It has been so long since I have blogged! I am so sorry!
Let's play catch up! We had a marvelous Christmas Season. I have since started my winter semester at college and I am already in the sick of school mode :) I celebrated my 31st wedding anniversary with my sweet husband. Then on February 20th I left for an amazing adventure to ISRAEL!
I have to share with you that it was a drenching rain on a very parched and dry heart. I had grown weary with the events in life that took place in the past few years. But I want to share that God is faithful.
Funny thing is that I have never desired to go to the Holy Land. NEVER. My daughter and husband have wanted to go but I never have. God provided the opportunity to go on this journey and I went. I was guarded. I have learned to become guarded and with that some of my shininess has become dulled. But God is fatihful.
We arrived in Tel Aviv in the afternoon but it was 4:55 am Idaho time. We started by going straight to a museum. After the museum we went to our hotel to freshen up, have dinner and then a brief meeting. I was dreading the meeting part. Hmmmm perhaps a symptom of the condition of my heart at the very least wounded. The meeting was brief but wonderful. God spoke to my heart and tears streamed down my face as I quickly wiped them in hopes that no one would notice. God is faithful.So the trip began!
Everyday was packed full of walking and seeing amazing sights and just snippets of devotions about once a day. They were meaningful and appropriate for me! God would speak to me and again I would cry. He confirmed a few things that He promised me at the beginning of the year. He confirmed on something that the Lord had started talking to me about sharing. This is exciting in a couple of ways. Number one the word isn't just for me and number two He always gives me teachings before He opens doors for me to speak again! Years ago I would have never desired to speak but now I love it. And He always gives me the teachings to teach...again God is faithful.
It sounds like I cried a lot on this trip. LOL. But not really but when I did they were cleansing tears. I have to tell you that I hate to cry. The funny thing is that I am a sap so I hate watching a sad movie because my family teases me about crying! smile, even watching the Rug Rats movie! So God gave me this metaforical pedicure while I was there. He soaked me in a wonderful setting and atmosphere. He sanded off the calluses that I had developed to protect myself. He then buffed me up with encouragement and affirmation to prepare me for more ministry. Then He even painted my toenails so to speak by blessing me by my beautiful friends and women of God that I met on the trip. "She (wisdom) will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown." Proverbs 4:9 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Proverbs 90:17
My favorite parts of the trip? Capernaum (seeing where Jesus healed the woman with the issue of blood and where He healed Jairus's daughter, Sailing across the Sea of Galilee while worshiping, and visiting the excavations of the sites and last but not least riding on my camel across the desert.
All in all an amazing trip of restoration and redemption.
God is faithful!
Shanin
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas Fun!
So, for today, how about a fun Christmas meme! Steal it! I stole it from my dear friend Rebekah at Mudane Musings who stole it from someone who stole it from someone else! But make sure that you leave me a comment so I can come read all your Christmas-y answers! I *LOVE* Christmastime and all the wonderfulness that it brings!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Egg Nog in a Chai Salted Carmel Latte!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Everything is wrapped! We take turns opening the gifts. I love to hear the squeals of delight as each one opens their gifts.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White. We have white Icicles for outdoors (however we didn't hang them this year) and Our tree has white lights too!
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Haven't for many years however I used to have a kissing ball that had some dangling from it but we have lost it in one of our moves :)
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Usually the Saturday following Thanksgiving but this year due to schedule conflicts it was a week late!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Prime Rib and Cheesecake! hmmmmm My husband is a great cook!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
The only year that I can remember all of my siblings being together for Christmas! It was exciting! And Santa came and left my gifts on the front porch!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I overheard someone talking about "him" in the kitchen.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
We each open one gift and usually I get to choose which one that they open :)
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
When we had kids at home we all did it together. This year my husband put up the tree and I decorated it!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
I love it for a few days and then I want spring to come early!
12. Can you ice skate?
Yes, but it has been years!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
My engagement ring first and then 29 years later my husband bought me another diamond ring! I love diamonds :)
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Family. I love it when all of my kids are home together and there is lots of noise. Ahh a wonderful type of chaos that only a parent can appreciate fully.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
My husband's cheesecake :) with a cup of coffee.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Hanging with my adult children, hearing them laugh together. The love that is expressed to one another. The opening of the stockings and another favorite is our Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. God is so good.
17. What tops your tree?
I have an angel topper that my dad bought for my mom on their first Christmas together. It is now 71 years old. I cherish it. One day it will go to my daughter, Amber.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
I like both but I really get excited to give more than to receive. Especially as I get older. The thrill of seeing others' faces light up with their gift is worth it all!
19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
I love Candy Canes however I think that Bob's Candy canes are the BEST!
20. Favorite Christmas show?
ELF! Is my most favorite the second would have to be How Ernest Saves Christmas.
21. Saddest Christmas Song?
There should not be any sad songs at Christmas!Can you say Oxy moron?
22. What is your favorite Christmas song?
The Christmas Song, Silent Night and Who Would Imagine a King.
23. When do you open your Stockings?
On Christmas morning before the presents and breakfast!
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Egg Nog in a Chai Salted Carmel Latte!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Everything is wrapped! We take turns opening the gifts. I love to hear the squeals of delight as each one opens their gifts.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
White. We have white Icicles for outdoors (however we didn't hang them this year) and Our tree has white lights too!
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
Haven't for many years however I used to have a kissing ball that had some dangling from it but we have lost it in one of our moves :)
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Usually the Saturday following Thanksgiving but this year due to schedule conflicts it was a week late!
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
Prime Rib and Cheesecake! hmmmmm My husband is a great cook!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
The only year that I can remember all of my siblings being together for Christmas! It was exciting! And Santa came and left my gifts on the front porch!
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I overheard someone talking about "him" in the kitchen.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
We each open one gift and usually I get to choose which one that they open :)
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
When we had kids at home we all did it together. This year my husband put up the tree and I decorated it!
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
I love it for a few days and then I want spring to come early!
12. Can you ice skate?
Yes, but it has been years!
13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
My engagement ring first and then 29 years later my husband bought me another diamond ring! I love diamonds :)
14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you?
Family. I love it when all of my kids are home together and there is lots of noise. Ahh a wonderful type of chaos that only a parent can appreciate fully.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert?
My husband's cheesecake :) with a cup of coffee.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Hanging with my adult children, hearing them laugh together. The love that is expressed to one another. The opening of the stockings and another favorite is our Candlelight service on Christmas Eve. God is so good.
17. What tops your tree?
I have an angel topper that my dad bought for my mom on their first Christmas together. It is now 71 years old. I cherish it. One day it will go to my daughter, Amber.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
I like both but I really get excited to give more than to receive. Especially as I get older. The thrill of seeing others' faces light up with their gift is worth it all!
19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
I love Candy Canes however I think that Bob's Candy canes are the BEST!
20. Favorite Christmas show?
ELF! Is my most favorite the second would have to be How Ernest Saves Christmas.
21. Saddest Christmas Song?
There should not be any sad songs at Christmas!Can you say Oxy moron?
22. What is your favorite Christmas song?
The Christmas Song, Silent Night and Who Would Imagine a King.
23. When do you open your Stockings?
On Christmas morning before the presents and breakfast!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Life Changing
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:6-9
I love this passage of scripture. I was excited to see it to be what I was scheduled to read today:) I especially love verse 9 where it says the things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Wow! Paul was tortured, beaten and held captive many times and he would and could still minister wherever he was at, at the moment! He still encouraged others! There have been many times where I have been crying in bed and would repeat to myself, whatever things are TRUE, whatever things are NOBLE, whatever things are JUST, whatever things are PURE, whatever things are LOVELY, whatever things are of GOOD REPORT and IF there is ANY VIRTUE and IF THERE IS ANYTHING PRAISEWORTHY...meditate on these things. I think that many times we (especially as women) get sidetracked by our circumstances instead of meditating on the things that are listed. We are emotional women! We tend to FEEL things but no matter HOW we FEEL the truth is we need to focus on Jesus! He is the truth, He is the way and the Light! The world would love to tell us things that are not true, the enemy would love to get us sidetracked and off kilter so that we forget the REAL focus! Jesus! The enemy would love for us to become embittered women instead of women who spend time with the Lord and spend time in WORSHIP!
I want to encourage you! If we read the Word and truly DWELL in His presence then we can speak and know the truth because we will have been soaked in the Word! We will have become steeped in the word just like a good tea bag :) Then when we are having a bad day or the enemy tries to whisper a lie we can say, "NO. The Word of God says, "No weapon formed against me will prosper!" or the word of God says, I am a daughter of the King! The Word of God says that He is my provider! He won't give me a snake when I ask for a loaf of bread :) (my own personal translation!)
If you do not have a daily time to spend in the Word of God I would encourage you to make time. It is so important to dwell in the Word. The only way to know the Word is to spend time in it. It is a process. It doesn't happen overnight, by osmosis, by going to church for one hour a week or because your grandma was a great Christian. The Word of God will equip you to handle any situation that arises. The Word of God comforts you, gives you direction, and solutions that you would never think of on your own. I promise you that the benefits are amazing! If you are the type of person who has a hard time remembering or understanding what you just read then pray and ask Jesus to help you. I was that type of person. By spending time reading the Word of God daily it literally washes you. You will be transformed into a new creation...His creation! You will think more rationally, because you are equipped. You will have peace! This will be life changing for you. It has been life changing for me.
The best part is that it really is a "One SIze FIts All!" It applies to everyone, everywhere.
Shanin
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Phil. 4:6-9
I love this passage of scripture. I was excited to see it to be what I was scheduled to read today:) I especially love verse 9 where it says the things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Wow! Paul was tortured, beaten and held captive many times and he would and could still minister wherever he was at, at the moment! He still encouraged others! There have been many times where I have been crying in bed and would repeat to myself, whatever things are TRUE, whatever things are NOBLE, whatever things are JUST, whatever things are PURE, whatever things are LOVELY, whatever things are of GOOD REPORT and IF there is ANY VIRTUE and IF THERE IS ANYTHING PRAISEWORTHY...meditate on these things. I think that many times we (especially as women) get sidetracked by our circumstances instead of meditating on the things that are listed. We are emotional women! We tend to FEEL things but no matter HOW we FEEL the truth is we need to focus on Jesus! He is the truth, He is the way and the Light! The world would love to tell us things that are not true, the enemy would love to get us sidetracked and off kilter so that we forget the REAL focus! Jesus! The enemy would love for us to become embittered women instead of women who spend time with the Lord and spend time in WORSHIP!
I want to encourage you! If we read the Word and truly DWELL in His presence then we can speak and know the truth because we will have been soaked in the Word! We will have become steeped in the word just like a good tea bag :) Then when we are having a bad day or the enemy tries to whisper a lie we can say, "NO. The Word of God says, "No weapon formed against me will prosper!" or the word of God says, I am a daughter of the King! The Word of God says that He is my provider! He won't give me a snake when I ask for a loaf of bread :) (my own personal translation!)
If you do not have a daily time to spend in the Word of God I would encourage you to make time. It is so important to dwell in the Word. The only way to know the Word is to spend time in it. It is a process. It doesn't happen overnight, by osmosis, by going to church for one hour a week or because your grandma was a great Christian. The Word of God will equip you to handle any situation that arises. The Word of God comforts you, gives you direction, and solutions that you would never think of on your own. I promise you that the benefits are amazing! If you are the type of person who has a hard time remembering or understanding what you just read then pray and ask Jesus to help you. I was that type of person. By spending time reading the Word of God daily it literally washes you. You will be transformed into a new creation...His creation! You will think more rationally, because you are equipped. You will have peace! This will be life changing for you. It has been life changing for me.
The best part is that it really is a "One SIze FIts All!" It applies to everyone, everywhere.
Shanin
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Amazing Love
I love that song! Amazing love, how could it be, that You, my King would die for me. Amazing love, I know it's true, it's my joy to honor You in all I do, let me honor You,
I am so thankful for His perfect love. You see my love is not perfect. I love my husband and kids more than anything but even then it isn't perfect. I have made mistakes (boy have I made mistakes)but I am thankful that I serve the One who buys back my mistakes.
God's love is perfect. His motives are always pure. He looks out for what is in my best interest. He has a plan...this huge plan! I don't always understand it but I just have to trust in Him and His love for me. So when times get tough and you can't see the forest for the trees, know that He has it all under control. I am thankful for that plan. I am thankful for His love and His grace for me. He loves me unconditionally.
I am thankful that He loves me even when I screw up. I am thankful that He paid for everything that I have ever done or will do. I am thankful for Him.
I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my job and coworkers. I am thankful for my church body. I am thankful for my doctor! (especially this week!)I am thankful for America, the land of the free. I am thankful for my house. I am thankful for my furnace that heats the house...the list goes on and on.
I am most thankful for that Amazing love :) And that He died for me.
Shanin
I am so thankful for His perfect love. You see my love is not perfect. I love my husband and kids more than anything but even then it isn't perfect. I have made mistakes (boy have I made mistakes)but I am thankful that I serve the One who buys back my mistakes.
God's love is perfect. His motives are always pure. He looks out for what is in my best interest. He has a plan...this huge plan! I don't always understand it but I just have to trust in Him and His love for me. So when times get tough and you can't see the forest for the trees, know that He has it all under control. I am thankful for that plan. I am thankful for His love and His grace for me. He loves me unconditionally.
I am thankful that He loves me even when I screw up. I am thankful that He paid for everything that I have ever done or will do. I am thankful for Him.
I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my job and coworkers. I am thankful for my church body. I am thankful for my doctor! (especially this week!)I am thankful for America, the land of the free. I am thankful for my house. I am thankful for my furnace that heats the house...the list goes on and on.
I am most thankful for that Amazing love :) And that He died for me.
Shanin
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Worship!
For those of you who know me, you know that I LOVE to worship. I have had this love since I was tiny. I love to worship whenever and wherever I am. I know that I was created to worship without a shadow of doubt. There are many people out there with amazing voices and an abundant amount of talent, or as my friend Will would say, a gratuitous amount of talent, but without a heart of worship that talent is used as performance and not worship. There are countless performers in this world.
When I am leading worship with my worship team I would rather have someone who is just learning their instrument playing with a heart of worship than someone who is a professional and is just there for the performance. There is a huge difference when leading worship. You see, when you come before the Lord with a heart of worship, the other stuff will just fall in place and even if you mess up the Lord knows your heart and is pleased! But if there is no heart behind the worship then it is just songs and music. It may sound good but it is hollow, no depth. So when I am leading worship, I would take, what I call, a raggin muffin band anyday over the professional team. I am so proud of my worship team. We may not be trained professionals but we know how to worship the Lord our God.
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! Psalm 146:1-2 NKJV
This is my declaration and prayer. That I will never lose the passion to worship my Lord as long as I live. A legacy of worship is what I desire to leave behind when I am gone.
Thankful to be chosen by Him,
Shanin
When I am leading worship with my worship team I would rather have someone who is just learning their instrument playing with a heart of worship than someone who is a professional and is just there for the performance. There is a huge difference when leading worship. You see, when you come before the Lord with a heart of worship, the other stuff will just fall in place and even if you mess up the Lord knows your heart and is pleased! But if there is no heart behind the worship then it is just songs and music. It may sound good but it is hollow, no depth. So when I am leading worship, I would take, what I call, a raggin muffin band anyday over the professional team. I am so proud of my worship team. We may not be trained professionals but we know how to worship the Lord our God.
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! While I live I will praise the LORD; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! Psalm 146:1-2 NKJV
This is my declaration and prayer. That I will never lose the passion to worship my Lord as long as I live. A legacy of worship is what I desire to leave behind when I am gone.
Thankful to be chosen by Him,
Shanin
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Hakuna Matata
Last night I had the pleasure of going to watch the 3-D movie The Lion King. The best part is that when we got into the theater my youngest granddaughter Abbie had saved us two seats right beside her! Her excitement was so awesome! She was fanning herself in excitement. If you were to know Abbie you would know exactly what I mean. She has done this since she was an infant. She told me, "Grandma, hurry, you missed some of the best parts! The balls flew right out to me and I tried to catch them!" LOL I loved her exuberance.
The movie began. We both sat there side by side taking in all of the scenery. We would reach out to touch some of the grasses as they went by :)I had watched the Lion King the first time it came out in the movie theater 15+ years ago. I remember my husband and Pastor Darrell singing with the music and I was laughing because it was hysterical and embarrassing all at the same time.
Whenever something would happen, Abbie would lean over and whisper to me, preparing me for what was coming next. She, not realizing that I had seen it before. I loved every moment. I watched the Lion King in a whole new "light." At one point she pushed her little hand between our seats back to her mother asking specifically for two candies. Her mom placed two hot tamales in her little hand. Abbie then took one of the candies and placed it to my lips and smiled. I loved her act of sharing. At one point she leaned over and kissed my cheek. Once again my heart just swelled to another size bigger.
Scar was definitely the bad guy. When I watched Scar he depicted evil to me. Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden. He lied to the little male cub telling him that his Father gave him access to everything in the kingdom except the "really cool place" the elephant graveyard. Scar took a tiny bit of the truth and twisted it into a big old fat lie! Hoping that the end result would be to destroy the lion cub, the heir to the throne. He almost succeeded that time but Mufasa, the cub's Dad, was told that of Prince Simba's location and he jumped in and saved him and his friend from the hyenas.
How often do we believe the enemy's lies? More often than we would like to admit. He wants to destroy our relationship with the King (our father) and he wants to kill and or meme us. We need to be careful and stay close to our Father.
Back to the movie...Then the really sad and scary scene was about to happen. Abbie got up and sat in my lap reaching over to take her papa's hand. So very sweet. While watching the movie I enjoyed listening to my grown kids laugh out loud while sitting behind me. I enjoyed the tender love and joyous company of my youngest grandgirl sitting with me. I had memories return to me of watching the Lion King the first time with my kids while they were little. I am so very blessed. The movie seemed so very short this time. Simba lived and grew up to return and take the kingdom back from Scar. The pride lands returned back to its former beauty.
I can say that I enjoyed literally every single minute of the Lion King 3-D. If you haven't seen it I encourage you to go and watch it! If you have watched it a million times before I encourage you to go watch it again but with a child. Look at the movie through their eyes. I promise you that it will be even more exciting. Look at the characters...see if you see the love of the Father for his son. See if you see evil and how he tries to manipulate and destroy the new kingdom. And if you don't have a relationship with my Father...get one. He enjoys his kids even more than I enjoy mine :)
Hakuna Matata,
Shanin
The movie began. We both sat there side by side taking in all of the scenery. We would reach out to touch some of the grasses as they went by :)I had watched the Lion King the first time it came out in the movie theater 15+ years ago. I remember my husband and Pastor Darrell singing with the music and I was laughing because it was hysterical and embarrassing all at the same time.
Whenever something would happen, Abbie would lean over and whisper to me, preparing me for what was coming next. She, not realizing that I had seen it before. I loved every moment. I watched the Lion King in a whole new "light." At one point she pushed her little hand between our seats back to her mother asking specifically for two candies. Her mom placed two hot tamales in her little hand. Abbie then took one of the candies and placed it to my lips and smiled. I loved her act of sharing. At one point she leaned over and kissed my cheek. Once again my heart just swelled to another size bigger.
Scar was definitely the bad guy. When I watched Scar he depicted evil to me. Like the serpent in the Garden of Eden. He lied to the little male cub telling him that his Father gave him access to everything in the kingdom except the "really cool place" the elephant graveyard. Scar took a tiny bit of the truth and twisted it into a big old fat lie! Hoping that the end result would be to destroy the lion cub, the heir to the throne. He almost succeeded that time but Mufasa, the cub's Dad, was told that of Prince Simba's location and he jumped in and saved him and his friend from the hyenas.
How often do we believe the enemy's lies? More often than we would like to admit. He wants to destroy our relationship with the King (our father) and he wants to kill and or meme us. We need to be careful and stay close to our Father.
Back to the movie...Then the really sad and scary scene was about to happen. Abbie got up and sat in my lap reaching over to take her papa's hand. So very sweet. While watching the movie I enjoyed listening to my grown kids laugh out loud while sitting behind me. I enjoyed the tender love and joyous company of my youngest grandgirl sitting with me. I had memories return to me of watching the Lion King the first time with my kids while they were little. I am so very blessed. The movie seemed so very short this time. Simba lived and grew up to return and take the kingdom back from Scar. The pride lands returned back to its former beauty.
I can say that I enjoyed literally every single minute of the Lion King 3-D. If you haven't seen it I encourage you to go and watch it! If you have watched it a million times before I encourage you to go watch it again but with a child. Look at the movie through their eyes. I promise you that it will be even more exciting. Look at the characters...see if you see the love of the Father for his son. See if you see evil and how he tries to manipulate and destroy the new kingdom. And if you don't have a relationship with my Father...get one. He enjoys his kids even more than I enjoy mine :)
Hakuna Matata,
Shanin
Saturday, September 24, 2011
0 Comments
0 comments is what I see when I look to see if anyone has commented for my post. That is okay! But I see someone from New Mexico that reads my blog frequently. May I ask...your name? Why do you read my blog? I am just curious. I know that some who read my blogs are from my blessedpw list :) They read my blog to either humor me, out of pity, or because they have to! LOL Just kidding! But I am interested in who does read my blogs! Do you have a blog that I could follow? Drop me a line!
Well, thanks for reading! It is encouraging to me that someone reads what I write about. I need to get back to studying for my criminal law test!
Be blessed!
Shanin
Well, thanks for reading! It is encouraging to me that someone reads what I write about. I need to get back to studying for my criminal law test!
Be blessed!
Shanin
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