Passion of The Christ

It has been years since I have see 'The Passion of The Christ'.  I could have always told you the story of how Jesus was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter and then crusified. When I first saw this movie, I just sobbed and sobbed for multiple reasons. One being that it is hard to imagine anyone going through that kind of torture. Second that Jesus did all of that for us. Third and final reason was that I knew the story... that's just it. It seemed more like a story than a reality to me. Watching the movie helped me visualize what the scripture tells us Jesus did for us and what he went through.  In a strange way the movie helped me connect more with scripture.  Thank you Mel Gibson & Jim Caviezel for this wonderful display of Christ's love for us.

Now It has been on my heart & mind lately to watch this movie with my family.  So I have been planning a great lesson using the Bible and the movie. We will read through Luke 22-23. Then we will watch the movie.

@angela@

When Life Happens

I don't even know how to put into words how I am feeling right now. Due to several different circumstances the sell of our house has dragged on a little longer than expected. We just found out that the buyers are backing out because of the time frame.  I am asking that you pray for our family as we continue with our decision to move to the more simple life. We truly believe if it is right in God's eyes then it will all work out.  I know that He is in control. It is just hard to let go of my first reaction of panic & worry.

@angela@  

That's My King

Several years ago my brother sent me a link to a video that describes Jesus in an amazing way. I found the link over the weekend & really wanted to share it with you.  When I first saw this video I just cried. Now when I watch it, I get chill bumps!! The video is very short but a powerful video to get your spirit pumped!  I hope you will take a peek at the video 'That's My King' by Igniter Media. Enjoy!

Studying Scripture

A few years ago we were in a Bible study group at our church and our leader shared an interesting way to study scripture.... SPECS. When reading scripture, use this acronym to help walk you through scripture.  What Sins do I need to forsake or abandon? What Promises do I need to keep? What Examples do I need to follow? What Commands do I need to obey? What Stumbling blocks or errors do I need to avoid?
I really found this helpful & a BIG thank you goes out to Mike who shared this with us.

I have attached the document here if you would like to have a copy.

Leave me a comment on any tricks or acronyms you have used to help you study scripture.

The Simple Life

After returning from Guatemala, my perspective on life changed.  I just felt that my priorities had gotten all mixed up over the last few years.  When I met my hubby (in 1997) I couldn't wait to be a house wife & a mommy. That was my goal in life.  In 1998, I married my soul mate and in 2000 I became a mommy. Then in 2001 we were blessed with our 2nd child.  God gave me what I wanted.
I went back to college and received my teaching degree. Well that apparently wasn't enough because I went back again to earn my Master's in Administration.  I joined so many district and campus level committees that my focus was on my career.  Here we are in 2012 and I realize that I got all mixed up! How could I let that happen? I cannot answer that question but I know that it is not God's plan for my life. Over the last year or so I have had some unsettling feelings toward my job, where we live and our busy schedules. Slowly God revealed to us that we are not focusing on what we should be focusing on.

We have decided to sell our 3400 sq foot custom home on 2 1/2 acres and relocate to a tiny town and purchase a home less than 2000 sq feet.  I realize that is the opposite of the 'American Dream' but I feel we have had a piece of that dream and it was just that~ a dream. The reality of a bigger, nicer house on a much bigger piece of land is that it has so much more demands that it takes away from the family.  We are pulling out to live the simple life.

So it happened. We listed our house on a Monday, first showing on Wednesday & an offer on Thursday. Wow! God's timing is amazing.  So here we are getting ready to finalize the sale of our home.  Now the awful, mundane task of packing & moving!

My new mission

I feel so overwhelmed by all the 'things' that I want to do.  I don't even know where to begin.  My list includes organizing my house (that list is SUPER long in itself), finishing my family home binder, finishing my recipe binder, spending more time with my kiddos &; hubby and oh so many other things.  I found the neatest idea on a blog this morning. The idea is Sunday Seven.  Wow. That was my first thought.  Taking 7 things to make a priority throughout the week.  Look at this post to read more about it.  Finding Home  I plan to use this idea to help me work through my list of 'to-do's' while keeping my sanity.


My very first Sunday 7 looks something like this:
Faith: read my Bible every morning before I get out of bed
Family: spend time playing games like Farkle & Old Maid (even though I always seem to end up the Old Maid)
Relationships: call my mom & dad (I miss them so much)
Health & Fitness: drink more water & start walking/riding my bike at least 4 days this week
Organizing: make lists of all the things I want to do
Work: get grades entered daily
Me Time:  see 'The Vow' at the movies!!