THE ROOST

God's Goodness

I was just thinking of how God's Goodness is all around me.....

everyday.

In so many wonderful ways......

and I don't want to forget it for a single moment!

The Lord is good to all.  Ps 145:9

A Great Summer Study

Last Tuesday we had our last bible study class until fall.   The book we went through this spring semester made a huge impact on all of us....

LIVING SIMPLY by JOANNE HEIM

In the book she challenged us to evaluate our lives in many areas.  To see if they are full of meaning, purpose & pleasure or a jumble mess.....this is my interpretation of course.  

We learned about meal planning &  friendships, we talked about balance in our lives, saying the NO word and meaning it!  We discussed S L O W ing  down and looking at the beautiful world God has created around us.  These are just a few things we chatted about when we would gather on Tuesday mornings.

If you are looking for a really good book to go through yourself this summer I think you would greatly benefit from this one.  You will crave a slower pace and fuller life.  

Then when fall comes around the corner you may find yourself in a better spot.....with a new perspective on things.  Embracing and celebrating life one day at a time just like God intended.

Does Fool Fit You?

F-  Following after the ways of this world and not God's ways.  

O-  Omitting God from your impossible situation.

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O-  Orchestrating your own life and not submitting it to the Lordship of Christ.

L-   Leaving God's Word alone until you get into a jam.

Ephesians 5:15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Lord, help me to turn away from foolish ways!

Lay It Down

Mr. Prefect's mom and I had some really good chats while she was here...We talked about our hair, recipes, how we wanted to go to the beach this summer & situations we just need to leave at Jesus feet.

That last one is one of the toughest things in life to do.....To pray about something and just walk away and leave it with the Lord.  Especially if you are a fix-it person like me Mr. Perfect's mom.

I think God purposefully puts those situations in our lives.....the ones that we can only pray about and leave with him.....trusting......waiting..........praying........

Does something come to your mind?  I have many.........Lord help me to leave them with you.......one more day.

Psalm 5v3  ...........I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. 

A Glance or A Gaze?

In bible study yesterday we were talking about the importance of God's Word in our lives.  I thought I would share with you something that one chick tossed out for us to consider.

• Often times we gaze at the TV, newspaper & internet (which are full of bad news) and just take a quick glimpse at God's Word....and we wonder why we are stressed, anxious & maybe in a difficult situation.                                                                                                       

Boy, what a statement to ponder!  Let it sink in for a moment........Do you take a glimpse at God's Word occasionally or do you gaze into the profound truths that lie there?  Do you eagerly come to it or pick it up out of duty and guilt?  I am asking myself these same things. 

 I long to be like Job in Job 23:11-12:   My foot has held fast to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside.  I have not departed from the command of His lips;  I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

G - Giving time and attention to God's Word.

A - Allowing its truth to fill my mind and replace world views.

Z - Zealous in the application of what I read.

E -  Embracing & holding fast the profound truths that I may not even completely understand.

S.O.S.

When others have difficulties or problems that they have trouble dealing with.....

We are to come alongside of them and help! 

Does God bring someone to your mind?  Act on that nudge from him.

Carry one another's burdens.  Galatians 6:2

Real Stability

Life is full of ups....

 

and downs.

 Events that shock us.....

and situations that make us sad.

Some things just drop us to our knees....

 

and THAT is where we find our strength....

to start all over again!

My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.   Ps 63v8

 

There Is Hope

A few weeks ago at my house....

Yesterday.....

H-----Hanging on to scripture when times are difficult.

O-----Omitting the lie from your mind and heart that a particular situation is too big or bad for God.

P----- Praise to God for what is and yet to be.

E------Exalting Christ as Lord over your circumstances.

Ps 62v5  Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.

My Whole Heart

Wednesday's Word is actually a song....about our heart.  I thought it was appropriate with Valentine's Day approaching.  Although it is short and simple I love singing it to the Lord because it really expresses my hearts desire.  

WITH MY WHOLE HEART

With my whole heart, Lord let me love you

With My whole heart, place none above you.

Praise and love you with my whole heart.

And Lord help me hear that still small voice

That leads me in the path that's true.

You have given me a song of praise

and everyday I'll follow you.

With my whole heart, Lord let me love you

With My whole heart, place none above you.

Praise and love you with my whole heart.

Are YOU the pack leader?

Hubby and I are hooked on The Dog Whisper!  I am telling you that guy is amazing. If you haven't tuned into his show you must.

To summarize briefly and poorly........he goes into homes that have dogs with an undesirable behavior and he helps the owner retrain the dog to desirable behavior....there is so much more to it you really need to tune in to see for yourself.  

We have watched him "cure" dogs that run away from home to dogs that snap & bark excessively and even ones that eat too much..I'm NOT even kidding you!

His method is simple really and bottom line it is the same every time.  Establish the fact that YOU are the pack leader NOT your dog!  How simple and how profound is that?

This is what he tells the dog owners every show without fail....."YOU need to be the pack leader of your home and not the dog!"   He goes on to inform the people that their dog needs rules, boundaries and limitations in order to be happy and obedient.

No rules, no limitations, no boundaries, no pack leader.....EQUALS... a problem dog & an unhappy household!  He encourages the owner to take control back and set clear boundaries of acceptable behavior.

He also stresses that the dog must have consequences to his bad behavior and that we must be consistent with those consequences.   Setting clear rules and limitations is vital!

You will hear him say over and over that his method requires patience & tenacity to have a happy balanced dog and to not give up! 

Every single time I watch the show I think........ this is what parents need to hear over and over about their kids......I know it might sound a little harsh or cold but so many kids are running the homes and not the parents......they don't have the limitations, rules or boundaries that are needed to develop a happy obedient child.  

In short the kids are the pack leader!  You know we have all experienced this.  Like when we give in to a temper fit to have a little peace or let our kids beg us in to doing something or having something we know is not the best. 

Often times our schedules are too packed so we don't take the time to correct and discipline them properly and consistently in a loving but firm matter.  

It is never too late to take back control and establish yourself as the "Pack Leader" of your home..... BUT the longer you wait the harder it will be.  Really kids are crying out for someone to take control and give them boundaries.

I know talking about kids and dogs in the same manner might be a little odd but it is all about leadership really.  Someone has to be in charge of the home....Who will it be at your house?

Let's just say we are working on things over here & I am determined to not give up!