More from Paul David Tripp

I was greatly encouraged by what Paul Tripp has to say regarding Accountability in his book Instrument's In The Redeemer's Hands.

The concept of accountability tends to carry negative connotations. Yet the biblical picture is very loving in at least two ways. First, as we help restore people to where God wants them to be, we are called to "carry each others burdens" (Gal. 6:2). We are also told to fight the deceitfulness of sin by "encouraging one another daily."(Heb. 3:13). We must love people enough to do more than expose wrong, pronounce right, and walk away. Accountability requires a willingness to roll up our sleeves and get alongside people as they fight the war between sin and righteousness.

Yet as people step out in faith, they are often still confused and afraid. They have committed to a new and better way, but they are not yet ready to be on their own. The disciples provide a wonderful example of this phenomenon. They had been with Jesus for three years and seen the glory and power of his presence. They had learned much about the kingdom of God, but in many ways they were still wobbly and uncertain. In his last few moments with them before the cross, Jesus recognized that they were not ready to be on their own. (John 16:12-16). Their fear and confusion at his crucifixion (which Jesus had warned them was coming) reveal what spiritual babies they were. Confused and afraid, they hid together, wondering what to do next. Even after they saw the resurrected Christ, they were still asking wrong questions (Acts 1:7-11). But Jesus didn't leave his wobbly disciples alone. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, encourage, warn, convict, and strengthen them.

God calls us to the same ministry by the power of the same Holy Spirit. He calls us to stand with people as they step out in faith, obedience, and courage. This is the ministry of accountability. It is not about lying in wait to catch them doing wrong. The purpose of accountability is to assist people to do what is right for the long run. It provides a presence that keeps them responsible, aware, determined, and alert until they are able to be on their own. It directs eyes that have just begun to see, and strengthens weak knees and feeble arms. We seek to encourage flagging faith and to keep God's goals before people's eyes. We help them to understand when they need to flee from sin and when they are called to stand and fight.

By contrast, accountability is not about being a private detective, trying to do the work of the Holy Spirit, being someone else's conscience, forcing someone to obey, chasing someone who is running, or looking for someone who is hiding. Accountability provides loving structure, guidance, encouragement, and warnig to someone who is fully committed to the change God is working in his life. The person who makes accountability work is always the person being held accountable. He doesn't see our presence and help as scary or intrusive. He doesn't run and hide from it. Rather, he is glad to know that as others stand with him, God stands with him. Accountability works because he is a seeker, not a runner. The runner doesn't need accountability; he needs rebuke. Accountability is help for those who are committed to change.

Accountability provides help on a practical level in way like these:

1. Accountability provides structure.
   
2. Accountability provides guidance.
3. Accountability provides assistance.
4. Accountability provides encouragement.
5. Accountability provides warning.

Accountability brings ongoing help to the person who is fully committed to the "put off/put on" process.

Food for Thought

Breakfast: What actor/actress would be most believable to play you in a movie? I haven't got a clue.

Lunch: If you were stranded on a lonely beach, what are the five things that you would want to survive? A good book, my laptop with WiFi connection, food, water, and my kids.

Dinner: What terms of endearment does your significant other call you? What do you call them? Don't use them.

Midnight Snack: If you could be a fly on the wall where would you go and why? Again, no clue.

Recipe for the Week (instead of your recipe for life - what is it for just this week)? If you can't say something nice don't say anything at all.

Mama's Happy

It's just the simple things in life that make me happy and David chose to do one of those simple things today. He got his hair cut short for the first time in 2 years. Yes, this Mama is happy!

Don this is for You

My Sunday School teacher and good friend, Don, who frequently reads my blog has double dog dared me to ask my readers to answer the following questions about myself:

1. What dog do I most resemble?

2. What is your favorite zoo animal?

3. What zoo animal reminds you most of me?

I don't think Don is aware that I seldom back down from a double dog dare. So, go ahead answer the questions. Especially you Don. Come on I double dog dare you, scaredy cat.

Fireproof

Yesterday two couples from our church and I went to see the movie "Fireproof". Fireproof not only portrayed what it means to have a Christ-centered marriage, but also had a Christ centered message. The gospel message was clearly presented throughout the entire movie.

It is geared primarily to marriage, however the principles found within the movie can be used in any relationship. Although I am not married I still enjoyed the movie and God spoke to me through it. I would encourage not only married couples, but singles as well to take the time to go see it. It's well worth the money.

Know & Tell: Animal Edition

1. What dog do you most resemble? The Doberman. I'm serious and extremely determined. I display unbeaten loyalty and love to the people I care for, which I might add are rather few. I find it hard to love anyone outside my "comfort zone". I've very watchful and reserved with most things saving my humorous, soft side for those I love. I tend to be fearless in the face of the enemy, but rather cautious in my actions.


2. What is your favorite zoo animal? The monkey. They are just too cute.

3. What zoo animal reminds you most of yourself? The Lion.

4. Do you have any pets? If so, how may, what kind and what are their names? If not, would you like one? I have 2 cats and a dog. The cats are Whiskers and Vanilla. The dog is Bayleigh.

5. Have you ever ridden a horse? Yes, although I wasn't crazy about riding it.

6. Have you ever milked a cow? Yes, when I was really young. I hadn't thought about that in years.

7. Why don't sheep shrink when it rains? There are somethings in life that never cross my mind and this would be one of those.

Food for Thought

Breakfast: Who was your role model growing up? My mom. She was a wonderful example of what a mother/wife should be. She taught me so many things and I have always hoped to be the kind of person she was.

Lunch: Who would you turn to first if you were in desperate need of help? My dad. He's always been the one I could count on no matter what.

Dinner: Are you generally organized or messy? Organized. Messes unnerve me. I am a neat freak.

Midnight Snack: What do you do when you can't sleep at night? Read the book that is beside by bed.

Recipe for this Week (instead of your recipe for life - what is it for just this week?) Don't worry about yesterday, it's in the past.

Who We Are in Christ

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. ~ 1 Peter 1:3-9

Living as an Ambassador

I've been reading through Instrument in the Redeemer's Hand for a while now. It's one of those books that I'm having to move through slowly to absorb all the wonderful nuggets that are found within it's pages. After the 6th chapter Tripp begins to focus on how to live as an ambassador, whether it is in the formal ministry of the local church or personally ministry. The first way to live as an ambassador that Tripp talks about is Love.

Here are just a few of the nuggets that I'm pondering after my reading time today:

• The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their trust in Christ, gather to know and love him better, and learn to love others as he has designed. The church is messy and inefficient, but it is God's wonderful mess - the place where he radically transforms hearts and lives.
• I am deeply persuaded that the foundation for people-transforming ministry is not sound theology; it is love. Without love, our theology is a boat without oars. Love is what drove God to send and sacrifice his Son. Love led Christ to subject himself to a sinful world and the horrors of the cross. Love is what causes him to seek and save the lost, and to persevere until each of his children is transformed into his image. His love will not rest until all of his children are at his side in glory. The hope of every sinner does not rest in theological answers but in the love of Christ for his own. Without it, we have no hope personally, relationally, or eternally.
  
• Paul says, "You are the recipients of Christ's love and nothing can separate you from it." This love offers hope to anyone willing to confess sin and cry out for transformation. Yet this is where we often get stuck. We want ministry that doesn't demand love that is, well, so demanding! We don't want to serve others in a way that requires so much personal sacrifice. We would prefer to lob grenades of truth into people's lives rather than lay down our lives for them. But this is exactly what Christ did for us. Can we expect to be called to do anything else?
  
• We cannot be part of Christ's life-giving work without being willing to lay down our own.

Food for Thought

Breakfast: What is one thing you look forward to each day? Each week? The one thing I look forward to each day is being with my children and having conversations with them. The one thing I look forward to each week is the weekend.

Lunch: Are you a hoarder or a chucker? I'm a chucker.

Dinner: Do your dinner meals consist mostly of home cooked meals, convenience foods (i.e. boxed, frozen, heat & serve, etc.), or fast food? Who does most of the cooking in your home? For the most part we have home cooked meals, except on Wednesday and Friday. I do all the cooking in my home.

Midnight Snack: Has the rising cost of gasoline caused you to restrict, limit, or alter anything in your life? If so what. Not really, which is costing us and altering our bank accounts.

Recipe for this Week (instead of your recipe for life - what is it for just this week?) Letting go doesn't mean giving up, it's accepting things that cannot be.

Her First Meet

Since becoming a freshman this year Angela has joined the high school Cross Country Team. The team had their first meet this afternoon in Lake Placid. She ran the 5k in 31 minutes. Not bad for a first time runner. She improved her time of 36 minutes from last week when they ran the 5k at practice. As the season progresses I have no doubt her times will improve.

Angela's Fifteen

Angela I loved teaching you things when you were a little girl. . .
but did you know how much I was learning from you at the same time?
Seeing your reactions to the world, listening to your fresh new outlooks,
and sharing in things that were important to you taught me a lot about
the responsibilities - and joys - of being a parent. . .
And watching you turn out to be the wonderful young woman you are
has reinforced something that I've known all along -
you're a very special daughter!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Food for Thought

Breakfast: If you were to choose a new name for yourself what would it be and why? Were there any other names your parents almost gave you? When I was younger I would have changed my name to something different, but I can't remember what those names might have been. But now, I don't think I could change my name since I've had it so long.

Lunch: How do you usually spend your Sunday afternoon? Relaxing or napping.

Dinner: What would be your last meal if you were about to walk the green mile? I don't think I'd want anything to eat, I'd be too busy saying "good-byes" to eat.

Midnight Snack: Have you ever broken any bones? Thank goodness NO!

Recipe for this Week (instead of your recipe for life - what is it for just this week?) Friends come and go, but old friends pull at your heart.

Clewiston Middle School Football

Today was the opening game for the Clewiston Middle School Tigers against Jupiter Christian School. The game was played in Palm Beach and it was a beautiful morning to watch a football game. Bubba and I drove over along with the Crawford's, the Thomas', the Houghtaling's, and the Bowers' to watch their sons play. The boys played an excellent game and won 21-0!
BubbleShare: Share photos - Create and Share Crafts

Know & Tell: Sports Edition

1. Do you live for the start of college football? Professional football? Does anyone in your house? Do you know anyone who does? David and I both like college football, but we don't live for it. We look forward to Baseball season much more.
   
2. Did you go to college? If so, what was your mascot? Was/is that your favorite team? If not, what was/is your favorite college team? I didn't go to college. My favorite college team is Florida State (Go Noles) with University of Georgia being my second favorite.
   
3. Have you ever embarrassed yourself at a sporting event? Have you seen someone else embarrass themselves at a sporting event? I didn't embarrass myself at the event, however on the way home I did. I called a running back a right back and a linebacker a left back.
   
4. What is your favorite spectator sport (the one you love to watch live)? Baseball (whether it be pro, college, high school or little league), high school football and soccer.
5. Do you have a sports hero? If so, what makes them special? Nobody comes to mind at the moment
6. What's the most memorable sporting event you have ever watched on television? Watched live? The most memorable was 2004 when the Red Sox won the world series. The most memorable that I watched live was Angela and her soccer team won the State Championship Game in Ocala, Florida in 2005 and in 2006 when the Clewiston Tigers went played in the State Championship game at Pro Player Stadium (although they lost in triple overtime).
7. If you have kids or grandkids, do they play sports? David played baseball when he was in elementary school. Angela has played tee ball, softball, soccer and is now doing Cross Country. She loves playing sports.
   

Friday Feast Turns into Food for Thought

Since the Chef over at Friday Feast has been out of the kitchen for some time now (and may be for a while), a fellow blogger has started her own version until the chef returns. It's basically the same idea with a few changes.

Breakfast: Do you use a day planner, calendar, notebook, computer program, PDA, lists on some random piece of paper, or just totally wing things to stay organized? I have a daily planner, but have not been using it lately. I simply make a "to do list" each day or sometimes for the week. I also use my pocket calendar to keep track of appointments. I have to admit, the daily planner worked much better.

Lunch: What is something that you have too much of? Is it possible for a woman to have too many shoes? Let a man take a peek in my closest and he would tell you I have too many shoes.

Dinner: What is one of the most important qualities you need in a friend? Someone who accepts me for who I am and will be honest.

Midnight Snack: Describe yourself using only three adjectives.
Compassionate
Loving
Honest

Recipe for this Week (instead of your recipe for life - what is it for just this week?) Everyone has things going on in their lives (some good and some not) and we don't always know what they are going through. If the cashier at Wal-Mart is not smiling, a co-worker is ill tempered, a friend is short with you on the phone. . . maybe, just maybe something happened in their life prior to you having contact with them that made them react in this manner. Instead of judging them, pray for them. God knows what they are going through.

Hedge of Protection

Once again we are praying for God to place a hedge of protection around our community as forecasters are predicting another Hurricane on the path to South Florida. Join us in praying that for God's protection and a peace as we watch and wait to see what Ike has in store.

Wordless Wednesday

Ah. . . Simplicity

I miss the simplicity of it all.

Nature of Love

It is not the nature of love to force a relationship but it is the nature of love to open the way.

~ The Shack (pg. 192)

Knowing

So many believe that it is love that grows, but it is the knowing that grows and love simply expands to contain it. Love is just the skin of knowing.

~ The Shack (pg.155)

A Little Bit of This and A Little Bit of That.

Oh the joys of living in Southwest Florida during hurricane season. It has rained everyday, except for yesterday, since last Tuesday. Tropical Storm Fay stopped in town for a visit on Tuesday and gave us a good soaking. Alright it could have been much worse, it was only rain and wind. No damage praise God! It's raining again tonight and I suspect it is because Tropical Storm Gustav is on the horizon. So now eyes are trained on the National Hurricane Center website to keep us updated on what Gustav has in store for us. I'm praying for sunny skies but then I prefer sunny skies over rainy ones any day.

Cooking at Sea with Paula Dean. I've tried for a month now to convince Jim that he should stay home and let me accompany Phyllis on the cruise. Honestly, how much fun can he have on a cooking cruise. He won't budge, so I'm stuck here cooking at home. Maybe he'll find a way to bring Bobby Dean home to help me brush up on my cooking skills.

All in all life is good even if it is raining.

Pictures of Mission Trip

Know & Tell - OCD Edition

1. Do you put the toilet paper on coming over the top or underneath, or does it matter? If someone puts it on wrong do you have to fix it? As long as it gets put on I'm not picky about how it's done.

2. Do you wear shoes in the house? Shoes are the first thing to go once I step inside the house.

3. If something falls out of the dryer when you're folding clothes or putting it in the laundry basket, do you have to rewash it or do you just continue on like nothing happened? Continue on like nothing happened. It's the 10 second rule except with laundry.

4. Which side of the bed do you sleep on? What about in a hotel? Left side, regardless of where I'm at.

5. Do you do everything in the shower in the same order every time? I can't remember what I did in the shower this morning much less what order I did it in.

6. How many times a day do you think you wash your hands? Every time I go to the restroom.

7. What is the first thing you do when you get up in the morning? Brush my teeth, walk the dog, and make coffee. After that it varies.

High School

Where does the time go? Children grow up too fast. It doesn't seem like that long ago that my baby was starting her first day of school. Today she started high school. She's an amazing young lady and beautiful to boot, but then of course I am biases.

Mission Trip

I'm not sure where to start in describing or telling about our first mission trip. It is something that both of us would do again.

On Saturday morning we meet the other mission team members at the church to load the bus and travel to Miami International Airport. We flew out of Miami at 1:05 p.m. and arrived in Managua, Nicaragua at 1:40 p.m. (they are two hours behind us). Once in Managua we went through customs and then to the Best Western Las Mercedes. After checking into our rooms we hired a taxi (actually 3 of them) to take us to a local restaurant. The food was great but very expensive and we were there for 4 hours. We return to the hotel after dinner since we had to get up at 4:00 a.m. to get in line at the airport to fly to Puerto Cabezas. We learned early on that getting up at 4:00 a.m. would become a routine. After standing in line for hours we finally got 10 tickets to Puerto Cabezas. The flight was 2 hours long and very cramped. Once in Puerto Cabezas we were met by Pastor Rafia who took us to the compound where we had lunch and loaded our supplies onto the bus and traveled another hour to the village of Sin-Sin. Once in Sin-Sin we set up our campsite and cooked dinner. Then it was lights out.

Monday morning came early (yes, 4:00 a.m. the generator kicked in and sleeping was not an option). We served the men breakfast , had a morning devotion and then they headed to the work site to begin building. Later in the morning, Angela, Barbara and I went to the work site and helped the men for a while before going back to camp to cook lunch for them. After lunch we relaxed for a while and then went back to help the men again. During the week we had many opportunities to spend with the children that lived in the village. The men would stop working around 5:00 p.m. each day so they could take showers before nightfall. After showers we would eat and have evening devotions before bunking down for the night. That became the routine for the entire week. We enjoyed conversations between all of us and developed deeper relationships with each other.

On Wednesday evening we went to church with the congregation who we were building a church for. Our Associate Pastor had the privilege of preaching that night and did a wonderful job. A translator was translating as he preached. It was wonderful to worship with brothers and sisters in Christ from another nation.

Angela loved playing with the children and every time we would leave the campsite or work site we were followed by a dozen children. Many times they would hold our hands as we walked. One afternoon Angela reached out and tickled one of the girls at the work site. They spent the next hour chasing us and us chasing them just to tickle each other. We were amazed at how the children worked along side the adults and how strong they were. One little boy in particular captured Angela's heart and she wanted to bring him home. She cried on Friday morning as she told him goodbye.

On Friday morning we packed up our campsite. Prior to leaving we had the pleasure of watching three men being baptized in the creek and then we went to the church to pray with the congregation. As we got on the bus it wasn't surprising to see tears in the eyes of the mission team. Those people had touched our hearts.

Although we spent a week camping and what we would consider "roughing" it, we enjoyed every moment of it. To witness people that have no material possessions yet are content in their circumstances made us more aware of how blessed we truly are. Yet at the same time I envy the Miskito people because as you live among them for that week you realize that their source of joy and satisfaction is found in Christ.

Home Sweet Home

We landed at Miami International Airport last night at 9:04 p.m. Once we got through customs we made the 2 hour drive home. We had a wonderful week experiencing a different culture. I will share more about our adventure in a few days.

Know & Tell: Fill in Edition

1. My favorite bedtime attire is sweatpants and t-shirt.

2. The perfect meal would include steak with a hearty side of garlic mashed potatoes and a big glass of sweet iced tea with lemon.

3. The most memorable girl's night out I've ever had was when a group of us went to a women's conference in Tampa and we stayed up the entire night talking.
That was in 1999. I was 33 years old.

4. My earliest memory is of being at my grandparent's home.

5. The family is gone for the evening and I will spend my time reading.

6. Right now I am in Nicaragua.

7. When I am done blogging, I am going to work some more.

Ready or Not

Ready or not we are on our way to Nicaragua. Our flight leaves this afternoon from Miami International Airport at 1:05 p.m. Angela and I both are excited yet nervous as to what the next week holds in store for us. We have looked at the weather forecast for the week and it is supposed to be 60% chance of rain with a high of 95 (the heat index will make it warmer). Pray that the Miskito people would see Christ in us as we minister among them this week.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 7

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15)

Press Forth Toward Your 100 Fold:

Persevere! Press On! Harvest takes time, hang in there. Do not be a woman that starts something and does not finish it before the harvest comes. We have to believe God for His completed work.

Then the angel I had seen standing on the sea and on the land raised his right hand to heaven. And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, "There will be no more delay! But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets." (Revelation 10:5-7)

Press Forth toward being a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 6

As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience. (Luke 8:15)

Retain the Word:
Ask God to give you a word or scripture to sustain you through the day during your quiet time. She suggested that we develop (if we haven't already) a quiet time. She encouraged us to sow God's seed in the morning (Ecclesiastes 11:6) because we have the capacity to learn more first thing.

Retain the Word as you become a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living as Women of Substance : Phrase 5

And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. (Luke 8:14)

Stop the Choke:
Anxiety chokes the Word out of us. Philippians 4:6 tells us to not be anxious for anything. When we are anxious it is then that we need to hear God's Word, if we are worrying we aren't going to hear God's Word because it is being choked out. We are called to be warriors not worriers.

Also if we are immature we will want the "riches & pleasures" of this world and the Word of God will be choked out of our lives. True riches and pleasures are found in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:5-8).

Stop the choke. We will never become a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact if we allow anxiety to rule.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 4

And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. (Luke 8:13)

Dig Roots:
My roots are as deep as I am convinced of the Father's love for me. Roots are developed in LOVE! We must know that we know that we know that we are loved by the Father. Never forget the song "Jesus Loves Me this I know for the Bible Tells Me So".

We will never bear fruit above if we don't have roots below. (2 Kings 19:29-31).

Dig roots in Christ so that, through the Spirit, you become a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 3

And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.. (Luke 8:13)

Expect the Test

Being a Christian does not mean that we will not have trials and temptations. However, whatever temptation we face God will always provide a means of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). The trials we face (go through) is a refining process to prove us genuine resulting in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed (1 Peter 1:7).

The Greek word for testing is "peirasmos". It means trials (God) to make us stand and temptations (Satan) to make us fall.

Psalm 126:5-6 tells us that those who sow God's seed in tears will reap with shouts of joy!

Beth told us to be genuine. Our kids don't expect us to be perfect but they do expect us to be real!

The testing is God's way, through the Spirit, to refine us into a "woman of substance" that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 2

The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. (Luke 8:12)

Protect Your Heart:

Satan comes to destroy. God gives us His Word and it is not up for grabs! Hide God's Word in your heart. Look for a minute at these two contrasting verses:

Luke 8:12 "in order that they may not" (Satan)

John 10:10 "I have come that you may have" (Christ).

Satan robs us of everything thing, while Christ (when we place our trust and faith in Him) gives us all good things.

I was reminded of the lyrics in the Hymn "Come Thou Fount of Ev'ry Blessing" that says. . . Here's my heart, oh, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.

Protect your heart so that, through the Spirit, you become a woman of substance that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living as Women of Substance: Phrase 1

He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that," 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.' (Luke 8:10)

Treasure the Wonder:
God wants to reveal Himself to us through His Word. There are mysteries concerning the kingdom of God. All Scripture is God breathed and God desires to speak to us. As we grow in a more intimate relationship with Him, he will reveal more about his self to us. He has given us His Word so that we will be competently complete! As we treasure the word, we are becoming, through the Spirit, women of substance that will live a life of maximum impact.

Living Proof Live Simulcast Recap

As they went from town to town, a lot of people joined in and traveled along. He addressed them, using this story: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. Some of it fell on the road; it was tramped down and the birds ate it. Other seed fell in the gravel; it sprouted, but withered because it didn't have good roots. Other seed fell in the weeds; the weeds grew with it and strangled it. Other seed fell in rich earth and produced a bumper crop. (100 fold)

"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

His disciples asked, "Why did you tell this story?"

He said, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom—you know how it works. There are others who need stories. But even with stories some of them aren't going to get it:

Their eyes are open but don't see a thing,
Their ears are open but don't hear a thing.

"This story is about some of those people. The seed is the Word of God. The seeds on the road are those who hear the Word, but no sooner do they hear it than the Devil snatches it from them so they won't believe and be saved.

"The seeds in the gravel are those who hear with enthusiasm, but the enthusiasm doesn't go very deep. It's only another fad, and the moment there's trouble it's gone.

"And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun.

"But the seed in the good earth—these are the good-hearts who seize the Word and hold on no matter what, sticking with it until there's a harvest.

Luke 8:4-15 (The Message)

I cannot begin to describe the blessing it was to be one of the 70,000 women in 715 locations around the world via simulcast. I want to share what I learned from Beth Moore over the past two days, however I'm not going to do it all in one post. But I will give you something to nibble on tonight.

Beth began Friday night by speaking from Luke 8:1-15. She started by telling us that if we were in Christ we are "women on substance". She pulled this from the phrase in Luke 8:3b "These women were helping to support them out of their own means." Now this phrase means that these women had some wealth. Beth went on to explain that we are "women of means" or "women of substance" (King James version) in the Spirit and in order to be "women of substance" and to live with maximum impact (a 100 fold harvest in our lives), we must learn to hear God's word speak to us. She gave us 7 phrases to help us remember over the course of Friday night and Saturday morning.

Over the next week, I will share those 7 phrases. In the meantime pray that the Word that was heard by 70,000 would take root in the lives of those women and that each one would live as a woman of substance and live a life of maximum impact.

Know & Tell

1. Which is worse: speaking to a large crowd or working under an impossible deadline? Speaking to a large crowd. Believe it or not as much as I enjoy talking I get nervous when speaking in large groups. Oops now I just informed everyone how to get me to shut up!

2. Could you work with your best friend? Yes.

3. Do you eat seafood? Yes, one of my favorites!

4. What is the worst thing you have ever eaten? Raw Oysters!

5. Which would make you feel more appreciated by your DH/SO: bringing home flowers, doing a chore without being asked, or asking you on a "date"? Any of them. But the "date" would win out because it's time spent with each other.

6. What is something fun you are going to do today? I'm going to Ft. Myers tonight for a Beth Moore Simulcast.

7. What qualities do you look for in a friend. . . in other words, what causes you to really "click" with someone? Honest, trustworthy and being themselves. I don't "click" with people that pretend to be someone they aren't.

Living Proof Live Simulcast

I'm going to the Living Proof Live Simulcast with Beth Moore this weekend at McGregor Baptist Church with two other ladies from our church. Beth will actually be live in Kentucky however through technology women all over the country will be able to hear Beth (live) as she teaches God's Word. I'm sure I will have many treasures to share next week!

Friday Feast

• Appetizer: If you learned today you were going to die tomorrow, name three things you would do. CRY. . . not because I'm afraid of dying, but I would be sad knowing my time with my children, my family, and my friends was going to end. Second, pray that the doctors were wrong and ask God for a miracle. Third, hold my children in my arms until my appointed time came.
  

• Soup: What is your very first memory? Sitting on my grandparents porch in the porch swing with my grandfather while he played "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" on the harmonica.

• Salad: Name one service you are willing to pay for and one you are not. Willing to pay for a manicure not willing to pay for housekeeping.

• Main Course: Do you make your bed every day? Yes, if I could only get my kids to do the same.

• Dessert: Name the most significant thing you learned this week. That I take for granted the luxuries we have in America. Learned this just trying to prepare for the mission trip I will be going on. I'm sure once I get back that lesson will be even more significant.
  

Bread of Life

Tonight I listened to Justin Childers sermon on John 6:30-40. His sermon is talking about how Jesus secures and satisfies. These are just a few of the things that struck me as I listened .

1. The book of John as a display case of God's glory. What an awesome way to picture God's Word.
   
2. A quote of John Piper regarding why we don't hunger for God. The reason we lack a hunger for God is that we are filling ourselves with the stale bread of the world.
3. God not only gave his Son for us, but God also gave us to his Son.
4. This quote from Charles Spurgeon:

   It is always the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus. But Satan’s work is just the opposite; he is constantly trying to make us look at ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you do not have the joy of His children; you have such a wavering hold on Jesus.”

   All these are thoughts about self, and we will never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self; He tells us that we are nothing, but that Christ is everything. Remember, therefore, it is not your hold of Christ that saves you- it is Christ that saves you- it is Christ, it is not your joy in Christ that saves you- it is Christ’s blood and merits.

   Therefore, do not look so much to your hand with which you are grasping Christ as to Christ; do not look to your hope but to Jesus, the source of your hope; do not look to your faith, but to Jesus the founder and perfecter of your faith. We will never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our deeds, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we are to overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking to Jesus.” Keep your eye simply on Him; let His death, His sufferings, His merits, His glories, His intercessions be fresh upon your mind. When you waken in the morning look to Him; when you lie down at night look to Him. Do not let your hopes or fears come between you and Jesus; follow hard after Him, and He will never fail you.

To listen to this sermon in it's entirety click here. It's the sermon from July 13.

Our First Mission Trip

A week from this Saturday Angela and I will board a plane to travel to Managua, Nicaragua along with 8 other people from our church for a mission trip. Once in Managua we will spend the night at the Best Western before boarding a "puddle jumper" (as Angela refers to it) the next morning that will take us into Puerto Cabezas. We will spend a week in the village of Singsin (about an hour outside of Puerto Cabezas) helping to build a typical church building. We will be camping in tents, sleeping on cots and cooking in a field kitchen. Camping out all week will be quite the experience. The closest the two of us have come to camping (well it's been at least 20 years for myself) is the Holiday Inn.

Our missionaries are Jim & Viola Palmer. They have been Baptist missionaries for 24 years. They served ten years in Honduras and then were the first missionaries returning to Nicaragua after the civil war, where they served for nine years. In 1990, they began ministering to the Miskito people of the Atlantic Coast. Jim and Viola have worked with Work and Witness volunteers their entire missionary career. Due to some health concerns, Jim and Viola will not be stateside when we arrive. However, Jim has assured us that we will be in very capable hands.

In preparation for our trip we have been doing research about the area where we will be. Here are some of the things that we found interesting:

1. We will be working with the Miskito people. They are a traditional indigenous people who live as subsistence farmers and fishermen in small villages of the lowland rain forest of Nicaragua and Honduras.
   
2. The Miskito people live across a large area known as The Mosquito Coast("La Mosquitia") which is located on the northeast coast of Nicaragua and the East Coast of Honduras.
   
3. The two major towns of Puerto Cabezas and Puerto Lempira serve as communication centers with the outside world.
   
4. The Coco River (Wangki), one of the largest rivers of Central America, is considered to be the heartland of the Miskito people.
5. Health care is limited or non existent in most villages. Infant mortality is high and life expectancy is low.
   
6. The Miskito people live in close family units in small autonomous villages. Each village has a leader who serves to settle differences. There is little sense of personal property and land is not owned or sold.
   
7. Families plant common field crops of rice, beans, and yucca and gather native grown bananas and plantains.
   
8. There are government schools in larger villages and Spanish is taught after the third grade. Due to economic hardships many children do not attend school.
9. The Miskitos were originally animistic in their religious practices. In spite of several centuries of exposure to Christianity many people have retained their animistic practices. Village shamans serve as healers, diviners and exorcists.
10. The majority of the Miskito people have never heard an appropriate presentation of the Gospel in their heart language. The lack of scripture in the Miskito language has been a major barrier for the Gospel. Although there are several Baptist and other evangelical churches, none has had the sufficient growth or success necessary to impact the majority of the Miskito population.
11. Central American Christians consider smoking and the use of alcoholic beverages inappropriate behavior.
    
12. Playing cards, dancing, and playing pool are all considered to be worldly activities and not appropriate Christian behavior.
    
13. Police are suspicious of anyone with a tattoo (they are seen as tags for gangs).
    
14. Primitive conditions for bathing and restroom practices. Not uncommon to observe people bathing in rivers or urinating by the side of the road.
15. Miskito women will breast-feed or bath without tops and would think nothing of showing their breast but would never show their thighs. In public, men wear long pants.
    
    

We covet your prayers as we embark on this wonderful experience. Although we at times are apprehensive about the trip, we are looking forward to the opportunity to work and meet brothers and sisters in Christ in Nicaragua, as well as experience a lifestyle and culture different from our own while sharing the Gospel. At times of apprehensive we remind ourselves that we have nothing to fear because we know that God has promised to be with us and to supply all our needs.

Beach Birthday

To celebrate David's birthday we drove back over to Siesta Key for the weekend. With David's work schedule he doesn't get many weekends off, but he swapped hours with a co-worker so he would have this past weekend off. We had a blast with Jim, Phyllis, Linda and Annie this weekend playing in the ocean and riding the jet ski.

Happy 19th Birthday

Today is David's 19th birthday! It's hard to believe that the little 7lb 6oz baby boy that I held in my arms 19 years ago has grown, so fast, into the young man that he is today. Each day has been a joy as I've watched you grow and mature. I pray that as you continue to grow older that you will grow to love the Lord more and that your life will be one that glorifies him!

A Weekend at Siesta Key

On Thursday evening Angela and I loaded the van and drove to Siesta Key to spend the weekend with at Fisherman's Cove with Jim and Phyllis. Our time with Jim and Phyllis is always wonderful, but this weekend was especially nice being at the beach with them. Thank you guys for having us.

My Life in a Picture

Friday Feast

• Appetizer: When was the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed? I think it was in May.

• Soup: Name one thing you miss about being a child. Spending time with my Ma-Ma and learning so many different things from her.
  

• Salad: Pick one: butter, margarine, olive oil. Butter. . . the most fattening and non-healthy.

• Main Course: If you could learn another language, which one would you pick, and why? Something about a southern girl's drawl that just doesn't do well speaking any other language.

• Dessert: Finish this sentence: In 5 years I expect to be… a empty nester.
  

Chinese Proverb

I was reminded today of a Chinese Proverb I once heard. . .

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.

Baking 101

We went out to Jim & Phyllis' this afternoon to enjoy a delicious meal and fellowship with other friends (the Stacy's, the Scheffler's, and the Ramer's). As usual the meal was awesome and laughter filled the room.

After dinner, Angela and Jeri Lynne looked through cookbooks and found a recipe for Peanut Butter Blossoms. Of course that meant a trip to the grocery store before coming home to get the ingredients they needed to bake them. After all their hard work the Peanut Butter Blossoms were ready to eat!

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Prep: 25 minutes
Oven: 350 degrees
Bake: 10 minutes per batch
Makes: about 54 cookies

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
milk chocolate kisses or stars (about 54)

Preheat oven to 350. In large mixing bowl beat shortening and peanut butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add the 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg, milk, and vanilla until combined. Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer. Stir in any remaining flour.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll balls in the 1/4 cup sugar. Place 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm and bottoms are light brown. Immediately press a chocolate kiss into each cookie center. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

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Happy Birthday, America!

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." --Declaration of Independence as originally written by Thomas Jefferson, 1776.

Sonny's Burns

This morning one of our favorite restaurants in town caught on fire. No more baby back ribs.

What's Up with That ?

Our community was shocked this week as Governor Crist and US Sugar (the major employer in the city) announced a $1.75 billion deal with US Sugar to sell its nearly 300 square miles of land (along with other assets) to Florida for Everglades restoration. Many residents and workers are pondering life in a company town without a company and wondering how the community will survive.

The sale of the nation's largest producer of cane sugar means 1,700 workers will be left jobless, not to mention the spinoff effects on Clewiston businesses that depend on them as customers. U.S. Sugar is the heart of Clewiston, literally -- the town is built around the company's two-story red brick headquarters, and the mill is just down the road.

The mood around town is a mixture of anxiousness, anger and fear. We are facing the unknown. There are those that are looking on the bright side and I guess that is a good thing. I worry about the 1,700 people that will be without jobs in 6 years and those of us that do not work directly for US Sugar but will feel the effects in some way or another.

My biggest question (aside from where will these people find jobs and how will this town survive) is how does Crist justify cutting our education budget and then make an announcement such as this. What's more important Charlie our children or the everglades?

Know & Tell

• If a five dollar bill magically appeared on your door step at the beginning of the day, every day what would you do with it? Put away for emergencies.
  

• Tell us about your favorite teacher from elementary/middle school/high school. You expect me to remember that far back. . . for the life of me I can't recall a favorite. I do remember my 9th grade English Literature teacher as being funny due to the brandy she put in her thermos of coffee every day. By the time I had her at the end of the day she was pretty lit.
  

• If you could make one person disappear for good, who would it be? I'm drawing a blank. Someone like Hitler.

• Do you believe in fairies? No.

• What era is your favorite for music? The 60's - 80's.

• Have you ever, or would you ever, have cosmetic surgery? Have never had it nor do I think I ever would unless medically necessary.
  

• If you had to change your name, what would you change it to? I'm satisfied with my name. The only reason I would need to change it would be if I got re-married and I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon.
  

Friday's Feast

Appetizer: What is the weather like today where you live? We are currently in our rainy season. . . afternoon thunderstorms almost every day.

Soup: On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how career-minded are you? My family is much more important to me than any career so I'll say a 4.

Salad: What type of window coverings do you have in your home? Blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.? Blinds

Main Course: Name something that instantly cheers you up. My children and e-mails from my best friend.

Dessert: How many times do you hit the snooze button on a typical morning? At least once, depends on how well I slept the night before.

Know & Tell

• Which is your favorite season? Why? I love summer and the freedom it brings to our schedule. Not to mention that is when we are more likely to do spontaneous things.
  

• Are you a bikini or one piece gal? Do the same rules apply to your daughter, if you have one? One piece gal. I haven't worn a bikini since I was my daughter's age. As for my daughter, she prefers a bikini. She is very good about the modesty issue and will find one that covers her body.



• What is your favorite summer getaway? Beach? Lake? Mall? Indoor ice skating? Why? The beach, but unfortunately we live 2 hours away from one so we don't get to go very often.
  


• You're on a sandy beach, looking out at a perfectly blue ocean. The weather is perfect. What's on the table next to you? What book are you reading? Who is sitting next to you? What are you drinking? On the table next to me is sunscreen. I'm reading the latest James Patterson book. My daughter is sitting next me and I'm drinking sweet iced tea or water.



• Do you tan? If so, are you an all-natural tanner or do you go to a salon? I go to the salon otherwise I burn and peel.



• What is your favorite summer clothing? Flip flops, shorts and a t-shirt.



• You're suddenly able to transport yourself to any summer in your past. What year would you choose to be in? 1998. That summer will always be special to me.
  

Friday's Feast

Appetizer:If you could live on another continent for 1 year, which one would you choose? Europe

Soup: Which browser do you use to surf the Internet? Mozilla Firefox.

Salad:On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being highest), how much do you know about the history of your country? Not as much as I should know, 5.

Main Course: Finish this sentence: Love is… patient, kind, it doesn't envy, it doesn't boast, it isn't proud. It is not self-seeking, it is not rude, it keeps no record of wrong doing, it is not easily angered. It doesn't delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. Love protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.

Dessert: Have you ever been in or near a tornado? I've seen funnel clouds but thankfully I've never been in or near a tornado.

Vacation Bible School - Day 3

Tonight is our final night of Vacation Bible School. It has been a fun, exciting, and at times tiring week. It has been awesome teaching have enjoyed having the the 2nd grade about Jesus this week. Tomorrow we will take down all the decorations to pass on to another church and pack away all the supplies.

After I leave work, Angela and I are headed to Miami to spend time with Tom. We are looking forward to the time we will have with him. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Vacation Bible School - Tuesday

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Vacation Bible School

For the first time in 11 years our church is having Vacation Bible School in the evening. This has given me and others that work the opportunity to serve in this area of ministry. I am having a wonderful time helping in 2nd grade. Angela is helping with the 3-6 grade crafts and David is helping out wherever he is needed on the nights he is not working. Angela and I went down on Sunday afternoon and decorated the craft room along with Dusty, Ken and Heather. After we got the craft room decorated we helped Heather decorate the 5 & 6 grade classroom. Thankfully, Lori had already decorated the 2nd grade classroom earlier in the week.

Monday night was our first night. Considering that most of the workers and children are accustomed to a 4 hour schedule and we are on a 2 and 1/2 hour schedule things ran very smoothly and the children enjoyed themselves.

As the week progresses I will post more pictures, but here are some from the first night.
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Another Thought on Father's Day

As I have thought about Father's Day today it occurred to me that my children have sadly, due to divorce, not experienced the same type of relationship with their father as I have with mine. As I reflected on that today I thought of men that have in some way contributed to being a male role model to them throughout their life. While thinking of men that have been a part of their lives, I thanked God that in the absence of their father he placed men in their lives to teach them things that as a woman I could not possibly teach them and I also praised God that both my children know Him as their heavenly Father.

A few of those that come to mind are: Granddaddy J.M., Uncle Andy, Uncle Lamon, Uncle Robert, Uncle Ken, Tom, Jonathan, Tim, Brian, Joshua, Bubba, Jim, Sean, Don, George, Larry, Jason, Richard, Bill, Hueland, and Frank. These men have at various times and in various ways touched their lives for the better.

So to these men and all those in the world that touch a child's life even if they aren't their father, I say thank you. You may not realize the time you invest in a child's life makes a difference.

Happy Father's Day

. . . to the man with whom I compare every other man in the world.



I wouldn't be the person I am today if not for you. You have shown by example what it is to be a man through being a son, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Your love, encouragement, discipline (and boy did this girl need it through the years), and support are just some of the ways that you have taught me to be the woman I am today.

As I have watched and admired you throughout the years I have always known that you are a man that loves God and his family. Thank you Daddy, for being the man you are and being such an loving, caring and supporting Dad. I'm proud to be your baby girl!

Know & Tell

1. Are you a procrastinator or do you get things done? I get things done. I like to plan out my week and know what has to be accomplished.

2. What is the worst thing you have ever eaten? Raw Oysters, I still cringe at the thought of them.

3. What is your favorite movie, and why? Ghost. It's just an awesome love story.

4. What one physical feature would you want to change about yourself? My legs and thighs. I'd like them to be longer and thinner.

5. Would you rather travel the world, or travel through space? Travel the world.
There is so much of just the United States alone that I haven't seen, not to mention other countries.

6. Favorite cell phone feature: camera or texting? The camera, because I'm always forgetting mine.

7. Sports car or SUV? Neither, I like my mini van!

Friday Feast

Appetizer: Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist? I tend to be more of a pessimist. This is something I've working very hard to change about myself.

Soup: What is your favorite color of ink to write with? I've never really given it much thought. I write mostly with black ink.

Salad: How often do you get a manicure or pedicure? Do you do them yourself or go to a salon and pay for them? I get a manicure twice a month and I pray to have it done. It's the one treat to myself that I enjoy. I've had one pedicure that I paid for.

Main Course: Have you ever won anything online? If so, what was it? I've never won anything (online or otherwise).

Dessert: In which room in your house do you keep your home computer? I have a laptop, so it moves from room to room. Most of the time it's in the living room.

Beach Wedding

This past weekend Angela and I went to Jacksonville for a wedding of our dear friend, Hillary. Hillary and Brandon chose to get married on the beach and the weather was beautiful (not to hot). I had never been to a beach wedding but enjoyed having the privilege of joining them on this special day in their lives.

Prior to the wedding on Saturday we enjoyed lounging on the beach for an hour and then spending the rest of the afternoon enjoying the pool at the hotel. Needless to say, both of us were a bit red for the wedding that evening.

Here's some pictures from our weekend.

Know & Tell: Friend Edition

1. Who would you rather be for a day: your best friend or your worst enemy? If I have a worst enemy, I am not aware of it. I'd choose to be my best friend. To have the wisdom and knowledge that he has would be a great asset.

2. Could you work with your best friend? Yes. In the past I have worked with one of my best friends and it was great.

3. Do you think it would be a blast or a nightmare to blog with a friend? I don't have a clue.

4. Could you share an email account with any of your friends? E-mail accounts are not something I'd share with my friends. That would be like sharing your underwear. The only instance I can think of that I would share an email account would be if I was married.

5. You have a day to take a friend out and have fun. Describe the day. If it were actually financial feasible I'd make us an appointment to be pampered at spa for the day. But I don't see that happening anytime soon.

6.Could you switch lives with a good friend? What would you find to be better/easier/nicer than your own life, and what would be really difficult for you? I have no desire to switch lives with anyone. We tend to think that the grass is greener on the other side, but once you get there you find out it's not.


Bonus Non-Friend Related Question:

• Are there any of these products you might be willing to eat? I'd starve to death first.
  

Friday Feast

Appetizer: When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup? I prefer soda over ice.

Soup: What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch? I don't watch much television, but occasionally I will watch CSI on Thursday night. It comes on at 9:00 p.m. so I'm up anyway.

Salad:Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant. Niagara Falls, Canada. It is absolutely astonishing to see the falls. How anyone could not admit there is a God after seeing them is beyond me.

Main Course: Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas? Being that I live less than 5 miles from my office it isn't like I spend much gas going to work compared to how much others spend. I would be willing to work the 4 10-hour days though, it makes for a 3 day weekend!

Dessert: If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself? Me a superhero. . . give me a break!

Fill Me Lord

Fill me with the fruits of Your Spirit, Lord.

Fill me with love, so that I seek to understand and appreciate the rich variety and diversity of life that surrounds me.

Fill me with joy, so that I celebrate Your presence in each and every moment I am on this earth.

Fill me with peace, so that I know how to ease those angry and sometimes violent urges that well up inside of me.

Fill me with patience, so that I stop rushing long enough to witness Your miraculous work taking place all around me (and within me!)

Fill me with kindness, so that I take the extra time to help the one in need, even when it isn't convenient for me.

Fill me with faithfulness, so that I place my mind, heart and all that I do in the service of Your Will.

Fill me with gentleness, so that others know that I believe in a God who loves and cares for all people.

Fill me with self-control, so that I act not on my impulses and urges, but rather on my beliefs and values, which are rooted in You.

Fill me with these fruits of Your spirit, Lord!