Journal | Excercise w/example

So this is my first attempt to share one of the ways that I journal. The post is big. However, it is intended to be thought about and written over the period of a week. Tonight in our women's ministry class, I will read most of this and help members get started writing. Hopefully, anything that's left will be taken home and continued. Please feel free to follow along.  You may also want to copy/paste this in a MS Word document so that you can save your entry on a computer and complete the example on your own. 

1. Open in Prayer: If you're not used to hearing from God, you may want to check out this link first. Offer a sincere prayer asking him to speak into your life.

2. Selecting a verse: If you've ever had a verse that keeps crossing your path, that's a great one to start with. If not, search for a verse by topic or even select your favorite. For this exercise, I will select one that has been on my mind lately.

Example: Psalm 139:2 - You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar.

3. Read the whole chapter: Highlight or underline words that strike you or provoke thought.

4. Read Commentary: If you have a study bible, read the commentary on the chapter. If you do not, search for other commentary online.

5. Use your imagination: Imagine parts of the verse that stand out to you. You'll need quiet for this and no other distractions. There are no wrong answers, even if they feel corny.  Give yourself time to get into it and know that you might have to give yourself a few tries. Do not censor, correct or worry about spelling errors.

Example: This verse says that he knows when you sit and when you rise. So imagine sitting with him. Which one of you would be the first to speak? What would be said? How might your conversation be different than your regular prayers? Would you be able to look him in the eye?  What would you feel in his presence?

Continue on through the whole chapter. The bold line is the verse. The italics is a question or statement that I have placed in order to provoke more thought. Feel free to write a response and/or write your own questions. There is no right or wrong way. My comments simply offer a place to start. 

¹ You have searched me, Lord,  and you know me.

Imagine being in his presence and having him search through you and bring things to light. -What would he find?

² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

What would you be thinking as he did this? Would you be open to it or would you be ashamed of what he'd find?

³ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

He knows what you want to hide and what you want to reveal. How does that expose you? Would you even try to speak?

⁴ Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.

Even if you tried, he might already be answering or hushing or agreeing....

⁵ You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

But a fear slips out or perhaps you turn, there is something he has found... But he rests his hand on you to reassure you. His other arm guides you so that you can't turn away.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Imagine what secrets he's pulled out that even you weren't aware of. You didn't even know you were capable of something so brave, so tender, so unique... What did he find?

⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

He is everywhere around you. Even when you feel that you must turn, his presence is with you. This moment has left you unchanged. You will be aware of his nearness.

⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

Imagine a small child that has just woke up and runs up the stairs to see his mother and father. -Throughout the day clinging and at bedtime still waiting for just a moment longer. Would you be searching for him like this? -He is there.

⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

Where will this faith take you?

¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Would it even matter knowing where he was going to take you, since he is guiding you? 

¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”

Would you trust him to take you anywhere? Are you hoping that he hides you away? Is he sending you to a corner so that your shame might swallow you up. Or is he protecting you or taking you to his secret place? 

¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Except that he is light. There cannot be darkness in his presence. He chases it away.

¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Fiber by fiber, strand by strand, picking and choosing which pieces will become my very being. Hiding your works and time spent making me, in a secret place like my mother's womb. -Making me to be a surprise. A gift. -The giving of your treasure.

¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

If I agree that all of your works are wonderful- If I know that I know that I know your purposes are always right and noble and true, who am I to question your purpose in me?

¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

You know every ounce of my weakness and chose those tender places in me.

¹⁶ Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book  before one of them came to be.

You laid out how long I would live and how I would do it. All of my sin was already before you and not only did you choose me but you made me anyway.

¹⁷ How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!

What I wouldn't give to ask you -why- about some of the aspects of me.  (Which ones?) 

What other things could you reveal to me that I never even considered?


¹⁸ Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand when I awake, I am still with you.

I might enjoy the idea of being with you and having a conversation and knowing your thoughts. It might even seem like a dream but when I wake up I can have this relationship. I can discover you. -New things, every day.

¹⁹ If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

How my flesh wants to ask you to remove every obstacle, hindrance, fear or threat. -But it is those things that usually draw me closer. 

Where are you struggling now?

²⁰ They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

But who am I God? How do I misuse your name? Is it in my actions? -Or with my words? -Or disobedience? 

Enemies may speak their evil but what else do I do that is evil against you? 

²¹ Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,  and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

It may be easy for me to find fault in another but we are all full of rebellion. What do you abhor in me? What has become altered or magnified that you can trim down?

²² I have nothing but hatred for them;  I count them my enemies.

Humble me God. For all the judgment that I might easily find to place on others, there are places just as equal in my own inequity. Just as I trust you will vindicate me of my enemies, I can trust that you will also make my paths straight.

²³ Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

 Heal me. Refine me. Shape me. Smooth out the rough edges and dig deep to remove roots. Restore and reveal what you originally created in me that will give YOU the Glory.

²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Prepare and set my heart for your eternity on earth as it is (and will be) in Heaven. 

Summary

1. How can you apply this? What Questions came to your own heart about your character and/or behavior?
2. Did you go back and answer those questions? Make sure that you do.
3. What Questions do you have about the actual context of this passage (Characters, dates, timeline, location)? 
4. Throughout the week read this verse and/or chapter again. Continue to think about any of the items that have significance to you on this page or in this verse. You may want to carry a note pad or recorder to jot down quick thoughts because you will be interrupted by life. No detail is too corny or too small. Every moment that you can, remind yourself to come back to this and listen for more.
5. Before the next class, compile all of those notes with the ones you have started here.
6. Read all of your notes together. What did this exercise reveal to you?
7. Do you have any additional summary?
8. Do you feel like there is anything that you need to do?

Going Deeper

1. What Questions do you have about Characters, context, dates, timeline, location? See if you can't find time to answer some of them.
2. You might not have noticed but the second line (in italics) is the way I pray. Next week, we may practice praying some of this verse and/or comments that came in response. Feel free to practice doing this before the next class. You can also write your prayer out and read it when it's your turn. (I read all of my prayers out loud before I started getting comfortable.) You might fear what others will think but you're not doing it for others. You're doing it for God. 

P.S. Don't be surprised to find that you will need to work on this for less or more than one week. The goal is not to "finish" in time but to dig deeper. Do the homework as you feel led but write down every drop that is related. Continue this until you have peace that it is complete.

I am glad to email you this page, if you’d rather type your journal entries. Request a copy here. 

Photo Credit: www.dolcepics.com

The Armor of God | To Be a Soldier In God’s Army, Day 5

These five devotions were written earlier in the year to include in a booklet for a local youth camp that is held in July. Now that camp is over, I thought I'd share the devotions. Helping Hands Camp is a faith based youth camp that allows campers to provide services and to fulfill clean up and construction projects for those in the community that are unable to do so. 

Theme: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 

Our anchor verse is based of the entire passage from Ephesians 6:10-17. Each daily devotion is based off of that verse.

[NIV Translation, Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

To Be a Soldier In God’s Army

[Review week’s passage]

We’ve spent a lot of time this week talking about armor. Any of us could agree that if you only show up with only one part of the armor on, there might be some confusion about what your stance is or what you were trying to accomplish. We could also agree that it would be easy for the enemy to see the best place to strike you and take you down.

Yet even the most ‘together’ Christian still has a crack somewhere in their armor. Others might be able to see who you represent and what you stand for.  And in your best defense you might even be prepared for every possible encounter. You might think your bases are covered and that you are “untouchable”.

But imagine that as you sit in camp on with your artillery and on full alert, it suddenly begins to rain. -A heavy, frigid, blinding rain.  Is water trickling down from the top and getting in your eyes? Is it seeping in from the bottom and dampening you, your belongings or your spirit? In all of your ‘togetherness’, were you prepared for something such as that?

We might’ve been prepared for the battle but often it is the ordinary things that take us down. Were not the Midanites DEFEATED because they “thought” Gideon’s army was bigger? Sampson DEFEATED because he let love of another weaken his defenses? Goliath DEFEATED because maybe he assumed his power, and strength were sufficient? Or even worse, what about the invalid in John 5 who simply wasn’t attaining victory because he was too lazy to move for his own good. In every one of those scenarios, the enemy wasn’t who was being faced, it was what lied within.

The truth is each of us are called to be a part of God’s army, but are you calling God to prepare you for all situations and to make you a soldier?

Think About It!

1. What does that rain represent in your life? Where do you allow yourself to go? What thoughts do you allow to stay?  What is getting inside of your armor?

2. There is no part of a battle that is easy. Having a good strategy for a battle, for your life, or for the day, is often half of what it takes to win. The other half is waiting on and being obedient to the Lord.

Do you have a strategy? Are you willing to wait? Are you willing to move?

3. Today is enlistment day. What does that mean to you?

The Armor of God | Shield of Faith and Sword of the Spirit, Day 4

These five devotions were written earlier in the year to include in a booklet for a local youth camp that is held in July. Now that camp is over, I thought I'd share the devotions. Helping Hands Camp is a faith based youth camp that allows campers to provide services and to fulfill clean up and construction projects for those in the community that are unable to do so. 

Theme: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 

Our anchor verse is based of the entire passage from Ephesians 6:10-17. Each daily devotion is based off of that verse.

[NIV Translation, Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Shield of Faith and Sword of the Spirit

[16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Psalm 28:7 says “The Lord is my strength and my shield;” Begin practicing a prayerful life now and trying to keep your mind on Christ. The sheer focus alone will prevent you from becoming occupied with worry and fear of daily circumstances. Not only will God’s word and the holy-spirit give you power, strength and encouragement. You will not waste energy trying to resolve the other things that cause you concern.

Hebrews 4:12 says “¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword”. Earlier in the week we identified areas that the devil might attack us in our mind and thoughts. Knowing and using scripture in the moment provides a powerful relief. Even Jesus used scripture against the devil. (See Matthew 4 for an example).

If you keep your shield up, you won’t be caught off guard by the regular blows of life. When attacks strike, swing your sword in response and repeat scripture back at the enemy. It is not having tools or weapons with you that makes you powerful. It’s using them. You need to pick these up daily and use them as they were designed.

Think About It

1. Do you spend time sharpening your sword and polishing your shield or would you say that you need to go home and find them?

2. Do you have examples in your own life where you have used scripture to help you against an attack? Can you share it with the group or a friend during camp? How or when do you know to apply it?

3. Sometimes opportunities are like cross roads.  A series of events will happen if you turn left and a different set will happen if you turn right.  It is important to consider the consequences and opportunities from both directions and to think about what Christ might decide if he were in your shoes. Thinking about what he would do often eliminates some of the options. Trying to mirror his response also shields us from the consequences of choosing poorly.

The Armor of God | Belt of Truth, Shoes of the Gospel, Day 3

These five devotions were written for Helping Hands Camp 2014. This is a faith based youth camp that allows youth to provide services and fulfill clean up and construction projects for those in the community that are unable to do so. 

Theme: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 

Our anchor verse is based of the entire passage from Ephesians 6:10-17. Each daily devotion is based off of that verse.

[NIV Translation, Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Belt of Truth, Shoes of the Gospel

[14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.]

In the world a belt and shoes might be labeled as accessories. You might not need either to complete your outfit but having the “right ones’ can make or break your look.

If you stop to consider when you put those items on, their role might make you reconsider their value in your own spiritual attire. You may not wear a belt or shoes when you’re lounging around the house. Most often they are only added when you are walking out of the door.

Putting on the shoes of the gospel means that you are READY to spread the word, READY to jump in, READY to help and READY to move for a cause.

Wearing a belt ensures that you have a place to put your tools, so that they are with you at all times. You are ready to go to work in the Kingdom of God and you are prepared for the tasks ahead.

You might already have on the helmet and breast plate. Your sword might even be sharpened; but you won’t likely use any of those things until you’ve decided that it’s time to go to work.

Think About It

1. Are you available for God’s work? Do you include God in your conversations and look for opportunities to help others? 

2. Many people won’t leave home without certain things; cell phones, keys, lipstick are some examples. Is there a place on your tool belt for your bible and prayer life or are they tools that you often leave without?

3. Try some shoes on? Consider what questions someone might ask you about your faith and find those answers. The more comfortable you are practicing what you might say, the more comfortable and likely you will be to start talking in real scenarios.

The Armor of God | Breastplate of Righteousness, Day 2

These five devotions were written earlier in the year to include in a booklet for a local youth camp that is held in July. Now that camp is over, I thought I'd share the devotions. Helping Hands Camp is a faith based youth camp that allows campers to provide services and to fulfill clean up and construction projects for those in the community that are unable to do so. 

Theme: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 

Our anchor verse is based of the entire passage from Ephesians 6:10-17. Each daily devotion is based off of that verse.

[NIV Translation, Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Breastplate of Righteousness

[14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place]

There are a lot of different ways to interpret what a breastplate might represent in our spiritual life. 

Purposes of the Breastplate 

• Does a breastplate represent what we might stand for or believe?
• Does it symbolize how others might identify us?
• Does the structure of the garment help maintain our posture, back straight, square shoulders, etc.?
• Does the structure or design aid in restraining us from moving too quickly or bending too much?
• Is it a barrier to you, protecting you from things that might injure your heart?
• Does it generate power from the sun [Son] by drawing heat and reflecting light?
• Now give yourself a moment to imagine what expectations you might make of someone else that you see already in armor?

In considering that list, as believers we should each “represent” Christ in the same way. What people discover about us in private should match or even beat what they expected to find when they first learned of our faith.

If you review that list again, with a more self-reflective approach; you may be able to identify areas in your own life where you can speak out, stand firm, hold back and also let a bit more God in. Suddenly that list begins to take the shape of self-control. 

Examples of Self-Control

• Do you find ways to humble yourself so that God doesn't have to? (By spending time with positive leaders, volunteering, reading stories that inspire you to be a better version of yourself.) 
• When you feel your temper flare do you pause and restrain yourself?
• When presented with a need for another do you put aside what you had planned so that you can be of service to someone else, no matter how much you have to do?
• Do you ask for conviction when you feel like something is off and you just don’t know what it is?
• Do you repent and seek forgiveness from God and whomever may have been offended?
• Do you live by the boundaries in your heart or do you do follow what your friends do, even if it begins to feel uncomfortable or increases doubt?
• Do you allow yourself to matter by caring for and respecting your body and values?
• Do you spend time in prayer and study of the word?
• Do you turn the t.v. or internet off when the content starts to cross the line?
• When peers at school are being torn down, do you lift up the person’s good qualities, and correct lies redirecting the conversation?

Proverbs 4:23 Says to always guard your heart, for all you do flows from it. By spending time with God and deciding who you are and what you stand for, you will be able to draw healthy boundaries in your life. -Ones that preserve dignity and reflect purpose.

With the practice and use of self-control, it becomes more obvious to others that that no matter what the outside looks like, the inside backs it up. You have the heart, stamina and the guts to protect what you believe.

Think About It

1. If you don’t know what you stand for, how will you know when to defend and when to back down? 

2. What characteristics come to mind when you hear the word righteous? (Faithful, honest, loyal, trustworthy, prayerful and powerful)  What else?

3. How many of them would you use when describing yourself? What role do you think self-control plays in those characteristics?

4. If questioned about your faith or your values, would you be able to answer question(s) holding your head high or would you awkwardly try not to make eye contact and avoid the question(s)?

The Armor of God | Helmet of Salvation, Day 1

These five devotions were written earlier in the year to include in a booklet for a local youth camp that is held in July. Now that camp is over, I thought I'd share the devotions. Helping Hands Camp is a faith based youth camp that allows campers to provide services and to fulfill clean up and construction projects for those in the community that are unable to do so. 

Theme: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Our anchor verse is based of the entire passage from Ephesians 6:10-17. Each daily devotion is based off of that verse.

[NIV Translation, Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Helmet of Salvation, Day 1

[17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.]

Many studies have been done on how the way that you dress affects your attitude and behaviors. You might be able identify with that statement, when you consider how you feel when your lounging around in your favorite sweats verses wearing an outfit that you know you look good in.

Likewise the things that we think about affect our actions. Our main passage this week in Ephesians refers to the “Helmet of Salvation”. Another verse in Philippians 2:2 says “that we should be like-minded [with Christ], having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

If we get up in the morning and think about ourselves and our own interests we will most likely only pursue those things throughout the day. If we choose to “put on” the thoughts of Christ we will, not only be more inclined to pursue his interests; we will also be more careful and thoughtful with our actions.

Think About It

1. Is there a significant moment in your own faith walk that makes you “thankful” to God? Perhaps even, your salvation? If so, how could thinking about that moment regularly, alter your daily living?

2. What are some areas that you struggle with in your mind? Do you suffer from insecurity, anger, fear, depression, being judgmental?

3. How could putting on the mind of Christ help you in these areas?

Throughout this day or week, look for areas in your mind where you get stuck or fixated on something.  Try to make a note of those thoughts. If you get time during camp or when you get home, sit down with that list and look for scripture(s) regarding each area.  When you find verses that speak to you, write them down on something small enough to put in your wallet or store them in your phone. Maybe you can even commit them to memory.  The next time that issue arrives, find your scripture(s) and speak it out, offering up a quick prayer to God.

Seeing God's Hand | Log

It's really too hard to write big posts about significant moments every day. Particularly because I work full time. However, I want to start looking for God's hand more on a day to day basis and because if I intend to write it down, I will be more intentional about looking for it. If I post them more regularly, they might not all make sense to you but by being intentional, I hope it keeps me looking...

7/13 - The plane ride & little boy, and then picture. See bottom of this post.

7/14 - The realization that I should be talking to my kids regularly about how I see God in my own life, in addition to study, devotion and prayer.

7/15 - My taxi driver here was a really sweet woman named Amanda. She entrusted me with some of her personal history in the car. It was incredibly humbling. We prayed together in the car and swapped information.  I felt like it was truly a divine intervention but I don't even think that I am aware of what all happened in our short time together. I felt God's presence when we were together.

7/16 - My text to Becky when she asked how the conference was going. [Doing well. Just taking it all in. I love how God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. I think the last month or so was really taking a toll on me (with the changes in my job, the new study, family illness and a recent loss...) Not only was I worn out but also getting sick. The first few days here I have really felt awful physically. And yet God has made a place where I don't have to clean, or tend to anything. It's all pretty much taken care of. He knew EXACTLY WHEN I would need it most. I am grateful for the break. Even if the class is a little hard. I believe he will pull that together for me too. I miss the kids and the family but he even worked that out for their sake. (Rachel and some cousins are in town.) they always drop me like a hot potato when she's in... I'm glad it's helped to cushion things. And I can see some other silver linings brewing. ... I hope the same for you...? How are things in your end? And thanks for checking. Love ya!!]

7/18 - When I wrote "Seeing God's Hand" there was a verse at the end that I wanted to go back and write but I couldn't remember it. So I asked and slowly but surely, I was reminded... John 11:40.

7/19 - Realizing that Maybe my FB post and Alcohol post were really my decisions. As in something that I wanted to do for God. Why don't we just give ourselves permission to change our minds? :)

“’I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”—1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love…For I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”—Galatians 5:13, 16

This post was from a week in July. By the time I've posted it, it's 8/7. I've made other notes since then about days but haven't written them all down. I think I might actually try to do a month of "logging" in August. Just to see what it might change for me. :)



This post is in a log format. For more information about what this is, read the top of this post.

A Bedtime Story p2 | Springfield, MO

For readers: Without sharing all of the details. We've had a small temporary change around our house and I wanted a little special something for the family. I thought a bedtime story might to do the trick. I hope you don't mind. :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

HI MY LOVES

I miss you SO very much and can't wait to come home. 

TOMORROW!

I was able to squeeze in story # 2!

(It's more like a collection of pics from the remainder of the trip.)

Ethan, my first day here and before I got a rental car, I rode with another lady who rented this! 

(I know your excited)

And Sophie, you've already seen it but look at this trash can again!  

PINK

And nearly every house has one!

I keep seeing post cards with pretty pictures of waterfalls. 

Each image says "The Ozarks".

When I ask how to get to there, I am told that I am already in them.

I have not seen any waterfalls though.

I've passed this dump truck a couple of mornings on the way to class. 

It's the first one that I've seen with a trailer behind it. I thought you'd like it.

You can barely make it out. Daddy might have to zoom in.

  I don't know if you remember "Route 66" from the Disney Cars movie. 

But that's based off a real road that runs through here. 
I got the impression that there would be more memorabilia or souvenirs. 

But there are none, except this.

And no, I can't bring it home.

Even the RT 66 Information and Tourist center recommended that I go to Bass Pro Shop instead.

Evidently, it's the largest one in the country.

I was looking for Route 66 pictures that might mean something to you. Maybe from the Disney movie. I came across this one instead. This is NOT here and so I didn't see it. -But it's pretty ridiculous.
 I thought you'd laugh. 

Welcome CHICKEN BOY!!

We ate here:

Which is a place known for throwing their bread at you.

Believe it or not you've both eaten here when you were younger.

(Except that you went to the one in Alabama.)

People outside playing checkers.

A picture on the wall that I thought some parents might like.

(Me)

Ashley caught her roll. See her hands in the bottom left and her bun in mid-air!

(Go Ashley!)

They served my dinner in a frying pan!!

They must know I like to eat!

An old building that looks pretty cool and sad all at the same time.

Believe it or not, this place is beautiful. I wish that I had've brought my camera. 

I'm going to try and take some more pictures before we leave. 

**fingers crossed**

Look at the mountains here!! They're so small!

 They aren't really any BIG mountains. But technically it's rock.

And they are every where!

Guess what else???
Missouri is home of the 
THE WORLD'S LARGEST FORK.  

(35' tall)
I bet that chicken boy could use a fork this big.

(That's Ashley on the right.)
She's the lady that works with me. 
She's fun and I think you'd like her.

This is a mural someone painted on the drain cover. I thought it was cool.
I bet Carson wishes we'd let him sit like that at the table.

There is a donut place in town called "Hurt's Donuts".

They fixed up an ambulance and made it their delivery truck.

Down the side it says "Emergency Donut Vehicle".

That was pretty clever!

I bet you wish that it would deliver to you, huh? 

Some friendly mutts! They wagged their tails for you.

Ashley and I decided to go roller skating.

Imagine our surprise when we got to the lot and found that they had just torn it down. 

(Sigh)

Don't worry-

We found another one!

We're pretty cute, huh? That Ashley has been a LOT of fun! I am glad that she is silly too.

I know that the last few days have been hard for you all. I am so proud of your strength and courage and making it through. Sometimes it's hard to be happy when we have something to be sad about. 

But Ecclesiastes 8:15 says: "So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be GLAD. Then JOY will accompany them in their toil all the days of their life God has given them under the sun."

Even when we're sad we can still find things to distract us and make us laugh. 

We only need to look around. 

You're also not allowed to stop being silly.

It's a pretty handy tool when you need a pick me up! 

I'm glad that God sent Rachel and Kaitlin your way to help keep you company.

The good news is, I will be there chewing on your cheeks and popping your toes before you know it. 

You can go ahead and give Daddy all of your snuggles. 

I'm pretty sure that I've got enough to go around for all of us when I get home!

I love you ALL so much.

(SQUISH)

Love, Mom (and the wife)