Blessed Aroma 2009!

Internet Cafe Devotions introduces Blessed Aroma ~ 2009!

As a Christian Women Devotional site, the Internet Cafe passionately wants to encourage and inspire women all over the world. Over at the Cafe they know that an ounce of encouragement goes a long way and because of that they recently introduced Blessed Aroma ~ 2009. It's a way to showcase some of your favorite blogs who have encouraged you with their written words and examples of faith in 2009. This is a chance to showcase some of the most encouraging and inspiring blogs, and an opportunity to introduce readers to some new and exciting ladies.


Head on over to the Internet Cafe and nominate your favorite blogs.

Resolutions vs. Goals

Some people make New Year's resolutions; others set goals for the year. I've often wondered...what's the difference and which should I make if any?

Of course I did what any (or maybe it's just mine) wondering mind(s) would do, I
typed in Webster's Online Dictionary in my Google search bar and proceed to read the definitions of resolution and goal.

resolution-
1 : the act or process of resolving: as a : the act of analyzing a complex notion into simpler ones b : the act of answering : solving c : the act of determining d : the passing of a voice part from a dissonant to a consonant tone or the progression of a chord from dissonance to consonance e : the separating of a chemical compound or mixture into its constituents f (1) : the division of a prosodic element into its component parts (2) : the substitution in Greek or Latin prosody of two short syllables for a long syllable g : the analysis of a vector into two or more vectors of which it is the sum 2 : the subsidence of a pathological state (as inflammation) (3)a : something that is resolved b : firmness of resolve (4) : a formal expression of opinion, will, or intent voted by an official body or assembled group (5) : the point in a literary work at which the chief dramatic complication is worked out6 a : the process or capability of making distinguishable the individual parts of an object, closely adjacent optical images, or sources of light b : a measure of the sharpness of an image or of the fineness with which a device (as a video display, printer, or scanner) can produce or record such an image usually expressed as the total number or density of pixels in the image

Huh? What in the world!?! Ok, I admit, I didn't read the whole thing, just skimmed it, but what I did read, I didn't understand. Geesh! Moving on...

goal- 1 a : the terminal point of a race b : an area to be reached safely in children's games2 : the end toward which effort is directed : aim 3 a : an area or object toward which players in various games attempt to advance a ball or puck and usually through or into which it must go to score points b : the act or action of causing a ball or puck to go through or into such a goal c : the score resulting from such an act

Better. I understand this one, I think. In a race, a goal is the finish line. In a game, a goal is where you want to aim the ball. In life, a goal is the result of what you've exerted all your efforts toward.

So, in this new year, this new decade, do I make resolutions or set goals? I'm going with goals. I'm gonna set some goals. Yes...yes, I am. Goals. Not many, just a few. I want to be able to focus my efforts and attention toward a handful of things so that I am able to do them with excellence. Goals. I want to cross the finish line of 2010 triumphant. I want my life to be more purposeful this year; I want it to be aimed at a specific target- a target that glorifies the Father.

As I sat at my desk this past January 1, 2010 with the pages of my new pink leather journal blankly staring back at me I eagerly grabbed my pen and began jotting down my goals for the year.

1. Consistency in my Quiet Time. Some mornings when the alarm announces a new day has dawned, it is SO hard to crawl out of bed. But, alas, my time with God in the mornings sets the tone of my day and gets my thoughts focused on Him. I need that. My goal is to get up EVERY day when the alarm clock beeps or dings or plays music or whatever it does and meet with the Father. What will I be doing in my quiet time? I'm going to be reading through the New Testament. God has already shown me so much in the few chapters we've read together. It's been great!!!

2. Memorize at least 2 verses every month. Care to join me in this? Hiding God's Word in our hearts is so important. When the enemy comes against us or times get tough, with God's Word hidden in our hearts we can walk forward confident and sure that He is with us.

3. Journal every day about Bible reading and what has gone on during the day, especially with the kids. I want my kids to have a written record of their lives and mine. I want them to see, for themselves, how God has worked in them and me over time.

4. Exercise more. 'nough said!

5. Be very purposeful about my time with my kids, putting them, their schooling, and their lives before everything else. God has given them on loan to me to raise for His glory. Raising kids takes lots of time and energy of which I must be purposeful. I am fervently praying for the salvation of my son this year. Do it Lord!!!

6. Be more of an encourager to my husband. My husband works his tushy off for us providing everything we need. He is committed to us and loves us with a passion. I want to encourage him more this year and be more purposeful in letting him know how much I love him and appreciate all he does for us.

7. Complete the Bible Study on 1 John. A few years ago I began writing a Bible Study on 1 John. God is calling me to complete this work. With His leading and wisdom, this will be the year of its completion.

8. Write for God's glory. Not only will I continue to write here, but I, again with His leading, will continue to write for At the Well and Exemplify Online. I also plan to submit some articles for publication and pray that at least 1 of them gets published.

9. Live out the calling God has placed on my life with a passion. I want to be bold and fearless in all that I do for Him. By His Grace Ministry and In His Word Bible Study are ministries that God has called me. These are avenues His has paved for me to live out my story and bring Him glory. Already, He is leading me to step it up and I'm so excited to see what this year holds for these ministries.

10. Seek God's face in everything. My theme verse for this year is Psalm 27:8: "When You said, 'Seek My face,' my heart said to You, 'Your face LORD, I will seek." I want to do NOTHING without His leading. NOTHING. In all things, Lord, I will seek Your face!

My goals. Attainable? Yes. Easy to attain? No. Rewarding when I cross that finish line and look back over the year? Absolutely!!!!

Ready? Set? Let's go girl!!!

12) Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected;

but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which

Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

13) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended;

but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind

and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14) I press toward the goal for the prize

of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14, NKJV

What about you...what are your goals for 2010?

Let's Chat

Oh my goodness gracious!!! It seems like forever since we've chatted. Pull up a chair, grab yourself a cup of coffee and let's talk, shall we?

How in the world are you?

Did you have a most wonderful Christmas? Enjoy lots of yummy food? Receive any cool gadgets for Christmas?

What about New Years? Did you ring in the new year with friends?

Me? To be honest with you... I for one am glad the business of the season is behind us. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas, but it does make me SO tired... ya know, going here, there, and yonder. Tired, I tell ya. Tired.

Life is beginning to settle down for us, or should I say... life, as we know it every day, is getting back to normal. All the Christmas decor has been taken down and put away until next year. Old toys have been replaced with new ones. Company has returned home. And, the house is back in order from all the hubbub of the season. We are ready to embark on the journey God has before us for this 2010 year.

Here's a little peek inside what we've been up to the past few weeks:

The kiddos and I spent 2 1/2 weeks at my parent's house while hubs worked in Houston.

My grandmother, who was visiting from Florida, taught my daughter and I how to crochet. I crocheted my first scarf. Hooray for me!!!!

Our oldest daughter turned 10. I can't believe it!!!! Soon she'll catch up with me, cause I'm only 21, ya know!?! *smile*

My son can now speak 5 languages. Well... not really. But, he is convinced he can, so why burst his bubble, right?

The wee princess is now completely potty trained. Hallelujah, praise the Lord!!!!

I dyed my hair. It turned black. I dyed it again. It stayed black. I washed it with dish washing liquid. It still remained black. I cut my hair. Now, it is short and a faded blackish brown color. Sigh.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve service at my parent's church. Joined with other brothers and sisters in Christ in taking the Lord's Supper and focusing our minds on the true meaning of Christmas.

Feasted on fried turkey and all the fixin's for Christmas day dinner. It was DELICIOUS!!! Way to go dad!!!

Hubs and I enjoyed a day to ourselves thanks to the grandparents. Did a little shopping, ate lunch at Olive Garden, and saw "The Blind Side". It was heavenly!!!

I got a really cool new pink leather journal that I can't wait to fill the pages of this year.

Set some goals for the year. I'll be sharing some of them with you later this week.

Oh... and, I made THE most scrumptious pot of shrimp and sausage gumbo ever!!!! Yum-o!!!



Well...that about sums it up for our fam. What about you and yours? What have you guys been up to lately?

It's Fall Y'all!

Happy Fall Y'all!!!! I so love this time of year. All the different colored leaves falling from the trees; the crisp, cool mornings; pies baking, apple cinnamon candles burning, and pumpkin spice lattes from my favorite coffee shop. Yes, ma'am, this is a wonderful time of year!

And, guess what?!?! To celebrate my love of Fall, I'm going to give YOU, my sweet readers, a chance to win some very delightful gifts starting November 9th and running through November 13th.

Wanna know what's up for grabs? You are going to LOVE these treasures!!! Details on the giveaway will come later on in the week, but here is a sneak peak.

From Touche Bags and Beads & The Thankful Goat a 4oz. bar of Handcrafted Goat Milk Soap and a 4 oz. Goat Milk and Honey Lotion both with the beautiful fragrance of "Hangin on the Line"; one of their most popular scents.

From Stick it To Me Vinyl, personalized vinyl art to beautify your walls.

From Proverbs 31 Ministries, a one year paid subscription to their magazine.

From Susan Designs, a beautiful piece of handcrafted jewelry designed especially for this giveaway.

And... your very own copy, with a note from the author, of my most recent favorite Bible study, Lord, I need Grace to Make it Today by Kay Arthur.

Are you excited!?!? I sure am. Stay tuned for the details of how YOU can win these fabulous treasures. Love to ya!!!

Be Sure to Check This Out!

Here are a couple of things I'd like to encourage you to check out. It might not be for you per say, but I am MOST positive there is someone in your life you can pass this info on to.

First, She Seeks. This is a site for young professionals, college students, or 18-29 year old women journeying through life and trying to figure it out. She Seeks is a division of Proverbs 31 Ministries and is coordinated by Lisa Whittle. Lisa has a great team of ladies supporting her and helping her out with this ministry. And, yes, I am bragging when I say that two of them are my friends!! Nicki Koziarz and Sarah Martin are precious ladies seeking to honor the Lord in all they do.

Secondly, I am so exicted to be involved with this next venture and want to personally invite each of you to join us at The Live, Laugh, Love Women's Retreat 2010. The team of women behind this retreat is made up of women who have a passion to serve the Lord and encourage women in their walk with Him.

When: January 30-31, 2010- Saturday 1pm- Sunday 12 pm

Where: Fort Caswell, NC- near Oak Island, NC

Who should come: YOU!! Every woman- married, single, starting over... wherever you are at in life! Sunday school classes, Women's Bible Study groups, Church groups, Girlfriends, Anyone!!!

Cost: Early bird registration is $65 before November 31, 2009. December 1, 2009 the price goes to $70.

**$20 non-refundable deposit due with registration.

For more info or to register click HERE.

I hope you will take some time and check out these two opportunities. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Have a happy day!!

Check, Check, Check

Hair dryer and hair products? CHECK.

Make-up? CHECK.

Acccesories? CHECK.

Capris? CHECK.

Cute flip-flops? CHECK.

Painted toes to sport the cute flip-flops? CHECK.

Cell phone so I can call my new bloggin' friends and meet up with them? CHECK.

Camera to take pictures of new bloggin' friends, as well as Kay, Beth, and Priscilla and whatever else may need to be documented with a picture? CHECK.

Bible, Bible bag, journal, and pen? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK, and CHECK.

Open heart ready to hear a Word from the Lord? CHECK. AMEN and HALLELUJAH!


Come, Lord Jesus, and speak a Word over your servants. Tune our hearts to hear You and our lives to obey You. May we leave Greensboro, NC changed, refreshed, renewed, and on fire with a greater passion for You. Amen!


Off to Deeper Still- see ya in a few!!!

Deeper Still Conference

I am so siked about the weekend. Tomorrow I leave for the Deeper Still Conference in Greensboro, NC. There's just nothing like gathering together with thousands of women lifting our voices to heaven and digging into the Word as His servant's boldly proclaim the Truths of Scripture. Nothing like it, I tell ya- nothing!!

I'm curious, will YOU be there? If so, I would love to try to connect with you sometime during the weekend. Leave me a comment or send me an email and we'll work on getting together.

Summer Reading Fun

<br /><a href="”http://www.byhisgraceministry.com/”"> <center><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm234/jernigan4jc/Summerreadingfun.jpg”/" /></center></a><br /><br />

I don't get to read as many books during the school year as I'd like due to the fact that I'm homeschooling my two oldest kiddos and usually teaching Bible study classes. So... I was thinking this summer would be a great time to read a few of those books that I've wanted to read for a while.

How about you? Up for a few good reads this summer? Here's what I'm thinking. I've gathered together several books that I'm going to read over the next several weeks. On Thursday's I will post a review and/or discussion of what I've been reading. You are more than welcome to join me by reading the same books I'm reading, or you can compile of book list of your own and join me on Thursdays by sharing with the rest of us thoughts about your book.

My book list so far consists of the following books:

A Marriage without Regrets

by Kay Arthur

The Hole in Our Gospel

by Richard Stearns

A Jewel in His Crown

by Priscilla Shirer

Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends

by Sarah Stephen and Grace Mally

Don't Make Me Count to Three!

by Ginger Plowman

Redeeming Love

by Francine Rivers

The Mentoring Mom

by Jackie Kendall

3:16 Numbers of Hope

by Max Lucado

You can get any of these book from christianbook.com or your local christian book store.

If you are interested in joining me for some summer reading fun, please leave a comment on this post or send me an email. Let me know if you would like to read any of the books off of my list or if you are going to compile a list of your own; this will determine what kind of discussion we can have. Feel free to copy and paste the "Summer Reading Fun" button to your blog. I hope you will all join me for some reading and relaxation. Happy reading!!

I am currently reading A Marriage Without Regrets and will be posting on it beginning this Thursday, June 25th.

Proofread- You'll be Glad You Did!

I got an email this morning and just had to share it with you all. I needed the laugh. Enjoy!!

Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services (Summer, 2007 Release).

~The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

~The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'

~Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

~Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

~The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

~Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.

~Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

~Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I Will Not Pass This Way Again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

~For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

~Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

~The Rector will preach his farewell message, after which the choir will sing: 'Break Forth Into Joy.'

~Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24th in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

~At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

~Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

~Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

~Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

~The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

~Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - Prayer and medication to follow.

~The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

~This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

~Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

~The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

~Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7PM. Please use the back door.

~The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

~Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use the large double doors at the side entrance.

~The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday : 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours' .


Have a blessed day! And, be sure to proofread your work, you'll be glad you did! :)

Thought for the Day

~Do you really believe what you say you
believe is really real?

~Are you living your life in accordance
with those beliefs?

Hello out There!

Hey, ladies. Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I've had my head buried in the books, writing and studying for the I AM, Who? study. I hope you understand. The study is going really well. We have a great group of ladies who have come together to dig into God's Word. If you are close by and not involved in a Bible Study on Wednesday nights, we'd love for you to join us. I covet your prayers as I prepare and lead this study.

So, what have you all been up to lately? How has God been working in your life? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you. If you are getting these posts through your eamil, hop on over to the blog and leave a comment at the end of this post. Look forward to hearing from all of you.

Much love and abundant blessings!