this usually reminds him he'd like to be riding his bike and off he runs. I love this time with him. I think about it throughout the day and it makes me smile.

I think it originated after reading "Guess How Much I Love You" - where the rabbits try to show just how much they love each other by increasing the size of things.

But as I was thinking about this word, STEADFAST, I got this picture in my head. God never sleeps or takes a nap. He can love me & care for me while He's doing something else - He NEVER stops loving me. No matter what!

Kind of like JP loving me while he's playing at recess or riding his bike... God's faithfulness NEVER ceases. I may not always feel the warm & fuzzies of His love in my day to day activities - but that doesn't mean it's not there! I must focus on His steadfast love and let it make me smile.

If I can remember a 4-year old's words in the middle of the day and let them encourage me - then how much more should I focus on God's words and let them sustain me!

Today, I must admit, it feels a little as if my foot may be slipping, but this verse assures me I'm going to be okay.

Psalm 94:18 (ESV)

When I thought, "My foot slips,"

Your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.

His Word Sunday

2011-10-16T06:59:00.000-05:00

You've got to read it all!

Do you have a favorite verse? It's the kind of verse that you say to yourself often. The verse you give friends when they need that something special to make it through the day - or a particular situation.

It's the verse that's not only highlighted but underlined and has extra notes in the margin of your Bible.

But today I was reminded to not forget the verses that lead up to that favorite verse - as well as the verses that come after it.

Here's one of mine - with the before and after - which spoke to me today:

Jeremiah 29:10-14 (ESV)

For thus says the Lord:

When seventy years are completed for Babylon,

I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you

My promise and bring you back to this place.

For I know the plans I have for you,

declares the Lord, plans for welfare

and not for evil,

to give you a future and a hope,

Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me,

and I will hear you. You will seek Me and find Me,

when you seek Me with all your heart.

I will be found by you, declares the Lord,

and I will restore your fortunes

and gather you from all the nations

and all the places where I have driven you,

declares the Lord, and I will bring you back

to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Did you see all the things He will do for us when we call on Him? Even through He once exiled us? What a picture of REDEMPTION!!!

I belong to Him!

2011-10-14T05:38:00.000-05:00

Yay! It's finally Friday! What a beautiful sounding word - Friday!

I had a wonderful prayer time with the Lord this morning. He reminded me of many encouraging things. I wish I had time to share with you all the comforting verses He showed me.

But for now - I'll just leave you with this small verse and this incredible song...

Psalm 84:11 (ESV)

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

the Lord bestows favor and honor.

No good thing does He withhold

from those who walk uprightly.

Sometimes we just need simple reminders of who we are - not in our eyes - but to Him!

Energy from my toenails

2011-10-12T05:37:00.000-05:00

I think I'm probably like most people, I start my day full of energy and optimism for what the day may bring and then by the end of the work day I'm totally exhausted!

Some days it feels like I gave all that I had to make Science fun, to encourage kids to be good students and then as I'm walking to the parking lot.... well... let's just say I'm wishing I could have someone pick me up at the front door instead of going out to my car.

This morning I read what what the Lord says is His will for us all...

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV)

And we urge you, brothers,

admonish the idle,

encourage the faint-hearted,

help the weak,

be patient with them all.

This passage goes on to say many more things we are supposed to to - that is the will of God. But I had to stop right here.... I had to stop and ask God,

"Just where is the energy for all of this going to come from?

My toenails?!"

I think I'm doing good if I can get my students to understand how to balance equations, not talk while I'm talking, not listen to their ipod when they're not supposed to and turn in their homework!

You mean to tell me in addition to all of that I need to:
1. gently caution the ones who aren't doing anything
2. encourage the shy ones to participate, build them up to know they can do this
3. come alongside them if they fall
4. Oh! And be patient with them ALL!!!

OH MY!!! I must be honest with you. I read this and thought,

"All this in addition to what I'm already doing?! How?!"

So I sat in my bed and asked the Lord. "How?" I want to be a good teacher, a good mother, a good employee - so tell me how I'm supposed to add these 4 things into my "curriculum".

Then I saw it! After I prayed I just stared at my Bible. Not really looking for the answer - but wondering what the answer might be. The very last verse in this chapter has the key.

1 Thessalonians 5:28 (ESV)

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

In and of myself I can do nothing! I can't find the energy to help the weak and faint-hearted, I can't gently caution or rebuke those we are being lazy, and I certainly can't find the energy to be patient with them all - all on my own.

However... with the grace of Christ - I most certainly can! And I need to take His grace with me everywhere I go!

Today, if you feel like you've already tapped the energy from your toenails - and you just don't know how you're going to "do" the day.... apply the grace of Jesus to every detail of your life and watch your energy and patient level rise!

His Word Sunday

2011-10-09T06:41:00.000-05:00

Does your faith go farther than your words?

I love to talk! But today I want my faith to speak louder and go father than my words ever could!

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (ESV)

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

"faith in God has gone everywhere" - this my prayer today!

When do you find Him?

2011-10-07T05:08:00.001-05:00

It's been a very full week - and will be an even busier weekend. My spirit and body are both exhausted.

Yes, I have plenty to say today. I just can't seem to find the energy to put the words together in cohesive thoughts. In fact, I read a line from a book this week that read, "I would cry, if I had time." This is how I've felt most of this week.

So instead of talking, writing or crying... I'll just post this song that speaks my heart today.

Two kinds of walking

2011-10-06T05:42:00.000-05:00

Everyday my children find new things they can do. Jordan is learning so much in her new school. She's truly developing talents such as dance and singing.

JP is doing the same! He's become quite the little adventurer! He loves for me to watch him try out these scary new things too - which I love to watch him play - but oh my... some of them freak his Mommy out!

Like - he loves to ride his bike "super fast" on the driveway. And his new favorite thing is to take a turn really fast and at about a 45 degree angle. Yikes! He loves it!

The other morning, he was trying out something new... walking backwards. He thought he was really doing something scary and dangerous. It was so cute!

He would say, "Mommy! Watch this! I can walk walk backwards!"

Then, of course, as he's walking backwards, he was still keeping his eyes on me - to make sure I was watching of course!

I thought about JP and his backwards walking as I read this passage from Jeremiah today:

Jeremiah 7:22-24 (ESV)

For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command them concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices.

But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.'

But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward.

I see two different types of walks here.

#1 - We can walk in the way the Lord has for us and it will be well with us...

#2 - We can walk in our own way and go backwards and not forward.

As I look back on all that has occurred just over the past 9 months - I want to scream out, "I don't want to go backwards!" I don't want to relive all those scary and tragic moments. Even though the future seems scary at times, I want to go forward in the way the Lord has for me.

I want to walk in such a way that brings wellness... instead of walking backward!

An interesting point about JP's walking backward... even though he was showing me how brave he was by walking in a new way - he still had his head turned & his eyes forward and as a result was walking in the right direction. We too need to keep our eyes on Jesus.

If we keep our eyes on the One who makes the path - wellness (instead of evil) is our future & our hope!

Yellow whistles & Magic pants

2011-10-04T05:29:00.001-05:00

I've been writing what God shows me in my prayer times for quite some time... almost 10 years. I started when John & I were first married.

After we had children, much of what I wrote about was how I could see God in the little things they said and did. I was worried that as they grew I would run out of things to talk about!

However, yesterday God showed me that even at 7 & 4, they still say some pretty amazing things!

Jordan has started riding the bus from her school to my school 3 days a week. I actually love this! She arrives at my classroom during the last 10-15 minutes of my day. She's a bright spot in my room. This also gives us a few moments together, just she & I, to talk about "stuff" on the way home.

Yesterday we were just about home and this is the conversation we had:

Jordan: Mommy, did you know I can whistle in color?

Me: Really?! That sounds interesting.

Tell me more about this.

Jordan: Well, when I whistle I imagine that it's the color Yellow.

Yellow is a happy color. And it reminds me of light.

Whistles don't sound like darkness - they sound like light.

So I think they are yellow.

This thrilled my heart! We continued to talk about how God is light, and how God lives within her now, so perhaps she sees her whistles as yellow because God has given her His light & His joy.

She loved this too!

Then... I got home and my Mom shared with me that after school JP asked if he could wear his "magic pants." My Mom wasn't sure which pants these might be... but together they found them. When he saw them in his drawer he got very excited!

JP: "Yes! Those are my magic pants! They make me jump strong!"

So... just in case you're wondering how my kids are doing 9 months after their Daddy has moved to Heaven. They see light in their whistles and strength in their jumps!

We may not verbalize it the same way - but we can see Yellow Whistles and Magic Pants in our life too. Check this out...

Colossians 1:11-14 (ESV)

May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His Beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He's delivered my children from seeing darkness around them and instead has given them feelings of strength to jump and joy to see light in everything - even whistles!

He desperately wants to do the same for us as well! He's already qualified us to share in these wonderful things!

Today... go about your day (or your evening) knowing you're qualified to share in the joy of seeing yellow whistles and the strength to jump!

His Word Sunday

2011-10-02T05:32:00.000-05:00

Seek it out - it's a treasure!

I love it when the Lord gives me a tangible example of spiritual concept! Something I can actually put my hands on to better understand His Word.

This morning as I read my Bible not only did He provide this tangible example - but He made me smile in the process. Thanks Lord!

John LOVED honey! But not just any old store bought honey - he LOVED to have honey along with a piece of the honeycomb - which was really hard to find!

He sought it out in every grocery store we entered. Hoping to find a local vendor selling their product. It was as if he was on some sort of life-long journey to seek out this treasure - honey with the honeycomb.

Finally in New Orleans, God allowed his journey to be complete. One of our precious church members just happened to share with him, that she knew someone who "raised" (is this the right word?) bees. And sold jars of honey with the honeycomb!

John was thrilled! As a gift, she gave him 2 jars! Life was good in the Franklin house. It made him light up every time he remembered we had honey with honeycomb.

Look what the Lord allowed me to read today...

Proverbs 24:13-14 (ESV)

My son, eat honey, for it is good,

and the drippings of the honeycomb

are sweet to your taste.

Know that wisdom is such to your soul;

if you find it, there will be a future

and your hope will not be cut off.

We are to seek after wisdom... much like John sought after the sweetness of the honey with the honeycomb. When you find it - you will find a future and a hope that will last far beyond the sweetness of the honeycomb!

Made More Faithful

2011-09-30T05:11:00.000-05:00

Isn't it funny how we're always looking to "what's the next thing" - either on our calendars, schedules, event, you name it. We get one thing done and we're checking to see what's next.

No wonder we, as a culture have trouble waiting! We have trouble waiting in the simplest things, like the drive through or at the post office (does anyone ever really still go to this place?), or waiting for something to upload on our iPhone...

Then we really have trouble waiting for the more serious things like finding that next better job, or relationship, or God's next assignment. We want to know NOW - what the future will bring.

I typically get to school each day no later than 7am. I like to get into my room and just... be. I turn on Pandora on my speakers and fill my classroom with "Jesus music" as I like to call it. I straighten the desks, write the daily objectives on the board, check emails, and finally make sure I have all my copies and notes for the day's lessons.

This week as I was just "being" in my room I heard this song. I had never heard it before and I actually stopped what I was doing to really listen (something you have time to do when you get there as early as I do - LOL!).

I was captured by the line - "as I'm waiting for You, maybe I'm made more faithful"

Wow! Isn't this where we all really should want to be.... more faithful.

So in the waiting... we get to be where God ultimately wants us after all. Interesting isn't it? Perhaps the end result is not what we thought it was.

I hope you enjoy this song and learn to be faithful in your waiting too.

See you at the pole

2011-09-28T05:40:00.000-05:00

In a previous blog, I mentioned that my new mission field is W127. This is not some strange place - but rather my classroom at the High School where I teach Science.

Every day I am reminded of just how much these students are 1) very impressionable and 2) need the Lord in their life.

Today is "See You at the Pole"at 7am - and I'm looking forward to praying for my students in front of the school.

I'm not sure what to expect. I'm not sure if I'm even really allowed to go... I'll have to report back on a later post.

I did bring it up in class yesterday and I had several students ask me if I would pray good things for them when I went to the pole.

Even these 14-year old kids are desperate for their lives to be better. I read something today in my One Year Bible that gives me hope for them and for this prayer-filled activity today:

Isaiah 55:10 (ESV)

"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Powerful! It shall not return empty - but shall accomplish God's purpose and will succeed!

This is my prayer for the students of my school. They they will get a visual today of God's Word in action. Prayer is not a last resort - it is the very foundation of who we are in Christ!

I pray that at least one student will see other students on their knees and see the hope of Christ. And that this seeing... will lead them to the One who can cure their desperate heart.

One last thing... as I mentioned "See You at the Pole", in my class, I had one student ask me where the flagpole was located. As at most schools, the flagpole is centered directly in front of the school. Sometimes we miss the very thing that is right in front of us!

It becomes commonplace that we don't even know it's there.

Don't let this happen with you and God and prayer! Don't miss out on a daily relationship with God - don't take Him for granted that you don't even see Him anymore.

He's usually centered directly in front of you!

What? No handles?

2011-09-26T05:48:00.000-05:00

Last week Jordan submitted her very first school project! She was allowed to have parental guidance and support, but of course she was required to actually do the work.

So my Mom and I helped her with a few suggestions on how to approach the project. For the most part she agreed with and loved our ideas - step for step.

But the more confident she became the more she branched out on her own. At times in the project she did things a little differently than I would have done them if it had been my own assignment. I wanted to tell her "do it this way, it will be better" - but I knew I had to let her do it for herself. Wasn't that the point - to let it be done her way, it's her grade. Her teacher was not looking to see what Jordan's mommy could do - but rather what Jordan could do.

It took all that I had inside of me not to take over. This was not the first time I've struggled with wanting to take over - to do things my way - to share how it could be done better.

I often times do this with the Lord. I read a verse this weekend and realized I'm not the only one who struggles in this area.

Isaiah 45:9 (ESV)

"Woe to him who strives with Him who formed him,

a pot among earthen pots!

Does the clay say to Him who forms it,

'What are you making?' or

'Your work has no handles'?

Can you picture it? A pot sitting on one of those spinning pottery wheels - saying to the maker, "What?! You're making me with no handles?! If I were making me, I would make me with handles! I would be much better, I could be used for so much more if you would make me with handles!

Sounds silly doesn't it?

However, as soon as I read this, I saw myself in this verse. I know I have said to God,

"What are you making of me?! Why are you making me be single?! If I were running this life, I would have left me with a wonderful husband! I know I can serve you better with a husband! If I were doing this, I would do it better!"

The audacity right? A pot has not right or really even any capability to change how the maker designs and fashions the pot.

Neither do we. I don't see what God is making me into - yet I must trust that He knows what He's doing. My job is not to yell, "What?! No handles?!" But rather to yield myself in His hands.

Simple message today - yet super hard to live out. I must admit I struggle with this one. I know I will get there eventually and I do trust Him. And in this fleshly body, I still struggle.

Do you ever yell, "What?! No handles?!"

His Word Sunday

2011-09-25T06:25:00.000-05:00

Growth & Participation

In my 41 years of walking on this planet, I've met many doers, and many watchers.

I'm sure you've heard that aged old saying,

"20% of the people do 80% of the work."

While this may be true... but this is NOT God's plan. God wants us all to be about two things - growing and doing!

Check this out...

Ephesians 4: 15-16 (ESV)

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Did you catch it?

Grow up in every way into Him. We are called to not just sit & soak - but rather to grow in Christ!

Also.... "when each part is working properly" - our churches need you, your job needs you, your families need you to be equipped and and working properly!

The end result? Built up in love! Just imagine the results of 100% of the people did 100% of the doing and the growing!

Have a great Sunday!

Everything Good...even when it all feels broken

2011-09-23T05:49:00.000-05:00

This week I've been teaching about the Periodic Table. I know I'm a geek... it's actually one of my favorite chemistry lessons. Everything builds on this - you've got to know the periodic table before you can go further in science.

So... I had my students look over the table and tell me which element was their favorite. Many of the girls said Gold or Silver. Finally a few of them caught on and said - OXYGEN!

So, as a Christian Science Teacher - I just had to post this song today. I love the opening lines! They talk about science concepts - like oxygen and gravity!

However, my favorite line comes later in the song - when it all feel broken - You are still everything good!

I've had a crazy week - and so I'm leaning extra strong on the fact that even if I don't feel it - He is everything good.

Have a great Friday!

Slow Growth?

2011-09-22T05:33:00.000-05:00

Someone once told me that the ages 2-4 are the best! At the time this was said to me I was still potty training JP, so I really didn't buy into the fact that these were the "best years"!

However, now that we've passed that specific milestone, I must admit I'm loving this age. He still says really cute things. What makes them so cute is how serious he is about his thoughts!

Just the other day we were either driving down the road or entering church... I can't remember exactly where we were - but more than likely we were in the middle of something else - when all of a sudden, out of no where, JP asked the following question:

"Mommy, why am I growing so slow?"

I tried really hard not to bust out laughing! Growing slow! I think not! From buying new shoes, new pants and other clothes, I can tell you, definitively he is not growing too slow!

My perspective is WAY different from his. It seemed like just yesterday I was giving birth to him in Houston, TX on a rainy Monday morning. It took forever (22 months) for him to get his first tooth and I thought he was never going to learn to walk.

And then I blink and he's asking how soon will he be going to Kindergarten! I know that I'll blink again and he'll be looking at colleges. I treasure his age and where he is right now. I absolutely love watching him play with his trains in the living room. I love listening to him make up new sounds for planes that fly in the air and cars that drive really fast down the tracks he spends hours (ok - long minutes) making.

And yet... from his perspective he's growing slowly.

I know I'm the exact same way with my Lord. I want to know just how long things are going to stay like they are now. How long will my heart hurt? How long must I watch wonderful things happen to other people while I am required to put my dreams aside?

I've often asked God can I please just have a glimpse of what tomorrow is going to look like for me. I have many many questions - we all do. I guess in some strange way, I'm asking JP's question to God.

"Why are my times moving so slowly?!"

But the Bible says that our times are but a hand breadth to Him. They're not moving slowing from His perspective. In fact, I read this verse about our times just this week...

Isaiah 33:6 (ESV)

He will be the stability of your times,

abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.

Stability of my times.

Yes, I could use a good dose of stability. How about you?

I don't want JP to grow up too quickly. Mainly because I know there are things he needs to learn now in order to be a productive grown-up. God doesn't want me to get ahead of Him or His plan either. He knows there are experiences that He needs me to encounter in order to be a productive servant in His Kingdom.

So... for now, I will wait on the Lord...

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength

I must admit - this is a hard one for me. I can do it. I will do it.
And yet, I still struggle with this. Does anyone else?

Look for the puddles

2011-09-20T05:22:00.000-05:00

Rain. Do you remember what it's like to hear thunder? Or watch it rain for more than a couple of minutes? This past weekend, I woke up to this strange sound coming from the sky! I thought it might be thunder - but it's been so long since I heard that noise I wasn't quite sure!

It rained while we were in church. Later that day, as I walked outside and could tell it was already drying up again. I looked for the evidence of the rain.

I was hoping I would find puddles in the ground, the street, anywhere - just to know that water was accumulating in the dry places of my yard.

You know the Lord promises to bring water to the very dry places of our life.

Isaiah 35:3-6 (ESV)

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to those who have an anxious heart,

"Be strong; fear not!

Behold, your God will come with vengeance,

with the recompense of God.

He will come and save you!"

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then shall the lame man leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.

For waters break forth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert.

I love this promise! Waters and streams in places that seem to have been forgotten. A place of refreshment in places that are filled with danger or discomfort.

When I think of the words "wilderness" and "desert", I picture a place that is filled with loneliness and hardships. Places that have almost become normal for me these days. And yet the Lord tells me that He is going to provide water - something that provides nourishment, refreshment, and revival in those exact places!

These provisions of water might be as big as the ocean or as small as a puddle. I might have to look for them like I did after Sunday's rain - but I need to look for this promise all the same!

I need to not let the vastness & dryness of the desert keep me from seeing His puddles of refreshment!

Today - I'll be looking for the streams in the desert!

Won't you join me?

His Word Sunday

2011-09-18T06:47:00.000-05:00

Power Belongs to God

Today our church will be experiencing a "marker moment". It will be a Sunday that will live in our hearts for a very long time. Today our Pastor of 34 years will preach and we will celebrate him entering into a new ministry... retirement.

We are all very sad to see him leave this position. We have all encountered his ministry some where along the road... whether it be joyful times like weddings, new homes, new jobs or sad times like funerals or other adversities that needed counseling, he has always been there for many many people.

He has been an excellent leader for this church. He has fulfilled his calling in a wonderful way at Denman Avenue Baptist Church and we are all going to miss him greatly! On days like this it's easy to wonder what we will do without him. Where will our church go? What will we, as a church, become?

But as I pray for our church and the next chapter we are entering, and I as I pray for our Pastor who is leaving and our Pastor who is to come - I know this....

God still has a plan of ministry for us all - and the power behind this ministry is not found in a single man - but in God alone. And I believe He still has great plans for us all!

I read this verse this morning and found amazing comfort in the plan He has put before us all.

Psalm 62:5-8, 11-12 (ESV)

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,

for my hope is from Him.

He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;

I shall not be shaken.

On God rests my salvation and my glory;

my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this:

that power belongs to God, and that to You,

O Lord, belongs steadfast love.

I love the way...

2011-09-16T05:28:00.000-05:00

Yay! It's Friday! I love the end of the week. I guess to me in some strange way it signifies victory! We made it another week. Another week of whatever God put in our path... He gave us strength to get the job done - no matter what it was.

So today - for my Friday song... I wanted something upbeat and happy.

I absolutely love this song. When I first heard it I thought about John. However this song is not about another human - it's about God! Did you know that He holds us?!

I love the way my Lord holds me and makes me smile all day long!

I hope He makes you smile too!

A Birthday Message...

2011-09-14T05:11:00.000-05:00

Well... I feel as if I should write something today... but to be honest I'm struggling with what to write. I knew & remembered what I wrote before I checked it - but I re-read what I wrote this time last year.

Last year's Birthday Blog

I wrote about the hopefulness of the new decade that I'm now living in - my 40's. I wrote about how excited I was about what God had in store for me in this new phase of my life. Little did I know that just 3 months later that would include saying, "Goodbye, I'll see ya in Heaven" to the love of my life!

I miss him so very much! I wish tonight we could enjoy a quiet evening together. At a restaurant of my choosing... and talk about many things. I would tell him about all of my classes - the ones that challenge me and the ones that make me smile.

I would love to laugh with him about the latest cute things the kids have said. Like, JP just said last week, "Mommy, why am I growing so SLOW?!" Oh, if he only knew how fast it was in my eyes!!

To be honest, I would love to just sit with him and just catch my breath. It seems like the last 8.5 months have been filled to the brim with almost more than I can handle.

And yet... I know my God has given me His strength to do all that has transpired. As I read my Bible this morning, I asked the Lord was there a Word in today's reading just for me. A "Birthday Message" if you will.

The Proverb from my One Year Bible really spoke to me today:

Proverbs 23:12 (ESV)

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

This is what I'm taking with me out into today. Last year, I wrote naively about a new decade that was sure to be filled with wonderful things. Yes, wonderful things are still happening every day! Yes, God still has a beautiful life planned for me and my incredible kiddos.

But today, I'm going to focus this new decade on applying my heart to instruction and leaning my ear on God's Word. I know have so much still to learn!

More Science: Homeostasis

2011-09-12T05:58:00.000-05:00

When I stayed at home with my kids, God would reveal Himself to me in the things I saw & heard at home. When I started studying for the Science Certification Exam - He revealed Himself to me there.

And now that I'm teaching... guess what? Yep! You've got it! He's revealing Himself to me in the concepts that I'm teaching my students.

I shouldn't be surprised by this. It's His world. He made it, He can show up anywhere anytime He so chooses. And of course He's going to show Himself in whatever place He's put me in at the time.

The other day I was teaching my seniors Biology. I put a list of vocabulary on the board and we had a small activity to reinforce the words & concepts. One of the words was "HOMEOSTASIS".

Even as I was teaching this concept the Lord spoke to me and I've been mulling it over in my mind ever since. This morning in my prayer time He showed me how to have "homeostasis" within my spirit.

Homeostasis is by definition a property of a system to regulate its internal environment so as to maintain a stable & healthy condition. Our body maintains homeostasis in the following manner:

If you are dehydrated - you thirst

If you are cold - you shiver - to produce heat

If you are hot - you sweat - to cool you off

If you need nourishment - you hunger

In other words, our bodies send us signals, that drive us to acquire what we need. At first it seems like it may be a negative thing... sweating, shivering, thirsting, and hungering. But these all happen from our bodies to tell our mind to do something about it! To fix the problem and make it better. As a result... we maintain a healthy & stable condition and can go about our day.

Homeostasis is also about balance. If you're too hot - you need to cool off. Simple right?

What about on a spiritual level? How do we maintain homeostasis within our spirit?

Do you think God allows us to experience certain things that will drive us to trust Him? I read this passage this morning and thought about how this might be a part of my Spiritual Homeostasis.

Psalm 56:3-4, 8, 10-11 (ESV)

When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.

In God, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can flesh do to me?

You have kept count of my tossings,

put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?

In God, whose word I praise,

in the Lord, whose word I praise,

in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can man do to me?

So, as fear arises in my day, whether that be fear of the unknown, fear of what will happen at my next Teacher Evaluation, fear of will I teach this material in a productive manner.... I am driven to trust the Lord. This will help me to maintain a healthy spiritual environment within my soul.

As fear rises - trust must rise! This will keep my heart & spirit in balance - seeking to keep them stable & healthy!

Trusting in the Lord is the fixing of the fear problem.

Just like our body sends us signals to stay healthy - so does our spirit.

How will you maintain spiritual homeostasis today?

His Word Sunday

2011-09-11T06:32:00.000-05:00

The Righteous Stand Firm

Where were you? I'm sure we all remember where we were on that fateful day. When we heard that a plane hit the tower. Then when we heard that the tower fell.

I remember John calling to check on me. We were not yet engaged at that time, & I was impressed with the care he was giving my heart over this national tragedy.

I know these past 10 years has had "some" healing effect on the victim's families. But I also know they still ache. I know their hearts still hurt as they see time marching on without their loved ones.

When deep pain and trials come into our lives so often we wish we could just fly away from it all.

King David felt the exact same way....

Psalm 55:5-8 (ESV)

Fear & trembling come upon me,

and horror overwhelms me.

And I say, "Oh that I had wings like a dove!

I would fly away and be at rest;

yes, I would wander far away;

I would lodge in the wilderness;

I would hurry to find shelter from

the raging wind and tempest.

But look where God leads him to during these very raw & real feelings...

Psalm 55:22 (ESV)

Cast your burdens on the Lord

and He will sustain you;

He will never permit

the righteous to be moved.

Today - let's all stand firm in the Lord. He will sustain us all through these days of heavy burdens.

Make the most of my time

2011-09-09T05:20:00.000-05:00

Can you believe it's been 10 years?! This weekend is a very special time in the life of our country as we remember those who lost their life on that fateful day - September 11th.

I'm sure we all remember where we were when we heard that the towers were falling. Then later how we learned that the tragedy wasn't over as 2 more locations had crashes!

There were many many heroes that day. Heroes that lost their life to save another. I know time helps - but it doesn't make their pain go away. Especially as they experience time marching on without their loved ones.

I'm experiencing this very thing too. I did a double take just yesterday - seeing JP age - it seems right before my very eyes. I wish John could see how well his children are doing and how incredible young people they are becoming!

I'm going to make the most of my time here. I'm going to do my best to do all that the Lord still requires of me. But I still look forward to the day when I can see him again. I know the Lord is saving my place in His Kingdom.

Sacrificial Thanksgiving

2011-09-07T05:01:00.000-05:00

I'm in my 3rd week of teaching school and I think everyone is finally in the groove. Students and teachers alike - we're all going about our daily grind.

I came home yesterday and my report was, "It was a drama-less day" - which is a wonderful thing to report!

However, as I went about my day, I couldn't help thinking about my earlier prayer time. It was a verse from Psalms and to be quite honest I'm still working on making this one a genuine part of my heart. It's not that I don't believe it.... it's just a hard one. But I've never backed down from a challenge before, and I'm not starting now.

How do feel about the concept of "thanksgiving"? I'm not talking about the holiday in November, but rather offering up to the Lord thanksgiving. Thanking God for everything.

I read a verse about thanksgiving that kind of stopped me in my tracks yesterday. I would love to hear how you feel about this verse.

Psalm 50:23 (ESV)

The one who offers thanksgiving

as his sacrifice glorifies me,

to the one who orders his way rightly

I will show the salvation of God.

I totally love thanking God for the wonderful things in my life. So it's really not a sacrifice to thank Him for my wonderful children, incredible family & friends, the new job I have, or food and other provisions.

However, to thank Him for bringing John, the love of my life, my very best friend- to Heaven....

Whew! Now that's more of a sacrificial thanksgiving.

Sacrifice is defined as giving up something of value. I don't have to give anything up to thank God for the pleasures in my life. This one is win-win! I get to enjoy the good stuff, and I'll send the praise on up to God.

But to thank God for the pains in my life - that's a whole different story!

Must I really thank Him for moving John to Heaven? For changing everything about my life? For exposing my private life to everyone? For allowing me to feel lonely on most days?

Those "thankful" words are a little harder to form on my lips and even harder to truly feel.

But the Psalmist says to offer "thanksgiving" up as your sacrifice will bring glory to the Lord. I certainly want every part of my life (the good & the painful) to bring glory to God.

What do you think?

His Word Sunday

2011-09-04T08:23:00.000-05:00

Shiney vs. Hard

In my Science class we're about to study chemical & physical changes. Physical changes reveal only outward changes to the substance -while chemical changes change the actual make-up of the substance.

I saw a chemical change in the Bible & I'm going to be pondering this one for a while.
However... This chemical change affects the physical as well!!

Ecclesiastes 8:1 (ESV)
A man's wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

Today, let His wisdom shine on your face & let the hardness of life's sorrows soften.

I love you all dearly,
Penny

Something to Say

2011-09-02T05:31:00.000-05:00

Yeah! I made it through Week #2. I definitely have things I want to change... and eventually I will, if only I could catch up on my sleep and find some energy!

I'm really looking forward to the holiday weekend!!

I recently heard this song and identified with it in a BIG WAY!!!

We all have something God wants us to say! I know we get tired - I know we wonder does it even really matter.

The message of this song is: even when you're tired, you've got a great message that only you can deliver!

Enjoy & have a great Friday with what you've got to say!

Today's Objectives

2011-08-31T05:50:00.000-05:00

Each day I'm finding more and more my "Teacher Routine".

Before I leave at the end of the day, or first thing the next morning, I put several things on the board. They are: a quick Bell Ringer activity (to be done as soon as they arrive), the day's Learning Objectives, and their Homework Assignment.

At first I had to remind myself to change these each day. But now as I'm in the middle of Week #2 - it's becoming more routine. The Daily Objectives keeps us all on task. There's no question of what they will be doing in W-127 - it's clearly outlined on the board.

The Objectives keeps our class on target and helps us avoid chasing too many rabbits. They ensure we learn what we are supposed to learn and helps to maintain order.

Did you know that God gives us Daily Objectives too?! Of course it requires that we walk into His classroom and look at the board. Or better said - we must open up our Bibles and see what He has for us that day!

Today I saw my Objectives in the New Testament.

2 Corinthians 4:6-9 (ESV)

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.

Today's Objectives:
1. We will act with good courage.
2. We will walk by faith in all of our actions.
3. We will aim to please Him.

I know this will help me focus on this great assignment God has given me! It is my prayer that with these Objectives ever before me that I can accomplish what my great Teacher has planned for me.

What are your Daily Objectives?

The Mission Field of W-127

2011-08-29T05:44:00.000-05:00

I'm drawn to my blog this morning... even though I only have a few moments. Today will be short and sweet. I desperately want to share with you all how my first week as a teacher went... and the journey that I know lies ahead of me - but I will have to save that for another day.

After only 1 week, I know that I have been given a huge responsibility. An incredible mission field. W-127. This is my room number at the high school. At this time - there's no need for me to go to a foreign country... I only need to walk down the hall to my room to experience those who are in need of a light and a real hope!

I have many prayers for my students. This verse talks about just one... being unveiled to the hope that lies within me.

2 Corinthians 3:12-13(a) (ESV)

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold,

not like Moses who would put a veil over his face...

I want the students and fellow teachers to see the light of Christ in me on my good days and even on my bad days.

Today is just a simple message...

Remember your hope.

Be bold!

Be unveiled for Christ!

His Word Sunday

2011-08-28T06:55:00.000-05:00

Where is it?

Have you ever lost something and prayed God would reveal to you its exact location & quickly?! Like your keys when you're running late? Or an important piece of paper - that you know you just had in your hands - and now it's no where to be found?

As I was reading my One Year Bible this morning I saw where Job reminds us where a very important thing is found... just in case we've lost it.

I'm talking about wisdom & understanding. So often I wonder if I've ever had these to things to begin with... or if I've just misplaced them momentarily.

No worries - Job tell us EXACTLY where to find these priceless items.

Job 28:20-21, 23, 28 (ESV)

"From where, then, does wisdom come?

And where is the place of understanding?

It is hidden from the eyes of all the living

and concealed from the birds of the air.

God understands the way to it,

and He knows its place.

And He said to man,

'Behold, the fear of the Lord,

that is wisdom,

and to turn away from evil

is understanding.' "

Great first week!

2011-08-26T05:37:00.001-05:00

Wow! I think this is the first week in quite some time where I have not made a post at all. Please know that this is not my new norm. I'm just getting adjusted to my new school schedule. I'm hoping next week I can ease back into my commitments to one of my favorite places... Living Above!

It's finally Friday! I made it through my first entire week of being a Science Teacher at Lufkin High School!

It was GREAT!!! Not without challenges, not perfect, but if I had to give a rating - I would say an 8 or 9 for sure! The main thing I must change is my shoes! I must find some cute, (not flats), comfortable shoes. Got any suggestions?

I already love my students, I'm getting the hang of the timing out my lessons to last the entire 75 to 85 minutes, and I'm learning to eat lunch really fast!

I haven't had a lot of time to listen to much music this week... well... if I did it was all instrumental praise - something that was just soft and easy on the ears - so I could focus on lesson plans and understanding what conference period duty meant.

So this morning - instead of a song that has related to a specific thing of my life - I thought I would just play one of my favorites.

Life can get so busy - and hard - we often wonder if it's really all worth it. If taking the time to truly love others and the Lord is worth the sacrifice. Let me say with a resounding YES it is!

His Word Sunday

2011-08-21T06:44:00.000-05:00

He's Got Really Big Hands!

One of the very first sermons I ever heard John preach was about hands. He talked about how big his Dad's hands were and how that fact comforted him as a little boy.

Then, after we were married, I too was comforted by this genetic trait... I loved how John would always hold my hand no matter where we went! His hands often kept me from falling, as he would hold me up when I would trip on a rock or bump in the road.

I miss John holding my hand... but the Lord is still holding it! Check this out...

Psalm 37:22 (ESV)

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,

when he delights in His way;

though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,

for the Lord upholds his hand.

Our job here is to delight in the ways of the Lord and hold on tight! Yes, we're going to fall - but He's got us in His hands! What a comfort!

I love you all dearly! Let's all hold on tight together!

My World of 85

2011-08-19T05:17:00.000-05:00

Today is Open Assembly for every Lufkin ISD employee!

I can't wait!

I've heard our Superintendent say all week that he hasn't met a man or woman who doesn't look good in purple... so I've got the new Purple Football T-Shirt all ready to go for today's attire.

I know today is going to be a pep rally for the teachers - to get us pumped up for Monday. Another phrase I've heard all week of In-Service is this, "They're coming on Monday!"

Everyone keeps asking me if I'm ready. "Is your room ready?" - they all ask. Whether I'm ready or not - they WILL walk through my door on Monday. So far I have 85 students.

Of course I have many academic goals for my classroom. But this song talks about many that are not on any standardized requirements document.

I want to ready myself to shine the light of Jesus. I want to be a voice of hope in the wilderness. I want to be the hands & feet of Jesus....

I love this video! Until the whole world hears... my goal is that my world of 85 would see Jesus through me... starting on Monday!

Reviving the Stones

2011-08-15T06:24:00.000-05:00

It's just one more week of prep time and then the students arrive! Sometimes I still have to pinch myself to see if this is all reality. The Lord has done some amazing things in my life lately.

My children have friends and are happy. I have a job and a great one at that! I have family & friends who love me and are doing many things to help me smile daily.

In some way, almost every day, the Lord shows me that He is reviving me - in spite of all that was lost.

I read something that scoffer said in scripture to Nehemiah - and although he meant it to hurt - it couldn't be more true! Check this out...

Nehemiah 4:1-2 (ESV)

Now when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry and greatly enraged, and he jeered at the Jews. And he said in the presence of his brothers and of the army of Samaria, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they restore it for themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish up in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, and burned ones at that?"

Just a little history, the Temple of the Lord had been utterly destroyed and ransacked when the children of Israel had been exiled. And now they have been allowed to return and rebuild the city wall and the temple.

Do you ever feel like your life is just one big rubbish pile? That possibly it's even burned it parts? Totally destroyed?

On December 30, 2010 I felt like my world was destroyed. All the dreams John & I once shared were now just rubbish.

But today, almost 8 months later - a resounding YES to Sanballat's question... Yes! My God can revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish Yes! He can even rebuild using the burned ones at that!

I don't know what this next school year is going to hold for me. I'm nervous and very anxious. I know I will mess up - I know I will edit and revise and learn many lessons. But for now, I'm very proud to say that my God has revived the stones that were once in the rubbish pile - and He can do the same for you!

Let the rebuilding begin!

His Word Sunday

2011-08-14T07:13:00.001-05:00

Understanding = Great Joy

I absolutely love Sundays! I love getting to see my friends that I haven't seen all week. I love getting to sing in the choir. I love opening my Bible and gaining new insight from God's Word.

I know however, that as I'm listing all these, "I loves" - there are others who may not "love church" or love opening God's Word because it may shine a light on things they would rather keep hidden.

I read something this morning that just might give someone hope if this is how they feel about Sunday!

In Nehemiah, they were rebuilding Jerusalem after a long exile in Babylon. In other words, they were very far removed from knowing God's ways. So one day, Nehemiah (the Governor) had Ezra (the scribe) read from "the Book of the Law" - basically the first 5 books of the Bible.

Imagine how these people must have felt when they heard how God really intended them to live! I'm sure much like we do today when we go to church and hear sermons that bring conviction!

But then Ezra told them this... and it is my prayer that we all go and leave from church today with this mindset.

Nehemiah 8: 10(b) - 12 (ESV)

"For this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved."

And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

May we all be strengthened, rejoice and experience His joy as we leave with a better understanding of our God and how He wants us to live!

Still my heart will sing...

2011-08-12T06:27:00.000-05:00

It's official!

Today, the teacher's officially begin

the 2011-2012 School Year.

I'm really excited! I've been working in my classroom for about about week now and just about have the parts you can see ready. This morning as I began my prayer time, I asked the Lord to give me strength for this new journey.

Eight months ago if you had said I would be teaching Science to 9th graders I would have probably laughed!

My life certainly doesn't look like what I expected that's for sure.

My sister - the sweetest sister anyone could ever have - sent me this song one day while I was working in my room. I fell in love with it. It's my prayer that no matter what life looks like - familiar or foreign - that this will be true in my life.

No matter what... still my heart will sing!

I hope you enjoy today's Friday's Song!

Back up the bragging...

2011-08-09T07:11:00.000-05:00

Okay, I think my new favorite OT book is now Ezra! God has really been showing me some amazing truths through this very short (it's only 10 chapters) book.

Today I read about something Ezra did that I have often done myself - but it's his response that I want to adopt into my own life.

What did he do? He boasted in his God. Sounds simple. We should all do this... and often!

However, when it got time for him to travel - which was a dangerous thing at that time - listen to what he did....

Ezra 8:22-23 (ESV)

For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, "The hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him, and the power of His wrath is against all who forsake Him."

So we fasted and implored our God for this, and He listened to our entreaty.

Oh my! How often I have bragged about how awesome my God is... how He is an all-powerful God - and then go running to a weak human for support or protection BEFORE ever turning to my all-powerful God!

Basically Ezra realized 1) the king just gave us a TON of resources to rebuild our Temple and 2) is letting us return to Jerusalem after being exiled and 3) I just boasted about how God will be for our good.... so how can I ask him to send soldiers to ensure our safety?!

It's great to brag about our awesome God! But we must back up what say by doing more than just talking about Him - we must actually TRUST Him.

We must actually TURN to Him in times of our greatest need.

We should never act like, "this is too big for God," or "this is too small a deal for God" - and as a result act in such a way that actually negates what we really believe about Him!

This morning I find myself again wanting to do what Ezra did - fast and implore of the Lord.

I can attend class after class about how to be a good teacher. I can walk up and down the halls and copy the practices of exiting good teachers, and yes, I can even ask others to pray for me - BUT I MUST FAST & PRAY MYSELF!!!

A long time ago, I asked my Mother to pray for a particular situation in my life. At the time I was not walking with the Lord as I should and she knew that! When I asked her to pray, she said, "Yes, I will pray. But you need to be praying too!"

Today, don't take everything to everyone around you - take time first to seek the Lord. He's WAY more powerful than anyone around you!

Quick note... just 2 things....
1) Did you notice he fasted & prayed? When was the last time you fasted?

2) The reason I bring this up is based on the results of Ezra's actions. Read verse 23 again.

"He listened to our entreaty."

I want desperately for the Lord to hear my cries for help. I'm not saying fasting is the magic formula, but it certainly shows the Lord your heart - to empty everything out so you can be filled completely by Him and Him alone.

Today, show God you believe what you say about Him - go to Him first. And then give Him your complete and total attention!

Set... Do... Teach!

2011-08-08T08:12:00.000-05:00

You've probably heard, "Game - Set - Match" to indicate a tennis victory. I read something in my prayer time this morning that sounded very similar.

Just two weeks from today I will be standing before many new bright & shiny 9th grade faces - ready to learn Integrated Chemistry & Physics (IPC) - right? Probably not. I know that Science is not most kids' favorite subject. I also know I will probably be facing an uphill battle in truly reaching these kids this next year.

Therefore, I'm praying for all of them now! I know I have a HUGE task before me. While I was reading my Bible this morning, I noticed that Ezra likewise had a HUGE task before him. I read about his strategy and am officially adopting it as my own. (I've heard in the education world when you see something you like - and that works... you copy it!)

Ezra 7:10 (ESV)

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord,

and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel.

Okay... just a little background info here - Ezra is a direct descendant to Aaron... the priest! So wouldn't you say that Ezra probably knew the "Law of the Lord" backwards & forwards??!!

I would think "yes". However, he knew that his task of restoring the Temple after the Babylonian Exile would be great - too great for him - all by himself. Therefore he "set his heart" on studying God's Word - even more!

But he didn't stop there! Oh how I wish I could just sit in a comfy spot and read and read (surrounded by quiet of course - LOL). Doesn't that sound delightful?! However, after setting his heart to studying, he then says he will "do it."

Wow! To "do" God's Word... now there's the hard part. What does it "look" like to "do" God's Word.

Already I'm beginning to get a picture of my classroom. I've studied the content. I've attended many courses on how to manage the students - and now it's getting close to time to actually "do" school. I can't just think and pray for these new students, I actually have to face them!

And finally Ezra's strategy ends with something very powerful. So far he has set his heart to study and to do God's Word. To conclude his preparation he sets his mind to "teach" God's laws. We must make a habit of reproducing what God has done in our own lives. Today we follow the example of the heros of the faith in scripture. Don't think for one moment that God doesn't want to use you & I as well - to teach His laws to those who come after us!

You are an influencer whether you like it or not! You are teaching just by the way you live.... so what are you teaching?!

So here you have it...

Set - Do - Teach!

I believe Ezra had it going on! I also believe he had things in the right order. To set my heart towards God. Then... go and obey. Then... go & teach!

I'm looking forward to applying Ezra's strategy not only to my classroom of Science students - but to my daily walk with the Lord in the every day stuff of life!

Now that is a strategy for victory!

His Word Sunday

2011-08-07T07:12:00.000-05:00

God Gives Growth

There are so many WONDERFUL verses in today's One Year Bible. I must say I struggled to pick just one passage to share with you this morning. I admit that before picking one - me & the Lord had a sweet time together. I pray you too find a sweet time with Him today.

In Texas we are experiencing extreme droughts - little rain, lots of green things are turning to brown.... so these verses really stuck out to me this morning.

Not much around is "growing." I know we all wonder if our "watering" with our friends and family will ever make a difference. Will they ever "grow"?

They will! Just keep building upon Christ's foundation!

1 Corinthians 3:5-7, 10

Servants through whom you believed,

as the Lord assigned to each.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything,

but only God who gives the growth.

According to the grace of God given to me,

like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation,

and someone else is building upon it.

Let each one take care how he builds upon it.

Today - build upon someone -

and watch God give the growth!

Here Goes...

2011-08-05T06:52:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess this week has been a wonderful indicator that a new routine and a new schedule is going to be a MUST in my life. I got back from Disney World on Sunday night, Jordan started a Little Drill Team camp on Monday and I started working in my new classroom.

Wednesday & Thursday were required work days - meetings all day - for the teachers. And here it is Friday. I'm just now finding time to get to one of my favorite places... Living Above.

Please don't equate my absence from my blog as absence from the Lord. I've still been reading my One Year Bible... but then jet setting off to parts of my new life.

I have to admit... honestly here - that I'm a bit nervous. I've been in my classroom, I've been around my new co-workers, so I've had a very small taste of the new world I'm about to enter. I'm both excited and nervous.

I feel like I have a HUGE "unknown" awaiting me. My Math brain wants desperately to solve for this unknown - this "X" if you will.

So, on this Friday... I thought this song was very fitting. Enjoy!

His Word Sunday

2011-07-31T07:44:00.000-05:00

What a precious gift!!

We're on our way home from Disney World & we all had a wonderful time!!

As we got on the road to travel home we had church in the car. We sang the Chris Tomlin song, "How Great is Our God". Afterward we all shared a way that God showed His greatness to us this week.

Then I read these verses from my One Year Bible...

Psalm 24:1
1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.

Proverbs 20:12

12 Ears to hear and eyes to see—
both are gifts from the Lord.

I just wanted to take this time & place to thank the Lord for this wonderful opportunity to take my kids to such a magical place!!

Then I want to thank everyone who helped to make this trip possible. When John moved to Heaven I wondered how we would pay bills & because of your love for God & John, not only are my bills being paid... But my kids enjoyed Disney World too.

This week is a beautiful picture of how the earth is the Lord's & all that we see, hear & experience are gifts from the Lord!!!

Thank you everyone!!

His Word Sunday

2011-07-24T08:08:00.002-05:00

Overwhelming Victory

As I'm typing this we're on the second leg our our journey to Disney World. We should arrive there today around 3-4pm.

From my iPad I'm having difficulties uploading pictures... See facebook for trip pics!

We've already had church in the car! JP opened us up in prayer & then we sang a praise sing together & then my Sis led us un a devotional from the 10 Commandments! It was great!

See this picture!
http://gallery.me.com/ppfranklin#100008/Devotional

Friends & family... This is the picture of "overwhelming victory"!!

Check this out...

Romans 8:35-37(NLT)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”[c]) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

Despite all our recent heartaches... HE is still giving us victorious joy!

Enjoy your overwhelmingly victorious Sunday!!

I just might bend - but I won't break!

2011-07-22T05:48:00.000-05:00

I think I'm as excited as the kids!!! In about 24 hours we'll be getting in the car to go to Disney World!! John & I always dreamed of some day taking the kids there. I know he's smiling in Heaven knowing this dream is finally coming true!

For today's song I wanted something really fun & peppy - to go along with my excited mood. I've been listening to this song as I've been driving to Kilgore every week to help me wake up - and boy has it worked.

I love it for many reasons... here are a few of the lines that I like,
"I just might bend but I won't break" - this is all because of God in my life!

"when life won't play along & right keeps going wrong, & I can't seem to find my way, I know where I am found, so I won't let it drag me down"

I know where I am found! I am 100% found in the Lord's hands. And today, He's letting me dance... all the way to Disney World!!

Today, the Franklin family is doing the happy dance! So let's MOVE!

Enjoy this fun song!

An Important Role

2011-07-18T07:47:00.000-05:00

Many of you know I read my One Year Bible as my daily prayer time. For the Old Testament portion we are currently in 1 Chronicles. If you know much about Chronicles you know that this should almost be retitled, "The Book of the Names" - oh my!!! Chapter after chapter is filled with name after name!

It can get exhausting to read... and yet I really try to read these, at times unpronounceable, names - searching for a little nugget of truth that might be embedded within them.

Today I found that little nugget! Check this out...

1 Chronicles 27:33 (ESV)

Ahithophel was the king's counselor,

and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend.

I know it doesn't seem like much now - but hang on... hear me out.

For what seems like the past 27 Chapters all we've been reading about was the role all these, "named men" had. Everything from army officers, keepers of the treasuries, those over the sheeps, camels, and donkeys, those over the olive trees and wine processes. And let us not forget those over each and every gate!

Then all of a sudden - amongst all these very important roles we find where scripture allows us to see who was King David's friend. The role of "friend" got a mention in God's very Word - it was that important!

So this morning, here on my blog, I want to thank all of you for being my friend. (Those local, those afar, and those whom I have never hugged or seen in person but are just as close as if I had) If God can see fit to make sure Hushai got a mention in His Word for being David's friend - I can at the very least send out props to all of you for being my friend.

I would imagine that it was at times hard to be the king's friend. Maybe that's why Hushai was mentioned. Perhaps it was because his role of "friend" was more important than we realize. I too recognize that it's not always easy being someone's friend. And yet, it's still an important role.

Today, take seriously your role as "friend". You may not ever get a "mention" like Hushai - but your job as "friend" is equally as important.

How can you do this today? Start with prayer. Do you regularly pray for your friends? Then, do things to let them know you love & support them. Send them a quick email, text, or when you see them - really look them in the eye, smile, hug... These are all priceless things!

I know because you've all done this for me - even when it was hard to do so!

I love the friends the Lord has given me! You all are such blessings in my life!

His Word Sunday

2011-07-17T06:17:00.000-05:00

How do you handle speculations?

I started a new Ladies Bible Study this past week. I love it! It's full of scriptures, (which I love by the way), and I came across an "oldie but a goodie" this week.

I saw something new in it this time around, (which I also love)....

Everyday thoughts & speculations fly through our mind. Sometimes these thoughts are for good and sometimes they send us in a downward spiral.

One sad thought or worry or speculation leads to another and another and another and before you know it - we're blue, depressed, and almost to the point of being dysfunctional.

So what are we to do?

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB)

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Today, as you file into church - get ready for that Sunday afternoon nap - or however you fill this day, do something for me....

DESTROY those speculations and anything else you know goes against the knowledge of Christ! You are a new creature in Him and He loves you very much!

TAKE CAPTIVE those thoughts and bind them up for this will allow you to be obedient to the Lord.

And let's together catch those downward spirals from begin so destructive.

Constant

2011-07-15T10:40:00.000-05:00

Whew! What a week I've had! From last Friday to yesterday (Thursday) I "lived" in Lufkin, Fort Worth, Laneville, & Kilgore.... gracious! And... I have to do it all over again next week.

Can something just be constant - for once?! I have had SO many changes in my life lately I often wonder, "Is there anything that is constant in my life?"

I heard this song and fell in love with it! Thank you Lord for reminding me of Your steadfast love!

Seriously?! Thank Him now?!

2011-07-12T06:32:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been in a rush to eat and didn't say "grace"? Many times in our family, we get so busy and so rushed that as we're sitting down, we do a quick, "Thank you Lord" while looking upward as if this covers us for the prayer.

I recently saw something in Acts that was very convicting about just prayer in general. I'm always wanting to make my prayer life better. This is truly my life-line to God. I must communicate with Him often and genuinely if I'm going to make it here on Earth and if I'm going to grow in His image.

So check this out...

Acts 27:35 (ESV)

And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat.

Okay - let me give you just a little background on this verse. Paul is a prisoner on a ship, heading to appeal to Caesar for his life. They have been at sea many days. The majority of these days it has been storming and dark. In fact, they have already thrown most of their cargo off the ship in order to survive. In verse 33, Paul mentioned it was their 14th day to go without food and they are about to run aground and will need their strength. So this is kind of like a last meal kind of situation!

So - to review...

It's storming - it's dark - they are facing absolute death - and yet... for the little bit of food they are about to eat - Paul prays & gives thanks!

I was in shock when I read this! Too often when we are in the storms and in the dark and facing things that overwhelm us we don't stop to pray - let alone thank God! We cry & complain! We focus more on God rescuing us than finding ways to thank Him.

Two things I learned here...

1) I can give thanks in the storms of life. No matter the situation - no matter if it's big or small - thank Him!

2) Eat. Paul encouraged those on the ship that they would need nourishment for what they were about to face. We too need nourishment for the days ahead of us. Spiritual & physical nourishment. Don't deny yourself the "bread of life" to make it through the day!

Finally... I was quickly encouraged when I read the next verse...

v.36 - "Then they were all encouraged and ate some food themselves."

Just by taking time to pray - to thank God in the stormiest times of our lives can encourage others around us! And isn't that what a life in Christ is all about?

Today - take time to do two things... Pray. Thank God even if your days are dark and you're facing some of the hardest days of your life. Second - eat. Enjoy the fruits of this life - both physically & spiritually. And as a result others will notice and be encouraged.

His Word Sunday

2011-07-10T07:11:00.000-05:00

Listen to the Little Ones...

Today I'm praying for my Mom & Dad as they take 4 grandchildren to church.... alone! This means breakfast, getting them ready - preparing the "church bag," do they have their shoes on the right feet, etc, etc, etc...

Monday morning they start "Grandmother & Papa Camp." Every year they take all the grandkids and do a fantastic Bible-based Camp - complete with t-shirts, crafts, stories, a theme, swimming, field trips, and everything!!!

So... today's HIS WORD SUNDAY verse is just for them (and the rest of us too of course) but it is posted in their honor.

Psalm 8:2 (ESV)

Out of the mouth of babes and infants,

you have established Your strength because of Your foes,

to still the enemy and the avenger.

Children can at times amaze you with their childlike faith and wisdom - if we would just listen. The Lord has chosen to give us strength through them! Enough even to "still the enemy."

I know the Lord has used my children to give me strength lately and I am thankful that the enemy has been put at bay (even for just the moment) by what comes out of their mouths.

Take time this week to see the strength of the Lord from what He sends the little ones around you!!!

Hang in there vs. Hang on...

2011-07-08T06:35:00.000-05:00

I've heard many words of encouragement in the past 6 months. All words have been treasured, I assure you! Some I know were said because they didn't know what to say - and that is perfectly understandable.

However, recently I thought about an encouragement "cliche" that we've probably all used a million times - I know I have - and that's "Hang in there!"

I recently heard this song and heard these very words in scripture and have come to a decision...

I'm going to change my vocabulary - basically it's only a prepositional change...

I'm going to do my best to not say "Hang in there" and start saying, "Hang on".

Check this out....

Proverbs 3:21 (NLT)

My child, don't lose sight of

common sense and discernment.

Hang on to them.

and

Matthew 16:25 (NLT)

If you try to hang on to your life,

you will lose it.

But if you give up your life for my sake,

you will save it.

Then I heard this song... and soon realized that "Hang in there" was somewhat empty - but "Hang on" to the Lord, to His Word truly had depth and meaning.

These days, when people ask, "how?" - it's very much by hanging on to every single word He gives me! Every message of hope, every message of redemption, every word of comfort - I'm hanging on and not letting go!

A Heavenly Birthday

2011-07-06T08:06:00.000-05:00

I wonder what a Birthday is like in Heaven? Do you think you can watch a movie or a series of You Tube clips of your entire life and have all the whys answered by the Father right there beside you?

Wouldn't it be cool to think that you and the Lord are sitting on your couch in your Heavenly mansion and the Lord says, "Oh, watch this - this is my favorite part! You had no idea at the time, but check out what I had planned!"

Today my Rockstar husband is celebrating his first birthday in Heaven. We celebrated it in HUGE way this past weekend. (which I'll share more with you in just a bit).

Today the kids are going to make those garden cement stones and we're going to have one of his favorite desserts for dinner. Pecan pie. I know many of you are praying for us today and we cherish them all.

This past weekend the kids and I met with what we like to call our "second family" in Bastrop, Texas. We all gathered at the Ranch where John moved to Heaven. Yes, it was difficult pulling in to town and seeing the last restaurant that we shared together and walking through the grocery store where he last visited.

Strangely enough the kids remembered that crazy grocery store trip & commented on how it was Daddy's last trip to buy groceries!

The weekend was filled with many walks down memory lane regarding John, but the best part of the entire weekend was on Saturday - the Tree-Planting Ceremony. So much thought, planning, finances and heart went into this for me and the kids. I am so grateful for this group of men!

We all gathered around the tree and it was blazing hot - but no one really seemed to notice. One of the men spoke about the former governor of Texas - James Hogg. Hogg told those around him that he didn't want a headstone when he died - he wanted a pecan tree. Then he wanted the fruit of that tree spread over Texas so Texas would be known as a fruit bearing state!

Everyone agreed that this was the spirit of John Franklin! After everyone had a chance to talk about John and what he meant to them - we shared a beautiful time of Communion. As the elements were being passed around the circle I realized that this was Jordan's 1st Communion! (she got saved on June 8th)

She & I both were in tears! I stooped down to make sure she truly understood what we were doing. And what the bread and the "wine" represented. Afterwards, I shared with her that if her Daddy couldn't be here to administer Communion to her - at least we were at "The Bastrop" (what Jordan calls the Ranch) beside his tree.

No party would be complete without cake & singing! So... later that night we shared his favorite dessert... German Chocolate Cake - and the kids blew out the candles!

I woke up early the next morning. I wanted to go out and see the tree in the sunrise - but paused to read my Bible first. This is what I read... - I just love God's timing - even in His Word.

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV)

Blessed is the man who walks not

in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

and on His law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water

that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither.

In all that he does, he prospers.

I know there will continue to many "firsts" and we go through life without our Rockstar & Daddy. Today is a big one. But I also know I serve a very big God. In fact, the verses I read today in my One Year Bible brought much healing for a day like this...

Psalm 4:3,7 (ESV)

But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself;

the Lord hears when I call to Him.

You have put more joy in my heart than they

have when their grain and wine abound.

Okay... I can see that I have rambled far longer than any blog post should be. I'll close it up.

Happy Birthday Babe! The kids are doing great! They both recently learned how to ride a bike without training wheels and how to swim underwater without a floaty! God is doing some amazing things in my life right now - but I'm sure you already know all the details! We miss you like crazy every day! Can't wait to see you again some day! It's my day to love you more!

Are you a Survivor?

2011-07-05T07:29:00.000-05:00

Have you ever considered yourself a survivor? Today there are many different places and ways we think about this word.

I think about it terms of cancer - I have many friends who are "cancer survivors." Here, I couldn't be prouder of this word! I'm so proud of my God and my friends who have endured such scary times! My chest puffs out a bit when I call my friends "Cancer Survivors!"

Then... there's that TV Reality show. I've been known to get sucked into the drama of the "survivor" - and the lies and the manipulations that go on with being the sole survivor - doesn't really leave a good taste in my mouth.

Then recently my name has been listed as a "survivor" in my husband's obituary. In some way for me... in this case, I wasn't too sure how I felt about being a "survivor". It felt kind of negative to me. Like I was the one left here - to be sad or something.

So what exactly is a survivor? Do I now have a certain attitude or job I must perform?

Webster defines survivors as:

"One who remains alive or lives on.

They continue to function or prosper.

They withstand (after many hardships)."

Okay.... then by definition - aren't we all survivors? The first thing I want you to COMPLETELY get today is that you are indeed a survivor!

If you think, "I just don't think I can make it through this!" You're still alive aren't you? Then in some way or another - you're "making it through" your hardship and therefore you are surviving! You're making it!

Now that we know we ARE survivors - what role do we have?

I must admit from the very beginning that I really hope I'm not taking this verse out of context or reading more into it than I should...

but I read this verse last week and it was about survivors. I wrote it down in my journal and have been praying it over my life ever since. It think it has something for us all.

2 Kings 19:30-31 (ESV)

And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah

shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.

The zeal of the Lord will do this.

I am a surviving remnant! And as a survivor - a survivor of John Franklin - okay. But definitely as a survivor of the house of the Lord.... I want Him to root me in His Word so that I can bear much fruit. Knowing all the while, that it all happens because of the zeal of the Lord!

Notice the direction of what's happening.... roots going down - fruit bearing up. Roots live where no one can see - fruit is for all to see. Prayer time, Bible study time happens in the quiet moments of my day when I can be alone with God. If that has truly taken hold then fruit can grow upward. Fruit - like Galatians talks about - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Friends - know today you too are a Survivor!

Take this role seriously and let others see the fruit of withstanding life's hardships!

Be proud you're a Survivor...

knowing all the while the zeal of the Lord will take you through this!!

His Word Sunday

2011-07-03T07:11:00.000-05:00

Like Trees

It's early & the house containing John's closest friends are all still asleep. We've spent the entire weekend honoring & celebrating John Franklin, but mostly praising God for not only the work He did through John while he lived on Earth, but the work He's continuing to do through his move to Heaven.

Part of our celebration involved planting a tree in his memory. Much thought & planning went into the choice & location of this fruitful Pecan tree.

I woke up, wanting to still write my normal Sunday morning post - even though I'm not in my normal Sunday morning setting. I read my One Year Bible & could not believe the Psalm that was for today....

I know without a doubt this could be said of John.... May it be so in all of our lives.

Psalm 1:1-3

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
      follow the advice of the wicked,
      or stand around with sinners,
      or join in with mockers.
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord,
      meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
      bearing fruit each season.
   Their leaves never wither,
      and they prosper in all they do.

How? by FAITH

2011-07-01T06:21:00.000-05:00

Whenever I used to meet new people, it didn't take long for me to tell them about my husband and my kids. I know my husband now resides in Heaven - but when I meet new people - my habits are still the same.

I wonder how long it will take for me not to tell people that my husband lives in Heaven. How long will that still be part of my introduction about myself?

As I meet these new people they ask me one thing... "How are you making it?" Actually I still get this from people that know me very well.

I actually love it when new people ask me this - because it gives me an opportunity to share the Lord with them. For my answer is very simple. "I have an extremely strong faith in the Lord."

FAITH - that's my answer.

That's my reason for getting out of bed.

That's why I still read my Bible every morning.

That's why there is still praise on my lips and in my heart.

FAITH

Faith is a powerful thing - if you let it be REAL in your life. Not just something you talk about or sing about on Sunday morning.

The Bible says it has the power to move mountains! This is one HUGE mountain of grief that I've got in my life and with God we move it every day!

That's why I LOVE this song by Kutless.
Happy Friday! Enjoy your July 4th Weekend!

As you listen to this song - be praying for me, Jordan & JP - we are traveling to Bastrop, TX today to celebrate John's Birthday. He would have turned 41 on Wednesday, July 6th. To celebrate, we're going back to the place he left Earth and moved to Heaven. We'll be with all the friends (who gathered around us on that unforgettable day) to honor his life. We're planting a tree on the property and just taking time to remember and celebrate John.

Is it really a pass?

2011-06-29T07:58:00.001-05:00

Have you ever wanted a "pass" in a certain area? In some board games or even electronic games - if you don't have a good move - you can opt to just "pass." Your move - is to not move at all.

I read a verse this morning that I felt like gave me a pass in some areas of my life. I was EXTREMELY relieved - but soon realized it wasn't a pass to not move at all - I've just been given the option for a different kind of move!

Psalm 147:10-11 (ESV)

His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor His pleasure in the legs of a man, but the Lord takes pleasure in those who hope in His steadfast love.

Upon reading this I was thrilled!! Yay!

I don't have to rely on earthly things - things that make me go (my equivalent of a horse) to bring delight to my Lord. Good news!

I don't have to rely on my own legs - which is an area where I REALLY need a pass right now - to make my Lord happy! GREAT news!

Rather... my Lord takes pleasure in knowing that my hope is 100% in His never-ending, consistent, amazing love for me.

At first I just breathed a HUGE sigh of relief that I got a pass on my own legs! Then I thought more about what is required. I thought about the move that I do have to make. I realized I don't actually get a total "pass."

What does it look like for me - still new to this single-mother-widow thing - to put my hope in the steadfast love of the Lord?

I must teach my children that God still loves us. I must get up each day with a positive attitude myself that this "new life" I'm living is a part of His beautiful story for me.

Recently I met a local woman who is also a widow. I wish I remembered her name so I could give her credit for what I'm about to share....

She shared with me that our lives are much like a tapestry rug. We see the back of the rug... where the strings are going every which of way - it looks like a mess in some areas - the design doesn't have much form or beauty. However, God sees the front of the rug... the beautiful completed side - where it all comes together.

So for me... today - my hope is in the fact that my Lord sees the beautiful side of His plan for me. He's the Master at this rug called my life. And even though I see a lot of messy strings right now - His love for me - His steadfast love - is creating something wonderful!

I'm glad I get a pass on the legs.... but for today... I'm working at hoping in the Lord's love!

"I didn't let it beat me!"

2011-06-28T07:38:00.000-05:00

If this is your first time to visit Living Above, you may not know me, or the journey that I've been walking lately. In just two days, I will have walked this Earth without the love of my life for 6 months.

6 months... it still doesn't seem real.

Even though we've had numerous sad moments since that day in December, the Lord continues to give us great moments of victory! Yesterday was filled with a moment such as these!

Yesterday the Lord gave me the patience, the energy, the passion and the wisdom to teach BOTH of my children how to ride a bike without training wheels!

At the end of the day, my little 4 year old son said something that I will keep in my heart for a long while. It was after many stops and starts, falls and crashes that he found victory... even riding through rough terrain and not falling down he stopped (without falling) and said,

"Mommy! I didn't let it beat me!"

I was so proud of him! In fact, he did so well on a bike older than him and honestly too small - that we went and got him a more suitable sized NEW bike as a reward!

As we were driving he made yet another statement that I think we can all apply to our lives regarding things that have the potential to beat us.

This was our brief conversation...

JP: "Mommy, all you really have to do is have balance and keep pedaling."

Mommy: "That's right JP."

JP: (he paused and then as if he forgot...) "OH! And don't forget to hold on!"

I thought about this conversation for the rest of the evening. I thought about the past 6 months of our lives.

Balance: I've had to balance being both Mommy & Daddy. I've tried to incorporate Daddy's spirit into raising these two precious children. In fact, at the end of the day - I celebrated with the kids and used words I know John would have used - I did the knuckle thing with JP - I told Jordan, "Daddy would say you were his "kleine liebe" (which means little love in German).

Keep Pedaling: Oh! The financial and legal stuff that has been left to me, finding not just a job but a career for our future, just not cratering in my bed when I know my kids are finding a new happiness to their life.... this is what "keep pedaling" looks like for me. I've only been able to do this because of the Lord. My morning prayer time has given me the "keep pedaling" spirit and energy!

Hold on: We can't forget this one! None of us can - no matter what we're learning or going through! I watched JP learn and adjust to his bike without training wheels. There were times the bike seemed a bit shaky, or he would go off the edge of the driveway - but he always held on and was able to regain his balance and his confidence! We too can accomplish this same thing! When times are shaky and we get off track - if we would just hold on to the Word of God, we can regain our balance as well.

The Lord showed me two verses this morning that go along with this message from my son. One, probably is just for me and the other we can all apply to our lives.

Joshua 1:9 (NLT)

"This is my command--be strong and courageous!

Do not be afraid or discouraged.

For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Psalm 146:9 (ESV)

The Lord watches over the sojourners,

He upholds the widow and the fatherless...

As happy as I was at the end of the day... I still wished John had been there to teach them and to celebrate with them. And yet - I'm so glad God gave me what the kids needed to make it victoriously through yet another "first."

He truly does UPHOLD me!

It is "all of Him, in all of me" that allows me to say on a daily basis the words of my son,

"I didn't let it beat me!"

Wisdom in what you DON'T say!

2011-06-27T08:42:00.001-05:00

I've tried for I don't know how long to be quiet and reserved. At 40 years old, I've finally resolved to the fact that, "That's just not me!" I know without a shadow of a doubt that God made me to be the outgoing person that I am. Very rarely will you find me being shy.

However... having said that - one of my pet peeves is when people say, "This is me; and I've gotta be me - so like it or lump it!"

Why? Because "this" (who I am) belongs 100% to God. I must always keep in check how I'm acting - is "this is me" part is in tune with who God is molding me to be? Perhaps God wants to change a few things about me.

I've known for quite some time that there was a part of the "this is me" that needed to be changed. As I said, I'm a very outgoing - vocal person. Most of the time this is for everyone's good. However, there is another side to this same coin that is not always so pretty.

Today I'm going to step out a little of my comfort zone and share with you a vulnerable part of me - while maintaining a bit of privacy at the same time... so please bare with me.

There are times... within the comforts of my own house that what I say, what comes out of my mouth isn't quite as pleasant as it should be. No, I'm not talking about cuss words or anything of the sort. Just here lately (and I'm sure it's in part due to grief of missing my Rockstar) that my tone and volume could certainly be less harsh.

I began to pray about it and God has shown me some amazing verses that I've been keeping at the front of my mind and even recite in my head before I discipline my children. I only share this with you because I just can't believe that I'm the only one who struggles with this.

I'm proud to say that since God has shown me these verses, I have gone 3 full days with a much calmer demeanor! Yes, I have still disciplined and corrected my children. Yes, I have still gotten upset when I've broken things or cannot find missing treasures. However, it's the spirit of my words that has changed!

Are you dying to know the verses? I promise you if you apply them to your life they will help in your tone, volume and perhaps if you even speak at all!!!

The Lord showed me these two verses in parts - and together they have made a difference in my daily life!

1 Kings 22:14 (ESV)

But Micaiah said, "As the Lord lives,

what the Lord says to me, that I will speak."

Whew! I had to read this one several times! What was happening here was a King wanted the wisdom of his prophet. But according to the king, Micaiah, the prophet, only foretold of bad news. So on this particular occasion the king asked Micaiah if he was going to give him bad news again. Verse 14 was his answer.

However, this verse can still apply to me. Unless it's something the Lord would say - perhaps I don't need to say it either! Or how about... say "it" how the Lord would say it?? This verse has rocked my world lately.

How do I make it work? Right before I want to yell or scream, I softly say to myself, "As the Lord lives..." and then I proceed. Amazing the difference it makes with what comes out of my mouth!

Now for Part II - Which I have titled in my brain - "A Cool Spirit"

Proverbs 17:27-28 (ESV)

Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,

and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Wow! I want to be a woman of knowledge and understanding. It's not always what I say, or how I say it - perhaps it's what I DON'T say that speaks volumes! Interesting concept!

Restraint and cool spirit. My two new words of the day.

I have often heard it said if you want to know what kind of mother you are - watch your kids play house. I've heard my children repeat my words and my tone and even my body motions. It hasn't always been a pleasant thing to watch.

I also know that children learn about their Heavenly Father by watching their earthly Daddy. Eventually the memory of my kids' Daddy will begin to fade and they will need to depend on how I am parenting them to have a picture of how God parents! I don't want them to think that their Heavenly Father yells more than comforts - gets angry before applying wisdom. I want them to know His understanding ways because they've seen it come from me as well.

Like I said, today was really more of a time of vulnerable confession - I hope it helps other mothers out there who likewise struggle with their mouth!

I love you all dearly!

His Word Sunday

2011-06-26T06:24:00.000-05:00

Today, in my One Year Bible I read a great sermon given by Paul while he was in Athens. In fact, he delivered this sermon at Areopagus - which is where the Roman senate was held, also known as Mars Hill.

I wanted to share just a bit of it with you here (it's quite famous and perhaps you know it well)...

This is what some of the people said of Paul,

Acts 17:19-20 (ESV)

And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying,

"May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting?

For you bring some strange things to our ears.

We wish to know therefore what these things mean."

And this is just a portion of what he said to them... (if you want to read the entire passage - turn to Acts 17:22-31)

Acts 17:24-28 (ESV)

The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for "In Him we live and move and have our being."

Read this again if you necessary - perhaps it's strange to your ears as well. There is so much here to take to heart. I love many parts of this passage. Many of them make me think of things John used to preach. I don't have time to go into all of those this morning.

Just breathe in the last part - "In Him we live and move and have our being" - Thank God for that this morning.

Enjoy your day of rest & worship!
I love you all dearly!

Am I strong enough?

2011-06-24T09:20:00.000-05:00

I'm about to walk out the door to go pick up my kiddos! They've been gone all week - I've been in training all week and I've missed them so much! They give me strength to get up every morning - they give me the strength to smile every day...

But more than them.... I know God is giving me His Strength to walk this road of faith He's assigned for me. And in some strange way I consider it an honor to walk this path.

That's why I LOVE this song!!!

He's still your Daddy...

2011-06-21T18:53:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's Tuesday and I promised this blog would go out Sunday afternoon. Where did the time go?

I know many of you prayed for our first Father's Day with John in Heaven and I want to thank you! Your prayers were felt more than you know! We all truly enjoyed a happy day.

I wanted to share with you just a little about our day - so you can see the benefits of your prayers.

We decided to spend the weekend with John's brother - Joe - and his family, who live in Brownwood, TX. They have a son about a year older than Jordan and all three play well together.

We arrived on Friday afternoon and immediately they wanted to go swimming! What fun for them after being in the car 5 hours in the Texas heat!

Just so you know how hot it is in Brownwood...

Saturday was spent just hanging out with family - Joe's family and John's parents as well. Then came Sunday - Father's Day.

I purchased mylar balloons in all our favorite colors - me - purple, Jordan - pink, JP - green, John - blue. Then we took a Sharpie and wrote a Happy Father's Day message on them and lifted them into the beautiful sky.

One of the things I shared with the kids before releasing our balloons - and something I have been saying to them since his Homegoing - is that John Franklin will ALWAYS be their Daddy! Just because he moved to Heaven doesn't make him any less their Dad!

Aren't you glad about this?! We can't see our Heavenly Father, we don't live with him in the physical realm or sense, we can't sit in His physical lap or hold His physical hand - but my Bible tells me that He is still my Heavenly Father - my Abba - and that He holds my right hand! Just because I can't see Him doesn't make Him any less my Abba!

So too, the same applies to my children and their earthly Daddy. We have this conversation often and I reminded them of this special fact as we had our balloon celebration! We all yelled, "HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!" as we let them go! And most of them cleared the trees! LOL!

Jordan said the sweetest thing later in the day... She came to me and we had this conversation...

Jordan: Mommy, I know that Jesus is with us in this room.

Mommy: Yes, you're right!

Jordan: Wouldn't it be a nice thought to think that maybe Daddy

came with him and they are in this room together?

I just love her sweet little heart!

We had a great day honoring their Daddy. In addition to all of this - I had the extreme honor and privilege to speak to the congregation at First Baptist Church Brownwood. They have prayed for me and our wonderful family ardently for the past 6 months. Their Pastor interviewed. He allowed me to give a message to Dad's today about how John was a legacy building Dad.

Later in the day we gave gifts to both John's brother and his Dad. The kids & I both had lots of opportunities for smiles and laughter. And I know it's all because of your prayers!

Thank you for your investment into our lives - please, please keep praying! We need them everyday!

His Word Sunday

2011-06-19T06:39:00.001-05:00

Today, I'm going to have 2 posts. This morning I'm going to start with my normal "His Word Sunday" - and then later today - perhaps even tonight, I'm going to post something special for Father's Day.

I wanted to write something special about our very first Father's Day with John being in Heaven, but honestly the kids had a fun-filled day with their cousin and were asleep before I could do what I wanted to do... but also, I can't in right mind skip or replace honoring our Heavenly Father first.

I absolutely love how God calls Himself "Our Father" - more so today than I think I ever have. I wonder if He did that because He knew there would be those who needed a "Daddy" for whatever reason this fallen world has brought upon us.

Therefore, as I do every Sunday morning, I met with the Lord, our Heavenly Father and read my One Year Bible.

Today I would like to challenge you to do something. It's actually something the rulers of Antioch asked of Paul and his companions.

Acts 13:14-15 (ESV)

And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it."

My dear sweet friends, today and in the days to come, after reading your Bible, if you have a word of encouragement... if the Lord has shown you something that gives you hope for the moment, for the day, or for your very life - please - please say it! Don't keep it a secret!

We may never know the how the very smallest or insignificant thing will lift someone else out of a slump. We may never know how a smile in the midst of our own pain can give someone else hope to take the next step in their own day.

Notice the order here... after the reading from God's Word... verbal encouragement followed.

I know today is going to be a hard day. In fact, I'm already a bit weepy as I type this post. But even on a day like this, I know my God has asked me to "say it" - to encouragement people in their walk of faith. It is my prayer that you will do the same today.

(Later today, I will be posting about how our very first Father's Day with John in Heaven went. I want to honor John on my blog today and do just that after church. Thank you all for your prayers on this very special day - and I wish all the Dads in our lives - (Papa, Papa Louie, Uncle Joe & Uncle Ted) a very Happy Father's Day!)

Knocked down - but not out forever!

2011-06-17T06:39:00.000-05:00

The kids & I are experiencing another "first" this weekend - Father's Day.

Please keep us in your prayers as we've got 2 really big ones ahead of us.

Sunday is Father's Day and then just 2 weeks later is John's Birthday. He would have been 41.

I had a really hard night last night. Grief shows up in the strangest ways sometimes. Ways that have actually surprised me. Quite frankly I'm feel very "knocked down."

I know I won't feel this way forever. It reminds me of this verse:

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT)

We are pressed on every side by troubles,
but we are not crushed.

We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.

We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God.

We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

I'm not sure I'm totally here yet... but this song gives me hope. I may be knocked down - but one day I will shine again, one day I will feel like I'm not "out" forever.

Daddy's Bible

2011-06-14T07:41:00.000-05:00

It's quite in my house, but I know not for long... in fact, I may have to pause my writing and finish this later in the day.

Our house is filled with family who are still here from all the weekend excitement. I'm not sure if you saw on Facebook, but my oldest child is now a true child of God! Jordan got saved on Wednesday night.

I would love to share just a little of the story with you here, for there is no better message - no greater passion - than to share with one comes to the Lord! This should not be common place in any life or any home or any church!

Last week was our church's VBS. I know that Thursday is set aside as "decision" day during this exciting week. Our Senior Pastor always leads the Open Assembly on that day as he presents the gospel to all the kids at that time.

I didn't want Jordan to be clear across the gym from me (her with the 2nd Graders and me with the 5th Graders) - if she felt the leading of the Holy Spirit.

So Wednesday night, June 8th - after bath time, I told Jordan to find her Bible and meet me on my bed and we were going to have a special time together.

However... Jordan came to me very sad and worried. She had left her brand new Bible at church!
I gave her a little lecture on the importance of remembering and being responsible with our things. I then told her not to worry, we would just use mine.

But then I had become worried and sad for I discovered I too left my Bible at church! I immediately apologized to Jordan and told her we would make our time together extra special and use Daddy's Bible.

I had her turn to all those important verses... (thanks Kevin for making us memorize them for VBS!):
John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9

Jordan read all the verses out loud and I explained them to her as she read. Then at the end of our time together we prayed together. Yes, tears were shed, pictures were drawn, and many other intimate moments that are not appropriate for a blog - but to hear my sweet little girl pray - asking Jesus to be the boss of her life forever was the most precious sound I've ever heard!!!

On Thursday morning during the special Open Assembly with the Senior Pastor, Jordan bolding raised her hand, "walked the aisle", and publically professed her faith!

Then.... as if that was not enough.... John's brother - Joe Franklin - drove from the other side of Texas to baptize her in a special Sunday night service.

Once we recognize our need for Christ in our lives we have a responsibility to tell others. Over the weekend, my Mom heard Jordan telling her cousins what it means to be a Christian! I'm so proud of her immediate obedience to our Lord!

I know that her Daddy, my Rockstar,

was celebrating with the angels and our Lord at this great event in Heaven!

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV)

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses....

Luke 15:10 (NASB)

I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

His Word Sunday

2011-06-12T05:55:00.000-05:00

I read this Psalm this morning from my One Year Bible and just couldn't help but share it here...

I don't know where you are this morning or what you are needing to hear - but this Psalm is filled with guidance to repent, hope for your soul, steadfast love and plenty of redemption.

Psalm 130:1-8 (ESV)

Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord!

O Lord, hear my voice!

Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

But with You there is forgiveness, that You may be feared.

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope;

my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning,

more than watchmen for the morning.

O Israel, hope in the Lord!

For with the Lord there is steadfast love,

and with Him is plentiful redemption.

And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Today....

2011-06-11T06:41:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I've missed 2 Friday song blogs!! 2 weeks ago I really had not excuse, and yesterday is quite similar except that it was the last day of Vacation Bible School!!!

It was just an amazing week. We had almost 300 kids in attendance and 14 of them accepted Christ. One of those 14 was my very own little girl!!!

There is a song that I've been singing in the car (as if I was a real singer) that I just love. It had me from the very first line....

I just love it! Enjoy!

Reaping a little joy

2011-06-08T05:54:00.001-05:00

At the end of the school year JP had to work on some vocabulary words in his 3 Year Old Pre-K class. To make it fun they all had to to a little "project" with their specific word. JP's word was "SEEDS."

So me & Mom went to the store and bought seeds of things we knew would 1) really grow and 2) would produce some very visible results. Our choices were beans and sunflowers.

The past couple of weeks we have all enjoyed a few of JP's beans at dinner time. It's been really fun for him to actually eat what he planted!

Today I read this verse in my One Year Bible and I must say - yesterday I got 2 visuals of how this verse looked in my every day life...

Psalm 126:4-6 (ESV)

Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like streams in the Negeb!

Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!

He who goes out weeping,

bearing the seed for sowing,

shall come home with shouts of joy...

Yesterday JP & I had to run to the store before dinner. It was just he & I in the car, so I seized this opportunity with a captive audience to check on his little heart. I asked him how his heart was handling Daddy living in Heaven. He was quiet for just a moment and then he said this...

"Well, I'm sad he's not here -
but I'm so happy in my new home."

I must also share with you the picture of his sunflower that he planted himself...

My dear friends - JP's sweet little comment and this flower is what "shouts of joy" looks like!

We still have our days of weeping - but for today, I'm thanking God that JP has joy!

I get knocked down...

2011-06-07T05:51:00.000-05:00

Usually I wake up in the morning with what my daughter calls "a Jesus song" in my head. But this morning, after reading my One Year Bible, immediately that old song of the 90's "I get knocked down but I get get up again, you're never gonna keep me down" - filled my brain.

The New Testament passage was from Acts chapter 5. Peter and the other apostles were in Solomon's Portico teaching and healing.

Look at Acts 5:14 (ESV)

And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.

I would imagine this made for a VERY good day for the disciples - don't ya think?

I too had a WONDERFUL day yesterday! It was the first day of Vacation Bible School. I can't tell you what it did for my spirit to see those 5th Graders get excited about memorizing scripture! They eagerly raised their hands, nearly knocked me over at one point so they could answer questions about God's Word first! I left there on top of the world.

You probably know what happened to Peter and the others after this great experience. They were put in jail! They got knocked down. Not the celebratory dinner they were expecting I'm sure. However, God was no where finished near using them, so He got them out of prison!

Acts 5:25 (ESV)

And someone came and told them, "Look!

The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people."

Peter and the others didn't let a big setback like prison knock them down completely! Just like the song - they got back up with the heart and soul that "you're never gonna keep us down!"

Yesterday after Vacation Bible School I had to sign a bunch of papers. It was really a good thing - but numerous papers had a "spouse" section and I can't tell you how many times I had to check the "Single" box or the "Employee & Children Only" box. This really knocked me down. I had a great day and yet went to bed sad and disheartened.

Sometimes when we get knocked down it can feel like a prison. Like we're trapped and there's no way out of hurt, sadness, despair, the list goes on and on....

However... today is a new day! I totally and completely believe this! And more than that... God has charged me with spreading His great news to these precious 5th Grade VBS-ers and I know He's going to open those prison doors for me too!

The Sadduccees wanted to knock down the disciples that day - hoping they would give up from defeat. Likewise, yesterday, Satan knew which button to push with my spirit and I'm determined not to let it defeat me too!

In fact this is how the disciples responded and it's my prayer that I will make this true in my own life today....

Acts 5:29, 41-42 (ESV)

But Peter and the apostles answered,

"We must obey God rather than men."

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Have you been knocked down recently? I know it hurts and it's really hard to "get back up again" - but with Christ He can give us the strength to say to the enemy "you're never gonna keep me down!"

Will I be recognized?

2011-06-06T04:45:00.000-05:00

Today I'm venturing down a road I've never traveled!

Teaching 5th Grade VBS!

I know, I know... you would think as long as I have been in church that I would have taught VBS somewhere along the way. However, most of my adult years I was either running from God - or planting small struggling churches for God and therefore never had the opportunity to serve in this manner.

Our church is doing the Big Apple Adventure for Vacation Bible School. Did you know that the very first VBS was conducted in New York City?!

Our church does an AMAZING job for VBS! Last night we had service in the gym - which has been turned into an NYC wonderland - complete with city buildings, taxicabs, diners, tour buses, Statue of Liberty and everything!

After a brief service, the people were instructed to go into each room where the children will gather and pray. Pray over the chairs, the craft rooms, the music room - basically each place the children will have an opportunity to encounter the gospel.

Our Director encouraged us weeks ago to pray for the one child that we will lead to Christ this week. I will be looking for my "one child" eagerly today!

But before any of that can happen, I have to first meet with the Lord myself. I do nothing on my own - but what comes out of my mouth today (and the rest of the week) needs to originate from the Lord! I want desperately for those kids to know - rather see - that I've been with Jesus.

Check this out...

Acts 4:13 (ESV)

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John,

and perceived that they were uneducated,

common men, there were astonished.

And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

I'm just a regular person. I'm not someone famous that the kids will be excited to see. In fact, I've been gone from this church for so many year, I'm pretty confident that NONE of them will even know me personally! They will not recognize me as "Penny Franklin" - But I do want them to recognize something or Someone special in me... Jesus.

What a verse! "They recognized that they had been with Jesus." Could this be said of you today?

I want those kids to be astonished at my boldness and excitement - and want desperately what He has given me to offer them!

His Word Sunday

2011-06-05T06:47:00.002-05:00

His Mercy is Great

Have you ever given your children a choice of their preferred punishment? Like... you can either be grounded from the phone or from going out with your friends, etc?

God gave David a choice of consequences for his sin as well. To be honest - none of them sounded good to me - not a single one jumped out at me as the "lesser one". However, I learned this morning a better way to pray when I do mess up - and found something really amazing at the end!

2 Samuel 24:14-16 (ESV)

Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress. Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man."

So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel from morning until the appointed time. And there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba 70,000 men.

And when the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity and said to the angel who was working destruction among the people, "It is enough; now stay your hand."

(This entire story is wonderful -
if you want to read more about his choices

and what sin he committed read 2 Samuel 24:1-25)

Today this is my prayer...

Lord, I would much rather fall into Your hand, for Your mercies are great! Please let me not fall into the hand of men!

I long to hear you say, "It is enough and I will stay My hand concerning you." Amen.

Have a great Sunday!

Did you know you are one of these?

2011-05-31T05:51:00.000-05:00

This morning as you read this I will either be on my way or will have arrived in Houston. My very dear new friend in my new home is having brain surgery tomorrow. Yes, thank you for praying for her!

Last week she was telling me about someone she had the opportunity to minister to with the biggest smile on her face! She could barely contain her joy about loving on this young lady and showing her the character of Christ.

As I listened to my friend's story I thought about something my little 4-year old said recently...

Unfortunately JP parked his Red Rider tricycle right behind my Dad's truck (instead of putting it back in the garage where it belongs) - we've probably all been there and you know where this story is going...

Yes, the tricycle now has a bent wheel. However, my Dad has assured JP that it can be fixed! JP was talking about this experience with my Mom - this is part of the conversation...

JP - "Grandmother, I think God can fix my tricycle."

Grandmother - "Yes, JP, I'm sure He could."

JP - "Grandmother, what kind of tools do you think God has?"

Grandmother - "I'm sure God has any kind of tool He needs for anything that needs fixing."

Wow! Did you hear that question? "What kind of tools do you think God has?" I know little JP was thinking hammers, wrenches, nuts and bolts, and such - but as soon as my Mom shared this story with me it reminded me - we are His tools!

I shared with my friend that she has been God's tool in ministering to this young lady! Imagine for just a moment your own tool box, or tool drawer. What kind of tools do you have in there?

I know I used to have that "drawer" in the kitchen. It was supposed to be a drawer filled with useful tools - but eventually it ended up being a drawer with useful tools and a whole bunch of junk! I always had to search to find what I needed from that "drawer". Most of the time I just gave up looking for that useful tool and settled for something less helpful or went to another source to find what I needed.

Now imagine that we - the body of Christ - are God's tools. Are we useful or have we become like that "drawer" - more junk than tools? I don't want God to be looking to use me and have to go to another source for something more readily available or useful!

Today as I travel to be with my friend in her hour of greatest need I pray that God prepares my heart and that I am found useful. I pray that I will somehow be the hands and feet of Jesus and that she will experience His peace and see His love coming through my eyes.

When I return I'll be working hard and fast with Vacation Bible School preparations. This is one of the verses for our week of the "Big Apple Adventure"...

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, "I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Go & teach others what Christ has taught you - and you will be a useful tool in God's toolbox!

You will be the tool God choses to fix and mend broken hearts!

Your sis in the faith,
Penny

Thank you...

2011-05-29T07:02:00.000-05:00

Last night I enjoyed talking to my parents about both of their Dads - my granddads - about their service to our country in World War II. My Mom's Dad was in Patton's army and his battalion rescued my Dad's Dad from a prison camp. What a really cool story for our family!

Today I wanted to take a moment to honor all the soldiers - those who have gone on to heaven and those who are still fighting for our freedom every day.

I read about a man who faithfully followed his leader today in my One Year Bible... as I read it, I thought about how this was probably the heart of every fallen soldier.

2 Samuel 15:21 (ESV)

But Ittai answered the king,

"As the Lord lives, wherever my lord the king shall be,

whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be."

What a statement! On this day, the Sunday before Memorial Day - John would always sing this song in church as he honored all branches of the military.

Today - take time to thank a soldier!

Life is not a snapshot

2011-05-27T06:15:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of school - well at least for my kids!

I think a little bit it started yesterday. My kids got to dig out potatoes from my cousin's garden. They had a blast and learned so much! It was a good day!

I'm learning to celebrate those moments as they come along. I read this verse this morning and it just seemed to go along with a song that a friend sent me this week (Thanks Angel!).

Psalm 119:75-76 (ESV)

I know, O Lord, that Your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. Let Your steadfast love comfort me according to Your promise to Your servant.

Josh Wilson's new CD is entitled, "Life is not a Snapshot" - Praise God!

I know I can't see the end - but I'm clinging to His promises every day that all this will be for His glory. In the mean time I'm doing my best to be comforted by the Lord.