"Earthquake & Tremors"

Around Dec. 9 I shared a devotional on this blog spot about, "I am thankful for towels!" In the devotional I shared about how sometimes God comes in and changes our plans, because He has the best master plan, from Jeremiah 29:11. I am now walking that pathway! My husband had quadruple bypass on Dec. 22, an earthquake to his body, and tremors to the whole family! He was in the hospital for 6 days! Our son & daughter& daughter-in-law & son-in-law & my mom & grandkids & ME were shaken ( tremors), but, we have stood together and are helping to rebuild with home health, physical therapy, many medications for my husband, and most of all the love & devotion that has been shown for my husband, the kids daddy, & Pop has been amazing! I have seen so much supplied during this time (there was no muscle damage to heart, ( even when I was told of the enormous blockage my husband had),, an extra artery my husband had (that did not show up on film taken before surgery), this helped circulate blood & oxygen more! (God's Provision!) A wonderful heart team for the surgery! Nurses that we knew that took care of Gary (God's comfort!) This was definitely not in my plans for my husband, But, we serve an amazing, faithful God, who is an on time God! He was definitely on time with my husband! He had 100% blockage in the right side of his heart and 99.999% blockage in the left side! I praise Him and thank Him for giving him back to us! We have a 6 to 12 week recovery period, or longer, for my husband! But, I know that God will walk us thru each step of the way! Trust & Obey for there is no other way! I thank God that we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14. Thank you Lord for the extra artery for my husband at the right time in his life! You are an on time God! Our world has been shaken, by circumstances, but we serve an ever faithful God who never leaves us and is our solid rock! Praise Your Name!

Christmas

Shepherds on hills on green,

A chorus of angles seen.

Praises of worship they did sing,

Of the newborn infant king.

Out they ran in the night,
To see the most wondrous sight.

Down on knee they worshiped Him,
Joy in their hearts never to dim.

Listen, and you can hear ,
He still calls all men near.

Answer His call and you will be,
A precious member of His family.

~Marni Raney 2006

Ladies Bible Study-"Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering"

Seven ladies from our church committed to a 8 week Bible study from Oct. 11-Nov. 28. Prayer requests were shared at each meetings, good food was shared, laughs, and a bond of friendship was tightened between us!
This study was based on the Sermon on the Mount. We studied the Beatitudes and the Lord's Prayer. We learned that because of Jesus we can live our lives as a beautiful offering, that only the Love of God can make you whole and Jesus fills the cup of our soul, and that God delights to show us mercy. Mercy, even in its smallest application, lets you breathe! We learned that God can use the ordinary woman with her everyday life! God's standards call us to a life of obedience, and we belong to heaven, and to not hide anything from God, (He knows anyway!), and to do all things for His glory, We learned about giving, praying, & fasting in secret. When you do these things God adds power to your everyday life. It is so important to keep a secret life with God. In the secret place, God comes to restore your soul. In order to live the life Jesus dreamed for you, lay yourself on His altar. Build your life on the rock of God's love for you!

All of the above fundamental truths are solid truths taught from the Word of God. Remain, Stay, & Abide with Jesus!

These words,from a song, "This is My Offering," was part of the study:

I will not give what costs me nothing
When I bring my sacrifice
Cause You have asked for only one thing
That I gladly give my life
So now I lay down on Your altar
Knowing what I lose I'll find
Please receive me thought I falter
For all I have is Yours, it's no longer mine
With my mouth I will praise
With my heart I will obey
This is my offering
I will go where You lead
I will trust what I can't see
This is my offering, This is my offering
May my worship be a fragrance
Rising up in sweet refrain
As I come into your presence
May I be a life worthy of Your name
With my mouth I will praise
With my heart I will obey
This is my offering
I will go where You lead
I will trust what I can't see
This is my offering, This is my offering
Be well pleased
With my mouth I will praise
With my heart I will obey
This is my offering
I will go where You lead
I will trust what I can't see
This is my offering, This is my offering
Be well pleased.

This was a wonderful Bible study by Angela Thomas and the song was by Kelly Minter. Highly recommend this study!

"Father, I pray that my life would be a beautiful offering to you!"

"I AM THANKFUL FOR TOWELS!"

This morning i was getting ready for work and the water in the commode started bubbling and all of a sudden water started filling up in the commode and bathtub!! The commode overflowed and water was going everywhere! I was grabbing towels as fast as I could, I used nearly every towel in the cabinet, my bath rugs were soaked, and I used a large blanket, also, to wipe up the mess!!

So many times in our lives things come in and change "our" plans for the day!!! But, God has the best plan, the master plan! (Jeremiah 29:11-"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

I am thankful for a faithful friend & plumber who came right over, he said it was the city's problem (sewer), I am thankful for towels, blanket, and rugs to soak up the water! Messes in our lives happen!! But , I am so thankful the the Lord is my Banner! (Exodus 17:15-"The Lord is my Banner." I thank God for His Grace, (2 Cor. 12:9-"My grace is sufficient for you) and His mercy and love, (Eph. 2:4-"But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us.) I thank Him for making me into a new creature when I accepted Him as my Savior. (2 Cor. 5:17)-"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old things passed away; behold, new thing to come."

We ought always to give thanks to God! I pray that just as the water bubbled in the commode, that the Living Waters would bubble over in me to tell others more about Jesus, the One, who can clean up all your messes!!!

"Psalm 63"

"The closer you walk with God, the less room for anything to come between." Psalm 63 is a beautiful Psalm telling how the Thirsting Soul is Satisfied in God! It tells of David's intense love for God. David was in the Judean wilderness. He sought God's presence, Remembered God's Power, and Anticipated God's Judgment. The psalmist clings to God. David's unfailing commitment to His Lord. His soul clings to the Lord! He lifts His hands, in readiness to receive every good gift from God, His trust is in God alone!
"Psalm 63:1-11"
O God, You are my God; I shall seek you earnestly; My soul thirst for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have seen You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, For You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. But those who seek my life to destroy it, Will go into the depths of the earth, They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; They will be a prey for foxes. But the king will rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him will glory, For the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped."
Father, I pray I would seek You in all things, and remember things You have done, are doing, and will do!

"A Parent's Prayer"

I can give you life, But I cannot live for you.
I can teach you things, But I cannot make you learn.
I can give you directions, But I can't always be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, But I cannot account for it.
I can take you to church, But I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong, But I can't always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, But I cannot make you lovely inside.
I can offer you advice, But I can't accept it for you.
I can give you love, But I can't force it upon you.'
I can teach you to share, But I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect, But I can't force you to show honor.
I can advise you about sex, But I can't keep you pure.
I can tell you about the facts of life, But I cannot build your reputation.
I can tell you about drinking, But I can't say no for you.
I can warn you about drugs, But I cannot prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, But I can't achieve them for you.
I can warn you about sin, But I cannot make your morals.
I can love you as a child, But I cannot place you in God's family.
I can teach you about Jesus, But I cannot make Jesus your Lord.

"One Solitary Life"

He was born in an obscure village.
He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty.
He then became an intinerate preacher.
He never held an office.
He never had a family or owned a house.
He didn't go to college.
He had no credentials but Himself.
He was only thirty-three when the public turned against Him.
His friends ran away.
He was turned over to His enemies and went through the mockery of a trial.
He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
While He was dying, His executioners gambled for His clothing, the only property He had on earth.
He was laid in a borrowed grave.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race.
All the armies that have marched,
all the navies that ever sailed,
all the parliaments that ever sat,
and all the kins that ever reigned have not affected
the life of man on this earth as much as that ........ONE SOLITARY LIFE!

"Wit's End"

Are you standing at Wit's End Corner,
Christian, with a troubled brow?
Are you thinking of what's before you,
And all you are bearing now?

Does all the world seem against you,
Are you in the battle alone?
Remember, at Wit's End Corner,
Is where God's Power is shown.

Are you standing at Wit's End Corner
Blinded with unbearable pain?
Feeling you cannot endure it,
You cannot bear the strain.

Bruised through constant suffering,
Dizzy, dazed and numb,
Remember that Wit's End Corner,
Is where Jesus' love will come.

Are you standing at Wit's End Corner,
Your work before you spread,
Living begun--yet unfinished,
Pressing on with heart and head.

Longing for strength to do it,
Stretching out trembling hands,
Remember, at Wit's End Corner
Is where our burden-bearer stands.

Are you looking at your family,
Yearning for those you love,
Longing and praying and watching,
Pleading their case with the One above.

Trying to lead them to Jesus,
Wondering if you have been true.
Then He whispers to you so sweetly,
I'll save them as I have saved you.

Are you standing at Wit's End Corner?
If so, you are in the right spot,
To learn of the wonderous resources
Of Him, who faileth not.

No doubt to a better, brighter pathway,
Your footsteps may soon be moved,
But only at Wit's End Corner,
Is Our God who is greatly proved!

"God Bless You!"

I asked the Lord to bless you
As I prayed for you today
To guide you and protect you
As you go along your way....

His love is always with you
His promises are true
No matter what the tribulation
You know He will see us through

So when the road your're traveling on
Seems difficult at best
Give your problems to the Lord
And God will give you rest!

"I Wish for you...."

Comfort on difficult days,
Smiles when sadness intrudes,
Rainbows to follow the clouds,
Laughter to kiss your lips,
Sunsets to warm your heart,

Gentle hugs when spirits sag,
Friendships to brighten your being,
Beauty for your eyes to see,
Confidence for when you doubt,

Faith so that you can believe,
Courage to know yourself,
Patience to accept the truth,
And love to complete your life."

"List To Live By"

The most destructive habit...................Worry
The greatest Joy.....................................Giving
The greatest loss.....................................Loss of self-respect

The most satisfying work.......................Helping others
The ugliest personality trait...................Selfishness
The most endangered species................Dedicated Leaders

Our greatest natural resource................Our Youth
The greatest "shot in the arm"...............Encouragement
The greatest problem to overcome........Fear

The most effective sleeping pill...............Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease..........Excuses
The most powerful force in life................Love

The most dangerous pariah.....................A Gossiper
The world's most incredible computer...The Brain
The worst thing to be without..................Hope

The deadliest weapon.................................The Tongue
The two most power-filled words............."I Can"
The greatest asset.......................................Faith

The most worthless emotion......................Self-pity
The most beautiful attire............................SMILE!
The most prized possession........................Integrity

The most powerful channel of communication.....Prayer
The most contagious spirit......................................Enthusiasm

"Smile Jesus Loves YOU and so do I!"

"I Am..."

1. A Child of God(Romans 8:16)
2. Redeemed from the Hand of the Enemy (Psalm 107:2)
3. Forgiven (Colossians 1:13, 14)
4. Saved by Grace through Faith (Ephesians 2:8)
5. Justified (Romans 5;1)
6. Sanctified (I Corinthians 5:17)
7. A New Creature (II Corinthians 5:17)
8. Partaker of His Divine Nature (II Peter 1:4)
9. Redeemed from the Curse of the Law (Galatians 3:13)
10. Delivered from the Powers of Darkness (Colossians 1:13)
11. Led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14)
12. A Son of God (Romans 8:14)
13. Kept in Safety Wherever I Go (Psalm 91:11)
14. Getting All My Needs Met By Jesus (Philippians 4:19)
15. Casting All My Cares On Jesus (I Peter 5:7)
16. Strong in the Lord and in the Power of His Might (Ephesians 6:10)
17. Doing All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me (Philippians 4:13)
18. An heir of God and a Joint Heir with Jesus (Romans 8:17)
19. Heir to the Blessings of Abraham ( Galatians 3:13, 14)
20. Observing and Doing the Lord's Commandments (Deuteronomy 28:12)
21. Blessed Coming in And Blessed Going Out ( Deuteronomy 28:6)
22. An Heir of Eternal Life (I John 5:11, 12)
23. Blessed with All Spiritual Blessings ( Ephesians 1:3)
24. Healed by His Stripes (I Peter 2:24)
25. Exercising My Authority over the Enemy (Luke 10:19)
26. Above Only and Not Beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13)
27. More than a Conqueror (Romans 8:37)
28. Establishing God's Word Here on Earth ( Matthew 16:19)
29. An Overcomer by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of My Testimony (Rev. 12:11)
30. Daily Overcoming the Devil (I John 4:4)
31. Not Moved by What I See ( II Corinthians 4:18)
32. Walking by Faith and Not by Sight (II Corinthians 5:7)
33. Casting Down Vain Imaginations (II Corinthians 10:4, 5)
34. Bringing Every Thought into Captivity (II Corinthians 10:5)
35. Being Transformed by Renewing My Mind (Romans 12: 1, 2)
36. A Laborer Together with God (I Corinthians 5:21)
37. The Righteousness of God in Christ (II Corinthians 5:21)
38. An Imitator of Jesus (Ephesians 5:1)
39. The Light of the World (Matthew 5:14)
40. Blessing the Lord at All Times and Continually Praising the Lord with My Mouth -
(Psalm 34:1)

"Twas the night before Jesus came'

"Twas the night before Jesus came, and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
in hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here,
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said"It's not here" my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above,
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life and when comes the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

"The Goodness of God"

"The reason we breathe, to sing of His Glory!" When I think of all the many things that the Lord has done for me, I stand in awe of Him! He gave His Son for me and you!John 3:16, "For God so loved the world , that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." The Goodness of God!
It is so comforting to know that God has the best plan for each of us! Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." His goodness passes before us! In Exodus 33:19, "I Myself will make all My goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious , and will show compassion on whom I will show compassion." What a gracious and compassionate Lord! Isn't it exciting to expect ongoing opportunities of intimate fellowship with the Lord! In Psalm 23:6, "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!" God is PERFECTLY GOOD! He does good things for us! In Psalm 31:19, "How great is Your goodness, Which you have stored up for those who take refuge in You, Before the sons of men!" One of the fruits of the spirit is goodness! Believers are commanded to exemplify goodness, (Gal. 6:10-"So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" and in 2 Thessalonians 1:11, "To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power." Our every desire should be for goodness! There are many thing in life that you value, but the most important thing of value is your relationship with God! Cherish it, draw near, seek Him, Listen closely ( hear), receive, and apply the "goodness" in your life! I thank God for His Goodness! God is good all the time.....................!!!!!

Caleb Levi Riddle

How precious was your tiny life
Created by God divine
Handed down as a gift of His
to bless this life of mine
So short the time I had with you
here upon this earth
So sad to say tears of grief
were shed upon your birth
What should have been a joyous thing
met with excited smiles
Seemed a journey in the shadows
that lasted many miles
Your spirit had gone to be with God
before I held you, dear
So instead of smiles and joy
I greeted you with tears
I can not know the reason
your time here was so brief
But take comfort in the knowledge
that you will never know such grief
Your days will long be filled
with angel's songs so sweet
And you'll have a chance before I do
with all the saints to meet
I imagine you will dance
in the inner courts of praise
And sing your songs of joy
with tiny hands raised
You are so loved by all of us
that remain still here
We can not wait to meet you
when we finally get there
For now I say good-bye
for but a brief time
And thank you for the blessing
you are to this life of mine.

Hope in the Storms

Lamentations 3:22-26
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassion's fail not. They are new every morning great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Is is good that a man both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

I am ever thankful for the eternal, unconditional love of my Father! In Lamentations we see that because of His mercy we are not destroyed by the things of this life. He is our salvation. Even in the midst of suffering and pain scripture reminds us of this unfailing, everlasting love. It gives the believer hope in the midst of the storms of life.

There is one condition of all of this. It is that we must know our Father, not know of our Father with a heart knowledge, but rather we must have a personal, intimate relationship with our Father. We must invest in this relationship, spend time with God - in His presence. We must desire His word. Lamentations tells us that the "Lord is GOOD to them that WAIT for Him". We must learn to be still and wait for Him to speak, we must seek His presence. The verses conclude that we should hope and wait for the salvation of the Lord. This is our hope: He has said that He is our salvation and strong tower and He can not lie - therefor we will pass through this storm if our focus is on him.

This verse is dear to me. I am learning more to look to Father for everything. I would not have made it through the initial onslaught of my storm had I not hid in my Father's arms and stayed at the foot of the throne. Even now, I find my favorite place is before his throne in prayer or focused on His face as I walk.