| December 2010 It has been almost one year since I have visted this section of my site. So much of this past year has been away from the computer. I do have so much to share and I hope to be faithful in my writings for 2011. I thought I would start this month with sharing some of my "favorite" holiday memories .... I absolutely love this time of year! I am blessed to have so many precious memories of family and tradition during the holiday season. One  of my most favorite memories is "sparked" every time I hear Bing Crosby sing "White Christmas or Silver Bells." His voice takes me right to my grandparents house, sitting in front of my Papa's recliner as we watch Bing singing on the television. As I would watch the program on the TV I was blessed by surround sound as my Papa would harmonize with Bing. My Papa's voice ... to this day ... is the perfect blend of Perry Como, Dean Martin and Bing Crosby. RICH, FULL, SOOTHING and absolutely inviting. Really it is gorgeous! I always loved, and still do, when my Papa breaks out with ... "Come they told me Pa rup a pum pum ... " then after a few lines a beautiful whistling solo follows. Ahhhh, even as I write I am comforted by the memory. I look forward this year to my holiday time at my grandparents as I will find my place, even at 39, in front of my Papa's recliner as together we will watch "White Christmas" and sing in harmony together. Krissy (as my Papa calls me) and Tommy .... gentle pushing out of the way Rosemarie and Bing for our "White Christmas" duet! January 24, 2007 It is not for me to know the direction that the Lord has for me, it is for me to simply trust Him and follow. Just like a sheep trusting it's shepherd ... if they knew that his plans included a valley of shadows, they would panic. They must keep close to the one they have learned to trust. Their trust is all that is necessary. The shepherd will provide rest, refreshment, correction, and protection as the needs arise. Just as my Shepherd does for me. The Lord's presence in my life is constant, He is faithful. I thank you Lord for being my potector, my provider, my comforter. In You I place my trust. January 26, 2007 You Amaze Me You are great ~ You love me ~ Your mercies are new every morning. Your presence ~ Your Glory You are Great! Thank you for loving me ~ for giving me Your all, for cleansing my impurities. Your love overwhelms me! El Rhoi ~ My Shepherd. January 29, 2007 Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 January 29, 2007 Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 January 31, 2007 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone? Job 32:29 "He giveth quietness." Whose hands have borne the burden of our sorrow,That in our losses we might find our gain.
"Of all Thy gifts and infinite consolings,
I ask but this: in every troubled hour
To hear Thy voice through all the tumults stealing, And rest serene beneath its tranquil power.
"Cares cannot fret me if my soul be dwelling In the still air of faith's untroubled day; Grief cannot shake me if I walk beside thee, My hand in Thine along the darkening way.
"Content to know there comes a radiant morning When from all shadows I shall find release, Serene to wait the rapture of its dawning-- Who can make trouble when Thou sendest peace?" Cowan February 2, 2007 Faith is choosing to live as though the Bible is true regardless of circumstances, emotions or cultural trends. February 5, 2007 Darrin and I went through a mentoring class last Fall. It was amazing how the Lord opened my heart and spirit. I had no idea how God was going to use this study not only in my marriage but in my own personal growth and relationship with
Him. As we began the lessons I thought, "This is too easy, so simple, I know all the answers." Then when as we began to meet and piece together the FAITH principle ~ it was as though I was renewed through the scriptures we were reading ~ and I had read these passages numerous times before. God began to work in my heart, opening my spirit to receiving His promise of forgiveness, love and acceptance. I was truly overwhelmed with emotion and for the first time in my Christian walk laying down my pre-conceived expectations of how I thought God saw me and realizing that He sees me through the lens of the cross. I know, simple ... and I thought I understood, but as I read Romans 3:25, I John 4:10, I was truly set free from the condemnation and expectations that I placed on myself. Amazing, my faith in the Lord and my spouse has grown immeasurably and I am so grateful for this mentoring study. February 14, 2007 Happy Valentine's Day! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Deuteronomy 6:5 February 22, 2007 PRAYING FOR OUR CHILDREN
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that i have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matt 28:19-20
This verse does not only apply to new converts but also to OUR CHILDREN. We are disciple-makers in regard to our children. We are to share with them and teach them everything they know while discipling them as well.
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." Eph 6:4
"...And these words which i comand you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in the house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up." (v. 6, 7) Deut 6:4-9
March 1, 2007 "I will run the course of Your commandments, For You shall enlarge my heart. '' (Ps 119:32 NKJ).
Today I read an Elizabeth Elliot devotional, I love her words/thoughts regarding this scripture......
There will be both time and strength today to run that course, for it is always possible to do the will of God. The course He sets for us in his commandments is not an obstacle course, but one carefully planned to suit our qualifications--that is, not too rigorous for our limitations, not too lenient for our strengths.
The plan of God for me, for this one day, is meant not to trouble but to gladden my heart. Christ's yoke, according to his own promise, is not hard but easy--if we bear it together with Him and if we bear it as Christ bore it, in meekness and lowliness of heart.
"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Heb 12:1 -2 NKJ).
March 4, 2007 Trust ~ I was reminded today of a song that was popular when I was in junior high. "Do I Trust You Lord?" ~ Twila Paris Sometimes my little heart can't understand what's in Your will, what's in Your plan.
So many times I'm tempted to ask You why,
But I can never forget it for long. Lord, what You do could not be wrong.
So I believe You, even when I must cry.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the river flow?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the north wind blow?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?
I know the answers, I've given them all.
But suddenly now, I feel so small.
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul.
I know the doctrine and theology,
But right now they don't mean much to me.
This time there's only one thing I've got to know.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does the robin sing?
Do I trust You, Lord?
Does it rain in spring?
You can see my heart,
You can read my mind,
And You got to know
That I would rather die
Than to lose my faith
In the One I love.
Do I trust You, Lord?
Do I trust You?
I will trust You, Lord, when I don't know why.
I will trust You, Lord, till the day I die.
I will trust You, Lord, when I'm blind with pain!
You were God before, and You'll never change.
I will trust You.
I will trust You.
I will trust You, Lord.
March 5, 2007 Over the weekend I finally saw the movie "One Night With The King." It was a beautiful movie about the life of Esther. (I encourage you to read the book of Esther before you watch the movie.) Esther, just as she was, won the admiration of everyone who saw her.
Esther remained true to who she was, not only in her faith, but in her beauty. We are all created unique by the hand of God. After watching this movie and reading the book again, I was reminded of how important it is to be yourself. Stand strong in your faith and commitments. Be wise, let the Lord guide your steps, do not be impatient and walk before Him. His timing is perfect and He wants to be glorified through you. April ~ 2008 This year has been one busy year already ... I shared with Darrin just the other day that I realize I am in a NEW season of life with a new ministry focus. A season that is fun, challenging, time consuming, rewarding, tiring, new every day ... the season of parenting. My children are my main focus of ministry in this season. The Lord has been so gracious to provide avenues of ministry for me that allow me to continue with singing ~ I lead worship at my church on Sunday's, direct a vocal team in our student ministry and teach private lessons at a studio near my home. I have been blessed with various opportunities to minister at Women's Events and local churches in the area. Those times have been wonderful, but each time I leave for travel ... I am drawn to the need at home. This new season has opened doors for me to teach with Darrin and lead in Bible Study together, what a TRUE Joy! I have loved not only learning with Darrin in the studies we lead, but learning from him as well. My pastor just completed an AMAZING study in the book of Nehemiah ... wow, I was inspired, challenged and renewed. I was in church for the entire series (usually I miss one or two from being away).... the Lord knew I needed every one ... every word from the Nehemiah series! The Lord is so faithful to His children, knowing our needs even when we ourselves do not see and He meets each one, in His time. I am so excited to see the direction He is taking me in this NEW season, and pray to be continually focused on Him so that I do not miss a single step! 5.20.09 Wow, what an incredible start to my day ... I woke up at 4:30 a.m. to my seven year old daughter announcing that her brother was getting sick in his bed. I honestly do not remember walking up the stairs to his room ... I think that in my sleep and in emergencies I can fly! The news of Kendall's announcment was true, Cole was sick. True heart break is seeing your little one in battle with that NASTY stomach bug. As I lay down beside him I prayed for my own protection from that mean ol' bug and tenderly sang while he battled to find rest. After my third song he sweetly said, "Mommy if I close my eyes, will you make sure the bug doesn't come out my stomach and up my nose?" Yes, there was a moment of TRUE laughter as I promised him that I would make sure the stomach bug stayed out of his nose! Believe it not we made it the entire night with that stomach bug staying just where he was to be ... and finally around 2 pm he left. Not sure where he went, but I can promise you he smells like Lysol Fresh Linen! My prayer, Dear Lord, please heal my little one's tummy. Provide rest, strength and wellness to this evening and into tomorrow. Thank you for the joy of my children and thank you Lord for the laughter they bring. On that note, thank you Lord for laughter ... the good "belly" laugh that comes from the very depths of my soul. I love to laugh and I love the joy it brings. Nehemiah 12:43 (King James Version) Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. 2010, wow it is still so hard for me to write and imagine that it is really the year 2010. February Journal Writings It has been months since I have had a moment to sit down and write on my ministry site journal page. So much has changed since my last note. The biggest change in the Brown household is the newest addition to our family. Our beautiful preteen daughter that we adopted from Ukraine. She is a delight! I had her story posted on the site for some time, but have since take it down. If you were one of the many praying for her adoption, THANK YOU with all my heart I say THANK YOU!! If you are new to the site and have not heard her story, please email me and I will send you her amazing story. There are many moments in the day that I think to myself "I have three children." AMAZING! There are also many nights as I fall on the bed exhausted and say out loud, "WOWIE, I have three very active children." It seems already our lil' preteen has established a very busy social calendar. Add that to my now middle daughter's second grade social calendar and I have an Expedition that keeps on the road most of the day. Thankfully my youngest thinks it's cool to hang out and ride around with mom and has yet to develop an extended social life. I am sure it is just around the corner. I am blessed to have three children that love me and each day never fail to tell me so.
| | March 18, 2007 This is a wonderful devotional that I read today, I wanted to share .... Warren Weirsbe ~ Prayer, Praise and Promises Our great desire should be to magnify the Lord, not ourselves. David said, "Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, 'Let the Lord be magnified'" (v. 27). The Apostle Paul said, "Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death" (Phil. 1:20). Are you magnifying the Lord today? Can people listen to your words, look at your life, measure your actions and say, "She belongs to the Lord. He belongs to the Lord"? It's important that people see the Lord, not us.
The most important quality of a lens is cleanliness. When the lenses of my glasses get dirty, I see the dirt. So I have to clean them. When we are dirty, people see us rather than the Lord. Let's keep our lives clean today. Let's magnify the Lord together; He is worthy of all praise.
Christians are on display before the world. What an opportunity and responsibility you have to impact others for Christ! If you love the Lord, you will want to magnify Him. Watch your words and actions. Are you living for Jesus? Keep the lens of your life clean so that He may be magnified through you. March 22, 2007 Below is a wonderful devotion from one of my favorites, Elisabeth Elliot. Read and Meditate on these words ..... The great witnesses to faith in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, beginning with Abel, who offered a sacrifice by faith, down to those nameless others whose stories are not success stories by any stretch of the imagination, did not know Jesus, God's full revelation of Himself. Yet they believed. Yet they were strong in faith. It was, although they were ignorant of it, Christ on whom their faith rested. Faith depends on Him "from start to finish" (Heb 12:2 NEB). The whole saga of human faith from Abel to us in the twentieth century depends on Him who endured a cross. The whole story of any one individual's faith also depends on Him from start to finish. There is no other ground anywhere. He is the Rock.
I don't know why I keep forgetting this and assuming that somewhere along the line (or the racetrack) I am supposed to manage it by myself. It is Jesus at the start, Jesus every foot of the track, Jesus at the finish. Trust Him. Trust Him. Trust Him.
So, through life, death, through sorrow and through sinning.
Christ shall suffice me, for He hath sufficed.
Christ is the End, for Christ was the Beginning--
Christ the Beginning, for the End is Christ. (F.W.H. Meyer, St. Paul) March 27, 2007 Lyrics to My Beloved by Kari Jobe. This song is ministering to me today! You're My Beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me
My love
Under My mercy
Come and wait
'Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you
My child
You're Beautiful to Me
So Beautiful to Me
I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your cares down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me
I'll breathe My life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength
I'll take you to My quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole
-Klaus Kuehn & Kari Jobe
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:25 April 28, 2007 It has been a wonderful month ~ we hosted our first ever "Brown Family Easter Egg Hunt." Would you believe that it was SNOWING while the kids were hunting for their eggs! Then our precious Kendall was baptized on Easter Sunday, it was a beautiful day. I have some new writings to share, those that the Lord has given me recently. I will do my best to post them during the month of May. He has made Himself known to me in very quite and tender ways this past month. I am so grateful to be loved so much by my heavenly Father, Savior and Redeemer! April 29,2007 Few people know what to do with solitude when it is forced upon them; even fewer arrange for solitude regularly. This is not to suggest that we should neglect meeting with other believers for prayer (Hebrews 10:25), but the foundation of our devotional life is our own private relationship with God. ~ Elliot May 02, 2007 A song was on my heart this morning ... what a wonderful way to start the day! As you read, sing aloud! (Sister Act 2 style .. ha ha!) Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
Op’ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!
All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
Stars and angels sing around Thee,
Center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
Singing bird and flowing fountain
Call us to rejoice in Thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Wellspring of the joy of living,
Ocean depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals, join the happy chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
Father love is reigning o’er us,
Brother love binds man to man.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife,
Joyful music leads us Sunward
In the triumph song of life. Henry J. Van Dyke 1907 Ludwig van Beethoven May 16, 2007 What a beautiful day in Texas today ... perfect weather. I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend last week ~ I spent the weekend with my beautiful grandmother ... Nana. My time with her is precious and I am so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to have someone so beautiful to love. She inspires me, challenges me, prays for me, loves me unconditionally, worries about me, encourages me, directs me and draws me closer to the Lord through her daily walk with Him and is my "biggest fan." Her little body is fragile and weak these days, and even at times her thinking a little weak. But when I look at her, all I see is the strength and faithfulness of a beautiful child of God. She is my hero, mentor and best friend! Her mother was a wonderful example to her, she to my mother and my mother to me ... what a rich heritage. The picture below is Kendall with Nana (her great~ grandmother) ... they have the same beautiful sky blue eyes!  June 11, 2007 Yes it is June and I have not had a moment to sit and journal! We have had company, family activities, church events ~ whoosh the summer is off to a busy start! My goal this week is to sit down at this computer and share some of the exciting teachings the Lord has laid on my heart .... hopefully this evening I will get it done! It is wonderfully warm in Texas today, the kids are headed out to their little blow up pool in the back ... if I will fit ~ I think I might just join them! Ha Ha! July 07, 2007 God is good and His love endures forever! August 2007 So sorry I have not posted new devotionals. I do have them and will post as soon as the kiddos are in school ~ August 13. I hope you are having a wonderful summer! October 18, 2007 Wow! What a busy couple of months .... little did I know how busy my 6 year old and 3 year old (who claims he is 4) could be! Finally, today I have a quiet moment to sit and write in this journal ... I know it has been awhile. The Lord has taught me so much the past couple of months ... His love for us is so precious, powerful, majestic, pure. The verse I am memorizing this week is Psalm 95:7 ... O come let us bow down in worship, before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture, the flock under his care. He loves His people, He loves me! He desires to care for me, to protect me, to guide. I know that so many times that while following Him I am asking Him a "million" questions on the journey. Yet just this week He told me to be quiet/still, to trust and to follow. Just now a hymn came to mind ... Only trust him, only trust him,
only trust him now.
He will save you, he will save you,
he will save you now.
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
there's mercy with the Lord;
and he will surely give you rest,
by trusting in his Word.
Only trust him, only trust him,
only trust him now.
He will save you, he will save you,
he will save you now.
For Jesus shed his precious blood
rich blessings to bestow;
plunge now into the crimson flood
that washes bright as snow.
(Refrain)
Yes, Jesus is the truth the way
that leads you into rest;
believe in him without delay,
and you are fully blest. June ~ 2008 Monday, June 23 Today has been a day of reflection for me. All day long I have continually been reminded of my heavenly Father's love for me. The reminders have come while looking into the eyes of my children. When they would hug me, hold my hand, sit in my lap to read a book and yes, even when a sweet kiss would turn into silly wet "zerbert" on my cheek, I was reminded of my Father's love and blessings. When I was told by my doctor at age fifteen that I could not have children I remember praying to the Lord with such a pure, childlike faith. Praying and trusting the Lord with this area of my life ~ this loss. Knowing at that moment His plan for me was perfect. Knowing He would protect me, provide for me, whisper His promises of truth to me and instill in me scripture that would carry me through each moment of my life. Today as I look at my children I am overwhelmed by my heavenly Father's love for me. He has formed with His hands and placed in mine the most beautiful children ... they are an expression of His love for me. A reminder to me that His promises are true. He loves me so much words cannot describe nor express. The cross ... His love ... His blood shed for my sin. His promise of eternal life ... His promises are true. He will never leave me, He will not forsake me ... I will never walk a path alone ... I will never face a problem or difficult circumstance alone. He is with me and He has gone before me to direct each step I take. My children, as I watched them play today and as I kissed each one goodnight I was embraced by the LOVE of my heavenly Father! May 2009 5.02.09 This month and into the summer I thought I would share journal writings from my personal "daily" journal. I use my journals to write out scriptures, prayers and record funny things my kids say to me. I also include inpirational readings/moments from sermons, books or quotes. Romans 12:1-8 (The Message) Place Your Life Before God 1-2 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Shelia Walsh~ One thing I’ve realized is sometimes I’ve got to put down the thing I’m clinging to whatever the burden is I’m dragging around with me. I have to put it down and when I do I have two hands left to worship Him, to reach out to Him 5.12.09
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful in our lives it is truth, training us to live God's way. WI must reflect Him in my everyday life as a mother, wife, teacher, neighbor, friend. Through the Word we are put together and shaped/molded for the tasks God has for us. 5.18.09 In April I was asked to speak at chapel for Cole's class. Ages 4-5 ... and guess what topic they assigned me ... the word of the month ~ Diligence. First, I had to look up the proper definition before teaching about it. Second, I had to get the creative juices to flowin'!!! I was so excited, I had found a great "parable" about a very diligent, hard working ant. Now, all I had to do was rewrite the parable so that the ant was "nice" in the end and actually felt sympathy for his lazy cricket friend. Ok, rhythm and rhyme here we go .... A silly young cricket, who liked to sing through the warm, sunny months of the summer and spring, began to complain, when he found that at home his cupboard was empty and winter had come.
Not a crumb to be found on the snow-covered ground;
not a flower could he see, not a leaf on a tree.
“Oh, what will become,” says the cricket, “of me?”
I’ll be hungry and tired and cold in misery.
Away he set off to talk to an ant to see if, to keep him alive the ant would grant him shelter from rain. A mouthful of grain he wished only to borrow for he’d repay it to-morrow; if the ant didn’t help he would live so hungry and in sorrow. Says the ant to the cricket: “I’m your servant and friend, but we ants never borrow, we ants never lend.
Tell me, dear sir, did you lay nothing by when the weather was warm?” Said the cricket, “Not I.” "My heart was so light that I sang day and night,for all nature looked beautiful lovely and bright." “You sang, sir, you say?
Go then,” said the ant, “and sing winter away.” For I have spent days collecting my food, been diligent, honest, faithful and true. You must learn to spend your time wisely ... and then when your work is complete you have fun with a friend. The cricket was sad when he realized his loss and began walking hungry, scared and cross.
Humm said the ant as his heart filled with sorrow, He said, "I will share my food with you but promise me tomorrow you will work hard then play be diligent and true find food for your yourself now you know what to do!" I made hand puppets and had two of the kids "act out" the parable. It was really a lot of fun! Diligence ~ hard working … paying attention to your task Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! Proverbs 13:4 People who refuse to work want things and get nothing. But the longings of people who work hard are completely satisfied.
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