Mom - Psalm 40:1

I waited patiently for the Lord ; he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalms 40:1 NIV84)

First part says WAIT....how easy is it to be patient? What do you think waiting patiently on God looks like? Kadin said "just sit there!" Liv said "it's an attitude of trust when you pray". Dad said "mon is waiting for answers from god so how does she do that patiently? No complaining. No questions. Just trusting and like the fiery furnace ..."even if He does not deliver me, I will still serve Him."

Second part... (After we wait patiently) it says God turned to me....he paid attention to me , he listened....he heard my cry.

Amen....He heard me!

Lets do our part !!!

Devin - John 15:1-2

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1, 2 NIV84)

What does pruning mean? A gardner trims what is not needed to keep a plant healthy and alive. In our lives there are lots of things that should be pruned. We need to pray that God will show us what needs to be pruned from our lives. Most times it hurts but then when we decide to trust God and see the results ....it's so worth.

Daddy - Philippians 3:7-8

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:7, 8 KJV)

Paul who was pretty full of himself as Saul recognized something quite amazing! All that he had before he met Jesus is all a loss. Knowing Jesus is everything!!! Name changed to Paul and he writes that he will be found in Christ alone. We can't keep the law it's only through Christ that we find this beautiful freedom of life.

Kadin - Proverbs 9:12

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. (Proverbs 9:12 NIV)

Discipline from The Lord is a mark of discipleship. We are ever learning and growing under his guidance and care. If we listen and embrace his correction we will be wise, however if we mock wisdom we will be alone.
We are so blessed to hear His voice ....lets keep our mouths closed and ears open.

Gina - Psalm 51:16,17

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise. (Psalm 51:16, 17 NIV)

This scripture is one of my favorite. I love when I'm in this place of broken and contrite heart. I wonder why I ever get away from this place. Today I'm reminded of complete surrender to God is where I want to live, it's where I want to rest , it's where I must be to find true joy, peace and happiness.
God - take my life and let it be consecrated lord to thee!!

Devin - Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)

Have you ever dealt with self centered people? Before you start to judge other people about their self centered ness , check yourself. You may not know anything about them and could be self centered yourself by being annoyed by them. Uggh. Ouch.

God forgave us, sin and all. We all have faults and we are no better than anyone else. We must live like Christ with a tenderness towards everyone- even people who seem to not deserve it or annoy poor you.

Nice Devin Wessel!!!

Dad - phillippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 NIV)

What a beautiful break we had! Lots of family time and down time. We went sledding, to the movies, played wii, and board games, watched series of movies....wow!

This morning is a bit tough to get moving but we are ready to get back to our lives and routines!!! Today we hear this scripture that reminds us to rest in our God. There are many things that we cant change and we let steal our joy. We must embrace this peace that as we pray to God he will guard our hearts from worry and anxiousness. This is our reality! Lets embrace it fully this new year!!