Hope vs. Faith

I have been asking God lately to increase my faith. One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 11:1 that says: Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation or title deed) of the things we hope for, being the proof of things we do not see and the conviction of their reality. (Amplified version). So, basically it is saying that Faith is TRULY believing that something we have prayed for is definitely going to happen...no doubt in our minds....it will occur...even though it hasn't happened yet. It is receiving a promise from God about something and having no doubt it will occur.

The Bible is filled with promises for every believer. There is a bunch of personal things that I'd like to see happen, too. The problem is, I realize that I live much more in the world of HOPE instead of FAITH. There is a fine line that must be crossed. I can hope for stuff all day, but it's faith that moves God.

So, how do I move from hope to faith? My pastor and cell leader have talked about this. Everything starts in prayer. I have to pray through my "hopes" until I hear God's voice (in prayer or in His word) promise me that that "hope" will be taken care of. Then I have to choose to believe that He will actually do it. Once I believe that, then I am in faith. I have the "title deed" to that promise, and I believe it will be done. Now I don't have to "worry" about it, because I know God WILL move...in HIS timing...without a doubt.

Now, that's hard. I can honestly say that I don't have a whole lot of those title deeds. I have a bunch of "hopes". I am asking God to enlarge my faith so that I can move out of the realm of hope and into the realm of faith. That takes work, too. I have to spend that consistent time with Him so that I can hear His voice and receive those promises that move my hopes into faith.

My favorite scripture is Luke 1:45 - Blessed is she who has believed what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished. (Elizabeth is singing to Mary...so the Bible actually does use "she", which I love.) Sounds like faith to me.

So, what do I believe the Lord has said to me WILL BE accomplished, and what do I just HOPE will be accomplished? Such a fine but imperative line to cross. Oh God, enlarge my faith so that Your will in my life can be accomplished!

On a different note, my husband helped Trella and Bruce move a uhaul full of stuff into their new house today! YEY!! I believe they were spending the night there tonight. I haven't seen the house yet, but I can't wait.

Memorial Day

Thank you to all soldiers who have fought to keep our country free. All have sacrificed, and some have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you. Freedom is not free. I pray for everyone who is in active duty now for their safety. God bless you and your families. (Jason, I pray for you and Christie everyday -- Thank you!)

Blogline

Just curious, but how much of a delay do you notice between somebody posting and it showing up on your bloglines? I have noticed that it takes quite awhile, like several hours, for a new post to show up. Am I the only one who has noticed this? Any ideas??

Show and Tell Friday

Kelli is hosting Show and Tell Friday. Head over to her blog and check out all of the people who are participating. If you'd like to participate, just link to her site.

Here is my new iPod shuffle

Since I am behind with my posts, I am combining Show and Tell and Mother's Day. Now, I know this isn't old or "crafty", but it is what my family surprised me with on Mother's Day. I was so thrilled!! I don't listen to music all of the time just because, as a teacher, I feel 'silence is golden' during the school year. However, as summer approaches, and also occasionally as I do housework, I think, "Gee, it would be nice to listen to music as I do housework or walk." My daughter got one of these for Christmas, and since then I've been eyeing it. I never even thought to ask for one of these, but Beth knew what I'd like. You could have knocked me off my computer chair when they brought it to me. I have downloaded a handful of favorite songs and have many CD's waiting to be gone through. I've even purchased a song or two. This will be a big motivator for my walking program this summer! Thanks Josh, Beth, Ben and Matt!!

OK...So I Like It Cold!

I must admit to being very hot natured. Even before I had all of this 'extra insulation', I was always hot. I live in Louisiana where not only is it hot, it's humid, which is a sticky-yuck kind of hot. I guess I get carried away trying to get comfortable. This is a picture of Josh and Beth watching tv tonight trying to stay warm. Did I mention that I LOVE air conditioning? Here they are huddled under a blanket for survival, so they claim. I'm wandering around in a sleeveless night gown and not a bit cold. After snapping this picture, I relented and made it just a tad warmer in the house. However, I think they're still under the blanket in the living room. It's not THAT cold in here!! =o) And summer has just begun....

Beth's 8th Grade Graduation

Beth graduated Thursday night. She has been at Harvest Christian Academy since she was in K-4. Out of her 10 years there, I have taught there 7 years. It will NOT be the same going to school next year without her. (Sniff!) We are so proud of her! We really did not do a good job with the pictures. I don't have a picture of her up close with her hat on or one with all the awards she received. She was Salutatorian and received the Language, Math, and Science awards, and the "Lifer" award. She received medals for each of the academic awards and 2 beautiful trophies for Salutatorian and Lifetime. I took a picture of them, but it's not "in the moment." I know friends and family snapped pictures. Hopefully somebody got some of the pictures we missed. CONGRATULATIONS BETHIE!!! We love you and are so proud of you!!

So Many Posts, So Little Time

Al...most...there! School is almost over. The kids basically have 6 days or so left, and I have a few more than that. I am dreadfully behind in posts. Show and Tells, Mother's Day, Beth graduated from 8th grade last night so of course I have pictures.... Hopefully tomorrow I'll get Beth's graduation post up.

I did want to say that where else but Louisiana can you eat crawfish bread and stuffed artichokes for dinner?! Well, I'm sure there ARE other places, but it just seemed like a unique supper to me. I picked both up at the local outdoor market/veggie place. Yummy!! =o)

I hope everybody has a great weekend. Even though I haven't been posting, I sure have been reading everybody's blogs daily. I really enjoy them all.

I'm Still Here

I know I haven't been posting much lately. Don't give up on me. This last month of school is so hard, as you all know! When I'm finally NOT at school or doing school work, my brain is just tired. I am enjoying everybody's blog, however. Bloglines is a great way to keep track of everybody...thanks Candy!

I will share one little thing God showed me the other day. I had been praying at the House of Prayer (Our church has a small building dedicated 24/7 to prayer. It has worship music playing, comfy chairs, and a large cross. It is such an anointed place, I don't know how I survived without it. Isn't that neat?!) and was almost packing up to leave when God brought my name to my mind. He reminded me that the meaning of my name is 'Faithful Friend'. Then He so gently said, "That's what I want you to be to Me. Be 'Ruth' to me." Now, our pastors have been talking lately about DAILY prayer time in order to have that stress free life I've mentioned before, but I was not expecting that little twist! It was God's way of calling me to a more consistent prayer life. So that's my on-going challenge...one that I'll gladly take!

A big Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there!!

Mother's Day Give Away

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5 Minutes for Mom is having several give away contests for Mother's Day. Head over there and check it out! (I can't figure out why some of the Html code is showing, but oh well!)

Ruth Interviewed

Trella did this interview the other day and asked if anyone wanted to take part. I volunteered myself and here are her questions, and my answers. According to the rules, I must answer at least 5 of the 6 questions. I actually answered all 6. Drumroll please....

(I don't know why this post is skipping spaces and lines. Sorry!)

1) What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?
Now, I'm not trying to be overly spiritual here, but honestly the first answer that came to
my mind was the cross. At the cross I can find everything I need for a victorious life here
on earth, and at the cross is where I received salvation for eternity. At the cross is where
I can place all my problems and fears. Although there are many views more aesthetically
pleasing, to me, the cross is a beautiful place.

2) What do people like best about you?
Well, Matt (my 7 year old) says I'm cuddly. However, I think others that I spend time with
would say that I make people feel comfortable - both friends and new people in new
situations. I am definitely a peacemaker. (Now, that can be good AND bad.) Even in
ministering to people, when someone I have worked with in the past has left the church and
is ready to come back, they feel free to call me.

3) What person has influenced your life the most? why?
This is hard because there are SO many people to chose from. However, at the moment, I
would have to chose my pastor for the past 16 or so years, Pastor Bray Sibley. The past 5
years has especially changed my life and who I am. I could write a book about it, but I'll
summarize. Our church moved into having weekend Encounters, where you basically have
a 'face to face' encounter with God. Wounds are healed. Strongholds are demolished. Faith
grows by leaps and bounds. My life has been drastically changed by this. Now, not only
do I and my family benefit, but I seek to help others do the same. There is nothing more
rewarding then watching somebody you reached out to become who God created them to
be as THEY get healed and set free. Pastor Bray's anointing, obedience, and leadership
has influenced me and continually challenges me to reach God's destiny for my life.

4) If you could choose to be an animal, what animal would you choose to be? why?
I would want to be a spoiled, lazy housecat. I could sleep as much as I wanted. I would deal
with people when I feel like it. I would be queen of the household!!! (At least, that's how MY
cats act.)

5) What would your family say you're like first thing in the morning?
They would say I am slightly grumpy and very schedule orientated. My husband says I am
humorless at that hour. In my defense, my alarm goes off at 4:40 a.m. (I don't get up until
5:10), and I have to get 4 of us out of the door by 7 a.m. I am a night person, so I usually
don't go to bed early enough. Any night person that has to get up so early every morning
would agree with my evaluation of this being cruel and unusual punishment. My principal
doesn't seem to agree with me.....

6)Share a quirky habit you have. How long have you had it?
Hmmmm. I read books I like over and over and over. I have to be in the mood to read a new
book, even if it's from my favorite author. My husband says I say things 3 times in a row
quickly when I feel an urgency in something, like "Watch it! Watch it! Watch it!" while he's
driving.

Are you interested in being interviewed? Just tell me in the comments, and in a few days I will post some questions for you to answer. The rules are: You must answer at least five of the six questions. You will update your weblog with the answers to the questions and include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions (that you write). So on and so on...Have fun, and thanks for volunteering!