Believing God

Last week was an important milestone!  It marked the beginning of our new women's study, "Believing God" by Beth Moore.  While at the first session, we were asked to tie a blue ribbon around our right wrist.  Each time we were to look at this ribbon, we were to be reminded to ask ourselves, "Are we believing God?" 

When I came home, I googled "beth moore believing God bracelet" and I came across this photo on an Etsy shop.  I'll be honest: I'm an Etsy newbie.  I've heard about it, but I've never purchased anything from it.  Until this bracelet caught my eye.

I loved it.  Except for it's Tarheel blue color.

Enter Nicki, the owner and operator of MarcheseCreations.  She is SO fabulous to work with.  I sent her a message asking if this bracelet was still available--I was willing to buy it with its beading.  Then, I asked if it would be possible to get the same bracelet with DUKE blue beads instead...  (I know the one's of you who are rolling your eyes about now, just so you know.) 

She not only custom made me a bracelet, she sent me pictures the same day to get my feedback.  So, I was estactic when this arrived today:

And, Ms. Nicki was so sweet, she even included me some spiritual candy in my package!

Each piece had a bible verse on it! I loved that she was thoughtful enough to include it with my order--which was already packed so cute in it's little bitty box, with a bow. See that little tag? It says "Thank you!" I really felt my purchase mattered to Nicki. It's probably a reason I'll be shopping with her again! SOON!

This was my favorite piece of candy. It feels so appropriate during this study. I am going to use it to remind myself of my commitment to put everything in me into the workbook. I want to get "well". I can with Christ's strength. I can do all things through Him.

And this little beauty right here, will be around my right wrist for the next 10 weeks reminding me to believe in God.  To believe He is who He says He is, believe that He will Do what He says He can do, believe that I am who He says I am, Believe that I can do all things through Christ, and to believe that if I read His word, it will become alive and active in me. 

I believe God will help me in my areas of insecurity and fear.  I believe that He will heal me.  And, this bracelet is my new reminder that He will, when I can't.

And just because Nicki is such a sweetheart, she included these free earrings for me.  Thank you Nicki soooo much!  I loved doing business with you and couldn't be a happier customer. 

So, what are you waiting for friends?  If you are in bible study go give Nicki some of your business and order a bracelet for our study.  Even if you aren't in the bible study, she has all sorts of cute, fun jewelry items to complement your attire and mood.  She is so fun and easy to work with.  You'll love that she goes above and beyond to see that you are completely thrilled with your purchase.

Are you believing God?  What are you believing He can do for you?  I was so pleased with my service from Nicki that I decided if you leave me a comment below, I'll enter you to win a bracelet like mine. (It's a $15 value)  (I'll even swallow my pride and let you pick the Tarheel Aqua beads if you win.) 

You have one week to enter!  Ready? Set. Go!

Elaine

Doctor Appointment

Today, I had my doctor appointment for a re-check on my anxiety, insomnia, and this mild pain in my chest.  My doctor ran an EKG on me due to the history of heart conditions in my family.  The EKG was clear!  Thank you Lord.  So, due to my shortness of breath, she listened to my lungs and decided to do a chest X-ray.  Turns out I have asthma.  Most (or I will at least say part) of the reason I have felt so crummy is due to my inability to breathe! 

So, I am relieved to know that I have an inhaler in hand to use when I feel like I need to sit down after climbing the stairs in our house.  The weather, of course makes it worse.  It's all making sense to me now since sometimes I start coughing and can't stop.  Asthma.  You know what's also causing that tightness I've been feeling in my chest?  (And we all say together...) "Asthma. 

It seems that mine has been triggered by pets, stress, my common cold, cold weather, and aging.  (Boo! on that last one!  Aging! Hmph!)  Add all of those triggers compounded  by a history of a collapsed lung and you have me. 

If the inhaler doesn't start to make me feel better soon, we'll move on to breathing treatments.  I'll be making an appointment with an asthma specialist to get her opinion also.  I did try the inhaler last night when I felt short of breath, and honestly, I didn't notice any major difference.  I'll give it a while and we'll see what happens.

So, thank you for your prayers. I'll breathe a little easier now that I know it's not heart related.

Church Notes From the Past: Perfect Peace

No one can speak peace like God.


Let me say that again: NO ONE CAN SPEAK PEACE LIKE GOD. Did you get that?

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

This was a promise given to Israel in its darkest time.


Perfect peace: free from disturbances within; perfect harmony.

Doubt, Fear, Worry, all of life’s problems can be solved by peace.

We can find peace in God’s word. He exalts His Word above His name.

“And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39)

In Mark 4:39, God calms the storms of life.

There is also “imperfect peace” which is the peace of ignorance.

“They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14).

Imperfect peace comes from being too independent of yourself or others. You have exhausted all options.

Verses to consider:

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.” (Colossians 1:20)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.” (Galations 5:22)

“If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.”(Leviticus 26:3-6)

Characteristics of Perfect Peace:

1. PERFECT IN QUALITY. It comes strait from God.

2. PERFECT IN QUANTITY. It is never-ending.

3. PERFECT CONSTANCY. It is continuous.

God gives Perfect Peace to:

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)

1. The person whose mind is stayed on thee (lean on, prop)

2. The person who trusteth in thee (run for refuge)

*stayed/trusteth are words of action

**Starts with God, ends with God. Need to get between Thou and Thee and stay there (in perfect peace).

A person without peace is a person without faith. Peace comes from praise and prayer.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

Perfect Peace = Jesus

**Notes from the Sermon titled “Perfect Peace” by Preacher Paul Deal on 03/21/2007.



Sickness, Bible Study, and Prayer Request

Hello Everyone! That’s about as creative as I can be for a title. I’m boring these days. I know it.


I hope this dreary, rainy Monday is treating you well! My life the last few weeks has been packed full—mostly of germs! We had this stomach bug which swept through my family in two weeks! It literally put 13 of us out of commission for 24-48 hrs each. Then, last Wednesday, my sweet Kohen had tubes put into his ears. He’s had 3 ear infections in 6 weeks. We are hoping this will bring him some much needed relief.

Tonight officially embarks the beginning of Bible Study! I’ve had my book for a few weeks, and I have been so tempted to start early. I’ll be honest, I wanted to start early partly out of curiosity and excitement. The other part of me was more like, “OH! MY! WORD! when my workbook arrived in my mailbox. It was a little very intimidating!


We have 50+ women signed up! Will you please pray that we will all stay committed and unified during the study. Pray specifically for us to be silent and open-minded to whatever the Lord is trying to teach us during this season of our life.

In other news, I’ve been feeling pretty yucky the last few weeks. Something seems off that I can’t seem to put my finger on. I have ZERO energy. I can’t get enough rest/sleep to satisfy my body. It just seems so worn out physically. I get winded too easily. For instance, if I carry Kade out to the car, I literally have to stop and catch my breath for a minute. I know I’m out of shape, but this feels a little excessive to me. (For the record, if I had the energy to exercise, I would.) And, I’ve been having this dull ache in the middle of my chest which comes and goes. It could be as simple as heartburn (I don’t know that I’ve ever had that). It is beginning to scare me though.

So over the weekend, I went to GNC and purchased a multi pack of vitamins for Women. I’m also trying to increase the protein in my diet. Does anyone else have a suggestion for increasing my energy level? If so, please share!!!!

I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow to follow up on an anxiety issue I keep having (some of which is related to the above). Please keep me in your prayers for answers.

DaySpring Winner =) Happy Saturday!

My blog is being a brat. I don't understand why it's giving me such a hassle lately. I *think* I finally fixed the commenting issue for this giveaway by changing the way comments appear. Instead of embedded under the posts, you'll now see the "pop-up" window so many people use. I was never really a fan of the pop-up window because I often forgot what exactly it was I wanted to comment on. Shocking, I know. Anyway, no time like the present to get acquainted with the window comments.

So, I said all that to say this: Since I had to use two different posts to get entries, I've randomly assigned you all a # below:

1. Michelle
2. Piper
3. "Searching"
4. Dawny B.
5. Lynn
6. Deidre
7. Samatha
8. Melody
9. Jan

AND............

Congratulations Samantha and Deidre!  If you will email me @ elainekillian.gmail.com I'll get you the coupon codes sent out to you!  Don't forget you can use promo code ship25 to get Free Shipping on any order over $25.

I hope you are able to bless someone with your words of encouragement--but, even so, I have a feeling it is you who will get the blessing!

Thank you all for playing!  I'm sure their will be other soon =)

Trying Again...Encourage Someone

I have set so many goals for 2012—more than I probably should have set for myself. It’s as if all of a sudden I realize that being “good” isn’t good enough. I can always strive to be better: a better Christian, a better wife, a better mother, a better daughter, sister, friend… One specific area I want to improve upon this year is being a better encourager to others.

“Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV

So, how do you become a better encourager? Well, it’s relatively easy, but we so often do not make time to do it. It can be as simple as making a phone call, sending an email, sending a text—and all of those are great ways to encourage others. However, there is just something so special, yet different, about getting a card, isn’t there?

Cards say more than I care about you and what you are going through. They say that I care so much I took the time out of my schedule to pick out a card just for you, hand write my words of love, and send it to you. In my opinion, it says I care enough to be inconvenienced for “you”, maybe. It says I care enough that I want you to know “here is what is in my heart for you. Please receive it as something I truly want you to know and hear.” (DaySpring)

So, I was thrilled when DaySpring sent me this cute little packet of greeting cards to review!

It's a "Friendship Pack" to be used for friends who are going through a rough patch or for who you just want to know you are thinking of/praying for.

I was more-so excited, though, that DaySpring gave me that little “push” I needed to see the huge difference in sending an email/text and sending out a greeting card. Thank you DaySpring!

Who in your life needs to be encouraged? Family? Friends? Co-workers? Church Friends? Who would be blessed by hearing from you today?

Want to win $20 to DaySpring? What would you buy? Want more? Spend $25 and use promo code ship25 to get FREE SHIPPING! Happy Shopping!

Leave me a message below and I’ll pick a winner =)

**Disclaimer: DaySpring provided me the greeting cards at no cost, but all opinions expressed here are my own.

Encourage Someone

I have set so many goals for 2012—more than I probably should have set for myself. It’s as if all of a sudden I realize that being “good” isn’t good enough. I can always strive to be better: a better Christian, a better wife, a better mother, a better daughter, sister, friend… One specific area I want to improve upon this year is being a better encourager to others.

“Encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV

So, how do you become a better encourager? Well, it’s relatively easy, but we so often do not make time to do it. It can be as simple as making a phone call, sending an email, sending a text—and all of those are great ways to encourage others. However, there is just something so special, yet different, about getting a card, isn’t there?

Cards say more than I care about you and what you are going through. They say that I care so much I took the time out of my schedule to pick out a card just for you, hand write my words of love, and send it to you. In my opinion, it says I care enough to be inconvenienced for “you”, maybe. It says I care enough that I want you to know “here is what is in my heart for you. Please receive it as something I truly want you to know and hear.” (DaySpring)

So, I was thrilled when DaySpring sent me this cute little packet of greeting cards to review!


It's a "Friendship Pack" to be used for friends who are going through a rough patch or for who you just want to know you are thinking of/praying for.

I was more-so excited, though, that DaySpring gave me that little “push” I needed to see the huge difference in sending an email/text and sending out a greeting card. Thank you DaySpring!

Who in your life needs to be encouraged? Family? Friends? Co-workers? Church Friends? Who would be blessed by hearing from you today?

Want to win $20 to DaySpring? What would you buy?

Leave me a message below and I’ll pick a winner =)
**Disclaimer: DaySpring provided me the greeting cards at no cost, but all opinions expressed here are my own.

Church Notes From The Past: "Going Out Full; Coming Back Empty"

25In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)

**America does what is right in its own eyes. The standard of our life should be the Word of God.

1Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehemjudah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.
2And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
3And Elimelech Naomi's husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.
4And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.
5And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.
6Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread. (Ruth 1:1-6)

-Creates the scene that there was an anarchy (no ruling king)
-“Bethelehem” was the house of bread
-“Judah” was the house of praise
-“Moab” was the house of ease
-Elimelech moved his family from the house of bread and praise to a house of “ease.”
-We see a picture of how they started out right and went wrong by leaving a place that was full to a place that was empty.

1Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!

(Amos 6:1)

-Woe means to have apathy (or unconcerned)
-Apostasy to do things out of duty and follows apathy
-Before the famine in the land, there was a famine in Elimelech’s heart.

21I went out full and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me? (Ruth 1:21)

-No need to justify going to Moab.
-He (Elimelech ) died in a barren land because he & Naomi got burned out and wanted an “easier option.”
-Cure is Revival

Other Verses to Consider:

10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

(John 10:10)

4Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. (Psalm 85:4, a plea to God)

14For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. (2 Corinthians 7:14)

**Notes from the Sermon by Preacher Paul Deal titled “Going Out Full; Coming Back Empty” on 02/21/2007

Jan 5, 1998: The day I almost died...

Jan 5, 1998 will forever be imprinted on my heart. It was the day before I would begin the second semester of my Senior year of high school. It was a Sunday, and I was on my lunch break from the part-time job I worked. I went home to grab a quick bite to eat. When I left my house to return to work, my mom said, "Keep it (your car) on the road and out of the ditches." I had no idea what she was talking about or why she even said that. She hadn't ever said that before. So, without much thought further I pulled out of the driveway and headed back to work.

I had driven this road countless times since getting my license almost 2 years prior. I had even made the comment "I can drive it (the road) with my eyes closed." Boy, at times we can be so foolish, can't we? The road I grew up on was very curvy--much too curvy for the 55 mph posted speed limit. As I was going around one of the curves, my pager went off (those were once the cool things to have). As I looked down, I ran off the road and over corrected. I hit another vehicle head on. Because I hit another moving vehicle, it was double impact. I hit my steering wheel at 110 mph.

This is the after math...or what I most often refer to as "the day I almost died."







Brace yourself or hold your breath...


So, you may be wondering how on Earth I could survive the mangled mess that was once my car. It's simple: God's grace and mercy. The one characteristic that I hated so much about myself--my petite size--saved my life. The space between my steering wheel and seat was just enough space for my broken, beat up body.

I was trapped in my car for two hours as rescue works called in the "jaws of life" to free me. (I met a former friend of my grandpa's who told me that he tried to pull on my car so much his hands were bleeding. That's before the rescue crews arrived. Thank you Mr. Willis!)

Once, I was finally freed, I was airlifted to Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville where I spent about a week in ICU. I had 8 hours worth of surgery the day of the accident to implant metal rods in both of my legs. I had broken my left femur and right tibula. I also broke my pelvis, my lung was collapsed, and I had countless staples and stitches.

Finally, I was conscience and moved to a regular room.






On January 30, after 25 days in the hospital, I finally was allowed to go home. Home, sweet home. It was 2 days before my 18th birthday.
I spent the rest of my Senior year being a home-bound student, attending physical therapy 3 times a week, and learning how to walk again.....Oh! And being so very grateful and undeserving of being alive.

So even 14 years later, I can say without reservation

"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well."

Psalm 139:14

Happy Anniversary to me! It's good to be alive!

Church Notes from the Past: Hindering the Work of the Lord

Did you know it is possible to hinder the work of the Lord?

“A person does not have to openly oppose the work of the Lord to hinder it. Jesus said, "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." What kind of picture does that verse conjure up for us? To me I see the Lord busy in the work, and there are two groups of folks in view. One group is actively involved in the 'gathering' and another group is involved in the 'scattering'.” You can read more about this here.

Those who conspired to hinder the work that God’s people were doing in the name of the Lord.

4Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: 5And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. 6So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. 7But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth. 8And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. 9Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. (Nehemiah 4:4-9)

The apostle indicates his concern that no action should be taken which could hinder the progress of the gospel:
12If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:12)

Questions to ponder:

How is God’s work being hindered today?
What in a church is powerless and ineffective?
Why isn’t God’s power more evident through the testimony of His people?

Things that hinder the work of God:

Unconverted ministry: Many people engaged in God’s work do not know Him and have not experienced His saving grace. When we deceive ourselves that “our” way is the way to Heaven.

• 5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5)



• 6They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16)



• The first requirement is to know the Lord for ourselves by being born again child of God who is washed in the blood of Christ (John 3, 1 John 3:1, & 1John 1:7)



• Look up Matthew 25:11-12 and Luke 13:25-27



• Is it possible that you are an unconverted minister, deacon, or church member?
  

Un-surrendered Membership: There are two types of church members: those who are surrendered to the Lord and those who are not.

• 1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)



• It is possible to be a Christian, but not a separated Christian (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)



• How to recognize an Un-surrendered Membership:



• Worldly, but not spiritual (1 Corinthians 3:1-4)



• Not disciplined (Matt 11:29)



• Walking after flesh instead of Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17)



• Working in God’s work, but are not whole-heartedly dedicated to Him, unlike Caleb who fallowed the Lord whole-heartedly (Joshua 14:14)



• Love of the world (1 John 2:15-17)



• Neglect meeting for prayer (Matthew 6:6)



• Church Attendance is not a priority (Hebrews 10:25)



• Lives are inconsistent and ineffective.

Uncertain messages: Never sharing the whole will/truth of the Lord with others.

• 27For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. (Acts 20:27)



• Over and over again, God’s prophets would say “Thus saith the Lord…” When the Apostle Paul gave his farewell address before the Ephesian elders, he said that he had declared “the whole will of God.”



• Too often today, the whole will of God is not declared.



• Many great truths of the Bible are not claimed with authority and power.



• Little mention of sin, judgment, heaven, hell, the need of repentance, and personal faith in the Lord for salvation. “Feel Good Preaching”



• Look up Galatians 1:6-9)

Un-scriptural Methods for God-given tasks: When we let the “worldly views” into church

• Worldly methods are adopted by the church to attract unbelievers



• Instead of the church going into the world to fulfill God’s will, the world has come into the church. (Matthew 28:19)



• Used for raising money for God’s work (example: car washes, teenagers in bathing suits)



• What are the scriptural methods?



• Honor God and He gives us special promises (1 Samuel 2:30)



• Look to God in prayer and trust Him to do His work through the Holy Spirit in all situations



• God will work, but while we rely on man’s method’s, the Holy Spirit ceases to work, for He is “grieved” (Ephesians 4:30)

Un-energized Machinery: You cannot have church without the Holy Spirit.

• When the power isn’t switched on, machinery cannot work.



• To be outwardly beautiful, but it is ineffective and unproductive.



• This is the situation of the Church today:



• Lacks power of Pentecost, power of the Holy Spirit whose power alone can sweep aside every hindrance so that the true work of the Church can be accomplished (salvation of souls, building up the body of Christ in anticipation for the Lord’s return) (1Thessalonians 4:16-17)

**Notes from sermon by Dale Faulkenbury on 02/19/2007 titled “Hindering the Work of the Lord” and “Bread Enough and To Spare” found here.