Running The Race

Words Carry Weight

2012-03-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

I put my trust in you. I choose to honor you. Rejoice O my soul.

These sayings all have something in common. Actions follow words.

These words say, inspite of how I feel I choose..... and your actions will follow.

Speak your goals, your words carry weight.

Words like I hate you or I love you, carry death or life.

Choose your words carefully and speak your goals.

Blessings.

Goals

2012-03-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

Grace, Patience, Kindness.

Unfortunately and fortunately we are not robots that can program these words in and that's it. Done.

In the Bible these words are described and defined in many verses. It's our job to read and decide if we will impliment them into our life. If we choose to we need to make it a goal to work towards. Easier said than done. However having said that our words do carry weight. I will talk about the power of words in my next post.

No one is perfect, but we will make a difference in our life as well as the lives of those around us by implimenting words like these.

Encouraging your run today.

Prayer

2012-03-02T10:10:00.001-08:00

Lord you made the heavens and the earth.

Thank you Father.

Lord you are the most powerful ruler in the universe.

Lord you are the most powerful being that ever was.

Lord I praise you.

Lord you loved the world so much you sent your son to die here. Crucified by your creation. By me.

To set me free.

I am free and out of that freedom I walk with no guilt or shame because of what you've done on the cross.

Lord you have my heart and I will search for yours.

Lord I give you my all. Like last night I just push the chaos aside and ask that you take it and deal with it accordingly.

Lord I trust you. I love you. I want to honor you. Help me.

Jesus thank you for your sacrifice for me.

Spirit lead me. Guide me. Please.

God I need you.

I give you my all.

Teaching My Kids Respect

2012-01-17T20:54:00.000-08:00

One thing we have taught our kids is to not touch anything without asking.

Aside from their things of course; I'm referring to anything they can get their hands on!

In our home we have a specific set up so my kids can repect this expectation.

General toys in an area sorted and with some labelled 'ask first'.
'Ask first' ones are like playdough or something with small pieces that could be lost.

Once they are done with one bin of toys they need to clean that one up and before moving on to the next bin. These expectations are also explained to other children who come into our home.

Special toys are in their rooms, which is offlimits to siblings and guests unless my child chooses to invite them into their room to play. When they invite someone, they accept the risk of their special toys being broken.

In someone elses home we pre-taught them to not touch even toys unless they ask or have been directed to play with them. What our kids may think is a toy may be something special to the owner.

This teaches respect for others and their property. Finding out what value someone has placed on their property and upholding that value as your own.

An example of this would be God's creation. 'The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
   the world, and all who live in it;' Psalm 24:1 We are to find out what value God has placed on His creation and uphold that value by respecting what God owns.

To not touch anything without asking is the same concept.

Blessings as you seek God and parent His little ones.

Alanne.

Staying on Track Today

2012-01-16T05:50:00.000-08:00

Luke 18: 1-8

Reflection: It is so encouraging to know that God is the Just Judge and responds to our prayers.
A great reminder today.

My Prayer: Change me, change situations.

Start with the need to change self, align your heart and life with God and then pray for other situations.

Blessings as you stay on course.

Alanne.

5 Years And Counting

2011-12-26T11:21:00.000-08:00

I have been blogging since April 2006 and it has been an amazing journey. Thanks to everyone who has joined the run!

To see my previous blogs check out http://captains-blog.blogsz.info/

Check out posts or search by topic down the side.

Blessings in your race during the holidays.

Attending Church For The Right Reasons

2011-12-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

Has this ever been your experience at church? It wasn't necessarily the greatest service but God's Spirit was there. (See 'Holy Spirit Topics' to learn more about sensing His presence).

God is omnipresent, unfortunately He's not always welcome to move freely to accomplish His purposes in some churches or peoples lives.

Not everyone's experience of church is positive. Let's look at why. People make up the church. Flawed, imperfect, sinful people. From the Pastor/Priest right down to the person next to you.

Whatever your experience with church has been, I encourage you to attend to the right reasons, to honor God and worship Him. Not for any other reason.

Be the church, forgive the church. Live hard. Love harder.

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T14:23:00.000-08:00

The kids are contently playing with their gifts,coming now and then to give a random hug, mom is reading a magazine about the Royals and Kevin is "testing" the boys toys.

That's all great, but I am loving the incredible sense of God's Spirit. A feeling of completion, peace, and hope. Completely satisfying.

What a treat to attend church this morning with random people, who for whatever reason, decided to include church in their Christmas Day celebrations.

As I close, I encourage you to talk to God, thank Him for sending His Son to a manger, to live, grow up and eventually die in our place as our necessary sacrifice for where humanity falls short of His perfect Holiness.

Bless you today.

Merry Christmas to You and Yours

2011-12-12T20:55:00.000-08:00

I hope you are able to spend time this season with those who matter, with those God has called us to love and honor and to bless those less fortunate.

Blessings today and this season.

Survivor. The Year in Review.

2011-11-24T20:45:00.001-08:00

I was recently asked to consider sharing my testimony. I thought about it. What would I say? How would it come across?

I've been through the 'Just Walk Across The Room' study and I know it's good to have a one minute blurb ready but this would be more than a minute, this would be the whole evening.

My mind raced through my teenage years and all the bad decisions I made, how my husband and I met, and the people who loved on me through all of my 'stuff' and helped me get into the Word.

That is all great and is definately part of my testimony but I think I'll share about my last year.

It started just before last Christmas when I asked a friend to pray for our trip to visit Kevin's family. She graciously agreed and within a couple days she called me back saying instead of getting an answer for our holiday she got a Word for the whole next year. Wow! I was just hoping for Christmas! God really knew what I needed.

I listened as she explained that I would be covered in grace. Oil pouring over our family starting with Kevin, then on to me and then down the line of boys. I received it and wrote it down.

January 1st the blessings started. Every day there was a blessing and not always little things either. Like a friend taking me on a $1,500 shopping spree. At one point purchasing me a pair of shoes saying you have to have a good foundation for ministry! Another friend offering their home in Phoneix to us for free. And yet another friend ordering and blessing me with Tupperware. These are material but I also had many people pray ernestly to the Lord, literally just getting me through some of the tougher days that followed.

At first when the blessings came, I would wake up thinking it was a dream and that it would disappear if I woke up. When it kept happening day after day, I began to wonder what blessings the day would bring.

After the blessings, came a time of purging. Literally in all area's of my life. First the house. I sold the extra Scrapbook Inventory from the business we had purchased. Then I sorted and organized the house from top to bottom. I really was amazed at how much stuff I got rid of. I remember at one point Kevin saying whoa slow down not the couch I need something to sit on! I was on a roll. I had a great friend who kept me accountable till the whole house was finished.

During the time of purging my body began a purging of its own. I had a crazy breakout fest from about March till now. Like I said in all area's of my life!

Then summer came. Day one of Kevin's holidays, we start purging some relationship issues. I don't think that's exactly what Kevin was thinking when he booked the time off! We went head to head on many issues. It was loving and respectful but very hard. I prayed and reasoned before approaching each issue. I thought through each issue and had to decide if it was something I would let roll off my back, something to be talked through or something I was not budging on. I prayed, fasted and constantly asked God to check my heart. There were a lot of tears frustration and we both had to forgive throughout the whole time.

We did it though and are at a new stage in our relationship. It's good and healthy now. Is it easy? No way. But it's deep down good. I know I'm loved and am crazy in love with him.

In the last couple weeks Kevin suggested we write a Christmas Letter for this year. I wasn't quite ready to share what I had been through. He lovingly reminded me of all the great things that happened this year. It's true and it was a necessary reminder.

Purging needed to happen in order to become healthy. The next step is implimenting healthy maintenance. Going on dates, having good sleeps, exercise (working on it) and nutrition. Then I will have time and energy to design cards and work on my writing.

I feel like a survivor.

My race this year.

May We Be Offensive For Him

2011-10-04T21:03:00.000-07:00

In a nation where we do not offend anyone even if it offends us, how do we effectively be
Christlike?

Christ offended everyone and their dog, even his close friends and disciples.

When you love someone, they might be offended at something you say for their highest good. Our culture doesn't get that.

Live hard, love harder, even when it offends.

Time With Your Creator - Simplified Version

2011-09-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here is a simplified version of what I and my boys do in the mornings. It is always evolving and continuing to change.

Again, this is just an outline.

1. Pray, place God in His Rightful Place and ask Him to speak to you

2. Get your heart ready. The 4 F's Forgiveness, Filled, Free, Full Armor

3. Read the Bible

4. Write down what was cool, confusing or got nothing

Hoping to help your run.

Disciples. What That Looks Like Today.

2011-08-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

When Jesus walked the earth He picked 12 people and said to them, 'Follow me.'

Whether we voice these words or not, whether we ask for it or not, whether we like it or not, people are watching and someone is following our example. Everyone follows someone. Question is, is that someone worth following?

People are 'making disciples' on a regular basis. We need to have a clear picture of what this should look like.

Over the next while we'll look at being a disciple and making disciples in our modern world.

Disciples, Gotta Have Some.

2011-08-19T23:12:00.000-07:00

The Bible says we ought to have disciples.

That being the case, if someone looks at your life, does it make them want to become one of your disciples? Are your life decisions worth modeling? Does the world want more people like you or less?

Harsh questions but likely one's that cause us to come to a screeching halt and do a 180.

Where are you at?

Getting Through The Day

2011-07-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

I was worn out from life and had questions.
'Lord to give me some proof that I'm on the right track.' He did.

Life didn't get any easier I just got the confidence to get through it.

Do you have a genuine need?

As my sister says toss it up to God. He knows it already anyway.

'Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.' Psalm 139:4

But let him surprise you with the outcome. He loves that kind of stuff.

Running with ya.

Do Your Part, Leave The Rest to Him.

2011-07-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

I was reminded by a dear friend that God draws all people to Himself.

I love seeing people with their 'A Game' on and when they don't it's tough. But it's God who draws people to Himself. For His purposes not my happiness and His glory not my satisfaction.

Remember, at the end of the race, we're going for 'well done, good and faithful servant'.

Set your pace and get rid of distractions.

What Your Run Looks Like Today

2011-07-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

Athletes cannot do their best without training. Training hard and eating well.

Likewise you cannot grow closer to God without spending time with Him.

Check your priorities, train hard and spend time with Him. And look like you're having fun.

Running with you.

It's a New Day!

2011-06-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

It must be summer cause I'm crawling out of my cave!

Hope you are well.

Looking forward to getting back on the track of life.

Get ready.

He's Working On It!

2011-02-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

If you're like me you're impatient sometimes. Blame society? Or just a good excuse.

God's plans are for His glory not my happiness. If I follow Him and there is happiness? Bonus!

He is working all things together for good. His good. Turn everything over to Him and relax. He's working on it!

A good reminder that He's in control and that's best for me.

Being reminded with you.

Time With Your Creator - Revised

2011-02-02T09:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a revised outline of what I and my boys do in the mornings. It will likely continue to change.

Again, this is just an outline.

1. Prep Your Heart
A. Set Him as Number One - as King and Praise Him
B. Forgive others and ask Him to forgive you
C. Ask Him to speak to you on behalf of yourself and others

2. Ready your Heart
A. Ask to be filled with His Spirit
B. Put on the Spiritual Armor
C. Break off anything that is not of Him in the name of Jesus

3. Action
A. Read the Bible - a few verses to a chapter or more
B. Write down the date, scripture, what impacted you, your response and what you need to do in response.
C. Write down things people say that line up with Scripture and impact your life.

I don’t have my kids write everyday but when I do I get them to write the scripture and what impacted them. Sometimes we write “nothing” or “I didn’t get anything”. If that is the case many times it's for later or He honors us just for being in the Word. I also keep a Prayer Journal with a section for Blessings/Cool Things God Did and the kids and I brainstorm and write in there once in a while.

Hoping to help your run.

Planning Your Week

2011-01-17T08:42:00.001-08:00

Good Monday Morning to you.

A new week, a new day. Time to start getting on track in all areas of life.
Home, office and relationships.

What areas do you need to spend some energy on?

Planning is huge and maybe a chore but it's so worth it.

Write a note. Decorate the house. Have something ready for someone close.
Find out their love language and speak it.

Enjoy your planning.

Making the Most of Your Day

2011-01-10T09:49:00.000-08:00

So it's Monday and it feels like the world is covered in a blanket of white goodness. Ok my world. Here in North America, Canada, Alberta, Edmonton. Google Map it.

I dragged myself out of bed early to read the Word.

When I get up early read the Word it's always a better day. If it's not good, I don't want to think what it would have been like without time in the Word!

Something I jotted in my journal yesterday, "...what my body needs. To break off what is not of Christ, to be filled up, rest and exercise and proper diet."

What does your body need to function well? I encourage you to find out what will help you make the most of your day.

Time With Your Creator

2011-01-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

Here are a few points that you can use every day when you spending time with your Creator. This is just an outline.

The point is to spend time with Him. This is just to help you get started and keep you on track.

Your Creator is waiting for the invite be the Lord and Savior of your life. Begin by inviting Him and then ask Him to clean up all the things that don't line up with His Holiness. When you've done this He sends his Holy Spirit to come live in you and be your life coach.

1. Prep Your Heart
A. Set Him as Number One
B. Forgive others and ask Him to forgive you

2. Ready your Heart
A. Ask to be filled with His Spirit
B. Put on the Spiritual Armor so your ready for anything
C. Break off anything that is not of Him in the name of Jesus

3. Action
A. Read the Bible - a few verses to a chapter or more
B. Do what it says
C. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak through you on behalf of yourself and others
D. Keep track of your life and the changes that take place - jot it down

I'm excited to be walking with you!

New Year. New Day

2011-01-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

As you think about the New Year, I trust that you will run hard. It is a great time to reflect, look ahead and make changes, keeping in mind, this should be the norm everyday.

As you set goals and make plans be sure to plan for regular times with your Creator. He knows you and what you need better than you. I have a great outline that I will share that you can use if you need help starting.

Bless you as you reset your priorities.

Today is the Day

2010-12-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I hope you were able to spend time with family and those who matter most. I hope you had meaningful conversations and spoke words of love.

Unfortunately here in North America love is relative and our love is dictated by what we think, feel or believe about it.

I love that in the greek they have 3 different words for the word love. If you think about it loving pizza and loving your kids should be different.

God is love. He is complex and intricate and just.

Hope you were able to be kind but also set things straight.

Encouraging you in this race called life.

Why Can't Everyday Look More Like Christmas?

2010-12-08T12:19:00.001-08:00

Carried Away has an amazing Christmas Song with those words in it. It's their Single called "More Like Christmas".

Other Christmas Albums I like are Point of Grace "A Christmas Story" and "Tchalkovsky's The Nutcracker".

For the kids there's the Ska band Bunch of Believers or BOB for short. Their album is called "Ska-La-La-La-La". Very fun. Our family's favorite song is "Snowball Fight." They also have a few non Christmas Albums if you like their style.

One album that I'm going to purchase this season is the Beckah Shae album "Emmanuel".

What Albums do you use to set the tone for this season?

It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas!!

Snow and Christmas

2010-11-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

I love that when it snows it's so bright at night!

Christmas is coming! This Christmas I'm setting my mind to remember why I'm decorating and whose birthday is being celebrated. It's easy sometimes to get lost in the business and even the fun of Christmas and forget it's a birthday celebration.

What are you going to do purposefully this year?

Leading Our Mind

2010-08-12T07:20:00.000-07:00

Motivational speakers are talking about the power of the mind. David in Psalm 62 knew about this and teaches us that we are to lead our mind rather than follow it.

David wrote this Psalm and starts by saying,

1 My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

In verses 5 to 7 he tells his soul what to do and reminds himself of the truth.

5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.

6 He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.

7 My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Put your hope in God. Ask God what His purpose for your life is and the lead your mind to fulfill that purpose. It will be an amazing race.

Bless you today.

Alanne.

To Brighten Your Day

2010-08-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

When God want's a laugh he watches the weather network!

Enjoy the day.

Alanne.

Something To Be Concerned About?

2010-05-02T09:19:00.000-07:00

I was reading in 1 Corinthians today and the overall jist of what I was reading was that we shouldn't be concerned about anything execpt the affairs of the Lord.

Think about that for a second.

How concerned do we need to be about the affairs of the Lord?

They're His affairs!

I'm thinking we have nothing to be concerned about.

Enjoy your concern-free day!

Alanne.

Music and Books

2010-04-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

Talking to my friends or family, we often talk about the latest books and music we're into in addition to our Bible. We trust each other and what we recommend.

You've run with me and if your curious what I'm into.
Here is some music and books that I'm into at the moment.

Music

Owl City
Upbeat music, random words. Our whole family likes it.
Beckah Shae
She sounds black and she's that cool. And her testimony gives the words validity. I can't wait till Christmas cause her Christmas album sounds cool too.

Books

Just Give Me A Little Piece Of Quiet
by Lorilee Craker

It's an easy read and refreshing. I'm not finished yet but if the rest is like the first bit it should be good.

Ax-i-om
by Bill Hybels.

I love Bills way of communicating. Straight up with good info. A great reference book for leaders.

Next Book to Read
Recommended by Chris-Ann, my sister.

Just Do Something
by Kevin DeYoung

To quote Chris-Ann "It's about not having to wait on God for every little direction or sign but just stepping out and walking."

Bless you as you keep the Word the main thing and encourage your walk with books and music that encourage you along your race.

Alanne.

God's Will

2010-03-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

The scripture is clear how we can test what God's will is. And His will is perfect!

The problem is that we want to know His will without doing our part.

Romans 12: 1,2 says "... in view of God's mercy, (to) offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

I've highlighted the word "then" because it is after we do our part that we will "be able to test and approve" His "pleasing and perfect will."

Let's not forget to do our part.

Blessings.

Alanne.

The Question vs The Answer

2010-03-29T09:57:00.000-07:00

This morning I went to the Lord with some valid questions. Lord, really I want help in this area. He pointed out to me the answers I've already discovered about that topic and gave me answers to another topic that was really weighing on my heart but hadn't realized it.

What we think we need is often not what we actually need. But what a Gentleman! God didn't say, Look I gave you the answers for that already, He gently reminded me, You already have a good handle on that. Thanks God.

The real point is God just loves spending time with you. Like when you are with a close friend, sometimes you walk away with answers and sometimes it's just been good to hang.

Sunday night Leanne shared that we should be checking in with God every 15 mins. Something to think on.

Blessings on your day.

Alanne.

For the Day

2010-03-23T20:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks everyone for your love and support over the last while. It's been a very busy season for me but it's wrapping up! I couldn't have done it without my friends, you are the best and without dragging my behind out of bed early for those precious moments with the Father. Thanks Daddy. You are by everything.

I'll leave you with a funny thought that ran through my head the other day as I was being Taxi Mom. "This is perfect snowball weather. I wish I had better aim!"

Blessings on you as you go about your day and do many things that are unseen in this world. Our Father has his scribes record them in His book. :)

Alanne.

Security

2010-03-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

Being loved brings a sense of security. We walk a little taller, we have a smile on the edges of our lips and a sparkle. To those not in love it's cheesy or annoying. :)

God is love and He loves you. In fact He handcrafted you. And like pottery those marks that we think are mistakes actually increase our value.

When we recognize and accept His love we can have that sense of security. That's what we all want. Married or not we want to be loved and feel secure.

How much more effective would we be if we grabbed a hold of this concept? As a married women, walking in confidence with your head high, keeping that sparkle.

As a single woman walking in confidence with your head high and having that sparkle.

It's attractive ladies!!

Reminding myself of how loved I am along with you.

Alanne.

Olympic Athletes

2010-02-18T06:12:00.000-08:00

I stand in awe at the dedication of Olympians and dream of being one. I love sports and would have loved the opportunity to be there.

The Olympians are the cream of the crop when it comes to sports. They train hard through blood, sweat and tears to go for gold.

I love how the Bible talks sports. It says , 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 2 Corinthians 9:24

We are to be Olympians!!

It goes on to say, 25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

For myself getting up at 6:30 to get ready, exercise and spend time with God is strict training!! My bed is my friend.

But as Philipians 3: 14 says, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

We work better when we have something to work towards / accomplish. It's human nature and God knew it.

What's "strict training" for you? What is your "God sport"? Going to a foreign country to spread the word? Having a "Matthew Party" at your place? Spending time on your knees interceeding? And whatever it is you are to do, get a coach. :)

It's always more fun to train with others. Glad we're in this together. Encouraging all "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

Alanne.

Olympic Excitement and Memory

2010-02-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

To all the athletes competing in this Olympic Games. Carry the flame of Christ to the world and back to your countries. You are amazing representitives who are dedicated and have worked diligently to get where you are. We stand with you.

I am honored to share a hotel in Calgary with the Great Britian Olympic Team. Godspeed.

Because I'm Canadian. Go Canada Go.

In the memory of Nodar Kumaritashvili. I dedicate the song "Sing it Out" by Switchfoot.

To his family and country. You raised a fine young man.

Alanne Schellenberg

Limited Language

2009-12-30T21:59:00.000-08:00

Language is limited. I couldn't find a word to express what everything inside me was trying to express today. My sister went to Kenya last summer and she discovered that they didn't have a word for the word smart. All language has it's limitations.

In English we are no exeception. We say we love our food and we love our family. Two different kinds of love, same word.

Thankfully "God vocab" is much bigger and unlimited. So how can we speak God?

Romans 8:26b "...the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

Sometimes there just aren't words in our languages to say what needs to be said. When this happens, let your heart speak and let the Holy Spirit translate it into God language. For more on this topic check the exercise this blog entries on the Holy Spirit.

Be blessed as the year ends.

Have a good one. Talk to you next year.

Alanne.

Your Testimony Today

2009-11-20T09:28:00.000-08:00

At different points in our lives we wonders why something has happened to us or why we went through what we did. It's normal to feel this way but what we do with these questions is key.

Everything that we go through grows us and can serve a purpose. I say can serve a purpose, because not everyone lets it serve a purpose.

When something negative happens in our life we get stumped and stuck there at an age or place or time. In order to remain healthy in that area of live we need to deal with it and move forward.

It's not easy to move forward, it's easier and more comfortable to ignore it even if the results are better if we open up the wound clean it out and let the healing come.

I'm excited about the new website that will be launching in the new year encouraging success and wholeness in all area's of life. Look for more info coming soon.

For now look into your life and see if there are areas where you don't feel good. You don't feel whole.

Praying that God will show you His heart on the matter. Or more importantly how He loves you.
And lastly ask Him how He can use what you went through for His glory.

Blessings,

Alanne.

Down in the Dumps

2009-11-17T13:51:00.000-08:00

Some snipets from Jonah's prayer inside the whale. For more info see the previous post. You're not inside a whale today, but maybe you feel like Jonah did. You've walked away from God and what He wants for you. Here was he said.

1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave [a] I called for help, and you listened to my cry. 3 You hurled me into the deep, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me.

7 "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.
8 "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
Salvation comes from the LORD."

Do you have an idol in your life? Is there anything more important to you than God? vs 8 is a gooder. "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."

I want that grace.

Lord forgive us.

We repent.

We need you. Please save us and forgive us.

We love you.

Alanne.

Life Questions

2009-11-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

Just reading the Bible book of Jonah. Very interesting. Some of us know the story. After Jonah gets on the boat to run from God the storm comes. Well the sailors/passengers ask some pretty interesting questions. Let's check them out.

Who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? Interesting that they think it's a person responsible for a storm.

Then they ask these questions to Jonah.

What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?

Talk about a history drill! What does his past or his country have to do with him and this storm? Apparently lots.

What does your history say about you? What does your cultural background say about you?

I'm not saying it should, but it does.

Then the question to end all questions with Jonah.

What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?

Many think the way they choose to live life and the decisions they make don't affect anyone else. Not so in this story and not so in life.

What you do, who you choose to be, what you think even, effects those around you.

We'll look at Jonah again. Stay tuned.

Alanne.

More on Light

2009-11-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

How much darkness can put out a candle? None. This is what Kevin said last night. Had to share.

Shine on!

Alanne.

Let your Light Shine

2009-10-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

Light is attractive. Bugs are attracted to it. People are attracted to it. It's said that when you "dissect" cells as much as you can you get light. Cool since God is light.

The Bible says to let your light shine. Just be sure not to blind them by shining it in their face.

Matt 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

How are you using your light today?

Alanne.

Realizing God

2009-10-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

Realizing God is like going up into our amazing blue sky and then breaking through into the vast blackness of space.

Alanne.

Daniel Again

2009-10-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

I've been so interested in Daniel I'm still reading! Here's what I got after the last post.

My paraphrase and thoughts of Daniel 9.

"While I was speaking and praying, Gabe came and said, Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Seven desolation and the end. - It's all greek to me."

After I wrote it's all greek to me I had to smile cause I'm not that far off. :)

I love how Gabriel says that as soon as Daniel began to pray an answer was given.

I am so thankful that God answers prayers. A few days ago I wrote out a prayer to God that went like this. "O God, hear and act. Please give me strength to serve my family. Help please." The answer came. I had an amazing morning to relax and be reenergized.

He hears, He answers.

Alanne.

Daniel

2009-10-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

I was reading the story of Daniel to my son and I was so interested that I kept reading after I was finished reading to him!

What stuck out to me was that Daniel was given insite about the distant future. And here's what happened right after. "I, Daniel, was so exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was appalled by the vision. It was beyond understanding." Daniel 8 something.

Put yourself in Daniel's shoes for a minute. Now there's a man of faith and trust. Would I be able to believe a distant future vision? Would I be able to shake it off? I'd be asking what's the point and why me??!!

Learning with this crazy extreme guy Daniel.

Alanne.

Foundational Things

2009-09-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Once we're saved there are foundational things that God has laid out for us to do.

We don't need to wait and we shouldn't.

Mark 16:15 He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'

Matthew 28:19-20 'Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'

Question. If someone sees your life, does it attract them to want to be your disciple?

We can't expect to do more if we are not doing the foundational things.

Here's what is said if we don't do the work that He has laid out. Jeremiah 48:10a 'A curse on him who is lax in doing the LORD's work!'

Luke 12:47-48 (The Message) 'The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed. But if he does a poor job through ignorance, he'll get off with a slap on the hand. Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities!'

I'm challenged. Encouraged. Motivated.

Blessings as you obey even if you don't hear His voice at the moment.

Alanne.

2 Timothy 2:20-22

Galatians 5:7

Quote

2009-09-11T13:42:00.001-07:00

It's all good.

-Laurie

Coming from one who has experienced things that no human should this is powerful.

Alanne

Quote

2009-09-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

Your life may be the only Bible some may read.

- Raina

Challenge for your day.

Alanne

Quote

2009-09-11T13:06:00.000-07:00

"Be prepared to preach, pray and prophesy at any given moment."

-Lindsay

nough said.

Alanne.

Quote

2009-09-11T13:05:00.001-07:00

Are you willing to do what you've got to do to be who you want to be?

-Kevin

Throwing it out there today.

Alanne.

Setting The Stage

2009-09-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

We are on holidays, enjoying family before we head into the school year.

Aren't you thankful God never takes a holiday?! Even though we are on holidays, being refreshed and renewed, our calling doesn't change. God may have plans for us to completely relax or to minister. We need to be ready at any given moment to be handed a mission.

The questions below are rhetorical. They are designed to set the stage for the topics to come.

Choose which you would rather. Be honest.

1. A few great times or an always average good time.

2. Spending time with the famous occationally or someone less known regularly.

Now here is a question I do want an answer to.

1. What is your definition of good?

I'm excited about the next couple of topics. Be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any posts.

Blessings today.

Alanne.

Thoughts by Dave

2009-08-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Control reduces our dependance on God.

God demands complete obedience.

God will not target you randomly.

Alanne.

Quote

2009-08-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Everything is to the glory of God.
There is no distinction between spiritual service and secular duty.
Everything is to the glory of God. - Pastor Les Markham

Enjoy your day bringing glory to Him.

Alanne.

!! 100th POST !!

2009-08-21T20:02:00.001-07:00

I can't believe I'm at the 100th post already!

Thanks for coming on the run so far. It's been amazing and brutal all at the same time. I'm so thankful to not be running alone.

There will be posts coming soon about spiritual warfare, submission, and other great topics. It's going to be good. Be sure to subscribe so that you automatically get notified when there is a new post.

For now I'll leave you with these passages from our Race Map.

Psalm 149: 4a, 6, 9a,b

For the LORD takes delight in his people;
…

May the praise of God be in their mouths
and a double-edged sword in their hands,
…

to carry out the sentence written…

This is the glory of all his saints.
Praise the LORD.

Blessings as you praise and fight.

Alanne.

"Application"

2009-08-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

My son Gabe is 8. He loves a good snuggle and works hard at whatever he sets his hands to. A goal he is working towards is not letting things build up and exploding on the thing that tops the cake.

We talked about it and I suggested a few questions to help him figure out if the issue is really the issue.

Here they are.

1. Are you sad about something?

2. Are you mad about something?

3. Are you hungry or thirsty?

4. Do you need almonds? or protein? (His body doesn't process refined sugar or processed foods well. Almonds help him with that.)

I wrote these questions in his Goal Book. I asked him what we should title that page and he said "Application". I thought that was very appropriate.

I think we can apply this to our lives as well. What are some questions that you could ask yourself to find out if the issue is really the issue? Or if you find yourself exploding over small issues?

Living and learning with you,

Alanne.

Question

2009-07-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise?

This question stuck out to me when I was reading the Bible this morning. It is a key question but seemingly another verse out of place.

No one person can proclaim or fully declare. Only God himself can do this but because He deposited His Spirit in us when we invite Him into our lives, we can fully know him and fully declare His praises. But it is His Spirit in us that does it.

God speaks more than just earthly languages. Even all combined. Our small finite mind cannot fully declare the praises of a infinite God. Thankfully that's where His Spirit comes in.

God allows us to speak a language that can fully declare the praises of an infinite God through His Spirit. It might be hard to comprehend but it's Biblical and it's something we are in control of. We start it, we stop it.

His Spirit also known as the Holy Spirit is not forceful. He submits to the restrictions we put on Him. Unfortunately our restrictions limit what He can do through us and limits the praise that He relays to God. God is worthy of more than we could ever offer and we limit even that. Sobering thought.

But this does have a flip side. With the Holy Spirit we can do the work of God, heal the sick, cast off demons and we can fully give Him the praise He is due. It just won't be in English.

And there's more!!! My pastor shared about how Moses' mother not had her son's life spared but she got paid to breastfeed him!! God does that. When we do what pleases Him He blesses us. He dumps peace and contentment on us that passes human understanding. It doesn't fully make sense but God's way's are not our ways and often opposite to how the human mind works. We need to choose to elevate His Spirit over our human mind. If you want to do that but it's still a bit scary, ask Him to show you His fullness and to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

Matthew 7:9-11 9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Enjoy the race today.

Alanne.

Home and Body Cleanse

2009-07-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I have had an amazing last couple of weeks. We have laid down roots so to speak. We have arranged our house the way we want it, we sold extra stuff and bought a couple things we wanted. We are also doing a detox for our bodies. It's so exciting and really not that hard! The one we are doing is two weeks and one that boosts your body to do what your body is designed to do. When we are done that we start the two weeks of 50 billion probiotic to put back into our system the good bacteria!!

It was hard to tell at first if it was working but when I started breaking out more than normal I knew it was. This morning my skin was super clear and felt soooo soft. And many would say I have clear skin and I can see and feel a difference.

It is so great to get things cleansed from the inside out. Home and Body.

We have done some research on vitamins and some of the fillers and binding agents that some brands use. Getting educated is great but ignorance is bliss.

I have to say though that since my friend Sherry shared with me that I can take a B complex with every meal, my energy levels have increased. I am so thankful. Plus I just got on a B complex that your body completely uses, no waste. The lack of color wasted is noticable.

Just had to share some of the latest!!!

Let me know how's your race is going?

Alanne.

A Lesson from Mom

2009-07-26T20:47:00.001-07:00

When I was growing up my mom shared a story about when she was a young adult she was freaked out by a "peeping Tom". She taught me to always be sure my curtains were drawn and not see through when I was changing. I took that, put it in the warehouse of my mind and marked it a standard I would keep.

Today there isn't much talk about peeping Tom's. I thought about that I realized that there still are peeping Tom's, there's just looking at different Windows or Macs.

Hmmm.

Not the coolest thing to discuss but something to keep in mind.

Alanne.

Being Strategic

2009-07-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

Bad people plot their schemes and practice deceit it says in Psalm 51.

Life is going to happen whether we make a plan or not but we can't think that nothing bad will happen to us or la la la life is going to be like disneyland! I did that's why I can make light of it.

We need to be very strategic and make a plan. Have a personal plan or a family plan. As Moses' mother did In Exodus 2:3b-4.

Let me know what you come up with.

Blessings as you map it out. Remember as my friend Aline shared MAP stands for MAKE A PLAN. Cool hey?

Alanne.

A Word Fitly Spoken

2009-07-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

My mom taught me well the lessons in communication.

Here a couple things she told me.

1. Proverbs 25:11 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

The same verse in The Message version. "The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, And a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger."

2. Never write anything down that you are not ok with everyone reading.

3. Matthew 12:36 "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." It doesn't say for every swear word. Hmmm.

This morning I continued reading in Ephesians.

Ephesians 6:19 "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Final Greetings Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

What I took from verse 19 this morning was that I am not perfect. I make communication mistakes. God is gracious and loving and forgiving as we come to Him and ask Him.

The other thing that I took is that Paul didn't share everything. He said that. He says he sent Tychicus to share.

Communication today is changing. There is lots of non verbal communication. Email, Facebook, Twitter, Texting. It's fast it's easy. As we communicate let's keep these principles in mind and not forget the value of a face to face visit or verbal communication.

Bless you.

Alanne.

More on Putting on the Armor

2009-07-15T18:27:00.001-07:00

As I said earlier I would share about more about putting on the armor.

Here's the verse....

Ephesians 6: 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Here's a few things to note....

1. Putting on the armor is said twice. Said more than once - IMPORTANT

2. Very thorough instructions. Don't slack.

3. When done everything to stand.

I had a picture of a battle with bodies strewn all over the place and one tattered soldier left alive with his helmet knocked off, dirty from fighting, tired, but standing with his gun in proper position because that's what he was told to do.

If you're not dead, stand.

I guess I'm standing!

Alanne.

Get Ready

2009-07-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

I find it interesting that I read this particular passage of scripture this morning.

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Today is a battle. A battle of the wills. A battle of the minds. Nevermind all the battles that this passage describes. How is one to survive in this world with normal things happening, plus all the pain that we can feel and now there's talk of spiritual battles too?

Crap!

Here's a couple of tools/weapons to get us through.

1. Close or Dear Friends

Philipians 4:1 "Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!"

2. Choose Not to be Anxious

Philipians 4: 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And Here's the promise that comes after verse 6.

7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I am not alone. I am blessed.

I will go into more details about putting on the armor in the next post.
Bless you today as you trust in the One who will win the battle.

Alanne.

Power to the People!!

2009-07-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel powerless. Along with weary, weak, and all the other things that come along with care giving full time.

I was encouraged however when over the last few days I read this....
In the Bible Ephesians 6:10. It says "Finally, (meaning after all these previous instructions), be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. "

Yah!! It's not to be my strength! Very comforting, especially when I feel I don't have much left.

Here's a bit of insight into that power.

Ephesians 1:18-21 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."

There is so much in this passage of Bible scripture but lets look at the power part of it.

1. It's available to all people. Prerequisite - Believe.
2. It's like what God exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead. That's power!
3. It's above all rule, authority, power, dominion or title now or next age!
4. It's incomparably great.

Something Pastor Glenn shared on Sunday was "God can do His greatest work in your darkest hour."

What we think is hopeless, is grounds for God to step in and display his power. What we think is impossible, He says in His Word, is possible. When we think we are weak, God can shine. Cause it sure won't be about us!

The things of God don't seem to make sense in this world. I am hoping to help shed some light on the subject for you.

Ephesians 3:20, 21 "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen."

Blessings,

Alanne.

A Hidden Gem

2009-07-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

In the Bible in the book of Galatians Chapter 6 there is a verse that I just about missed because it doesn't seem to have anything to do with what is being talked about. It's a single verse and it's it's own paragraph.

Here it is. Galatians 6:6 "Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor."

Wow. There is so much in that one verse!

I'll give you a few that I picked up on. Let me know if I missed anything.

-We are to be in the word.

-We receive instruction in the word.

-We are to have a mentor/instructor.

-We are to share good things with them.

I believe this is a model for us as Christians. Have a mentor be a mentor. Be a disciple, make disciples. It is an effective, strategic plan.

Do you have a mentor? I trust you do or will seek one out.

Blessings!

Alanne.

Seed Part 4

2009-07-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

The Bible says it best so.....

Galatians 6: 7-10

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Lord may we we faithful to ask for seed. May we get ready to be farmers. May we be faithful with the seed you give us. Not to hoard it and not to just throw it to the ducks or pigs but to sow it on furtile soil and be generous with it.

We humbly ask.

Alanne.

Parenting 101

2009-07-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

I've grown up with the saying practice makes perfect. We'll I'm practicing being a perfect parent and perfection ain't coming!!

I will share though, a few suggestions that will help you in raising your kids to be liked by others, not just you and to hopefully give them the tools to become upstanding adults.

1. Be and teach your kids to be consistant.

Here's a couple questions to see where you are at with this.

Do you kids obey you the first time you give them an instruction? Do your kids act the same when you are not around as they do when you are around?

Now let me state right off the bat, incase you are just finding this blog for the first time that no one is perfect.

We all know the verse,... we all like sheep have gone a stray... and by the way I just heard Leon Fontaine say " and sheep bite! "

And yes we all sin and fall short.

What are we teaching our kids if we stop at them simply performing the act of obedience? Anyone can obey. But God looks at the motives behind obedience.

1 Chronicles 28:9"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

If our children obey but are not happy about it , give attitude about it, or do it to suck up, we are doing them more harm than good.

A child's only responsiblity is to obey their parents in the Lord. I tell my kids all the time, you don't have to worry about anything you don't have to do anything other than obey dad and me.

I am not a perfect parent and I say that to my kids and I apologize when I screw up and ask them to forgive me. Not that I want to screw up but I model what they need to do when they do screw up.

I just read the other day in Galatians and here's what Paul says regarding consistancy, "It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you." Here's another one in 2 Corinthians "Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present."

As Paul talks about, teach your kids to be consistant whereever they are, whoever they are with.

2. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

There's also the verse Matthew 5:37Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

That's pretty straight up.

Train your kids to "first time obedience" Don't count. You've said the instruction already. It is their job to obey right away and completely. And even with a "yes mom" and a smile. Ok sometimes the last two don't always happen but that's what we need to work towards.

Think about what examples we would be if we obeyed God but didn't have a good attitude or a "yes God :)" mentality. Who would want to be followers of us? With the same attitude we should be obeying God, our kids should be obeying us.

It's not an instant thing. It means work and training their hearts and helping them with their attitudes. It will take a whole lot of prayer and you, the parent, will have to give them consequences if they do not obey.

And please, make sure you talk to them and let them know what you expect and what the consequences will be if they do not obey the first time before you impliment anything. :)

To summarize

Be consistant and teach your children to be consistant.

Let your yes be yes and your no, no.

Bring your child to first time obedience, with good attitudes.

Lord be with us as parents help us to do our part to obey you and teach our children to obey us as you have commanded that they do. Forgive us when we fail and help us to get the support we need to accomplish this great task.

Running this exhausting race with you.

Alanne.

Seeds Part 3

2009-06-28T20:37:00.000-07:00

Lets look at the plant cycle and seeds...

The interesting thing is like Pastor Glen shared
things must die in order to live.

I also find it interesting that the Bible references
seeds and fruit when talking about Christ and how His followers.

Galatians 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ."

Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control.

Then there is the rule of harvest.

2 Cor 9:6 says "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Here is what Pastor Al Derry shared on seeds. "...everything is a seed.... It's a law of seed time and harvest.... If a farmer has a thousand acres....and they have all this land and all this soil but they only take a cup and sow a cup of seed, well guess what they're going to get? They're just going to get a harvest that's based around the amount of seed that's in that cup. You've need to sow lots of seed in that field..If you ain't got no seed in the ground there's no harvest coming. You can pray, you can fast, you can sing cumbia, you can dance, you can have a jerico march, you can do whatever you want, the bottom line, no seed in the ground there's no harvest coming. It's a law.... And that's why, I think, in these economic times that we're walking through right now, this is the time to be sowing, this is the time to be honoring God with our wealth..... This is not the time to hold back, this is the time to release and see what God will do in your life."

From the Christian Television show Plumbline Episode 94. To hear the whole great message click on the link. https://www.covenantoflife.org/col/media-center?video_id=135

However you do have to be careful with this. There is a whole I'll go even as far as to say religion formed around success and money and how if you sow good you will get rich.

God's gift of salvation is free but we will not get it if we do not accept it. You don't pay for a gift or earn it.

God will also judge our motives. Are our motives to get rich? Or to do good? 1 Cor 4:5

Remember the Bible talking about true riches? Why would it say true riches unless there were a false.

Here was my prayer the other morning. Lord of the harvest, we ask for seed and could you make it "seed" for those of us who are plant illiterite?

Blessings tonight as you sow, reap, bear fruit and even prune or die to self.

Alanne.

Seeds Part 2

2009-06-25T21:58:00.001-07:00

I was flipping through my journal, as I really ought to do more, cause I was really feeling kind of bummed. I thought I really need to read some good stuff to encourage my heart.

I flipped to some notes I had written on seeds!

If you are just joining us we are comparing lives of people to seeds.

It's short but good. Here goes,

Seeds grow best in crap!

Fruit trees are fertilized with crap.

Maybe you have heard the quote by Nancy Regan, "Women are like teabags, only in hotwater do we know how strong she is."

Here's another way of looking at it. It's from a great version of the Bible that's easy to understand called the Message.

It's near the end of the Bible in the book of James Chapter 1, verse 3-4. It says, "You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."

So then if we are still having trouble cause dealing with the "stuff" that life throws our way is hard there is help. Let's read on....

Verse 5-7 "If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought."

I'd say that's some great simple instructions. Yah!

I'll leave you with this. I thought this would be a good check for all of us. This is taken from a job posting but I am relating it to everyday life.

Personal Qualities:
• Growing relationship with God and interpersonal relationships
• Excellent work habits and positive attitude
• Energetic lifelong learner enjoying personal development in diverse areas
• Outstanding relational and supervisory skills; ability to motivate people individually and
as part of a team

(If you are wondering about supervisory skills remember the go and make disciples? We need to supervise the muliplication of ourselves as we try to model Christ's example)

Do you possess these qualities? If not I challenge you to find out why not. And to move towards gaining these qualities.

Blessings as you grow!

Alanne.

Seeds Part 1

2009-06-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

So God reminded me again to share about "seeds". I'm going to start by sharing a few verses out of the Bible about seeds.

Read it over and stay tuned for more talk on seeds.

Galatians 3: 15Brothers, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed,"[g] meaning one person, who is Christ. 17What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
19What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was put into effect through angels by a mediator. 20A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one.
21Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.
23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ[h] that we might be justified by faith. 25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
Sons of God 26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

God creates the seed. Provides the seed. Let's look at what our responsiblility it is to help that seed grow. Thanks Dave for providing the Dirt on Dirt message that will help us with this.

1. Be good dirt
2. Be moist
3. Weed regularly
4. Fertilize (be comfortable with crap)
5. Get ready to be tilled
6. Have a year of rest every few

Looking forward to digging in this topic more.

Alanne

Seeds

2009-06-14T13:49:00.000-07:00

Ok so I'm super excited about something that God has "planted" in my heart. Today at church Glen said that "Things have to die in order to live". It makes sense as it's the lifecyle of plants, animals and humans.

Seeds are so cool. Staggaring really. Jesus was a seed to the earth. We'll dig into that more later.

Over the next while run with me as we check out some seeds and the laws that surround that.

Cute Saying

2009-05-30T21:55:00.001-07:00

Levi was reading a Milk Jug in the Fridge.

"'Whole Goat's Milk'. Goat's make milk too?"

Hope you are well and enjoying the true riches of living life to the fullest.

Alanne.

2009-04-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

I'm currently listening to http://www.air1.com/ and they are playing the song called By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North. So good.

It has been an amazing ride over the last while. I got rejuvinated and refreshed with a whole wack of travelling (ok a whole wack for me) and then back to life and some crazy cool stuff that God has called us to.

I was off to Nanaimo and got to see my sister and some great friends. Then I flew to Manitoba and met up with Kevin and the boys who had drove there and then Kevin and I flew to Vegas. We had an amazing time. There were so many highlights but the one that topped the cake ok there were two, Kevin's gift "The Journey" necklace and the Cirque Du Soleil O at the Bellagio. Absolutely amazing. I've never seen anything like it. My favorite!!!! Can you tell I enjoyed it?? http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/lasvegas/en/shows/o.asp The trailer gives you a peak but nothing like the real thing!

I hope you are well and trusting our Lord.

Alanne.

New House Housecleaning

2009-04-24T11:21:00.000-07:00

Kevin and I have been looking for a house for probably a year now. It has been an emotional roller coaster at times but we are also extremely thankful for God's protection as our needs have changed and surprize so has the economy!!

We looked at a house the other day and it is seemingly perfect. We are excited but the whole thing is out of our hands. That's another story.

As I thought about the possiblity of getting a new house today I was picking up a throw off the floor and was folding it to place it back on the couch. I thought about doing that in the new house. Wouldn't I enjoy housework better? There is a novelty in a new house for sure. But when you get right down to it. Work is work and I don't care for it!

As I thought about that I related it to all sorts of things. Marriages, new jobs, new church, pretty much anything can be novel for a time. So does that mean you dump it and move on when the novelty wears off? No.

We need to learn to stick it out and to make and keep our commitments. Which also touches on loyalty and sacrifical love. This culture doesn't really get it. When the going gets tough I'm outta here is the common theme.

I need to just suck it up. Don't dream about how much better housework will be in another 4 walls. Work is work. Put on a smile and blast a good song.

I'm off to turn the music on.

Alanne.

Measuring Strength

2009-03-18T13:54:00.000-07:00

A person's strength of character is not measured by whether they have storms in their life but by how they weather those storms.

I don't remember where I heard this but had to share.

Alanne.

Mother - in - Law

2009-03-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Somehow we have this idea in our heads that when we get married our relationships with our in-laws will be boss. There are people with great relations with their in-laws and I am blessed to be one.

I want to share a thought on that topic though as there are many who don't have that relationship that they think they should. We all as a rule don't make a lot of "best" friends. It either takes a while or we meet someone when we are kids and never need another friend. There are so many people in the world and everyone is different. We don't connect with everyone. Why do we think we will connect with our mother - in - law?

It's all good. Not necessarily easy but good.

Alanne.

Just a Quickie!

2009-03-05T07:18:00.000-08:00

I just have a moment. It is about to be a busy day! Kevin knows about my day and I wanted to share what he said to me about it.

"God's got you!" :)

Be blessed and let Him get you!

Alanne.

Worship

2009-02-26T09:36:00.001-08:00

Wholly Surrendered. Not just Sunday AM.

The End.

Alanne.

Thought

2009-02-18T20:34:00.001-08:00

Do you know everything there is to know about yourself?

How can we expect to know everything about God?

Hmm...

Alanne.

Prophetic Word and Picture

2009-02-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

I see you, I feel your pain. You're enemies, yes they are there but look to me. Trust me. I am the light. Prophetic word given Sunday AM.

I will prepare a table for you, in the presence of your enemies. Roosevelt the speaker in Banff drew this picture for us. Wow.

Why? I think because it ticks them off and two because I want you to trust me.

Blessings on your heads tonight.

Alanne.

Quote

2009-02-17T18:47:00.002-08:00

"Wisdom is so much more than you know." Quote stolen from my sisters facebook account.

2009-02-17T18:47:00.001-08:00

Worship and Our Hearts

2009-02-13T13:49:00.000-08:00

Like I said previous post God has started a new work on my heart. Normally I like to have everything figured out before before I share it with others. Not so in this case.

Here's what God has started and then we'll talk about how that is related to worship.

Scripture - Take hold of eternity. 1 Timothy 6:12b

Prayer - Roosevelt Hunter - Be heavenly minded. See 500 year goal previous post

Song - You're Beautiful by Phil Wickham (talking about heaven)

Emily Mackay - Saying yes to God all the time.

Melanie Ferguson (died February 5, 2009) Living lavishly, giving sacrificially.

A Dream I had where Ger Kuhn challenging me - If you don't like something don't make excuses.

Pastor Ken Solbreken - If you don't like something about yourself physically or spiritually change it!

How does this relate to worship?

Getting your heart lined up with God sets us up to worship him in Spirit and truth!

Hoping you love on God and those around you today and everyday.

Happy Valentines!

Alanne.

For You For Me

2009-02-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Recently I heard a message that really challenged me and I wanted to share it with you.

The gist of the message was, "Why would we expect anything from God when we have the back door open to the enemy." He related it to internal crime within a police force. It's really about using the system and being corrupt.

Let us make sure our lives line up and the back door is shut!

Walking with you.

Alanne.

Quick Update

2009-02-13T13:29:00.001-08:00

Hey Everyone!

How are you? Just a quick family update. We have all had an amazing couple of weeks. Not without hardship, tears or business but blanketted (is that a word!?) with grace and peace.

We went to Monster Jam. And yes I'm still convinced that you can go to that and not be a red neck. Yes I am getting flack from all angles saying otherwise but I'm still convinced. My question to our family friend Jon is can you get coffee holders with a gun rack??!!!

Then we were off to Banff for two nights. Quick and packed but good. God came through and filled up and directed the lives of pastors in our district and I got to be a part of that. Did some great things in the lives of those that lead our church including Kevin. God is so faithful and worked on our boys hearts and began a new work on mine. I will talk more about that in the next blog or two.

I hope you are well and enjoying all that God has for you today.

Blessings,

Alanne.

Get Ready to Worship

2009-02-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Over the next while I'm going to look at worshipping and what that means.

Here's a quote to ready our hearts.

It's at the end of the Song I Want to Know You on the Sonic Flood CD. (Our Wedding Song!)

"...And God's not afraid of who or how you worship because He knows, sooner or later, if you're truly seeking, you'll see Him. God's not insecure. He's confident. And so we need to come to Him, see Him as it is and that's true worship. Because in the midst of that, all securities are made clear and all fears are relieved."

Get ready here we go.

Alanne.

Breakfast Meetings

2009-02-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

I love great breakfasts! I also love mornings that include them and great conversations. They are simply the best. It probably also means it's a day off!

Hope you have a great day and enjoy whatever moments fill you up.

Alanne.

PS. It's all about bacon.

Quote

2009-02-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

I loved what Pastor Dave shared at church this morning.

He said "God doesn't have a recession."

Philipians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Now if we can just remember what are needs and what are wants! :)

May God supply all your needs!

Alanne.

There's a Reason for Everything...

2009-02-01T19:46:00.001-08:00

WHAT"S THE REASON!!!!!

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

2009-02-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't sweat the small stuff.

I feel like I'm repeating that over and over in my head to get through the days some days.

It's amazing how the busier you get the more stuff get's small!

Alanne.

Harsh? or Preping for Reality

2009-02-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

The other day Kevin and the boys were wrestling. They usually wrestle but this time I was watching in amusement. This day the wrestling seemed more intense than before. They were all having a good time but Kevin was letting them have it!

Then my mind wandered to how wild animals wrestle and "train" their babe's. Be it cubs or eaglet's they all get a fair beating! Eaglets get chucked over the side of the nest to learn how to fly! Tiger cubs wrestle and play to train for hunting.

As parents our job is to train our children. It's hard sometimes and sometimes we just want to protect them and not disciple them and hope that they will learn for next time. We ain't doing them any favors by not doing our job.

Kevin and I do all we can to train our boys in love. If parents understand what real love is and true compassion we will have no problems correction our children and bringing them to the standard that God requires of all His children.

An amazing book that has helped me as a mom is called Shepherding a Child's Heart By Tedd Trip.

Blessings as you train your kids and those around you.

Alanne.

Eat What is Good

2009-02-01T19:08:00.000-08:00

Isaiah 55
1"Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

I find it interesting that the Bible says "eat what is good". Like Pastor Glen said no one can really know all the meanings of everything unless they asked the person writing the God breathed Words of this book. But I will take it as it is. Eat what is good.

Here are a few definitions of the word good. Skim through them with food in mind.

1.
morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.
2.
satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher; good health.
3.
of high quality; excellent.
4.
right; proper; fit: It is good that you are here. His credentials are good.
5.
well-behaved: a good child.
6.
kind, beneficent, or friendly: to do a good deed.
7.
honorable or worthy; in good standing: a good name.
8.
educated and refined: She has a good background.
9.
financially sound or safe: His credit is good.
10.
genuine; not counterfeit: a good quarter.
11.
sound or valid: good judgment; good reasons.
12.
reliable; dependable; responsible: good advice.
13.
healthful; beneficial: Fresh fruit is good for you.
14.
in excellent condition; healthy: good teeth.
15.
not spoiled or tainted; edible; palatable: The meat was still good after three months in the freezer.
16.
favorable; propitious: good news.
17.
cheerful; optimistic; amiable: in good spirits.
18.
free of distress or pain; comfortable: to feel good after surgery.
19.
agreeable; pleasant: Have a good time.
20.
attractive; handsome: She has a good figure.
21.
(of the complexion) smooth; free from blemish.
22.
close or intimate; warm: She's a good friend of mine.
23.
sufficient or ample: a good supply.
24.
advantageous; satisfactory for the purpose: a good day for fishing.
25.
competent or skillful; clever: a good manager; good at arithmetic.
26.
skillfully or expertly done: a really good job; a good play.
27.
conforming to rules of grammar, usage, etc.; correct: good English.
28.
socially proper: good manners.
29.
remaining available to one: Don't throw good money after bad.
30.
comparatively new or of relatively fine quality: Don't play in the mud in your good clothes.
31.
best or most dressy: He wore his good suit to the office today.
32.
full: a good day's journey away.
33.
fairly large or great: a good amount.
34.
free from precipitation or cloudiness: good weather.
35.
Medicine/Medical. (of a patient's condition) having stable and normal vital signs, being conscious and comfortable, and having excellent appetite, mobility, etc.
36.
fertile; rich: good soil.
37.
loyal: a good Democrat.
38.
(of a return or service in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) landing within the limits of a court or section of a court.
39.
Horse Racing. (of the surface of a track) drying after a rain so as to be still slightly sticky: This horse runs best on a good track.
40.
(of meat, esp. beef) noting or pertaining to the specific grade below “choice,” containing more lean muscle and less edible fat than “prime” or “choice.”
41.
favorably regarded (used as an epithet for a ship, town, etc.): the good ship Syrena.–noun
42.
profit or advantage; worth; benefit: What good will that do? We shall work for the common good.
43.
excellence or merit; kindness: to do good.
44.
moral righteousness; virtue: to be a power for good.
45.
(esp. in the grading of U.S. beef) an official grade below that of “choice.”

I'd have to say according to these definitions it probably wouldn't promote just good tasting food. (bummer!)

In the book Captivating it talks about filling that void feeling with shopping or cleaning or working out or.... you fill in the blank. Often many in North America turn to food as a void filler.

Also interesting is that the Bible talks about eating what is good. Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

Why would the Bible even talk about that topic. Cause I need it for today. For right now. To depend on him. To eat what is good and to taste him. The only true satisfaction for our souls.

Do you have a void filler?

Alanne.

Boundaries

2009-01-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

My sister is teaching the Boundaries course at Vancouver Island University. I probably should take it! Growing up, I wasn't taught how to set boundaries and I always got what I wanted if I begged hard enough.

Although I wasn't taught boundaries, I still had some. Surprizing to me, though, was how the boundaries that I set and said weren't respected. Again, showing my "life should be like disney land" mentality.

I think people should set boundaries and maintain them. That being said, the first step is actually doing it. I am still amazed that our whole lives we will have to continue to be prepared to set boundaries.

Secondly, maintaining them. Letting your yes be yes and your no, no. I guess what bothers me is when a no is not repected. No matter how timid someone says no, it's NO!

When I was little and it was mealtime and I was finished, I was always offered more food, I would say no if I was done, but it was insisted. I was tired of the lectures and insisting so I would just give in. Not a great set up for me as an adult.

God has blessed me hugely with Kevin. I just don't understand how someone who doesn't know boundaries and doesn't have God or a strong influence to help them out lives in this pressure society.

So my plan over the next while? Set boundaries and pray for strength to maintain them.

Also remembering that HALT has a profound affect on our ability to think and maintain boundaries. Being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.

I'm off to take a nap and spend time in the Word.

Alanne.

What Are You Fighting Against?

2009-01-26T15:21:00.000-08:00

I got up to an awesome surprise. Kevin had made the boys lunches and stuck post it's with notes to the boys on the sandwiches. Very cool.

What an amazing help he was. Until now I was fighting against the late nights. No more. Sometimes what we fight against can actually turn out to be something cool for us.

Has this happened to you? Let me know.

Alanne.

Question For You

2009-01-26T15:12:00.001-08:00

I read this in a book recently and wanted to know what you thought of it? What does it say to you?

"Jesus has forgiven you for all of that, and now he wants to set us free."

Captivating - John and Stasi Eldredge

The Place of Prayer

2009-01-25T18:50:00.000-08:00

Acts 16: 16"Once when we were going to the place of prayer,..."

I don't exactly have a "place of prayer". Do you?

Where do you pray? Where would be the ideal spot for you to pray?

I'm thinking looking out over the ocean off a cliff. Something like Piper's Lagoon! :) Ok since I can't to that... I will put more thought into having a place to regularly pray.

Blessings,

Alanne.

Go Team Go!!!

2009-01-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

So I am realizing how good team sports are for me. I had such a great time last night. It was much different than my dream of being pelted by soup cans!!!!

Dodgeball. I never thought I'd say that I joined a dodgeball team but I did and I love it! I don't think it's necessarily the kind sport, it's simply working with a good group of people to accomplish a competitive goal. It will definately be a sad day when it's over. Unless we make it to provincials!!! :)

I didn't think I was going to do any kind of sports again till the kids were older but it really helps me be a better person.

Just wondering what works for you?

Alanne.

What's up for Today?

2009-01-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

I dragged my butt out of bed this morning as I tried to get back into routine. I spent some crazy cool time with God. I prayed, He listened. I listened, He spoke. Talk about heart warming!

So you wanna know what we talked about?

Here's some of the cool stuff that we talked about.

I thanked Him for all the good things. I told him I was sick and tired but that I was excited to hang out. I asked for strength I told him I got the message the other day and will listen to his warning. I asked for forgiveness and asked that He would keep me safe. I told Him I loved Him.

He gave me some advice about my kids and their school and what He thinks about that. Then he shared what Jeremiah said about him. Here goes " No one is like you, O Lord you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you? This is your due."He reminded me that He created the world and all weather and "natural" disasters.

I was reminded of this song

United Live - Always

Did you rise the sun for me?

Paint a million stars that I might know your majesty?

Is your voice upon the wind?

Is everything I know marked with my maker's fingerprints?

Breathe on me

Let me see your face

Ever I will seek you

All you are, is all I want, Always

Draw me close, in your arms,

Oh God, I want to be with You

Can I feel you in the rain?

Abandon all I am to have you capture me again?

Let the earth resound with praise,

Can you hear as all creation lives to glorify one name?

Then I told Him He was so great and that I wanted to hang. I asked Him to fill me with His love and Spirit. I told Him that I needed Him and I loved Him.

Then we started my day.

Alanne.

Dirty Vehicle

2009-01-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

The weather here has been hovering around zero. Yah! But very dirty. Our van was filthy.

It really needed a wash. I was starting to notice how much my vision was being affected as I couldn't see out the mud splattered windows.

It's clean now and feels great. I can see!

There has been a resounding message that I keep reading or people keep saying. Stay on track. Stay in the Word. You are safe there.

Pastor Dave has often said, anything said more than once must be important. Anything said more than once.... You get it. :)

Ok Lord. Help please.

Alanne.

Show Me What To Do!!

2009-01-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

Many things surprized me in my twenties. How there's no manual that explains exactly what to expect when you carry and deliver a baby. How there is no book that explains what my newborn baby needs at each moment of his first year. How there is no class that teaches you every scrapbooking technique there is. And how there is no text book for every type of cancer and what exactly to avoid to ensure you never get it. Many times we don't even know how our bodies function and what's best for them!

Show me what to do. When I was at Kevin's parents place I saw a commercial that advertised any kind of advice is available right on this one website!! I find myself interested, any question I had could be answered without a whole lot of work! We all want answers to all of life's questions. We also want it quick and easy.

I read a church sign that said "Some answers can't be found on google". Hmm.

Remember my last blog....how many of us are eagle followers!?!

We all struggle to be so individual and yet there is this strong desire to follow.

I think those struggles are normal and exactly where God wants us. He wants us to grow personally and lead those around us. He also wants us to follow Him and those leaders He places in our lives. Some things that God designed for us don't seem to fit the human mold like, it's better to give than receive. We are thinking in the human box. I shared in a previous blog when we restore that first relationship with our Creator, He opens our heart to see what He sees. Like I shared before it will just click.

Leading and following along side you.

Alanne.