30 Day Blog Challenge - Days 17 & !8

Oh no, I'm getting behind.  I guess one day isn't too bad!

Day 17:  Something I'm Looking Forward To

I am looking forward to.....

Starting up my ladies Bible study again in January.  I am currently looking for material.  If anyone has any suggestions, I would welcome them.

Day 18:  Something I Regret

I have learned not to live a life of regret.  Although there are some things I wish I had done differently in my life, I believe that everything, good or bad, has allowed me to become the person I am today.  

I hope this wasn't a boring post!

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 16

Day 16: My Dream Home

(I am late linking up today!)

My Dream Home.  I thought I had it.  For 16 years.  It was a place where I raised my children.  A place that we were able to make our own.  A place where my husband's carpentry handiwork was displayed throughout.  It was a 3-bedroom home which we turned into a four bedroom with a huge master suite.  It was a place were we built a Prayer Room, a place I could go to be alone with the Lord, to read His Word, to pray and to paint.  We were looking forward to completing some of the unfinished work.  However, that dream home is no more.  Due to the economy, my husband's job loss and some past poor financial decisions on our part, we had to give it up.

If there is one thing I've realized over the course of the last year, a house does not make a home.  It is simply a dwelling place.  It's a place where family and loved ones gather. It's a place where stories are shared and laughter is heard.  It's a place where tears are shed, but where strength is found.  It's a place where the presence of the Lord dwells, a place where worship and Bible Study is given high priority.  It's a place where mistakes are sometimes made, but where forgiveness is always offered.  It's a place of safety and shelter, where love, joy, peace and laughter abound.  You see, that is what makes a home to me.  My new dream home is all of these things and so much more! 

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 15

Day 15:  Bible Verse

There are so many Bible verses that I love.  I can't possibly list them all here.  These are some of my favorites:

You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’  Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed.  Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.”  (2 Chronicles 20:17)

This verse reminds me that I don't have to fight my own battles.  That it is the Lord who fights for me.  I love standing still and watching God win on my behalf. 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

I love this verse!  It is a constant reminder that God has a unique plan and purpose for my life. And that no matter my circumstances, I have a hope and a future in Him.  He will bring it to pass!

I am my beloveds, and his desire is for me. (Song of Solomon 7:10)

This verse just brings a smile to my face.  To know that I am the beloved of the Lord and that He desires me.  WOW! 

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow--not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.   (Romans 8:38)

Such a reassuring verse, to know that there is absolutely nothing that I could ever do to cause God to love me any less than He does right now.  I will never be separated from His great love! 

Visit Katie's Journey for more favorite scripture verses and to link up to the blog challenge!

Blog Challenge - Day 14

Day 14:  A Picture I Love

(Photo courtesy of Heather Armstrong Photography)

This picture was taken of my oldest daughter, Alyssa, as part of her senior portfolio a couple of years ago. I love how the photographer incorporated her love for books and her big blue purse into the setting.  I love the background.  I love everything about this picture!

Be sure to stop over to Katie's Journey for more of the 30 Day Blog Challenge and to link up.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 2

Today is Day 2 of Katie's 30 Day Blog Challenge.  I know I got this posted late, but better late than never, right?  

Day 2:  The Meaning Behind My Blog Name

Before I started blogging I thought of what I would name my blog.  Since I love coffee, I automatically thought that my blog would have the word "coffee" somewhere in the title, with a picture of a steaming hot cup of coffee in the header.  But as I visited other blogs, I found that there were several that had the word "coffee" in them, or a general coffee theme.  So I started to ask the Lord what He would have me to name my blog.  I came up with "My Freshly Brewed" life.  I think it still fits with a general coffee them, but my blog has become much more than that.  It's a place where I hope to serve up freshly brewed glimpses of hope, encouragement and joy as I share what the Lord is teaching me in my walk with Him.

So there you have it.  I hope you will visit Katie at Katie's Journey to read about others who are participating in the 30 Day Blog Challenge.

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 1 (Intro, Recent Picture, Interesting Facts)

I thought it would be fun to join Katie in her 30-Day Blog Challenge.  During the next 30 days, all participating bloggers will link up their responses to a particular blog directive.  This is a fun and great way to meet other bloggers!

Day 1: Introductions, Recent Picture & Interesting Facts

Hello!  Thank you for visiting my blog!  My name is Barbie and I live in California with my husband of 22 years and our four children, ages 19, 16, 10 and 7.  I work full time for the Senior Pastor and Children's Pastor at my church and love my job.  My entire family is involved in ministry and we love ministering in our House of Prayer through worship and prayer.  I started blogging in June of 2009 and am so thankful that I did.  I have met some fabulous women on this journey!  I hope you will visit me again soon!

Now for some interesting acts about me:

1. Jesus is everything to me.
2. My favorite color is purple.
3. I am highly addicted to coffee!
4. I love chocolate, although it doesn't love me.
5. I type about 85wpm.
6. I can still take shorthand at about 35wpm (comes in handy sometimes).
7. I don't like to bake.
8. I love to cook though.  I only wish I had more time for it.
9. I am a "coupon clipping wannabee". I just don't see how someone can save so much money with coupons.  Please tell me your secrets.
10. I wish I had learned to sew.
11. I would love to learn to play the piano.
12. I love to paint.
13. I have never broken a bone.
14. My husband and I got engaged after knowing each other for just 8 weeks.
15. I dream of writing a devotional book one day.

Be sure and visit Katie's blog to find out more about the 30-Day Blog Challenge and to link up!