Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Every Wednesday morning we hop on a conference call with my girlfriends and we talk about our struggles, our ups and downs, our goals to become better wives, moms, and servant of God.
It is very uplifting to have the opportunity to be real and say what’s on our mind without feeling judged or worried what they might think of me because of my imperfections. Together we learn that there really isn’t a woman who has a perfect looking clean house with no dishes in the sink, laundry completely clean and even more folded neatly and put away. Why do we even think that this is the case? It’s because we don’t dare allow even our closest friends to see that we have spent two weeks the night before madly cleaning when we find out that we are going to have visitors.  So that when they come over, they see that somehow we have this perfect image of a clean house. All of my closest friends know that there is a non verbal policy of at least a 24 hours notice before “dropping by.”  Reason? It's so I can make my house look like it hasn’t been lived in before they come by.  Isn’t that so sad? 
Matthew 6:20 says, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal.”  My morning Bible study included that there’s only one thing certain about life.  We know that tomorrow isn’t promised and that’s why it’s so crucial to spend our time investing in what really matters today. I need to constantly remember what is eternal and what is temporary.  Yes, the dishes need to be washed, kitchen must be mopped, and laundry needs to be tackled but our family and friends is much more important than having a perfect house. I need to remember to invest in our time together and do the things that the boys really want to do.  It’s been so nice outside.  I can take them to the park and just play with them.  The stars don’t have to be aligned and the planets in perfect order… I just need to do it.
I am so amazed on how simple the solutions to many of our problems can be.  I just need to play more and have fun more.  How easy is it to forget with all the responsibilities and stresses in our life that it boils down to the very thing we used to do as little ones.  I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends who can help remind me on how to stay in balance and enjoy the blessings I have right now.  Not the things that shouldn’t even really matter anyway .

What is SOAP?

Our Pastor from Palm Valley Church taught us the SOAP method a few years ago and while I wasn’t disciplined in implementing it daily, I will say that last year I read more of the Bible and studied more than probably what I’ve been able to accomplish my whole life.  My journal is a couple years old and it’s amazing to look back and see my growth.
I love SOAP’ing (could use the real thing a little more often though LOL) and it has really developed me into a simple Bible study habit.  I’ve already started posting some of my SOAPs for the year but I figured I would elaborate more on what it is.
Today while reading my Google blog feeds, I was excited to see that there’s a website already dedicated in explaining what SOAP is and how to go about implementing it in your own Bible Study so I will go ahead and provide the link for you to check it out!

Today’s S.O.A.P.

Today’s reading is Matthew 16:5 – 17:23.
S – Matthew 17:20 - “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.
O - In this reading many things happened with the disciples as they followed Jesus. They had just witnessed another feeding of thousands, the Transfiguration, and were trying to heal a boy with a demon.  Unfortunately they couldn’t and what Jesus responded is so transforming to me.
A – As a homeschooling mom, I find that there are many mountains.  One that is staring at me in the face is the mountain of LAUNDRY!  I also stepped on crayons scattered on the floor from last night when Ira decided he wanted to draw Ben 10 figures.  Oh and did I mention the mountain of dishes from cooking last night?  ACK!  In this instance, I know that I have faith but it won’t make those things disappear.  The fact of the matter is, I should embrace this season. Our life is full of seasons and currently it’s a very special season of growth. Later, it won’t be the laundry or the crayons on the floor… This will be replaced by getting their first driver’s license, first car, heading off to college and much more.   I can embrace the moment, understand that with faith I can move the mountain (or maybe tackle the laundry and dishes) and with my Lord all things are possible .
P – Lord, thank you for your Word.  I am so thankful that you are with me as we move through the seasons of change and growth.  Thank you for showing me that all things are possible with you.  In Jesus name, Amen.

The Golden Rule

Today’s scripture reading was so insightful.  The disciples even had a hard time understanding Jesus though they were chillin’ with him the whole time!  One part that totally resonated with me was when Jesus healed Peter’s mom who had a fever and she then got up and prepared a meal for the disciples.  I sure wish I could have Jesus touch me and heal me from this sickness ASAP! I know that Jesus can heal me, and I know that I can also tough this out.  In the meantime, here is my SOAP for the day.
S – Matthew 7:12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
O – What a difference the world would be if we all did this! I like that Jesus sums up all the prophets and law in the entire Old Testament by saying this. In a way, isn’t it like Cliff Notes of the Old Testament? 
A – Living this way would make a world of difference.  It’s supposed to be easy but what about when you are having a bad day and hubby is too?  It can be really  hard to stay sweet when babies are fussy, dinner is burning, and the laundry in the dryer keeps buzzing.  Even still, I can do this.  For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me right?
P – Lord teach me to be more like you.  I know I can live by this Golden rule. I ask you to guide me and continue to have patience with me as I grow in our relationship.  I love you Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.

Worry Wart

That’s what I can call myself.  I don’t seem like that often but I truly am!  Today’s scripture reading was so mind boggling. So many things to think about and reflect on!  All the scriptures sure can apply to me especially about being such a worry wart but I am going to pull out the scripture that I’d love to work harder on.  

S:  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

O: That is so important!  I can’t say enough how much that seems so relevant but doing so is a whole different thing!  I remember when I was working on decorating my house and my Pastor said, “Just pray about it first.”  Seriously?  Pray about what curtains to choose?  At the time of my spiritual journey that seemed so weird. Now that is completely different!  Before I would walk mindlessly down the aisles (ahem yard sales) trying to figure what I can compile together for our house.  Then walk away empty handed.  I know now to seek Him in everything I do.  EVERYTHING.  Including what I would consider trivial like decorating our house.  Now that’s not easy.  Especially sometimes when I feel that He’s playing the silent treatment with me. 

A: So how do I start?  Well I am going to make sure that I apply this exactly as it is said, “Seek Kingdom of God above all else.”  The NIV says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” and the NKJV “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. “  I like the word FIRST.  That doesn’t mean second, or later, or tomorrow, or when I get around to it.  It means first and foremost.  I really gotta work on that.  I love my morning Bible study and prayer routine.  It’s not perfect and on some weeks I am lucky to do 5 out of the 7 days.  But I gotta apply this.  Because check out the reward “and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Who wouldn’t want that?!

P: Lord, please help me!  I really want to hear you and grow in relationship with you.  I don’t want to feel that you are being silent.  In fact, help me be MORE silent so I can hear what your purpose is for me.  I will work harder in putting you FIRST in everything.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Happy New Year!

So funny that it’s been almost a year since my last post.  I am thankful for the recurring mantra I have in my mind, “It’s about the progress… not perfection.”

I am going to keep this post positive even though I am currently surrounded with an almost empty box of tissues and wads of Kleenex surrounding me .  I’ve been keeping Kleenex in business these days as this is our third box! 

I wanted to start today’s post with my SOAP.  This year, our church is reading through the New Testament and I am excited to be part of it.  Today we are on Day 3 and the reading for today is Matthew 5:1-42.

S – Scripture  - Matthew 5:16

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

O – Observation – Right after Jesus called his first disciples, he went out throughout Galilee and began preaching the good news and healing diseases and sickness.  This brought a lot of crowds and began teaching on the mountainside. This scripture stood out to me because as His disciple, we are asked to show our good deeds not for our own glory but His. I love that people are blessed by our actions and will result in praise to our Heavenly Father.

A – Application -  I am feeling like I really need to step it up on my deeds.  The crazy thing is that I never feel like it is enough.  It can be the little things, like being an encourager and motivator for our boys, my sweetie, and family (my friends are my family too!).  I’ve noticed that I never feel like I have time for everything and that is because I’ve always let everything schedule me rather than me schedule things.  I know that if I put God first everything will fall into place.  That is what I truly need to work on.  I know God has put people around me for a reason and I feel truly blessed that there is a purpose behind that. I hope I can be a blessing to them so that God can be honored in it!

P – Prayer  Lord, thank you so much for showing me today that my actions speak loud.  Let me be cognizant of my actions so that what I do is

Bible in a Year

My goal this year was to actually read the Bible from beginning to end in a year. I have to admit it is hard sometimes, but honestly I have read more of the Bible this year since I made this commitment, than I ever have in my entire lifetime!

My sweetie ordered me this Bible after I gave him a One Year Bible for Christmas. I couldn't wait for it to arrive and it's finally here! I love the leather bound cover, the pretty pink flowers... it is just perfect for me!

I am so excited to make good on my commitment on reading through the Bible this year. Now if only I can be more diciplined on my journal writing and reflections ;-P

Purpose Driven Life

Since quitting, I decided to start a spritual journey for our family.

I have committed to reading the Purpose Driven Life and begin a transformation process to a better me. I know it will be hard some days, but it is going to be SO worth it!

For a long time I struggled with my overall purpose. What on earth am I here for? I know I am to be a mommy, wife, and servant of God, but what do I do with all my talents and gifts God has given me? Will I ever put them to use? Will I ever be able to save the world?

As a read this book, it is giving me a new outlook. I am so excited to daily write some of the things I have learned along the way and the things that are helping me grow.