I am going back to re visit a book that I read almost two years ago now. "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. Sometimes I like to have a book to go along with my devotions. Any how. Today in my devotion It was on Mary and Martha. I saw some things in this portion of scripture that I myself have never really stopped to think about. Or see how it applies to my life. I know, I know it is a story that all of us know. I just found my nugget out of it today:)
Luke 10:38-42 (for reading purposes, if needed)
So, we know the story. Jesus had gone to the house of Martha to have supper. Her sister Mary is also there. Martha gets caught up in the serving aspect and Mary sneaks out of the kitchen to sit at Jesus feet. Then Martha comes out, interrupts Jesus and bids him to make Mary come and help her. "And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:41-42 Here Mary has left her sister in Kitchen to do all the serving. Was she right or wrong. Well, Jesus told Martha that she was right. Martha could have put the serving aside and came and sat at Jesus feet. After all, here was God in the flesh in her house. Instead of spending time with him she was to busy trying to serve him.
Then I thought of how this story fits my life. You that know me, know that I like things a certain way, I can not stand messes, loud noise, things out of place, so on and so on. Okay, so I am a little compulsive. I would have to be honest and say that if I were in the situation, I would have probably had to fight my flesh so that I did not end up doing what Martha had done. It would take a lot for me to set everything aside and just go sit. Especially if I knew that there was much more to be done. Lets be honest. I know that Jesus is God in the flesh. And that My hearts desire would be to sit as his feet. But I think that would have been hard for me as it was for Martha.
Then I started thinking as I was sitting there reading. This applies to everyday life. Do I take time everyday to meet with the God of heaven? Or am I just busy serving? Do I miss opportunities that the Lord gives me on a daily basis to meet with him. Am I completely devoted to God? I know that I myself can improve in many of these areas.
Martha forgot to look up from serving and see what was really important at that moment. And , Mary made the choice to lay up her treasure where it really mattered. Where it would count for all eternity. Mary saw the importance to stop being busy. I heard a great message sometime ago on being busy. That when you say that you are busy, it is probably not a good thing. When we get to busy we do not allow God any room in our lives. Yes it is good to be busy about the things of God, but ask your self are you to busy serving that you are to busy to have a relationship with God himself. Which is the most important relationship that we will ever have.
Christ says that Mary chose the thing that no one can take away from her, or us for that matter. She chose the good thing. She chose to be close to God. She wanted to take in everything that he had to teach her. She knew that this was a chance in life time and she was going to take hold of it.
I know that I get caught up in the hear and now. Having three little ones, homeschooling doing daycare on the side, laundry, housework, staying in shape, cooking, taking care of beloved husband and the list goes on and on. All of this is serving. If I do not take the time to cultivate a close walk and relationship with my LORD and saviour then what good is anything? Everything else can be taken away. But the Lord says that a relationship with him a closeness to him, no one, yes no one can take that away.
I believe that Mary saw the importance to place everything and everyone in her life over to God. She knew that without him she was incapable of anything. She saw that she needed to be in his presence at every moment he was there. I also believe that we as Christian women need to look at it the same way. Except we are with God every moment of our life. We should be ever looking to him for guidance, not becoming to busy with the things of the temporary life. We should be focusing on our eternal life and what we are going to lay up in heaven. Will it be nothing because we were so busy, or will it be much because God was in everything....little....or big. It reminds me of the song "Little is much when God is in it, labor not for wealth or fame, theres a crown and you can win it, if you'll go in Jesus name."
I know that I need to step back and see the opportunities that the Lord has given me with my Children. I get so busy with everything else that I forget to play or take simple time to teach them something small from God's word. I need to cultivate more of a Mary spirit. And put aside my Martha tendencies.
This passage of scripture was such a blessing to me. I pray that it will have been to you also. Mrs.George says when any situation arises she asks her self is this a Mary or a Martha I am being.... I need to simply pause and acknowledge that God is ever present, and what would he have me to be doing, not what I see needs to be done.
In Him,
Brittany
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Family...
I am so thankful that back in the Garden of Eden, the LORD instituted the family. I know that in our families we all have certain issues. There are disagreements, disappointments, and differences. But more than not there always seems to be this over ridding of Love.
This weekend we went to the Twin Cities for my Mother in Laws wedding. My brother in law and his girlfriend flew in from San Diego as did my sister in law and her husband and my other brother in law and his family came from Mankato. When family lives so far away you really cherish the time that you have together. No matter what the differences are you always seem to make the best of it.
We were also blessed to see Joshua's family from his Dads side. They had not seen each other in about 5 years and before that it was 10. It was such a blessing to get with them and catch up. I realized something that I am so guilty of. I let the little things get to me and I should not. I seem to take my days for granted and this I should not do. For who knows what will happen on the morrow. Our life is only a vapor. The Bible says it appereth for a little while and then vanisheth away. I need to spend more time trying to cultivate a better relationship with those in my family that are lost and do not know the Lord Jesus as their personal savior. Fortunately Josh's Aunts and Uncles on his Fathers side do. Praise the LORD. I know that the LORD intended for us to come together in marriage. His family had been praying for him and My Dad for me. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the LORD brought us together and worked in our lives in a mighty way before he even brought us to a saving knowledge of himself.
As we were driving home and got closer to Fargo last night I was thinking. The weather was a little iffy, with a blizzard suppose to be coming through at any moment and we were trying to beat it. If something happen to our family what would people remember. Did I reach out enough in the little time that God had allowed me to have with our them. The devil is ever fighting in times like these. Our kids were a little naughtier than usual. They were not quiet as obedient or respectful as they usually are. I know my focus was taken off of the eternal things and focused on the here and now. But did I use that as an opportunity to show them the love of my saviour, or did they see an angry un happy family that says they love the LORD but have no joy?
I would like to think that with all things considered we handled it pretty well. I know there are many things that I could have done differently. However I can not go back and change it now. I have learned though that I need to be a lot more prayed up and make sure that I cam completely given to the LORD before another event like this comes along.
I love my extended family. But I especially love my immediate. When I look at my three children through God's eyes. I see them so different. I see them as this priceless little eternal soul that will some day reach the age of accountability and have to decide who they want to lead their life. When I think of this it scares me to death. This is when I realize that without God's amazing power I will never be able to do the job he has given me. For I know that daily I have triumpths and failures as a parent. Some days I feel that I only fail. I heard Evangelist Jack Palmer say once, "You know that you are doing something right with your Children before God when you see your self as a failure, only then can we stand back and see how much help we need from the mighty God of heaven to raise our children in the nurture and admonishing of the LORD." I know how true this is.
I am so blessed by the family that I have been given Not only extended and immediate but also our Christian family. I praise the LORD for them daily. I hope that you can find many things to be thankful for in your families. That we will over look all of our short comings and that we will see each other as Muire human beings that need all the grace that can be given by our LORD.
Just a thought I wanted to share. Hope your week starts off well.
In Him,
Brittany
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Jesus Still Saves...
I am a firm believer that we are saved by grace not by works. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your-selves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:9-10 O how marvelous, O how wonderful. To say that you have claimed the promise of Salvation.
I remember when we first moved to Fargo. Things had changed dramatically. Joshua had just started his new job as a Marine Corp Recruiter, His hours were crazy, and I had just had a baby. Not to mention that I had two toddlers running around. I had let my devotional time slip. I was finding it harder and harder to find a consistent time to pray and read. But the LORD never left me. I am so thankful for that. He used somethings to draw me back to him self. For this I am extremely grateful.
I went through a period where I was doubting my salvation. I had been saved for five years and never doubted so why now. I never had a false profession. Which I am thankful for. But because of this I was struggling with did I get it right. The Bible says to search out your own salvation with trembling and fear in Philippians 2:12. This is what I did. In the end I came to realize. I had been saved all along. It was not "what if I did not do it right", or "I did not have that experience". It was what God has done for me. As many of you have read my testimony now, in an earlier post. The LORD used my doubt to draw me back to him.
What scares me though, is there are people that are doubting and are not searching. If you are doubting why are you not doing something about it? And then ask your self why are you doubting. Salvation is simple. Yes it is a miracle performed by a Holy God through us. But I think sometimes we can over complicate it.
Joshua had many talks with me. And I searched the scripture through and through. What I came to realize is that I was trying to base my salvation on others experience. I was forgetting my own testimony. I am thankful that God has given me a level headed husband. He would tell me time and time again. "I can not tell you if you are. But I believe that you are basing your testimony on that of others, not what God has done for you." Every time I would say "Well I, did not do that" He would always come back with "Good, But did God" He is amazing.
I know there are plenty of people out there whom have had false profession. But I also think that there are people out there that are truly saved and are quenching the spirit of God because of there doubt and unbelief. If you are doubting and truly saved the devil has you right where he wants you. So focused on self that you will never reach out to others or be a blessing. When I saw this in my life I was mortified. How many people had I not told about the Love of the LORD because I was being selfish.
I can not say weather you are saved or not. That is for God and God alone to judge. I can encourage you to search it out. And know for sure. My Bible says that ye may know for sure that you have eternal life. He does not want us running to and fro trying to figure out if we are really saved. He says you will know. This is what I kept going back to that, Rainy night in September. When I saw my self as a hell bound sinner, no good and in need of a saviour and surrendering to my LORD. It was nothing I did. It was what I let go of and what God took hold of.
I know that there are many easy believe Church's sending people to hell. But I also believe that when we get to heaven we will see just as many that have over complicated the gospel and did the same harm.
We need to remember salvation is by God and God alone. He draws a poor, helpless sinner to himself. Then they are made to make the choice. If their is pure conviction in the life of a person and they have come to that place, where they see their sin for what it really is, filthy and vile before an almighty God. Then can they be saved the first time? Of course they can. Through their faith and the grace extend to them by a righteous and loving God. Jesus Christ saves. We need to come to that point where we realize that with out Christ we are nothing and we can do nothing. We need to see how much we truly need him. Then Salvation is simple. Let go and let God.
Is your God still the same God of the Bible. The one who saved thousands on the day of Pentecost. Who Gave up the Ghost on Calvary, Who was buried and rose again on the third day. Who said he is coming back again, Who made blind Bartamus see, Who calmed the raging see, Who walked on water, Who held Jonah in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights, Who made the earth in 7 days, who hung the stars in heaven, who told the woman at the well of her sins and opened her eyes , Who saved the Ethiopian Eunic? I know my God is real. I know my God can do all things. I know that he says he is never changing. So why then, why then do we limit him so? Why do we think that he can not save a sinner by them humbling him self before him and begging for forgiveness. Why do we have to tamper with salvation? If someone knows they need to be saved. They need to be saved. Only God can show this to them.
I never knew what it even meant to be saved. Until I saw through the preaching of God's word that I was a sinner and that I had no way to heaven. Do you believe that Romans still holds the truth in Romans Road?
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth onto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." Romans 10:8-13
I do not think that it was translated wrong with emphases on parts of these verses. If you call upon the name of the LORD you will be saved. It does not say you might, or maybe, you will see when you get to heaven. It says you will be saved. This is faith my friend. However you must see your self as lost before you can ever get saved. You must know that you are in need of a saviour. No prayer ever saved anyone. It has always been the same. Through faith, and the acceptance of Gods free gift. Through grace.
The Bible says the devils believe and tremble. They know he is real. They know what he is capable of. Do we have the same reverence? We as born again, Bible believers need to remember Our God holds the power for all eternity and that he CAN still save. He is the same God of Acts. They Holy Spirit could still be just as strong today, If we would step back and let God do the work. We need the faith of the woman who knew if she touched the hem of Jesus garmet she would be made whole from the blood disease she had. "Let me touch him, Let me touch Jesus, as he passes by"
Because of him,
Brittany
I remember when we first moved to Fargo. Things had changed dramatically. Joshua had just started his new job as a Marine Corp Recruiter, His hours were crazy, and I had just had a baby. Not to mention that I had two toddlers running around. I had let my devotional time slip. I was finding it harder and harder to find a consistent time to pray and read. But the LORD never left me. I am so thankful for that. He used somethings to draw me back to him self. For this I am extremely grateful.
I went through a period where I was doubting my salvation. I had been saved for five years and never doubted so why now. I never had a false profession. Which I am thankful for. But because of this I was struggling with did I get it right. The Bible says to search out your own salvation with trembling and fear in Philippians 2:12. This is what I did. In the end I came to realize. I had been saved all along. It was not "what if I did not do it right", or "I did not have that experience". It was what God has done for me. As many of you have read my testimony now, in an earlier post. The LORD used my doubt to draw me back to him.
What scares me though, is there are people that are doubting and are not searching. If you are doubting why are you not doing something about it? And then ask your self why are you doubting. Salvation is simple. Yes it is a miracle performed by a Holy God through us. But I think sometimes we can over complicate it.
Joshua had many talks with me. And I searched the scripture through and through. What I came to realize is that I was trying to base my salvation on others experience. I was forgetting my own testimony. I am thankful that God has given me a level headed husband. He would tell me time and time again. "I can not tell you if you are. But I believe that you are basing your testimony on that of others, not what God has done for you." Every time I would say "Well I, did not do that" He would always come back with "Good, But did God" He is amazing.
I know there are plenty of people out there whom have had false profession. But I also think that there are people out there that are truly saved and are quenching the spirit of God because of there doubt and unbelief. If you are doubting and truly saved the devil has you right where he wants you. So focused on self that you will never reach out to others or be a blessing. When I saw this in my life I was mortified. How many people had I not told about the Love of the LORD because I was being selfish.
I can not say weather you are saved or not. That is for God and God alone to judge. I can encourage you to search it out. And know for sure. My Bible says that ye may know for sure that you have eternal life. He does not want us running to and fro trying to figure out if we are really saved. He says you will know. This is what I kept going back to that, Rainy night in September. When I saw my self as a hell bound sinner, no good and in need of a saviour and surrendering to my LORD. It was nothing I did. It was what I let go of and what God took hold of.
I know that there are many easy believe Church's sending people to hell. But I also believe that when we get to heaven we will see just as many that have over complicated the gospel and did the same harm.
We need to remember salvation is by God and God alone. He draws a poor, helpless sinner to himself. Then they are made to make the choice. If their is pure conviction in the life of a person and they have come to that place, where they see their sin for what it really is, filthy and vile before an almighty God. Then can they be saved the first time? Of course they can. Through their faith and the grace extend to them by a righteous and loving God. Jesus Christ saves. We need to come to that point where we realize that with out Christ we are nothing and we can do nothing. We need to see how much we truly need him. Then Salvation is simple. Let go and let God.
Is your God still the same God of the Bible. The one who saved thousands on the day of Pentecost. Who Gave up the Ghost on Calvary, Who was buried and rose again on the third day. Who said he is coming back again, Who made blind Bartamus see, Who calmed the raging see, Who walked on water, Who held Jonah in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights, Who made the earth in 7 days, who hung the stars in heaven, who told the woman at the well of her sins and opened her eyes , Who saved the Ethiopian Eunic? I know my God is real. I know my God can do all things. I know that he says he is never changing. So why then, why then do we limit him so? Why do we think that he can not save a sinner by them humbling him self before him and begging for forgiveness. Why do we have to tamper with salvation? If someone knows they need to be saved. They need to be saved. Only God can show this to them.
I never knew what it even meant to be saved. Until I saw through the preaching of God's word that I was a sinner and that I had no way to heaven. Do you believe that Romans still holds the truth in Romans Road?
"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth onto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH ON HIM SHALL NOT BE ASHAMED. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED." Romans 10:8-13
I do not think that it was translated wrong with emphases on parts of these verses. If you call upon the name of the LORD you will be saved. It does not say you might, or maybe, you will see when you get to heaven. It says you will be saved. This is faith my friend. However you must see your self as lost before you can ever get saved. You must know that you are in need of a saviour. No prayer ever saved anyone. It has always been the same. Through faith, and the acceptance of Gods free gift. Through grace.
The Bible says the devils believe and tremble. They know he is real. They know what he is capable of. Do we have the same reverence? We as born again, Bible believers need to remember Our God holds the power for all eternity and that he CAN still save. He is the same God of Acts. They Holy Spirit could still be just as strong today, If we would step back and let God do the work. We need the faith of the woman who knew if she touched the hem of Jesus garmet she would be made whole from the blood disease she had. "Let me touch him, Let me touch Jesus, as he passes by"
Because of him,
Brittany
Monday, January 11, 2010
Play Date with the World...
Do you know what is one of my biggest burdens? It is our youth within our Churches. Those who have been raised with the solid foundation of True Christianity. Being saved at nineteen. I have a real desire to see our young adults live for the LORD. It has always puzzled me how you could grow up in so much love and truth and still turn your back and make a play date with the world. After all God did give us all a free will. I am constantly reminded of this fact.
It could happen to any of us. Nevertheless, I see a huge movement within the walls of our safe haven to walk on a fine line. If I am speaking to a young lady who is being enticed by the world, I want to let you know from personal experience. All the world will offer you is a long broken road, of sorrow, misery, lies and heartache. It may seem like a better life now. But isn't the saying" sin is always fun for a season." I would be lieing to you if I said that at the time I did not enjoy some of the things that I was involved in. But it never ended happy. I was always lost and looking for something else to fill the void. Do you think your parents are to strict? Do you think they do not want you to have any fun, maybe even they are out to control your life? That is not the case. Chances are they are trying to save you from a world of hurt. They have probably already been down the road that you are choosing. I know, I know. You think that you have seen other Christian young people come out okay. But what if the LORD is not so patient with you. That is, if you are saved. Please know you may not have forever to get it right. The LORD will only knock so long.
It also saddens me how many young Christian families are lowering their standards. My family is not perfect by any means. But we are constantly telling our Children how, Mommy and Daddy's desire is to live as close to the Bible as possible. I do not want them to find some fault in my life that may latter cause them to stumble. Sure some times I think we may seem to strict. We do not have TV, they are not allowed to play with a lot of popular Children's toys, We are concerned with who they play with. But say what you want. The LORD has given these three Children to us one time and one time only. That means I only have one chance with them. So I am going to give it my best shot with Christs leadership. I am choosing not to make a play date with the world. Sometimes it is hard. But Christ never said that our lives were going to be a walk in a spring time garden. He promised us hard ships. It is only fair that we should face them. After all look what he had to face for us.
Please know that I write this in Love. The Lord impressed this upon my heart. I see so many young girls flirting with disaster. There skirts are a little shorter than they should be, They are dating a boy in the youth group that Mom and Dad do not approve of. They are lieing to their parents about what they are doing. If you are doing these things. Trust me someone knows. The mighty God of heaven is watching. And he has probably already led someone else to know your sneaky ways. Please know I love you. Sometimes it may be hard to go to your parents. That is what young women who love the LORD can be for. I am always willing to listen, and I know several other young ladies who would talk or help you through to Gods grace. If you are stuck in a rut, know it is never to late to change your ways. I have to make changes daily. I am constantly asking God to give me his grace to get through to the other side.
Young Christian family, don't be pressured by the world. Remember who saved you. He has all the grace you need to live a full and happy life. Joshua and I have been faced with many trials. Our family is our biggest. They are constantly criticising us for how we are choosing to live our life and raise our family. But I know that in the long run staying faithful to my LORD and staying as far away from what the world has to offer will offer the best out come. So I am willing to take what ever comes my way, by Gods Grace!!! So, when ever a play date may come along that is questionable, just make sure to cancel :)
With Love In Him,
Brittany
It could happen to any of us. Nevertheless, I see a huge movement within the walls of our safe haven to walk on a fine line. If I am speaking to a young lady who is being enticed by the world, I want to let you know from personal experience. All the world will offer you is a long broken road, of sorrow, misery, lies and heartache. It may seem like a better life now. But isn't the saying" sin is always fun for a season." I would be lieing to you if I said that at the time I did not enjoy some of the things that I was involved in. But it never ended happy. I was always lost and looking for something else to fill the void. Do you think your parents are to strict? Do you think they do not want you to have any fun, maybe even they are out to control your life? That is not the case. Chances are they are trying to save you from a world of hurt. They have probably already been down the road that you are choosing. I know, I know. You think that you have seen other Christian young people come out okay. But what if the LORD is not so patient with you. That is, if you are saved. Please know you may not have forever to get it right. The LORD will only knock so long.
It also saddens me how many young Christian families are lowering their standards. My family is not perfect by any means. But we are constantly telling our Children how, Mommy and Daddy's desire is to live as close to the Bible as possible. I do not want them to find some fault in my life that may latter cause them to stumble. Sure some times I think we may seem to strict. We do not have TV, they are not allowed to play with a lot of popular Children's toys, We are concerned with who they play with. But say what you want. The LORD has given these three Children to us one time and one time only. That means I only have one chance with them. So I am going to give it my best shot with Christs leadership. I am choosing not to make a play date with the world. Sometimes it is hard. But Christ never said that our lives were going to be a walk in a spring time garden. He promised us hard ships. It is only fair that we should face them. After all look what he had to face for us.
Please know that I write this in Love. The Lord impressed this upon my heart. I see so many young girls flirting with disaster. There skirts are a little shorter than they should be, They are dating a boy in the youth group that Mom and Dad do not approve of. They are lieing to their parents about what they are doing. If you are doing these things. Trust me someone knows. The mighty God of heaven is watching. And he has probably already led someone else to know your sneaky ways. Please know I love you. Sometimes it may be hard to go to your parents. That is what young women who love the LORD can be for. I am always willing to listen, and I know several other young ladies who would talk or help you through to Gods grace. If you are stuck in a rut, know it is never to late to change your ways. I have to make changes daily. I am constantly asking God to give me his grace to get through to the other side.
Young Christian family, don't be pressured by the world. Remember who saved you. He has all the grace you need to live a full and happy life. Joshua and I have been faced with many trials. Our family is our biggest. They are constantly criticising us for how we are choosing to live our life and raise our family. But I know that in the long run staying faithful to my LORD and staying as far away from what the world has to offer will offer the best out come. So I am willing to take what ever comes my way, by Gods Grace!!! So, when ever a play date may come along that is questionable, just make sure to cancel :)
With Love In Him,
Brittany
Saturday, January 9, 2010
My Testimony...
I wanted to share my Testimony with you. I think that it is important to tell others what the Lord Jesus Christ has done in our lives. I am not ashamed of my salvation and I want the world to know who I am trusting in for eternal life. I want them to know who I am going to serve and why.
So, Here it goes.
I was nineteen years old. I had been married to Joshua (My High School sweet heart) for a little over five months. I was starting cosmetology school, managing a tanning salon. I loved to dance, spend time at the beach and many other things. I was a very busy girl. However there was one thing that stuck with me, more than anything from my parents divorce. It was my Dad' faith. See I was not raised in a Christian home. I went to a mix of Catholic and Lutheran Church most of my Childhood. Until the divorce happened. I was twelve years old then. My Daddy had found a new Church his life was changed. He made sure everyone knew it. He took us to Church with him every weekend he had us. I thought he was a little off. But the people were amazing. I would not fully come to understand this until I was nineteen.
There I was nineteen and married to a United States Marine. I had moved to San Diego California. Things seemed to be going great. Don't they always right after you are married. Nevertheless, there was something missing. We both wanted to start our family young. Like we knew what we were doing. We were still young ourselves. But we were happy and that is all that mattered to us. I knew that if we were going to start a family, that we needed to get into Church. I mean you can not raise a child without Church! That is what I was thinking anyway.
Our journey began. Little did I know that a seed had been planted in my life when I was that little twelve year old girl filled with sadness from her parents divorce. We tried many Churches. But none of them felt right. I had discussed with Joshua how I wanted one that only taught from the Bible. Not one that made up or added things. And one that actually opened it while they were preaching. What a concept. We had some amazing friends from Oklahoma. One of his brothers was into taking mission trips and we had the privilege of having him as a house guest. Jamie and Chad did not have enough room in their apartment at the time. He was talking to us about Church. I had expressed how I wanted to find a good Church that only preached the Bible. That is when he told me that I needed to find a good, solid Baptist Church.
He left and life went on. I did not even know where to start looking for a Baptist Church. It was exactly a week later on a Friday night, Joshua and I were down at the Pier after dinner. And a young man (Andrew) in a suit came up to us. He was asking us if we had a Church that we went to. We told him what we were trying to find. He was supper vivacious. He seemed fun and outgoing. Being so young that immediately appealed to us. And guess what he was from a Church called "West Coast Baptist Church" in Vista California. He gave us directions, that Sunday we tried to find it, but had no luck. Weeks went by, I had changed my purse, so with that the track was lost.
Until one Sunday morning, We were getting ready for mass, and I had to switch my purse. I pulled out the track and read it. There was a phone number on the back. So, I called. Mrs. Clark answered the phone. I will never forget the joy in her voice. She told me how there was no one in the office on Sunday mornings. But for some reason she had felt lead to go in there. She gave us directions and that was the start.
We attended for a couple months. The preaching was amazing. It made me uncomfortable at times. I did not really understand why. Now I know that, that is conviction. What a disturbing feeling. The preaching was hard. See I had always thought that if you believe in God and you believe in Jesus then you must be going to Heaven. Here is where I learned that I was wrong. Through the preaching of the word I saw myself as a sinner.
One Sunday Night, September 14th, 2003, after the service Pastor asked if anyone wanted to give their testimony of Salvation. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting on the right side of the Church, in one of the center isles. Brother George, was sitting on the right side isle. He stood up and starting telling what the LORD had done in his life and how he saved him. During his testimony I was under server conviction. His story was my story. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was hell bound. There was no Heaven for me. I did not even deserve to look at Heaven. I can still remember his testimony, but I won't go into that.
I was in tears. Joshua thought I was losing it. It was raining out that night. As we walked to the truck I knew that If I died I was going to perish. That is the most awful truth you will ever come to realize in your life here on earth. Thank God that his story does not end there and that he sent his Son Jesus Christ who died and rose again, so that we might have forgiveness for our sins and eternal life. Praise the LORD!!!
I remember thinking the whole way home. Please don't crash I am going off to a life in eternal Hell. We got home, I ran upstairs, locked my self in the bathroom and got on my knees... Before a Holy and mighty God whom I had sinned against. That night I do not remember exactly what I prayed. I do remember being in there for around an hour and a half to two hours just praying and crying out to God. I asked the LORD to forgive me for being a sinner and to save and to allow me to live a life fully devoted to him. I do not remember much else but a lot of thanking...
That is where my new life began. I was a new creature in Christ. Immediately I was a new person. Ask my husband. He knew too... All I wanted was to be around God's people. I wanted to be Church all the time. I started taking a few classes at the Bible Institute that our Church had to offer. I have never looked back. I have no desire to live the old life. Thankfully, by God's grace Joshua was saved on February 15th 2004.
The next day we found out that I was pregnant with our first Daughter.
Please know Christ came for you also. He came to seek and to save that which is lost. That is everyone of us. None of us are good enough or have done enough to merit heaven. Salvation is simple, a gift, but must be accepted. But so many people choose to say no to the free gift. Please do not let that be you. My prayer for you in this new year is that you will taste and see the goodness of my LORD... For My God is REAL....
For those of you who are saved. Never forget your testimony and where Christ has brought you. And always remember how important it is to those around you. Stand tall for the LORD. He did for you...
Because of Him,
Brittany
So, Here it goes.
I was nineteen years old. I had been married to Joshua (My High School sweet heart) for a little over five months. I was starting cosmetology school, managing a tanning salon. I loved to dance, spend time at the beach and many other things. I was a very busy girl. However there was one thing that stuck with me, more than anything from my parents divorce. It was my Dad' faith. See I was not raised in a Christian home. I went to a mix of Catholic and Lutheran Church most of my Childhood. Until the divorce happened. I was twelve years old then. My Daddy had found a new Church his life was changed. He made sure everyone knew it. He took us to Church with him every weekend he had us. I thought he was a little off. But the people were amazing. I would not fully come to understand this until I was nineteen.
There I was nineteen and married to a United States Marine. I had moved to San Diego California. Things seemed to be going great. Don't they always right after you are married. Nevertheless, there was something missing. We both wanted to start our family young. Like we knew what we were doing. We were still young ourselves. But we were happy and that is all that mattered to us. I knew that if we were going to start a family, that we needed to get into Church. I mean you can not raise a child without Church! That is what I was thinking anyway.
Our journey began. Little did I know that a seed had been planted in my life when I was that little twelve year old girl filled with sadness from her parents divorce. We tried many Churches. But none of them felt right. I had discussed with Joshua how I wanted one that only taught from the Bible. Not one that made up or added things. And one that actually opened it while they were preaching. What a concept. We had some amazing friends from Oklahoma. One of his brothers was into taking mission trips and we had the privilege of having him as a house guest. Jamie and Chad did not have enough room in their apartment at the time. He was talking to us about Church. I had expressed how I wanted to find a good Church that only preached the Bible. That is when he told me that I needed to find a good, solid Baptist Church.
He left and life went on. I did not even know where to start looking for a Baptist Church. It was exactly a week later on a Friday night, Joshua and I were down at the Pier after dinner. And a young man (Andrew) in a suit came up to us. He was asking us if we had a Church that we went to. We told him what we were trying to find. He was supper vivacious. He seemed fun and outgoing. Being so young that immediately appealed to us. And guess what he was from a Church called "West Coast Baptist Church" in Vista California. He gave us directions, that Sunday we tried to find it, but had no luck. Weeks went by, I had changed my purse, so with that the track was lost.
Until one Sunday morning, We were getting ready for mass, and I had to switch my purse. I pulled out the track and read it. There was a phone number on the back. So, I called. Mrs. Clark answered the phone. I will never forget the joy in her voice. She told me how there was no one in the office on Sunday mornings. But for some reason she had felt lead to go in there. She gave us directions and that was the start.
We attended for a couple months. The preaching was amazing. It made me uncomfortable at times. I did not really understand why. Now I know that, that is conviction. What a disturbing feeling. The preaching was hard. See I had always thought that if you believe in God and you believe in Jesus then you must be going to Heaven. Here is where I learned that I was wrong. Through the preaching of the word I saw myself as a sinner.
One Sunday Night, September 14th, 2003, after the service Pastor asked if anyone wanted to give their testimony of Salvation. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting on the right side of the Church, in one of the center isles. Brother George, was sitting on the right side isle. He stood up and starting telling what the LORD had done in his life and how he saved him. During his testimony I was under server conviction. His story was my story. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that I was hell bound. There was no Heaven for me. I did not even deserve to look at Heaven. I can still remember his testimony, but I won't go into that.
I was in tears. Joshua thought I was losing it. It was raining out that night. As we walked to the truck I knew that If I died I was going to perish. That is the most awful truth you will ever come to realize in your life here on earth. Thank God that his story does not end there and that he sent his Son Jesus Christ who died and rose again, so that we might have forgiveness for our sins and eternal life. Praise the LORD!!!
I remember thinking the whole way home. Please don't crash I am going off to a life in eternal Hell. We got home, I ran upstairs, locked my self in the bathroom and got on my knees... Before a Holy and mighty God whom I had sinned against. That night I do not remember exactly what I prayed. I do remember being in there for around an hour and a half to two hours just praying and crying out to God. I asked the LORD to forgive me for being a sinner and to save and to allow me to live a life fully devoted to him. I do not remember much else but a lot of thanking...
That is where my new life began. I was a new creature in Christ. Immediately I was a new person. Ask my husband. He knew too... All I wanted was to be around God's people. I wanted to be Church all the time. I started taking a few classes at the Bible Institute that our Church had to offer. I have never looked back. I have no desire to live the old life. Thankfully, by God's grace Joshua was saved on February 15th 2004.
The next day we found out that I was pregnant with our first Daughter.
Please know Christ came for you also. He came to seek and to save that which is lost. That is everyone of us. None of us are good enough or have done enough to merit heaven. Salvation is simple, a gift, but must be accepted. But so many people choose to say no to the free gift. Please do not let that be you. My prayer for you in this new year is that you will taste and see the goodness of my LORD... For My God is REAL....
For those of you who are saved. Never forget your testimony and where Christ has brought you. And always remember how important it is to those around you. Stand tall for the LORD. He did for you...
Because of Him,
Brittany
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Where He leads I'll follow...
I have not conquered submission by any means. However I have learned a lot in the past six years about submission. Not only to Christ but to my wonderful husband. The most important thing I have learned about it is the fact that all it really is, is Faith. It takes total faith to submit your life into the hands of another. But isn't that what Salvation is. It is submission to Christ and the conviction of the Holy Ghost. It is giving up our will for our life and giving it to our Saviour. Not just to save us from Hell. But to serve him all the days of our life.
Submission is a beautiful thing. It is full of love. Many in the world picture this in a distorted way. They think of it as being a slave to your husband and doing what ever he commands. That is where they are wrong and do not understand the Bible. We are all under the authority of someone else. Our husbands will some day give an account for how they lead their family. They are under the authority of Christ. They are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. My Bible says that Christ gave him self for the Church. What a sacrifice. They are to love us so much that they would be willing to give their all for us. I don't know about you but I think it is the least that I can do to submit my will to him and let him lead where the LORD leads him. If your husband is not saved, I know this is hard. I was there at one time. I thank the LORD that it was not to long. However I learned much in those months. I thank God for the good Godly women that he put in my life to give me counsel. Hang in there and keep trusting the LORD.
Submission is showing our love to the men that God has placed at the head of our family. This does not come easy. I think we all tend to buck in this area. We want it done our way. I have a struggle with this. When I am bucking I am never as happy or as joyful as when I let go and let God through the leadership of my husband. I have always wondered why some women see submission as such a negative term. All it really is, is doing what you would do for someone that you truly love. I think that you should have a say in matters. But I believe that your man should have the last say. A pastors wife once said. "Let him choose not to listen to you, even though you are right. It will only happen a few times." This is so true. We are one flesh and together we make decisions. But I know that Joshua will always have the final say. If I manipulate to get my way, things are never as sweet...
One area that I have struggled in majorly is Joshua staying in the military. I have questioned time and time again. I will be good for a couple months and then question again. I have often wondered how it could be God's perfect will for a Christian man to stay in the service. Especially when he has a wife and children that he is suppose to be leading. The hours are long they are deployed for months at a time. How could he possibly be the best leader that way. Over the past couple of months the LORD has shown me much through his word. I have read Joshua. What a mighty man of God he was. He accomplished so much, yet he was away at war much of the book. But we all know the famous verse. "As for me and my house we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15... He obviously had a house hold that he was determined to serve the LORD with. And he made it known to all.
I see my failure. I was trying to lead him in the way that I thought the LORD was leading. However I read from a wise women "The Lord never leads the wife". We are to try all the spirits and I have not been trying mine... Christ wants me follow. Even if it was not the will for my husband to stay in the Marines, I am still suppose to follow. Now I know that Joshua has been praying for months on end about weather to get out or stay in. I know that it has not been and easy feet. I know with all my heart that he does not want to take our family out of the center of Gods will. So why do I struggle so. I guess, I have just been giving the flesh the victory. But not anymore. I am determined by the grace of God to follow wherever he leads. I know this is going to be a huge task. But through Christ all things are possible. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 5:13... Do any of you have area that you struggle with or it only me?
Joshua just told me on Sunday that he was re-enlisting for sure. I was beating around the bush asking him about "what if he got out of the military". His response was I am not getting out. He knows that this is where he is suppose to be for now. And he is not opposed to if the LORD changes that along the way.
I am so thankful for submission. I have a terrible time making decisions. Let alone seeking the Lords will for myself and others. The more I come to know about this beautiful commandment from God the more I appreciate it. I often tell Joshua that I am glad the LORD made me a woman. I would never want the responsibilities that he places on the man.
Submission is a beautiful thing when practiced out of love, not just because we have to. Our old pastor used to tell the story of when his wife would make him banana pudding. He always said that it tasted much sweeter when she made it for him, just because. Not because he had asked for it. Just because she loved him. That is the honest truth. When we submit out of love it is much more heavenly then when it is out of obligation.
Practice, Practice, Practice.... I think that we are what we practice. Debi Pearl talks about this in her book... And my oh my how true it is. If we practice loving our family and submitting with a loving spirit, over time it will all come naturally...
After all in the long run all submitting to our husbands really is, is submitting to Christ.... What a beautiful picture of salvation....
Because of Him,
Brittany
Submission is a beautiful thing. It is full of love. Many in the world picture this in a distorted way. They think of it as being a slave to your husband and doing what ever he commands. That is where they are wrong and do not understand the Bible. We are all under the authority of someone else. Our husbands will some day give an account for how they lead their family. They are under the authority of Christ. They are to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. My Bible says that Christ gave him self for the Church. What a sacrifice. They are to love us so much that they would be willing to give their all for us. I don't know about you but I think it is the least that I can do to submit my will to him and let him lead where the LORD leads him. If your husband is not saved, I know this is hard. I was there at one time. I thank the LORD that it was not to long. However I learned much in those months. I thank God for the good Godly women that he put in my life to give me counsel. Hang in there and keep trusting the LORD.
Submission is showing our love to the men that God has placed at the head of our family. This does not come easy. I think we all tend to buck in this area. We want it done our way. I have a struggle with this. When I am bucking I am never as happy or as joyful as when I let go and let God through the leadership of my husband. I have always wondered why some women see submission as such a negative term. All it really is, is doing what you would do for someone that you truly love. I think that you should have a say in matters. But I believe that your man should have the last say. A pastors wife once said. "Let him choose not to listen to you, even though you are right. It will only happen a few times." This is so true. We are one flesh and together we make decisions. But I know that Joshua will always have the final say. If I manipulate to get my way, things are never as sweet...
One area that I have struggled in majorly is Joshua staying in the military. I have questioned time and time again. I will be good for a couple months and then question again. I have often wondered how it could be God's perfect will for a Christian man to stay in the service. Especially when he has a wife and children that he is suppose to be leading. The hours are long they are deployed for months at a time. How could he possibly be the best leader that way. Over the past couple of months the LORD has shown me much through his word. I have read Joshua. What a mighty man of God he was. He accomplished so much, yet he was away at war much of the book. But we all know the famous verse. "As for me and my house we will serve the LORD" Joshua 24:15... He obviously had a house hold that he was determined to serve the LORD with. And he made it known to all.
I see my failure. I was trying to lead him in the way that I thought the LORD was leading. However I read from a wise women "The Lord never leads the wife". We are to try all the spirits and I have not been trying mine... Christ wants me follow. Even if it was not the will for my husband to stay in the Marines, I am still suppose to follow. Now I know that Joshua has been praying for months on end about weather to get out or stay in. I know that it has not been and easy feet. I know with all my heart that he does not want to take our family out of the center of Gods will. So why do I struggle so. I guess, I have just been giving the flesh the victory. But not anymore. I am determined by the grace of God to follow wherever he leads. I know this is going to be a huge task. But through Christ all things are possible. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 5:13... Do any of you have area that you struggle with or it only me?
Joshua just told me on Sunday that he was re-enlisting for sure. I was beating around the bush asking him about "what if he got out of the military". His response was I am not getting out. He knows that this is where he is suppose to be for now. And he is not opposed to if the LORD changes that along the way.
I am so thankful for submission. I have a terrible time making decisions. Let alone seeking the Lords will for myself and others. The more I come to know about this beautiful commandment from God the more I appreciate it. I often tell Joshua that I am glad the LORD made me a woman. I would never want the responsibilities that he places on the man.
Submission is a beautiful thing when practiced out of love, not just because we have to. Our old pastor used to tell the story of when his wife would make him banana pudding. He always said that it tasted much sweeter when she made it for him, just because. Not because he had asked for it. Just because she loved him. That is the honest truth. When we submit out of love it is much more heavenly then when it is out of obligation.
Practice, Practice, Practice.... I think that we are what we practice. Debi Pearl talks about this in her book... And my oh my how true it is. If we practice loving our family and submitting with a loving spirit, over time it will all come naturally...
After all in the long run all submitting to our husbands really is, is submitting to Christ.... What a beautiful picture of salvation....
Because of Him,
Brittany
Monday, January 4, 2010
Heavenly Beauty...
I wanted to start a new blog to write my thoughts as a woman trying to live for the Lord. In today's world there is so much infuses put on beauty. Especially on us as women. As I start a new year I want to be focused more on Heavenly Beauty then on earthly beauty. I want my life to reflect the beauty of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The Bible has much to say about beauty. Especially about the beauty of the LORD. I think that sometimes we as Christian women get caught up in the outward appearance of beauty. Do not get me wrong. I do not think that it is wrong to dress nice and look nice and want to be beautiful. However I think that it would be wrong if that was the only thing we were trying to do. I believe that if we could cultivate the beauty of the LORD on the inside, in our deepest soul then the outside will naturally follow.
There is so much beauty to be had in being a woman. We were created with some of the most blessed tasks from the beginning of time. I want to see the true beauty in being a wife. There is so much joy in being the help meet the LORD has created us to be. Or being a Mother. The Lord has blessed me and my husband with three amazing children. I want to know the full beauty of being a Mother. To raise my children for the LORD. To bring our family closer to him. To see the wonder that these three little miracles are not mine but his. And to train them in the way that they should go. To seeing the beauty in being a servant for the king and so on and so on. There is so much heavenly beauty to be had here on earth.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A quote many of us know. What kind of beauty is the LORD seeing in your life and in mine as a christian woman. Is it beauty that reflects the holiness of god or vain beauty that is shallow and will some day fade away?
One of my favorite women in the Bible is the Proverbs 31 woman. I know many of us aspire to be her. After all the Bible calls her a virtuous woman. She was beautiful on the inside and out. After all she was a queen. I am sure that she was fair to look upon. But most importantly she feared the LORD and his teachings. As I said before if we could cultivate the beauty of the LORD on the inside the outside will follow. Sarah was also a woman that was given to us as an example. And she was fair to look upon. So please do not think I am against being pretty or makeup, or dressing in nice clothing. I am not. If you know me you know this to be true :)
It is my desire for this year to have closer walk with the LORD and to cultivate in my life a Heavenly Beauty. One that will be reflected in my life. I want to take the ultimate journey this year, in health, love, servent hood, and what ever else may follow, as I determine to grow in grace. I hope along the way this may help others on their walk to Heavenly Beauty...
Because of Him,
Brittany
The Bible has much to say about beauty. Especially about the beauty of the LORD. I think that sometimes we as Christian women get caught up in the outward appearance of beauty. Do not get me wrong. I do not think that it is wrong to dress nice and look nice and want to be beautiful. However I think that it would be wrong if that was the only thing we were trying to do. I believe that if we could cultivate the beauty of the LORD on the inside, in our deepest soul then the outside will naturally follow.
There is so much beauty to be had in being a woman. We were created with some of the most blessed tasks from the beginning of time. I want to see the true beauty in being a wife. There is so much joy in being the help meet the LORD has created us to be. Or being a Mother. The Lord has blessed me and my husband with three amazing children. I want to know the full beauty of being a Mother. To raise my children for the LORD. To bring our family closer to him. To see the wonder that these three little miracles are not mine but his. And to train them in the way that they should go. To seeing the beauty in being a servant for the king and so on and so on. There is so much heavenly beauty to be had here on earth.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. A quote many of us know. What kind of beauty is the LORD seeing in your life and in mine as a christian woman. Is it beauty that reflects the holiness of god or vain beauty that is shallow and will some day fade away?
One of my favorite women in the Bible is the Proverbs 31 woman. I know many of us aspire to be her. After all the Bible calls her a virtuous woman. She was beautiful on the inside and out. After all she was a queen. I am sure that she was fair to look upon. But most importantly she feared the LORD and his teachings. As I said before if we could cultivate the beauty of the LORD on the inside the outside will follow. Sarah was also a woman that was given to us as an example. And she was fair to look upon. So please do not think I am against being pretty or makeup, or dressing in nice clothing. I am not. If you know me you know this to be true :)
It is my desire for this year to have closer walk with the LORD and to cultivate in my life a Heavenly Beauty. One that will be reflected in my life. I want to take the ultimate journey this year, in health, love, servent hood, and what ever else may follow, as I determine to grow in grace. I hope along the way this may help others on their walk to Heavenly Beauty...
Because of Him,
Brittany
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