Ready the Lamps

...
I feel like God has laid it on my heart for some time now to begin preparations for a significant event or period of time. It feels fairly urgent. I hesitate to even use that word, but the feeling fits the definition, especially when I think of putting it off.
...

1. compelling or requiring immediate action or attention; imperative; pressing: an urgent matter.
2. insistent or earnest in solicitation; importunate, as a person: an urgent pleader.
3. expressed with insistence, as requests or appeals: an urgent tone of voice.

~~ Source: http://www.dictionary.com/

...
I don't feel panic or fear, or that it's going to begin in the next week or month, but soon. How soon, I don't know. I feel like we will have just enough time if we work at it bit by bit. If we put it off, we will not be ready.

Last year, even with the US economy begining to tank, I didn't really feel this way. I wish I had; however, the past is the past. I have peace that if God had wanted us to begin last year He would have made it clear then. With that said, I take more warning from this feeling now since He is making it clear to me at this time. Preparations need to be made.

I'd like to introduce my newest blog: Ready the Lamps. It will detail my research on the subject of preparedness and some of our plans. It will also include research on some of the possible situations and concerns that may arise.

Is anyone interested in taking this journey with me?
...

Comfort & Courage

...
Given Thursday, July 9, 2009 around 9:00 pm.
...
It is not the pressure that I am under that is the issue; it is how I respond/act amidst and under it. The pressure is exactly as God intends; and He is faithful to not give me more than I can bear. But it is the trial by fire that purifies the silver/gold. And it is this kind of suffering that the Christian life (that Jesus Christ) speaks of. It is necessary and to be welcomed and rejoiced in. It is the suffering that produces character, perseverance, and hope. (Romans 5:1-5)
...

Psalm 1:1-3

...

Welcome!

...

Currently, I feel a desire to write and share some things about my life and what I am learning and studying. This blog will also be about my faith in Jesus and His work in my life, and the day to day aspects of knowing Him and learning to know Him better. To those I haven't met, welcome. To my family and friends, enjoy.

...

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,

Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;

But his delight is in the law of the LORD,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,

That brings forth its fruit in its season,

Whose leaf also shall not wither.

And whatever he does shall prosper.

...

...

As an introduction, this is pretty much where I am at in my life with God: delighting in the law of my LORD. I am fairly prosperous right now, and basking in the abundant life God has given me. I realized this last year, about this time, and God laid the choice before me: would I pursue my life, or would I pursue Him? I pursue Him, but my flesh is weak and easily distracted, like Romans 7. Yet, like Romans 8, I have peace: there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. At the same time, I press on for the prize that awaits me, so thankful that Jesus noticed me in my distress and saved me. At this time, I am learning to bring my body, tongue, and mind into discipline and obedience - (1 Corinthians 9).

...