AJ Checking In
Hi Siestas! I've spent the morning catching up on what's been going on here in Siestaville and, I must say, y'all have been busy! What an exciting time for the LPM Blog. I have at least 50 emails in my inbox asking questions about how to operate the blog and/or sign up to memorize Scripture with the Siestas this year. I'm planning to write a separate post addressing those questions at some point today. Thank you so much for your patience while I was on vacation.
My little family left for Missouri the day after Christmas to spend a week with Curtis' family. We had a great visit and enjoyed being there so much. We have a newborn nephew who was a particular delight to all of us. Being around him reminded me of so many things I have to look forward to in my near future. By the way, Baby Girl Jones is going to be here next month. Can you believe it? I'm already 34 weeks!
So, we're only 5 days into the New Year and I've already totally blown it. The parts of me that I hate the most have come out in full force. Anyone else? I hope I'm the only one, but I know there are probably others who woke up on this first Monday of 2009 feeling defeated. Jackson slept gloriously late (thanks to some new dark curtains) and I was able to take my time with my Wisdom for Mothers Bible study (by Denise Glenn of Motherwise) and my prayer journal. Before Curtis walked out the door, I asked him to sit down and pray with me because I was feeling so rotten. His words encouraged me so much. He basically reminded me that the Lord's mercies are not new every new year, but every morning. Thank You, God! I can already start over again today. I'm choosing to look at my failures as a very keen reminder that any victory in 2009 will come from complete dependence on the Holy Spirit and not from my own strength. In his sermon last night, Curtis said that God shows us our weaknesses to move us past a place of prideful comfort and into spiritual growth. Who is like our God, who even offers us a big ole serving of hope with our humble pie?
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23, NIV)
Labels: Amanda
posted by Amanda @ 9:49 AM
146 Comments
146 Comments:
This is the third time that I have read a post with no comments. That is something when they can add up to 2500! It is meant to be for today; since this verse is the verse I have at the top of my blog! It all speaks so loudly to me! Bless you...I'm so glad that you had a wonderful vacation.
Here's to a NEW DAY!
YOu quoted my memory verse! And I chose it for the exact reason you quoted it!!! I need to know that I can have a new year's celebration every evening, knowing I get a fresh start in the morning from my failures today! I will pray for you today as I come before Him for my needs today...which is alot! :)
Welcome back, Amanda! Thank your sweet husband for encouraging me too, this morning!
Now off to find out what the last part of that scripture means, "The Lord is my portion,saith my soul,...
love
mk
Your words are just what I needed to hear this morning. I woke up this morning after two weeks off from work for holiday vacation feeling defeated and not wanting to get out of bed. Thank you for the reminder of God's words, that his mercies are new EVERY MORNING! Have a blessed day my dear!
You are such a blessing, I cannot believe it is almost Baby Girl time! Thank you for this post, I agree, I feel it sometimes so readily, how lousy I am. But I do love to see that means I need jesus more than ever and how absolutely thankful and grateful I am that the father loves me so to send His son and that jesus loves me so to die for me.
At this point, my confidence usually shoots through the roof.
Bless you girl!
Siesta OC
PS: I love the picture of you headin' out to the Rascall flatts' concert, cowgirl hat and all!
Happy New Year, Amanda and Welcome home!
We're on our way home (driving through the Dallas area as I type)from our Christmas and Brad's wedding in C. Springs. What a messy day, but I've spent time with Haman and his presumption and entitlements this morning and decided to check in on the blog. Since we've been gone for more than two weeks, I'm anxious to get home and settled in again to begin 2009 in earnest.
February is going to be an exciting time for the Jones' and Moore's! A new little princess for you all! I can only imagine what her closet will look like!
Blessings,
Bobbie
Hi Amanda!
Your comments gave me a great big boost this morning. I was pondering something very similar as well...how God can dish out a marvelous blessing just as He's pointing out a weakness in us! Only He can do that...all the Enemy does is just point out the bad stuff. And keep pointing.
BTW, I'm originally a Missouri girl myself (Springfield). Bass Pro..Ziggy's Cafe..Battlefield Mall...ah, memories.
Many prayers going up for your new arrival! Blessings!!!
Oh Amanda!
Thank your husband (and you) so much for the reminder that we can start fresh every day and that our hope and any changes in our lives come from the Lord's help through the Holy Spirit!
You are not alone girlfriend...I SO needed to read this post this morning! I feel blessed just by reading it and sharing this with you!
Here's to another day from the Lord and to hope!!!
Love,
Donna (the mom of twin boys)
I think God has taught me that I need a gut check every once in a while, because as sure as I think things are going well, pride rears it's ugly head and I am thinking about how I did something- not how I need God with my every breath not to screw everything up.
Thank you for sharing your heart!
Thanks for that Amanda. I sat down last Thursday and wrote down several goals: spiritual, physical, and gneral ones and due to an extremel busy schedule the last 4 days and a cold that is relentlessly purusing my head, I have not even come close to starting what I wanted to work on. I appreciate that God's blessings are new EVERY morning and that we can begin fresh with Him not just because it says January 1 on the calendar. Now I better get busy!
The Journey Continues ~
Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16,17,18
AJ, I have already blown it too.
Resolution of eating better.
I would only eat 3 cookies instead of 5. :) I ate 7 :)
However, I am GIVING THANKS that I have cookies to eat!!!
Looking forward to seeing some MOMMY AND ME BABY TO BE PHOTOS OF YOU!!!
How about the following:
( if Curtis & Jackson don't mind)
1. front photo
2. side photo
3. back photo
Your "Precious One" will be gorgeous!! Just look in the mirror and then check out your men! wow!!
God glorifies us through our precious children!!
Be Still...
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim Safina
Mmm, good Word, Amanda. I have been feeling consumed today. And need to know that because of His GREAT LOVE, I will not be.
Renwing the mind. Renewing that ole heart--it's work. But God is up to it!
What a wonderous love is that?
The Journey Continues ~
By the way, AJ ~
How did Curtis do with his "ASCEND" teaching???
Prayers for you daily!
With "Heaven Bound" blessings,
Kim Safina
Exactly what I too needed to hear this morning. Thank you for sharing Curtis' reminder with us. God bless you, Amanda!
Amanda, I don't personally know you but I know exactly what you mean. I too already feel like I have blown it. That's pretty much why I don't do the "resolution" thing anymore (except memorizing scripture!!!). I just read your mom's comments from yesterday about Nicole's song and I feel like a "Brainwash" is what I need from all the guilt and negative thoughts I have goin on all the time. This is the enemy and I know it but still fall into the trap, plus the fact that I "know" that I have blown it already and we are only on the 5th!!! Yikes!!!! This is the scripture I have chosen to memorize this two weeks hope it helps:
"The Lord your God is with you, He is MIGHTY to save, He will take GREAT delight in you, He will QUIET you with His love, He will REJOICE over you with singing." Zeph 3:17 (emphasis mine). Thanks for sharing your struggles. Have a wonderful and blessed day in the Lord.
Thanks Amanda for your encouraging words! I needed them ALREADY too. But I have already memorized my scripture and that is usually hard for me so I have a little victory there. But I am keeping on!!
Love,
Lynn
Amanda, at the end of "AJ Checking In" you said:
"I'm choosing to look at my failures as a very keen reminder that any victory in 2009 will come from complete dependence on the Holy Spirit and not from my own strength. In his sermon last night, Curtis said that God shows us our weaknesses to move us past a place of prideful comfort and into spiritual growth."
Do you think Curtis or Beth would PLEASE expand on this and give examples? I am absolutley overwhelmed with life right now. I am studying the Word, praying, and applying scripture - but also are not sure which promises are for us, for Israel, etc. I've thought alot about & searched "promises".
Thanks for sharing your challenges and the Hope for change. I certainly needed that word.
Blessings,
Susan
Be encouraged sister-you haven't blown a thing. I was away with my husband and baby over the new year holdiay and he'd offered for me to stay behind and I blew it...I decided I couldn't go 3 days without my 9-month old son even though I'm with him every single day. And I'm glad I went, but it sure would have been nice to take advantage of so rare a time to myself and get caught up on the clutter in my house and have some me-time/God-time/girlfriend-time. I can't believe you're so close to Baby Girl being born...God's Hands be upon you and she. Have a great day- and remember "I can't live by what I feel" Casting Crowns-that East to West song
Bless you dear one and thank you for sharing your heart- I pray I will have a daughter in law like you one day- I have two sons in their 20s. You bless each of us and add so much to Living Proof- this blog has added a personal dimension although there are thousands of us "siestas" In Christ's great love-Kathy from Austin
A reminder of that exact scripture actually hangs on a wall plaque on our bedroom wall. I HAVE to see it - whether on my way to the bathroom or out to the coffeepot. God knew I what I needed.
Kim . . . who is
Grafted by Grace
Thank goodness His compassions never fail... I ADORE that they are new every morning! : )
I love the next verse too... "I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him." Lamentations 3:24 Don't you just love that... therefore I will wait for Him! : )
I was thinking about new starts last night... I just love them... and boy do I need them!
Amen! Siesta, Amen!
Thanks for the enouragement.
I love how our God works! Last night as I was praying, I remembered that "it is God who works in me to do His good will". I'm glad because I would surely blow it left up to me. Praise God for new beginings and do overs. Love Much, Carla Lee
Isn't it funny how the enemy goes right after us full throttle because of all the "new" things we are supposed to be doing for the "new" year?
Your wise Curtis is so right. His mercies are new EVERY MORNING and not just because its a new year! Hallelujah!
Have a good day. I'm so glad you are back over here. Missed you.
2009 is going to be a beautiful year!
Love,
Fran
You are precious! I was thinking this morning about how often I set myself up to fail... I've decided that I'm just gonna lean on Him and do the best I can to make Him proud (and when I fail at that), being grateful that His mercy is new every morning! Thank you Amanda! I can't wait for that sweet baby to come and bless you all! Love to you,
Judy
Here's a Prayer I heard of...
"Dear Lord,
Thank you that I've been able to be kind, Christlike, loving and obedient in all I've done today. But I have to get out of bed now and it's going to get tougher..."
Hi Amanda,
Just wash away any feeling of defeat and feeling rotten in the mighty glory of our Lord. Just take a gander at what you have brought to, literally, the world with the creation of this blog. All of the spirits who have felt crestfallen, defeated, unloved, no voice, spiritually empty or just basically bummed out for cryin' out loud! :o) You have been much more than a blessing to us all in Siestaville but what your sweet Mom have been able to do and your darling sister Melissa. As I told you face to face during Curtis' LIT class, you are not only beautiful on the outside but you radiant such inner beauty you glow. What a wonderful husband you have in Curtis to bring to the forefront things of God your heart already knows but Curtis was that gentle, sweet reminder.
You are blessed and a blessing.
Much love and many, many blessings in the new year!
Christine Roskamp
Houston Siesta
Thanks for the reminder that each day we get to start fresh with the Lord! I too was already feeling defeated about the new year. I was getting down on myself about my failed new plan to get my quiet time in everyday with my 9 month old. But today and tomorrow are new days and I will be able to make my time with Him daily a success!
We added a baby boy to our family in 2008 (our second). What a joy he has been. But, I like you, have many plans for this new year, one of which is to get off the baby weight. Today was the first day of our "diet." I am already feeling like it is too much to take on. There is so much going on in our life, baby, remodeling a new house, moving in the next few weeks, lose weight, memory verses with seistas, etc. I just layed it all before the Lord last night and God is faithful and He has just empowered me today. I praise Him. I often say throughout the course of a week, it is because of Him that I am not consumed. Praise be to Him. Bless you and that your family and that new baby girl.
Amanda,
Wow, what a man. Those are such encouraging words - to us all. I am new to the blog and am so excited about it. I am thrilled to hear about the baby girl, I know your mom can hardly wait. I remember when Jackson was born and how thrilled she was. Baby girls are really special - I just had my first grandbaby 7 months ago - a girl and I am your moms age. It is the ultimate.
It is going to be the best of years.
Robin
Amanda,
What an timely post! I'm excited about the new year and yet old habits keep nippin' at my heels. But by the grace and power of our Lord, I too shall overcome! And I love what Curtis said -
"God shows us our weaknesses to move us past a place of prideful comfort and into spiritual growth." I want so much for this year to be one of spiritual growth. And judging by the siesta sign-ups for scripture memorization, lots of other siestas do too. Praise God for His work in us!
Amen Amanda. I have felt some defeat myself and needed that word. Praise Him that His mercies are new every morning! Great is His faithfulness!!
Can't wait for that sweet baby girl!!
I'm so glad mercies are new every morning, because if I had to wait until next New Year to get me some mercy, I'd be out of my mind!
Hard to believe that Baby Girl Jones will be here soon! Oh yippee!
Hugs,
Adrienne
I think I finally figured out how to do the Blog thing and want to join the Siesta's in the scripture memory. I chose Psalm 121:8 "The Lord will protect you from all harm; HE will protect your life"
I have been encouraged by all the postings and am looking forward to developing an internet friendship with all the Siestas!
AuntJ
I love what you husband said...
God shows us our weaknesses to move us past a place of prideful comfort and into spiritual growth. Who is like our God...
I think I might need to write this one down. I had a bad day yesterday with my thought life, but thanks for the reminder that everyday is a new day, and I can start over :)
Blessings
Yes, thank God I can start over again today because last night stunk and all I had to offer this morning was a deep sigh of relief for a new day! Thank you for this reminder of God's love and hope for us! He is for us!
Oh my how perfect that was for me this morning, Amanda. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Oh also to my siestas:
I have over 60 ladies and counting signed up to do Esther tomorrow night. PRAISE GOD!!! Please pray that everyone will see it through it is so good!!!
Your comment about his mercies being new every morning are truly a blessing to me. I am giving my marriage to the Lord this year and expecting BIG things becuase we so need it (even though I blew it this morning already). My prayer is "Above all else, may we be fervent in our love for one another becuase love covers a multitude of sins. May we be hospitable to one another without complaint." (1 Peter 4: 8&9) Our problem is just being nice to one another, but I know that God is bigger than this and he knows the details. We definitely need a Jesus year to get us (as well as our kids) through this one. Our God is an AWESOME God and is so able!!!!
I blew it this morning too. It's good that the Bible tells us God's faithfulness is great. I guess he knew my faithfulness wouldn't be anything to write about!
Anne
Amanda,
I think there's such a big build up for the New Year and world changing resolutions. I'm writing to you as a mother of a two year old and a four year old, and we live 30 miles from town. There are so many times when I have the feeling I should be doing more and serving more. It's hard to measure a ministry at home...is cleaning the refrigerator really blessing others? (In my house, I've decided I'm building up my family's immunities by letting the organisms multiply...)
There are two thoughts I'd like to share with you, then I'll go bless my little heathens with some domestic ministry!
1. If you weren't a threat to the Evil One, he'd let you slide into a spiritual complacency. You must be quite a threat to him! Fortunately, you're a mama clothed in the Lord's armor...covered in the blood of Christ! (Now I know you're wearing maternity clothes that you'd like to burn, so the idea of armor is a welcome wardrobe change.)
2. There's a book called Quotidian Mysteries, by Kathleen Norris, that talks about worshiping God in our daily, everyday tasks. Cleaning toilets as prayer? Seemed like a stretch, but I've read the book over and over, and it gives me hope that whatever I do, even when it is the tiniest thing, I do it for the Lord. Picking up 50 little toys for the 16th time in 3 hours, it's praise!
You bless so many, through this blog. Thank you for reaching out, with honesty! I hold you in my prayers...while I search the mysteries in that crummy fridge!
A much needed reminder ---- seems the mountain has been a whole lot steeper lately.
This is so true. It seems the harder you try to stop a behavior the more you do it! My present struggle is with the word "No". It seems to be the first thing out of my mouth when I don't agree with what the other person has said. It sounds so negative and final. I am trying to think of better ways to express my disagreement.
By the way, this will be my scripture memory verse for the 15th!
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:21-23, NIV)
Thanks, again, Amanda!
PT
I felt the same way last night.My goal is to try to love others as Christ loves us and be a fragrant offering to Him (Eph 5:2) And before my shift was even halfway over I found myself spewing less that loving and fragrant commnets about someone. UGH..thank you for the reminder we all fail and He is new every morning.
By the way Wisdom for Mothers is great. Did it a few years ago and would take it again.
You are not at all alone, and I so needed to know this morning that I wasn't either. I have felt so under attack this morning and have been trying to focus on things above in order to shake the things in my head. In the past few weeks, I have been feeling so ugly (and I don't mean what I see in my mirror). I have been fighting sins in my past that I thought were long gone and reminded of other past mistakes. Oh am I being humbled!
What a God we serve though! He has given me encouragement all over the place. My husband also encouraged me, after I got up the nerve to tell him (I like to think that he thinks I'm this perfect person, but he knows better. I so struggle with being just plain real me.) He prayed over me too. And in a book I just finished - Behind Those Eyes By: Lisa Whittle - I came to a truth that I believe God is trying to help me understand. I am "completely flawed yet forgiven completely; an awesome spirit being, truly loved and accepted by God." Not to mention, my memory verse - 2 Timothy 2:21 AMP. And the point you made about what Curtis said: "God shows us our weaknesses to move us past a place of prideful comfort and into spiritual growth." How completely powerful and relevant to where I'm at! Thank you so much for sharing that.
He is at work - Praise Him!
I feel so much better than I did this morning. And more than that, I know that God is growing me up. Oh, how growing pains are often so hard to handle!
You are precious, dear Amanda! I pray that God has brought you as much affirmation and encouragement as He has me.
this is just what i needed for today!!!
thanks so much for sharing :)
Blessings!
love,
jill
AJ, Our sons were born close, almost to the day. I thank you so much for your honesty. Im feeling very defeated after a total and complete melt down at the walmart. My son threw the tantrum of all tantrums. I sat there in the line asking God, what am I supposed to do? Thats my theme for the scripture memory is parenting. I started with the verse that gives the source for all knowlege and wisdom Col 2:2b-3,that is where I God told me I need to start.. i just wish in the meantime, i would know what to do sometimes.. thank you again for being honest. stephanie
Oh, I love the fact that our God gives us new mercies daily! If not, I'd be sunk. I've managed to keep my resolutions so far, but it is only the 5th.....
Praise God you have a husband who loves the Lord and will pray with you. That is HUGE!
Seeking Him
Beth (not your mom - ha ha)
Where do you get that Bible study?! I NEED IT!! Why is it that everyday I feel like I've failed in being a godly mother and example. Pooey. I am right there with ya!!
The fact that God's tender mercies are new every morning is so encouraging to this old soul.
My God IS faithful and I'm LOVING Him today for that!!!
WOW! Thanks Amanda I needed to hear this!
We are glad you are home safe and sound!
I have big news that I have to ask the Siestas for prayer...my mom accepted Christ 7 years ago and, needless to say, there has not been any "big changes", I'm sure she thinks I am some sort of Jesus Freak (I am! Ü), but you know what I mean...Ladies, my mom agreed, with my asking, to attend Esther starting tomorrow. My mom has never done a study, I'm excited and nervous...I'm nervous b/c I want her to love it and, in the past, I get so "worried about what she thinks" that I get distracted....anyways, I consider this a HUGE answer to prayer...but please keep praying that she will come to love/know/appreciate God's word....
Thanks Siestas!
Heather
Oh Amanda,
A whole mess of ugly poured out of me and my husband over the last few weeks and I thought we were going to implode... But, God is faithful and we are staying the course. You are a treasure and your authenticity is priceless.
Glad your trip was refreshing and you got home safe. Curtis is very wise and you are very blessed. May God's glory surround you as baby girl makes her way and her place in your home an dyour heart!
Love you,
Michelle
i blew it big time already, too. in fact, it was new year's day. ugh. thank GOD for His grace...it is enough!
wow yes....thanks for posting this "probably others who woke up on this first monday of 2009 feeling defeated" --yep, sign me up.
thank you for that verse...it's going on my bathroom mirror right now.
Thank you Amanda for the words of encouragement this day. I need to know that God will let us start over EVERY day. Just adding that scripture to the already growing list of "the ones that I want to memorize this year". God is laying so many on me that I should do one a week. It is great to be overwhelmed like that though!
Hi AJ,
Thanks for the reminder about God's mercies being renewed every day and not just every year! I blew it too! Thank you Jesus for Siestas!
Amanda, thanks for being vulnerable and sharing encouragement! I can identify with what you're saying in this post, and I have to remind myself all the time that "His mercies are new every morning" ! I love this Scripture that you posted from Lamentations, and just decided to memorize it as my first Scripture for January (I'm a little behind:-P). Bless you!
Girl, you are so on target. I got to work this morning after a glorious two weeks off for Christmas, and quickly realized I was going to need three things to survive this Monday.
1. My cutsie note cards with scripture splattered all over them.
2. A big bag of peanut M&M's.
3. A even bigger Diet Coke.
A Moses moment or two would be great to help part this sea of mail that is on my desk. I think it may take that kind of miracle for me to even see the top of it in the next few hours.
Praise the Lord His Mercies renew every morning and sometimes, when we need it, every hour.
Have A AWESOME DAY!!!
Carrie
You quoted my very favorite verse! It is my favorite because I am in constant need of his new mercies- daily even. I am glad you and Curtis and the J-man made it back safely. I will be praying peace and COMFORT for you in the coming weeks until Baby girl is finally here.
Showers of Blessing on Your day.
Thanks for sharing...sometimes my heart aches 'cause everyone seems so perfect and I woke up on New Years day...so very imperfect. You are so blessed to have someone pray you through it.
I love the scripture you shared...I may have to use that as one of my memory verses this year.
"God shows us our weaknesses to move us past a place of prideful comfort and into spiritual growth."
What a wonderful God that we serve. Thank you so much for sharing your feelings about already feeling defeated. I felt just that same way today. Your uplifting message must have come directly through you from God for me. I love being a siesta! It provides such daily strengthening and support.
To Heather in CA -
It is fine to be nervous, but remember God is in complete control. I am one who also "worries about what my mom will think," so much so that I have spent much of my life responding to what I think she wants. Turns out, she didn't need it and all she has wanted was for me to live the life I was meant to. Let the LORD go for a walk with your mom. Let them go; and you walk with Him on tyour own, and I want to hear what comes of this.
LORD I thank you for you unbelievable, earth-shaking ways of bringing people to you and how your ways are not our ways. Please be close and present in both heather and her mom's life right now, and let this study be a platform of unreal and amazing moments for both women, separate and collectivly.
In the awesome and real name of our savior, Jesus,
Amen
Hey AJ,
I remind myself of this verse often as well! There are some days that I wait til 12:01 to go to bed...that way I know the mercies are already new!
Thanks for the word of encouragemnet
Praying for you and that precious baby girl!
Love to all!
Laura Beth
Continuing to pray for you, your sweet family, and that little girl whose beautiful face you will soon see!
When your mother spoke this verse during the simulcast in August '08, it was what I needed to push me into a MORNING quiet time. I have always made excuses why I couldn't do a morning devotion. But when she said "Who couldn't use a little extra mercy EVERY morning?"
Bless you Amanda in these last days with your daughter on the inside. You bless me so often.
Your mom did real good, filling your shoes while you were gone.
Melana in Wyoming
Thanks so much for that post Amanda. Because, girl, you are not alone. But it is wonderful to have a God who gives hope while he serves humble pie.
Amanda, I blew it at 12:01 a.m. on the 1st! :)
Seriously, our daughter was sick so I MADE my husband and son go on to our friends house for New Year's Eve like we had planned. They argued with me, but I INSISTED that they go--and then I sat there mad all night! LOL...WHY? I don't know...just me and my self pitty brought in the new year!! So sad.. (I laugh as I type this...cause My beautiful man did exactly what I asked of him and he STILL got in trouble!!) *giggle* Seriously, I need a fresh start each morning..maybe the top of each hour?
Blessings to you my friend-and if all else fails, blame the hormones! :~)
Glory to God that He does give us new mercies..How great is our God?
Blessings!
Jen in MISSOURI :)
Amanda, you have a very wise husband to remind you that God's mercies are new every day, not just every year. How I praise God for His daily mercy! I need it!
Thank you for sharing this encouragement. It's so nice to hear examples of how spiritual health is a priority in a marriage (or any relationship)- I believe that's what makes it so strong.
I too am at 34 weeks with my second Little Sprout. I'll be in prayer over us both in the weeks ahead.
Emily
Amanda,
What wisdom God spoke through Curtis!
I pray that the Lord bless you with a smooth birth of a healthy baby girl that will be used mightily for God's glory! I pray for her husband-to-be that he will be a godly man who will love her dearly! I know that sounds early to pray that, but just look how fast Jackson has grown. Your mom(Beth) would agree with me--kids grow soo fast! Too fast!
I am so glad that His mercies are new every morning,'cause this girl sure needs them!
Miriam :)
Be encouraged sweet Amanda! BTW, the verse you included is what I picked for my Jan 15 memory verse. I shared it with my sons on New Year's Day with the same reminder Curt gave you. God is awesome! Love you sister. In His Love, Kim in PA
Giving a shout out....Hallelujah, received my Esther workbook today, and our group starts Thursday night!!!!!
Love you all and Jesus especially.
Yes, blown to smithereens. I woke up at 2 AM this morning, couldn't go back to sleep. The longer I stayed awaked the more angry I became about everything that was "wrong." I laid there and cried about about how I hate my life and what I've let it become and all my failures, which eventually woke up my husband. He too had encouraging words and a gentle touch enough to help me let it go and find some sleep.
You are so right. Well, actually, it's that scripture that is SO RIGHT. I know His mercies are new every morning because I got a do-over the 2nd time I woke up this morning (6:30 that time). It is just so hard sometimes not to feel consumed. Keep reminding us, OK?!
Amanda,
Thanks for the words of encouragement. This siesta needs a daily reminding of that truth!
The name of my own blog is cindy-newmercieseachday. When I read your blog today I felt such wonder that God does allow us new mercies each second if needed. I have blown it too already this new year and I need multi-mercies.
Love,
Cindy
What an AWESOME God we serve!!! Seriously, new every morning?!! I knew that but I had forgotten it. Thanks for the great reminder. Apparently a few of us needed that. Going to keep on keeping on, renewing my strength in the Lord. I want to soar on wings like eagles!
~Rachel~
Dear Amanda,
I too am a pregnant, emotional, mother of one (15 month old) having the SAME kind of Monday you described. Thanks for the encouragement and sharing your struggle. So good to know I'm not alone, when I can't even discern why I feel defeated! I have a sweet girl and am hoping for a boy...so excited for you to know the joys a daughter brings!
Glad you are home safe and sound.
Thank you for your post today, it just "happened" to be exactly what I needed to hear!
Hugs to you on this fine day!
I've been feeling like I need a renewal of the Spirit for awhile. I pray that 2009 will be the year for all of us to experience a fresh anointing of the Spirit as well as a renewal of our minds. I keep thinking of the verse, "The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." I don't want control. I want the Holy Spirit's control! I want the mind of Christ!
Happy New Year LPM! Looking forward to all the wonderful things God has in store for this ministry and this site! It felt good to get back into the groove this morning. A morning that started with a kiss from the hubs at cock'a'doodle dark and the realization that the vacation, it's all over. But then my day really started with a new hairdo AND our first session of the Esther series! I love a new beginning!
Amen, Young Lady. I am also eternally relieved that His mercies are new every morning and not every year. Man oh man, it would be a mighty long 12 months. You are a complete delight to your mother. I so approve of you.
I love that verse too! What a wonderful encouragement! I was sharing with my mom yesterday that we don't have to ever be in the valley - if God is our mountaintop and not experiences, blessings, people, etc. and HE promises to never leave us nor forsake us, then we can stay there - on that mountain basking in HIS Presence, no matter what our circumstances or if our day just started out kinda bad. God is Wonderful!
Can't wait to see your first pictures and see if baby girl looks like Moore's or Curtis's! I'm praying for you along with all our Siestas!
Thank you so much for this post! Yes, I began today feeling defeated already and needed the reminder that we get a fresh start with God every single time we need one. His patience and longsuffering with me astound me!
Thank you for your encouraging post.
I do have to say that I was so moved when you said you asked your husband to pray with you before he left.
Not to even mention that he did.
Thank you again for the encouragement. Great is His faithfulness.
Blessings,
Michelle in Vermont
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understand completely...if I believed I was as defeated today as I feel I would never get up again. So clearly the work of our adversary - whispering lies to us this way. He surely hates the new graces our Father gives us.
Thanks Amanda. Such a needed word today. Nice to have you back on the blog. We missed you. Your Mom has been keeping us busy. :)
Looking forward to each new morning God gives me this year.
Blessings.
I've been sharing that verse with others this NEW year, too... and I like to say that His mercies are new EVERY MINUTE if we need them to be. That's how great our God is.. and in my own studies this morning, it was all about "Let he (or SHE) who boasts, boast in the LORD". I am boasting in His goodness and BELIEVING that He is about to do something BIG in our family. And trust me... for this once shame-filled, guilt-ridden, "God-can-never-use-me" gal to be saying that.. well, that just speaks to HIS POWER alone.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Linda
Thank you for the Verse in Lamentations today Amanda... that is EXACTLY what I needed to hear this Monday!
Love ya,
Groovewoman♫
Oh and By The Way....
" Where my Fort Worth Saints at? - **WOOP, WOOP!**
Love ya,
Groovewoman♫
I'm a little late but here is my scripture memory verse:
"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth.
He will not suffer thy foot to be moved:he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
Behold he that keepeth Isreal shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:1-4
Barb from Churchill Ontario Canada
This is one of my favorite scriptures. Its helped me along the way MANY times. "For this I recall to mind, therefore I have HOPE...GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS". So refreshing...thank you for sharing that.
I'm currently doing "Stepping UP" and have been pondering on Psalm 121. I love it.
Have a continual blessed day!
Your Siesta in Hawaii
I discovered as soon as I announced to Jesus that He was going to be my focus, my all-and-all for 2009 and it WAS going to be a Jesus-Year, I seriously came under attack. I have had major anxiety and stress that is totally out of the blue and for no reason. Funny how my scripture memorization begins with "When I am afraid I will trust in You." Been saying it over and over (when you are walking through the grocery store saying your scripture memorization trust me when I tell you to NOT say it out loud. lol.)
I'm trusting Him and I know this will pass and thank goodness His mercies are new every morning!
Amanda,
Thank you for your humble heart; I needed your words this morning. I was too late to go to my Moms in Touch prayer group, then I was too late for my excercise class. Usually, I have both of those done by 10:40 am, but I was so disappointed in myself thinking it was the New Year and I'm so behind. I think about how forgiving and understanding I am to my own children. To think God created those feelings and how much more He is gracious and forgiving to me. I love the verses you shared. Thank you! I have you in my prayers this next month!!! So exciting! I had two boys and then a liitle girl! Bring on the pink .... and purple .... and orange .... and bows galore. ;)
I can SO relate to your start to 2009....I have been the same way. So discouraging when I am already so frustrated with myself. Thankful for all His new mercies!!
Your words brought tears to my eyes. We do serve an awesome God. I sometimes feel like such a failure. I have so much for which to be thankful, but yet I have so many regrets. There is one in particular that I so badly want to "fix", but I need to leave that up to God. I need to remember that I am here to serve God.
Awesome Amanda! Thanks for sharing!
Amanda
Thank you for reminding us that God's mercies are new every morning. I needed to hear that this morning too. It's my prayer that if God should choose to send me a husband, he would be a good, godly man as I see your Curtis is. However, if He does not, then there is some thing else better awaiting me, just pray that I will continue to keep my focus on our Precious Lord. I will continue to pray for your family especially with your Baby Girl coming soon--What a blessing! Also, I'll be praying for Living Proof Ministries and the entire Moore family.
Welcome back, we missed you
Sharon
Amanda, we sure missed you!
And here's a cup of imaginary hot tea just for you. I've poured it into a heavy snowman mug that says on the side "CHILLIN'." And it is Earl Grey steeped to perfection with a tiny bit of honey for sweetening the tea. The steam is still rising from the tea in the mug. And I have a tiny tea cake (butter flavored) with a pink rosebud made out of icing on top to celebrate how close you are to the arrival of BB (beautiful baby)! Pamper yourself often in the days ahead...praying for the very best time of your life as you bring forth God's new creation in your family!
Oh AJ...thanks for checking in. I had the same experience. It's like I got a full blown testing on everything I didn't want to do or say in the New Year, and I failed. And Lamentations 3 came to me as well. Praise to God for showing us in His word that we can do all things in Christ but are nothing without Him...and I wouldn't want it any other way. The best part not only can but He will transform us; as He is in the business of restoring. He can equip us to do it. I'm pressing on to where I want to be and thank you God I'm not where I used to be. We all have come along way. Isn't it cool?
Yay! I'm not alone! I had a horrible morning as well...I kinda did deserve my humble pie...but it tastes better ala hope! Thank you, Jesus and thank you Siestas...
How wonderful for you that you have a husband who prays for you and over you. May God bless you and your family.
Yesterday we started a new series at our church entitled, "Fresh Starts: The Art of Stumbling Forward. Our pastor gave the cool analogy that if you are walking with someone, and you stumble but don't fall, when you recover you are actually ahead or out in front of the other person. So too, God can use our stumbles to actually move us ahead if we are willing to use them and learn from them. I liked that picture and idea. "Progress, not perfection!" is my motto. Especially when we put so much pressure on ourselves this time of year to change, do more, be better, etc...
Cindy
I was feeling discouraged and defeated today. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder that I can start over fresh every day! God is so Good! God Bless! Charlotte - in Georgia
You're not the only one who has blown it already this year. I think I beat you by about 4 days. It must have something to do with having the kids and husband all at home with me for several weeks. I love them to death, honestly, but I love some routine in my life too.
I love Springfield, but I know you're glad to be home too. Can't wait to see some baby pictures soon!
Amanda,
Not only are his mercies new every morning but he is also our Everlasting Father. One who knows us to the core and loves us anyway. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. No matter how terribly we think we have failed He will be with us always. How awesome is He.
Blessing to you and your family. I can't believe that precious little girl will be here so soon. I know it probably doesn't feel soon to you,LOL.
Thanks for your reminder of how Great our God is.
Luv2Praise, Lori
Hi Amanda,
After an incident this afternoon, as I type this I'm having the very experience your husband referred to when he said "God shows us our weaknesses to move us past a place of prideful comfort and into spiritual growth."
Profound statement and timely post.
Thanks so much.
Grace and peace to you as you wait for the arrival of your sweet baby girl.
Much love,
Patti Hayes
What a sweet blessing your words were to me tonight. I, too, have been struggling with feeling defeated due to disappointments in ministry. People will let down. The Lord Jesus never will. Can I hear a hearty AMEN?!!! I pray your day was full of his abundant mercies.
No matter how you feel know you are a blessing to so many women! We draw encouragement and strength from you and your family. We come here daily to find that! Thank you for your honesty each and everyday. ((HUG))
Amy
Good to hear from you! So glad that you enjoyed your trip.
I love that "hope and humble pie" line. I'm going to remember that! I am really working on not taking ANY credit or glory for anything good that I accomplish, but to ALWAYS give Him the glory! Is it just me or does it seem so easy to inadvertently stick a feather in my cap and call it mine??
That is also one of my favorite verses and is going on my list of possibilities for memorization this year. I know God will let me know if it would be a good one for me.
Praying for you and Baby!
Dana
thank you, Curtis, for your message. . . I've been feeling like my weaknesses were being shown to me so that I would again recognize my weaknesses:(
Maybe, this is part of God's plan, and there is hope after all:)
OK...that's the verse I should have memorized this time. I'm going to do it now, too. I sure needed that today.
Boy, I think the two of us could have had a cup of tea together this morning and shared some heart-ache and healing scripture.
Last year I had a new failure punch me right in the face. Even though I have dealt with it, I have reminders everyday. I wanted to share with you a quote from my devotional today that reminded me about God's view of my failings.
It is from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. This passage is written as if God is the one speaking "I may infuse within you a dream that seems far beyond your reach. You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins your journey of profound reliance on Me. It is a faith-walk, taken one step at a time, leaning on Me as much as you need. This is not a path of continual success but of multiple failures. However, each failure is followed by growth spurt, nourished by increased reliance on Me."
Wow. I hope this gives you a little lift like it did for me today. What a great God we have that sees our failures, and sees not an unworthy soul, but sees an opportunity for us to lean more heavily on Him. Praise God!
Good to hear from you! Glad you had a good trip! Praise the Lord for hope!
We have two new Mission Raleigh girls and I am in 7th heaven getting to buy little girl clothes. My first "adopted" Mission Raleigh grandchildren were both boys. I love my little guys, but it just isn't as much fun to buy boy clothes. Praying for you and the "little princess to come."
Much love!
Kristi B.
The Lord woke me with those words this morning, but I didn't listen very well. Thank you for your reminder and encouragment..I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling that way!
You siestas are such an encouragment; everytime I log on, it's like going to Bible Study! :)
I love that verse. LOL I say that about so many of them... but I really do love that one. Praise the Lord for the truth that His love is new every morning!
AJ, it's good to hear from you. Hope you enjoyed your visit with the in-laws while you were in my home state of MO. Hope it wasn't too cold for you. :o)
Wow, your on the home stretch now. Little Miss will be in your arms before you know it. :o) I'm so happy for you. I'll be praying that all goes well and everyone is healthy and content.
Blessings to you in this new year. May the Lord pour out His Spirit on you in a new and fresh way.
In Christ out KING!
Anna in MO
Thank you, Amanda, for today's post. It's so important to be reminded DAILY how merciful and how great is our LORD, and I appreciate that we have an online community of trust and encouragement where we feel comfortable sharing our deepest regrets, desires, anxieties and (especially) victories! I often use the LPM posts as a jumping off point for blogging my own personal journey, and today was a perfect reminder of looking past recent feelings of defeat. I am so grateful for everyone here!
I felt rotten all day too!! Put on some Kirk Franklin and that'll do the trick. How can you feel rotten when screaming "do you want a revolution?"
And yes...I need and want one!!!! Woot Woot!!!!(I first typed toot toot...oppps!!)
No worries AJ, you are in good company. Praise God for the promise of that verse (which was incidentally part of the passage I chose for my first memorization). I've loved meditating on the beauty of these words as I try to commit it to memory. What a hope-filled and encouraging Word with which to start 2009! Blessings to you and your sweet and soon-to-be-expanding family! = )
I love that scripture that you quoted, I am going to memorize it next week.....
I have never left a blog before anywhere and dont really know what I am doing. I just wanted to tell Melissa that my husband and I visited your church Sun evening and heard Curtis speak and we really enjoyed it. I bought a copy of his sermon- 1st one off the press- and listened to it again. Please tell your husband we enjoyed it. I wanted to tell him-"Can I speak to you for a mniute? You did great!!
Karen from Houston
I just blogged about that! www.rett.blogspot.com
Amanda - you being alone in that? Not for a second (although very sweet of you to hope so)! Knowing for a fact I'd blown in within an hour of waking on the 1st, I'd be in such a bind already if I had to wait for new mercies.
Amen and amen!
Yesterday I was totally defeated by the end of the day. Another sister tucked this Scripture verse under my door. It was a word in season - so I will share
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Here's to a victorious new day!
Sister Lynn
Yep, I hear you, Sister. Your words are so encouraging! Thank God for fresh starts...and not just on New Year's!
Much love,
Kristen
Amen and amen!
Praying for your final weeks with your little sweet pea your carrying. I needed to read this today.
That is such a good word! In fact I might memorize that as my next memory verse. What a great reminder, every morning we can start anew. I needed that. I was getting a little overwhelmed with the idea of having a great year, but I need to just have a great DAY! One at a time. You'd think with all the 12 step recovery I've done that I'd have that one down by now, but no, I have to be reminded constantly! It's a wonder anyone even puts up with me, especially God! I'm so slow!
O AJ! I love it when you post! :) Its just what i needed! O! Tell your mamma i just started esther today! Im so excited!
I needed this today (and every day)... One thing I have to remind myself is that his mercies are new all day, too. So often, I "lose it" early in the day and then beat myself up over it all day long and make things worse. I am working on erasing the past mistake and starting again from that moment (even if I do that 10 times in one day!!)
Thanks for this reminder. I needed it. And I need an attitude adjustment of my own. Praying for it!
Thanks for the verse! I do believe that will be one of my scripture memory verses! :) :) :)
I really did need to hear it! Thanks!
Rebecca
I have had a couple of days so far this year that I've blown it, too...sigh. But there are a couple of songs that the Lord keeps bringing to my mind that have renewed me like nothing could! I hope it's ok to share them here...
One is from the LIfeway CD "the Lamb has Overcome" the song is Made Me Glad...I love the reminder that "He is my shield, my strenght, my portion deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my very present help in time of need..."
Another AMAZING song is by The Katinas called Free...here is the chorus but look it up if you can, you'll be so blessed and encouraged..."now I'm looking for a new day/ my destiny is waiting/ here in this beautiful release..My God/ set me free/so I can clearly see/Your love/carried me/so I can live to be/You did it just for me..love has taken over me/I have been set free"..The Katinas
Anyway, this encouraged me so much today and kept from going "there".
Love you all my siestas!
Melissa in Concord, CA
Thanks Amanda, I needed to hear it. I am at Disney World where it's supposed to be happy happy all the time...my attitude has ventured the other way. May the mercies be new in the next minute. Please Jesus...and thank you Amanda for your consistent honesty.
You know, if there's one (of many) things that I love about you and your mom it's that y'all are so real and so honest. You teach us how to walk in victory but your are so completely real honest about your own life:) You have no idea how refreshing that is. Y'all have been such a great source of enocuragement to me and have helped me come out from under a long history of condemnation/self-condemnation.
I've been meaning to ask this...do we have a name for Baby Girl?
Happy 2009 AJ. Yes, all the bad parts of me came out and then some. after a difficult childbirth experience things are not getting better and I feel so awful. Thank you for this encouragement. No matter how much I pray and seek Him I am still struggling and not sure what i am doing wrong. All the best to you sweet siesta.
Thanks Amanda for this wealth of encouragement! My Monday started like the worst "year" of my life as well, but I too was reminded on this Tuesday, that I have Holy Spirit power and He can do above all that I can even think to ask or imagine!
And, I love Denise Glenn. She came and spoke at our ladies retreat several years ago. What an amazing woman of God. I've not done Motherwise (even though I am a mother, and probably should...), believe it or not, but have done another of her studies on the Bride of Christ. It impacted my life forever! Now I am just stuck with this other author, who just keeps writing and I keep reading! Had a blast with my ladies and Queen Esther this evening although it was a little sad hearing her story about Beanie on "point". (but a GREAT illustration I won't soon forget!) Praying for a safe delivery of "our little girl" very soon. Stay strong, Mommy! Have a GREAT Wednesday!
"God shows us our weaknesses to move us past a place of prideful comfort and into spiritual growth"
WORD!
We love you, Amanda~
Amanda,
What a wonderful post! This is the first time I've read it and it was so encouraging to me! Thank you so much!
Here's to mercies that are new EACH MORNING!
Wow, thank you for sharing this. You have really made my day by reminding me of this!
I have been feeling like the only one in the world not loving this new year and feeling kinda blue!!! Not for any particular reason, I just am! I am listening to my husband and friends with all these wonderful plans... and I just don't have any excitement... boo hoo!
Great is His faithfulness!!!
I can't wait to hear news of Baby Girl NEXT MONTH! Bless ya Siesta!
Little Momma:), Baby Girl coming soon is super exciting!:)...I have had some discouragement too, but I have had some wonderful reassurance from Him lately as well...yay, prayer! So effective...yes, it is good to be reminded that victory this year will come from complete dependence on the Holy Spirit:), and NOT in my own strength! Amen! I don't have any of my own strength anyway. Psalm 16:2, I have no good besides or beyond Him...Praise the Lord for what Curtis said, there is no one like HIM:):) His mercies are new every morning...I was thinking about that verse...
Love in CHRIST,
katiegfromtennessee
I posted the Lam. verse right by my coffee pot and say it every morning no matter how much in a rush I'm in I Thank the Lord for a New Day and fresh start.
Can't wait to see your baby girl.
Bless you Amanda for all the wonderful postings when Beth is busy.
I appreciate the fact that you will admit when you have "blown it." Thanks for being honest! Sometimes we, or I, forget that we are not called to be perfect, and it is ok that we are not! His strength is perfect.
It is so cool that Curtis stopped and prayed for you. I know you are thankful for that.
Thanks for sharing these insights, Amanda...they are just what I needed to hear. I am a first born who wants to be perfect and do everything just right...and a new year always tricks me into thinking I will have my chance at perfection once again...only to fail and not accomplish my lofty goals the minute I get out of bed on Jan.1...I am in great need of my Savior.
God bless you!
Amanda,
Does Curtis have a link to buy the sermons to his cds? The one you wrote about is exactly what I need and I so love to hear him preach.
Traci
tmcdavid@aol.com
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