The One Item to Add to your To-Do List Today

Monday...the beginning of a new week.

My project list seems to be getting longer this summer instead of shorter...today, I want to buff our floors and replace screens in some of our windows.  Clean the house...laundry...grocery shopping.  My to do list never ends.

But there is one to do list that I don't want to forget.  

The one labeled "Others".

That is why I have four precious kids coming for swimming and a sleepover tomorrow.  That is why their mom and more friends are coming for dinner tomorrow night.  This family is moving to Alabama next Wednesday.  To say we will miss them is a great understatement.  

So even though I am supposed to be painting my bedroom (I know, Jenny!! :) and staining and sealing my deck...that can wait.  

Others.  

Challenge:  Write your to do list for today.  Include one thing for someone else.  

Make cookies for a neighbor.

Watch someone's kids while they have a little mom time.

Write a thinking of you note with a $5 gift card tucked in it.

Invite a senior saint to dinner.

What one thing will you do today...for others?

"I'm Not Practicing Religion Right Now"

This statement was said to me this past week..."I'm not practicing any religion right now."

The definitions of practicing:

to perform or do habitually or usually: to practice a strict regimen.

to follow or observe habitually or customarily: to practice one's religion.

to exercise or pursue as a profession, art, or occupation: to practice law.

to perform or do repeatedly in order to acquire skill or proficiency: to practice the violin.

to train or drill (a person, animal, etc.) in something in order to give proficiency.

I am a creature of habit. I like things to be the same every day.  I enjoy routine.

However, I can get into the rut of doing things in my life simply out of habit and not because of the relationship involved.  

Why is this potentially harmful?  

People who do acts of service as a habit or performance are at a greater risk to abandon that relationship.  

It is the love in the action that build the relationship...not the action itself.

One question for you today.  

In what area of your life are you just "practicing"?  

Your relationship with Christ?

Your marriage?

Your children?

Your service for Christ?

Challenge:  Take today.  Every action, habit, performance that you do...ask what is motivating me to complete this action?  Why am I reading my Bible?  Why am I making this meal?  Why am I teaching this Sunday School class?  Why am I staying in my marriage?

Action of habit OR action of love.  

It is your choice.  

Our Story: How Our Dreams Came True

Yesterday, we celebrated our church's 4th anniversary and today, my husband and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary.  In our afternoon service, we had a few folks share their testimony of their life and Sierra View Baptist Church.

Here is mine...

Sierra View Baptist Church started not four years ago...but fifteen years ago and five months to be exact. For me, anyways.

It was on January 23, 1999, my husband and I had our first date.  We were both students at the Bible college we attended and he asked me out to an after Christmas party at Connie's Pizza in Chicago. After we returned to the college campus, we talked.  It was in this very conversation that he told me his story...and then his dream.  He wanted to be a youth pastor at his home church.

I didn't say it then...or for many years to come.  But I remember thinking that he would do more than just be a youth pastor.  I could see the passion for God...the love for the Christian life...the zeal for preaching inside him.  I thought that night..."He is going to do more for God than just be a youth pastor."

We continued dating for the next 2 years and five months...and were married on June 23, 2001.  On May 2002, he walked across the platform and received his college diploma with me by his side.  Still the plan...still the dream:  To be the youth pastor at his home church.

Through circumstances, God killed the dream of being a youth pastor in his home church.  When a dream dies, it hurts.  But God had a plan.  

From January 23, 1999, Sierra View Baptist Church was God's plan for Eric and Rebekah Tastet.  

God's dream, my husband's dream and my dream finally came together as one on June 20,2010.  

For you see, when I was in 8th grade, as a young teen girl, I surrendered my life to be a pastor's wife.  My dream had finally come true.

So the anniversary of our church and our wedding anniversary are much more to us than a mere celebration and hurrah. 

 It is the celebration of dreams...come...true.

Celebrating Four Years...By MY God Have I Leaped Over a Wall

Today is the celebration of our church's 4th anniversary.

  

On June 20th, 2010, Sierra View Baptist Church held its first service in the conference room of the Hampton Inn in Reno.  I remember the nervous and scared feelings...what a big undertaking in our lives.  So many things we have learned along the way the past four years.  And so many more to go.

Here are a few throwback posts from my first blog...what special memories!

Blog Post:  Announcing the start of Sierra View

Blog post:  Grand Opening of Sierra View

Last year, this month of June, my husband decided to quit his job as regional manager of a local medical company and go full-time at the church.  Our second very big leap of faith personally for our family.  

And God has taken care and caught us as we took each leap.  

I think of our journey when I read these verses...

"For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?

It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."

Psalms 18:29-33

Praise His name today for His faithfulness.

Creating An Home Management Binder

Guest post from Mrs. Jenny Musser

Today, I thought I would share links to some free print outs that I use for my binder.  There are many cute colored printables out there but our printer is black and white, so that is what I use.  I like to make my own binder because I can customize it for my needs.  

All you need is a binder, I got mine in the clearance section at Wal-mart for $3 and some dividers there for about $1.50 and a printer! 

I've sorted my binder into just four groups: Calendar, To Do, Grocery/Menu, Church. 

Here is a link to a calendar.  Each month is on one page so you can throw the month away and start fresh.    

Monthly Calendar Printable

This one is a link for a grocery list.  I like this one because most that I found already have items listed, this one you can add what you need.  

Grocery List Printable 

This one is my favorites!  I love to make To Do Lists!!

Things To Do Printable

Happy Organizing!!
*There are so many options to this binder...brainstorm and create your own according to your needs.  Have fun!*

What the Hollywood Sign Taught Me About Life

On our vacation, my husband and I took a six mile hike up to the famous Hollywood sign.

At least, that was the plan. :)

After asking a park traffic guide, he pointed us in the "direction" of the trail.  We parked and headed up.  NO signs.  Of course, we got lost in conversation (we tend to philosophize a bit on these adventures ;) and we came to this fork in the road.  The one path "looked" like it went up the front of the sign.  The other path "seemed" to go to the back of the sign.

We had no map.  There were no signs.  I had a read a hiker's blog and actually got the idea for this hike.  No, this is probably not the best way to start an adventure.

Yeah.  Do you ever find yourself at that point in life?  I have and sometimes do.  

I encourage you to take these steps when you find yourself at these points with no map:

1.  Seek the Lord's direction. 

The FIRST step here is to do the Lord's obvious will for every Christian. 

 What are those?  A few are:

Relationship with Christ in reading your Bible and prayer

Church attendance

Tithing - Giving back the first 10% of your increase

Giving others the good news of Jesus Christ

Once you are doing the obvious will for your life, seek the Lord and godly counsel for additional steps from there.

2.  Make a plan.  BEFORE YOU GO!  

FIRST, DO STEP #1!  You must, must, must have the Lord's direction in your life before you attempt to make a plan.

Now, make a plan.  Create a map for your journey.  What area are you needing direction in today?  What area are you failing in?  Let me give you a few personal illustrations...

My relationship with Christ - I do several daily reading plans/devotionals on the You Version Bible app.

I am currently working on the Daily in the Word discipleship book by Striving Together Publications.

I started a new prayer journal to use to help me stay on track with requests and needs to pray for.

Giving others the good news - We have once a month time where we as a church pass out invitations to our services.  I have decided to do this weekly.  I don't need to wait and give out the gospel only when my church organizes it.  I can do it on my own and with my children!

These are a few steps I am taking in regards to my spiritual map and path.

So where are you today?  Are you seeking the Lord's direction truly?  Or is He just a part of your Sunday morning routine?  Are you doing His obvious will?  Do you need to make a plan?

I encourage you today to work on these things.  It will make a difference in your life.

Flip Flops and Jesus

"I like your flip flops.  They are like mine," said a little girl to me at the breakfast room at the Hampton on our vacation.

"You look like my grandma.  She wears those too (pointing to my skirt),"  said a little boy to me in Wal-Mart.

People notice our outside, don't they?  The clothes we wear, the hair style we have, the jewelry we choose.  My three year old always compliments my church clothes..."I love your necklace, Mommy.  Your shoes are pretty, Mommy."  

More than others noticing the outer appearance, I crave for others to notice Jesus on me.  I have a pastor's wife friend in our town that glows the love of Jesus.  Her spirit and enthusiasm for God is like a burning fire - and you can't help but catch on fire too when you are near.  

How do you and I become the person that when others are around...they desire not what we are but who He is?

We have a true and real relationship with Christ.  There is no other way.  

We need to be filled with Him so that all that we are and all that comes out...is Jesus.

How I desire that.  How I crave that.  I hope you do too.  Seek to be filled up with Jesus...today.  And every day.

The Difference Between Praying and Praying Aloud

I am missing my girls.  Not the fights and squabbles.  Not all the laundry and dishes.  But I miss them.  Today we leave Lancaster and the Spiritual Leadership Conference to go home.  And one thing that the Lord impressed upon my heart was one area with my children.

Do my children hear me pray?  Is this one area that when they become adults, they will look back and say, I remember hearing Mom pray.  I know as a testimony to my parents...I heard them pray a lot.  Still do.  

I can only imagine the influence on a child's life if they heard their parent pray for them to marry a godly, Christian spouse.  

I can only imagine the influence on a child's soul if they heard their parent pray for their salvation.  

I can only imagine the influence on a child's heart if they heard their parent pray for their fears and insecurities.

So, I have determined to concentrate on two things with my children.

1.  Pray aloud with them and for them.

2.  Ask them if they have any prayer requests, record them in my prayer journal and pray for their needs.

How important it is for our children to have praying parents!

Perhaps, it may be the difference of who they will marry, the choice to stay in church as an adult, the decision to have a relationship with Christ because it is their heart's desire.  The difference could be eternal.

Our Lancaster Trip - Day 3

Yesterday, we had a leisurely morning at our hotel.  (After a 2 mile run in the gym. :)  We were able to talk with another pastor couple friends for a few hours over breakfast and coffee.  We then headed out to Santa Monica and the pier.  This is where Route 66 ends at the Pacific Ocean.

The pier was fun to walk and my husband humored me and rode the ferris wheel.  They freak him out...just a little bit.  Ha!  Gave beautiful views of the pier, ocean and beach.

Chatting with the locals who were fishing off the pier.

Sitting on the end of the pier overlooking the ocean. :)

Had a yummy caramel coffee at the Coffee Bean.

Lunch was this delicious pasta dish with grilled shrimp and a lemon garlic sauce.  Heaven!

We then walked the beach and looked for little seashells.  Enjoyed the waves coming in and the warm sand on our feet.

After the day, we attended a wonderful evening service as the start to the conference.  

After the service, we sat and caught up with another pastor couple - friends from our college days.  It is a blessing to see so many friends again.

Our Lancaster Trip - Day 2

Good Sunday morning from Lancaster Baptist Church!  Just thought I would share a few pictures of their campus.  It really is a huge campus.  This is the entrance to their main auditorium.

Their Welcome Centers are on the outside.  

We attended the first service at 8:30am.  

Meanwhile, back in Reno...six ladies going to Sierra View. :)

After the 8:30 service, they held their ground breaking ceremony for their new Student Commons building.

After the ground breaking, we went shopping at the church bookstore.  We got Autumn a new Bible and more devotional books for Addie and Autumn.  They really enjoy these Glow books for juniors.

After church, we attended the Senior Pastor's luncheon.  LBC always hosts wonderful luncheons and we really enjoyed getting to know two more pastors from Texas and Georgia who sat at our table.  The meal was sea bass, rice, sauteed veggies, a salad, tea and cheesecake.  Delicious!

We then registered for the conference and picked up our packet of goodies they give you.  I did a little thrift store shopping but didn't find anything.  Back to church at 5 for a wonderful and stirring evening service.  I love to be able to get away from the business of serving and just to sit and soak in God's Word.  It is so needed.

We ended it with catching up with some old college friends until 8:30pm and then grabbed a salad at Chipotle.

What a wonderful second day!

Our Lancaster Trip - Day 1

My husband and I are on our yearly get-away to Lancaster, California.  This is our third year attending the Spiritual Leadership Conference at Lancaster Baptist Church - Pastor Paul Chappell.  We are looking forward to a wonderful time renewing our hearts and souls.

I thought I would share some of our trip with you.  We left Saturday morning at 4:50am.  The drive was pretty uneventful minus a stop at Denny's for a Fit Fare Omelet.  :)  I do so enjoy the beautiful flowers along the highway like you see above.

We drove straight to LA - Los Angeles.  I did that is...California drivers remind me of Chicago drivers.  Good grief!  Our plan was to do an iconic hike up to the famous Hollywood sign.  We didn't make it all the way to the top - the paths weren't marked and we ended up taking the path in front of the sign which doesn't take you up to the sign.  But that was OK.  We got in a good workout of six miles and enjoyed a long talk. :)

The view of the city from the top - a tad smoggy.  LOL!

My Hollywood star. ;)

After the hike, we decided not to fight the LA traffic so we headed to Palmdale.  Had a tasty dinner at Red Lobster using gift cards a friend gave us.  A fun and enjoyable day!

Recipe: Fruit Infused Water

Fruit Infused Water 

*Guest post:  Mrs. Jenny Musser*

Last summer, a sweet lady I go to church with gave me this fruit infusion pitcher.  You can get them at Target, Bed Bath & Beyond and Wal-Mart for about $20.  I used it all summer long last year and I have already starting making it now!  It is so refreshing in this Nevada heat!!  

It only takes a few minutes to make.  I let it sit overnight, but it depends on how strong you would like the flavors to be is how long you will let it sit. You can really use every kind of fruit, but bananas.  Also, cucumber is very tasty and refreshing!  

These are a few of my favorite:

1. Lemon, Lime and Orange 

2. Raspberry & Lime 

3. Strawberry & Lemon

4. Mixed Berry

I haven't tried any with herbs mixed in yet so these are a few I'm looking forward to trying this summer:

1. Cucumber, Lemon & Mint

2. Strawberry, Lemon & Basil

3. Orange & Mint

4. Kiwi & Strawberry 

This is a great way to stay away from sodas and fruit juices that are high in sugar.  There are so many combinations, I think the possibilities are endless!    

Moments, Memories and Marriage

 

This month, my husband and I will be married for 13 years.

This Saturday, my parents will have been married for 39 years.

My clients that I do home health care have been married for 74 years.

All seasons of life in marriage.  Yet in all is a common thread that is needed...time together.  My husband and I do home projects together.  We run errands together.  We work in the ministry together.  We take vacations alone together.  If we can, we do the things in our life together.  It is what builds our marriage.  It strengthens our relationship.  It bonds our hearts.

All just moments.  Moments together that create a marriage.

Think about this quote...share moments together today...so that you will have memories tomorrow. 

(Above is my new wedding band for my anniversary that replaced the one I lost.)