Mission Statement:

Life's Silver Lining Mission Statement:

* a safe place for women to come together as a community to spur one another on in our daily walk with the Lord,
* to create a space to become inspired,
* to create space for support, and
* take on new territories for our lives.


Thursday, December 27, 2012

Something you need to know about yourself...

Have you ever aimlessly wandered around the planet with little to no understanding of how you were formed? Maybe you're feeling unidentified, unloved, lonely, or simply numb to the fact that you have a Creator who knows EVERYTHING about you. You might even have it all; fame, fortune, family and yet in your inner most being you have no idea the craftsmanship that went into creating you. Please give me the honor and privilege to share with you the honest to God's truth about who you are and who you ultimately belong to. I have recently come across this passage in a new-to-me translation that breathtakingly describes who we are in the eyes of our Creator. I couldn't keep it to myself! I hope this passage of Scripture roots itself deep into your core; both in heart and mind.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother's womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it.
You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Psalm 139:13-16 NLT



I hope this nugget of Truth brings you peace as we embark upon a new chapter, a new year in our lives. You matter. EVERYTHING about you was marked from the very beginning of time. Every trait, every experience.

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.

Ephesians 1:4-6

I pray you allow this good word to rest upon you and that you would receive it and believe it. May it find it's way to being embedded deep within your heart and mind; changing the way you see yourself forevermore. May anything that contradicts this Truth be washed away forever and ever. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Oh, come let us adore Him...

...Christ the Lord. Rejoice! For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. From Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV) Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving to you & yours...


...from me and mine.

I hope no matter what circumstances you are facing this Thanksgiving season, you will find the strength and courage to give thanks to our Creator for all life brings you.  Upon doing so, we open up the door for growth and ultimately allow His presence into our soul holes giving Him the opportunity to steady our hearts.

Ann Voskamp recently wrote, "Thanksgiving in all things accepts the deep mystery of God through everything."

I am celebrating over you and oh~so~grateful for each and every one of you.

May your Feast be plentiful and bring nourishment to your soul.


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Did you know...

...if you have accepted salvation from Jesus Christ you have been given 'Spiritual Gifts' from the God~head of all creation?  It's true!  As you ask Jesus to come into your heart, you are instantaneously given a unique gift(s) to build up the body of belivers.  For solid biblical truths and explanation read I Corinthians chapters 12, 13 & 14.  I recommend reading the study notes also if you have a Study Bible.  If you find this intriguing, I encourage you to dive deeper and read about your personal responsibility in Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13, and lastly I Peter 4:10-11.

To help you better discover what your unique God~given Spiritual Gifts are take a quick Q & A test at www.spiritualgiftstest.com.  Record your results in a journal or print them for safe keeping and begin your journey into spiritual maturity.

Love and ample blessings.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

My how I've missed writing and meeting you here...

It's been months.  So much has changed!

For weeks now I have been without words for my overwhelming sense of gratitude.  I've been asked many times over the last couple of months how our family is doing; the children, their school, etc. and I've been at a lose for words beyond great!, wonderful!, grateful!  None of which really fit the bill.  While contemplating for a better understanding of what it was I was truly feeling, it came over me... contentment.  I have contentment!

While God had to take the loooong way around for me, it was worth the two year journey.  I would go again although it wasn't an easy path.  There were not many familiar faces.  But all the while He knew what He was doing.  I, on the other hand, had no idea!  The only reason I (we) ever agreed to go along with Him, was because He called us to it.  This I was sure of.  By this time in my walk with Him, I knew obedience was the wisest decision to make.  Oh, I've done life my own way before where I made my own decisions regardless of what I felt He was calling me to.   That was a nightmare.  I ended up in a huge mess.  With that being said, in the end, I now have a healthy fear Of the Lord.

This time He had called me out of  'my normal' routine and placed me and my family in a very unfamiliar setting.  Looking back over the last two years I see His favor, His grace and mercies, and His provision.  I spent a lot of time with Him.  Getting to Know Him, Love Him, and Serve Him.  (My pastor would be so happy at me right now!!)  Anyway, I would like to encourage those of you who are in a situation you may not understand, but know that with everything in you, He called you to it...stay the course!  Please.  You will be blessed by your obedience. You may not make many friends and you may not be popular, but that's not the point.  The point is you are living out your very own unique purpose, your mission.  He has His hand upon you.  Stay the course.  Even if He's given you the bigger picture yet you have NO idea how it will all come together.  Be still.  Be patient.  He's there and He's moving heaven and earth.  Keep surrendering.  HE WILL provide.


Hebrews 10:23

New International Version (NIV)
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.




I just had to get on here to tell you that today.  You will also know when you've arrived.


Be blessed today as you continue living and abiding in Him.


Thursday, April 19, 2012

Sobering truth...

"Here is the sobering truth about the nature of trials in the life of righteous persons, that God allows them to be tested in order to prove their faith.  In some ways their endurance proves the Lord's boast in them."
     -by Kurt A. Richardson

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Easter blessings...

Dear Sisters,

I know I've been quiet lately. I've been knee deep into the book and life of James by Beth Moore. Listening. Applying. Gasping. Loving.

And my secret is out... my new found love of gardening has me head over heels for all things organically growing in our family garden; otherwise known as Trenasty YardFarm. Without a doubt my family has a new appreciation for how food was intended to taste...fresh, flavorful, mouthwatering good!

I trust you are striving to keep your head above water; acknowledging God in all your ways. Remember to lean not on your own understanding. Take hold, sometimes having to dig deep, and trust in the Lord with ALL of our hearts. (from Proverbs 3:5&6). This is where freedom rests.

It's hard to believe we are already headed into celebrating The Passover and Easter season. I would like to wish you and your loved ones an intimate and meaningful Easter celebration amidst the heeps of chocolate bunnies, confetti eggs, and laughter.

Giving thanks to God for He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

You are adored!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained...

Beloved Sisters and Friends,

It's hard to believe this month is the one year anniversary of this sweet little blog's existence. I'll never forget sitting in the back row of a church service this time last year and God carefully dropped little nuggets in my lap of what He wanted me to do. He gave me the concept of a blog and the name Silver Lining.

I have had a special connection with each one of you individually. Please know that each one of you are prayed for, even those who don't sign in. Whether you come by name, or quietly, you are treasured and adored here.

Thank you for joining me these last twelve months as we discovered the Sovereign God in our midst, memorized Scriptures together that truly transformed our lives, and supported one another thru the battlefield. He is indeed the 'silver lining' to life as we know it.

This year finds me at another new beginning!! I am in the process of working on another venture. This venture will take time, prayer, and your support. I'm pumped about it! I have lots and lots to learn, but don't we all!

I hope this new year you're inspired to live more passionately for Christ, looking for Him in all things, in every dip in the road, in every high and low to your journey; allowing Him to turn your burdens into blessings and anguish into joy.

Together let's be mindful of God's grace and mercies.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Moving FORWARD into the new year...

Here we are in a new year. We have a choice to make. A conscience decision. Don't you just love that? The choice is ours! An opportunity.

Over and over I sense God whispering to me to hold on. Life, in my world, is a little fuzzy right now. To be more specific, I feel as if He is going to shake life up a bit. The choices I have are to panic, resist, ignore. I'm guessing you have your own words you could plug in here. Or, I could see it as an opportunity to prepare, be still, quiet myself, listen, study, create a monologue journal to record the journey in. What I'm getting at is I like change because my first recollection of a big upheaval, or change, had an enormous positive impact. I know not all experiences are the same. I get this. But change can be for our betterment. My prayer for you is that you would earnestly seek Him in the midst of your day. No matter what you're doing or where you are He is right there beside you. Even though you might not have time to quiet yourself, He's there. Everyone's path and journey is unique to them. Jeremiah 33:3 says if we call to Him He will teach us many unsearchable things we do not know!! Together let's ask Him to reveal Himself. As you begin to seek Him and ask for His presence, redirection, or guidance transition slowly to thanking Him for already knowing the outcome. This posture enables us to trust Him. Believe Him. Look for Him. From this point, we wait! Waiting with patience is the most painful, almost! unbearable. I know, I've been here before and I'm in the thick of it now. The best part of this new year and new expectations is knowing I submit. I give! He alone is in full control. This brings joy, comfort, and security!

I was blessed with a new Bible at Christmastime. After reading my devotion, I opened the new crispy pages looking for the bookmark. I found the silky brickred bookmark placed at the same passage where my devotional lead me. There it was in black and white; again!

Isaiah 43:18-19
"Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. (Isaiah 43:18, 19 MSG)

This, dear Sister, is confirmation!

My prayers for you in this new year, this new beginning, is for God to richly bless you, stretch you, and keep you.

What new study or journey are you embarking upon this new year? As for me, I have begun a study on the life and book of James, Jesus' half brother. It is titled JAMES MERCY TRIUMPHS by Beth Moore. As I sense the need to hold on tightly for another spiritual growing pain/spurt, in the end I believe me and family will see sweet victory. I'm going to keep telling myself this!

As always, peace, love, and Jesus.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Meet My Young Friend, Ben...

Ben Breedlove.  I find it hard to put words together to describe what a precious child my friend and neighbor Ben was.  For now what comes to mind is...hero, brave, funny, kind, adventerous, tenderhearted and godly.  I have always had a soft spot in my heart for him.  Over the years, I have often told his mom that I care for him as if he's my own. I would like to think any mama that knew him felt the same way. To know him was to love him. He captured millions with his message and had a smile that was simply contagious. I am so proud of him for courageously spreading the good news. His message and platform were without question a gift from God. His courage and strength has set an example for us, one and all, to follow.

I would like to share with you a video testimony he put together for all the world to see six days before he went home to be with God, on Christmas day.  His legacy will live on in our hearts forever.  He is sorely missed...

Part 1 of 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmlTHfVaU9o

Part 2 of 2

http://www.youtube.com/user/TotalRandomness512?feature=watch#p/a/u/0/a4LSEXsvRAI

Friday, December 16, 2011

We made it to the finish line!

Wow! We made it to the last memory verse of the year. I wish I could sit across from you and we could exchange verses and talk about what was going on in our lives at the times we choose the verses and how they impacted our circumstances and relationships. One of which comes to mind for me is Psalms 20:4...which I rehearsed over and over before my first tri-athalon; so much fun! I can even recall my January 1st verse, which takes me back to a place of warmth and trust. Each one of them hold a special place in my heart. I smile from ear to ear as I reflect back on the year and recall these biblical truths. I pray over each one of us that HIS truths would be engraved upon our hearts, thought life, and be quick to spew off our tongues when lead. Some of you are busy with younguns all day, some working full or part-time jobs, some are care givers, others (like me) are holding the fort down while our spouses travel and kids are in school. Nonetheless, we have hung in there together every step of the way. This is how the body of Christ works... We cling to our faith. We encourage. We try and pick up where we left off when we get side tracked. We build up. We walk alongside. We listen. No judgement. Only perseverance. It is a privilege for me to be in your company. Thank you, Sisters, for the support. As I've mentioned before, this journey would not have been possible without the mentorship of Beth Moore and Living Proof Ministries. I hold her in high esteem and remain grateful for her ability to lead women (and men) in such a time as this. I close out the year with having completed her Jesus, The One and Only study and Living Beyond Yourself. Next month, some friends and I will embark upon her newly released James, Mercy Triumphs study. I hardly wait! Not being in a study cramps my style!! How about you? What studies or books have you accomplished in 2011 and what are you looking forward to in 2012?

2012 is almost here and between now and then I will be taking some time off to be with my family (my hubby is taking some time off work!) and coach our children on setting our hearts right before we gather around the Christmas tree. For us, this means serving one another, making goody bags for the homeless, and gathering 'round the lighted tree and reading from the book of Luke over hot cocoa and marshmallows or hot apple cider. (Yum!) I also found a biblical Christmas activity online that is age appropriate for our children (almost 11 & 8) that will guide us on a righteous path of remembering the reason for the season of gift giving. The older our children become the more important I see it is for us to ensure their tenderheartedness; now and throughout the year.

I look forward to reading how you will close out this very special year of worship through Scripture memorization. Do share! I am anticipating a midday time-out at one of my favorite local Austin day spas, Woodhouse, or there's Lake Austin Spa. We'll vote in January!!! Any other party suggestions? Lunch and a workout perhaps? Put your ideas out there!

Here's mine:
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Luke 2:14 NIV)


Until then, MERRY CHRISTMAS and let's persevere together in the season of busyness and keep our hearts centered on the birth of our miraculous Savior, Jesus Christ; keeping HIM in the forefront of all we set out to accomplish.

Peace, love, and mirth from our home to yours.

Lori

Monday, December 5, 2011

December 1st Memory Verse

AMAZING!!! This morning I find it hard to get my head wrapped around the fact it has been almost 12 months since we started the Scripture Memorization together. My sincere gratitude goes out to LP Ministries for spurring us on. I need accountability in all things. It is accountability I strive for in my relationships. Whether it is being accountable to my loved ones or having the privilege of holding my loved ones accountable, it is here I strive and find inner motivation to be the best Lori Trenasty God created.

My second to the last verse for 2011 is...
"As for me, I am in your hands; do with me whatever you think is good and right.".
Jeremiah 26:14

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving...

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1 NLT)

I am grateful for this platform to interact with each and every one of you! Thank you very much for stopping by to visit. I am truly blessed to have you here. Glory, honor, wisdom, and power belong to God our Father. I hope you have been surrounded by loved ones and have taken the time to count your many blessings one by one.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

November 15th Memory Verse

I knew this day was fast approaching on Monday the 14th. Time flies when raising two children, husband travels on business, and you lead a moms prayer group; who had the privilege to love and encourage on our teachers and school staff with warm baked goods, fruit, and juices this morning! There were smiles at every turn! I went to many classrooms to relief teachers and met the nicest, well-behaved children. I wont mention any names, but a dear friend then encouraged me to don an apron and gloves to help serve Thanksgiving feast in the cafeteria to students and their parents. This too brought smiles...more to me than anyone else! I was on a roll. I stopped by my daughters second grade classroom to pull five children out in the hall and we played a board game called attraction. The teachers (and kids) love it when you do this! By three o'clock I was a noodle. I woke up at four to get the baking done!

Nonetheless, here we are with only three verses left in the year! I am so thankful for grace. Keep up with the journey of memorizing, we are almost in celebration mode! Faith fights!

Power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Your power may rest on me. (II Corinthians 12:9)

Choose to be blessed! even if you have to dig deep!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Lightbulb moment!...

Fear is the arch enemy of faith.

II Timothy 1:7 tells us that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind".

God sets us up for success. Praise His name! His love never fails.

Friday, November 4, 2011

When we waver or question God...

We all have times of trial, doubt, unbelief, and questioning. We find ourselves at a crossroad when these thoughts rear up within us. We can choose to waller in it as my granny would say; staying stagnant in the mindset of the why me?, why this?, why now?, etc. or we can choose the godly way; and look inside His Word for answers.

Deuteronomy 32:4 says,
He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
       and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
       upright and just is he.

Instead of the why, who, what, when, and where mindset...let's opt for giving Him thanks in these unexpected, inconvenient, tiresome, hard times and circumstances and ask Him to reveal his perfect works to us so that we can see with our human eyes and hearts His ways are just, purposeful, and upright.

An example I can share with you is I recently trained and was looking forward to a 45 mile bike ride to support my family members and the LiveStrong cancer foundation that raises funds and awareness. This ride was a goal that I looked forward to for six months. Four days before the race, I fell and injured my right foot. Although I thought instantly it was broken, I laid there on all fours out in the garage, no one home, and said I Praise You God because You are with me. Declaring that this is okay. I was alright with it. I was going to be fine. I understand. I will seek You.

This mindset comes more naturally when practiced to be habit forming. After a few minutes I began to be able to sense the intense, concentrated pain slightly dissipate. I crawled into the house, sat up at the table and knew I was going to be alright. From where I was standing, this was a hurdle and He wanted to see how I was going to respond. At this time I was literally at the computer signing me and my husband up for the race. (Yes, I waited until the last day to do this, but that's beside the point!). I went out to count the gears on the bikes for registration purposes and this happens. Needless to say, I had one of the best times of my life riding 45 miles through the Austin hill country. It was a time of reflection and restoration. He fulfilled my hearts desire to ride! His heart IS tender!  Five x-rays and three weeks later I go back and forth with a limp having tendon and ligament damage, two children, two dogs, a cat and house to pick up after!  So, this slows me down.  I'm certain this is one of His points!  I continue to ask Him to walk me through it until I get to where He wants me to be.   I am thankful for His works.  If we do not turn to Him, how will we ever see Him working?

Bear in mind, I have learned sometimes seeing Him work comes from us exercising our patience...waiting....being still until otherwise prompted...this waiting period is hard work.  I'll even venture to say my least favorite work!  In the end though, this work bears fruit bringing forth new life!  And new life brings joy!

Right where we are, let us choose to be blessed today and give way to Him.  Afterall,  He is a faithful God who does no wrong! 

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

November 1st Scripture

Let me start by praying... Lord, please grant us your grace to memorize these passages that speak to us in this season of our lives. As we near the end of our goal and continue to fully rely on You alone, we ask You to embed these words upon our hearts and engrave them in our minds for recall at the proper times. Amen.

Isaiah 58:10,11 NIV (paraphrased)
10 and if you spend yourselves...
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs...
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.


Thank you for staying the course every step of the way with me! Teri, your determination has fanned the flame within me. Sisters, in all you do, choose to be blessed and stay the course! The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Everyday Gratitude...

Family Journal of 'Everyday Gratitude'
How do you put the discipline of something like 'Everyday Gratitude' into place?  What works for me and my family just might work for you and yours!  I purchased this cute little chest simply because it was neutral, compact, and useful!  Little did I know, when I purchased this cute little piece, it would end up being our dedicated space for our family's 'Everyday Gratitude Journal'.

Gratitude.  Thanksgiving.  Grace.  Joy.  These feelings and outcomes are obtainable.  Being able to see the gift of grace in all things; big and small takes discipline;  retraining of your thought life.  To be able to find the good over the bad.  When we embrace this way of thinking; seeing all things through the lens of Christ, we are able to find Him in all things.  Hence, the Joy!  We are able to point out his blessings over us.  For example:  #219, today I am thankful for my true-green shiny leafed plant reaching up toward the heavens via our sun-tunnel in the kitchen as if it's neck were outstretched in song.  (this would ring true to me b/c my green thumb has always been challenged!)  And I can't neglect #220 the beauty of the uniquely decorative rock inside the pot that reminds me of how God created Ava in His image, whose heart beats for making unusual treasures with her hands and gifting them to others.


Try this discipline!  Place your journal in a space where it is visible for your family to see.  On the path they take everyday.  You will begin to see things around your home, yard, garden, commutes, etc. differently.  You will start to recognize Him and expect Him in all things and circumstances.  I hope this becomes a reality in your home and in your heart.  'Everyday Gratitude' is contagious, especially when you place a dish of dark chocolate kisses in a bowl for those who participate!!  I find it brings the relationships in the home, with my husband and children, in closer communion...seeing all things through Grace which covers us.

Gratitude Chest
On a path well traveled throughout our home

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Moms In Touch Meeting Today...

We will passionately Praise our Heavenly Father for being our comfort; One who consoles, reassures, helps, and assists.

I often imagine His comfort like a plush, soft-to-the-touch blanket in the chill of the air!, or like the soothing comfort of a hot cup of coffee or tea at daybreak! How about the comfort of a hug when needed most, or the comforting touch from an indulging pedicure after a long run, bike, or from plain being on your feet all day?

Reference Psalm 94:19; Isaiah 66:12-13; II Corinthians 1:3-5

We will pray James 3:18 for our children...
May ___ be a peacemaker who plants seeds of peace and reaps a harvest of righteousness.

and lift up our office administration, teachers and staff who are going through difficult personal problems to seek God.

I look forward to our "time-out" together as we sense the warm embrace from our Heavenly Father!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

My big fat 'wall' lately is fear...

I am able to better recognize a mental blockage when it comes to living life to my full God-given potential. I am thankful for this revelation. Fear. The word even sounds frightening to me. There is nothing of the word that I like. It can be paralyzing of our physical being if we allow it too much importance, control, or significance. I am grateful today to be more aware of this 'wall' and I refuse to live behind it. I choose to recognize, or name, the giant rather than choose to stuff it down or ignore it. There is a lot of freedom here.

Faith quickens the Lord; fear quickens Lucifer. -Ann Voskamp

Depending on the situation, fear changes it's stem, or face; for the root is fear itself. I find that I have to step back from the particular situation that is not free flowing and dig a little deeper into the cause for concern or reason for blockage. It's spiritually vital to be able to identify and work thru our giants by measuring it up according to the Scriptures. Truth. Freedom. Free flowing Spirit. Bliss.

Can you identify what blockages you have from enabling a free flowing Spirit?

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Mid-October Memory Verse...

I hope you are experiencing the cooler temperatures outside with great joy. Maybe seeing things a little differently, a little lighter, in the wonders of His beautiful and marvelous creation. Maybe your furry friends are more spunky than usual, your children, or those in your neighborhood are finally elated to be outside running around until dinner hour, then out again, before bathing. Such bliss to be had here, in Central Texas, come fall time.

Here is my memory verse. Stay in the game, sweet friends! There is so much to be gained by armoring our minds with the word of God! He is our Victory! day in and day out!

I Thessalonians 5:23. May God, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through.

Choose to be Blessed...

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Peace

Late last night, I cried out for prayers. Anyone that knows me knows that I am a warrior princess who lives in prayer. (I am a daughter of the King, after all, and I hope you are too!) I take God for His Word. In my spiritual maturity, I am strongly convicted by the power of prayer when two or three come together in agreement about anything, in His name, and pray according to His will He is with them. (Matthew 18:18)

Sisters, I am here to say that I am experiencing much relief after ice, Advil, elevating my foot over night, and the power of prayer. At the same time, I felt so small, and almost shameful because the needs in this life, this world around us, go far beyond my little accident. Although I believe God wants me to fulfill my dream of riding in the hill country when the roads are closed and more protected, where I can experience freedom in nature, and help support a cause that effects my near and dear family, friends and millions of others around the globe, I believe His priority above all else is refinement. You see, I really did overcome my mental walls I put up around myself. Fears of failure; quitting, second guessing my inner strength. For me it's a ride, an experience, not a race! It's about finishing with strength and dignity. It's about giving back and supporting those you love. I suddenly realized I had put up a mental block in my own mind. It became about getting to the bottom of the barrel. Realizing half the thoughts we put in place in our own minds are false pretenses; a.k.a. "walls" or "barriers", that hold us back from a life of fulfillment in Christ and experiencing His peace. True fulfillment comes from believing God is I AM. His Word tells us we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us and He works all of our trials and sufferings out for His eternal glory. I am good with that! In this case, He helped me get to the bottom of the lie I told myself. Whether I ride or not is yet to be determined, but plucking the fear out of my mind, training me, giving me an opportunity to experience His presence; this in itself is the true gem and His purpose!

Lean into Jesus. He is ready and waiting!

Frustrated...

Here's the scoop...today I mentally faced my 'fears' about riding in the LIVESTRONG bike challenge this weekend in Austin.  This is an event I have wanted to be a part of since learning of it in the spring; i.e. on my bucket list!    Fears as in 'Can I finish?'... 'without quitting', 'Can I overcome'?, 'Can I muster the mental strength'?   This morning I decided I was going to be fine.  I looked at it this way...what a beautiful gift and opportunity to view the Austin hill country side in Dripping Springs via bike.  Not racing, just riding.  45-65 miles.  So excited!  So I signed up online.  I had to go out in the garage to count my rear gears for courtesy bike checks throughout the ride.  Like a galloping unicorn over a rainbow I leaped over two stand up paddle boards in the garage.  At the last second I recalled the fins on the board and flinched midway....and fell to the ground with what I immediately thought was a break.   Good news...no break!  Hallelujah!  Bad news...I cannot walk on my foot.  That's right!  My right wheel is out of commission.  The upper side is swollen and it has got progressively worse as the day/night wears on.  Crutches bad.   I am heartfelting asking you to join me in prayer for quick and perfect, miraculous healing...so that I can enjoy and conquer this now determined spirit to ride with gladness and Thanksgiving, to raise awareness and help support the foundation financially in their pursuit to concoct better medicines for patients living with cancer.  Thank you so much for caring.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

October 1st Memory Verse

Is it just me or are your verses getting slimmer too? We are just three months shy, or six verses, from reaching our goal. I hope each and every one of you feel empowered and renewed in your mind each day you recite your chosen verses. He not only uses them for our own good, but also for the opportunity to build others up around us! I hope you find this to be true in your relationships. Let's persevere with a steadfastness and write another one in our pretty little LPM notebooks! I'm anticipating a celebration coming soon!!!

“I continually look to the Lord for help, for He will free my feet from the enemy’s net.” Psalm 25:15 The NET Bible

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Yes, I'm going THERE...

Walls. Does this sound familiar? There's hope! Jesus. He can shatter these walls. Blow them up. Destroy them. But He needs your cooperation. And mine! He can take away the bad, the hurtful and the ugly. That which robs us of our true, liberating freedom In Christ.

My recent wall was forgiveness. I harbored so many hard feelings towards my neighbor over the last seven years that I couldn't see straight at times. I wish I was joking. No such luck! The feelings of resentment and bitterness would ebb and flow, depending on when they were actively stirring up trouble. As you might have previously read, there is no more law suit. Praise God! He turned it all around. But even after the suit is over I had to continue my pursuit of forgiving them. At first I really didn't even want to go there. I had reason to put this wall up! Then it began to rob me of my joy. My freedom In Christ. The comfort of my home. The joy in my marriage. The freedom to play outside and not think of bitterness. God stirred in me an obedience factor to His word. Yes, this pertains to me (and you)... "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:15 NIV).

Let me nudge you along...just mutter the words to God...whatever your wall is...just give it to Him. He hears you. He loves you. He is happy with you for being bold and brave enough to go THERE! He will begin a new work in you because of your obedience. Let's not stay complacent within our walls, or bitter, angry, scared, worried, overcome by them. Let's blow them up together so we can live out God's kingship. Once I uttered my words, something like..."I want to forgive ___, please help me to see them as you see them, Lord. I want them to have salvation. I want them to have joy in their hearts. I want them to be freed from whatever is making them so vengeful". The words kept coming. I began to look at my situation, my wall, the way Jesus viewed it. Ever so slowly and gently He began to release this hardness in my heart which ultimately brought freedom. Freedom to be who I am in Christ. Forgiving. And freedom to play outside and appreciate God's beauty in all creation. Most of all...I am so thankful to be able to share this story with my family, neighborhood friends, and you.

There is hope! His name is Jesus.

MIT 9/27

Join MITI where Mom's come together in prayer to impact schools for Christ.

We will Praise our Almighty God for He is wise; One who has discernment, understanding, knowledge.

Together we will pray Proverbs 4:11 over our children...
Guide _____  in the way of Your wisdom and lead _____ along straight paths.

and

I Timothy 6:20 over RPE...To guard what has been entrusted to their care and to turn away from godless chatter. (I Timothy 6:20).

See you then!

Monday, September 19, 2011

New Territory...Movement!

Monday
1 1/2 mile walk with dog (I love this because my yellow dog Loopa hustles!)
1 1/2 mile jog
25lbs. Kettlebell 50 swings and 50 Sumo Squat Upright Row

Thursday
8.5 mile hilly bike ride

Friday
25lbs. Squat press above head (20, 3reps)
25lbs. Walking lunges with weight above head (12, 3reps)

20 Squat hops (3reps)
Short distance sprint
10 sprawls
Walk down to ground with rope, walk back up

Planks (60 seconds, 3reps)

I hope you're surrounded by people who love this weekend. Make it joy-filled!!!



Feel good...literally!! Well, not at first, but definitely after!!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

September 15th Verse

O Lord, you alone are my hope.  I trust you, O Lord.   Psalm 71:5 NLT

MIT 9/13 Recap

Celeste, we cannot thank you enough for opening up your lovely home to us each week. May the Lord pour out rich blessings over your home for your generosity!) It was nice to have the opportunity to fellowship together. Perhaps we'll have to sneak a fellowship hour in more often!! I feel like this allowed us to make a personal connection with one another and our families.

Y'all might have known one another for a while, but I still consider myself a newbie!! One thing you should know about me is that I am GREAT with faces, less great with names...I have to rely on God's grace for names to stick!

Next week we will begin to get to the heart of this group....Praise, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Intercession on behalf our beloved children and RPE!! 

I strongly believe in the promise of Matthew 18:18!

Monday, September 12, 2011

New school year, new role...

We have our RPE MIT SOCIAL tomorrow, September 13th at 9:30am.

For those of you whom I have not had the privilege to personally meet, it is with great honor to invite you to this years RPE Moms In Touch Social hour. We will meet, eat, fellowship, and if time permits pray!

I look forward to primo muffins from our local Rise and Shine bakery, fruit, coffee, and juice!! Not something we do every week, but without a doubt something we like to indulge in two or three times throughout the school year!

As some of you already know, our own Monica McCall is the Vandergrift High School Moms In Touch Group Leader this year.

When she asked me to co-lead with her last school year we both knew this was a calling from the Lord. To see his hand faithfully guiding us is always a wonder and true delight! I am one who can't bring herself to miss out on this prayer team!!

So again it is with great joy and anticipation to bring us together each week and pray scripture over our children and RPE.

My prayer is that I would carry His name well. I will fail Him. Undoubtedly. But He will NOT fail me. "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

Sweet Blessings are prayed over you!

Friday, September 2, 2011

September 1st Scripture Memorization

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galations 6:9-10

In a prior post I mentioned me and my family were at wits end with a seven year neighbor dispute turned ugly. (Think Jezebel!) At the beginning of the seventh year I knew it was all going to come to a head. This is a situation I have prayed about every which way until finally there where no more words. Only hope. Faith. Trust.

For me, this was a first. I have a dear friend who told me I am a woman of many words. (This compliment could go either way!!!) I prayed for seven years over the same situation. HE was diligent in peeling back the layers, until finally there was nothing left. Only groans. Opportunity to grow and stretch my faith! I kept pleading for a miracle here. I had to be willing to wait until HIS proper timing. Tough!! I am relieved to share that his proper timing has past. After a ten hour mediation day, endless prayers later, the ninth hour we were packing up to go home with no compromise. I dismissed myself, cried out to the Miracle Worker, and told HIM I am not giving up. It can't end here. I have the Faith! Words spilled out and over into the throne room of grace. I collected myself, walked back into the mediation room with God-confidence, and within the hour all parties walked away with a signed compromise we can all live with! I got into the car with my husband to head home, tired and numb. I said I have only one word....HOSANNA. That's it. Nomas. The next day a dear friend told me HOSANNA in Greek means GOD SAVE US!! That HE did. Giving HIM the Glory forevermore!

Share! your most recent God-story here!

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Are You Being Called?

Dear Moms,

School is in session and this means we are about to embark upon another heartfelt and life changing prayerful season!

The purpose of our RPE Moms In Touch group is to unite moms in prayer on behalf of our children, their peers, our schools administrative staff, and our teachers.  We come together once a week for one hour.  Come with heavy hearts, yet leave with a heightened sense of His peace.

For those of you who have not experienced MIT personally, you can click here to preview a video demonstration and become familiar with the MIT prayer format.  I hope you find the video inspiring and will prayerfully consider being a part of this devoted group of women.  Please help us spread the word by forwarding this e-mail to praying moms you know.  If your child(ren) attend a different school in the area (elementary, middle, or high) you can find their school prayer group information on the MIT website highlighted above...look under the "Group" heading.

RPE MEETING DAY:    Tuesdays, weekly

FIRST MEETING DAY:  Tuesday, September 6th (Introductory meeting)

TIME OF DAY:    9:30 am sharp (we aim to honor your time)

LOCATION:     To be announced

* Childcare is not available.

I look forward to seizing every opportunity that arises where we can bathe our children and school in Scripture.

Sweet Blessings,
Lori Trenasty
RPE MITI Group Leader

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Mid-August Scripture Memorization

I'm a day late and a dollar short - again!  This non-structured summer thing we all have going on here, at least for us local public school folk, is stupendous!  I type this with a wink because as much as I love flying-by-the-seat-of-my-pants, at the same time I do appreciate some structure.  We're enjoying it while we still can because we are in the very tail end of summer...five days and counting...

Let me stop here for a minute and give Thanks to the God we serve.  I cannot believe His Word has been able to stick, like crazy glue, into my finite little brain.  He is a powerful, mysterious God!!  I have to write everything down just to keep up with life in order to maintain, and then because I tend to fall on the side of spontaniety, I have to remember to look at the list!  Can anyone sympathize with me on this?  Also, let me give credit to Living Proof Ministries.  This memory verse idea originated from Beth Moore who challenged her community in January, 2011.  It was a challenge I couldn't refuse!!  Let's keep the mind active and sharp in His Word to let His promises be renewed in our everyday lives.

My mid-August verse is...
"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

What verse are you drawn to this mid-month?

I hope to see you at the Austin Christian Fellowship http://acfellowship.org/ Summer Concert this Friday night at 7pm for a night of songs & stories by Jenn Alexander.  You can visit http://jennalexandermusic.com/ for more information.