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.
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.
