Beth Moore event

I got to go to a Beth Moore simulcast last weekend on Friday night and Saturday morning, and she was once again a wonderful breath of fresh air and lots of learning! So many times I wish I could broadcast her messages to my family, friends...everyone! There is so much to learn from God's word, and she makes it all so much fun and lively. (We do cry a bit too...)

The weekend's theme was about understanding and getting our heart's desires. Her 7 main points were as follows:

1. Nothing dictates our lives like our desires.
- A legitimate heart's desire is a sustained longing that is unaffected by our mood or our
surroundings/circumstances.

2. Beneath the desires of our heart is the heart of our desires.

3. Delighting in God adapts our desires into inevitabilities.
- Pray God grants me a heart that delights in Him!

4. Nothing external can steal our right to delight.
- There are 3 things that we certainly do allow to steal our joy/delight, however. The acronym
she used was JAW. When things start to chewing on you, look at your own JAW -- the why
behind why you are not "delighted."

J: Jealousy - comes from a heart of insecurity
- It is desire tinged with resentment.

A: Anger - Really a fear of no control -- brings out resentment and distance in relationships
- Polar opposite of delight/pleasure
- The problem is NOT about them (the other person); it's about YOU!!!!

W: Worry

5. To make room for delight we have to commit (to change, to seeking God, etc.)

6. Nothing is passive about patiently waiting for desire to turn into delight.
- God has a reason He has not given you your heart's desire....YET.

7. Until faith becomes sight, trust God and do GOOD.
- Not "right" but GOOD.

I could go on and on, but these are the main points. So powerful.

Fall and stuff...

Boy, does it feel like fall is in the air! It is about 9:00 p.m. and already darkness has set in. I sure like the longer days of summer and wish they would last longer than they do. I do need to remind myself that we are very lucky in the north that we get these longer days since the southern states do not have this period of time where the days are this long. BUT...(notice the BIG one...) we lose all of the advantages of our long days when the winter hits us so long and hard. I'd trade shorter days for a longer summer for sure!

One nice thing about the end of summer is the easier time of getting kids to bed though. It's sure easier to convince a 5-year-old that she should hit the sheets when it is dark out than when the sun is still blazing. Can you tell I'm trying to find the benefits of losing summer yet???? : )

A goal I have this fall/early winter is to begin spending more regular or scheduled time with God and in exercise. You'd think I'd have had so much more time in the summer to do so, but NO! Maybe with the setting in of a routine during the school year, I'll actually make time more easily to do some of the things I'd like to do. My plan is to join the intramural volleyball team and then also set a time each day for just reading the Word. Keep me accountable folks! I'm going to give it a good try!

Stand!

I just watched part of the FOX News show Glenn Beck and was very enlightened about the associations our President keeps. I know the country is abuzz over the healthcare industry rehab that is indeed needed, but everyone PLEASE listen up over what President Obama's core values are and the associations/advisors he keeps. This is truly a scary path our country is taking! If you can find archives of the Glenn Beck show from Saturday, August 15, please watch! I have never been so on fire about political and social issues as I am since Mr. Obama took office. I am utterly amazed at how quickly he has been able to "change" (his campaign slogan) this nation's laws. I have even contacted my own state Senators about the healthcare issue, and I am now seeing how crucial it is for EVERYONE to write, email, or call these people and express ourselves. They WILL NOT just do the right thing. They will do what gets them the job another term or earns them buddies in Washington. It's a far different world there than in the rest of the US. Don't assume anything. CONTACT them! : )

Of course, you may agree with his policies and beliefs. That is your choice, for sure. Please think through these issues very carefully, however, and logically conclude what happens to our nation as it is on its current course.

On a lighter note... : ) School is only 11 days away! Hannah begins kindergarten this year, and she is so very excited! I am also getting excited for the event just getting her ready with school clothes and supplies. Wouldn't it be fun to get that same joy and excitement about our days again?

Jae, of course, says she does not want school to start, but I am quite certain she is bored and ready to see her friends on a daily basis. I know I'm ready for the more organized home schedule that school seems to bring. Funny how all mothers are ready for school by August 15 but not kids! Hmmmm....

I am excited for a Beth Moore event that I'm planning to go to on August 28 and 29. She is so good to hear, and God truly uses her in awesome ways. I have no idea what the topic if the conference is, but I just know it will be good. If anyone else is interested it is being held in Carrington, ND at a Baptist church there. (I'm not sure of the name yet.) I can certainly get you lined up to go to it too if you wish. Just get in touch with me! She is not there live in person, however. This is just a teleconference, and it is of free will donation to those attending.

Off for now! Great day all!!!!