The Killian Corner

Love Month: Days 17-22

2012-02-22T10:05:00.000-05:00

I give up! I can't keep up with my own idea to share the things I'm loving, the ways I have felt love, nor the ways I've shown love on a daily basis. I will say that I'm loving life. Period. I'm loving my boys and husband. I'm really (surprisingly) loving my new job. I'm loving my bible study. I've shown love by handing out several cards over the course of the month. I've had conversations with others that let them know I cared for them. I've texted and made phone calls to let people know I love them. Life is good.

Life is Great. Lord, you have blessed me abundantly!

Love Month: Day 13, 14, 15, 16

2012-02-16T16:17:00.000-05:00

I've had a crazy week. I started my new job which is both exciting and overwhelming. Here is a quick run down of things I am loving:

I'm loving my new department. I miss my former co-workers terribly, but I am really digging the new atmosphere of customer service. It is so laid back! I'm much more relaxed than a few years ago.
I'm loving that I can sit at my desk between phone calls, surf the web, read the bible, anything! I have quite a bit of down time, but we can spend that time any way we want as long as we are quietly sitting at our desks!
I'm loving that I have taken a sudden interest in learning sign language again. I use to be fairly fluent. I'm determined to learn how to sign a song for our next sing/praise service at church. I am asking God to show me which song to choose.
I'm loving that I am still on a spiritual high from last nights church service! I love when music can minister to so many people. Our alter was full of people praying from the beginning to the ending of service. It was an A-Mazing time of worship and praise!

Ways I've shown love over the past few days:

Giving Kyle a Valentines card!
Text Messages to my friends who are going through a rough time as they accept the death of another life taken too quickly.
Phone Calls
Giving compliments to others just to see them smile!

Ways I've received Love over the past few days:

Kyle giving me a hug and kiss for no reason
Kade asking me if I was here (home) on special assignment! Ha! And, my saying "Yes, to smother you with hugs and kisses!"
Encouraging text messages from my friends wishing me well on my new job.
Compliments from my co-workers welcoming me to my new working environment.

This month has is CrAzY busy for me =) I'm loving, too, that you're hanging in there with me! Thank you for your patience!

Elaine

Love Month: Day 10, 11, and 12

2012-02-12T20:31:00.002-05:00

Wow, I thought this posting every day in February would be easy! Ha! I've really dropped the ball on this one, Folks!

Things I'm loving:

On Friday, My sweet Kade turned THREE!!!

Sorry about the beginning. If you didn't notice, my camera was upside down!

On Saturday: We made our one and only trip to Chucky Cheese. (Let me ask you all, did you know that when you leave CC that you have to "check out?" Well, in our defense this was our first visit and we DID NOT know. It apparently set off utter chaos, but that's another post.)

On Sunday: We had lunch today at my in-laws to celebrate my and Kade's birthday. We celebrated with the best chicken pie on EARTH! My mother-in-law, Mary Jane, can cook!!! She may be one of the best cooks I know.

Ways I've shown love:

On Friday, I bought Kade a Thomas the Train cake. He mentioned it once, and I lucked up and found one. Okay, Okay, okay...it may be the smallest cake ever! But after my birthday a few weeks ago, we all were just kind of caked-out.

On Saturday: Did I mention we went to Chucky Cheese!?! That takes ~~some~~ a lot of love people! Whew! It wore me out!

On Sunday: I bought some clothes for Kade from a friend at church. Her price seemed rather low to me for all the clothes she gave us. So, I gave her more. Slightly less than doubled her asking price--but in my opinion it was a fairer price than what she suggested =) And, God just told me too...

Ways I've received Loved:

On Friday: My birthday boy was smothered with love on his special day. He had several visits from family and friends, as well as phone calls and text messages. We also Facetime'd with his Aunt Lisa and cousin, Dawson, who sang one of the best renditions of "Happy Birthday" I've ever heard. They are such good sports! Seeing all the love my kids get from the people we care about makes my heart swell with joy.

On Saturday: My mom asked me for some advice. It made me feel so valued as a woman that she was willing to talk to me about something so personal. Our relationship has been rocky at times, but it finally feels as if we have a connection that both of us sought. (It may have helped too that I talked Kyle into helping my dad go pick up a load of wood his co-worker had given my parents. It was soooo cold outside, and since Kyle went to help my dad, my mom got to stay home. So, I guess Kyle preformed a bigger act of Love on Saturday! (For the record, my mom would have gone. She isn't a girly-girl who is afraid of hard work or getting her hands dirty. Actually, I think she was willing to go anyway. But since the boys and I showed up with breakfast, I gave her the perfect excuse to stay home!)

On Sunday: My mother-in-law even made cream corn for my birthday dinner. She knows how much I love it. As if my dinner couldn't be in better, she made the biggest banana pudding known to man! We actually came home with an entire banana pudding which wasn't eaten. (I'll be bringing it to Bible Study tomorrow night!) Her hospitality didn't go un-noticed nor unappreciated. (Thank you MJ for making my birthday dinner so special. I love you all so much, and I am so thankful to have you, Melvin, Nathan, Lisa, David, Dawson, and Alex in my life!)

***********
Tomorrow, I begin a new journey where I work. I really desire your prayers for a smooth transition into my new department.

Love Day: Day 9

2012-02-09T21:35:00.001-05:00

Today I have been a posting machine! Ha! I have posted 2 entries on my Sermon Notes page.

I also posted a new entry for on the Resolution for Women page.

I'd Like a Word With You

So, be sure you check them out =) Now it's time for my Day of Love, so I'll keep it short and sweet.

I love that every time we drive past our church Kade says, "Bye church! See you Sunday! I love you!" It doesn't matter what day of the week it is, he always says "Sunday." It seriously may be my most favorite thing EVER.

I also love how Kohen can already count to seven! Every day when we go up or down our stairs, we count each set of stairs. Hearing Him say "six" is so precious. (Too bad he thinks "Ta-dah" comes after seven. I'm going to need to work on that!)

What are you loving?

RFW: I'd Like a Word With You (with Resolution)

2012-02-09T21:16:00.000-05:00

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I worked on my Resolutions for Women. I completed the first three resolutions last year when the movie Courageous came out. I'm picking up here with my fourth resolution.

The fourth resolution is spending time in God's word. You can read more about becoming Faithfully His by clicking Divine Appointments and Faith vs. Faithfulness. "I'd Like a Word With You" is all about bible reading and how oftentimes we treat it as a chore rather than a delight. Priscilla Shirer tells us, "It's easy for us to begin feeling this way about His Word unless we realize that being faithfully His is rooted in the kind of relationship we have with it. He has given us His word to learn from and enjoy. To refresh us. To call out the desire for relationship with Him that He's planted deep within our souls. To speak to our hearts. To show us who He is." (page 79)

My favorite part of the chapter was the list of bible verses listed to keep yourself "grounded in who you are, whose you are, and what this glorious, eternal, triumphant fact means to you." (page 81) Each verse wasn't quoted directly, but was referenced so you can declare it in first person. Here a few of my favorites:

I will not use my tongue to speak cursings, but rather I will speak life-giving blessings to everyone I meet and in every situation I face (James 3:8-10)
I do not look with disdain upon my weaknesses. I see them as opportunities for God to display His powerful strength and grace through me. (2 Corinthians 12:10)
I have the mind of Christ; therefore I act in a way that is consistent with His actions. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
I will not give the enemy an opportunity or foothold in my life (Ephesians 4:27)
I rejoice in the Lord whether my circumstances are good or bad (Philippians 4:4)
I only allow my mind to entertain what is honorable, right, pure, lovely, noble, excellent, and worthy of praise. (Philippians 4:8)
I am a necessary and useful part of the body of Christ. I will use my spiritual gifts to edify others (1 Corinthians 12:7)
I am a brand-new person. My old sin nature has passed away and everything has become new (2 Corinthians 5:17)

....and actually this is just a partial list of my favorites.

"Today God invites you to live a life marked by faithfulness. By His Spirit and with the guidance and encouragement of His Word, this is an attainable goal for you. No matter what your past has held, this resolution can mark a new beginning. Read the resolution prayerfully and sign your name when you are ready." (page 85)

By signing my name

I will live as a woman answerable to God and faithfully committed to His Word.

This is a resolution I make of myself to my family and my Lord.

February 9, 2012

Elaine M. Killian

Church Notes from the Past: The Key to Praying Power

2012-02-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

The Key to Praying Power

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breast. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

(Isaiah 28:9-11)

Prayer is power! It’s what it takes to begin your walk of faith.

1And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

2Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

3And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

4And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

5Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

6And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

7And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

8I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

(Luke 18:1-8)

Somethings to notice about the scripture:

Vs. 1 –“faint” means to lose heart

Vs. 4-5—unjust judge refused to avenge widow’s adversary

Vs. 7—God (just of all judges) wants to hear your prayers

Key to Getting Results in Prayer:

Pray persistently to God. God answers prayers, but some prayers He will not answer immediately.

Persistent prayer:

keeps you and me in God’s presence.

God wants to have a personal, intimate relationship with you.

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud:

and he shall hear my voice.

(Psalm 55:17)

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day

and night unto him, though he bear long with them.

(Luke 18:7)

Prepares you to hear from God.
Teaches you to depend on God as your only source.
Helps you define your request.

We should pray about all decisions if we are pursuing or seeking God.
He will always answer "Yes," "No," or "Wait."
As you pray, your request will be redefined to be what God wants in our life rather than what we want.

Will prove your Faith to a Holy God

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;

knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

(Luke 11:9)

**Notes from the sermon given by Preacher Dale Faulkenbury titled “The Key to Praying Power” given on 11/9/11.

Church Notes from the Past: Some Things the Lord Wants to Resurrect

2012-02-09T15:40:00.000-05:00

Some Things the Lord Wants to Resurrect

1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again. 8His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. 11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.

12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellow disciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him.

17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. 21Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. 28And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee. 29As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly, and came unto him. 30Now Jesus was not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met him. 31The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, She goeth unto the grave to weep there. 32Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

33When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. 34And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35Jesus wept. 36Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! 37And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? 38Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.

40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? 41Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. (John 11:1-46)

Somethings to notice about the scripture:

Vs. 16—Thomas replies with sarcasm “Let us go with him so we can die too….”

Vs. 22—Martha exercise her faith

Vs. 34—The Lord has compassion by weeping with Mary and Martha. Yes, the Lord knew he could raise Lazarus from the dead, but He also knew Lazarus’ death was necessary to make people believe that He was Who He said He is, The Son of God.

Vs. 43—“loud voice” is the same voice who will call our name one day.

Some things the Lord wants to Resurrect in our lives:

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)

It’s not God’s will for us to walk

around defeated!

Before the Lord can take over some things, there are

Things we must give up:

Give up being the fixer
Give up yourself

Things we must give in:

Acknowledge Jesus could heal Lazarus before he died
Mary and Martha knew He could resurrect Lazarus after he died.

Things we must give over:

Mary and Martha gave over their unbelief to Jesus
Unbelief was turned into Faith
They put their hope in the Lord
They put their confidence in the Lord.

Taken from the Sermon Notes of message given by Preacher Paul Deal titled “Some Things the Lord Wants to Resurrect” given on 12/21/11

**Further Reading: John 11:47-57 (began contemplating on ways to kill Jesus and Lazarus)

Love Month: Day 8

2012-02-08T21:56:00.002-05:00

Today is the day I've been waiting for! Every season when college basketball season kicks off, we really know there are only TWO games that really matter: When Duke plays at Carolina and when Carolina plays at Duke. It's a rivalry like no other. I can't describe it and if you are a fan of either team you'll agree that all that maters is that ~~YOUR~~ MY team wins. Go Duke! I love this game!

But you know what else I love about today??? It's better than basketball. It's better than foul shots or 3-pointers. It's better than anything else in the whole. Wide. World. My friend Michelle's daughter was saved tonight! She accepted the Lord as her personal savior. She is going to Heaven one day. That's what I love most about today! (Congratulations Ayanna! I'm so proud of you, and I know that God has big plans for your sweet, little life.)

Today I have felt loved in several ways. First, I received a text message from my friend Piper which said, "Was just thinking about you. Thank you for being you." Wow! It really made me smile! I've gotten to know Piper through bible study. She and her husband are on the youth ministry team at our church! I love them...and they work so well with the younger kids. Our WGBC youth are so lucky to have them as role models!

Also today, I was cleaning out my desk (I'll be moving to my new job within our company next week), and I ran across so many sweet memories. I'm not a good cleaner-outer turns out. I like to stop and reminisce. I am also a pack rat. Over the years I had kept little keep-sakes from my co-workers. Birthday cards, pictures, emails. Stuff that had really impacted my life. It overwhelmed me with emotions for the people who have been my work family over the last 13 years. I can't begin to tell you how loved they have each made me feel. Many of my sweet co-workers held my hand as I went through infertility. My friend, April, is the very first person I told when I found out I was finally pregnant after 5 years of trying. Carrie and I have been friends since childhood. (She is actually going with me to my knew department!) I've grown really close to several co-workers who are like family to me now...Donna, Paula, Linda S, Connie... We encourage each other. We pray for each other. We stick together. You can't feel more loved than that.

Love Month: Day 7

2012-02-07T21:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had bible study! It seriously is the best part of my Mondays! I've met so many wonderful people, and it has been such a great way to get actively involved in our church. Know what I love? Insight! I love how getting involved has given me the insight to lead a better, more Godly night. The leader of the study, Deidre (although she prefers to be called the facilitator) reminded us during last night's study we were propositioned by Beth Moore to give something up in order to grow closer to the Lord. We aren't suppose to treat this as a diet (as in giving up food or caffeine). It's suppose to be something bigger. So, you know what I did? I gave up Facebook...perhaps indefinitely.

I'm also loving that I was able to recognize that FB had become a distraction for me--from my family, my kids, work,...I could go on and on. It seems like I was constantly glued to my phone checking status updates (cyber stalking many of you! Ha!). So, goodbye Facebook...

I've felt loved today because Kyle gave up Facebook too. I didn't even ask him to, nor did I expect him to do that. He. Just. Did. (Have I told you how much I love this man?!?)

Today, I loved on my Momma a little. She keeps my boys during the day. Usually Kyle takes them to her in the mornings, but today I did. And, I surprised her with a Caramel Frappe`. She loves them! Honestly, it doesn't even scratch the surface of showing her how much we love and appreciate all she does for us. My boys don't have rules at her house. She may even ~~sometimes~~ let them eat Oreo's for breakfast...But I will tell you all: I don't worry for one single second how they are being cared for while I am working. Her grandchildren are her LIFE. She makes it her priority to see that each one is "Spoiled Rotten!" I can't think of anyone else who deserved a little extra love today! (I love you Mom! Thank you for all you do for me, the boys, and our family! You are the glue who holds us all together.)

Love Month: Days 5 & 6

2012-02-06T15:21:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone! Turns out I’m a slacker at posting every day this go-around! Good thing y’all love me anyways!

Ways I’ve felt loved over the past two days:
I’ve gotten TWO compliments on my hair today (which of itself is so amusing since I got up really late and only had time for a quick wash and scrunching). Hearing people say such nice things has sure made me happy!

Yesterday one of my sweet bible study friends, Vickie bought me a planner for 2012! I absolutely adore it! I’m going to be using it to write down things I’m praying for over the course of the next 11 months! That was super sweet Vickie! Thank you so very much!

Things I’m loving include:
I love that Kyle and I attended our church praise service last night instead of skipping out for some football game. I’m pretty confident that what we heard was SO much better than any game or commercials could have been.

I love that tonight is Bible Study night! Enough said.

Ways I’ve shown love:
I mailed out a card today to one of my favorite people. (This is something that I wanted to be more intentional about in 2012, remember?)

Finally, I get to love on one of my sweet readers who were lucky enough to win a Believing God bracelet made by my friend Nicki! Drum roll please…..

Congratulations to....Becky Biddy :) Just let me know if you like the lighter blue or darker blue and I'll order your bracelet! Thanks for reading!

Love Month: Days 3 & 4

2012-02-04T18:33:00.002-05:00

I absolutely forgot to post yesterday, so today is a catching up sort of day!

Things I am loving are the smell of clean sheets...

...and Hills Bros. Cappuccino French Vanilla coffee. You seriously have to go and get you some. I'm not a coffee drinker at all. I hear it's an aquired taste, but I can't seem to acquire it. Kyle says this doesn't count as coffee--but hey, if it's on the coffee isle, it counts as coffee to me.

Two ways I have shown love over the last 48 hrs are attending my nephew's last basketball game. As soon as we walked into the gym, he made a basket! We are so proud of you Joe!

Joe also received 3 awards yesterday at school. I know he met his AR goals and was most improved academically! (For the life of me, I can't remember what the 3rd one was!)

I've been working on a top secret assignment for the new Women of Grace bulletin board at our church. I'm pulling forth all of my creative energy, and I hope it will turn out as great as I want it to be. So, Women of Grace, I'm loving you this weekend! =) (And I am super excited that my girl Michelle and I will be putting all this love into action tomorrow as we meet to implement the ideas I have.)

One way, I have felt love this weekend is by sleeping in this morning. Kohen first awoke at 5 am. I was trying to get him to go back to sleep when Kyle came and told me I could go back to bed! (Gosh--I sure do love that man! He certainly knows the way to my heart!) The second way I've felt loved is by grandma calling me to ask how me and the boys were feeling. She is the most praying, virtuous woman I know. If we aren't feeling well, I want her to know because I have do doubt that she and God are rather close! Love her.

Finally today is the day for my bracelet giveaway. If you have not entered, you have one last chance. I'll be picking a winner tomorrow! Go here to enter! Go show my girl Nicki some love too!

How are you showing love?

Love Month: Day 2

2012-02-02T13:41:00.000-05:00

Today I took half the day off at work so I could go to my asthma doctor. I've really been struggling breathing, and I have found that doing the most random things cause me to be so short of breath.

I also took a half day yesterday for my birthday, which was nice. I met Kyle for lunch, went shopping at Hobby Lobby, and went to my mom's for an early dinner. Unfortunately, when I arrived at my parents house, Kohen was coughing so badly. I gave him a quick breathing treatment and we headed to urgent care. He tested negative for RSV, and following a chest X-ray we found out he did not have pneumonia. We left with a new prescription for croup and were told to give him 2 breathing treatments daily. (Like mother like son, I suppose!)

So, I am really loving a few things today! First, that we have health insurance (Thank you Lord!). It's so nice to know that we can seek medical treatment whenever we feel its necessary. I think about so many people who live without insurance in this world or who don't have the adequate health care we have in the United States.

Secondly, I'm so loving the sunshine today. Yesterday it rained almost all day! Today, the sun is shining and it's about 65 degrees outside. Such a beautiful day! I'm tempted to take a walk and soak up some vitamin D!

You know what I've learned? You can show love to others so easily by just listening to them. Today, my co-workers were asking about my birthday so I spilled the beans on our trip to the doctor with Kohen. It so nice to feel like people genuinely care about you, your family, and the things you are going through. I'm one of those people who during the middle of a conversation will offer her ~~two cents~~ opinion on the topic at hand. Anyone else? Listening can be so gratifying when you are on the receiving end. (Note to self: Listen more often!)

I'll show some love today to my pets and take them on that walk! It's just too beautiful not to!

Happy Thursday!

Love Month: Day 1

2012-02-01T09:43:00.001-05:00

Good Morning Friends! It is officially LOVE MONTH!!!!

It’s a month to express your love to others! So, who’s up for another month of posting every day? Me! Me! Me!

For the next 29 days (it’s a Leap Year!), I will be telling you how I am expressing my love for others, things I am loving, and ways I have felt loved during the month. Want to play? Sure you do!

One way I’ve shown love today is just by listening to one of my co-workers as she talked about a past trip to Europe. The conversation was probably accidental as she stopped by my desk to drop off something. I’m not even sure how it began, but we talked for about 15 minutes over her trip. She was telling me how blessed she was to be able to visit Europe once. It was so nice to hear her reminisce over such a fond memory—and it was exciting to me to hear what all she saw in England, Scotland, and France. Maybe one day, I’ll be able to experience first hand the opportunity she was talking about. It really started my day off well, but better than that, you could tell how happy it made her just to talk about it and have someone listen. Melted my heart!

Today, I have felt loved for many reasons. First, it’s my birthday! I’m officially 32! I woke up to my handsome husband holding Kohen (who still isn’t feeling well) wishing me a Happy Birthday. He had slept with Kohen on the couch. I can’t tell you how important he makes me feel, and how he always puts family first. I feel so loved by him every single second of my life. I also had more than 30+ F@cebook messages and text messages wishing me a “Happy Birthday!” At each one, I smiled and felt so blessed to have so many friends and family who took time out to wish me well. Thank you Friends and Family! What a wonderful way to start out Love Month.

Something I am loving is my new bracelet for the Believing God study. (You can win one by entering here before Saturday!) I am also really, really loving the Edwards Key Lime Pie one of my co-workers brought today! It is one of my most favorite desserts!

How have you felt loved? How have you shared love? What are you loving?

Believing God

2012-01-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-24T18:06:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

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

2012-01-23T14:28:00.000-05:00

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!

2012-01-21T15:20:00.001-05:00

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

2012-01-20T08:03:00.005-05:00

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

2012-01-12T10:28:00.007-05:00

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"

2012-01-11T11:14:00.002-05:00

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...

2012-01-04T21:27:00.012-05:00

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

2012-01-03T12:58:00.004-05:00

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.

20 Questions for a New Year's Eve Reflection

2011-12-31T19:52:00.002-05:00

I received an email the other day from (in)courage concerning personal reflection for 2011. In the email, 20 questions were given a spring board to get the reflection gears grinding. A printable free pdf version can be found at Simple Mom's website. If you aren't on (in)courage's mailing list, please consider doing so. Every email is so uplifting and glorifying of the Lord.

1. What was the single best thing that happened to you this year?

Without a doubt the single best thing that happened to me this year was rededicating my life to the Lord.

2. What was the single most challenging thing?

Most challenging would be related to #1. It was challenging to change my way of living to reflect a life which glorified the Lord. It was easy to talk the talk, but I found it much more difficult to walk the walk--especially in the beginning.

3. What was an unexpected joy this year?

An unexpected joy this year would be making so many new friends at church. I've been intentional about surrounding myself with others who believe similar to my beliefs. Meeting and getting to know so many women in bible-study was a wonderful, unexpected joy. I tend to be very quiet and reserved around people I don't know well. Many of these women took me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow spiritually and personally.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

We dealt with some family issues at the first of the year. Many feelings were hurt and tempers flared, but we survived--and we still love each other. Also, finding out in Nov that my department was being outsourced, and I would no longer be working with my work "family."

5. Pick 3 words to describe your year?

Overall, I'm blessed

6. Pick 3 words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (Don't ask them! Guess based on how your spouse sees you).

Should slow down

7. Pick 3 words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (Again without asking them).

Experiencing spiritual growth

8. What were the best books you read this year?

I didn't read as much as I'd hoped, but I loved the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Right now, I am reading 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey. It has been so good too! I did finally break down and read Twilight this year!

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

I am blessed to have many valuable relationships. One relationship that I found to be most valuable this year was with my mom. I realized this year how often I have taken her for granted in my life. She exceedingly goes above all of my expectations of what a mom/Nanny should be. (Mom, if you are reading this--I love you so much! And, I appreciate every thing you do for me and the boys even when I fail to tell you so! Just know that, okay?) I also grew in my relationship with my sister. She and I tend to be from very opposite ends the spectrum. But, I realized this year we are more often alike than not. (Leigh Ann, if you are reading this--I love you too! Thank you for asking for my advice. It makes me feel important to you. Thank you for being a wonderful sister and friend.)

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

It may sound silly to some people, but this year I found my breaking point with my "trash in-take." I found myself deleting people on FB who posted inappropriate stuff. I switched TV channels when risque stuff came on. I changed radio stations and now listen to contemporary christian all the time. I decided that it would be easier for me to reflect a Christian's life by monitoring what I was taking in--and guess what?!? It seems to be working (and a lot easier than I would have ever thought it would be)!

11. In what ways did you grow emotionally?

I learned to have lesser expectations of people and to expect more from myself.

12. In what ways did you grow spiritually?

I started and completed my first bible study. I've only taken one other study which I did not finish. I was so thankful to have been apart of the One in a Million study by Priscilla Shirer.

13. In what ways did you grow physically?

My hair color changed at least 3 times! Does this count? Seriously, I can't think of any physical growth--mainly emotional and spiritual growth.

14. In what ways did you grow in your relationships with others?

It's kind of the same as #3. I met many wonderful people this year at church. I've grown very close to many of these women. My relationship with my husband also changed this year. I found myself falling more in love with him as I watched him turn his life around. I also learned that in order to maintain relationships, you must dedicate time to each one. This is so hard with the busyness of my life, but something I plan to be more intentional about in 2012. A big way I have experienced growth in my relationships is by praying for other people--especially my sweet friends who are still in waiting on their miracles.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Work: My co-workers!!!! Home: My Family!!!

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Work: Staying on task =) Home: Staying caught up with housework

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Probably all of the time I spent on FB. Shocking, I know.

18. What was the best way you used your time in this past year?

Using my blog to witness for Christ and record private thoughts and memories for my family.

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this year?

To give people flowers while they are alive instead of when their dead. (read into that further). I also learned to choose my words wisely and to evaluate an entire situation from all points of view. Lastly, I learned some things never change and you have to just say, "it is what it is" and be done with it.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.

I copied this from one of my friend's FB status' but I couldn't have said it any better myself:

‎2012 is hours away. As I reflect on 2011, there have been highs and lows, good and bad times, tears and laughter, losses and gains, deaths and births. Through all of it, I have been gently cradled in the Lord's arms as He carried me through the lows. His footsteps were visible as He walked beside me in the highs and good times. 2012 I will continue to trust "His Unseen Hand" and "Give Him the Glory".

The truth is, I have experienced His Unseen Hand in my life--probably more times than I realize in 2011 alone. I've experienced God's Grace and His mercy. So 2011 was a great year. I'm looking forward to the next!

Happy 2012 Sweet Friends! May this be the year the Lord returns!

Goodbye 2011...well, almost!

2011-12-30T10:37:00.002-05:00

Hello 2012! Where did you come from? Overall, 2011 was pretty kind to me. Here’s a quick timeline of our year:

In Feb, this little man turned TWO! Can anyone guess what color icing was on his birthday cake!?! HA! Kade is becoming a big boy, which makes me happy and sad simultaneously. He has a rock star personality, and he constantly keeps us on our toes. He’s so sweet at times, but is Mr. Independent. During times of frustration, I remember that these days are going by too fast!

In April, our nephew, Dawson turned 14! He also began high school. He’s officially a Greyhound! That’s him, #70 below. If I were #89, I think I’d just run the opposite direction!

Alex and Dawson both love hanging out with Nate. He becomes one of the boys when they are around, but you can also tell that Nathan loves them both so very much by the time and attention he gives them. Camp Saint Nate for life =) (I know the Killian’s will get that!)

My sweet niece, Sarabeth, was born in May! She’s my chunky monkey! One day, she’ll probably hate me calling her that. But seriously, she’s got the cutest, chubbiest cheeks on earth. And, I could just kiss them off!!! I love her soooo much!

My nephew, Josef, become Kade’s BFF somewhere along the way in 2011. When Joe walks into the room, the world stops spinning for Kade, and Kade becomes Joe’s shadow. I love that they are so close, and I pray that they will always be.

In July, our nephew, Alex, came to visit. He lives in Montana! We love him so much, and every year while he’s in NC we try to convert him over to a Duke fan. As you can see, he’s a Turdheel…

Last year at Christmas when he came to visit, he left his appendix here! I told him next time he wanted to stay longer, he just needed to miss his flight!

This year he’s a stud!

My older niece, Kenleigh, started high school!!! EEEEEK! It’s so hard to believe she has grown into the beautiful young lady from that sweet little baby who changed our family forever: The first grandchild! She’s so teeny-tiny compared to her classmates, but she’s a feisty little thing! I love that about her. I love that she’s also cheering at East Burke! Go Cavs!

Isn’t she pretty?

My parents celebrated their 35^th anniversary in June. My mom keeps the boys during the day so Kyle and I can work. They are the best parents in the whole wide world! You couldn’t convince me otherwise. They spoil my boys rotten and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

And they couldn’t be prouder of all FIVE of their grandkids!

My sweet hubby and I celebrated our 8^th wedding anniversary in August! He is my knight in shining armor. We were able to celebrate our anniversary in Jamaica! It was wonderful! We are already saving for our 10^th anniversary where we will return to the Dominican Republic. Our favorite destination so far is the Excellence Resort.

On Oct 29, I said goodbye to my Grandpa. Following a period of declining health, he passed away. I don’t think I realized how much I loved him until after his passing. I have many regrets in our relationship. For a long time I blamed him for failing to be the grandpa I thought he should be. But, I was never the grand-daughter he deserved either.

My sweet baby boy, Kohen, turned one! He’s such a blessing to our lives. He is the happiest baby I’ve ever seen….a little spoiled…okay, a lot spoiled, but sweet as can be.

This has been a good year for my sister, Leigh-Ann, and I. It finally feels like we are friends and not just sisters! We balance each other out now—what a huge change from childhood when we drove each other CrAzY! She found true love again and we are so happy for them!

There were many visits with the Killian Family in 2011. I love my in-laws! They accept me for who I am, flaws and all, and they choose to love me despite that! They are my in-loves and I’m very blessed to be apart of their family! I’m trying to help it grow and grow! ;)

These little/not so little guys keep the Killian grandparent’s very, very busy!

It’s been a great 2011! I wish you all well in 2012! We are closer to the return of Christ, so that makes me just giddy!

Love you all!

Kyle, Elaine, Kade, and Kohen

Christmas Truths...

2011-12-20T12:16:00.002-05:00

I’m borrowing this idea from my sweet friend, Kristen. I love her blog, and I enjoyed reading her list. I thought I would share my own list of Christmas truths. And, nothing speaks lists like bullet points…

I drive many of my co-workers crazy because I tend to start counting down the days to Christmas in July. Even in the midst of 100 degree weather, I can get excited about Christmas being 6 months away.

I’ve been known to play Christmas music as early as August.

As a kid growing up, we would always play Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton’s Christmas CD while decorating our tree. I still have this CD today and I enjoy it so much when I play it. The music floods me with so many fond memories of my childhood holidays.

Every year, my mom’s side of the family will meet on Christmas Day and eat Oyster Stew. This tradition is older than I am. As a kid I can remember not even willing to try it. I always had a hotdog or BBQ instead. But, I do like it now, and I even introduced it to Kade last year.

Last year at Christmas, my dad was recovering from having a stroke. Since then, he has been so fortunate to make a full recovery.

In 2008, we buried my Aunt Cathy on Dec 17 after she loss her life from having a severe asthma attack. The asthma triggered a heart attack. She was only 43 years old.

I’m guilty of reminding my kids that “Santa is watching.” By the way, it hasn’t worked thus far.

Santa came and took Kade’s gifts away two weeks ago. While I was cooking breakfast, he decided to open one. Kade has been told that Santa will bring them back on Jesus’ birthday.

For the past two years, our nephew Alex has been able to spend Christmas with us. He lives in Montana, so we’ve really enjoyed this time with him.

This Christmas will be my niece, Sarabeth’s, first Christmas.

I’m actually finished Christmas shopping.

My kids are spoiled! Kade and Kohen are getting mostly gifts together since we have every toy known to man for kids 2 and under. I feel like Kohen is getting cheated just a bit, but I know he’ll soon grow into the older toys.

I’ll be wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve.

What are some Christmas truths you have?

Prayer Request

2011-12-08T12:53:00.001-05:00

The last few weeks at work have been really stressful. After multiple interviews, I found out that I will be moving to Customer Service effective Jan 31, 2012. The Lord graciously answered my prayer request by giving me a schedule that did not interfere with church, school, or family obligations. However, by accepting the position I am also putting someone who was part-time out of work.

I’ve been really struggling with this decision, and I humbly ask you to join me in praying for this situation. I am a student and do not have plans to make a career with my company. In fact, I returned to school because I was continually told that I lacked working experience despite working for my employer for 13 years. It’s the only full time job I’ve ever had.

This past fall, the bottom fell out of the economy and teachers were being laid off by 100s. I prayerfully decided that now wasn’t the time to student teach and quit (what I thought was) a stable job. I would risk being unemployed after student teaching. I rationalized this decision by my lack of experience in education too. By postponing student teaching, I still knew that finishing my degree would be a priority for me. How could it not? I had taken so much time away from my husband and children that I owe it to them to finish. I had also assumed additional student loan debt. I will finish my education degree. It’s what God has called me to do.

Now, even though I know my employer isn’t going to provide a career for me, something feels wrong about taking someone else’s job away. I know I have to do what is right for my family by continuing to work until I can student teach again in Fall 2013 with another cohort. So, I feel like I made the best decision I could for my family by staying with M*I. So, how can something which feels right also feel so wrong?

Please pray for me. Pray more-so for the person who will be unemployed soon because of the predicament I’ve been put into. The whole thing stinks. I DO NOT LOVE THE WILDERNESS!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 30

2011-11-30T21:10:00.005-05:00

Over the past 30 days, I've been blogging about some of the things in my life that I am thankful for. By no means, is this list a complete list of all the blessings that God has more than abundantly poured out over my life. I am so thankful that I completed this challenge for many reasons. It forced me to slow down and enjoy the "now." It encouraged me to find the good in a trying time in my career. It disciplined me to actively study the Word of God. And, perhaps best of all, it taught me about obedience and discerning the voice of God as I apply biblical principles in my daily life.

I am so thankful for those of you who have hung around for the past 30 days. I am thankful for the text messages and the comments you left me letting me know you were/would be praying for me. I am thankful that I have this blog to document my life, as un-eventful as it may seem to some. I am thankful that I am free to be me--the real me--here and that many of you come back day after day.

Lord, I can never say how much I am thankful for my family and friends. I've been blessed by the greatest husband I could have ever wanted. I truly believe Kyle is an answered prayer in my life, except he goes above and beyond anyone I could have ever prayed for. I am completely in awe of my children--two sons I never imagined I would ever hold or care for. But, you saw better Lord, and I want to thank you for that.

I have parents and a sister who have always loved and supported me. I have in-laws I know I can count on. I have numerous other family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews) who I know would give me the shirt off their backs, who will love me unconditionally, and who have inspired me to be better than average with God's help.

Although there is uncertainty surrounding my job, I have one--and I'm thankful for that. I have coworkers who I treasure. They do so much to encourage and inspire me. I am sooooo thankful for my church and church family. I'm growing as a Christian under the guidance of our pastors and the fellowship of our members. I've made many wonderful friends who are reliable, prayerful women I can connect with on so many levels. And, Lord, you have blessed me with so many friends outside of church or work. I still have friends from high school or other periods of my life. Thank you Lord for the blessing of these people.

At times I feel dog-tired, okay...most of the time...but I am healthy. Thank you Lord. When I am sick, I have insurance so that I can seek medical attention. That, too, is a blessing. I guess what I'm trying to say is that Lord, you've been extra good to me...good despite my neglect of your goodness...good despite my sins....good despite my failures. So most of all, I am thankful Lord for You, and everything that You are...to everyone. You are my life, and it's my soul focus to live a life that reflects You and brings honor and glory to You...because You deserve so much more.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 29 (late)

2011-11-30T16:04:00.001-05:00

I’m sorry folks! I’ve blogged more than once about how stressful work has been lately. When I got home last night, I was wiped out. I had a terrible headache, and I ended up falling asleep while Kade was watching Toy Story 3 on DVR!

I was meaning to post this yesterday:

Today I am thankful for this bible verse. When the enemy tries to rob me of my joy, or he tries to remind me of past sins, I speak this verse over and over.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

New.

Redeemed.

Forgiven.

Changed.

Satisfied.

Happy.

Joyful.

New.

DaySpring Winner...

2011-11-28T20:53:00.003-05:00

I'm sorry for the delay friends. Thanksgiving has been extra chaotic this year. So, I did as I promised...slips of paper, little hand, big bowl....and Kade drew out

Julie

I was going to post the video, but I sound like such a country-bumpkin that it's almost embarrassing!!!!! Okay, it is embarrassing! You'll have to just take my word for it!

Congratulations Julie! You have one week to email me at elaine.killian@gmail.com so I can send you the $20 promotional code! If I don't receive a response by Monday, December 5 I will draw a new winner!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 28

2011-11-28T19:59:00.004-05:00

I am thankful that God's mercies are new every morning... Things are certainly stressful right now with the uncertainity of my job. I know I have needed the renewed opportunity to experience Him and His goodness.

This may not have the same meaning for God as it has for me. I mean, it's not like He sleeps at night (at all!!!) and wakes up to a renewed sense of grace. It is us who require that sleep--that rest--from all of life's chaos. Somehow, when we curl up on our pillows at night after a stressful day and we pray that tomorrow will be better, we know it will be because 1)it's a new day, and 2) God's mercy and grace are refreshing (again!).

Praise God that He doesn't grow weary of us when we are growing weary of ourselves! Amen?!? Instead, He gives us the same opportunity to receive His mercy, grace, and blessings tomorrow when the bleak circumstances of today interfere. Isn't He amazing?

It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
Lamentations 3:22-24

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 27

2011-11-27T20:39:00.004-05:00

I am thankful for my church. The moment you walk into the doors, you can feel the presence of God. I am thankful that my pastors speak truth. I am thankful that my church's alter is always open. I am thankful for the members. I am thankful for their encouragement. I am thankful Kyle and I have chosen Winkler's Grove to attend. I am so thankful for this house of worship, a place where the Spirit of God leads and its members follow.

I am thankful that the following passage tells where, why, how, and who should praise the Lord.

Where:

"Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of his power."

Why:

"Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness."

How:

"Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals.

Who:

"Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.

Psalm 150: 1-6

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 26

2011-11-26T20:30:00.003-05:00

Today, I am thankful for the Book of Life. But more importantly, I am thankful that my name is recorded in it.

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book." (Exodus 32:33)

"And at the time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:1-2)

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." (Malachi 3:16-18)

"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15)

*************************************
And I'm thankful if your name isn't written in the Book of Life it can be by becoming saved.

Easy, No Bake Dessert for the Holidays: Lush Cake

2011-11-25T12:15:00.001-05:00

I recently made a Lush Cake for my women’s bible study class. It’s super quick, easy, and requires no cooking—my kind of recipe! With the upcoming holidays you may want to try it for your family and friends. This is my version and is slightly different than the recipe from Kraft.

Lush Cake

Ingredients:

Angel Food Cake

2 boxes of Instant Vanilla pudding

1 can of pineapple chunks or pieces, drained but reserve the juice

1 Lg Cool Whip

Strawberries, sliced

*optional bananas, blueberries, or other fruit

Directions:

Crumble Angel food cake in bottom of medium size dish or bowl. (I’ve also made this recipe using the small angel food cakes for serving strawberry shortcake. There is a picture below using a whole angel food cake horizontally producing 3 layers.)
Using the reserved pineapple juice and ½ container of cool whip, mix with packs of Vanilla pudding until well mixed. (omit milk from pudding recipe)
Pour ½ of pudding on top of angel food cake in dish. Layer with ½ pineapple and ½ strawberries.
Repeat layers
Top with remaining cool whip
Garnish with fruit.

Serve chilled. Will serve approximately 10-12

This is the layered result c/o Taste of Home

There recipe uses Fat Free ingredients. Check it out too.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 25

2011-11-25T11:16:00.001-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my parents who have loved and supported me over the last 31 years of my life. I’m pretty sure that I caused (most of) the “grey” in their hair.

Thank you Mom and Dad for all you’ve done for me. Thank you for giving me all the things I needed growing up. Thank you for taking me to church. Thank you for teaching me right/wrong even though at times I mixed the two up. Thank you for forgiving me from all the mistakes I’ve made. Thank you for the phone calls and words of encouragement. Thank you for being the best parents anyone could ever have.

“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

(Exodus 20:12)

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

(Proverbs 22:6)

“And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”

(Isaiah 54:13)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 24

2011-11-24T19:07:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for the things I know...

1. I know that I am saved.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

2. I know that I am saved eternally.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

"And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10: 28)

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of god: that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)

3. I know the truth that stands forever.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

4. I know that their are no accidents with God.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

5. I know that God is on my side.

"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

6. I know that the very instant I see Jesus, I will be like Him.

"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)

**Notes from Sermon titled "Things I Know" by Preacher Dale Faulkenbury on 05/27/2007)

RFW: Faith vs. Faithfulness

2011-11-23T21:07:00.002-05:00

Resolution for Women: Faith vs. Faithfulness

"By resolving to be faithfully His, you are deciding to allow everything you believe about God and His Word to consistently guide your feet, your hands, your mind, and your heart--despite anything and everything that may point to the contrary." (page 77)

In your own words describe the difference between having faith and being faithful.

Faith, in my opinion, is a set of beliefs that we deem valuable in our lives. Most of the time, one's faith is personal. Its oftentimes appearance deep, if that makes sense to anyone? People may know I am a person of faith if I tell them so. Faithfulness, is putting into action the same belief system, even when circumstances are less than desirable. It may be uncomfortable, but I am faithful if I am consistently living out the faith I am professing to possess.

Just as Priscilla Shirer says,
"It's more than just having a firm persuasion; it's moving that firm persuasion into forward motion. Having a strong set of beliefs is one thing. But standing up tall on them, making decisions according to them, and adjusting your life to line up with them--that's quite another." (page 76)

I couldn't have said it in my own words, any better than that!

Would you describe yourself as a faithful person? If so, in what areas of your life?

At times, I would describe myself as faithful. I am faithful in my work attendance. I am faithful to my husband. I am faithful to my friends and family (meaning I stand by them). I am a faithful prayer warrior for those I feel burdened for. I am faithful in paying my bills on time. More notably, I can add that I now faithfully attend church services.

I also faithfully complain. I faithfully hold on to that last string of pride. I faithfully spend time on F@cebook that I should be spending elsewhere. So, this section showed me that there are areas where my faithfulness needs to grow. I need to work on turning "faith" into "faithfulness" while spending time studying God's word, relying on God to provide for my needs, and pursuing Him in good and hard times.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 23

2011-11-23T09:31:00.005-05:00

When you are a child of God, you find that you want to live differently from what the world has deemed acceptable. Things that may not matter to someone, will really matter to you if your life has been changed. You will feel a responsibility to make restitution to people you have wrong or mistakes you have made. It’s still extremely difficult, none-the-less, to accept ownership for mistakes. But you do it, because you hear the voice of God telling you to. You may feel shame, you may try to ignore the conviction, you may hold on for dear life to your pride. But, if you are truly a child of God then when you hear the Savior’s voice, you will eventually be obedient.

This was me. Yesterday.

I felt tremendous conviction for several weeks to correct something I did wrong. Over 15 years ago. So, I sent a letter to this person saying this:

Dear (Sir),

I worked for you while I was 16 years old at your grocery store…I was a child of turmoil and I made many mistakes which I am ashamed of…One of those mistakes was never repaying you $100 you loaned me…another was I took something from your store without paying for it…. I want you to know I am a life changed by Jesus Christ….I would like to offer to pay you restitution for what I did….I have a check for you for full restitution. Please accept it as a symbol that I am not who I use to be thanks to the mercy of Jesus Christ.

In Him,
Me

That’s not exactly the letter, but that’s the gist of it. Why did I do this, you ask? I could have very well gone on with the rest of my life and never owned up to this “mistake.” The store owner didn’t know I stole something and (likely) had long forgotten about the money he let me borrow over 15 years ago. But, I hadn’t forgotten. God hadn’t forgotten—He had forgiven, but it wasn’t forgotten. So, I did it. I told on myself and tried to make it right. I didn’t want this one “BIG MISTAKE” to keep God from telling me, “Well, done my faithful servant.”

It’s not how you start life that is important. It’s how you finish life. That is what most people will remember. But, I didn’t want this old impression of me to be the only impression of me this store owner ever saw. I wanted him to see how being a Christian can change your life and make you better. God’s love and mercy is sufficient, and He will give you the strength and the courage to set yourself apart from this world.

Today, I am thankful that

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 22

2011-11-22T10:51:00.001-05:00

I am thankful today for the ability to pray…anywhere…anytime…

“My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”

And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”

(Psalm 27:8, NLT)

**Some of these may be repeats. I’m trying really hard to think about what I have and have not said. However, if I do repeat any reasons I’m thankful within the 30 Days of Thanksgiving, I know they are worthy of repeating.

RFW: Divine Appointments

2011-11-21T21:00:00.002-05:00

Resolution for Women: Divine Appointments

(For those of you wondering what Resolution for Women is, it's the women's bible study fresh off the hills of the movie Courageous. You can read more about and watch the trailer for the movie here. You can learn more about The Resolution for Women or buy your own copy here.)

I'm starting a new unit today called Faithfully His. It's a resolution to be devoted to Christ and defined by His word.

One of my favorite quotes from this reading was

"He deserves our resolve to faithfully and consistently live up to the value we've been given, to portray outwardly to the world the inherent worth we possess inwardly by God's sacrificial yet freely given grace. We ought never to be lost among the shuffle of worldliness...driven by lowly pursuits and interests, becoming so similar in appearance to everyone else that we can't be singled out in the crowd. Rather, our goal should be to take responsibility for our actions, lining them up singularly with our God and His word, diving deep into the divine purposes for which we have been placed on earth." (page 69)

To illustrate this type of faithfulness, an unexpected example arose in Hebrews 3:1-2. "Moses was faithful in all God's house."

Here's a little snippet of Moses' life: prince of Egypt, murdered one of the countrymen, tended sheep, God spoke to him from a burning bush, led Israel out of bondage, gave excuse after excuse after excuse of why he couldn't fulfill his role, and his disobedience cost him entrance into Canaan.

"Can you relate to that?...So many blunders and mistakes stand out. So many lapses in judgement....How could you ever live up to this standard of being distinctly devoted, utterly separate, a person faithful in 'all of God's house.'" (page 71)

How is Moses' example encouraging and inspiring to you?
Moses' example is encouraging to me because it makes me realize that I don't have to be perfect for the Lord to call me to do His work. I only need to be purposeful--resolving to live at a higher standard allowing others to see God in me. Although it is easy for me to judge Moses' and all the things he did wrong, he heeded to the calling he was given and only stopped when God told him he must.

How will you be required to go against rationale or cultural pressure to stay committed to what heaven is calling you to do in this season of your life?
Contrary to what may not be popular opinion, the best way to stay committed to what heaven is calling me to do is to align my actions with God and His word. When I mess up, I am to seek His forgiveness and pursue His will persistently. I am to embrace the heavenly calling He has given me as a privilege and with a purpose.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 21

2011-11-21T09:38:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for my husband. Several years ago, we struggled through one of the hardest trials we’ve ever faced as a couple. I would continually pray for God to give us a family. Then, God opened my eyes to something I had been overlooking: He graciously gave us a family when He gave us each other.

Kyle is my rock—he keeps me grounded. He loves me beyond what I ever could expect from a husband. He loves me so well… He oftentimes is the smile in my day and the warmth in my night. But most of all, he is the love of my life.

“Thank you Lord for giving Kyle to me. I can’t believe that while you were creating him, you were being mindful of me. Wow! I feel so unworthy of his presence in my life. I am so proud of him and the way You have grabbed a hold of his life. He lives with a servant’s heart and strives to be the leader you have ordained him to be. Please continue to hold him close to Your heart, Lord. Help me to be the wife and helper he deserves. Bless our marriage as we surrender all of our cares to you, Lord. Be with us as we raise our children to seek after You. Deepen the love we have found in each other. Deepen our desire to live for and seek to embrace Your will for our lives.

Amen”

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 20

2011-11-20T19:46:00.005-05:00

I am thankful that we are still ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

I wasn't aware that Ronald Reagan chose to be sworn into office using his mother's bible. He also said, "If we ever forget that we are one nation under God then we are a nation gone under." No wonder he has been one of the greatest presidents this country has ever known.

I am thankful that even if those words are taken out of the pledge of allegience or removed from our monetary system, we are still ONE NATION UNDER GOD

I am thankful that you can't go against God's word in American leadership if you believe in God's lordship

And I'm thankful for God's promise...Change that matters...

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,

and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;

then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin,

and will heal their land."

(2 Chronicles 7:14)

RFW: The Affirmation Crusade with Resolution

2011-11-19T15:47:00.007-05:00

Resolution for Women: The Affirmation Crusade

Well, hello there! Long time no post on the Resolution for Women! Life has been...very life-ish as of lately. So, I was so glad that today's reading wanted me to

Take time to look back over your notes from this section.

Consider what will be required for you to live authentically, as well as the freedom you will experience when you do.

Required of me: Stop letting the media tell me who I need to be. Let God tell me who I need to be. I also need to stop letting friendships be strongholds over me, which may mean letting some people in my life go. It's sad, yes, but I have been called as a Christian to be set apart from the world. A good first step in being set apart is to examine the social circle you mingle with. It's also important for me to start wrapping my head around the fact that I am one of God's chosen possessions. Of all the things he made, He chose me when even I wouldn't have chosen me. It's time to start living a life which makes Him proud of me--putting into action all that I have been taught, becoming more like Him, being a good and faithful servant.

Freedom I will experience: I'll stop putting so much pressure on myself to live up to earthly standards. I will be able to appreciate my own God-given talents without being envious of other's. I am the only me the world has or needs. When I don't embrace myself, I could potentially be interferring with God's plan for my life and/or the lives of whom I will become in contact. I will also stop allowing the enemy to tell me that I am inadequate or ill equipped to witness to others. I don't need all the tools! God is my Carpenter and He will give me the tools I need to do His work.

Additionally, think of some other women who, for whatever reason, you are hesitant to compliment. Make a point to commend them for their unique value and worth to you this week.

Will do!

So by signing my name

I will accept and celebrate my uniqueness, and will esteem

and encourage the distinctions I admire in others.

This is a resolution I make of myself to my family and my Lord.

Elaine M Killian

November 19, 2011

Don't forget to enter my Dayspring Giveaway found here!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 19

2011-11-19T12:49:00.004-05:00

I am thankful that no one can speak peace like God.

Perfect Peace: free from disturbances within, perfect harmony

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." (Isaiah 24:22)

"Or let him take hold of my strength,that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me."(Isaiah 27:5)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understadning, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

(From sermon notes taken 3/21/2007 on the message titled "Perfect Peace" by Preacher Paul Deal.)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 18

2011-11-18T09:53:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for a holy courage to be able to say this:

When I attempted suicide at the age of 16, the LORD saved me…and He gave me eternal life.

I’m so thankful that I failed.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son

That whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish

But have everlasting life.”

John 3:16

“And this is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and

Jesus Christ, the one you sent to Earth.”

John 17:3

DaySpring Review :Ever Grateful Table Runner with Giveaway

2011-11-17T18:47:00.015-05:00

From Dayspring.com

My friends at Dayspring sent me this fabulous Ever Grateful Table Runner to review. When I opened it up, I remember thinking to myself that I really didn’t have any table décor to set it off as it was entitled. Unlike the photo on the website, I’m not a very crafty or decorative person, although I wish at times—especially during the holidays—that I was a little more M@rtha Stewert.

So, I began to think of where I could place this elegant table runner where it could be fully appreciated. I wanted to encourage anyone who looked at it to “Let there be thankfulness to God” as the embroidery reads.

Many of you know that last week I found out that my employer is outsourcing my departments work to another company. “Let there be thankfulness to God” that we were offered other positions within our company despite the fact that many of us will be separated. “Let there be thankfulness to God” that we’ve made life long friendships by praying for and encouraging one another. “Let there be thankfulness to God” that being confined into one work department does not define the value we have found in each other. And, “Let there be thankfulness to God” for new beginnings in our Father’s plan for our lives.

So, this is where I found God leading me to use my decorative table runner…at work, draped across two of our filing cabinets. Honestly, I don’t think I could have found a more perfect place to use it during this season of uncertainty.

We made a Thankfulness Tree, an idea my friend Deidre found on pintrest. We found a reason to celebrate each other and this new season in our lives. Every day a few more things have been added to remind us to “Let there be thankfulness to God” for all things, good or bad. Here a few of my favorites:

So, if you are like me and don't have delicate china to decorate your table this Thanksgiving, it isn't necessary. You can use this table runner for other ways to encourage the people in your life. If haven’t already done so, please visit Dayspring and find something that you can use to encourage someone else. They have the neatest items, from seasonal gifts to books to cards. They have quickly become one of my most favorite retailers.

So, I'm offering up a reader a chance to win $20 in Dayspring merchandise. If you would like to enter please leave me a comment below stating which item(s) from Dayspring you would use to encourage someone in your life and why? So all of you lurkers come out from hiding! =) You have one week to enter. I will draw a winner next Friday, Nov 25. Pieces of paper. Big Bowl. Little hand.

Disclaimer: I was provided the Ever Grateful Decorative Table Runner by Daysprings without having to pay for it. However, all opinions expressed here are my own!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 17

2011-11-17T12:03:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for my sweet boys…two reasons for me to believe in the power of prayer, two reasons for me to be better than a good parent, and two reasons that I understand and appreciate the pain during my journey through infertility. They are two reasons why I live for the Lord, and two of the most precious people I want to see chase after God’s own heart.

“Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “ Honor your Father and mother.” This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, you will live a long life, full of blessings.”

(Ephesians 6: 1-3)

RFW: Returning tomorrow!

2011-11-16T14:12:00.001-05:00

Resolution for Women

Wow! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve been sort of going through the motions of life over the past few weeks. First, I had the unexpected/expected passing of my Grandpa. I say unexpected/expected because we could all see his health was deteriorating. However, on Oct 28 my family was told by Hospice that Paw Paw’s life expectancy was 2 weeks. Unfortunately, he died the following day.

I’ve been processing my grief over this loss. It’s a “different” sort of grief compared to what I’ve previously known. I wasn’t incredibly close to my grandpa, despite being raised next door to him. As I was a child, he didn’t do things I had seen other grandparents do. He didn’t come to high school graduations…He didn’t come to the hospital when I had Kade or Kohen. He didn’t even go to my sister’s wedding. I allowed all those things he didn’t do to build up a wall between me and him. I feel almost certain in saying that over the past few years, I feel as if he was full of regret and wanted a second chance. I was not willing to give him that. So, as he lay on his death bed, I whispered in his ear that I would see him again someday—I knew he had been saved by God’s grace. He told our family not to worry. He said, “I’ve made things right with God.” I told him that I had forgiven him for all the stuff which went wrong in our relationship, but I wasn’t an innocent bystander. I told him I hoped he would forgive me too.

It’s been hard. Really hard. Much harder than I anticipated it to be to lose him. I don’t think I really knew how much I loved him until that moment.

Anyway, after I dealt with his passing the other shoe sort of dropped. My employer is outsourcing my job to another company. Thankfully, we are being relocated into other areas of the company, but in a lot of ways, this too feels like a death. I am mourning the closeness of the many friendships I’ve made over the years. I’m mourning the customers I’ll never get to talk to again. I’m mourning the normalcy I found at work.

So, long story short (I know, right?!?) I’ve been in a fog. I finished up my bible study with some pretty fantastic women last night at church; “One in a Million” by Priscilla Shirer is one of the best things I’ve completed in my life. God used this study to show me so many things about myself and becoming “one in a million.” I’m nervous, scared, excited, over-whelmed, encouraged, impatient—a melting pot of emotions--with all the areas God has shown me are opportunities for me to experience Him and His love for me. I have a completely new outlook on “the wilderness.” I don’t want to miss whatever God is trying to teach me.

So I’m totally committed to returning to The Resolution for Women bible study which I’d been posting on a few weeks ago. It will be returning tomorrow =) Stick around!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 16

2011-11-16T10:10:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for the unfailing love of Christ.

“O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? Turn and answer me, O LORD my God! Restore the light to my eyes, or I will die. Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the LORD because He has been so good to me.”

(Psalm 13)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 15

2011-11-15T14:11:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for Kyle’s conviction to tithe. I am thankful that when I say “I just don’t see how it could even be possible. I have a budget—it doesn’t work!” that I have preachers who will encourage me by saying something like, “That’s how you know it’s of God. It doesn’t make sense. It shouldn’t and oftentimes won’t make sense to us on paper. It’s more about being obedient and believing God will supply for your needs.” I’m thankful for Preacher Paul. And, I’m thankful my friend Jan is blogging, and how God could use her to encourage me today over this same topic. (I love you friend!)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 14

2011-11-14T10:39:00.001-05:00

Today, I’m thankful for new beginnings…

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster,

to give you a future and a hope. ¹² In those days when you pray, I will listen.

¹³ If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” says the Lord.

(Jeremiah 29:11-14a, NLV)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 13

2011-11-13T16:55:00.007-05:00

This is some of the Women of Grace from my church! We are studying Priscilla Shiers "One in a Million." Its been completely life changing and convicting for me.

Today, I'm thankful for this wonderful group of women. You have encouraged me when I have felt most un-encourageable. Thank you for your love and your friendship, but more importantly your prayers! Each one of you are truly One in a Million!

"One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."

(Proverbs 12:26)

"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for His friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you."

(John 15:12-15)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 12

2011-11-12T17:12:00.003-05:00

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 11

2011-11-11T09:49:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for the opportunity to choose CONTENTMENT over discontentment and JOY over anxiety. Yesterday at work, my department was told it was being eliminated. (I just was thankful for having a job earlier this week!)

We have been offered jobs (THANK YOU LORD!), but many of the schedules involve working odd or weekend hours. I really desire your prayers that I won’t have to work on Sundays…there are several of my co-workers with this same prayer. Please, please pray specifically for this.

For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of eating well or going hungry of facing either plenty of poverty. I am ready for anything

through the strength of the One who lives within me.

Philippians 4:11-13

Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed,

you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

James 1:2-4

Complaining Bracelets

2011-11-10T11:18:00.000-05:00

Our women’s bible study has committed to wearing a hair band on our wrist for a week. Each time we complain, we have to switch the band to the opposite wrist. Want to play? Jump on in!

Okay, so I’ll step out in faith and share my list of complaints for Wednesday. Prepared to be bored…

There was dust on my dresser. A lot.
As I was folding clothes, I realized I am always doing laundry.
I have nothing to wear to work! (Seriously?!? With all the laundry I’m folding you would think otherwise.)
I need to do a clean sweep of the living room (aka the playroom outside of the real playroom) before work.
My desk is such a mess!
Is it really time to box up files again?!? I so detest this task!
I would really like to eat a big greasy burger for lunch.
Do I really need to call this customer…again?
Okay, when there are 5 stalls in the women’s’ bathroom at work, and all of them are empty except the one I’m occupying, must you really pick the stall beside me?
I really need to cut out this massive stack of coupons on my desk…so I won’t have to keep eating sandwiches.
Is it not time to go home yet?!?
I have to drive all the way home to let out the dogs before church
Do my dogs seriously have to smell every leaf, tree, rock just to use the bathroom
I was caught by every red light on the way to my mom’s.
We are going to be late for church!
Kohen’s nose is running again.
Is it bath and bedtime yet?
Forgot to set my DVR to record the CMA’s

Anyone think I could give the Israelites a run for their milk and honey? Know what I noticed? You know, besides that I won’t be writing my list anymore? I pretty much complained my entire day. Mostly over things I need to do none-the-less. But, some of my complaints were pretty dumb, don’t you think? Now listen—I’m complaining over my complaining. Note to self: BE SILENT!!!

So what’s my plan of action? Invest in hair bands! At this rate, I’m going to need them. Seriously though, I need to be MINDFUL. Most of the above really don’t matter to anyone in the grand scheme of things, do they? Why am I allowing them to steal the slightest bit of my joy?

**In my defense most of these were things I thought rather than said out loud. See—I can be silent! I want this little experiment to be as real for me as possible, and if its to be so I must include my thoughts.

What did you find yourself complaining about?

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 10

2011-11-10T09:31:00.003-05:00

I am thankful for music that can minister to your soul. This song has gotten me through so much in my life. It reminds me whether my storm is raging or the winds of life are slightly blowing, HE IS WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE!!! Thank you Casting Crowns for reminding me!

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8)

RFW: Happy to Be You

2011-11-09T15:20:00.001-05:00

Resolution for Women: Happy to be You

Let me just say, I *heart* this chapter. One of the most important things I read was this:

“You are the only you the world has. The only one we really need. The one who, according to Psalm 139 has been…

Examined by God
Known by Him
Seen by Him
Protected by Him
Followed by Him
Blessed by Him
Guided by Him
Strengthened by Him
Supported by Him
Carefully created by Him
Led by Him

Have you ever really tried getting acquainted with this person who was important enough to God Himself to put this much time and attention into creating and supporting?” (page 61)

Record uniquenesses other people see in you. Which of these surprise you?

This was one of the most uncomfortable tasks I’ve completed so far. I began by asking Kyle what he thought was unique about me, and he told me I liked to sleep. Seriously?!? Then he followed it up by saying, “Well you’re also OCD. When you start looking for something, you won’t stop until you find it.” “Okay,” I told him. “You are just making fun of me now.” HA!

So, I sent out an email to my closest friends at work and told them I was fishing for compliments! =) Then I explained to them the purpose of why I was asking each friend to tell me what was so unique about me, so I wouldn’t feel so bad! Here are some of the responses I’ve received. Please note their words are in black, my thoughts are in DUKE BLUE =)

Paula said: “What admires me the most about you is how you juggle everything you do like school, work, raising 2 little boys. I really never hear you complain about it that much, (you haven’t seen my complaining list!!!) usually just work. But now you can be content in your work. It was hard for me to raise just one child and work.

April said: “You are very sensitive to others needs and feelings and are always looking to help someone else. Not everyone is fortunate to have those traits!!! And another thing, OCD does not have to be negative trait!! IT means that once you make your mind up about how something needs to be you are not going to QUIT until things are the way they should be in your mind. Determination (that is how I define OCD!!) is a strong trait and one you should be proud of.” (To be fair, once Kyle stopped making fun of me, he did included determined in his list.)

Carrie said: You are a very determined person, which I know Kyle said. But you follow through with what you believe in and make it happen, whether it is with school, faith, or just things in general. You are a very unique friend to me because no matter what I know I can talk to you about anything and you will tell me your HONEST opinion whether I necessary like it or not.” (Please not I’d just given my friend Carrie non-solicited relationship advice.)

Finally, Donna said: “You are funny!! (Most surprising to me.) You are passionate about what is important to you—family, friends, education, work; meaning you give those things your all, 110%. You are a wonderful writer; caring, honest and inspiring. You are compassionate, thoughtful and giving. You try to do what is right and expect others to as well. (I also expect others to do things exactly like me) I don’t mean this negatively but you are hard on yourself when you don’t feel you have excelled. (I took notice to this statement) And you’ve got great teeth!” (This made me actually laugh out loud.)

Record how you can be more intentional about using and celebrating these characteristics.

I think something that Donna said really stood out to me. I am extremely hard on myself and often set up unrealistic goals. I’m working on it, but when I beat up on myself often enough, it’s only impacted more by the actual beating up I allow others to do on me. I can intentionally be mindful of being caring, compassionate, and thoughtful. I do believe God created me to be all of those things. To showcase my determination, I have to stop taking on too many obligations. Sometimes my determination is cancelled out by my frustration and complaining. I portray an image that doesn’t invite other people to explore the same opportunities I am exploring, namely returning to school while balancing work and family.

How would the dynamics of your family, your office, or your relationships benefit from your doing this?

I think I would be happier—or more content. I believe that by recognizing my own self worth, I could encourage others to embrace their own uniquenesses. There is only one me. There is only one you. And that’s all the world needs.

As a side note, it really made me feel good about myself to have others tell me what was unique about me. I would like to remember in the future that we all (men and women included) need to be edified and complimented by each other.

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 9

2011-11-09T10:34:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for first, second, third, forth…(and so on) CHANCES to get IT right!

“Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from inside the fish. He said, “I cried out to the LORD in my great trouble, and He answered me. I called to you from the world of the dead, and LORD, you heard me! You threw me into the ocean depths, and I sank down to the heart of the sea. I was buried beneath your wild and stormy waves. Then I said, ‘O LORD, you will have driven me from your presence. How will I ever again see your holy Temple?’ I sank beneath the waves, and death was very near. The waters closed in around me, and seaweed wrapped itself around my head. I sank down to the very roots of the mountains. I was locked out of life and imprisoned in the land of the dead. But you, O LORD my God, have snatched me from the yawning jaws of death! “When I had lost all hope, I turned my thoughts once more to the Lord. And my earnest prayer went out to you in your holy Temple. Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God’s mercies. But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone.”

(Jonah 2: 1-9)

Blessings!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 8

2011-11-08T08:49:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for the ability to grow as a Christian with my husband, family, friends, and church family.

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done.”

(Colossians 2:6-7)

Blessings!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 7

2011-11-07T09:43:00.001-05:00

I am thankful that I have a job to help in providing for my family. There are times that I am unhappy—I know that God has called me to do bigger and better things than financial statements—but He has provided. Kyle and I both work for very stable employers, and for the stability we have, even on days we fail to appreciate it, we are thankful.

“Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were

working for the LORD rather than people.”

(Colossians 3:23)

“Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not

need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”

(2 Timothy 2:15)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 6

2011-11-06T14:29:00.004-05:00

Although the time may spring forward or fall back, I'm thankful that...

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
(Hebrews 13:8)

Blessings!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 5

2011-11-05T09:03:00.009-04:00

I am thankful for the breathing WORD of God to guide me throughout my life...

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my WORDS shall not pass away."(Matthew 24:35)

"Let the WORD of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in WORD or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father in Him." (Colassians 3:16-17)

"For the WORD of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Blessings!

RFW: Supernatural Selection

2011-11-04T17:37:00.001-04:00

Resolution for Women: Supernatural Selection

Much of today’s study is focused on the following scripture:

I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before

You were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5

Part of embracing being supernaturally selected by God is to accept you were chosen and “it is no mistake that you are living right now with your own set of circumstances, dealing with your specific set of issues, all while working within your personalized set of skills and abilities.” (page 55)

Using that same supernatural selection, God wants us to strive to attain a healthier self-image by falling “back into the genuine, authentic reality of your value in God’s eyes—the One who chose you, set you apart, and appointed you to bear fruit. He loved you enough to make you like no other, and He’s given you a task that is yours alone to complete with His abundant help and empowerment.” (page 59)

Choose at least one of the following verses to study and memorize:

A declaration of your IMPORTANCE TO GOD:

¹⁰For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can

do the good things He planned for us long ago.

(Ephesians 2:10 NLV)

A confirmation of your SELECTION BY GOD:

⁵I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you

apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world.

(Jeremiah 1:5 NLV)

A verification of your SUFFICIENCY IN GOD:

⁵It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves.

Our only power and success come from God.

(2 Corinthians 3:5)

Consider the things you may have failed to do because you felt ill equipped or unworthy to participate. Choose one of them to begin doing this week.

One of the things I most regret not doing for the LORD was attending youth camp several years ago. I remember thinking that I wasn’t good enough to be involved with the kids. There was still room for improvement in my life, and more than anything I feared being hypocritical in their innocent eyes. Kyle and I’ve been praying over the past week of ways we could give God the part of us He asks for: 10% of our time, talent, and treasures, which is far less than He deserves. I know He has given me a passion for working with young people. If it weren’t so, I would not be pursuing a career to become a middle grades educator. A possibility I will explore this week will be talking with our amazing youth pastor to find out if he can use any assistance I may be able to offer. This thought scares me, terrifies me even! These lyrics by DC Talk just popped into my head: “What if I stumble, what if I fall? What if I lose my step and make fools of us all? Will the love continue when my walk becomes a crawl? What if I stumble? What if I fall?” But praise God, you’ve promised me you’ll never leave me nor forsake me… I’ll step out on radical faith.

RFW: Intelligent Design

2011-11-04T11:07:00.001-04:00

Resolution for Women: Intelligent Design

What are some minor incidentals you’ve allowed to shape your self-image or self-worth?

The media and how Hollywood portrays I ought to act or feel about myself. I’m constantly bombarded with how I should dress, how I should talk, how I should live to “fit in” with people who have no concern about my welfare as a Christian. When I really sit back and ponder over this ridiculous notion—the idea of who they say I should be rather than who HE says I should be—it almost makes me feel sick. Why have I given anyone but Him so much control over my self-image or self-worth!?! The LORD showed me this verse this morning: “The godly give good advice to their friends, the wicked lead them astray.” (Proverbs 12:26) Wow! That was a pretty powerful wake up call! Note to self: Let GOD shape your self-image and self-worth.

How has the decorating scheme of your life turned out differently than you would like as a result of that?

The people or things which I gave so much influential power over my self image aren’t even around anymore. If it was a TV show, depicting and image of me which was unholy, I don’t watch it any longer. If it’s music lyrics influencing me to act/live/speak a certain way, it’s gone. I have distanced myself from friends who have different values than myself—only to prevent myself from being tempted. I’d say about now that my decorating scheme was less than my best, but it’s currently under major renovation to be BIGGER and BETTER than I could have ever imagined my life being. HE is in ME!!! HIS spirit dwells in me!!!!!! It’s time I start reshaping my self-image and self-worth to portray HIS presence in my life. I am HIS chosen possession. As unworthy as I may be, HE chose me (and you) to be HIS best.

Read 1 Peter 2:9-10 and record the statements of value declared concerning you. Make a point of really studying and meditating on this scripture, digging more deeply into the truths revealed.

“But YOU are not like that, for YOU ARE A CHOSEN PEOPLE. YOU are a kingdom of priests, God’s holy nation, HIS VERY OWN POSSESSION. This is SO YOU CAN SHOW OTHERS THE GOODNESS OF GOD, for HE CALLED YOU out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (NLV)

I’m pretty speechless that He thought that much of us, aren’t you?

Blessings!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 4

2011-11-04T08:59:00.001-04:00

I am thankful that in times of trouble, I don’t have to panic or be full of despair. God’s word says He will deliver me (and you), so be of good cheer. If I want God to be the God of my troubles, I must also allow Him to be God of my heart. I’m thankful for the choice to seek Him in refuge.

²And he said, the LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.

2 Samuel 22:2

¹⁹Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Psalm 34:19

¹God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

⁸For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

⁹For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways,

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Blessings!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 3

2011-11-03T09:06:00.002-04:00

Today I am thankful for the day when we will have no more sorrow, hurt, or pain of any kind…

⁴And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelations 21:4

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 2

2011-11-02T10:36:00.004-04:00

I am thankful that when I am so weary from the tribulations of life, I can find rest at the foot of the cross....

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Blessings!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 1

2011-11-01T11:10:00.003-04:00

I am Thankful that this is not my home...

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

John 14:2

Sneak Peak at what's coming up...

2011-10-31T15:07:00.001-04:00

Last week was the return of Thankful Thursdays. However, tomorrow is a BIG day! Starting November 1st, I will be joining in on 30 days of Thanksgiving. You’ll probably be able to find several blogs who are participating. Want to play?!? Jump right in!

Winner...

2011-10-31T11:14:00.001-04:00

I have a winner for the DaySpring giveaway on my blog…..

Since I only had 2 entries, I’ve decided that YOU BOTH WIN!!!!! That’s just how we roll! Congrats Kara and Kristen. Please send me your pick of any DaySpring recordable children’s book, and I’ll get them ordered for you! What can I say besides, I love you both so very much; Dayspring will pay for one book, and I’ll pay for the other! Fair enough?!?

Email me your selection of book and shipping address (just incase I can’t find your addresses). My mind is frazzled these days, but I will get this ordered and shipped ASAP J

Have a blessed day!

Elaine

RFW: Sunday Resolution

2011-10-30T20:53:00.008-04:00

Resolution for Women: Role Reversal

Well, there you are...Wilderness. Seriously, what took you so long? I knew you would find me somehow, some way because my life had been going so well. And, you did... I was almost willing to retract being thankful for you on Thursday. You challenged my resolve to be content. When my grandpa died late Saturday evening, you swept into my family and turned it upside down. However, you didn't get me. I now know God is trying to draw me closer to Himself. You will not knock me off track. I've been given strength from the Lord God Almighty. You will not turn me toward Egypt. Got it?!? God has freed me from bondage, just as He freed the Israelites. I'm not looking back.

Alrighty then! Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I am turning my attention toward more important things--my Resolution for the week. All week I've been reading about submission and embracing the God given role I was created for.

Submission : A decision to yield to people, precepts, and principles that have been placed in our lives as authorities.

Since Kyle has taken such a strong spiritual leadership role in our home, he has excelled at leading our family. We don't even have to talk about if we are going to church now, we all assume. I have to brag on him because he deserves it. He poured out every drop of alcohol in our home. He told me that it (the alcohol) was just sitting there waiting for him to drink it. So, he got rid of it. He also quit smoking! We've cleaned up our DVR record list. We are listening to ALL praise music. Life is still good despite the death of my grandpa. My proudest moment has been seeing him excited about the word of God. He's completing the Resolution for Men. He has embraced his ordained role in our family, and may I say he is doing quite well? (Of course I can! This is my blog! I can say anything
I want, right? In that case, Kyle's doing better than great! He's been an amazing husband and father!)

I'm...struggling. This new role I have been exploring all week talks of God expecting me to yield to my husband. It's a new concept, and God with his good humor has given me numerous opportunities to practice this week. I'm adjusting, I'll say that. There are some instances where I prefer to be the follower, but in my home isn't one of them. One area where I desire your prayers is yielding to what Kyle thinks is best for our kids. Sometimes, our opinions differ from the other. That's when our conversations begin looking like this:

Kyle: You aren't going to let me be the leader, are you?

Me: [To be read with lots of defensiveness] Just because you are the spiritual leader, doesn't make you the parental leader. On parenting, we are equal partners.

Kyle/Me: [lots of silence]

You know what I just discovered? He is the leader in every aspect of our family. I am to yield to him whether I agree or not. It doesn't mean I am a doormat for him to walk on. He is the leader. Not me.

Ugh. That's hard to swallow. I have to go tell him I was wrong. He needs to be patient with me. I'm learning to relinquish my authority to him. It isn't easy, but it is how God intended me to be whether I agree or disagree. It is what it is. I must do it.

So, by signing my name

I will champion God's model for womanhood in the face of
a post-feminist culture. I will teach it to my daughters
and will encourage it's support by my sons.

This is a resolution I make of myself to my family and My Lord.

October 30, 2011

Elaine M. Killian

P.S. I'm expecting you all to hold me accountable to this one.

Pick of the Patch

2011-10-28T20:24:00.011-04:00

We went to the Pumpkin Patch last Saturday to pick out a pumpkin to carve. For those of you who live in my area, you probably know that by "pumpkin patch" I mean the church on the corner who sells pumpkins every year to support its youth group. Actually, Kyle and I tried to find a real pumpkin patch earlier in the day and failed miserably. We ended up taking a tour of the surrounding counties. It was a nice drive, but when in doubt, save your gas and go with what you know.

It was so pretty outside that I almost forgot it was fall. We've had the oddest weather here in NC lately. For instance Monday it was in the upper 70s. Today, the high was lower 50s. This is why fall isn't my favorite season. You never know how to dress comfortably.

I also thought I'd try to snap a few shots of Kohen. He will be ONE in less than two weeks. I can't believe how big you are getting Sweet Boy!

This next picture cracks me up. I asked Kade, "Who's in the bushes?" Bless him. He may get his eyesight from me.

Finally we were ready to pick out our pumpkin. We told Kade he could pick any one that he wanted so we could go home and carve it. Okay, I admit...I was a little shocked at the inflation of pumpkin prices. The patch had pumpkins priced up to $40. So, I was so glad that he chose this pumpkin...

It only cost $1.50 :)

Of course, I would have paid to get a bigger one, but it was the one he picked. I must admit, it's perfectly round and just plain cute--too cute (uh, um...small) to carve. *wink, wink* Seriously, I don't think I could get a candle in it if I tried!

Changing topics, have any of you seen this cute little movie? It has a wonderful moral about how each of us are created to be unique and that its okay if we are different than the rest of the world. I couldn't help but be reminded that as Christians we are suppose to be different from the rest of the world. We may be ridiculed or persecuted (just as Spookley was), but we are God's pick of the patch. We've watched it several times. It's super cute! My only complaint is that one of the pumpkins call's Spookley a "loser" in an effort to put him down because he isn't round. Nothing major, but not a word I want my two (almost THREE year old) to go around saying.

Blessings!

RFW: It's Good to be a Girl

2011-10-28T10:11:00.001-04:00

Resolution for Women: It’s Good to be a Girl

Choose one of the many roles you currently play in your life, and record for each how you are 1)good for it, 2)necessary to it, 3)an important component of it, 4) worthy to be a part of it, and 5)trustworthy to fulfill.

I will pick my role as an employee to explore, since this is often an object of my discontentment. I am a good employee in the respect of being on time every day and rarely missing work. I am necessary to my department because I’ve been delegated some of the work load. I’m an important component of my company because I’ve been loyal for 13 years, and I am familiar with most of the jobs in my department. I am worthy to be a part of the company because of the loyalty I’ve shown even in times of disappointment, most recently with a job promotion I felt I deserved. I am (mostly) trustworthy to fulfill my role as employee because I’m a hard worker. However, there are times that I am easily distracted from giving 100% of my attention to my work.

In what situations and around which people do you find the biblical value of womanhood most challenged and questioned?

I feel women self impose some of the challenges or questions concerning womanhood by allowing certain ideas to corrupt,challenge, or take out of contexts the God-given role for women. We “are worth neither less nor more than (our) male counterparts. We are different, obviously, but only in function, not in value.” (page 38) I think sometimes we feel that women need/deserve special treatment because we are gentle, delicate creatures. I also feel as if womanhood is often questioned and/or challenged by the absence of the male counterpart in our lives. In essence, many women feel the need to compensate for their missing partner.

How do you raise daughters to be ambitious, educated, and sure of them selves while at the same time help them appreciate the rewards and blessings of submission? How do you raise boys to view women with a similarly high regard? Discuss with friends some creative approaches.

I’ll save the first part of this question for my girlfriends with daughters. (Feel free to comment below.) I hope that I teach my sons to value and treasure women. I want them to be respectful that women are ordained by God to be “treasured, prized, and cherished by the Creator.” (page 39) I feel all too often women are too hard on themselves. (Can I get an Amen to that?!?) We have enough stress beating our selves up for all that we fail to accomplish. I hope I can teach my sons to help build up the women in their lives, whether it be an aunt, cousin, grandmother, or wife (WAY DOWN THE ROAD!). Their daddy is already teaching them the way a woman should be treated by the small things he does for me. He still opens the doors for me. He still shows me affection. He believes in me, and that’s what I want my sons to do for other women in their lives: believe in them.

So, how about it ya’ll?!? Since we women are so hard on ourselves, how do we raise our daughters to be ambitious, educated, and sure of themselves while at the same time help them appreciate the rewards and blessings of submission?

I also welcome any advice you have for raising sons with a similarly high regard.

Blessing!

Return of Thankful Thursdays

2011-10-27T09:29:00.002-04:00

I’ve decided to join in on Thankful Thursdays again. As the Thanksgiving Season is upon us all, my heart is overflowing with thankfulness. So here we go:

1. I am thankful for my salvation.

2. I am thankful for how rededicating our lives to serving God have changed the entire dynamic of our home. We listen to praise music while getting ready for and getting out of bed. Kyle and I discuss biblical teachings. We talk to our kids about God. It has influenced our days to be more positive.

3. I am thankful for my Mom who watched my boys so I could go to bible study.

4. I am thankful for MY BIBLE STUDY! It has opened my eyes and renewed the fire in my heart to serve God.

5. I am thankful for the….wilderness…. Okay, I’ll say it. The Wildnerness. Also known as all the stuff which make life not so pleasant? I wouldn’t say I “love it” per se, but I do have a new found respect for it. (Terri, I pray this specifically for you today. I know you are in the wilderness period and your many prayer warriors are praying you through it!)

6. I am thankful for my husband whom I can see God doing wonderful works through. I am thankful God chose me to be his helper.

7. I am thankful for all of the new friendships I am making.

8. I am thankful for Jan’s encouragement and holding me accountable.

9. I am thankful for Paula who I have been talking about the Resolution for Women with. I am so thankful she is doing it with me.

10. I am thankful for God revealing His presence to me when I am mindful to be watchful, still, silent, and fearless. I’ve seen Him several times this week that otherwise I would have missed.

What are you thankful for? Want to link up?

Thoughts on Sin

2011-10-26T16:27:00.001-04:00

Sin. We all know what it is. That ugly, little three letter word which haunts us and hangs a dark cloud over our heads. We’ve all been guilty of sinning in our lives. We confess our sins and God is good enough to forgive us. Sin to me is black/white. I don’t think there is a grey area which says, “Well, this sin is worse than that sin.” I believe God looks at us all, no matter what we’ve done displeasing to Him, and He sees sin the same. So, why do we rank our sin? “This sin isn’t so bad.” “This is the worst sin of all.” “This sin is bad, but not as bad as…”

Last night a terrible tragedy occurred. While I was in bible study, there was a terrible, terrible accident near our church. A woman who was high on drugs senselessly chose to drive. Her decision had fatal consequences when she drove into a motorcycle killing a father and son. A decision that will change her life forever.

On my way to church last night, I saw this father and son driving the motorcycle in an empty parking area. I remember casually glancing over and seeing two cars in this parking lot and a motorcycle driving. Today, I was told this was the family who died. The son, who was 19, was practicing to take his motorcycle license test. After practice, he decided to make the short trip home riding with his dad, a licensed rider. A decision that changed both of their lives forever. They leave behind a wife/mother who lost her entire family by an irresponsible driver. Her life is changed forever.

Today, I have felt the overwhelming presence of God teaching me a very important lesson. No matter if I use his name in vain or fall into temptation, He sees my sin the same as he sees the young woman’s sin. I am not to be judge and jury for her. I will choose to pray that God will use this wilderness to draw her closer to Him. I will pray for her children who are losing their mother to “bad decisions.” I will pray for the family who lost loved ones. I will pray for God to use this terrible tragedy to bring honor and glory to His name. He is faithful. He is good. The decision to trust Him in heartache and happiness is a decision that changed my life forever.

"RFW: Pretty in Print?" And, I saw God last night!

2011-10-25T10:00:00.002-04:00

Double post coming up folks! I’m a blogging machine these days! And as anyone who knows me already is aware, I *heart* blogging! Literally, it makes me happy!

Resolution for Women: Pretty in Print

(What it means to have biblically based femininity in a post feminist culture)

The answer at the heart of the next resolution is found by answering, “What kind of woman are you going to be?” (page 35)

How have you seen feminist ideals affect women in the way they dress? Act? Make Decisions?

Women’s attire, or lack there of, has certainly been on the forefront of many feministic ideals. For some reason unbeknownst to us, we seem to think “less” is better. I realize I am generalizing here by saying “we,” because contrary to what seems to be the trend, I’ve seen women personally take a stand against dressing provocatively—so much so that they refuse to buy their own daughters toys who are dressed inappropriately. To those women, I say “Good for you!” Sometime ago, I joined the ranks of your thinking by cleaning out my closet and disposing of everything that was less than modest. Its hard to find clothes which aren’t so skimpy, but it is possible.

I do agree in women rights, and I feel as if some of the wrong has been corrected in history. I am so grateful that I have the right to vote and can expect equal rights in some retrospect’s of life. However, women sometimes overstep their need to be equal by trying to be something that God hasn’t ordained. I’ll save some of my opinions to myself, but if we are truly trying to be as God created us to be, then we can’t neglect our own God given roles—which I think we can lose sight of by our own obsession to be equal. In my opinion, it is this same obsession which affects our decision making skills when we lose sight of our unique, wonderful, secure purpose which God created us to fulfill.

What are some of the most noticeable ways you see young women turning away from biblical womanhood?

Most obvious to me would be women taking on the role of spiritual leader in the home because the man in her life won’t. I have mixed emotions about this because I do feel it is better to have a leader, woman or not, than not to have any leader. I’m honestly not sure what would be the right solution to this dilemma we see too often in our society. I also feel as if women are neglecting their “helper” role to their spouse by being preoccupied by other obligations or responsibilities, myself included.

What biblical principles of womanhood strike you as stifling or repressive? Why do you think you feel that way?

The need to be submissive (and you all know what I’m talking about!). I struggle most in being able to meet the needs of my husband and often challenge his biblical authority over me as his wife. Read the fine print here: Being submissive doesn’t always mean I allow Kyle to control me. I am learning more and more everyday to trust his judgment and give him the opportunity to be who God has biblical called him to be. I also am becoming more conscience over the fact that I am his helper, and I am to be submissive to him in the ways he needs me to be. I don’t think that by being submissive that I am allowing him to belittle me.

As you read offer your concerns about this issue to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to use this time to answer your concerns and reaffirm His priorities for you in this area.

Lord, I can tell this is going to be a challenging area for me—perhaps the most challenging. Yes, you created me with a unique purpose, so you already know you created me a stubborn (okay, very stubborn) control freak! Lord help me to understand that my role as a woman is very specific. While I am so worried about being who I think I should be, I neglect my God given role. Help me be mindful of my biblical role in my family and society. Amen.

I saw God last nigh! He was in my bed, right smack-dab between Kyle and I as I worked on my bible study. For the first time in our entire marriage, we sat in bed and discussed what God was doing in our lives and the things He was showing us. The entire dynamic of our marriage has changed as we have embraced our biblical God-given roles in our family. God was right there, in the very center of our discussion as we discussed what we were learning, and we both surmised this: The more we learn, the more we want to know. The more we want to know, the more we find that we don’t know.

We’ve both decided to adopt a new motto in our household. We’ve done many things which have made God unhappy with us, but we have asked forgiveness and we know that God and his abundant grace has forgiven us. Like the movie Courageous, we may not have started out well. We know we didn’t. But, it’s not how you start that matters. It’s how you finish!

Have a blessed day!

RFW: Sunday Resolutions

2011-10-23T21:32:00.005-04:00

Resolution for Women: The Balancing Point w/ Resolution

Hello All! I hope you have had a blessed week. Yesterday's devotion was on "The Balancing Point." It was the final piece of the puzzel in becomeing satisfied and content with my circumstances. It concluded by giving me a resolution to commit to.

What's a resolution, really?

Resolution
1. the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc
2. the mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute, firmness of purpose

I have completed the first of thirteen sections in the study, and I would like to publically announce my resoltions here so that I can be held accountable to the committment I am making for myself and family. I will also add a text section on the right side ------> to keep track of all the resolutions I am willing to make.

Without further ado, by signing my name at the bottom,

I do solumnly resolve to embrace my current season of life
and will maximize my time in it. I will resist the urge
to hurry through or circumvent any portion of my journey
but will live with a spirt of contentment.

This is a resolution I make of myself to my family and my Lord.
October 23, 2011
Elaine M. Killian

RFW:Overflowing Blessing

2011-10-22T20:19:00.005-04:00

I saw God visablly working in my life in the form of two answered prayers recently. Please visit Kara and Terri and offer your congradulations on their miracles. I love both of these girls to pieces, and I've been praying for them for so long! I'm super excited and I know God has BIG plans for these sweet little lives!
*******************************************************************************
Resolutions for Women: Overflowing Blessing

When you consider your level of willingness to give of yourself, does it reveal more contentment or discontentment residing in your heart? In what way?

My level of willlingness has never been an issue for my level of contentment. If I can, I will on most occassions. However, I've also found myself discontented with my circumstances or situations because I consistently take on more than I can handle. (Anyone else guilty of that?!?) When I begin to feel overwhelmed, I find that my contentment level plumments to record levels. I feel compelled to only "finish" whatever I am giving of myself, and sometimes this entails a half-hearted effort.

Based on God's provisions that you listed at the end of the last chapter, what is one thing you can close this book and go do for someone else out of that resource?

One of my needs was to be loved and supported. I noted that God's provision in this aspect of my life was to surround me with very supportive and encouraging family and friends. One way I can do something for someone else who feels similar is by dropping notes or cards of encouragement in the mail. I try to do this often with my sisters who are suffering through Infertility. I think emails are wonderful, but there is something that is more personal by sending a hand written note. I hope in the future that I will be more mindful of people I see suffering in the areas that I listed as "my needs," and I hope that God will compel me to take action as He advises.

Record your thoughts regarding this statement: "Sometimes the best, most empowering word you can learn to utter is "no."

This is one of the biggest stress contributors in my life. I'm one of those people who hardly says no to anything, and as a result, I often stress myself (and my family) out trying not to let others down. I succeed more often than not, but there are times when I also let everyone down. I'm doing better as saying "no" to committments which I don't have extra time for.

Review and Giveaway :)

2011-10-22T13:58:00.015-04:00

Hey Everybody! I was contacted a few weeks ago from the fabulous people at DaySprings to host a review of the Recordable Story books found at their website.

Recordable Storybooks from DaySpring feature exclusive voice-capture technology that enables a person to record each page of a book and have it played back over and over as the recipient turns the pages. The recording will not be lost, even when the batteries need to be replaced. Currently, Daysprings has four different books to choose from. I was sent the "I Love You Head to Toe" by Bonnie Rickner Jensen as featured below. I love this story and its simplicity of how much not only I love my kids head to toe, but how God loves us all from head to toe.

One of the best features about the storybook is that it comes with fool-proof instructions. For anyone who is technologically incompentent (like myself!), you can't mess up!

Incase you over think whose voice you want to record, you can re-record at any time! Once you've found that perfect someone, there is a safety lock found in the battery compartment to prevent you from erasing it! Pretty snazzy, huh? Books have come so far from when I was a kid!

Kade absolutely loved the book. He thought he was making it talk by pressing on the pictures! Ha! And, he even shared it with his brother, Kohen.

These books retail for $29.95, but I've been given the permission to award one of my lucky readers one for FREE! Daysprings will send me a promotional code to award one winner. They can't cover shipping and handling, so I will pay the shipping and handling charges for you! You'll get 1 recordable book of your choice from DaySprings for FREE!

To enter:

1. Visit DaySprings website and tell me which of the books you would choose in a comment below. Please include the email address where I can notify you if selected.
2. Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know you did so.
3. Become a follower or let me know you currently follow this blog.

There you have it! Three chances to win! These books are super cute. They are certain to make the child in your life feel special!

Winner will be drawn by random generator on 10/29/11!

Disclaimer: I was given the recordable story book free by Daysprings to review on my blog. All of the opinions expressed here are my own.