B90, Day 27: God performs many miracles through Elisha

>> Saturday, July 31, 2010

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:14

14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.


This "day" was officially finished on August 2, 2010.

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Book Review: Family, by Karen Kingsbury

Family, by Karen Kingsbury

Challenges: 100+ Books, Support Your Local Library, Summer Reading Program


Due to strained reading schedule this "review" is from the Karen Kingsbury Website:

A Sensational Trial

Katy Hart travels to Los Angeles to testify against the knife-wielding fan who tried to kill her. She is hunted by paparazzi who figure out that she is the mystery woman photographed with Hollywood movie star Dayne Matthews. Tension and pressure build to a dangerous level as Katy and Dayne seek private moments amidst the frenzy. In the end, Dayne’s celebrity life makes Katy certain that a future with him is all but impossible.

A Life-Changing Decision

As the trial comes to a close, Dayne searches for answers he cannot seem to find. Not until he talks to his childhood friend does he realize his desperate need for wisdom and direction. Ultimately his journey leads him to an isolated beach where God makes Dayne’s future as clear as the waters of Cancun. But can he live with the decision God places before him?

A Stunning Discovery

Landon and Ashley Baxter Blake are celebrating the happiest days of their lives, enjoying Cole and their newborn son. But Ashley cannot find peace until she finds her older brother—the firstborn Baxter sibling. Her constant questions to her father, John Baxter, have netted nothing. Now she receives news that rocks her world and threatens to end her search in heartbreaking finality.



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B90, Day 26: Elijah taken to heaven alive

>> Friday, July 30, 2010

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:11

11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.


This "day" was officially finished on August 2, 2010.

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Bug understands the library concept!

>> Thursday, July 29, 2010

So today, BFF asked me if I wanted to drive her to the Library to take her test.

(Explanation: BFF does online college through a REAL land based university in another state most of the way across the country, this uni requires her tests to be proctored, and our local Library provides this service for her!)

She wanted me to drive her so she could study a little more. I asked her if she had my book to return to the Library, and ran to grab my other things to take to read my Bible and book while she tested for an hour or more.

When I was in the office grabbing my stuff, Bug came in and grabbed the "girls" library books that I'd borrowed earlier in the week. She followed me back to the living room and tries to give them to me. She tells me "Mommy, get other books please." You could have knocked me over with a feather!!! She got the concept that the books are NOT hers, they are borrowed, and to get NEW books, those go BACK first!!!

She got a little upset when I told her no, that we hadn't had them very long and everyone wanted to read them still. But then I convinced her to read to her stuffed doggy and promised that next week on Monday, when Aunt "BFF" goes to the Library again, she would get new books for them. :) She seemed satisfied by this.

I just love that my baby girl is already showing a love for books and the library.

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B90, Day 25: Sometimes it's just not your job, not matter how badly you want to do it.

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:18-19

18 But the LORD said to my father David, 'Because it was in your heart to build a temple for my Name, you did well to have this in your heart. 19 Nevertheless, you are not the one to build the temple, but your son, who is your own flesh and blood—he is the one who will build the temple for my Name.'



This "day" was officially finished on August 1, 2010.

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Post Crossing: waiting on postcards

>> Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Well, my 5 postcards have been on their way for a few days now. I dropped them in the mail box on Sunday. Each postcard cost me $0.45. The postage for each international one was a whopping $0.98!!!! OUCH. But this is so worth it! I've asked BFF to consider letting me sign up her oldest three children if I pay for the costs, to help benefit their homeschooling in a real world way. I can see real potential for geography and world studies through this. Amazing how much one little postcard can do...

Where is the country on the map?
How far is it from here?
What continent is it on?
What other countries are around it?
What is the commonly spoken language?
Identify the country flag.
Depending on the postcard, do some simple research about the subject of the postcard and write or give a report on it.

And they could give the recipient of their post cards a trivia fact about OUR area, teaching them new things about the place they live in.

I offered to foot the bill for up to one post card PER WEEK PER CHILD. For now this is three post cards a week on top of my own. :) I'm a little nuts. :) It's for a good cause!!!

Okay, off to do some reading and eagerly await some post cards!!!

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B90, Day 24: God directed wisdom

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:24-28

24 Then the king said, "Bring me a sword." So they brought a sword for the king. 25 He then gave an order: "Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other."

26 The woman whose son was alive was filled with compassion for her son and said to the king, "Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!"
But the other said, "Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!"

27 Then the king gave his ruling: "Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother."

28 When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.



This "day" was officially finished on August 1, 2010.

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Book Review: Found, by Karen Kingsbury

Found, by Karen Kingsbury

Challenges: 100+ Books, Support Your Local Library, Summer Reading Program

I am really behind on reading #B90Days (twitter type) and in the interest of catching up there am foregoing my OWN review of the book. Here is the synopsis from Karen Kingsbury's Website, karenkingsbury.com :

A Desperate Search

Driven by his wife’s dying wish—to find their firstborn son—John Baxter sets about the search of a lifetime. His prayer? That Elizabeth’s wish would be fulfilled before the upcoming Baxter family reunion. One strange turn follows another, but John confides in a new friend and continues to look for his son. When the answers finally come, they shake John to his core. Will he agree to walk away and keep the secret of a lifetime, or will he decide it’s time to let the truth come to light—no matter the cost?

A Tragic Loss

Dayne Matthews is questioning his adoptive parents’ faith when he receives crushing news. He was ready to take on the responsibility of having a family, but now the future is drastically altered and Dayne is desperate for answers. Wisdom and comfort come from visits with a long-lost friend and then with Katy Hart, the girl Dayne can’t seem to forget. But will Dayne find the strength he needs to face a future laced with loss, and will that strength lead him to the greatest love of all?

A Terrible Storm

As the Baxters come together, the reunion is overshadowed by a miracle in their midst. But just as quickly, tragedy comes to Bloomington. Ashley is eight months pregnant and in the early stages of labor when a tornado rips through the community, leaving one family missing and destroying homes throughout the area. What will Dayne Matthews do when he hears about the storm? Will he finally find peace in a God he has been running from all his life?

A story of God’s divine leading and the truth that God rewards those who seek Him with all their heart.

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B90, Day 23: The Lord is my Rock!

>> Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:2

2 He said:
"The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;


This "day" was officially finished on July 30, 2010.

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B90, Day 22: Equal Shares

>> Monday, July 26, 2010

Scriptures: 1 Samuel 30:23-24

23 David replied, "No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. 24 Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike."


This "day" was officially finished on July 30, 2010.

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B90 Week Four Check-in

I am a GREAT procrastinator. I SHOULD be reading, I am a full week behind. But what am I doing. I'm sitting on the computer. After reading the week's check in post though I'm going to make this short and sweet. I didn't finish in the January group because I let life get in the way. Yes, a lot was happening, but it boiled down to ME. I couldn't be bothered to carve out the time in my days for this. And I sit here doing it again. Letting Satan take this away from me, day after day.

I am working on Day 16 right now, I should be working on Day 22. My goal is to have the numbers not so far apart by the next check in. That is it. Nothing more. :)

Off I go to read while the house is still quiet!!! :)

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B90, Day 21: God looks at your heart, not the outside

>> Sunday, July 25, 2010

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:7

7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."


This "day" was officially finished on July 29, 2010.

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B90, Day 20: Heavenly King vs Earthly King

>> Saturday, July 24, 2010

Scripture: 1 Samuel 8:6-7

6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.

This "day" was officially finished on July 29, 2010.

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B90, Day 19: A good deed does not go unnoticed, by man OR God

>> Friday, July 23, 2010

Scripture: Ruth 2:11-12

11 Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."


This "day" was officially finished on July 28, 2010.

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Post Crossing

>> Thursday, July 22, 2010

Okay, so after seeing SEVERAL twitters from people about receiving post cards from something called Post Crossing, I HAD to check it out. Post Crossing is a post card swapping program that is free aside from the cost of mailing. You register and request to send post cards. You send them. Each post card you request to send is given a unique ID number you include. Each time your post card is received or you receive one, the recipient registers the ID on Post Crossing, the the sender is eligible to send more post cards.

I have registered and requested my first addresses. I am sending postcards to addresses in the US, Japan, China, Indonesia, and Finland. I am excited to go pick out some post cards for each of them, and to receive my first post cards as well. I will post more when I receive post cards. :)

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B90, Day 18: Be careful what you wish for

Scripture: Judges 11:30-34

30 And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD : "If you give the Ammonites into my hands, 31 whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering."

32 Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into his hands. 33 He devastated twenty towns from Aroer to the vicinity of Minnith, as far as Abel Keramim. Thus Israel subdued Ammon.

34 When Jephthah returned to his home in Mizpah, who should come out to meet him but his daughter, dancing to the sound of tambourines! She was an only child. Except for her he had neither son nor daughter.


This "day" was officially finished on July 28, 2010.

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B90, Day 17: Always be on guard and love and honor God

>> Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Scripture: Joshua 22:5

5 But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul."


This "day" was officially finished on July 27, 2010.

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B90, Day 16: Be Strong and Courageous

>> Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Scripture: Joshua 1:6, 1:7, 1:9, 1:18, and 10:25

6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.

7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."

18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey your words, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"

Chapter 10 25 Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight."

This "day" was officially finished on July 27, 2010.

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B90 Week Three Check In

>> Monday, July 19, 2010

Okay, this is my short quick post. We have a huge t-storm and I cannot use my computer at all.

I am a couple days behind after a crazy week of VBS. I am hoping to catch up this week. Or at least not fall further behind!!

Please pray this storm doesn't get too much worse. I'm bummed about missing the tweet up tonight.

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B90, Day 15: Be srong and courageous, God is always with you.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."


This "day" was officially finished on July 25, 2010.

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B90, Day 14: God give trials to teach discipline

>> Sunday, July 18, 2010

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:3-5

3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. 5 Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD your God disciplines you.


This "day" was officially finished on July 24, 2010.


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B90, Day 13: Love God with every part of you

>> Saturday, July 17, 2010

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:5

5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.


This "day" was officially finished on July 22, 2010.

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B90, Day 12: Animals are wise

>> Friday, July 16, 2010

Scripture: Numbers 22:32-33

32 The angel of the LORD asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her."


This "day" was officially finished on July 22, 2010.

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B90, taking a grace day...

***So it's now Sunday night and I am even FURTHER behind. I have finished day 11, and started day 12, I should be done with day 14 to be ON TIME, day 13 if I am going with my ONE grace day. I will catch up as able. I am posting my blogs on the days that I SHOULD have completed the reading, even though I didn't. It's just more organized for me this way. Hopefully I can get caught up soon. ***

BFF's dear hubby is having surgery today. Since I live with them, and am able, I am home with the kids. I had really thought I could do my reading today, I usually have no trouble reading around the kids. But you can just feel a difference today. I'm hyped, they're hyped. We all know today is different. And we have VBS tonight, and I am taking over BFF's crew since she will not be there.

I hate to use a grace day this early on, and I'm actually going to try to catch back up and do a double whammy tomorrow or sometime this coming week. But if I don't, that's okay too. At some point I KNOW I actually WILL catch it up. I still have not finished last night's reading either, but I am planning to finish it up tonight after VBS before going to sleep.

I hope everyone is having a great day. :)

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B90, Day 11: Water from a rock, Why do we continue to doubt God?

>> Thursday, July 15, 2010

Scripture: Numbers 20:9-11

9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD's presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

Observation: The Israelites continue to doubt God's intent. They believe he has had Moses lead them into the desert to die. So they complain about the lack of water. And God is forced to show them His power by making water come from a rock.

Application: We are predictable. We are doubters. We have been since the earliest of times. I know I am guilty of this. In some ways the better things are going, the more doubtful I get. Why? Why do I keep asking God for more? For another miracle? That's what the Israelites did. They doubted and demanded more. When will I learn? God is more patient than I am, fortunately! No matter how much I doubt, He's there. He's working on me too. I've been doubting less often. But I doubt stronger when I do. My emotions are a roller coaster. But I have a great God that won't let me fall, and wonderful friends who stand by my side here on Earth and help build me up. They help me learn to doubt less too. God works in mysterious ways.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you. For helping me see that doubting does me little good and for giving me such wonderful friends to help me get through. Thank you for putting just exactly the right people in my life. With their help I really have realized that doubting is a waste. I know I am still a huge work in progress. But I know you aren't and never will give up on me.

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B90, Day 10: Number, quite unique

>> Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Numbers is quite a unique book. No doubt about that. It is about counting the various tribes and clans of Israelites. And its astonishing. to think of them undertaking the degree of census that this would have been, it blows my mind! And then Numbers continues the theme of Leviticus with more rules and detailed job descriptions.

I found all of it very interesting, but there was no particular verse that stood out or really spoke to me today. And I'm okay with that. Sometimes it's not about a particular verse but the overall theme that matters!

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Book Review: Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White

Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White

Challenges: 100+ Book, Support Your Local Library, Fahrenheit 451, Summer Reading Program @ the Library

A delightful children's classic about true friendship, going out on a limb for someone, and growing up.

It's been ages since I read this, but opted to read it again as part of my 451 list. I'm glad I did. It's such a BEAUTIFUL story that even NOW makes me a bit sniffly!

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Book Review: The Longing, By Beverly Lewis

>> Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Longing: The Courtship of Nellie Mae Fisher, by Beverly Lewis

Challenges: Support your Local Library, 100+ Books, Finish That Series, Summer Reading @ the Library.

What a beautiful ending to a remarkable series. It definitely left me guessing right up to the last couple chapters. When I was less than surprised with the outcome. While I was not surprised, I was still pleased with the story.

The split in the Amish church has SHARPLY divided the people. And many Old Order Amish will barely even speak to the New Order. But an accident on David Yoder's farm leaves him infirm, and calling his estranged son Caleb back home to tend to the farm. Caleb is still stinging from the rejection of his love, Nellie Mae. She broke off their engagement when she decided to follow her family to the New Order church and Caleb could NOT see his way to accept this, much less follow her.

Over time, David Yoder's accident, and his renewed time with his Mennonite cousin John shows him the way to accept Christ in his life the way the New Order church members have. And then he shows Caleb this, and gives him the forgiveness he needs to allow him to quickly and quietly slip away into death.

Caleb is now free to run the farm, and marry whom he chooses, with his now deceased father's blessing, but first he must find his way to accept Christ too, if he will ever find his way back to his real love. Fortunately, his cousin Chris is there to help him with that, and help him get Nellie Mae back.

The Epilogue is written showing Nellie Mae and Caleb married and expecting their first child. And still changes occurring within the churches and their families. But they know they have a beautiful life ahead of them.

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B90, Day 9: Guard your heart against revenge and holding grudges

Leviticus is a book of rules. Of how to remain holy to God. How to say clean to God and please Him. It is a very difficult standard to live up to, that required numerous sacrifices, for even the slightest of sins. Many of the rules were quite logical, but it's the degree to which they were kept that is amazing.

Scripture: Leviticus 19:18

18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Observation: God is pretty blatant about this one. Do not seek revenge or hold a grudge. Love your neighbor.

Application: We all make mistakes. And sometimes those mistakes hurt the people around us. And that can lead to negative thoughts and actions. But where does that really get us? More negativity. More upset. If we forgive our friends, our "neighbors" for hurt they cause us, and love them instead, we stop the vicious cycle.

God didn't want His people fighting then. I doubt he wants us fighting now. This is one rule that I'm pretty sure still applies and I'll continue to work to be sure I'm doing my best to obey.

Prayer: Dearest Father, Thank you for making your rules so clear to us. And for giving me the insight to see how they apply to me today. Help me avoid negativity and keep my heart clear of revenge and grudges.

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B90, Day 8: Always be watchful of what you say and do

>> Monday, July 12, 2010

Scripture: Leviticus 4:1,2

1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Say to the Israelites: 'When anyone sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the LORD's commands-

Observation: God expected a lot of His people, even that they redeem themselves for sins that were committed unintentionally.

Application: This really makes me stop and think. How much more careful were the Israelites of their every move, thought, their very purpose? Shouldn't I be? Yes, Christ has died to redeem me from my sins, but that doesn't give me free reign either. A sin is a sin, even when it wasn't done on purpose.

Prayer: Lord in Heaven, Thank you for watching over me and sending your son to redeem my sins for me. Please help me to be more watchful of all my actions, that I am more aware of what I do.

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B90 Week Two Check-in

Well, here it is, week two.

I am MOSTLY up to date. I am almost done reading Day 8. I started it before I went to work this morning, and then left home for over 12 hours!! I just got home! We have Vacation Bible School this week. As soon as I finish this post I'm going to go finish up Day 8 reading. Though my blog may not get posted til tomorrow or later in the week.

I am going to make EVERY effort to stay on track with my reading, and even my journaling. If the blogs all get posted in one day, oh well! LOL

Since I did make it through to Daniel last time, this is all a re-read up to this point, and I find it VERY enriching! I'm catching things I did NOT catch last time. It is wonderful. :)

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B90, Day 7: Rest on Sabbath

>> Sunday, July 11, 2010

Scripture: Exodus 34:21

21 "Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.

Observation: God is setting out clear rules about Sabbath. No work! Even during harvest season. It can wait a day.

Application: Sabbath is a holy day, God's day. Yes we can pray and study any day, but we have other responsibilities that must sometimes take the forefront of our mind. God set the Sabbath aside right from creation as a day that was meant to be different. A day to let us concentrate on Him. He shows it several times in Genesis and Exodus, but I especially like this verse. Even during the harvest, God expects His people to cease their labor on Sabbath!

And so shall I. I have set aside Sabbath as God's day. I'm going to work on making a bigger effort to be prepared for Sabbath by sundown on Friday's so I am doing less work on Sabbath.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank you for giving us your wonderful word and setting aside one day a week for us to worship and glorify you. Please help me to work on being more prepared prior to Sabbath. You know the struggles I have had with Sabbath, and why I want this.

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B90, Day 6: God provides for our needs

>> Saturday, July 10, 2010

Scripture: Exodus 16:13-15

13 That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14 When the dew was gone, thin flakes like frost on the ground appeared on the desert floor. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was.
Moses said to them, "It is the bread the LORD has given you to eat.

Observation: The people need to eat and ry out to God. He hears them and provides. He gives them quail at night and manna in the morning.

Application: Frequently we pray and don't feel our prayers are answered. And maybe we just aren't open to the answer God is giving us. But God will provide for our needs!

Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father, for hearing and answering my prayers. I know I don't always listen well for your answer, but I know you do always provide for my needs.

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B90 Day 5: The Lord will fight for you

>> Friday, July 9, 2010

Scripture: Exodus 14:14

14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still."

Observation: The Israelites are fearful of the Egyptians and doubting Moses and God. Moses is telling them not to fear and to trust in the Lord. He will fight for them if they just give Him the chance.

Application: How true this is for me as well. I frequently doubt and forget to trust. But if I just remember that if I still my heart and mind and let God fight for me, all will be fine. Because in the end, God will win.

Prayer: Dearest Lor, Thank you for wanting to fight for me!! Help me learn to quiet and still my heart and mind to give you the control of my life.

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B90, Day 4: Find the good in the bad

>> Thursday, July 8, 2010

Scripture: Genesis 45:4,5

4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

Observation: Joseph's brothers find him in Egypt and are afraid he is going to be angry because they sold him into slavery. But Joseph tells them not to be.

Application: Joseph found the good out of the bad. By being sold into Egyptian slavery, and following God's will, he was able to provide for many people, including his own family, and save lives during a time of famine.

How great it would be if I could learn to apply this better in my own life!! Things aren't always going to be good. That is a plain and simple fact. But if I follow God's will, and learn to look for the good in a situation, maybe I can improve my own outlook.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You provide me with such amazing tools to learn by. Whatever the situation in my life, I need to learn to look for the good in it. I know it will lead to a happier life for myself and those around me. Thank you for helping open my eyes.

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B90, Day 3: Let God work through you

>> Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Scripture: Genesis 40:8

8 "We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is no one to interpret them."
Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams."

Observation: Pharaoh's officials had dreams and want them to be interpreted. Joseph is telling them that interpretations come from God.

Application: Men, by themselves, of their own accord, do not interpret dreams. God provides men with the interpretation, if and when we are ready to receive it.

Joseph knew this and let God work through him. God can work through us in various ways too, if we open ourselves up to His gifts and allow Him to use us.

Prayer: Dearest Lord, Thank you for the gifts you give me. Help me to see how you want me to let you use me for good.

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B90, Day 2: Tough Circustances Require Faith

>> Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Scripture: Genesis 18:12

12 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?"

Observation: Context: Sarah is "old" and well past child bearing age.

Yet God has said she will bear a child. She laughs, she doesn't believe. She lacks faith in God.

Application: Oh my. So many times I've felt God steering me one way or another, but said no, it's too hard. Isn't that what faith is though? Believing it's not too hard for God?

I am much like Sarah, I doubt God at times. He gives me clear direction sometimes, and I go against it. Even this morning I did. I let myself doubt His way was the right way, and all it did was cause a problem.

Prayer: Oh Heavenly Father, thank you for providing timely examples to me to demonstrate that you truly know best. Help me to learn to follow your way better.

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B90, Day 1: God was there from the VERY beginning

>> Monday, July 5, 2010

And let it begin....

Scripture: Genesis 1:2

2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

Observation: The Spirit of God has been with our Earth from the very beginning, before it was even formed.

Application: God's interest in us as a planet, as humankind, was there in the beginning. When the earth was formless. What kind of incredible love is that? He is surveying and planning how to mold this piece of clay into a home for us. Thank you God!!

Prayer: Father in Heaven, You truly have made an incredible, beautiful home out of this planet for ALL of us to live in. I feel blessed to be here, to be able to enjoy it, and to have been able to travel and see so many parts of your beautiful craftsmanship. THANK YOU!!

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B90 Week One Check-in

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Let the ride begin!! I am on the way. :) I have done my reading for the day, and written the SOAP, ready to blog it.

If you've never heard of the Bible in 90 Days Challenge, or you've read about it on my blog or others, or you've been on the fence and want to know more, OR, you've prayed about it and decided to JOIN US (YAY!!) GO HERE!!!!!!

A quick little bit about me: My name is Nique, I'm 32 years old, a divorced mother of my adorable twin girls Bug and Peanut. We live with my best friend (referred to as BFF) and her family in Massachusetts. I'm a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Okay, 'nuff about me!!

The biggest thing I've noticed, even just today, is that it's true, you pick up more the second time around!! I made it part way through Daniel last time. So I am hoping to see this trend continue through that point.

I'm looking for all the prayer I can get to help me continue on my journey.

I am VERY energized though by ONE aspect. BFF suggested that I encourage her (ALMOST) 11 year old son ~L to join me. He is homeschooled so come September when we are still reading and school starts up, it won't be an issue. So I talked to him about it, with some help from her. And he said he was up to the challenge. So I equipped him with a checklist of the daily reading and promised to message him each day through Facebook (via mom/my BFF) with that days reading as a reminder. In the end, it's up to HIM to do it. I'm hoping that he follows through. I'd LOVE to see him finish and be encouraged to be baptized this fall. :)

How is everyone else doing?

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B90, I am SO ready!!!

>> Sunday, July 4, 2010

It's tomorrow, and I am READY. My Bible is ready, I have a new journal, and I have been praying about it. I have a certainty in my heart. I am committed to staying on track this time and finishing.



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Book Review: The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real, by Neta Jackson

>> Saturday, July 3, 2010

The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real, by Neta Jackson

Support Your Local Library, Chunkster, 100+ Books, Summer Reading Program @ The Library

If you like drama, this is the right book. The Yada Yada sisters have their fair share.

Chanda FINALLY wins the lottery.
Avis gets married.
Jodi realizes she's perfect the way she is.
Yo-Yo gets baptized.
Stu stops trying to run from herself.
Flo's daughter comes to accept Flo as her mommy.

Hoshi, Flo, Jodi, Stu and the others ask the parole board to grant early parole to the very woman that attacked them less than a year before. And when they are told she has no hope of that parole because she has no home to be sent to for house arrest, Stu opens her home and heart to Becky Wallace. Since she lives in the apartment above Jodi and her family that means Stu's new housemate becomes Jodi's new neighbor too!

Jodi finally comes to realize that she MUST speak to the mother of the young man she accidentally killed when she had the car accident. She gets her chance. She expresses her sorrow and regrets for her part in the accident. And to her surprise, the mother responds by telling her that her son played a role in it too. They come to a peace with each other.

At Yo-Yo's baptism Becky makes a decision that surprises everyone and she asks to be baptized as well and with the help of some Yada Yada sisters Pastor Clark baptizes her. This quickly becomes a group "re-baptism" as many of the sisters "dunk" themselves in the lake and release the things holding them back and rededicate their lives to God.

With such a heartfelt, powerful ending, this book has left me salivating for the next one!!!!



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July 3rd Reading Challenge Check in SIX MONTHS!!!

Just a quick summary of how much I've done and how much I have to go:

The 2010 Support Your Local Library Challenge
My first goal: 50 books.
Longer term goal: 100 books.
Currently finished: 25
50% completed

Christian Non-Fiction Challenge
Goal: 10 books
Currently finished: 0
On March 6th I made the decision to put this challenge aside, I MAY come back to it.
0% completed

The Colorful Reading Challenge
Goal: 9 books
Currently finished: 2 books
22% completed

The Chunkster Challenge-COMPLETED
Goal: 3 books
Currently finished: 5 books
166% completed-my first completed challenge

100+ Reading Challenge
Goal: 100 books
Currently finished: 30 books
30% completed

Buy One and Read it in 2010
Goal: 12 books
Currently finished: 4 books
33% completed

New-To-Me Christian Author Challenge
Goal: 20 AUTHORS
Currently finished: 6 Authors
30% completed

451 Challenge
Goal: 7 books
Currently finished: 3 books
43% completed

I added three challenges on April 25, 2010, they are the three that follow:

First in a Series Challenge-COMPLETED
First Goal: 6 books
Longer term goal: 12, POSSIBLY 20
Currently finished: 7 books
116% completed

The 2nd Challenge-COMPLETED
First Goal: 6 books
Longer term goal: 12 books
Currently finished: 7 books
116% completed

Finish That Series Challenge
First Goal: 5 Series
Longer term goal: 10 Series
Currently finished: 2 Series
40% completed

Summer Reading Program @ The Library
Currently Finished: 2

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B90, My new motivation, aka, how the 11 year old will force me to keep up!

Problem 1: Nique WANTS to do the Bible in 90 Days Challenge but is concerned that "life" will interfere again.

Problem 2: BFF WANTS her son ~L to read the Bible, but he comes up with excuses.

Answer to BOTH problems...

BFF suggested that NIQUE challenge ~L to do the Bible in 90 Days WITH her!!!! LOL I will "spoon feed" him the sections of the Bible each morning via facebook posts, so that he knows what to do, but it is still up to HIM to do it. He will simply reply to me when it is done! :)

Meanwhile, I too am accountable to HIM, and I certainly do NOT want an 11 year old to succeed where I fail!!! LOL

The challenge is set!!!

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