Digging for Treasure!

I found one of my older posts I would like to share with you today....



This is from 9/17/07:



2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Yesterday (9/16/07) we celebrated 60 years of our church's history. What an incredible day! There were pictures and displays of so many things that have taken place through the ministry of First Assembly.

This past week I have been on a quest for a certain picture taken around 1972 of at church camp. I had received the Best Camper runner-up award and had to stand there with the boy who received the same award. It is an old Polaroid picture and not the greatest quality. When it was taken it was actually thrown in the trash to get a better picture. I confiscated the picture from the trash and kept it in my keepsake box as a little girl.

It was forgotten, along with a lot of other little mementos, until I was 19 years old. The summer that I was 19, I had returned home from my freshman year of Bible college in love and engaged. My whole heart belonged to Rusty Blann (and still does)! He had come to visit me before he was headed off to church camp as a kid's counselor. As our conversation turned to our years as campers, we discovered that we had both received the Best Camper runner-up award the same year.

I ran to my little girl treasure box and dug out the blurry Polaroid. I knew it was me, but was that Rusty? He didn't know, so he took the picture with him to Fordyce to ask his mother. She confirmed his identity.

So, in an instant, a discarded and forgotten photograph became a treasure. It was something that very few couples have- pictures taken of them together at a young age. It was transferred from my little girl treasure box to my "grown up" valuables!

Since I grew up in this church and my husband is now the Senior Pastor, I thought it would be rather nice to have that "treasured" photo in our timeline yesterday. So began my treasure search for the past week.

After my move, over a year ago, certain things are not where I thought they were, namely my treasured pictures. I dug through boxes, albums, closets and drawers. The picture was no where to be found!

What at first was a simple quest, quickly became an obsession!
"Could it have been discarded? Could we have lost it in the move? How could I have been so careless with something that cannot be replaced?"

My house now looks like a disaster area. All of the boxes and albums and storage containers are in our family room. I didn't find the picture for the 60th Anniversary celebration. I told my husband how frustrated I was and that as soon as the celebration services were over and I had my nap, then my search would resume.

Before I went to bed last night, I did just that. I looked through everything one more time. Finally, I had the "treasure" in my hand! It had been in an overlooked envelope with pictures I had set a part at one time to put in a special album.

I told you the short version (ha!) of that story to hopefully give you even more insight into the theme chapter of this blog: 2 Corinthians 4.

Things I can relate from this story to God's Word:

• 
  I had a treasure that at first I didn't realize was a treasure.
• 
  Once I knew I possessed a treasure, I eventually was careless with it.
• 
  When I realized my treasure was misplaced, it became valuable again.
• 
  My treasure was hard to find because it was hidden inside a common envelope.
• 
  I searched and searched until I regained my treasure.

Do you realize how powerful that is?

We have a treasure within us~ regardless of our circumstances, our upbringing, our choices~ regardless of ANYTHING!

You, my friend are a treasure because God created you, God loves you, and He has paid the ultimate price to have you in relationship with Him. All you have to do is accept it.

Wow!

Maybe a few of us need to go on a treasure hunt and find what He has placed with in us.

Love you all!
Dorinda

(we were so ugly it is kind of cute.) :)

smile.

sigh.

Joy!

I want to post a lighter thought today.
I need to laugh.

Joy is a happiness that stays regardless of circumstances.

We say our earthly goodbyes to Carmen today~ a "see ya later" until we see her again in heaven.

But Carmen loved to laugh.
So, for Carmen today, let's laugh and rejoice that she has received her eternal reward!

---------------------------------------

I had a BIG headache last night on the right side of my head.

It was kind of nice because my usually "demanding" family was extremely sympathetic. For a few moments, the children all had a common goal of "not bothering" mom because "she doesn't feel well."

It didn't last long,
but it was nice for a few minutes. (note to self: be careful not to "ham" up any other ailments just for a few moments of peace.) :)

This morning, as everyone awakened, their first words were "is your headache better". Wow! I was impressed!

I answered that yes, I was all better ~ no headache ~ all better! Thank you, Jesus!

Life returned to it's noisy normal.

"Mom! She's touching me!"
"Mom! Tell Jordan to stop!"
"Mom! Where are my shoes?"

I was preparing breakfast for the brood. I bent my head to grab a bowl and
WHAM!

I smacked, and I mean SMACKED the mess out of my head!

It takes a special grace and talent to achieve some of the injuries I can accumulate, and this was no exception!

Before anyone had time to be sympathetic, we all erupted in laughter.

Last night, the right side of my head hurt.
Today, I evened it out by leveling out the left side.

I am balanced!

Well, you probably won't laugh like we did, because you weren't privileged enough to witness the gracefulness of my ways, but trust me. It deserved a laugh.

So, laugh at yourself today.
Find the fun things in every aspect of your day.

Find His Joy regardless of your circumstance.
Paul wrote his amazing "Joy Epic" while in a dreary Roman prison.

Laugh today.
For Carmen.


blessings and prayers,
dorinda

Just Remembering.....

2-17-1999
I remember standing in the hospital cafeteria and looking out over the interstate.
The rain pelted away at the buildings outside and sheets of water cascaded down the window I stared at.
It was cold outside.
I was numb inside.

This particular day I felt empty and alone.

The cars on the interstate were oblivious to our circumstances. That made me mad.

How could they go on with their life, when my was seemingly falling apart? How could they act as if there was not the most beautiful baby girl struggling for every breath in this very hospital?
Why didn't the world just stop until she got better?

People chattered and laughed all around me.
I didn't hear them.

I only heard the echoes of the doctors' voices.
"Cancer" "Lung Failure" "Kidney problems" "Down Syndrome"
~and most of that was the good news.
The bad news?
"I just don't see how she can make it. Her longs are too small. Her heart is too overworked."

The question that rang through my mind that day was a simple, "why?"

Why would God have that tiny baby girl go through so much pain?
I know He didn't cause it, but why did He allow it?

I walked away from the cafeteria window.
I sat at the table.
I faked a weak smile as my wonderful husband brought the tray of food. A single tear fell from my down my cheek.

We didn't exchange words but our eyes locked and volumes were spoken.
"I'm not feeling so chipper today. My faith has hit rock bottom and I just simply don't like this situation."

He reached over. Grabbed my hand and squeezed.

Silence.
We ate. More like, we chewed and swallowed.

There may have been silence, but I knew what was happening. Every spiritual being in the place knew also.

My husband, as he chewed and swallowed, was interceding on my behalf.
He asked the Creator of the Universe to strengthen me that moment, to send His Spirit to comfort me, to be the lifter of my head. He asked that the seed of the Word of God that had been planted in my heart bring forth a harvest of faith and hope.

I chewed and swallowed.
To those around us, nothing changed.
We chewed.
We swallowed.
We sat in silence.

But, my faith was being lifted. My baby's circumstance had not changed. But the thick cloud of self-pity and suffocating vapor of hopelessness was being lifted.

Hope emerged.
Trust sprang forward.
Faith leaped.

I looked toward the window at the rain.

It was time to go see my baby girl.
She was fighting for her life in NICU. ~ But she wouldn't fight alone.

______________________________________________________________

8-27-2008 Today

I rushed out the door today to go to our local clothing store.

My baby girl had to have tennis shoes today for PE (not recess anymore, but Physical Education at elementary school!). She put her perfectly good Nikes on before school~ well, she tried to put her perfectly good Nikes on, but she couldn't get her foot in them.

Mom! I have to tennis shoes today for PE!

Okay, I will bring some to the school~ before 10:15 at PE.

Frustration.
Don't have time.
Why today?

As I drive out of the parking lot with the pretty pink and silver new Nikes beside me, I smile. Just then, I think:

I have a 9 year old little girl who needs tennis shoes for P.E.!!!!

It's one of those "ahaaaaa" moments.
I am so thankful!
------------------------------------------------------------------

God is a good God. My heart breaks for the parents whose children are in the arms of Jesus. All I know is that He is Sovereign. He knows what is best and He is no respecter of persons.

Pray for those that need encouragement today. Lift their names up to the Creator.
Don't let them fight alone.

:)
blessings,
dorinda

Encouragement

I have so much on my heart today. I want to write about a gazillion different things, but I want to write exactly what you need from the Word today.

The word "Encouragement" comes to mind.

There are so many of my friends that just need to be encouraged.

Encouraged to know that:
God is in control.
God hasn't forgotten you.
God knows exactly what you are going through.
God sees your broken heart.
God sees the tears no on else has seen.
God feels your pain.
God knows the source of your pain.
God simply KNOWS,

not only does He know,

He understands.

You can tell Him anything and everything.
He won't betray the secret fear in your heart.

Be encouraged today that just because you have these feelings, He doesn't think you are awful.

He really does understand.

I have a scripture that has been on my heart today:

Isaiah 54:2-4
"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.
For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood." niv

I don't know who you are, but I know God wants you to hold on to this Word from Him.

I am reminded of a previous post I did on the Valley of Baca - part 1 and part 2. If you have a minute click to read these two posts.

My prayer is that you are strengthened with His might today. I pray as Paul did "that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe!"

Trust Him today. Cling to His goodness, His mercy, and His unfailing love! Allow Him to be the lover of your soul. If your heart is breaking in two, look only to Him today to meet your needs. Expect nothing else from anyone else. When He is your ultimate provider your won't be disappointed or disillusioned. You will be satisfied and complete.

He is faithful and His grace is absolutely amazing! Rest in His arms. Allow His presence to calm your soul today.

He is calling your name right now. :)

love and prayers,
dorinda

Saying Goodbye

This is a week of Goodbyes.

I don't like any of them.

All of them are in God's hands. All of them are painful. All are temporary.

Youth are leaving for college.

Brad and Glenda are moving to D.C.

The McCauls are moving to Texas.

Carmen went to see Jesus.


Goodbyes are hardly ever fun, especially when you enjoy the friendship, but I like the "goodbyes" that actually mean, "see ya later".

I will see my family again, not just as often.

I will see the McCauls again~ eventually.

I will see Carmen again in heaven.


The finality of Carmen's life on this earth is painful. She was the same age as my daughter. Glenda has 2 little girls. Carmen has 2 little boys.

She leaves behind a loving family, mom and dad, sister, grandparents, and many, many friends.

But she is in the presence of Jesus!
"I can only imagine, what it will be like".

The song is playing in my mind as I picture Carmen's sweet smile.

Goodbyes.

See ya later.

I like "see ya later" so much better.

So, how about you? If you were to die today, where would you spend eternity?

If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, believe He is the Son of God, and confess your sins, then I will see you some day in Heaven.

If you have not accepted the fact that He died for you, then you have rejected Him and have an eternal home in hell. Hell was not prepared for mankind. It was prepared Satan and his demons.

Today, it is my prayer that we have a "see ya later" relationship. So, "goodbye" for now, but I truly hope to see you in Heaven someday.

See ya later!
dorinda

Crying Again!

Oh.

my.

goodness!!!

What is up with me this week?

I am supposed to be getting ready to go into the office, but I decide to check my daughter's blog to see if anything is new there.

Nothing.

So, I go to her older blog to see if she posted some birthday pictures of Mia and Macy ~ or something.

Nothing.

I see the link on the side for the video Brad made for Mia's dedication ceremony.

I have watched it numerous times.

I watched it again.

I cried.

again.

I am sitting here on my couch in my QUIET house contemplating the vastness of the blessings God has poured upon my life.

If you are just by chance reading this blog for the first time, I invite you to read our story.

I will give you some links below of where to start on our journey of a life filled with blessings! (Even if you have read all of my blog posts, you just have to watch the video again! ~ I have to have somebody crying with me. ha!)

God is SO good! His mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness knows no limits or end. His love and compassion, they fail not!

Adoption is not only our story, it is God's story of redemptive love for us.

My heart's prayer is that you Know Him today~ not just know about Him~ but KNOW Him in a very real and personal relationship. That's what "finding TREASURE in jars of clay" is all about!

blessings and many prayers,

dorinda

Links:

Mia's Video

First Stop : Barren Womb

2nd Stop: Blessings of a Broken Heart

3rd Stop: The Beauty of the Spirit of Adoption

4th Stop: A Little More of my Thoughts on Adoption

Last Stop: Chosen and Given ~ Our Blessings

It may take a while to read all of those, but they just about sum up my tears today.

God IS so good!

:)

smile.

sigh.

Happy Birthday, Mia!

Today, August 21st is a special day!

Two years ago today a baby girl was born to a Chinese mother in China. For whatever reason, this mom decided she could not keep her baby girl. She wrapped her in a blanket and took her to a restuarant and laid her at the doorstep.

Two years ago today, as a family celebrated a Grandmother's birthday (Happy Birthday Joyce!), a mother's heart longed for a baby girl from China.

Before the beginning of time, the Creator knew the plans He had for this baby girl born in China in 2006.

Before the beginning of time, the Creator knew the plans He had for a family in Huntsville, Arkansas.

How blessed we are that the Creator chose our family to raise this beautiful and precious girl in His ways and in His Truth!

Happy Birthday Mia!

Noni and Big Daddy love you Sooo much!

A Blog to Check Out Today

I guess this is just an emotional week for me, because I have crying at the drop of a hat.

Crying when I drop my kids off at school.
Crying over the sick and ailing.
Crying over news stories.
Crying over prayer requests.
Crying over blogs I read.

So, I want to share one source of my tears. (Don't worry, it's not awful, just heart wrenching.)

Please log on to my fellow blogger's site here. Ilona and her husband Mike are Assembly of God missionaries to Mexico. I can't even begin to spell the name of the city. :0)

Also, you might have noticed the new prayer link on the right hand side of my blog. My heart's prayer is that you will daily pray for the new unreached people's group that will appear in the sidebar. Prayer is SO important.

Another link to visit daily is our church's prayer blog. There are prayer requests listed. I love it because during my prayer time, I just log on and go through the list of the prayer needs. Thanks to Laurie for setting this up and keeping it going.

Beloved Mama Prays is another awesome prayer blog. She has a dedicated team of people praying for requests that people send her. What an awesome ministry!

Spend some time in prayer today!

blessings and prayers!
dorinda

Back to School!

Well, I was just an emotional basket case!

If you were standing here listening to me, I would have said that with much drama and blubbering flare. :)

I dropped my middle daughter off at junior high yesterday, along with her big brother. I then went to the elementary school to take my youngest. I went home to a quiet house-

and cried.

I am not one of the mother's that just LOVES for school to start to get the kids "out of my hair". I love them being home~ even if they do make the biggest messes known to motherhood.

As I watched my new junior high-er walking up to the school, a flood of questions tormented my soul.

Have I given her enough confidence in her self to make it in Jr. Hi?
Have I instilled enough of God's Word in her for her to know how to use it as her sword?
Will everyone around her see the inner beauty and unique strengths that I know she has?
Will she have a good day?
Why can't I walk her in!!!!!!?

I then look over at her brother who is the big guy on campus this year. I had some of the same concerns 2 years ago as he walked into the Junior High campus for the first time. Now, look at him! No, worries. No concerns.

So, how do I console my little "mommy heart"?

I remind myself of what I know. I know my God is Faithful. He is big enough to take care of my babies, no matter how big they get. :)

When I picked up my kids from school yesterday, I realized they all had a wonderful day. Each had their own story to tell, and each had their own smile to share.

My heart smiled.
and sighed.

We worry so much about the things that our God has all taken care of before we even know to worry about them.

smile.
sigh.

I sure am glad I have a God to take care of my children and watch over them when I can't.

Once again I am reminded of my FAVORITE verse in the Bible~ Psalm 25:1,2
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
In you I trust, O my God.

I give you my soul, Lord, the very part of me that I treasure most- my family.
I trust You as You have them in your hands.
I plead the blood of Jesus over my children's' bodies, souls, and spirits. I pray that you encamp your angels around them, but more importantly that Your Spirit hovers over them to guide and direct their every step, thought and decision.
May they always, see your Truth.

In You I trust, O my God.

smile.

sigh.

:)

dorinda

Cross Country

(I can't believe the first time I posted this I misspelled Country for County! oooooffff!!!!) :)

Most of you who know me, know that our daughter and her family are moving to D.C. at the first of September.




I am so excited for them, but at the same time, this Noni's heart is very sad.



Excited that Brad and Glenda are following a dream God has placed in their heart.
Sad that my daughter and family will be SOOOOO far away!



But, I don't think I have ever been prouder of my daughter. Oh, I know some parents take pride in their children's career choices and the amount of cash they rake in, but to see my child walk in faith puts a gleam in my smile.



They aren't just taking a walk in faith, Brad and Glenda are standing on the ledge of comfort and security and are leaping off into the deep canyon of faith. No parachute. No safety net. Just a leap into the unknown. Unknown except for the fact that they KNOW their heavenly Father will be right there for them to fall in His arms and His provision.



Please go to Glenda's blog for more information and prayer points. This mom asks you to fervently pray for them, and if God nudges your heart, you may support their ministry endeavor monthly. Financial support from family and friends will make the majority of their income for the next year.



blessings to you as you pray fervently for my daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters,


dorinda

Raising Godly Kids by the 6:7 Principle

We were able to sleep in this morning! Hallelujah! Glory to God in the highest!

It seems our summer has been extremely busy and the luxury of staying in bed longer than the sun has escaped us somehow, except for today!

To ensure the longevity of every one's sleep time, I piled the kids in our room - the dark, quiet sleep room. I turned the fan on and made sure everyone had very comfy beds.... I turned out the lights and said a prayer: "Lord, just let us all get at least 8 hours of solid sleep!"

I awakened this morning to a dark room, the fan humming, and kids in three corners sound asleep. My eyes quickly went to the clock. What time was it?! Wow! Not only did we get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep, but we received 9 blissful hours of pure deep sleep!!

I think I heard an angelic chorus in the heavenlies!

I looked over at each child and said a prayer for them. They looked so peaceful sleeping. It is hard to believe that in less than 2 weeks school starts back. My innocent kids will be faced with all kinds of "junk" the world will dish out to them. Humanistic and hedonistic ideas and reasoning will bombard them from all angles.

The 6:7 Principle is about being Pro-Active with our children starting the day they are born.

Deuteronomy 6:7 says don't think that one hour a week of Sunday School, one hour a week of Kid's Church, one hour a week of Worship Service and one hour a week of Girl's and Boy's Ministries will be enough to diligently train your children in the Truth of God's Word!

If you want your child to have a Biblical view of creation and society, it takes a mom and dad who are committed to training their children on a daily basis. Just like Deuteronomy 6:7 says: impress them when you walk, sit, work, and rest! Pro-active.

Pro-active - as in discuss it before it happens. Teach your daughter how to dress modestly from the time she is a toddler. Train your son to respect young ladies as a baby in how he deals with mom and sister. Show them in God's Word principles for Godly and right living. Discuss the movie you just saw from the perspective of God's Word.

My kids may never encounter some issues in life simply because they won't be exposed. I took my 2 oldest to see Freedom Writers. Afterwards, we went to the near-by pizza joint and had some heart to heart discussions about the whys, the hows, and the Biblical perspective of prejudice, gangs, violence and other issues brought up in the film.

It is not good enough to just keep telling my kids "no". Rusty and I have to tell them they "why" so that when they are young adults they take possession of those Biblically based boundaries themselves.

When my children go to college and have freedom to make their own decisions, I want them to choose "no" to alcohol and drugs and "no" to sex outside of marriage because they understand that those things are contrary to God's will for their lives~ not just because mom and dad have always said, "Don't do that."

The 6:7 Principle is imperative to raising Godly kids.

May God's Word bring Truth and Understanding to your hearts and minds today!

blessings,
dorinda

I Left It!

If my camera phone was working, you would be looking at a picture of it right now.

I did it! I drove off and left it in the parking lot of Wal-Mart where I found it~ after having lost it.

Say what, crazy woman?

I ran to Wal-Mart, quickly, to buy a few needed groceries. I left my [hungry] teenager tending to the pool. I just wanted to get in and out~ quickly.

I made it to the check out line in record time! I stand there congratulating myself when my eyes fixate on the orange package with brown letters. Nope. I turn my head.

I have done well the last 4 days, and I am not about to blow it now!

A child screams behind me and I turn to see if all is okay.

Ooops! That was a mistake! It was still there in it's cute little orange wrapper with all that gooey chocolate and peanut butter inside.

I think it even did a "Psssst! Hey, you over there acting like you don't see me! Do you know it has been at least 3 months since you have had a Reece's cup? And don't you know you should congratulate yourself for finding all of your groceries so quickly. Go ahead. It won't hurt!" Seriously. I think I heard it!

Well, whatever was whispering to me, convinced me.

I bought the .78 cent delicacy~ and the diet coke to accompany it.

I placed my purchases bag in the buggy and out I go with my "congratulatory" snack. Walking to my car, as I am cramming the first little cup in my mouth, I see a friend drive by and I wave. Chocolaty fingers and all.

I get to my car. Unload my groceries and it is gone!

I spent .78 cents on the king size Reece's cup and it is gone!

I look in all the bags. Look in my purse.
It is nowhere.

I must have dropped it.

I put my buggy back. Get in the seat. Start the car.
All the while my mind is racing. I had it right before I waved at Kathy because I was opening the first one as I walked out the door. It has to be either in the foyer area or in the parking lot.

I back my car out and circle back to the front door.

As I drive by, a Carly Simon song plays in my mind and a hot summer breeze is blowing. There on the edge of the sidewalk is a small orange wrapper~ the edges flapping as the wind is trying to taste the chocolate that is rapidly melting on the concrete.

I slow the car down ~ for the pedestrians ~ of course! I am playing about 20 different scenarios out.

Bottom line.

I left it!

Oh, don't think that I am too proud to get out of my vehicle and stoop to pick it up! Because I would in a heart beat! :)

But, I thought of how hard I have worked the last couple of days to not cram the junk food in my mouth.

I almost caved in at the end of the parking aisle.
But I stayed strong and left it!

What does all of that have to do with the 6:7 Principle?
Well, probably not just a whole lot, but I am quite proud that I left it! :)

okay..... seriously.

The 6:7 Principle Revisited

Impress them on your children.
The word used for "impressed" or to "teach diligently" means-
to sharpen, whet
to sharpen, teach (incisively)
to be pierced
(taken from study light. org)

How and When do we do this?
Well, we talk about them [God's commandments]
when we sit,
when we walk,
when we lie down and
when we rise up.

Basically, we are to find relative teaching points that we communicate verbally to our children
when we are relating,
when we are working,
when we are resting, and
when we are preparing.

In everything we do, we are to verbally communicate God's commandments to our children.

And, I guess, there is a teaching point about leaving stuff.... just driving away.... no matter how bad you want to just stop the car, get out, and cram all the melted chocolate in your mouth in front of a slew of folks.... Does that fall in the category of teaching your kids good boundaries?

I still don't think I am done with this subject.

I'll see you again tomorrow!

blessings,
dorinda

The 6:7 Principle

We have this pool in our back yard- a Wal-Mart special. It is just perfect for our yard and our family. Large enough for all 5 of us to swim and play in, but small enough to take care of easily~ If you clean it on a daily basis.

I got out early this morning to turn on the filter and use the net to clean out the bugs and stuff. The problem was that we haven't cleaned the pool in a couple of days. Yuck! Bugs and grass and little bugs and BIG bugs and stuff.... Yuck!

So, I start walking with the flow of the pump swirling my little net catching all the bugs. I am just humming along thinking how gross it was and walking in the circle. Then I think, as long as I am doing this I might as well get some exercise. Work it, Sister! Run! So, here I am getting my aerobic workout in the pool while cleaning, thinking, "Wow! I am just about done!"

I got tired of going in the same direction and got a little bit dizzy.... So, I turned around.

Oh.
My.
Goodness!

There, right behind me was a trail of gross stuff! Dead bugs and grass and dead flies.... Oh, Gross!

It seemed that as long as I was going with the flow of the current my perception of the grossness was hugely distorted. I was stirring up the yucky stuff by not making much of a difference.

Hmmmmm......

Deuteronomy 6:4-7
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give to you today are to be upon your hearts.
6:7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."

The 6:7 Principle is simply this:

Go against the flow!

Go against the flow of our humanistic society by teaching your children the Truth of God's Word- every day in every situation.

I think we must take a Pro-Active approach to changing our world for Christ!

We can get so used to the "flow" of life that we think we are making a difference, but maybe we are just out in front of all the "stuff".

Turn around and open your eyes to the ways of the world that are so contrary to God's Word.

Don't wait until your kids are teens to tell them that God's plan for marriage is one man and one woman for life. Tell them that homosexuality is AGAINST God's Word. Teach them healthy boundaries. Show them in God's Word.

"Impress them [God's Commands] on your children."

I think if we wait until we think our children are old enough, it might be too late. They may be so used to the "flow" that the world will have "impressed" its ways on our children.

So, let's make a commitment to live by the 6:7 Principle.

I think I have only scratched the surface of this..... Maybe more on the 6:7 Principle tomorrow.

blessings,

dorinda

In Christ

A young lady spoke to me regarding the bondage of insecurity.
Another young person revealed the burden of temptation.
A friend intercedes for the salvation of her son.
A mother of six children is believing God for His provision of direction and housing.

I contemplated these extraordinary needs this week and fell at the feet of my Savior. They are too much for me to carry, but my God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think!

As I prayed, my mind went back.... suffice it to say eons... to Bible College. I remember sitting in Sis. Opal Reddin's Acts class. She spent an entire class on the phrase from Ephesians "in Christ". I don't remember everything she taught that day, but I do remember her challenge.

"Go through the book of Ephesians and underline all prepositional phrases of "in Christ".

"In Christ" has to do with position and placement of me.

I have found that when I am "in Christ" other things aren't as important, problems aren't as big, and the world is not as alluring.

When I am "in Christ" I have an intimate relationship with my Savior. I no longer desire things that grieves the Spirit. I crave His presence.

So, I pass on the Preposition Challenge to you today. Go through the book of Ephesians and find all of those "in Christs". Then take a refresher English course and look for the purpose of each "in Christ". List all of those rich prepositional phrases and let their depth sink into your spirit.

blessings to all of you!

dorinda


p.s.

okay- It seems the Treasures in Jars of Clay is the blog of the month for a couple of sites! So, if you are visiting from A/G blogring or from Becoming Me, "Hi!" "Welcome", and please feel free to go thru some of my favorite posts!

Thank you ladies so much for sharing my blog. May His purposes be accomplished! :)


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db