As you know I have started reading the Bible. I have 90 days to complete it and I am reading it with hundreds (1200+ to be exact) of other women. Each week (and even day to day) we check-in with each other on our progress, to pray for each other, and to share our thoughts. How cool is that?
So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings when it is quiet, but some days I have to finish up in the afternoon or evening..or even the next day! The key is to get it done. If you get behind, you keep at it....catching up in chunks each day. The readings have been manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me.
So, here are my thoughts from the Book of Joshua:
After Moses has died, Joshua is the new leader of God's chosen people to the Promised Land. This Book shares the final leg of their journey.
Joshua 1:5 As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:11 After all these years of travel, hardship, and miracles - finally in just 3 days they will be crossing into the Promised Land. The people had to be so excited.
Joshua 3:15-17, 4:18 Another miracle of God parting the waters so the people could cross. Then as soon as they had crossed, the water was let loose again to flow freely.
Joshua 4:24 He did this so all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.
Joshua 6:25 I was so touched and inspired by Rahab's great faith. I loved the lesson that God chose an unexpected woman to remind us that anyone can choose a life with God.
Joshua 7:19-26 A reminder that sin - small or large- can have great consequences.
Joshua 10:12:14 Another example of God's great power - stopping the sun in the middle of the day and keeping it from setting.
Joshua 11:23 So Joshua took the entire land, just as the Lord had directed Moses, and he gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal divisions. Then the land had rest from war.
Joshua 21:43-45 So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the Lord's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled. Everyone of God's promises were fulfilled. But they were fulfilled in His time, not the Israelites time. But the promises DID come true. What a hope that brings and a comfort that is.
Joshua 22:5 Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.
Joshua 24:14 Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness.
Joshua 24:15 ...But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
There was so much violence and killing in the Book of Joshua. But, it was all done in the fight for Israel, God's chosen people, and to fulfill his ultimate promise. It was a tough book to read through, but still some awesome messages in it.
Now, on to Judges.....
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Things I Love - Instagram
This is my feature where I get to share something that I just love. Since you are my friends, I like sharing things I love with others. It could be anything from a new product, food, recipe, song, image, to a person and everything in between. This will be something I am completely doing on my own, without pressure or compensation from a company, author, PR/Marketing firm, friend, business owner, etc. This will just be something that makes me happy and I want to share it with you. Enjoy some love!
Today's love is................................................Instagram
If you have an iPhone, iPod touch 4G, or an iPad2 this is an app you must get. I don't know if it is available in the Droid world or not. I do know that it is not available for Blackberry.
The Instagram App takes a photo that you have taken and gives it a new hue. Maybe it makes it black and white, or pops the colors, or gives it that 1977 photo look. Then it allows you to share that photo in their feed as well as on Twitter, Facebook, or emailing it to someone. I'm sure on the iPhone you could also text it, but can't say for sure.
It is just fun to play around with different photos and change them up. It is also neat to take a photo and see how the diferent hues will give it a different look. The Instagram App is free, so if you like snapping photos with your iPhone or iPod, this is the App to get!!! If you are on Instagram and want to follow me I am Staciele. I'd love you follow you too. You can spend lots of time looking at everyone's awesome photos in the Instagram Feed. Here are some of my favorites that I have taken and messed with on Instagram. Enjoy!
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| Reagan making Amish Friendship Bread |
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Just a regular sunset, but then putting a different hue - gave it this awesome sunset heart! |
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| Some of my first flowers this spring! |
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Reagan playing a mean game of dominoes |
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Review and Giveaway: DaGeDar
I have 3 kids who were super excited to be the first to try the exciting new product from the CEPIA line of toys called DaGeDar. Thanks to MomSelect and DaGeDar for sending them to our house!
THEIR STORY
DaGeDar is brand new. DaGeDar are spirit-like entities driven by their desire to race. DaGeDar reside in Dmension 33, a place previously unknown to humans. DaGeDar enter the Earth's dimension to race so that their spirit can break free, and each DaGeDar is fueled by a personal motivation whether they race for glory, fame, money, power, skill, knowledge, etc.-one thing is certain: They must race to accomplish their ultimate quest!
DaGeDar is unlike any toy you've ever seen before. Each DaGeDar has a steel core center and a cool character graphic and code. It is a game where "House Rules" rule. Ballers, (kids) determine how to play and ultimately how to win. The Baller will want to control the speed and velocity of the DaGeDar to propel the ball through the set's loops - coming up with their own stunts and tricks. Options for game play are endless and up to the Ballers creativity and imagination.
All 3 of our kids were interested in the set. The boys (ages 11 and 10) took the most interest and came up with tournaments, races, and different ways of playing within the first few minutes of set up. Set up took about 20 minutes - which included opening all the packages and putting the track together.
As you can see, the boys had a blast playing with this. They immediately came up with their own tournament and started racing all the balls. The only downside is that it does have to be propped up against a couch, coffee table or something as the first downhill track for this set does not stand alone. The set went together pretty quickly and easily. Each of the balls also comes with a stand so they aren't rolling all over.
The DaGeDar website http://www.dagedar.com/ offers different ways to play and even a tournament sheet that can be printed out. There you can also check out the different track options available and all the different DaGeDar ball sets. Each ball also has a code to enter on the website to learn more about that ball's spirit within. So far the DaGeDar sets are only available in Phoenix, AZ. But, keep watching your local Toys R Us and Walmart for them to be appearing soon! I'm sure these will be at the top of kids' Christmas lists. You do know that Christmas is less than 5 months away, right?!
Now for the BEST PART....the GIVEAWAY!
One winner will win a Basic Ball Set and a Vortex Spinner or Carrying Case!
Entries must be in by Sunday, August 14, 2011, at 11:59 PM. I will choose a winner using Random.org on Monday, August 15, 2011 and email the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me before I choose another winner.
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment with your email (nameATemailDOTcom is fine) with the age/gender of the child you would give DaGeDar to.
Extra Extries (leave a comment telling me you did each item):
1-Subscribe (or let me know you already do) to my blog.
2-Follow me on Twitter.
3-Follow DaGeDar on Twitter.
4-Like DaGeDar on Facebook.
You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway. Any other posts will be not be included in the giveaway.
Thanks to MomSelect and CEPIA Toys for sending the DaGeDar set. I received the above items pictured and nothing else. The company will send the winning items to the selected winner. I did not receive any other compensation for this review. This review is my honest opinion and I wouldn't recommend or review any item that wouldn't benefit myself or my family.
THEIR STORY
DaGeDar is brand new. DaGeDar are spirit-like entities driven by their desire to race. DaGeDar reside in Dmension 33, a place previously unknown to humans. DaGeDar enter the Earth's dimension to race so that their spirit can break free, and each DaGeDar is fueled by a personal motivation whether they race for glory, fame, money, power, skill, knowledge, etc.-one thing is certain: They must race to accomplish their ultimate quest!
DaGeDar is unlike any toy you've ever seen before. Each DaGeDar has a steel core center and a cool character graphic and code. It is a game where "House Rules" rule. Ballers, (kids) determine how to play and ultimately how to win. The Baller will want to control the speed and velocity of the DaGeDar to propel the ball through the set's loops - coming up with their own stunts and tricks. Options for game play are endless and up to the Ballers creativity and imagination.
All 3 of our kids were interested in the set. The boys (ages 11 and 10) took the most interest and came up with tournaments, races, and different ways of playing within the first few minutes of set up. Set up took about 20 minutes - which included opening all the packages and putting the track together.
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| This is a close up of the different balls and their characters. |
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| All of the items we received - Track Set, Basic Ball Set, Launcher, and Spinner. |
The DaGeDar website http://www.dagedar.com/ offers different ways to play and even a tournament sheet that can be printed out. There you can also check out the different track options available and all the different DaGeDar ball sets. Each ball also has a code to enter on the website to learn more about that ball's spirit within. So far the DaGeDar sets are only available in Phoenix, AZ. But, keep watching your local Toys R Us and Walmart for them to be appearing soon! I'm sure these will be at the top of kids' Christmas lists. You do know that Christmas is less than 5 months away, right?!
Now for the BEST PART....the GIVEAWAY!
One winner will win a Basic Ball Set and a Vortex Spinner or Carrying Case!
Entries must be in by Sunday, August 14, 2011, at 11:59 PM. I will choose a winner using Random.org on Monday, August 15, 2011 and email the winner. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me before I choose another winner.
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment with your email (nameATemailDOTcom is fine) with the age/gender of the child you would give DaGeDar to.
Extra Extries (leave a comment telling me you did each item):
1-Subscribe (or let me know you already do) to my blog.
2-Follow me on Twitter.
3-Follow DaGeDar on Twitter.
4-Like DaGeDar on Facebook.
You can have a maximum of 5 entries in this giveaway. Any other posts will be not be included in the giveaway.
Thanks to MomSelect and CEPIA Toys for sending the DaGeDar set. I received the above items pictured and nothing else. The company will send the winning items to the selected winner. I did not receive any other compensation for this review. This review is my honest opinion and I wouldn't recommend or review any item that wouldn't benefit myself or my family.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
What Have I Done?
I am joining Sincerely Jenni in telling you about myself. The items in BOLD I have done! What about you? This is giving me a great list of things to add to my "Bucket List". Things that I hadn't thought of. Thanks Jenni for sharing!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world - as a high schooler
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise - I doubt they meant a river boat cruise here.....
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (tried to anyway)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone - Does a toe count? Doubt it.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible - I've made it through Jeremiah
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - As a young girl I met Randi Oakes from CHiPS and I knew Ashton Kutcher before he was famous!
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby - Three to be exact! 2 without drugs!!!
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world - as a high schooler
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29 Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise - I doubt they meant a river boat cruise here.....
33 Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (tried to anyway)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41 Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45 Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60 Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64 Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66 Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67 Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone - Does a toe count? Doubt it.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79 Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible - I've made it through Jeremiah
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - As a young girl I met Randi Oakes from CHiPS and I knew Ashton Kutcher before he was famous!
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby - Three to be exact! 2 without drugs!!!
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
Monday, July 25, 2011
What I Learned from Deuteronomy - Reading the Bible in 90 Days
As you know I have started reading the Bible. I have 90 days to complete it and I am reading it with hundreds (1200+ to be exact) of other women. Each week (and even day to day) we check-in with each other on our progress, to pray for each other, and to share our thoughts. How cool is that?
So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings when it is quiet, but some days I have to finish up in the afternoon or evening..or even the next day! The key is to get it done. If you get behind, you keep at it....catching up in chunks each day. The readings have been manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me.
So, here are my thoughts from the Book of Deuteronomy
Basically this whole book was a repeat of the laws discussed in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. But, a good reminder for all of us about how important God's laws are and how seriously He takes them.
Deuteronomy 4:7 .....the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him. What a beautiful reminder that God hears our prayers.
Deuteronomy 4:9-10 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.....Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.
Deuteronomy 4:31 For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by faith.
Deuteronomy 4:40 Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time.
Deuteronomy 5:6-21 The Ten Commandments - in case you need a refresher.
Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever. I'm seeing a theme in all these verses....it isn't just about them, but the future of their children, and children's children. What better motivation than that do you need????
Deuteronomy 6:4-8 Here is more thoughts on training and teaching your children....
Hear, O Isreal: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk aobut them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:21 Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.
Deuteronomy 8:3 ....to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 13:4 It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
Deuteronomy 26:18-19 And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.
Deuteronomy 28:15-68 Boy if you ever needed a reason why not to disobey God....check out these verses!
Deuteronomy 29:20 .....and the Lord will blot out his name from uder heaven. I can't imagine a worse punishment then that. He know longer knows my name, or the hairs on my head....I am crossed out of His book of eternal life. The. Worst. Punishment. Ever.
Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. We can't know it all, but I rest in the comfort that God knows, He has a plan, and He will reveal that plan in His time.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Choose Life! Who wouldn't???? For me, for my children, and their children......
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. A verse that can be read time and time again when we are discouraged, struggling, running out of hope, losing faith - it can fill you right back up.
Deuteronomy 32 - How I wish I could hear the song Moses sung to the people!
Deuteronomy 34:10-12 Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the lord sent him to do in Egypt - to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.
I think that verse just sums it all up. Moses was a true prophet and was blessed to be able to talk face to face with God. He withstood much frustration and difficulty all unselfishly in God's honor. What an awesome example he was for us.
Now off to the Book of Joshua!
So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings when it is quiet, but some days I have to finish up in the afternoon or evening..or even the next day! The key is to get it done. If you get behind, you keep at it....catching up in chunks each day. The readings have been manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me.
So, here are my thoughts from the Book of Deuteronomy
Basically this whole book was a repeat of the laws discussed in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. But, a good reminder for all of us about how important God's laws are and how seriously He takes them.
Deuteronomy 4:7 .....the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him. What a beautiful reminder that God hears our prayers.
Deuteronomy 4:9-10 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.....Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.
Deuteronomy 4:31 For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by faith.
Deuteronomy 4:40 Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time.
Deuteronomy 5:6-21 The Ten Commandments - in case you need a refresher.
Deuteronomy 5:29 Oh that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever. I'm seeing a theme in all these verses....it isn't just about them, but the future of their children, and children's children. What better motivation than that do you need????
Deuteronomy 6:4-8 Here is more thoughts on training and teaching your children....
Hear, O Isreal: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk aobut them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 7:21 Do not be terrified by them, for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a great and awesome God.
Deuteronomy 8:3 ....to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
Deuteronomy 13:4 It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
Deuteronomy 26:18-19 And the Lord has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands. He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as he promised.
Deuteronomy 28:15-68 Boy if you ever needed a reason why not to disobey God....check out these verses!
Deuteronomy 29:20 .....and the Lord will blot out his name from uder heaven. I can't imagine a worse punishment then that. He know longer knows my name, or the hairs on my head....I am crossed out of His book of eternal life. The. Worst. Punishment. Ever.
Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. We can't know it all, but I rest in the comfort that God knows, He has a plan, and He will reveal that plan in His time.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Choose Life! Who wouldn't???? For me, for my children, and their children......
Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. A verse that can be read time and time again when we are discouraged, struggling, running out of hope, losing faith - it can fill you right back up.
Deuteronomy 32 - How I wish I could hear the song Moses sung to the people!
Deuteronomy 34:10-12 Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the lord sent him to do in Egypt - to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.
I think that verse just sums it all up. Moses was a true prophet and was blessed to be able to talk face to face with God. He withstood much frustration and difficulty all unselfishly in God's honor. What an awesome example he was for us.
Now off to the Book of Joshua!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
What I Learned from Leviticus and Numbers - Reading the Bible in 90 Days
As you know I have started reading the Bible. I have 90 days to complete it and I am reading it with hundreds of other women. Each week (and even day to day) we check-in with each other on our progress, to pray for each other, and to share our thoughts. How cool is that?
So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings when it is quiet, but some days I have to finish up in the afternoon or evening. The key is to get it done. Even if you have to carry over into the next day...that happens. The readings are manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me.
So, here are my thoughts from the Books of Leviticus and Numbers.
Leviticus 5 - What if everytime I sinned, I had to bring a lamb as a sacrifice? I am so glad Jesus became my sacrificial lamb.
Leviticus 11 - I found it interesting which animals God felt were unclean: camels, owls, storks, rabbits, pigs, and lizards, for example.
Leviticus 20:28 Do not....put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord. I am going to remember this verse for when the kids get older! Thanks God for backing me up on this one!
There were so many laws throughout Leviticus. But, I think God just wanted to keep the people away from those things that would bring destruction to their lives - adultry, worshipping other gods, etc. So, His laws and punishments were harsh, but he was also a loving and giving God.
Leviticus 25:35 If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. When someone in our community is in need, we need to help them with whatever we can offer - food, clothing, money, a place to stay.
Leviticus 26:9 I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you.
The Book of Leviticus was a reminder to me that He is the Lord God and we must follow His laws and fear Him. But remember that He is a loving and forgiving God as well.
Numbers - The size of the community around the Tent of Meeting was large and it was imperative that every tribe was assigned a job and accounted for. Imagine if our communities worked that way today.
Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord Bless ou and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Just reading this brings a calmness to my day.
Numbers 7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the testimony. And he spoke with him. How awesome it must have been for Moses to be able to talk to God and have God speak with him.
Numbers 11 - The people were such complainers, whining about their situation but not doing anything to change it. Kind of like how people can be today.
Numbers 14:18 The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.
Numbers 15:41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.
Numbers 16-18 Boy these Israelites just didn't get it! The constant complaining was wearing on me. I can't imagine how Moses and God must have felt.
Numbers 20:21 Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory, Israel turned away from them. Moses and the Israelites turned away from conflict. Rather than fighting, sometimes it is better to walk away and leave it alone. My husband did just that this week. A father at the pool was yelling profanity right next to us. He was yelling it quite loudly and rudely. My husband asked him to stop because of our children. He proceeded to continue his ranting at my husband and getting quite nasty. My husband again asked him to stop and he continued. So, my husband walked away. He knew it was pointless to go any farther with this man and this man didn't care too much about the consequences. So, there are situations where it is better to just walk away.
Numbers 22:18 Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God. Nothing is greater than God.
Numbers 22:28-30 Balaam wasn't even shocked to have his donkey talking to him.
Numbers 24:9 May those who bless you be blesssed and those who curse you be cursed.
Numbers 27 - I loved how Zelophehad's daughters stood up for themselves and asked for their rightful inheritance...and God agreed.
Numbers 27:15 As Moses finds out he will be gathered to his people (die), he still worries about the Israelites by asking God not to leave them "like a sheep without a shephard". He needs someone new to lead them and Moses is being completely unselfish.
Lots of lessons in Leviticus and Numbers. Now off to learn from Dueteronomy.
So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings when it is quiet, but some days I have to finish up in the afternoon or evening. The key is to get it done. Even if you have to carry over into the next day...that happens. The readings are manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me.
So, here are my thoughts from the Books of Leviticus and Numbers.
Leviticus 5 - What if everytime I sinned, I had to bring a lamb as a sacrifice? I am so glad Jesus became my sacrificial lamb.
Leviticus 11 - I found it interesting which animals God felt were unclean: camels, owls, storks, rabbits, pigs, and lizards, for example.
Leviticus 20:28 Do not....put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord. I am going to remember this verse for when the kids get older! Thanks God for backing me up on this one!
There were so many laws throughout Leviticus. But, I think God just wanted to keep the people away from those things that would bring destruction to their lives - adultry, worshipping other gods, etc. So, His laws and punishments were harsh, but he was also a loving and giving God.
Leviticus 25:35 If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. When someone in our community is in need, we need to help them with whatever we can offer - food, clothing, money, a place to stay.
Leviticus 26:9 I will look on you with favor and make you fruitful and increase your numbers, and I will keep my covenant with you.
The Book of Leviticus was a reminder to me that He is the Lord God and we must follow His laws and fear Him. But remember that He is a loving and forgiving God as well.
Numbers - The size of the community around the Tent of Meeting was large and it was imperative that every tribe was assigned a job and accounted for. Imagine if our communities worked that way today.
Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord Bless ou and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Just reading this brings a calmness to my day.
Numbers 7:89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the testimony. And he spoke with him. How awesome it must have been for Moses to be able to talk to God and have God speak with him.
Numbers 11 - The people were such complainers, whining about their situation but not doing anything to change it. Kind of like how people can be today.
Numbers 14:18 The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.
Numbers 15:41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.
Numbers 16-18 Boy these Israelites just didn't get it! The constant complaining was wearing on me. I can't imagine how Moses and God must have felt.
Numbers 20:21 Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory, Israel turned away from them. Moses and the Israelites turned away from conflict. Rather than fighting, sometimes it is better to walk away and leave it alone. My husband did just that this week. A father at the pool was yelling profanity right next to us. He was yelling it quite loudly and rudely. My husband asked him to stop because of our children. He proceeded to continue his ranting at my husband and getting quite nasty. My husband again asked him to stop and he continued. So, my husband walked away. He knew it was pointless to go any farther with this man and this man didn't care too much about the consequences. So, there are situations where it is better to just walk away.
Numbers 22:18 Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God. Nothing is greater than God.
Numbers 22:28-30 Balaam wasn't even shocked to have his donkey talking to him.
Numbers 24:9 May those who bless you be blesssed and those who curse you be cursed.
Numbers 27 - I loved how Zelophehad's daughters stood up for themselves and asked for their rightful inheritance...and God agreed.
Numbers 27:15 As Moses finds out he will be gathered to his people (die), he still worries about the Israelites by asking God not to leave them "like a sheep without a shephard". He needs someone new to lead them and Moses is being completely unselfish.
Lots of lessons in Leviticus and Numbers. Now off to learn from Dueteronomy.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Review: EYEWALL By H.W. "Buzz" Bernard
By: H.W. "Buzz" Bernard
Published: April 15, 2011
St. Simons Island, Georgia, has never been hit by a Category 5 hurricane. Until now. No one predicted the storm's sudden force. A crippled Air Force recon plane, trapped in the eye of a violent hurricane. An outspoken tropical weather forecaster, fired from his network TV job before he can issue a warning: the storm is changing course and intensifying. A desperate family searching for a runaway daughter on Georgia's posh St. Simons Island, cut off from escape as the hurricane roars toward them. A marriage on the rocks; an unrequited sexual attraction; a May-December romance. All will be swept up by the monster storm. Get ready for a white-knuckle adventure.
I saw this book offer on a website I visit regularly...www.weekinrewind.com. They offer a list books availalbe for download on the Kindle that are free or at reduced prices. A few weeks ago, this book was listed as free. It immediately caught my attention because it is set in St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Not many people have heard of this collection of islands off the coast of Georgia. Jekyll Island is probably the most well-known, then there is also Sea Island. You can only reach these islands by crossing the causeway from Brunswick, Georgia. I have family that has retired in St. Simon's Island. When I was a senior in college, I went there for some R & R. I loved it so much, my husband and I went there for our honeymoon 12 years ago. Sadly, we haven't been back, but I remember the island well. So, when I saw this book, and it was free, I had to get it.
This book is not my typical genre. It is what I would consider an action/thriller/suspense type of novel. The story was intense from the very first chapter. There were times when I had to stop reading and breathe because I hadn't realized I was holding my breath while reading. If I could have, I would have read this book in one sitting. Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow that. But, since I had downloaded this to the Kindle App on my iPod touch, I was able to read it often - while riding the car, waiting in the dr's. office, in bed, and in restaurants. I really liked reading on the iPod and will likely download more books that way.
Since I live in Iowa and have never been exposed to hurricanes I was worried I wouldn't understand what it was like. Bernard was able to give the reader enough technical information about hurricanes to help the reader understand them, but not overwhelm or bore them with facts. His descriptions of the rain and wind and their destruction allowed me to picture exactly what was happening on the island. I found it all very interesting and having had straightline winds of 120 mph just go through our area, I got a much better understanding of the force and destruction of hurricanes.
There were several characters in the story, but each chapter was devoted to a setting in the story....the TV Network, The Hurricane Center, The Hurricane Hunter, and St. Simon's Island. So, this helped keep track of everyone and who they were connected with. This story is told over the course of only 1 day in the lives of these characters, with some flashbacks,....and what a day it was. I had no idea there was actually "hurricane hunters", airplanes that flew into the hurricanes to measure them. That was fascinating to me! I really learned a lot about weather patterns and risks others take to bring us those reports.
As I said, the book was very intense and all of the obstacles along the way kept the reader wanting to turn the pages faster and faster. The story does not have a happy ending for everyone which I think made it more believable. I also appreciated that while there was a lot of action and suspense, there was also romance throughout the story.
I was impressed to find that this is Bernrd's debut novel. I hope in his retirement he continues to write. I see he has a new book set to come out in about a year. So, I will be watching for that. I will be telling my relatives in St. Simon's Island about this book even though they have likely already heard about it and maybe even know the author. I give this 4 out of 5 stars. This is a great summer (or anytime) read for those who like the thrilling page-turners.
H.W. "Buzz" Bernard is a retired meteorologist who worked for thirteen years at the Atlanta-based Weather Channel. He considers St. Simons Island his second home. Visit him at www.buzzbernard.com
To purchase a copy of EYEWALL, click the photo below:
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