tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19740567964297011432024-03-19T07:47:22.163-05:00The Road To FreedomThose who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-12566961825804796252012-01-03T16:21:00.007-06:002012-01-03T16:32:45.989-06:00Stepp'n...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2JUDxBm2tO3n24oHjZybaxudy4CV_51I_5PNDQBoI1fLJymL37JvCrpCCvVXaRKd8oQHt-sr5pf8es7jU_32G7NtYmxxE2gciW0RKc5j4XPOC4JUyIZJ0TyIvdG5-SSK9-9CuJGUtWI/s1600/Stepping+Into+the+NewYr+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693536942799416562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2JUDxBm2tO3n24oHjZybaxudy4CV_51I_5PNDQBoI1fLJymL37JvCrpCCvVXaRKd8oQHt-sr5pf8es7jU_32G7NtYmxxE2gciW0RKc5j4XPOC4JUyIZJ0TyIvdG5-SSK9-9CuJGUtWI/s200/Stepping+Into+the+NewYr+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;">...into a New Year!<br /><br /></span>HAPPY NEW YEAR BLESSINGS!<br /><br />May 2012 take you to new places of adventure and rest.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">~Jodie</span></em></div>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-73855869538603833552011-12-21T11:50:00.008-06:002011-12-21T13:24:44.678-06:00Our GiftIt's Christmas week. Are you ready?<br /><br />Jesus is coming!<br /><br />We are in last-minute preparations - gifts, grocery shopping, sending cards & letters, cleaning, adorning our homes in Christmas attire - many preparations.<br /><br />But, are <em>you</em> ready?<br /><br />Jesus is coming! Yes, Jesus!<br /><br />The <em>King</em> of Kings. The <em>Lord</em> of Lords. The <em>Prince</em> of Peace.<br /><br />Prepare your heart. Make a place at your table. Invite Him. Receive Him.<br /><br />The baby Jesus is coming - to you, to the world.<br /><br />Unwrap Him as you would your other gifts. Show Him off to all your family & friends. Embrace all of what He brings to you. His Love. His Peace. His Rest. His Grace.<br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;">Luke 2:11 <em><span style="font-size:85%;">For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.</span></em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc0000;">JOY TO THE WORLD, CHRIST THE SAVIOUR IS COME!</span>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-87472921987042071402011-12-08T11:20:00.009-06:002011-12-08T12:45:05.001-06:0012 Days of ChristmasHi Everyone ~<br /><br />If you're in the middle of Christmas preparations or just getting started, I wanted to share a Christmas blessing that's sure to add fun to your Holiday festivities along with keeping you focused on Christ and His Christmas blessings for you.<br /><br /><a href="http://karenehman.com/home">Karen Ehman</a>, Proverbs 31 Ministries, is hosting <span style="color:#009900;"><em>12 Days of Christmas Giveaway</em></span> on her website. Even though it's Day 11 -- it's not to late to "catch up" and enter in this Giveaway bonanza of Christmas fun! You can go back to Day 1 - you have until midnight EST, Dec 11th to comment & enter.<br /><br />Each day, she features a guest writer from the <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/">Proverbs 31 </a>ministry team and offers a chance to win that day's giveaway to those who comment. If you comment on all 12 days, you are entered in for the grand prize gift.<br /><br />To join in the fun, click on the button to the right which will take you to her website or <a href="http://karenehman.com/home">click here</a>.<br /><br />It's like Christmas before Christmas - Enjoy!<br />JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-28006427277398196062011-12-03T08:11:00.008-06:002011-12-03T19:58:57.427-06:00Jeff<div>My post today is in tribute to Grant's longtime friend, Jeff. We just came home from his memorial service...remembering and celebrating his life with his family and many friends.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtve2ZRZdfFv-HseJHtu6i3UhMd5BH8W37RB5mOsd5AqGYFHC4tPp52U3tOsqceJkAPNUhB6ssHvIKFyrF8noU9yZhUsixGf2Ulp-sWS_mcZrIQhyphenhyphencYeQSPaHm2R0JYRvCFfet3yNTSE/s1600/jeffmaltby.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682085549570742690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtve2ZRZdfFv-HseJHtu6i3UhMd5BH8W37RB5mOsd5AqGYFHC4tPp52U3tOsqceJkAPNUhB6ssHvIKFyrF8noU9yZhUsixGf2Ulp-sWS_mcZrIQhyphenhyphencYeQSPaHm2R0JYRvCFfet3yNTSE/s200/jeffmaltby.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Grant and Jeff were childhood buddies, "joined at the hip", as Jeff's mom would often say. They did all kinds of fun stuff together, got into all kinds of trouble and stood up for each other at their 1st weddings. As life happens, they eventually lost touch.</div><br /><br /><div>God had other plans...April 2010, Jeff and Grant connected again.</div><br /><br /><div>We learned Jeff was surviving stage 4 lung cancer, diagnosed in 2007 and at that time only given 4 to 6 months to live. In May 2010, I met Jeff at the fundraiser his family hosted for him as a way to raise financial support for him. Grant & I were blessed to spend our 30th wedding anniversary with Barb & Jeff up at their lake home near Mille Lacs. This summer, Jeff & Grant planted 400 tree seedlings on his mom's property with the hope to replant them in the woods to grow up and become trees for eagles to nest in.<br /></div><br /><div>He was a man who lived life to the fullest. He had this great smile and laugh with this wonderful sense of humor. AND he loved coffee! He was a role model to many boy scouts. If he had an idea, he would pursue it - he didn't know the word "I can't". He loved nature and loved the land his parents built their house on in Randolph - the Property. That's where his service was at today. As we were just getting past Randolph, it started snowing - how beautiful it was. We were out in the woods - winding road with trails into the woods and benches to sit on. We raised the United States Flag - as he loved the USA. We said the Boy Scout Oath and Motto. Memories, tributes, and pictures were shared as we all sat outside amidst the large flakes of snow falling down. Oh, how he loved to sit and watch the snow fall. His ashes were buried up on the small hill to the side of the house. It was a day celebrated as Jeff would have wanted it.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Lord, thank you for the friends you bring into our lives to enrich our life.</div><br /><div>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />Jeffrey Scott Maltby <a id="ctl00_ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_ContentPlaceHolder1_ObituaryTile_VisitGuestBookLink" class="obitGuestbook" title="Visit Guest Book" href="http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/twincities/guestbook.aspx?n=jeffrey-scott-maltby&pid=154847627&cid=full" target="_self">Visit Guest Book</a><br /><br /><a id="ctl00_ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_ContentPlaceHolder1_ObituaryTile_ObitCameraIconPhotoGalleryLink" target="_blank"></a>Was born on November 29, 1954 Passed away November 27, 2011 Jeff died peacefully after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Jeff was preceded in death by his father; Wendell Maltby. Survived by his loving mother, Patricia Maltby; his children, Jon and Melissa Maltby; grandson, Tyler Maltby; his significant other, Barbara Matthews; mother of his children, Susan Krohn; his siblings, Kris (Mick) Brogan, Greg (Judy) Maltby, Kathy (Neil) Scharmer, Steve (Jan) Maltby. Barb's children, William (Sonja) Matthews, Kerry (Isaac), and grandchildren, Adelynn and Nora Marsolek; and many family and friends. Jeff was a lifetime scouter, avid volunteer and leader with Kaposia District of North Star BSA. Jeff loved being outdoors working to educate children about science in nature and he had a passion for flying airplanes. His memorial will be held at 949 Sciota Trail, Randolph, MN 55065 on Saturday December 3rd, 2011, 2PM-4PM with a service at 2:30 PM. <a href="http://www.legacy.com/" target="_new">http://www.legacy.com/</a></div>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-64738425826567583042011-12-01T10:56:00.005-06:002011-12-01T12:00:22.483-06:00One Day<span style="font-size:130%;">The Power <em>in </em>One Day ~</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">I want to <strong><em>know</em></strong> Christ <strong>and</strong> the <strong><em>power</em></strong> of His resurrection to bring glory to God.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#660000;">Colossians 4</span>: <em>Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#660000;">Romans 15: 5, 6</span> ~ <em>Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind <u>and</u> one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#660000;">John 17: 17-19</span> ~ <em>Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#660000;">Psalm 91:1</span> ~ <em>He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty.</em><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><span style="color:#660000;">Psalm 25:5</span> ~ <em>...guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long.</em></span><br /><br />Our days are filled with so much activity & busyness. We, at times, just go about our day doing our thing and often times miss our opportunity to see God at work - to witness first hand His power. Each day holds "His Power" at hand for us to witness & experience. He Is!<br /><br /><p>~A life given to Jesus.</p><br /><p>~A young woman touched because you noticed her new hair style.</p><br /><p>~A cashier who is so appreciative that you acknowledged her working on Thanksgiving.</p><br /><p>~The loss of a good friend, who touched so many lives because 'he cared'.</p><br /><p>~A hug and 'I love you' from your dad - for the 1st time that you could ever remember.</p><br /><p>~An answered prayer that testifies to God's greatness as only He could have brought the healing - the miracle.</p><br /><p>What does one day hold for you?<br /></p>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-35190970584786010242011-11-24T09:08:00.004-06:002011-11-24T09:16:30.591-06:00Promises & Praises...Psalm 66:19 God hath attended to the voice of my prayer.<br /><br />I love God's Word. It is so full of hope, encouragement, and power. It tells of His love to me -- to everyone. It brings truth into my spirit. With truth comes freedom -- freedom to be who God created me to be.<br /><br />God has attended to the voice of my prayers.<br /><br />On this Thanksgiving Day I praise Him because HE IS! I have so many blessings, so much to be thankful for. They are from my heavenly Father, the God of this universe, who is in control of my circumstances. I give Him the Glory & Praise. When I wanted to give up on God because I couldn't see a way out of our circumstances -- my Lord heard my cries, reached down and brought me encouragement -- through His Word, through various little miracle 'God-incidences', through friends, family and much prayer. He would not let me 'give up'.<br /><br />Praise The Lord! God has attended to the voice of my prayers!<br /><br />See God's love & blessings bestowed on you today - no matter where you are in life.<br />Blessings to you on this Thanksgiving Day!Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-51458098411969294232011-09-08T14:32:00.007-05:002011-09-08T15:39:54.694-05:00Yes To GodHi friends,<br /><br />Need some encouragement today? Click <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.com/">here</a> on this link.<br /><br />You'll go to Lysa TerKeurst's website where you can watch the webcast, "Yes to God". It aired on Tuesday, however, it's available to watch on demand thru 11pm CST tonight. Lysa TerKeurst and Anne Voskamp both share their thoughts and insights to encourage us in our daily walk with the Lord and in saying "Yes to God". Lysa has written a book entitled, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God?". Anne has also written a book entitled, "One Thousand Gifts".<br /><br />On a personal note...I almost missed it. I was thinking...I've heard it all before...what more could be said that I haven't heard...I just don't have the time being at work, etc.<br /><br />I listened to that still small voice...and...said... Yes, to God.<br /><br />God is faithful. When we say "yes", He fills us. Encouragement. Refreshing joy. Confidence. Freedom.<br /><br />Say "yes" to Him. Enjoy! Love, JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-41622239116900201272011-07-01T10:47:00.012-05:002011-07-01T15:54:21.235-05:00Freedom Friday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5XKKjjRi43LvFaN3izztkVTYYu9QEZCTo2BC2xrUOVe9k58n6nYOtUGJhprL-xDjPHPoh6rRHVG6p0fa_yqZt8kr7WaKESUQ3FLExORyqj4zmzLQTogXLkT3soO6j269eJjaDmzHI-k/s1600/usflagliberty.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624489287435891618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 100px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5XKKjjRi43LvFaN3izztkVTYYu9QEZCTo2BC2xrUOVe9k58n6nYOtUGJhprL-xDjPHPoh6rRHVG6p0fa_yqZt8kr7WaKESUQ3FLExORyqj4zmzLQTogXLkT3soO6j269eJjaDmzHI-k/s200/usflagliberty.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Today is the Friday going into the weekend of July 4th celebrations -- <em>Freedom Friday</em>!!</div><br /><div>May your celebrations be festive & enjoyable as you reflect on the freedoms our country, the United States of America, is built on. Blessings!! ~Jodie</div></div></div></div></div></div>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-45922293900865526482011-06-22T10:57:00.012-05:002011-06-22T15:32:38.760-05:00Where's Jodie? & SSMT DayHi my bloggy friends~<br /><br />Yes, it's been a while since my last post. I am here. The days come and go by so fast...filled with lots of activities, daily routines, challenges, and answered prayers!<br /><br /><br />The Lord is showing me much as I read His word and reflect on it. He continues to fill my days with His faithfulness and greatness as I sit in awe over His love for me. One of my favorite devotionals to read daily is <em>Jesus Calling</em> by Sarah Young. I also receive an on-line daily devotional from <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/"><em>Proverbs 31 Ministries</em> </a>which the Lord continually uses to open my spiritual eyes with. My newest on-line devotional is from <a href="http://www.worldchallenge.org/in-memory-of-david-wilkerson/"><em>David Wilkerson Today</em></a>. David Wilkerson passed away in April. He's the author of <em>The Cross and the Switchblade</em>, which is an awesome testimony of transformation in the lives of some New York gang members. David Wilkerson Ministries continues to publish his writings - past published and those not published. From reading his devotionals, I know he was a man of God who had a tremendous amount of faith -- you know he spent time in the Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. In his obedience to God and stepping out in faith, transformation occurred in the lives of many. The Lord has been ministering to me on a deeper level with regards to unwavering faith & trust, believing the Lord will make a way. We are to go to Him first with everything, not worrying or fretting, but knowing He's got it under His control.<br /><br /><br />This brings me to my June 15th <a href="http://www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com/">SSMT </a>verse.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#993300;"><strong>Jeremiah 6:16 (NKJ)</strong> "For the Lord says: Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls."</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#993300;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Some versions say <span style="font-size:85%;">'<em>stand in the crossroads'</em></span> and <span style="font-size:85%;">'<em>ask for the ancient paths'</em></span> . </span><span style="color:#000000;">This verse caught my attention as Grant & I are at <em>a crossroad</em>. We are looking at possible foreclosure for our house. In the short version of this journey, the Lord is asking us to trust completely in His provisions for us. This is not about 'the house' it's about our walking in unwavering faith believing our God knows the outcome and we are not to worry or fret. We have tried our 'own' way of fixing this, but, it wasn't His way. Do we choose to follow His way or our way? The <em>ancient paths</em> refer to the ways of God -- prayer and obedience to what He shows us. He is asking us to cry out to Him with our requests, in thanksgiving. It's all to His glory!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#993300;"><strong>Isaiah 12:2</strong> "Behold, God <em>is</em> my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; 'For Yah, the Lord, <em>is </em>my strength and song; He also has become salvation.' "</span><br /><br />Blessings on your day ~ JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-33913972492010966892011-04-15T15:21:00.010-05:002011-04-15T16:20:36.741-05:00Freedom Friday and more...Hi Everyone, Today is Friday -- Freedom Friday and also <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/">SSMT Day</a>! My verse for today is <strong><span style="color:#993300;">Psalm 86:11</span></strong> <span style="color:#993300;"><em>"Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."</em></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">(NIV)</span> Oh, Jesus, how I need an undivided heart to follow hard after you to learn your ways vs. my ways. Also, this Jesus girl is taking a 5-day Journey with Jesus. Making an extra effort to focus my attention on Jesus for the next week. Read about it on <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.com/">Lysa TerKeurst's </a>website. Join me as we travel to depths unknown. Blessings on your day! ~JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-29171810690487128392011-03-16T14:57:00.004-05:002011-03-16T15:31:12.210-05:00SSMT Verse Day - Verse SixHi my Friends ~<br />March 15th is Siesta Scripture Memory Team, Verse 6 Day. Today's actually the 16th and I completely missed blogging March 1st on verse 5, so, today I'll cover both verses.<br /><br />Beth Moore is hosting this on her <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/">LPM blog</a>, where you can read up on it if this is something you'd like to do to get God's word in your heart. It's great to have a group of 4,000+ 'sisters/siestas' to be accountable to along with writing them on our 3x5 index cards. I just went to Walgreens and bought plain 3x5 index cards that were already bound together. It's small enough that I can take it with me in my purse. I plan on making it fancy with some added 'bling'. My verses are:<br /><br /> March 1st, Verse #5: <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>2 Samuel 15:22</strong> <em>Go ahead, march on.</em></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:78%;"></span> March 15th, Verse #6: <span style="color:#993300;"><strong>Proverbs 31:26</strong> <em>She speaks with wisdom and faithful insturction is on her tongue. <span style="font-size:85%;">(NIV)</span></em></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;color:#993300;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Enjoy your day! Blessings ~ Jodie</span>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-18933365838133296842011-03-15T16:18:00.011-05:002011-03-15T16:55:57.808-05:00Tell A Friend Tuesdays - Week FourHi my bloggy Friends,<br /><br />Today is Tuesday - "Tell a Friend Tuesday".<br /><br />It's Week 4 of the Made To Crave webcast re-runs. If you haven't tapped in yet to listen, give it a try today. <a href="http://www.madetocrave.org/">http://www.madetocrave.org/</a> It is running on-demand up to 6am Wednesday EST. Lysa TerKuerst, author of the Made To Crave book, has an awesome teaching on "lifting up our shield of faith". Lysa and her guests offer encouragement that is not only applicable to food cravings but other life struggles, as well.<br /><br /><br />Crave God -- today!<br /><br /><br />Blessings ~ JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-38462689047785085902011-02-25T15:39:00.010-06:002011-02-25T16:01:59.486-06:00Freedom FridaysHi Friends ~ I received this picture and just had to post it! It's so funny, but yet, it so speaks of freedom. To be a kid again - not caring what anyone thinks, along with possibly wearing underpants on my head (LOL) - to being God's kid stepping out and doing what He's called me to do -<br />Yes! that is <span style="color:#000099;">freedom</span>!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577748767028845042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 140px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12zusKRthpjZqfraORmKAUZw-kGt7yyisWIDG1mP-TOAIfMbnSnL8vQ4DoZH5VX1TFD4HM0rntQbRRLMpUrErp03Lv5Kz1KwrwwM-hHqyx9WSrO3zwGPvVwXBW53o_d_yW4s-DfUypX8/s200/Nothing+Screams+Weekend.bmp" border="0" /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Nothing</span> <span style="color:#3333ff;"><span style="font-size:85%;">screams</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">WEEKEND</span></span> <span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-size:85%;">better than underpants on your</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">head</span></span>...<br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3366ff;">Rock On!!! It is Friday!!!!</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Happy Weekend</span>...let your hair hang down, or, better yet, wear something fun! </span><span style="color:#000000;">Blessings! Jodie</span>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-86429988901906835212011-02-22T13:00:00.010-06:002011-02-22T13:45:25.699-06:00"Tell a Friend Tuesdays" - Week OneHi my Friends ~<br />Being that today is "Tell a Friend Tuesday" have I got something to tell you. Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries has authored a book titled, "Made to Crave". It's not a 'diet' book. It's a book that shares her struggle of loosing and keeping lost weight off and how, by filling the cravings we were made with, with God more instead of food, her weight has stayed off. With the release of her book, she helped host 6 weeks of "Made to Crave" live web casts. They were filled with teaching, nutrition information, testimonies, and lots of encouragement. Those have ended, <em>however</em>, every Tuesday for the next 6 weeks - starting today - they will be re-run on demand. Go to <a href="http://lysaterkeurst.com/">Lysa's blog</a> for more info. Go to <a href="http://www.madetocrave.org/">www.MadetoCrave.org</a> to watch the web cast.<br /><br />Enjoy some good encouragement! Crave God Today!!<br />Blessings ~ JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-68807360568863750572011-02-16T09:21:00.011-06:002011-02-16T10:15:24.959-06:00SSMT DAYHi Friends ~<br />February 15th is Siesta Scripture Memory Team, Verse 4 Day. Hosted over at Beth Moore's Living Proof blog. A whole lot of 'Siestas' are memorizing scriptures this year. So on the 1st and 15th of each month I choose a scripture to memorize. We have these 'fancy' little books with 3x5 cards where we write our scripture in and then comment on the LPM blog with our name, city, and scripture we're are memorizing. By writing them down in our 'fancy' book or 3x5 cards they can be easily accessible to pull out and memorize at any time and then we are 'armed' for any attacks the enemy might try to put on us. The blog is a good accountability tool and plus there's a "party" at the end - I love a good party! I started with the Jan 15th post - so I have 3 verses down.<br /><br />Feb 15th Verse: <span style="color:#993300;">Luke 1:37 <em>For with God nothing will be impossible. (NKJ)</em></span><br /><br />There are over 4,000 who signed in yesterday with a verse - wow! Here's the LPM blog link to check it out - click <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/">here</a>. Here is a picture of Beth showcasing the '2011 Siesta' 3x5 booklet. Having a 'fancy' booklet helps make it fun to hide God's word in my heart.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVCHXeUWvs8RJmUfmOBhYcPq6t7HSh420Ljmc5kiYWAvp1AMjOckuoXQk6vH16Nllk6-V8vTMJ7_0I78kCErybYI7OQTeSwV4CceZ5ljzu24BDw2dzsj9YGQCn0GIUbzDj-TcxrZl-74/s1600/beth-siesta-230x300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574318916096413106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 153px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVCHXeUWvs8RJmUfmOBhYcPq6t7HSh420Ljmc5kiYWAvp1AMjOckuoXQk6vH16Nllk6-V8vTMJ7_0I78kCErybYI7OQTeSwV4CceZ5ljzu24BDw2dzsj9YGQCn0GIUbzDj-TcxrZl-74/s200/beth-siesta-230x300.jpg" border="0" /></a> </p><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Blessings on your day today! ~JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-68713556015912378102011-02-14T17:03:00.007-06:002011-02-15T10:51:26.164-06:00Happy Valentines Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlfrFUwb3VF9n-58zR_9d3h78e0TgogBJsLoN630qo4D4vWveKrz9fQXQJrhvS49uKjSjnFD3je_VNT85qguDJniu7Xa2XsvffJfFCdXJdOEP8KfQZQo3Dg6QXpGuwhJ0haf9bF2XkVQ/s1600/UsatKay%2526Floyd-30th_2.13.11.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573685578161116674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirlfrFUwb3VF9n-58zR_9d3h78e0TgogBJsLoN630qo4D4vWveKrz9fQXQJrhvS49uKjSjnFD3je_VNT85qguDJniu7Xa2XsvffJfFCdXJdOEP8KfQZQo3Dg6QXpGuwhJ0haf9bF2XkVQ/s200/UsatKay%2526Floyd-30th_2.13.11.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Happy Valentines Day Everyone! Today is one of my favorite days of the year. This picture of my man and I was taken last night at a 30th anniversary surprise celebration for our Pastor and his wife. Yes, that is an unbrella in my hair - you had to be there!<br /><br />I wrote a Valentines Day poem a few years back and wanted to share that today as well. We are the apple of God's eye and Jesus is our valentine gift to us from God. Blessings! ~Jodie<br /><br /><p>Reflections From A Heart</p><br />What can we say about a day?<br />That sets apart celebrations from the heart?<br /><br />As we watch and play,<br />People say, "I love you" this day.<br />Love notes, flowers, chocolates and gifts<br />Are people amiss?<br /><br />For you see this thing called Love<br />Is sent to us from our Heavenly Father above.<br />Sent so we can truly know<br />A Fathers Love - not woe.<br /><br />For a heart beats - not just because -<br />Created with a purpose that was<br />Fearfully and wonderfully formed from His glove,<br />It's a masterpiece of perfection - a masterpiece of His love.<br /><br />Physical or spiritual - only God knows our heart,<br />Is it chained, lonely, sad - at the end of its' rope?<br />Is it unchained and free - singing songs of hope?<br /><br />It's our spiritual heart that desires - longs to be filled,<br />As we search, seek and find - we are now stilled.<br />It's not the things of this world that quench our innermost thirst,<br />But trust, hope and faith work with putting Him first.<br /><br />So trust in the Lord with all of your heart,<br />Lean not on your own understanding, will be a good start.<br />In all of your ways acknowledge Him,<br />and the light of the Lord will not be dim.<br /><br />You see my friend God wants you to truly know,<br />You are God's valentine - a masterpiece from His heart<br />Love sent from God, never to depart.<br /><br />So what can we say about Valentines Day?<br />It's a day of celebrations - hearts happy and gay.<br />Filled with red Roses and Violets of blue,<br />It's a day of the heart that says, "I love you".<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">~~Writted by Jodie McLagan </span><br /><p></p>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-20100267732980396822010-12-01T16:20:00.005-06:002010-12-01T16:29:25.397-06:00One light bulb short...This morning I was in the bathroom getting ready for work. Just lately this has become an issue as we are 3 bulbs short of a full light fixture...we have no light above our sink as the fixture needs some desperate repair. So, I'm standing in front of the mirror trying to look pretty with just a light from the hallway - not working that great for me, so, I decide to also use the light that's attached to the fan above the shower/bath. Well, more light brought my eyes to a size bigger than they are...what I seen before me was not my pretty face, but, how dirty the bathroom had become. The light opened my eyes to see the dirt...not only the dust 'elephants' but even the little bits of dust that, in the dark, you just don't see.<br /><br />Well, in my pondering of this, there is a lesson.<br /><br />Isn't that what happens when the light of Christ shines in our life - the 'dirt' of sin is exposed. Things that we didn't know as sin are now exposed to us as sin. 'Stuff' hidden in the dark corners of our heart is now under the light of Christ.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#993300;">Psalm 119:130 "The entrance of your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple."</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#993300;">Psalm 119:105 "Your word <em>is</em> a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."</span><br /><br />So what do we do now that the 'dirt' of sin is exposed?<br /><br />We get clean.<br /><br />Just as I let the soap & water wash away the dirt in my bathroom, we are to let the water of the Word of Christ fill our hearts and wash us clean. As we sit under the Light of Christ, confessing & receiving, we become clean.<br /><br />Take a bath -- let the water of the Word wash over you. Enjoy all He has for you today!<br />~JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-43686099824967531912010-10-28T14:29:00.010-05:002010-10-28T16:57:42.570-05:00Only You, Lord......can understand the pain others are going through<br />...can know how to help when I can't<br />...can be the Rock to lean on<br />...can be the lap I climb up into<br />...can be the one who 'hears' my cry<br />...can know the answer when I'm all out of answers<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:85%;color:#993300;"><em>Psalm 34: 7-8 The angel of the Lord encamps 'round about them that fear Him and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!</em></span><br /><br />I am a receptionist and answer phone calls coming into our main switchboard. I work at a company within the mortgage industry. At times I get overwhelmed by the 'cry' I hear within people's voices for help with their mortgage - they need someone to listen to them, to hear what their need is so they do not loose their homes. It seems they are at the end of their rope.<br /><br />What is a little 'o receptionist to do?<br /><br />A little 'o receptionist who knows - only You, Lord have the answers!<br /><br />All I can do is offer them my ears to hear, my voice to soothe, point them in the direction that should help, and pray. Pray that the Lord, who answers all calls for help, would help get them to where they need to go. And as I release their phone call, I release them to You...<br /><br />...only You, Lord.Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-6230145508622574942010-04-15T07:08:00.016-05:002010-04-30T08:12:13.786-05:00I trust...<span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Psalm 119:45</strong> <em>I trust in your word</em>.</span><br /><br />Lord, do I really believe what you say is truth?<br /><br />Until the other day, I thought I <em>really</em> believed His word as truth. Then something happened to cause my faith to falter. Circumstances brought questions of "why" and "how" to my God. Worry and unbelief started to come - it brought me to a place of almost being comatose. I tried to seek words of encouragement. Nothing seemed to satisfy. Then God intervened. It was a God moment. Nothing circumstantial. Because I open mail at my job and because we get a lot of junk mail that's thrown away and because a piece of junk mail came from a ministry I opened it before I was going to throw it. There it was - a CD titled, "He'll Lift You Up". I listened. My spirit soaked in God's word that says He will deliver me, He will rescue me, I will be lifted up.<br /><br />His word is truth -- as if Jesus himself is right here in person speaking to you. He led me to these words...<br /><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Psalm 18:2</strong> <em>The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.</em> </span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000000;">(NASB)</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Psalm 113:7-9</strong> <em>He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, the princes of His people. He makes the barren woman abide in the house as a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord!</em></span> <span style="font-size:85%;">(NASB)</span><br /><br />...I was being lifted up from the pit I had been in. That evening our women's bible study group met. More words of truth came as they each shared scriptures on His rest, His peace, His patience, and His compassion. It was as if He had orchestrated each woman's specific word study for me. I was in awe of His love - for me.<br /><br />My spirit was encouraged. My faith was built up. Yes, His word is true. His promises are for me. I am His daughter, whom He delights in!<br /><br />The next morning I open my devotional, Streams in the Desert (L.B. Cowman), and God had this to share...<br /><span style="color:#663366;"></span><br /><span style="color:#663366;">Streams in the Desert by L.B.Cowman<br /><em>The strength of our faith is in direct proportion to our level of belief that God will do exactly what He has promised. Faith has nothing to do with feelings, impressions, outward appearances, nor the probability of improbability of an event. If we try to couple these things with faith, we are no longer resting on the Word of God, because faith is not dependent on them. Faith rests on the pure Word of God alone. And when we take Him at His Word, our hearts are at peace.</em><br /></span><br />Trust brings us to a place of rest, peace, patience and freedom.<br /><br />Today I choose to rest in the arms of my Heavenly Daddy, to trust. My heart is at peace and my spirit free!<br /><br />Do you trust, <em>really trust</em> God's word? If you struggle, picture Jesus himself standing/sitting right there with you as you read His word - that adds a whole new dimension to devotional time. Ask the Holy Spirit to breath life into God's word as you're reading - He will. He wants us to trust, <em>really</em> trust.<br /><br />Be blessed - be free today!<br />JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-54764138297434138272010-01-28T17:33:00.005-06:002010-01-29T17:27:16.177-06:00He's just a phone call away....<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#993300;">Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and show you many things...</span><br /><br />This scripture keeps coming up in various places. So, I then say, ok, Lord what are You trying to say to me.<br /><br />Call Me<br /><br />Call you, Lord?<br /><br />Yes, Me - I want you to call to Me.<br /><br />And then...<br /><br />I will answer you and I will show you many things...<br /><br />I almost believe He is daring me. If not daring, then wooing me by His Spirit only because I so often forget to call Him, talk to Him - first. I usually call a good friend who knows God's word or who is a strong prayer warrior or who can bring comfort.<br /><br />Why not call Him?<br /><br />He longs for that simple call so He can listen, comfort, show me what He has to say, and cover me with His words of prayer. He is my Daddy - the one who has put His signature on my heart - my life. He looks with affection upon His daughter and He is jealous for my attention - my call.<br /><br />He promises to pick up the phone and answer my call. He wants to talk my ear off - to tell me all sorts of stuff. Many things - many treasures. For me. Yes, me His daughter whom He loves.<br /><br />Words from a song, "You just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll coming running to see you again...".<br /><br />If you haven't called Him in a while - call Him now. Just pick up the phone - He'll answer. He delights in hearing your voice.<br /><br />Sweet conversations....JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-34905739492134575982010-01-05T16:42:00.007-06:002010-01-06T17:39:35.945-06:00Part 2Back to our activity filled days... the 31st ended with a movie and cheer to the new year. The next day we discovered our basement laundry area filled with backed up sewer water due to a huge clog caused by tree roots - surprise! We basically had a small pond in part of the basement. I didn't know whether to grab a paddle or run away. My next thought was, "oh Larry (cat) you probably need your cat box to go potty". So, I "swam" and saved the cat box and our weekend was literally "filled" to the brim with hours of cleanup, etc.<br /><br />In looking back at our New Year's surprise, I'm thinking, "ok, what can I learn from this?". I believe the Lord is saying we need to take care of the "roots". Whatever has taken root in your life, heart that could cause you to "run a muck", has to be cleaned out. We use drain cleaners to clean the small clogs, but, they can become huge clogs if we continue to put junk down the drain that shouldn't go down -- just like our hearts, our lives. If we continue to put the bad stuff - the sin stuff - in without washing it down and cleansing it out with the Word of God and his forgiveness, our hearts clog up, and, before you know it we've "run a muck" and our lives are a mess.<br /><br />Our basement is clean - washed with bleach. If you are finding yourself "clogged up" and "in a mess" spiritually, emotionally, or with just life - turn to Jesus. He is waiting to wash you with His blood, forgive you, love you and make you whole. He loves you so.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#990000;"><em><strong>1 John 1:9</strong> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.</em></span><br /><br />Unclogged and free ~ JodieJodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-7405243110767846292010-01-05T15:17:00.016-06:002010-01-05T17:01:42.275-06:00Moving Forward...One Step at a Time<strong><strong>Welcome 2010 and Happy New Years Everyone!</strong></strong><br /><br />Last year is history. Ahead of us is a new year...365 days of fun-filled, action-packed, why-is-this-happening, glory-filled, orchestrated-by-God kind of days!<br /><br />We are already 5 days into the new year and, so far, it's been action-packed in my world. I'll get back to the action-packed activities tomorrow in part 2 of this post.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;color:#990000;"><em><strong>Isaiah 43:18</strong> Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.</em></span><br /><br />This is one of my favorite verses - the Lord keeps bringing it back to me to dwell on. The Lord is asking me to forget the former things - the good and the bad. He is asking me to not dwell on the heartaches and the "whys". He is asking me to not dwell on "how good" I thought our life was when we had two full incomes. Because, He, my God - my Daddy - the Lover of my soul, is doing a new thing.<br /><br />Yes, He is. It is His Word. It is His Promise.<br /><br />If I am consumed in the past how am I ever going to perceive the "new thing" that He is doing?<br /><br />When I read, "do you not perceive it" I picture the side of a person's face turned, with their hand cocking their ear, listening for His voice. Then I picture scanning the horizon, looking for - expecting - the "new thing" God is bringing.<br /><br />What is this "new thing"?<br /><br />He is making "a way" in the desert and streams in the wasteland - my desert, my wasteland. Where I didn't think there was a way, or a road, my God is making one. Not only is it one road and one tiny stream, but it will be a river. Where I thought I was in this desert & wasteland with no way out and all by myself, He is making a way and bringing others to come along side me.<br /><br />All things are possible in Christ.<br /><br />I don't know what it all looks like today, but I do know His ways are higher than my ways.<br /><br />I have faith. I have hope. I have Christ, my rock and foundation.<br /><br />As long as my eyes & ears are expecting the "new things" I will move forward...one stream, one road, and one step at a time.Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-43327442582282743502009-12-24T15:39:00.014-06:002009-12-24T16:43:29.395-06:00It's Friday, it's Christmas AND Jesus is Coming!Hi Everyone - Merry Christmas!!<br /><br />It's Christmas Eve and I am at work - yes, the company I work at is open all day, so, being at the reception desk I am duty-bound to be here. I have not been happy about this...pretty much talking & complaining about this for most of the week. Prior to the company's reorg, it would close at noon on Christmas Eve. So, how could a company expect employees to be here working when there are preparations to be done, and how am I going to fit church in, all this "stuff" to do, etc. Needless to say, I was not focused on Jesus and what I could do while I'm here, sitting at work, no one else around.<br /><br />Until...God got a hold of my heart today....<br /><br />Reading today's, Encouragement For Today, devotional from <a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/">Proverbs 31 Ministries</a> put it back in focus for me. I really got excited -- something clicked for me! This is my time to focus on Jesus. We will be hosting Jesus in our home - it's Christmas!<br /><br />We are celebrating His arrival!<br /><br />He is coming...to our homes...to our hearts!!<br /><br />Christmas is a party for Him, our King!<br /><br />In the last minute "to dos" take time to not only usher Jesus in to His celebration, but, sit at His feet and allow yourself to be "wrapped" in His love-gift for you. Revel at Who He Is, dwell in His Presence, sense His Peace and proclaim His Joy. We are so honored -- our King is coming! Our King IS coming!! Let us not forget or ignore Him because of the days distractions.<br /><br />Joy to the world the Lord has come!<br />Christmas blessings ~ Love, Jodie & Grant<a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/"></a>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-76126519460517258762009-07-10T06:25:00.002-05:002009-07-10T06:26:44.522-05:00Freedom Friday<div>I do not know who wrote the following, but it was sent to me via email about two years ago when I was facing a possible layoff at the company I worked for. It said so much to me at the time, that I kept it and continue to read it, passing it on to others who could use some encouragement.<br /><br /><font color="#993300">'May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.<br />May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.'<br /></font><br />Peace, trust, contentment, and knowing you are loved by your "daddy" in heaven...these are the stuff that help us to be free...<br /><br />Be blessed and be free today! ~Jodie</div>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974056796429701143.post-71710361834760947532009-07-08T00:17:00.001-05:002009-07-08T00:18:25.213-05:00Streams in the wasteland...Lay aside those 'things' which encumber you - keeping you from who God wants you to be.<br /><br />I am on a quest to lay aside all the 'stuff' that has cluttered my house. I am one of those people who loves to hang on to 'things' - because it reminds me of something good or of someone whom I dearly treasure OR because I just might use it 'someday'. Well, for the most part 'someday' never really happen and all this stuff just piles and piles and piles up. Now, mind you, they are very, very neat piles. I have a little stack here, a little stack there, a pile in this corner and a pile in that corner, a pile in the living room, a stack in the kitchen. They kinda creep up on me. I think, oh, I'll put it here and get to it in a couple of days - a month later I'm totally overwhelmed and don't know where to start in to clean it up. I then get the very noticeable piles - the ones in my way - cleaned up, but then don't get to the little stacks that are in a corner. I seem to never get to those piles. I've had the same piles of paperwork in my office for 3 years - stuff that are remnants of previously piles sorted that I have to 'deal with'. I never seem to have the extra time I know it's gonna take to handle it.<br /><br />I was thinking on this a while back and the Lord showed me it's kinda like this with our hearts - our lives and sin. We deal with the obvious sin committed, confess, ask God for forgiveness, clean it out of our heart. But, then there's the little itty bitty sin or the sin that's not so obvious or the sin that we don't want to admit is there - the sin that we don't want anyone to know about or the sin we don't want to let go of because it's what we know and it's too hard and too much work to dig deep to expose the roots in order to dig it out. It's those corners of our heart that God wants to expose His light to - His word to & clean up. It's in letting go of those little piles of 'stuff' that we want to hang on to which brings us the total freedom we are seeking for.<br /><br />What "stuff" is He asking you to lay aside in order for you to fully experience His freedom? <br /><br /><em>Isaiah 43:18 Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.</em>Jodiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16695580027110865164noreply@blogger.com1