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I don't know why this guy laughs all the way through this but it is very thought provoking. It isn't over when it first appears to be. Listen to what Obama says at the end.






"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

Accepting Disappointment

Disappointment is a hard thing for me to accept. I tend to like getting what I want. But the hard truth is that I don't always get what I want. As a matter of fact, I often don't get what I want. It's part of life. From the time we're born until our last days we will meet with disappointment. Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be able to accept disappointment and keep moving forward better than others? They have probably had a lot of practice and good guidance.

We can help our children and grandchildren to better accept disappointment while they are young by allowing them to experience it. I think this can be especially hard for us grandparents.  Allowing children to experience disappointment doesn't mean we cause it and I'm not referring to devastation here either. Allowing children to experience small disappointments and teaching them how to accept those little disappointments, trains them to better deal with the bigger disappointments they will experience later in life. So often we want to shield children from disappointment so we try to prevent it or make them forget it by giving them something much bigger and better. Often when there is more than one child we try to make everything "fair" by making it equal, but equal isn't necessarily fair or what is best.

Dealing with disappointment is generally a matter of redirecting our focus in some way. At the center of disappointment is usually "self" so a part of overcoming disappointment is redirecting our focus from "self" to "other". When my three little granddaughters come over they often want to play Webkinz. Since they all want to be first we have a rotation setup so that each time they come over someone else is first. They spend a few minutes talking about who was first last time and working out what the new line-up is every time. As they do this, they are working through the disappointment and learning to accept it as well as learning to place a little more focus on the others.

Disappointment generally involves a loss so offsetting that with some sort of gain or joy can help to train children to look for something positive in the midst of disappointment. In the above example, the one who is last gets a little more time on Webkinz than the other two. This provides a little disappointment and a little joy to both the first and last position as well as making things a little unequal for all of them. I have noticed that the one who is last will sometimes remind herself that she gets a little more time instead of dwelling on not being first.

Life isn't fair and it isn't equal. We all face disappointments but we can learn to view life and disappointment from God's perspective and teach our children to do the same.

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross... Hebrews 12:2

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3

Join me at Titus 2 in Action today...

"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Yahweh-Tsidqenu, The LORD Our Righteousness

Joining Yolanda at Joy Comes in the Morning in a study of the Names of God from Kay Arthur's book LORD I Want To Know You. I am also studying from the book Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler and sharing what I learn from both studies. I am still a week behind. I hope to get caught up this week but we shall see. :)

“ Behold, the days are coming,” says the LORD,  “ That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jeremiah 23:5-6 (NKJV)

The Name Jehovah-Tsidkenu is first used in Jeremiah 23:6. On our own we are not capable of being right with God. This is the verse where God reveals that He will be our Righteousness. Being born into sin, man is not able to live in complete obedience to God's law. We are slaves of sin, our hearts are evil, focused only on getting and doing things our own way.

“ The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 (NKJV)

If we are to be right with God, we need a new heart.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NIV)

Jesus is the Branch of Righteousness referred to in Jeremiah 23:5. Jesus is Jehovah-Tsidkenu. He died to take the punishment for our sins but that is not where it ended. The forgiveness of sin was accomplished with every animal sacrifice prescribed by the law. It was not the Perfect sacrifice because it only accomplished forgiveness until the next sin was committed and then another sacrifice was necessary. What that sacrifice did not accomplish was to make us righteous. It did not change the heart.

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

On our own we cannot become righteous. That could only be accomplished at the Cross for those who place their faith in Jesus Christ (Jehovah-Tsidkenu) and His power to save. When we place our faith in Christ, we are exchanging our bondage of slavery to sin for a willing slavery of obedience to Christ. This willing exchange is a result of the new heart we are given to be obedient to the Holy Spirit that now lives inside of us.

Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Romans 6:16-18 (NIV)

"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

Jehovah-Raah, Yahweh-Roi, The LORD My Shepherd

I'm a full week behind in posting my study of the Names of God. When my back went out on me I was down for about 3 weeks and I have been working hard to catch up on my Blog Design work. I have a very hard time switching back and forth between writing mode and designing mode as the two are a completly different mindset, so even though I am doing the study,  posting has been pushed aside just a bit. Thank you for your patience.

Yolanda at Joy Comes in the Morning is facilitating a study of the Names of God from Kay Arthur's book LORD I Want To Know You. I am also studying from the book Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler and sharing what I learn from both studies.

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Even non-believers recognize these words from Psalm 23:1. In this study we looked at Jehovah-Raah, The LORD My Shepherd. Throughout the bible God (Jesus) is referred to as a Shepherd, and His people are referred to as sheep. We're going to take a closer look at sheep too.

Kay referred to Phillip Keller's book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. This is a book I have wanted to read for some time but have yet to do so. Psalm 23:2 begins "He makes me to lie down in green pastures." According to Kay, Keller says that it is impossible for sheep to lay down unless four things are in place.

1. They are free from hunger.
2. They are free from fear.
3. They are free from friction or tension.
4. They are free from pests.

Sheep are easily aggravated and tormented by flies, parasites and other pests. This makes me think of the spiritual battle that we are in, and how we Christians often believe the lies of the enemy that lead us into paths of death. The enemy is a continuous irritant to us trying to discourage us, tempting us to do what is harmful, and attacking us in an attempt to overpower us.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Sheep:

• Not very smart.
• Timid
• Helpless
• Easily frightened.
• Defenseless
• Good at getting lost.
• Easy prey.
• Know and trust their shepherd.
• Recognize their shepherd's voice.
• When their wool is thick they can fall over and not be able to get up. (They need help.)
• When their wool gets wet it can get so heavy that it can pull them down under the water and drown them. (Heavy burdens)
• Good at getting into trouble.
• Stubborn
• Sheep will follow other sheep into danger or death (even knowingly) without thinking about how their actions will affect them. Ask a sheep "if your friend jumps off a cliff would you do it too?" The answer is "Yes!"

Shepherd:

• Cares for his sheep.
• Watches over his sheep day and night.
• Feeds his sheep.
• Leads his sheep.
• Protects his sheep from danger, and predators.
• A shepherd will sleep laying across the gate's entryway so that anyone wanting to enter the pasture where his sheep are,  will have to go through him first.
• Accounts for every sheep in his care.
• Picks them up when they fall down.
• Is gentle.
• Loves his sheep.
• Searches for his wandering sheep and brings them back.
• Talks to his sheep.
• Provides for his sheep.
• Lays down his life for his sheep.

Jesus, The Good Shepherd, became one of the flock, the sacrificial Lamb of God, in order to save us from our sins and lead us in paths of righteousness.

One thing that is amazing to me is that God entrusted the spreading of the Gospel throughout the whole world to mere sheep (us), and even the most powerful predator (Satan) of these not so bright, defenseless, fearful, stubborn sheep is unable to prevent it, and is unable to snatch even one of these sheep out of the Hand of the Good Shepherd.

I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. John 10:14

I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. Ezekiel 34:15-16

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17

I so recommend both of these books if you plan to do this study.










"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

Encourage Children to Share Jesus

As parents we often don't really want others teaching our children about their religion. We think they don't have the right to impose their beliefs on our kids. We don't want anyone leading our kids astray. The same is true of non-believers. They don't want us Christians filling their kids minds with thoughts of Jesus. The fact is, we are in a spiritual battle all the time. You are one side or the other, there is no in-between.

We can and should keep our children out of situations where they will be wrongly influenced when that is possible, but we should also equip them to handle those situation when they are in them. We should teach our children how to discern right from wrong, how to make good decisions, and how to share Jesus with their friends.

And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15

I remember when I was in elementary school my best friend Deana was Jewish. To me this girl was "set apart". I was fascinated by her different lifestyle and the different holidays her family celebrated, and the way they celebrated. As a result I asked a lot of questions. Our kids go to school with kids who have many different beliefs and many different Gods. Our culture is blending many beliefs (including Christian beliefs) into a universal religion that is all inclusive and looks the same no matter what. Do our kids appear "set apart" as Deana did to me? Is there a difference in their lifestyle, activities, and celebrations or does it look just like everyone else?

I remember one day Word Girl was telling me that satan was Jesus' brother. Where did she get that inaccurate bit of information? From a friend at school. Children aren't afraid to talk to each other about their beliefs. They are going to influence each other, and I think sometimes we forget that God can use our children just as effectively (if not more so) to plant seeds, as He can use us adults.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." Jeremiah 1:5

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

...Join me at Titus 2 in Action today.

"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

Jehovah-Sabaoth, Yahweh-Tsebaoth, The LORD of Hosts

Joining Yolanda again at Joy Comes in the Morning in our study of the Names of God from Kay Arthur's book LORD I Want To Know You. I am also studying from the book Praying the Names of God by Ann Spangler.

The Name Jehovah-Sabaoth is used more than 240 times in the Hebrew Scriptures and is frequently used in many of the books of the prophets, Jeremiah, Amos, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. It is used 52 times in the 14 chapters of the book of Zechariah alone. It is a Name of Great Power. The NIV translates this Name as LORD Almighty, but I have to say that after studying this I find that to be a weak substitute Name for the LORD of Hosts.

Jehovah-Sabaoth is the Ruler over every other power in the physical and spiritual realm. When we run to Jehovah-Sabaoth we run to the One who calls on all of creation, physical, celestial, and angelic, to serve His purposes as in 2 Kings when Elisha asked the LORD to open the eyes of his servant.

And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:15-17

Kay describes Jehovah-Sabaoth as the Name for man's extremity. I love that! I love this Name and what I have learned about God through this Name! Jehovah-Sabaoth is who we run to when we find ourselves utterly powerless and without any place to turn for help. He is the One who delivers and who judges His People. He does not wink at our sins, He judges and corrects us, but He doesn't walk away from us, He delivers us. Kay says this is the God who meets failure and offers deliverance. Jehovah-Sabaoth is our strong tower.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

This is the Name Hannah prayed to in 1 Samuel 1:6-11. This is the first time this Name appears in the Bible.

So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle[a] of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish. Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” 1 Samuel 1:9-11

This is the Name under which David fought Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:42-47

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ..... Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”  1 Samuel 17:45, 47

And what a perfect time to study this Name because this is the Power that defeated death and gave us Life.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7

Now look at the often quoted Psalm 46:10 and we see that it is surrounded by Jehovah-Sabaoth, our stonghold.

The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the LORD,  Who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:7-11 (emphasis mine)

One more Scripture that I have to share here. This is what we do here in the blogosphere. We who fear the LORD speak to each other of Him and He is listening.

    Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another,
      And the LORD listened and heard them;
      So a book of remembrance was written before Him
      For those who fear the LORD
      And who meditate on His name.
      “ They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts,
      “ On the day that I make them My jewels. (Literally special treasure)
      And I will spare them
      As a man spares his own son who serves him.”
Malachi 3:16-17

I know this was long but I hope it speaks to your heart as much as it speaks to mine. This is one of the best studies I have done. If you are interested in studying the Names of God you can click on the links below to order either of these books.










"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

Word Girl's Baptism

"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

Celebrate the Resurrection!

My Grand-daughter Word Girl is being baptized today. :D

Celebrate the Resurrection!




"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou

A Birthday Wish for a Special Monkey

♫ ♪ Happy Birthday to you, ♪

♪ Happy Birthday to you, ♫

♪ ♪ Happy Birthday Dear ADHD-Jo-o ♪ ♫

♫ Happy Birthday to you!♫ ♪

Love ya my friend! (I know, I know) :D

"A girl needs to be so lost in God, that the guy is going to have to seek HIM to find her!" ...Maya Angelou