the mind of Christ -4

Bad attitudes don't have to be expressed verbally, they can live in our hearts.  Our service is not as fervent if we are disputing the Lord in our hearts. Are you comparing yourself to others in your service to the Lord or being judgmental of their service?  Know that we can't change ourselves by our own striving, but God has given all the answers in Christ.  Every heart change is from the Lord.  To have the mind of a servant, we must look to Christ. Blessings.

the mind of Christ -3

Complaining and grumbling - when we feel self pity we think that we deserve something different. The Lord wants to transform us into his image.  The Lord chooses our service in order to transform us.  He has created for us good works which he has prepared for us in advance (Eph. 2:10).  It's easy to serve the Lord doing what we love (singing in the choir, playing an instrument, teaching Sunday school).  Please don't limit yourself  before the Lord.  He is interested in changing our minds so he can form Christ in us. It's not enough to wish to do something or to think about it, you must die to yourself.  The Lord will give you strength.  People remember how you serve them even if they forget your words.  Blessings.

the mind of Christ -2

Vain conceit, vain glory, self glory, self importance, a cheap desire to boast and wanting to be admired can also affect the way we serve.  When we help someone for Jesus' sake - some may turn from us, but if what we did was to serve Jesus, then we can say we can serve the person again.  We forget about our success but would serve again.  Expect the best; prepare for the worst.  Do all because you love Jesus. 
Blessings.

the mind of Christ -1

Not having the mind of Christ can bring division to the church (and home).  Selfish ambition, rivaling, self-concern, self-interest, being proud of our humility.  It is human nature to direct our lives, often asking: what's in this for me?  With this attitude in our hearts, the ego tries to take advantage. But the Lord can convict us of our self deception and free us from being self centered.  He didn't come to protect his life, but to serve.  Blessings.

reference verses: Phil. 2:3-8, 14  from the ESV

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from flove, any gparticipation in the Spirit, any haffection and sympathy, 2 icomplete my joy by being jof the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from kselfish ambition or lconceit, but in mhumility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you nlook not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 oHave this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,1 6 pwho, though he was in qthe form of God, did not count equality with God ra thing to be grasped, 7 but semptied himself, by taking the form of a tservant,2 ubeing born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by vbecoming obedient to the point of death, weven death on a cross. 9 xTherefore yGod has zhighly exalted him and bestowed on him athe name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus bevery knee should bow, cin heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and devery tongue confess that Jesus Christ is eLord, to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World

12 Therefore, my beloved, fas you have always gobeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for hit is God who works in you, both to will and to work for ihis good pleasure.

14 Do all things jwithout grumbling or kdisputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, lchildren of God mwithout blemish nin the midst of oa crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine pas lights in the world, 16 holding fast to qthe word of life, so that in rthe day of Christ sI may be proud that tI did not run in vain or labor in vain. 17 Even if I am to be upoured out as a drink offering upon vthe sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

women's retreat 12

The ladies from my family of churches gathered over the weekend to listen to our Argentinian friends talk about serving the Lord.  It was great.  It was good to be encouraged by women who love the Lord so deeply and built up in the spirit.  I'll be sharing some of the lessons here over the coming days as I reflect back on the teachings.  Blessings.

House guest

We are hosting some lovely ladies from Argentina right now.  They love the Lord and their lives are so rich in the word and in fellowship.  I love them and they love us, the language barrier has not stopped us from communicating that. Blessings.

Inman

Andy's sister had her baby by c-section last night.  He looks so sweet 8 lbs 9 oz. 21.75 inches long.  Can't wait to meet the little guy.  New babies are so precious.  Blessings.

words with friends

Andy is playing words with friends with me on face book.  I like it that he's actually on face book and sees updates of friends and family.  Playing the game with him is just icing on the cake.  Blessings.

Busy day

I knew the week would be busy, but I didn't expect to not be able to get to the computer until after lunch.   What a morning.  We are having a good day with cousins and playing in the sandbox and right now Mollie is bringing a baby doll to me so I can dress her.  I can't wait until she can dress them as well as undress them.  Blessings.

Monday Monday

Sometimes, I have a hard time getting back into the swing of things.  We have had such a busy and fun week - we played and visited family - now it's back housework and "school".  Good thing those are fun for us too.  I'm so blessed to stay at home.  We are looking forward to visitors this week and I will be on a women's retreat this weekend.  Lots of busy fun ahead.  Blessing.

Children's museum

We spent some time at the children's museum on Monday before heading home.  The girls had a great time with all of the activities there.  We had a great weekend away -  can't wait for the next one.  Blessings.

Cinci Zoo

These monkeys were so LOUD and funny.

Mollie turtle

Betsy turtle

The penguins were playful

Pretty peacock

Polar bear swim

The manatees were resting

Gorilla sunning

We had a nice time at the zoo.  It was a beautiful day and the girls enjoyed seeing the animals.  They seemed a little more active - maybe because of the nice weather.  I know the weather has been making me happy. Blessings.

Molly Malones

From the mall, we head into NKY: Cinci. -view from I75

Statues on the walk to molly malones

too bad I didn't take a pic of the yummy food: fish&chips/bangers&mash

view from the room

Molly Malones was fun, more pub than restaurant, but yummy food.   There were 3 men playing bagpipes in the bar so it was quite loud in there at times.  The girls covered their ears, but after the music was over, Betsy pretended to blow on her bagpipes too.  Funny kid.  It was memory making at it's best.  Blessings.

mall time

Here's what we did on Sat. afternoon.  It was a lot of fun and a good start to our family weekend away.  Blessings.

Betsy riding the horse

Mollie on the Zebra

sliding in the play area

We took a train ride around the mall

the girls get their nails painted

Florence y'all

Andy spent time helping tornado victims with clean up and the girls and I spend time helping the economy.  It was a good day.  I'll get some pictures up soon of our adventures.  Blessings.

SEC tourney

Here we are at the beginning of March Madness.  I enjoy the energy around the teams especially UK, and I think my team can pull off wins in the SEC as well as the NCAA.  However, I'm learning that my life and mood shouldn't be soooo affected by a win or loss.  I'm learning the most important team is not mine or yours but God's.  (Reference Joshua meeting the captain of the Lord's army.)  Blessings.

solar flares

Today, I've been having trouble with my computer.  I am blaming the solar flares that are bombarding the earth at the moment.  Seriously, these kind of events make me realize how small I am in the world and just how big God is.  Take care today as you ponder God's bigness in the universe as well as in your life.  Blessings. 

Super Tues

Well, it seems like the KY primary (May 22) may help decide the presidential nominee for the November election.  It is kind of exciting.  Of course, who knows what will happen between now and then, but the race is close and our votes might really matter.  Super Tuesday was a win for Romney overall, but Santorum and Gingrich are still holding their own.  Not to mention Paul, who could be the dark horse in the race.
We shall see. Hope you feel as if your vote counted - I just love it that people participate in the process.  It is important.
Blessings.

Sledding

I took the girls sledding again this morning.  We had a blast.  Not nearly as much fun as yesterday but still a great time.  Had to get out there one more time before the snow is all gone. These pictures are from yesterday, but it was pretty much the same get-up today. Blessings.

March Snow

The snow came last night.  We were visiting with some friends yesterday, and their bird feeders were under attack, so we figured we would get a few flakes.  We weren't expecting 3-5 inches.  Wow.  It is a winter wonderland in our backyard.  Andy went out early to buy a sled and he took a snow day to play with us.  Building memories. Yay.  Blessings.

Storms

We were huddled in the basement last night as the tornadoes passed through Kentucky. Some were fierce.  Fortunately, we had no damage.  It was devastating to many in our state though, especially near my parents.  The brokenness is so sad - broken homes as well as lost lives.  I know that God is still God and that is a comfort, now to help put these communities and lives back in order - first order of the day is saying a prayer for them.  Blessings.

Dancer

Here she is:

Blessings.

Ballet

Well, today is the day.  Mollie, the ballerina, begins lessons.  I can tell you that she is excited and maybe a little scared too.  Last night, she told me that she really didn't need to start.  But, I know that by this afternoon that she will be more than ready to dance her heart out.  I'm excited for her, I know she is going to do well.  It's a good thing.  Blessings