It's That Time of Year

Well my friends, school is getting ready to start back up and I think we are just about prepared here at the Brown House, except for the fact that I have been "itching" to get  more organized!   This is usually where I call in my sister, but this year I think I am going to try and do this thing myself.   I am looking for ideas on how to get my laundry done more efficiently and sorted and distributed to all three kids in a more organized manner.  After it gets to their room, it's their problem!  :)    I am also looking for weekly menu ideas and lunch ideas for the kids to take to school.  If you have any ideas, please share them with me!

On a deeper level, we are in the midst of making some decisions regarding our church and whether or not the Lord may be calling us to another place of worship.  Please be in prayer for our family as this is a very big decision for us and not one that we take lightly.   As we step out in faith regarding the calling God has on our family and how we are to be serving him, I would ask that you be in prayer for us - that we will hear God's voice clearly on this subject.   This I know, my God is faithful and has a wonderful plan for our lives and that is what I am standing on today.     Love - Melissa

Fall Bible Study Announcement

Ladies,

It was decided at last night's meeting that we would continue meeting this Fall on Tuesday nights at my house at 7 p.m.    Below is a link to the book I was talking about - 'Life's Healing Choices'.   This is a book and study guide combination which I can purchase through Amazon for about $23.00 per person.   It is an 8 week study and an 8 week commitment on working towards healing in any area of your life in which you struggle.   This is a great opportunity to invite a friend and also a great opportunity to not only get healing, but also train ourselves how to help others in difficult situations.   

http://books.google.com/books?id=JpvFmietwI0C&dq=life's+healing+choices+by+john+baker&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=6TZQTJChBJHY8gaizsjVAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CFIQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

If you are interested in joining our group this Fall, please email me or call me at 931.307.0760 and let me know for sure that you will be attending so that I can make sure and purchase enough books.   Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 31st!

Feel free to forward this email to anyone you think may be interested in joining our group this Fall.    I will say this, this small group of ladies has truly been a blessing in my life and I pray that you would consider joining us as we press forward in growing to be more like Christ.  

How Are We Supposed to Speak??

What does God say to us about how we speak, yes that means in our homes, to our family, to everyone else around us?    Well, here is a little blerb I found.   And guess what, God means what He says in the Bible.  Sometimes I think one of the biggest sins we deal with his how we speak.    Does your life speak words of life or death?


Speak to edify. In the same Bible verse 8 of Philippians 4, Paul says that we should speak words of virtue. Virtuous words are words of excellence and value, words that produce good fruits, that build up the speaker, listener and everyone else.

Speak words of praise ---- words that praise the great works of God. Talk about His great creation in all of his wonderful glory. Talk about God's Work on earth today ---- the Work that's spreading the good news of the Kingdom of God. Speak words of praise about the good in other people. Encourage others to do their best. Comfort other people when they are discouraged.

In short, use your tongue to bring life ---- not death!

Finally, I have the chance for a quick post!   We have been sick, been doing the summer stuff and just living the crazy life and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!  

I have been mulling over some things as of late, the primary thing being that we MUST start living the Christian life out through LOVE.   It is the number one commandment - to love the Lord with all your heart and soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself.   I find that so many people call themselves Christians and do the "church" thing but aren't truly living out love in their day to day lives.   I am completely guilty of this, so I am not trying to cast condemnation, but come on people, do we really believe what we say we do?   Do we love those who don't look like us, don't have the money we have, might be down and out, might smell bad or offend us?   If not, then we might need to reevaluate whether or not we love Jesus Christ.   This is something I am challenged by daily.  I pray that we will ask the Lord daily to change our hearts, to renew our minds and transform us into His image.   

Here is a great video by Beth Moore from this week.   Hope you enjoy!   Love to all!

The Guarded Heart - Beth Moore