Working on Change...

I am working on a new plan. I am trying to put everything together. My blog, Hal's Blog, Helping Homes, and Holding On. There is the "little" problem that I have no clue as to what I am doing... but I am trying. I will not close this one down until it is almost ready for a "go."

I just wanted you all to know why it is quiet on the home front :)

However, with that begin said - Please continue to pray for my soldier. Continuously...
And remember to wear RED on FRIDAYS in support of our troops.

A Soft Answer...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 27

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from James 5; Psalms 62-67; Proverbs 15; and Matthew 1-3.

Some time ago, I mentioned working on Bible Verses with my Grandbaby here. And the first verse is from Proverbs 15:1.

"A soft answer turns away wrath..."

So, today I start with that verse but actually, I want us to look at several verses that are in this particular chapter. We are back on the tongue again... But let's see the comparison that is given in these verses:

From the postive side...
15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath...
15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge...
15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life...
15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge...

Then look at the end of these verses...
15:1(b) but a harsh word stirs up anger (strife).
15:2(b) but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
15:4(b) but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
15:7(b) not so with the hearts of fools. (do not spread knowledge).
15:14(b) but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Because I have a lot on my heart and in my mind as I am writing this... I think will just let these verses speak for themselves. Other than, I will say that I desire to have a soft answer, to commend and spread knowledge, and for my words to be a tree of life.

Proverbs - really are words to live by...




Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Happy Fourth of July!

Sitting here right now...

with the computer in my lap...

talking to my soldier on the other side of the world...

I am reminded once again...

that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!


But can I say how wonderful it is to have the technology of being able to "Instant Message" with him. Hal is on one couch with his computer. I am on my couch with my computer. Julia is in Virginia with her computer. Jenifer is at her house on her computer. Jon is on his Base with his computer (I suppose at an internet cafe).

So for right now... we are all "chatting" with him... the make-up can wait. The last minute trip to the grocery store can wait. The cooking can wait.

Yes, right now, the priority is sitting right here. Talking to my soldier.

Happy Fourth of July?... you bet.

Time Management

I am once again dealing in my mind and heart about my time management.

I have a lot of ideas and dreams bouncing around in this head of mine... but am having a hard time even beginning ANY of them.

I also have a few assignments that I really need to be working on... that is also not taking any form as of yet...

I am trying to figure out how to structure my day in such a way to get it all - or even any of it done.

Let's just take a couple of writing assignments for examples:
** I write a small "treasure box" for a monthly newsletter. It is due EVERY month on the first. I have been late submitting it for the last several months.
** I am going back to the She Speaks Conference again this year. I am going to be attending the writer's track this time. I have a couple of assignments to have written before I get there. I have not even started.

Then there is the Sunday School Class that I have taken:
We are studying the book of I Peter together. We have only had one lesson. I have much studying to do and much preparation to be ready to teach these college kids. I want to learn and I want them to catch the vision of really studying the Word and letting it be applicable to their lives today. I do not want to ever go to class without begin prepared. But this takes time. Much time for me.

Hal and I are already talking and thinking and praying about our ministry to families. Specifically, the opportunity to teach/lead in Marriage Conferences. We had the opportunity to lead in three last year. We are already planning on another one for the young couples at our church for January or February of 2010. We will probably will add the co-ed 3 class too. It will either be a completely different trip or we may decide to have a combination of the teaching time with different Chalets for the different age groups. We are already discussing the topics and each are beginning our study. But once again - the time issue is at hand. It takes time. (And remember the different preparation approach between us... adds an entirely different factor to be considered. You can read our different perspectives from last year - here and here and here.)

And on the note of our ministry to Couples/Families - since neither one is a professional counselor, and yet, we are "counseling" more and more couples each week... We are beginning to think that maybe God is calling us to a COACHING ministry of sort. While we are meeting with many on an on-going basis at the time, we are both sensing a burden to refine/define our approach and our goals as we help precious families to survive in this world. And then ultimately, we hope to be able to guide them into a lifestyle or homelife of THRIVING together for the Glory of God.

And then there is my ministry to the women of our church... and the studies that I teach them. And the opportunities that I have had to speak at Women's Conferences. I absolutely love my ladies... and have a heart to minister to them. Here again is an area that I have ideas and dreams in my head and heart... but need to get it refined and prepared.

Which brings me back to the issue at hand. TIME MANAGEMENT.

We all have 24 hours in our days. We have families. We have jobs. We have children (and some have grand-children). We all have lots to do. But there are those who are efficient in using their time wisely. Time invested in Eternity. That is what I desire. That is what I am seeking.

I would absolutely LOVE for you - my readers to give me some ideas. Could you tell me how you order your day. Seriously, you can comment anonymously if you would like.... just give me some ideas to chew on. (you can email me if you are not one who usually comments or if blogger is not letting you comment. That has happened alot lately - halanddd@charter.net) Share some ideas and suggestions and let me see if they will work in my world. I thank you in advance.... You are blessings to me.

(I did not even mention this ministry here on my blog - or the desire to be consistent with the family blog and the devotion blog.)

I am looking forward to hearing from you....

Taming our Tongues...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 26

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 12-13; Psalms 60-61; and James 1-4.

Oh people... the Book of James. It is the proverbs of the N.T. Words to live by.
So many passages that speak to me - not just this week - but EVERY SINGLE TIME that I read it. But I will try to pick a few to talk about today...

First, I will start with James 3:5-10

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.

The tongue is set among our members,
staining the whole body,

setting on fire the entire course of life,
and set on fire by hell.

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature,

can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,

but no human being can tame the tongue.

It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With it we bless our Lord and Father,

and with it we curse people who are made
in the likeness of God.

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

This is a passage that we need to examine from our own perspective and make sure that we are striving to tame this restless evil within. But that is not where I am going today...

Today, I want to ask you this question:

Have you ever been the recipient of this deadly poison? Possibly even from someone that you would consider a friend? Someone close?

If so, then you know the pain that it causes. You know the poison. The footnote in my ESV Bible says, "Evil speech destroys because it comes from Satan himself."

And even when you know where it originates (from Satan) it is hard to ignore when it comes in the form of flesh and blood. It is hard to swallow. It is hard to understand. Basically, it just hurts.

So, what do we do? And I say "we" because I am in this boat with you. I have experienced this. Not recently, but the scars from the wounds are still there.

That takes us back to another passage from this book....

James 1:19-20

Know this, my beloved brothers:

let every person be quick to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to anger;

for the anger of man

does not produce the righteousness of God.

Could that be our answer?
What do we do when we face the hurt from words spoken?

Be quick to hear...
Be slow to speak...
Be slow to anger...
Knowing that the anger that wants to rear it's ugly head in you - will not produce the righteousness of God - in you or in the offender.

Think about it with me. From both sides of the fence.

Oh, Lord, I do not want to be one who is guilty of letting my tongue be that blazing fire that has it's root from Satan and that does much damage to the body of Christ.

But also, Lord, when I am the recipient of such pain - caused by words of others... please help me to remember your Word that teaches me to be quick to hear - and slow to speak. And slow to anger.

Oh the tongue - such a small member...
Such a deadly weapon...
"My brothers, these things ought not to be so."





Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

WW # 20 Deployment Again

Here we go again....
(see my previous post)

Laughing and Aching

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 25

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 7 - 11; Psalms 58- 59; Proverbs 14.

My verse for this week is:

Proverbs 14:13
"Even in laughter the heart may ache... "

I have had the two grandbabies with me today. I have indeed laughed. I have played with play-dough (homemade, I might add). I have read books. I have rocked and fixed bottles and cuddled and fed. I have giggled till my sides hurt. It really has been a good day.

But all day my heart ached.

The days of deployment begin.

Again.

And I guess this verse explains the emotions well. Life continues here in the states and we will have days that are filled with laughter...

But there is never a moment that the reality of a son at war leaves my mind. Nor my heart. And it really does ache.

The blackberry literally does not leave my hand in hopes of hearing from him. Psalm 91 and many other verses are prayed for him continually. I am one who watches the news - all of it. I am a member of a board of Military moms/wives/sisters and I visit with them daily.

And I also visit a web page that posts the injuries and casualities of the war. I did this every day during the last deployment. Not that I am looking to see if something has happened to my Jonathan. No, when I found this site... I was prompted to pray for these families. The reality of WAR means that some will give their very lives for our freedoms. And these families and soldiers have made the greatest sacrifice. They need our prayers.

Like I have said before... A son at war makes me believe what I have always said that I believe. I know that Jonathan is in God's hands. I know. I know. I know. And I hold on to that truth.

So once again we begin the days that are filled with laughter ... AND an aching heart.

War is real.

Freedom is not free.

Trust me.



Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

The Only Real Peace...

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD). # 24

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

This week our reading (as posted on the sidebar under the button) was from Hebrews 1-6; Psalms 56-57.

Once again the passages this week applied to our present situations.

Ps 56:8

"You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.

Are they not in your book?"

Such sweet comfort to know that He sees our tears...He knows the hurts of our hearts. And he records them. He knows...

Ps 57:2

"I cry out to God Most High,

to God who fulfills his purpose for me....

(3b) God will send out His steadfast
love and His faithfulness."

And even as I cry out to God, I can know that He is fulfilling HIS PURPOSE for me ...

But not just for me but also for my sweet Julia and Ronnie as they go through their miscarriage of their first baby... for my Jonathan and Brantley as they go through another deployment.

God wraps us in His love and His faithfulness

Ps 57:9-10

"I will give thanks to you O Lord,

among the peoples;

I will sing praises to You among the nations.

For Your steadfast love is great to the heavens,

Your faithfulness to the clouds."

So, my response is still to be thankfulness. Praise. His love is great. He is faithful to us.

And that my friend gives me peace. Peace in the storm.

Years ago a precious friend sang this old gospel song:

The Only Real Peace that I have, dear Lord, is in You,

The Only Real Peace that I have, dear Lord is in You.

With all life's frustrations, I need You, I know I do..

And the only real Peace that I have dear Lord is in You.

And last but certainly not least...

I just had to add Hebrews 4:14-16 too. We DO have a great High Priest, who is able to sympathise with our weaknesses... and we can approach His throne of Grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Going to the throne... cause I NEED a good dose of HIS Mercy and Grace.

Going to the throne...

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

I will Praise You in this Storm

Our precious friends, Rick and Carolyn, sang this song on Sunday. They may not know it - but it was just for me...

I wept as I listened...
Just as I am now...
I wish I had a video of them singing... but for this post I will share this video from Casting Crowns.
We are praising Him in this storm...

Tuesdays Together (#23)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD).

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

I am not able to blog today.... lots going on in my family.

I will catch up with you all next week with more information.

But I wanted to make sure that you had the link in order to be able to share together.

I do appreciate all the love and prayers that have been shared with us lately. It really means so much...

So... I will enjoy reading your posts and will be back next week.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.