Strength for the Weary

Last night I went to bed really discouraged.  It had been one of those days.  I felt like I had worked hard all day but there was so much to be done.  I started feeling sorry for myself... how in the world am i supposed to do all of the things expected of me... cook, clean, teach, plan lessons, do laundry, grade papers, plan meals and on and on and on... I went to bed sulking.  Oh, and I didn't mention I was a day and a half behind on my Bible in 90 days reading.

Praise God his mercies are new every morning.  I got up this morning feeling less tired... still feeling a little overwhelmed but ready to start the day.  I checked in with my Hello Mornings accountability group on Twitter and then settled down to do my bible reading.  As I reached the end of yesterday's reading I read:

³¹ but those who hope in the LORD 
   will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; 
   they will run and not grow weary, 
   they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31



...a verse I had read many times but one I read with fresh eyes this morning.  I went back and reread the whole of chapter 40.

Why is it that we can hope in the Lord and be strengthened?

The vastness of God is woven all through the chapter...

God's word endures forever
           He is a loving and tender shepherd
                               He measures the waters in the hollow of his hand
                                                He holds the dust of the earth in a basket
                                                                    He weighs the mountains on scales
                               Entire nations are like a drop in a bucket to him
             His breath is the wind
                                             He holds the stars in place and calls them each by name
                                                          He does not grow weary or tired.

Wow!  How mighty is He!! This is the God I can put my hope in! He is the one who renews my strength!

No matter what you are facing today put your hope in the one that can make a difference... trust in his strength to renew yours.

Bible in 90 Days-Week 7: #B90Days

It has been a few weeks since I have posted about my progress in the 90 day Bible reading challenge.  I can't believe we are at week 7!  Halfway through :)  It no longer feels like a chore or something to check off my list.

I am currently reading through the Psalms I am reminded of God's power, faithfulness, forgiveness and patience.  His word is both convicting and comforting.  A source of strength that I am growing more and more each day to depend on. 

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Ps 90:14

 Are you along on this journey?  How are you doing?  Don't be discouraged if you are falling behind... just keep going... God will meet you where you are.

An Intentional Year

Reading through several blogs at the beginning of the year, I noticed that instead of making resolutions many bloggers were highlighting a theme for the year... one word  that would guide their year.  I had resolved not to make any resolutions but instead leave it up to God to show me the goals he has for me this year.  I have been giving a lot of thought to what my one word theme would be for 2011 and the word that keeps coming to me in every area of my life is "intentional".  

I want to be intentional as a wife...

I want to be intentional as a mom...

I want to be intentional as a friend...

I want to intentionally study the Word of God...

I want to be intentional in every way I live my life.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for men.  Col 3:23

Hide and Seek

If you have been following me on my other blog, you will know that on January 3 I began a plan to read the entire Bible in 90 Days.  I am joining hundreds of women who have linked up through Mom's Toolbox and each week we check in as a form of accountability and encouragement to each other.

Wow, what a journey it has been so far!  I have read though Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deutoronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1& 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job and I am presently reading though Psalms.

All I can say is GOD is so faithful, patient, merciful...

His love for his people is beyond measure!

In order for me to keep up with the reading I found that it is best for me to get up and get it done first thing in the morning.  I am NOT a morning person and since having Marcus I had not gotten back in any sort of routine that involved getting up early on a consistent basis.  Last year I began following Kat's blog, Inspired to Action where she encourages readers to "Maximise Your Mornings"... establish a morning routine and make the most of your day. Three weeks ago I signed up for the "Hello Mornings Challenge" and now have a great accountability group through Twitter.  I am up each morning at 5:30 knowing there are other women who are doing the same thing (many of whom are also doing the Bible in 90 days challenge) and we are praying for and encouraging each other along the way.

The leader of my accountability group is Katie Orr who blogs at Do Not Depart.  She is hosting a challenge to memorize the entire book of Philippians and I feel God leading me to join in.  I will be learning five verses a week and at that pace it should take about 21 weeks. Even if it takes much longer than that I will press on because it has been a while since I have been intentional about memorizing God's word and I really feel him leading me in this way.

So why a new blog?  I had been recording my Bible in 90 Days thoughts on my other blog (here and here and here and here), which started out as a homeschooling blog.  I want to keep the focus of that one more on our family and homeschooling and have this one as more of a personal blog to follow along this journey of HIDING God's word in my heart and earnestly SEEKing him.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.  Psalm 119:10-11

Thanks for joining me!  It is my prayer that as you follow along with me you will be encouraged to Hide and Seek as well.