I cannot believe that it is New Year's Eve already. This is crazy. Where did the year go?? I always heard people say that time goes so quickly, and never really believed them. I think I do now.
2010 was a good year once again. The Lord chose to bless me again, and I didn't deserve it. All the ups and downs of the year, and the Lord was once again faithful as He always is. And the provider of all. I am so thankful that He is Sovereign and loves me and forgives me.
It was such a good year for me spiritually I feel. I feel like I realized so much more this year than any other year. I felt like the Lord showed me more where my priorities are, where I need to change, showed me my sin, showed me grace, showed me love, broke me, and showed me why I am here on this earth, and guess what? Its NOT about me. Its about Jesus Christ.
He showed me once again, even though I have heard the story of the cross a million times. I have/had a whole new outlook at what took place on Calvary..It just amazes me and brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. His sacrifice for me. Ahh. Just amazes me.
I guess some other great things that 2010 brought as far as other things go, a 10lb weight loss (wahooo!!:), a 2nd job, A time to see old friends, time with my brothers, and just hanging with friends.
Some goals for 2011:
--Continue to focus on the cross
--Love others as Christ does
--That the Lord would continue to show me my sin, and the seriousness of it.
--That my life would reflect Christ in every area
--That I would encourage others more often
--And Run my 2nd 5k!!! :)
May the Lord Bless you in 2011!!!!
I had the most amazing time at the wedding this last weekend. Even the snow couldn't stop me from attending this beautiful weekend. After a 15 min. plane ride, a 2.5 hour unexpected layover,2 unknown to me groomsmen who were amazing that picked me up from the airport, sleepless nights, tears, good food, a Packer game, hugs, dancing, chatting, and loving...It was the greatest weekend I have ever had. It was amazing to see so many good friends that I haven't seen in awhile, and to see one of my great friends, marry such a wonderful Godly man who loves the Lord so much and will treat her as Christ would. It was an amazing weekend.
So I am on one of the last chapters in my book, Respectable Sins; and this book has really opened my eyes to my sin, and I was continually reminded that I am nothing, and deserve nothing. My eyes were also opened to how our world that we live in has just brushed sin aside and made it look like its no big deal.
But it is. Sin is sin no matter what way you look at it,and it hurts God when we do it. We need forgiveness daily. I am so grateful that He gives me that forgiveness when I ask, and still loves me everyday, even though I mess up EVERY day. God is good.
I was reading on the sin of worldliness and was looking at different aspects of it, and I was struck by the section on money. I am not good with money. I have always known that, even though my father is a banker and is extremely good with it, I am not. Ever since I can remember as soon as I got that birthday money in the mail, or got that babysitting money, that sucker did NOT go in the bank, No way Jose, I went straight to the local shoe store, or Target to spend that bad boy.
Since I have been working a job when I got out of high school, I knew that I needed to start giving back to the Lord what He so graciously given me. And I have been terrible at doing that. My tithing has not been what it should be, I even have 2 jobs and should be giving more, and I don't. I need to. I always think that If I give to much away I won't have any left to pay for "emergency" things like gas, insurance, or a unexpected Dr.s visits or something. This obviously shows my sin that I don't trust that the Lord will provide. I know He does, and I need to trust that.
As I write this I think I have already blogged about this before, Hmm, guess I really need to work on this. I will. I am blessed beyond measure and I can't take the money with me when I die, so why I am I holding on to it?? For my own pleasure?? My own selfish gain?? Temporal things?? Our giving should reflect the value we place on His gift to us. I need to give back to the Lord what is His. He is faithful. He will provide.
I was challenged by this verse that I came across this afternoon. Maybe I was struck by it because I lack the gift of mercy and this verse clearly has a lot of mercy going on in it :) ..Anyways, I have been trying to meditate on this this afternoon, and hopefully you will too.
"All of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers,be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing."
1 Peter 3:8-9.
Well, here it is, the annual Miller Family Christmas Photo. One of these years we hope to add some spouses to the photo for one and all of us children, just obviously not quite yet. And the rents said they would like to have grand kids in the photo as well someday. Guess we'd better work on that...:) Someday... Merry Christmas From the Miller Family.
Check out these 3 cute little faces that I see almost everyday!! Merry Christmas from the Andersen Kids....
Logan Kirk--7 years old
Owen Victor--4 years old
Leah Cortney--2 years old!!
I am one proud Nanny!!
"Philippians 2:4-Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others..."
Was challenged by this verse today.
I am being sanctified daily by Him.
I am growing, learning and changing daily.
May He show me my sin, break me and humble me.
"Give thanks ALWAYS and for EVERYTHING to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20.
I was convicted today of my sin of unthankfulness. This was what my chapter was on today. And yes, it may seem like a such a minuscule sin, but its sin. Yes, I give thanks to Him maybe when things are good, and things are going my way or in my favor, but do I give thanks when things may not be in my favor?
I also realized that I don't thank Him enough for my salvation and for His work on the cross for me. I was also aware of this when I was going through one of my last books; Cross Centered Life. I need to thank Him more for my salvation; for giving me spiritual life. Christ's giving me spiritual life is a far greater miracle, and its benefits are infinitely greater than healing of a disease.
Do I give Him thanks for giving me not just one job, but two? And giving me the abilities that I need to do the job effectively?? Not enough.
I know I don't give Him thanks enough for His grace, forgiveness, love, His providing me with a car, family, friends, church, place to live...and the list goes on.
On the other hand, when things are going bad, Do I thank Him. Probably not. Even though I know, that ALL things work together for GOOD , for those who are called according to His purpose..(Romans 8)...So even if my bags get lost on December 26th with my bridesmaids dress and shoes inside, I must be thankful.
I want to develop a habit of continual thanksgiving for all the blessings God so graciously pours out on me, and the situations He brings my way..No matter what.
Meet Rielynn--She is the adorable baby in the 1st two pictures, She and I had a blast after our big Thanksgiving meal...
Then meet Charlize, she is 2 days old. She is so tiny. She was born to my really good friend Liz and her husband Ross. She is gonna call me aunt Nie-Nie.. I am pumped.
Wow. This last week or so has been so good for me, and so eye opening; as I go through this book. I feel like my eyes have been opened even more of just how bad sin really is. I have always known that sin was bad. But its awful. Its even more than awful, there isn't a word to describe just how bad is. Or maybe there are a few..Vile, ugly,odious,malignant,pestilent, pernicious, hideous, spiteful,poisonous, virulent, villainous, abominable, and deadly. Most of all I think what has struck me the most, is just how much I hurt God when I sin.
He is the most important "thing" in my life, and how many times a day do I disappoint Him with my sin?? I have been praying even before starting to read this book, that He'd show me my sin, and make me more aware of my sin. And He has. I am so grateful for His sacrifice of His Son on the cross for my sin, His ultimate forgiveness, and undeserved grace that He gives. I am looking forward to reading more of that later in the chapters in this book, but right now, the author just wants me/us to think about the seriousness of sin.
I was discussing recently with a friend- sin, and just how sin is sin no matter what way you look at. Just some sins seem so much bigger. Like how maybe me telling this lie is not as bad as that other person who has committed adultery. Thats not how the Lord sees it. Sin is Sin. I need Christ EVERYDAY. Just as much as the person who commits adultery does.
Another thing that struck me as I have been meditating and reading is how today in our day and age sin seems so watered down, and people don't think sin is as bad...Like how now days people no longer commit adultery, they have an affair. Corporate executives do not steal, they commit fraud. Somehow that doesn't sound as bad does it?? Hmmm. Just made me think a bit. Our sin is an assault on the majesty and sovereign rule of God.
As God is holy, all holy, only holy, altogether holy, and always holy, so sin is sinful, all sinful, only sinful, altogether sinful, and always sinful.....Whether it is large or small in our eyes, it is heinous in the sight of God. God forgives our sin because of the shed blood of Christ, but He does not tolerate it. Instead, every sin that we commit, even the subtle sin that we don't even think about, was laid upon Christ as He bore the curse of God in OUR place, And herein lies chiefly the malignancy of sin. Christ suffered because of our sin....(Jerry Bridges).
Thank you Father.
Today is my pop's birthday. He is turning 54. I love my dad. Its funny how as you get older your parents don't seem so dumb anymore and seems like they actually may know something after all. My dad has taught me so much in my almost 24.5 years of my life. He has shown and taught me what a true man of the Lord needs to look like, and how he treats his wife and family. My dad didn't have the best home life growing up and he didn't become saved until he was a Senior in high school, but by the grace of God, my dad has come a long way. He loves his family dearly, and most of all loves Jesus Christ daily and works so hard everyday to provide for us all. Things at work have been a bit stressful over the last few weeks, but he's hanging in there.
Growing up I used to have special date nights with dad. I loved them. He used to take me to McDonalds ( a rare treat in our household) and then take me to Office Max to buy me Mr. Sketch smelly markers; cause I was obsessed with them. I used them all the time. I liked going to the grocery store with dad rather than mom because dad would let me get more things then mom would. (How could dad so no to me??;)..
I hope someday, that the Lord brings me a man like my dad...He is the greatest. One of the greatest future memories that I look forward too is that on the night before my wedding day, My dad and I are gonna watch Father of the Bride together. Its my favorite movie ever. Always will be. I can't wait to that with my daddy someday., And I can't wait till He can walk me down the aisle too, that will be such a special thing for me and dad to do someday too. Happy Birthday Pops.
This is sorta a silly post but, This morning I woke up to the news that my one of my many childhood crushes, has gotten engaged. Prince William. Now don't tell me ladies that your heart didn't break a little too??? Every little girl dreams of marrying a prince and living in a castle. So when I heard the news my heart sank just a little :) She is a lovely lady- very cute, but let me tell you, I won't be naming my daughter Kate, anytime soon...I told my mom the news, and she of course had heard it already, and I said I was a little depressed, she rolled her eyes, and said, "He probably won't marry an American anyways." Thanks mom..I have always been fascinated with the Royal family. I don't know why, but I remember when Princess Diana died, I woke up at some unhealthy hour of the morning just to watch her funeral on TV. I bought magazines and books on the royal family, and read them for hours. I even had a poster of William in my room. I'll go rip that up tonight. I guess I should move on with my life now.....:) And there's always prince Harry right????;) Nope, I could never do it, He looks to much like my little brother Pete, and that'd be weird. ;)
I love my job so much. Not all people can say that, but I can. I love both of them. But thats another post. Not all days are good, believe me, I have had my share of bad ones as well, but for the most part they are good days. My mornings are spent with Leah. Just her and I. Owen is at school from 7:45-11, So L and I are alone in the mornings. I usually run errands with her during that time, weather its getting things I need, or finding something to eat for lunch. On nice days I take her to the park, or go on a walk. I love my time with her, just her and me. I have learned SO SO MUCH doing this nanny job. I have learned to pick my battles, when to raise my voice, and when its time to give a hug. The Lord has taught me a lot through this job like my tone of voice with the kids when I am in the store, picking them up from school, or at the park. I want them to see Christ in me ALL THE TIME, that being reflected in EVERY area of my life. I want L and O to see the love of Christ through me when I am speaking to them, and interacting with them.
All that to say, L and I had a good morning of baking, I have become quite the baker over the last year, somehow being in home and in a kitchen and all that has made me want to bake. (NOT COOK:)!! So today we ATTEMPTED to make fruity pebble squares. They are just like rice krispie treats, but with fruity pebbles. Anyways, I still have a long way to go in the baking department, but they didn't taste half bad. L LOVED them, she even helped me mix. She kept saying "Ticky, Nie-Nie, Ticky" (sticky nie-nie, sticky) and she also got a little to- into licking the bowel at the end, oh well. Choosing my battles I guess.
Owen had one when he got home from school, and when he was finished he said "Nie-Nie, those were dang good!!!" Well, I guess I am not half bad after all.
" God is not magic 8 ball we shake up and peer into whenever we have a decision to make. He is a good God who gives us brains, shows us the way of obedience, and invites us to take risks for Him."
This "poem" came up in my book a few days ago, when I was having my personal time with the Lord, the section was about pride and overcoming it. I am in transition right now of books that I am going through in my personal time, I just recently finished Cross Centered Life, which I hope all of you are gonna read or will be reading shortly! My next book will be either a book by Kevin DeYoung or Jerry Bridges, haven't quite decided yet. So in the meantime while I am waiting for these books to arrive at my front door, I am going through a book by Beth Moore called Praying God's Word. Its been good.
The issue of pride I think is one of my "biggest" sins, that I struggle with, and with the Lord's help I am trying to overcome this. I am being Sanctified daily. For this I am grateful.
My name is Pride, I am a cheater.
I cheat you out of your God given, destiny....because you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment.....because "you deserve better than this"
I cheat you of knowledge...because you already know it all.
I cheat you of healing....because you're too full of me to forgive
I cheat you of holiness....because you refuse to admit that you are wrong
I cheat you of vision....because you'd rather look in the mirror than out the window
I cheat you of genuine friendship.....because nobody's gonna know the REAL you
I cheat you of love....because real romance demands sacrifice
I cheat you of greatness in heaven....because you refuse to wash anther's feet on earth
I cheat you of God's glory....because I convince you to seek your own.
My name is pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I am always looking
out for you. Untrue. I am looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry....
If you stick with me, You'll never know........
I just wanted to make a quick blog post today asking you all out there in the blog world who are reading this,if you guys could pray for my dad. He has been the best dad in the world, and I have been truly blessed to have him as my father. He has provided for his family, has raised us to know, love and serve the Lord with all of our hearts. He is one of the most Godly men I know. Someday, I hope that the Lord blesses me with a husband who is just like my dad. He loves the Lord above all else, strives to obey Him daily, then loves his wife of almost 29 years, on Sunday. and then loves his 3 children. He has given us more than we deserve. And has helped us out in more ways then I can count.
Anyways, He has been at His job for over 30 years, and just recently over the last few months or so things have been EXTREMELY stressful for him at work. I can't share much else, but I ask that you would please pray for him. Pray that He would continue to rely on the Lord daily for His strength....Thank you.
Yesterday we had some wicked weather here in Wisconsin, especially here in Racine. We had a tornado go through our town, Thankfully all was okay at the Andersen home where I as at while all was going on. I had just sent the boys off to school with Grandma, and I had just settled back onto the couch as usual with my coffee and Matt Lauer, as Leah was sleeping peacefully in her bed, all of a sudden the tornado sirens went off, the wind picked up and I got a little nervous. Now normally I would be sleeping through all of this because it took place so early in the morning. But I thought since there was a child involved whom I am in charge of, and care for, I should probably get her up and take her in the basement. So I did. She had no idea what was going on, She just kept saying "Whoa Nie-Nie, Outside, Brrrrrr..." And so while in the basement for all of like a half hour, She entertained herself, with a Kleenex. And thought it was the most hilarious thing ever, she would blow her nose and then suck the Kleenex into her nostrils. She was a happy camper. All in all, eventful day.
I have been going through the book Cross Centered Life the last few weeks in my personal time with the Lord. It has been one of the best books I have gone through in a long time. It speaks the truth so clearly, and daily I am just so grateful for the sacrifice that was made for me. The love the Lord has for me- the wicked, wretched sinner that I am, just amazes me. May I live my life EVERYDAY with the cross at the center of my daily life, all that I do.
"Until you see the cross as that which is done by you, you will never appreciate that it is done for you." John Stott.
I decided to post my top 24 things that I am thankful for. I haven't posted anything for awhile, and was wondering what I should post next since nothing to crazy has gone on recently! I was inspired by another blog that I follow, she just turned 40, and did her top 40 things she is thankful for. So I am gonna do the same for my age--24.
24. Packer Parties--I love going to them, and the plethora of food that is always available. They are usually held at some family friends house, but this Sunday we had it here, And Butch, our family friend, made my abs hurt, I was laughing so hard at him.
23. Panera Bread. My favorite resturant.
22. The College Age Bible Study. Always so encouraged and challenged when I go, this week, some deep stuffed discussed, but yet, so good.
21. Brownies. They are my favorite dessert, I love them.
20. My bed. I am in love with it, lately, its been one of my favorite places to be, although haven't seen much of it the last 2 weeks.
19. My 2 jobs. With this economy, I am so grateful that the Lord has provided 2 jobs for me, that I enjoy.
18. Jogging. I have a new love for exercise, I have been jogging consistently for the last 18 months or so, and I truly enjoy it, Usually just at the end, when I feel great. not so much doing it :)
17. My fellow youth leaders. I am so blessed to be surrounded with the best youth leaders ever, they encourage me, and make me laugh.
16. Racine Bible Church. Been my Home away from home the last 24 years, I am so glad to be apart of the ministry there, and to listen to Biblical teaching week after week.
15. Leah Andersen. Never ceases making me laugh
14. Fall weather. I love this weather. Brisk nights, pretty leaves, sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and the colors.
13. Coffee. Don't know what I'd do without it
12. Forgiveness. Don't deserve it. So thankful He gives it
11. Pasta Salad. Yumminess.
10. Encouraging Text Messages.
9. My Brother Pete. Usually makes me laugh, other times, I want to punch him, But so grateful the Lord gave me THIS little brother
8. My brother Dan. Girl couldn't ask for a better older brother, although like Pete, at times I want to punch him, But grateful the Lord gave me a great older brother
7. The Hanel Family. Blessed my life in many ways, 4 of the most beautiful children ever. Wonderful examples of a Godly couple, love for one another, and example of patience.
6. My friend Roshelle. Been there for me in every way, when I need to vent and a good laugh I go to her. My wonderful Godly Friend.
5. Babies. Love em. Wanna squish them
4. My journal. So many thoughts and prayers, and cries of my heart in there. So glad HE hears them.
3. My personal time with the Lord book. CROSS CENTERED LIFE. I am blown away. Humbled. and need to do a lot of work.
2. Drew & Amy Papillion. They laugh at my jokes.
1. Jesus Christ. My Salvation. My Lord. My everything. He is the same yesterday; today and forever. AMEN. Thank you Lord.
What are you thankful for???
"If we have never had the experience of taking our commonplace religious shoes off
our commonplace religious feet, and getting rid of all the undue familiarity with which we approach God, it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence. The people who are flippant and familiar are those who have never yet been introduced to Jesus Christ. After the amazing delight and liberty of realizing what Jesus Christ does, comes the impenetrable darkness of realizing WHO He is."
--Oswald Chambers..My Utmost for His Highest.
The verse I have been meditating on today: Micah 6:8.."And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justly, To love mercy, and walk humbly with your God."
I was reading in James today, and also finishing up the last lesson in my study guide on self-control, and its focus was the untamable tongue. I taught this section of James to the students when I was at Ravencrest like 4 years ago. I requested this section in James I think because I know that this is where I struggle the most. I like to talk a lot (hmmmm, Imagine that huh?) and I find myself more times than I would like with my foot in my mouth, and maybe saying things that shouldn't be said or could be said more kindly.
I know that I don't have the gift of mercy, my mother reminds me of this constantly; another thing to add to my unending list of things that I need the Lord's help with, and shows that I am not perfect; nor will I ever be. I am a pretty blunt person, and sometimes that can get me into trouble, and usually its not very edifying...I was convicted of this today as I was studying this.
My goal is I am gonna try to work on what I say and how I say it. And I am also gonna try to be more encouraging to others and use my tongue for good things, and ultimately glorifying my Heavenly Father, because why? Thats what I am here for, to glorify Him. I am gonna try and not get caught up in the gossip that maybe going around me or negative words or things people may say, and use my tongue for good. Such as telling people how much I appreciate them, or love them.
We are studying James in our new ABF, or Sunday School class, and once again I am sure I will be convicted, but hopefully between now and when we get there, I can see some good that I have said to others, encouraged, or edified them. I have a long ways to go, But with my Saviors help, I think I can do it.
Its been a good day today. I don't feel quite as tired as I thought I would be today. The Lord gives me the strength that I need daily. Yesterday I hit a brick wall, as far as sleep goes, and I thought I may just keel over. Thankfully, I was able to squeeze in a 45 min nap while the kids were sleeping yesterday, I was so grateful I was able to do that, because I knew it was gonna be a long night, with me working at the salon at night too. I was able to barely make it through, and I passed out in bed hard core by 10:00pm. So today I am not doing to bad, Although, I am looking forward to my day off tomorrow.:). I was able to have a good time with the Lord this afternoon, I haven't shared what I have been learning in that department in awhile, so I thought that I would share with you, and hopefully challenge you as well.
I am on the last section in my study guide on the fruits of the Spirit, and as you know, the last fruit of the spirit is Self-control. I thought this section would be the easiest, and yet once again I am wrong, and am convicted. I have so much to work on, but I am thankful for his grace, and forgiveness that is so undeserved.
I was taking a specific look at Daniel and Samson today--Quite the contrast in self control..Daniel had such great self-control in what he stood for and believed, never swaying to what others may have wanted him to do, yet Samson did the exact opposite as Daniel. He broke the Nazarite vow, and was easily swayed by others. I want my life to reflect that of Daniel's. A life that was/is always seeking the Lord's provision, not his own, sticking to what is truth, and he was blessed for it all.
I could go on and on, but I just want to end with just a few AMAZING points that were made in my study guide( regarding the life of Samson and Daniel) that I hope challenge you as they did me...
-Physical Discipline and Spiritual discipline go hand in hand. Samson had neither, Daniel had both
-Self-control for God's sake invites God's blessing. Self-control prospers, self-indulgence perishes.
-One denied his call of consecration. One chose it.
-One took more than he was offered. One resisted what he was offered.
-One assumed the power of God and ultimately lost it. One asked for the power of God and ultimately found it.
-One was overcome by his enemy. One overcame his enemy
-One was victorious in his death. One was victorious in his life.
I strongly urge you this week, to take a look at the lives of both of these men, and see what you can discover from these men.
