Today I read 1 Samuel chapters 1-6
S-Scripture:
1 Samuel 3:18
18 So Samuel told him everything, hiding nothing from him. Then Eli said, “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes.”
O-Observation:
Samuel has just had a vision that Eli, his father, will indeed see the wrath of God. He is told that all of his descendants will die young, yet he graciously accepts his punishment for his sins against God simply saying, "Let him do what is good in his eyes." He trusts that even though it is not what he wishes for himself and his family, that God is forever doing only what is necessary for the greatest good to come about.
A-Application:
Similar to yesterday's application, I see that God will use unpleasant things in our lives to bring about a change. He alone knows what the future holds and what each disappointment, difficulty, and struggle will do for us all in the long run. I need to remember that even though I may be in a low point in my life and wonder why God would allow this to happen to me, to my family, I have to trust that God would not bring me to it if He didn't plan to bring me out of it.
P-Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the faith you have in me to overcome these difficult times. Please continue to hold me in your hands and give me the serenity to feel your peace in my life when times get difficult. Amen.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
SOAP journaling
A friend of mine posted a scripture from her daily devotional on Facebook that many of us responded to. Some asked what devotional she was using and others suggested their own devotionals. One person suggested the Life Journal and SOAP journal. She sent a link that got me interested and I went in search of more links on SOAP journaling! These are the ones I found helpful...
http://www.enewhope.org/firststeps/journaling/
http://www.shbctul.com/files/soapwebguide.pdf
http://www.livingroom.org.au/blog/archives/soap_life_journaling.php
http://www.aplaceofhope.org.au/SOAP%20Life%20Journal%20Booklet.pdf
Escentually, SOAP journaling is a way to delve deeper into your daily Bible Reading. You choose your passage (or read one that is provided for you), ask that God let one scripture in particular speak to you), then get to journaling.
S-Scripture
Copy down the specific verse(s) that spoke to you
O-Observation
What did this verse say to you? What was God trying to tell us/you?
A-Application
How can you apply this knowledge to your life?
P-Prayer
Pray for God to help you use this scripture in your life.
Because I am using the The Daily Bible: In Chronological Order 365 Daily Readings, it is difficult to always say exactly what passages I have read each day as the authors have "cut and pasted" from the different scriptures to put the events in chronological order. I love this Bible as a way to read through the Bible in a year. It is helping me put a new perspective on all of the Bible stories and when they took place. Therefore, instead of telling what the chapters/verses I have read, I'll have to instead tell you the stories.
Today I read several stories because I am quite a bit behind in my daily readings. I have had a tumultuous few months and have not been as vigilant on my reading as I should have been. Hopefully I can improve that by journaling.
So, yesterday, I started my first SOAP journal.
I read about the stories of Jephthah (Judges 10 - 12), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-4), Sampson the Strong Man (Judges 13-16), Micah and the Danites (Judges 17- 18), and Civil War with Benjamin (Judges 19 -21).
S - Scripture:
The scripture that most spoke to me in all of this reading is Judges 14:1-4
1 Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. 2 When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.”
3 His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”
But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” 4 (His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)
O-Observation:
Even though his parents probably didn't like the idea of Sampson marrying a Philistine woman, they trusted that God was at work in his life. They trusted the feeling that Sampson had that told him this woman was the one. Even though she later turned out to betray him, it was all in God's plan.
A-Application:
I'm having a difficult time in my own marriage right now and many people in my life (including many strong Christian friends/family members) are yelling "DIVORCE!" saying that I even have Biblical back-up supporting that decision. However, in my heart of hearts, I don't believe that God is ready for me to give up on this union just yet. It is difficult to go against what those who love me believe to be the best course of action, but I have to believe that, like with Sampson, God may use a difficult and trying experience to make a greater change for the positive in my life as well as that of my husband.
P-Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the fantastic things you are doing in my life. Please grant me the wisdom to see the path that you have set forth for me and the strength and courage to travel along it. Soften the hearts of those who would stand in the way of Your will in my life and lead them to know your wonderful grace as well. Amen.
http://www.enewhope.org/firststeps/journaling/
http://www.shbctul.com/files/soapwebguide.pdf
http://www.livingroom.org.au/blog/archives/soap_life_journaling.php
http://www.aplaceofhope.org.au/SOAP%20Life%20Journal%20Booklet.pdf
Escentually, SOAP journaling is a way to delve deeper into your daily Bible Reading. You choose your passage (or read one that is provided for you), ask that God let one scripture in particular speak to you), then get to journaling.
S-Scripture
Copy down the specific verse(s) that spoke to you
O-Observation
What did this verse say to you? What was God trying to tell us/you?
A-Application
How can you apply this knowledge to your life?
P-Prayer
Pray for God to help you use this scripture in your life.
Because I am using the The Daily Bible: In Chronological Order 365 Daily Readings, it is difficult to always say exactly what passages I have read each day as the authors have "cut and pasted" from the different scriptures to put the events in chronological order. I love this Bible as a way to read through the Bible in a year. It is helping me put a new perspective on all of the Bible stories and when they took place. Therefore, instead of telling what the chapters/verses I have read, I'll have to instead tell you the stories.
Today I read several stories because I am quite a bit behind in my daily readings. I have had a tumultuous few months and have not been as vigilant on my reading as I should have been. Hopefully I can improve that by journaling.
So, yesterday, I started my first SOAP journal.
I read about the stories of Jephthah (Judges 10 - 12), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1-4), Sampson the Strong Man (Judges 13-16), Micah and the Danites (Judges 17- 18), and Civil War with Benjamin (Judges 19 -21).
S - Scripture:
The scripture that most spoke to me in all of this reading is Judges 14:1-4
1 Samson went down to Timnah and saw there a young Philistine woman. 2 When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.”
3 His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”
But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” 4 (His parents did not know that this was from the LORD, who was seeking an occasion to confront the Philistines; for at that time they were ruling over Israel.)
O-Observation:
Even though his parents probably didn't like the idea of Sampson marrying a Philistine woman, they trusted that God was at work in his life. They trusted the feeling that Sampson had that told him this woman was the one. Even though she later turned out to betray him, it was all in God's plan.
A-Application:
I'm having a difficult time in my own marriage right now and many people in my life (including many strong Christian friends/family members) are yelling "DIVORCE!" saying that I even have Biblical back-up supporting that decision. However, in my heart of hearts, I don't believe that God is ready for me to give up on this union just yet. It is difficult to go against what those who love me believe to be the best course of action, but I have to believe that, like with Sampson, God may use a difficult and trying experience to make a greater change for the positive in my life as well as that of my husband.
P-Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the fantastic things you are doing in my life. Please grant me the wisdom to see the path that you have set forth for me and the strength and courage to travel along it. Soften the hearts of those who would stand in the way of Your will in my life and lead them to know your wonderful grace as well. Amen.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Update
2011 has not been my year. In fact, I'd happily zoom right back to 2010 anytime!
Not long after my dad passed away, I had another traumatic emotional blow. Without going into too much detail, my husband and I have decided to separate and move back to our hometown. He made a mistake (Oh boy did he make a big mistake), got caught, got in trouble, and is now dealing with the consequences (legally, financially, and personally). Unfortunately, that means that I am also dealing with the fallout of his mistake. Victimless crime? yeah...no not really.
Hurt, confusion, hurt, anger, hurt...
Despite his mistake, I still love him. The problem is I'm not sure that I can trust him I don't trust him right now. How can we have a sound relationship without trust?
I'm not ready to give up on my marriage. Despite thepushing encouragement insistance of many of my friends and family, I don't want a divorce if it can be helped. I still love my husband. Because what has happened has become public knowledge, so many people are assuming and expecting that I will leave him.
Although I love him, I'm not an idiot either. Forgiving him for his mistakes does not mean that I am OK with what he has done. I know that he made a mistake (yes, it was a mistake...although a HUGE one) and that he will need to "fix" things, get counseling, and face the consequences. It is possible that our marriage won't make it, but I have faith that God put us together for a reason.
We are both moving back to our hometown. He has moved in with his parents, and my mom is helping me to get a house for my daughter and I. We will be close to family, and although we will be separated, we will be close enough to try to begin working on our marriage as well.
If you are a praying person...Please... my family needs prayers.
Not long after my dad passed away, I had another traumatic emotional blow. Without going into too much detail, my husband and I have decided to separate and move back to our hometown. He made a mistake (Oh boy did he make a big mistake), got caught, got in trouble, and is now dealing with the consequences (legally, financially, and personally). Unfortunately, that means that I am also dealing with the fallout of his mistake. Victimless crime? yeah...no not really.
Hurt, confusion, hurt, anger, hurt...
Despite his mistake, I still love him. The problem is
I'm not ready to give up on my marriage. Despite the
Although I love him, I'm not an idiot either. Forgiving him for his mistakes does not mean that I am OK with what he has done. I know that he made a mistake (yes, it was a mistake...although a HUGE one) and that he will need to "fix" things, get counseling, and face the consequences. It is possible that our marriage won't make it, but I have faith that God put us together for a reason.
We are both moving back to our hometown. He has moved in with his parents, and my mom is helping me to get a house for my daughter and I. We will be close to family, and although we will be separated, we will be close enough to try to begin working on our marriage as well.
If you are a praying person...Please... my family needs prayers.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Dear Daddy
To my dearest Daddy,
I love you.
I know I told you that many times when you were alive, but I wish I could have told you just one more time how much you meant to me. You were my inspiration on bad days, my encouragement to keep going when I didn't think I could take one more step, and as the song that we danced to at my wedding said, "You are the wind beneath my wings." You really were. I'm going to miss you so much, but I know you would want me to keep going.
Even now, I can almost hear you laughing and making a joke about something. You never let anyone take themselves or anything else too seriously. Even when you were diagnosed with cancer seven and a half years ago, you never let it get you down. For seven years we heard, "You better give me the good Christmas presents this year because I don't know that I'll be here next year!" with a twinkle in your eye. The doctor gave you 3 years...guess you showed them!
Your upbeat spirit and unswerving faith in God has inspired not only me but many others throughout the county and beyond. The lack of seating at your funeral was definitely proof of that. You were a much respected man; you still are respected by many. My prayer is that I can live up to the legacy you have left me.
I will never forget your words to me when you saw me crying over your cancer diagnosis. "Why are you crying? I haven't wasted a tear and neither should you. If God wants me here, He's going to leave me here. If He wants me Home, He'll take me Home. It's out of our hands so why waist time worrying about it?" I hope that I can be as brave and as strong of faith as that when my time draws near.
The way you left was hard on us, but I know that it was easier for you that way. The cancer would have taken it's toll eventually and made you bedridden and miserable. This way, you were able to spend every last minute doing the things you love like fishing, golfing, working for the American Cancer Society and getting ready for another Relay for Life, and getting a final visit with your granddaughter the weekend before your death. I wish we had had more time, but I'm thankful for what time we had.
 |
| I've always been a daddy's girl |
I love you.
I know I told you that many times when you were alive, but I wish I could have told you just one more time how much you meant to me. You were my inspiration on bad days, my encouragement to keep going when I didn't think I could take one more step, and as the song that we danced to at my wedding said, "You are the wind beneath my wings." You really were. I'm going to miss you so much, but I know you would want me to keep going.
Even now, I can almost hear you laughing and making a joke about something. You never let anyone take themselves or anything else too seriously. Even when you were diagnosed with cancer seven and a half years ago, you never let it get you down. For seven years we heard, "You better give me the good Christmas presents this year because I don't know that I'll be here next year!" with a twinkle in your eye. The doctor gave you 3 years...guess you showed them!
 |
| Fishing at the beach - daddy's favorite thing to do |
I will never forget your words to me when you saw me crying over your cancer diagnosis. "Why are you crying? I haven't wasted a tear and neither should you. If God wants me here, He's going to leave me here. If He wants me Home, He'll take me Home. It's out of our hands so why waist time worrying about it?" I hope that I can be as brave and as strong of faith as that when my time draws near.
 |
| Relay for Life 2009 (I was pregnant) |
 |
| Dancing to "Wind Beneath My Wings" at my wedding 2004 |
When I heard the message on my phone that mom left saying that you had to go back into the hospital so soon after getting out from the bout you had with pneumonia, I knew something wasn't right this time. I never worried (too too much) about the times you had to go to the doctor or even go to the hospital because you had been such a fighter and had proven doctor after doctor wrong with how long you could fight. However, this one gave me a chill and a nervous shake. I knew it wasn't good...but I didn't know why. Unfortunately, even if I had dropped everything right then and there, left school and driven straight to the hospital, I wouldn't have had time to say goodbye. It happened so fast, the way you would have wanted, quick, painless, nobody fussing and crying over you. You never wanted to bother, inconvenience, or worry anyone else. You were always looking out for others. A trait I hope I can emulate.
Daddy, you will be missed, but you will never be forgotten. I know that right now you are up there playing basketball with your old coach from HS (who passed away only a week after you), having a good ol' time with Grandma and Grandpa, and talking to Jesus about finding a cure for cancer. Do me a favor and look in on my student who passed away earlier this year...you know the one. Make sure he's still smiling and is in good hands!
I love you Daddy, and I will see you again.
Love,
Sissy
My daybook
FOR TODAY
I am thankful for...
All the time I got to spend with my dad. Seven years ago, the doctors told him he only had 3 years to live. He made almost 7 1/2. That's 4 1/2 more years than we planned for :)
From the kitchen...
I can't wait to try this one!
Tropical Kielbasa
Ingredients
2 lbs kielbasa
2 cups ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks (undrained)
Instructions
1 Slice Kielbasa into 1/2 inch slices and place in crockpot;.
2 Add ketchup, brown sugar and the can of pineapples;.
3 Stir until thoroughly blended;.
4 Cook on low in crockpot for approximately 4-5 hours.
I am wearing...
One of my daddy's Relay for Life shirts and a pair of cargo shorts
I am creating...
(another) new workout schedule. I've been a couch potato too long. I've got to beat this depression that has been trying to creep in since daddy's passing. I need to get those endorphins going. Daddy wouldn't want me to mope!
I am reading...
Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel. I read these when I was in HS but I just started re-reading them on my Kindle.
Around the house...
I just got my AC fixed today!! When I was pregnant with Baby Girl, our AC went kaput. We got a new one installed and all was great...for almost a year when the condenser had to be replaced (after much hassle from the manufacturer since it was still under warranty). Then the day after Daddy's funeral, I walk back into my house to find it had broken AGAIN! Luckily the distributor, rather than the manufacturer, was fabulous and after getting fed up with the manufacturer, decided to replace my entire system with a new brand.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
The Simple Woman's Daybook
I am thankful for...
All the time I got to spend with my dad. Seven years ago, the doctors told him he only had 3 years to live. He made almost 7 1/2. That's 4 1/2 more years than we planned for :)
From the kitchen...
I can't wait to try this one!
Tropical Kielbasa
Ingredients
2 lbs kielbasa
2 cups ketchup
1 cup brown sugar
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks (undrained)
Instructions
1 Slice Kielbasa into 1/2 inch slices and place in crockpot;.
2 Add ketchup, brown sugar and the can of pineapples;.
3 Stir until thoroughly blended;.
4 Cook on low in crockpot for approximately 4-5 hours.
I am wearing...
One of my daddy's Relay for Life shirts and a pair of cargo shorts
I am creating...
(another) new workout schedule. I've been a couch potato too long. I've got to beat this depression that has been trying to creep in since daddy's passing. I need to get those endorphins going. Daddy wouldn't want me to mope!
I am reading...
Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel. I read these when I was in HS but I just started re-reading them on my Kindle.
Around the house...
I just got my AC fixed today!! When I was pregnant with Baby Girl, our AC went kaput. We got a new one installed and all was great...for almost a year when the condenser had to be replaced (after much hassle from the manufacturer since it was still under warranty). Then the day after Daddy's funeral, I walk back into my house to find it had broken AGAIN! Luckily the distributor, rather than the manufacturer, was fabulous and after getting fed up with the manufacturer, decided to replace my entire system with a new brand.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...
 |
| Baby Girl trying to clean up the mess she made with her peas at dinner |
The Simple Woman's Daybook
Monday, February 14, 2011
I found a new site that has really helped me plan my meals! It's myfridgefood.com It's fantastic! You click on what you have on hand and it come up with tons of recipes made with things you already have! Loving it!! So I will be trying out 3 new recipies this week from this site. I still have to go grocery shopping to pick up a few things but at least I won't be wasting by ignoring food that I already have!
Monday : Chicken Quesidillas. Unfortunately, my Valentine won't be here so it's just me and Baby Girl for Valentine's Day dinner.
Tuesday: Quick Chicken Mex
Wednesday: Easy sandwiches (It'll be a late day for me!)
Thursday: Apple Glazed Pork Chops
Friday: left overs/ CORN
Saturday: Tropical Kielbasa in the Crockpot
Sunday: My mother in law will be here. I think we'll go out :)
Monday : Chicken Quesidillas. Unfortunately, my Valentine won't be here so it's just me and Baby Girl for Valentine's Day dinner.
Tuesday: Quick Chicken Mex
Wednesday: Easy sandwiches (It'll be a late day for me!)
Thursday: Apple Glazed Pork Chops
Friday: left overs/ CORN
Saturday: Tropical Kielbasa in the Crockpot
Sunday: My mother in law will be here. I think we'll go out :)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Meal Plan Monday - on a budget!
This week I am having to clean out the fridge/freezer/pantry and eat what we have without going to the grocery store - or with getting only bare minimum.
So...(running from the fridge to the pantry and back again to see/compare)...it looks like we will be dining on...
Sunday: Chicken Pot Pie (I bought the stuff to make this last week and never got around to it)
Monday: Left over CPP
Tuesday: Quesidilla (cheese, chicken, and green peppers), maybe a can of green beans too
Wednesday: I have parent/teacher conferences at school so this one is up in the air - maybe just a bowl of cereal after all is done.
Thursday: Broccoli and Ham casserole
Which means that if all goes right, the only things I have to pick up at the grocery store is some milk and green peppers (for the quesidillas as well as the broccoli casserole)
Image via Wikipedia
We have had a few unexpected expenses this week, as well as an added WHAMMY! of having to go without a paycheck due to Hubby's crazy military schedule (he wasn't at his civilian job because he was on military orders so no paycheck from there...but the military pay hasn't kicked in yet so no paycheck from either yet! ARGHHHHH!!!) Anyway, with all of this, it means that we have to tighten up until it all gets ironed out.
So...(running from the fridge to the pantry and back again to see/compare)...it looks like we will be dining on...
Sunday: Chicken Pot Pie (I bought the stuff to make this last week and never got around to it)
Monday: Left over CPP
Tuesday: Quesidilla (cheese, chicken, and green peppers), maybe a can of green beans too
Wednesday: I have parent/teacher conferences at school so this one is up in the air - maybe just a bowl of cereal after all is done.
Thursday: Broccoli and Ham casserole
Friday: Frozen Chicken patties (maybe in a sandwich, or with some motz cheese and tomato sauce?) one of the many cans of veggies we have in the emergency store (this is an emergency, after all!)
Saturday: Frozen corn dogs for lunch, left over casserole for dinner.
Sunday: Cereal for lunch after church, frozen pizza and corn for dinner.
Which means that if all goes right, the only things I have to pick up at the grocery store is some milk and green peppers (for the quesidillas as well as the broccoli casserole)
Image via WikipediaMonday, January 3, 2011
Menu Plan Monday
Well it's just me and Baby Girl again most of this week so the idea is...SIMPLE SIMPLE SIMPLE! I'm trying to clean out the fridge/pantry a bit so in looking at what I have in there, here is what I'm planning for the week:
Monday: Left over Pork Chops, corn
Tuesday: Pizza (Thin crust, lots of veggies)
Wednesday: Chicken Cordon Bleu (frozen)
Thursday: Fish Sticks (frozen) and Mac and Cheese
Friday: Broccoli Ham Casserol
Saturday: Lunch: Left over casserol; Dinner: Hamburger HelperSunday: Lunch: leftover casserol OR Hamburger Helper; Dinner: Chicken Pot Pie
All of my recipes are HERE
But OrgJunkie has a lot too!!
If you plan your meals for the week on Monday...Hop over to OrgJunkie's site and add your link!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Years Resolutions
I haven't been able to write much lately - being the working mom of a 1 year old has it perks...but lots of free time isn't one of them!
However, I did want to quickly record my resolutions for this year for the world to see so that hopefully it will give me a bit of accountability
1. Read through the Bible using "The Daily Bible: New International Version: With Devotional Insights to Guide You Through God's Word." I've started several "read the Bible in one year" plans before but this Bible has it all laid out for me with commentary after each reading to help me to understand what it is I just read. It is also arranged so that the reading are put into chronological order so it will be easier for me to follow the whole path of the Bible. If this is the only goal I make this year, then it will be a good year.2. 100 Days Challenge with John "The Penguin" Bingham. Intentionally move (exercise) for at least 30 minutes DAILY for 100 days in a row
3. Complete the 200 sit-ups and 200 squats programs. I've attempted these before and failed to complete them.
This is going to be a rough year for me. Hubby deploys again soon, leaving Baby Girl and I to fend for ourselves. Hopefully the daily Bible devotions and exercise will help keep the stress down!
I think I did OK with last year's goals. I managed to run a half marathon so I am in fact physically ready to train for a full marathon...however... with the above mentioned deployment as well that that cute little one-year-old, I don't know that I will have the TIME to train for a full marathon in 2011 (this is why it isn't a goal for this year - but I will keep running and perhaps do a few halves). I also think I am better at asking for and accepting help from others. I've made a conscious effort to not let myself get overwhelmed and frustrated when help is just a phone call/doorway/e-mail/etc away.
However, I did want to quickly record my resolutions for this year for the world to see so that hopefully it will give me a bit of accountability
1. Read through the Bible using "The Daily Bible: New International Version: With Devotional Insights to Guide You Through God's Word." I've started several "read the Bible in one year" plans before but this Bible has it all laid out for me with commentary after each reading to help me to understand what it is I just read. It is also arranged so that the reading are put into chronological order so it will be easier for me to follow the whole path of the Bible. If this is the only goal I make this year, then it will be a good year.2. 100 Days Challenge with John "The Penguin" Bingham. Intentionally move (exercise) for at least 30 minutes DAILY for 100 days in a row
3. Complete the 200 sit-ups and 200 squats programs. I've attempted these before and failed to complete them.
This is going to be a rough year for me. Hubby deploys again soon, leaving Baby Girl and I to fend for ourselves. Hopefully the daily Bible devotions and exercise will help keep the stress down!
I think I did OK with last year's goals. I managed to run a half marathon so I am in fact physically ready to train for a full marathon...however... with the above mentioned deployment as well that that cute little one-year-old, I don't know that I will have the TIME to train for a full marathon in 2011 (this is why it isn't a goal for this year - but I will keep running and perhaps do a few halves). I also think I am better at asking for and accepting help from others. I've made a conscious effort to not let myself get overwhelmed and frustrated when help is just a phone call/doorway/e-mail/etc away.
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