Do You Sparkle for Jesus?

Last Saturday night I was sitting at the computer desk in our back bedroom and I looked down at my left hand and the diamond in my wedding ring was gone!!! Needless to say I was hollering and tellling my husband, we were searching thru the house, on the floors, everywhere!!! For 20 minutes we searched and we didn't find it!!! I was almost sick to my stomach!!! It was the sentimental value of the ring. My husband had given me the engagement ring over 38 years ago!!! I was upset!!! My sparkling diamond was gone!!!
So many times in our lives we don't "sparkle" for Jesus! We let our flesh, our attitudes tell us what to do, instead of listening to the Holy Spirit and obeying Him. We are told in God's Word, "And You Shall Love the Lord Your God With All Your Heart, And With All Your Soul, And With All Your Mind, And With All Your Strength." Mark 12:30. We get upset with our husbands or children when things aren't done exactly the way we want them to be. We are so impatient!!! Just think how God's patience should run out on us, but He is ever faithful and longsuffering and wants the best for each and every one of us!!! We fret over material things (me-my ring). God gave his precious Son for us. He died on the cross, He took our sin debt upon Him, We are redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus when we admit we are a sinner, believe in Jesus Christ, and confess our sins and then we are saved!! Our Life Now Sparkles With Jesus Christ!!!

My Prayer is that each and every day I "sparkle" and proclaim Jesus in all I say or do!!
Oh, by the way, Saturday night, I was putting on my pantyhose and something "sparkled" on the floor, I reached down and touched the sparkly thing and guess what, IT WAS MY DIAMOND!!! Thank you Lord, for putting the "sparkle-(Light)" in my life when I accepted you as my Savior at age 10 years of age and for letting me find the "sparkle-diamond"for my ring!"

Follow me, I am the Light!
John 8:12-"I am the Light of the World......."

Walk in Light:
Ephesians 5:8b
"But now you are Light in the Lord, walk as children of Light."

Go out and "SPARKLE FOR JESUS TODAY!!!"

Does Jesus Have A Pocket?

During a recent worship service, I was moved to tears.   They came suddenly and unexpectedly.   Rolling down my face.. falling uncontrollably from my heart.     As usual, I  was unprepared for this event.   I never have tissue in my purse.   Most of the time I don't even have a purse.  You would think that having been a Girl Scout leader for 12 years, I would at least follow the most basic of the Girl Scout Laws;   "Be Prepared".    But, not me.

Fortunately, my dear friend was  sitting next to me in the church pew and she noticed my dilemma.   She is ALWAYS organized and prepared and I don't know if she ever was a Girl Scout.  It is her God given gift to be prepared. 

She reached into her ever ready and always well stocked purse and produced a hanky.

Well, actually it was a man's handkerchief.

Seriously?   She actually had a handkerchief in her Mary Poppins bag of surprises.     I am not sure why she carries a man's handkerchief in her purse.   Who in the world carries a handkerchief  anymore?

Maybe she believes that at some point in time her big manly man husband will burst into uncontrollable bouts of  crying and she will be able to come to his rescue.

Or maybe she has sat beside me in church for so long that she knows that at some point in time I will have the need for a hanky and, as always, be without one.

She has such a sweet heart.    She is a sweetheart. 

Nevertheless, she armed me with the handkerchief and I was able to wipe the tears from my face and eyes and produce a  smile.    A hanky is sooooo much nicer than a tissue.

She comforted me.

It made me think of Christ.    He is our Comforter.      

There are two words used in the Bible which are translated as 'comforter'.

The first is from the root word Nacham which means  "to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted, suffer grief, repent, to comfort oneself, ease oneself."  

This is a good thing that we can comfort ourselves.  It is healthy to be able to acknowledge our circumstance, to feel regret or suffer grief and comfort ourselves.   We can do this by counting our blessings, by looking for the silver lining, by drawing close to God.

However,  self comfort  can also be self destructive, such as when Esau was so jealous of his brother Jacob that he actually tried to ease the pain of that jealousy by plotting to kill Jacob.  (Genesis 27: 42 When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, "Your brother Esau is consoling himself with the thought of killing you.")

When we think we are wronged , do we comfort ourselves with thoughts of revenge?   of getting even?

On the other hand, when we do something we know is wrong, do we try to justify and console ourselves by wrong thinking and reasoning?   We are sorry, but it has to be somebody's fault.   Do we comfort ourselves by placing the blame elsewhere?

The other word for comforter is from the Greek word  "parakletos" which is translated as:  summoned or called to one's side or to one's aid;  or one who pleads another's cause before a judge, an advocate;  an intercessor;  or of Christ in his exaltation at God's right hand, pleading with God the Father for the pardon of our sins;   in the widest sense, a helper, succourer, aider, assistant;  of the Holy Spirit destined to take the place of Christ with the apostles (after his ascension to the Father), to lead them to a deeper knowledge of the gospel truth, and give them divine strength needed to enable them to undergo trials and persecutions on behalf of the divine kingdom.

Jesus is the Parakletos.  He is The Comforter.    The Holy Spirit.  

I don't believe that I can add anything to that definition.  

Isn't it grand to know that when we are overcome by the cares of the world,  Jesus comes to our side to hold and comfort us... to catch our tears in His hands?  Does He have a giant handkerchief in His pocket to wipe away our tears?   Does Jesus even have a pocket where He can keep a hanky? 

When we are wronged, He is  our strength.   When we do wrong and repent, He stands before the Father pleading His blood over us. 

He is the Spirit that moves my friend to be prepared with a hanky just when I need it.   It is her ministry to a sister in Christ.    It is Jesus acting through her to be the Comforter. 
  
We get to choose which comforter we reach for in times of stress and trouble.  No matter what the circumstance, we have a choice.     Do we choose to comfort ourselves?   Or do we allow THE Comforter to come to our aid? 

It is astonishing that a single act of kindness to a hurting heart becomes an act of Holiness.    We can all take a lesson from the handkerchief.   Allow God to use us to reach out to others in their pain and be Jesus to them.

Thank you my sweet friend.

ONE YEAR

Father this pain revisited
Is as hard as the first
For a mother's arms left empty
Long for that living birth.
We're haunted with shadowy dreams -
Left longing for something more.
Reaching out across time and distance
All the way to heaven's shore.
They say time changes loss
and memories seem to dim -
But a mother's arms left empty
Never seems to forget them.
Our hearts are left longing
of what might have been
And we are left dreaming
of seeing them again.
Father this pain revisited
Is as hard as the first
So hold me as I weep again
over this loss of birth.

Cleansing

Down, Down to the pits
of the miry clay
Deep, Deep down the path
of the darkest way
Out, Out to the furthest
Places of earth
Giving, Giving new life
- a new birth
Bright, Bright
is that crimson flow
Cleansing, Cleansing
the forsaken soul
Thanks, Thanks to the one
who gave His all
Redeeming, Redeeming
those lost in the fall
Praise, Praise to the King
the slain lamb
Power, Power comes
from the Great I am
Redeemed, Redeemed
set apart by the blood
Freed, Freed because
of that great love.

Uncommon Call

I stand at the crossroads
of the Uncommon call
One way leads to the world
the evidence of the fall
The other up sacrifice hill
a forsaking of all
No More demanding
to have my own way
No more excuses for
the reasons I stray
Simply a road of
trust and obey.

Oh, Beverly!

So many times in our lives we tend to wait or put off doing things that we know would be better for us. I woke up last Sunday morning with the right side of my face swollen and throughout the day it was swelling more! I knew immediately it was due to my teeth that I had not cared for in the last several years! Thank goodness, I got into a dentist Monday. He was very kind, caring, and took a full image of my mouth!! He started me on pencillen and gave me pain medicine, if needed. I will probably be under his care for a few months. He said next week when I go back and his hygenist evaluates me that we will have the game plan!
As I sat in the dental chair looking out a large window, I saw sparrows around their birdhouse, flying and enjoying their food and water and I was reminded of the verse in Luke 12:24, "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds! God cares so much for me and you!!!
Often the only way to heal is hurt. Dental procedures, in my case, sometimes doctor procedures have to be done. The corruption must be cut from the sore or no healing will occur at all. The same is true of human beings in their relationship with God. God demands purity, and all corruption will be cut away to insure wholeness. There is no place for evil in the body of Christ.
If evil is found, drastic measures will be taken, and like a cancer, it will be removed. God will act as a skillful surgeon, cutting and putting back together again. What will be left will be better than new, and the body of Christ will be healthy for all eternity. Healing can occur no other way, but the Lord will be faithful to save as much as He possibly can. Our Prayer should be "Father, cut away all that is wrong in me. Though it might hurt, I would rather be able to heal than to sit and die in my corruption.Remove evil from my heart, and heal me in your tender love. Amen.

O Father, may I search the scriptures and diligently learn more about you and testify of your great love & care for me and others! (Scripture reference to John 5:39)Your Word testifies of your great love for us!

F (antastic)
A(dventures)
I (n)
T(rusting)
H(im!)

How is your adventure with the Lord?
My adventure will include making several stops at Dr. Carmony's office over the next few months, but I thank God that he was put in my pathway!

"Our Awesome God!"

So many times in our lives we say this or that is awesome! My 5 year old grandson thinks Captain America, Super Heroes, and grilled cheese sandwiches are AWESOME! V.B.S. was awesome this last week! My grandchildren said being with their cousins is Awesome and their Great-grandmommy is awesome! All these things or people can truly be awesome in our eyes, but the "Most Awesome" is our God Almighty!
The definition of awesome is great or excellent. We truly serve a great God and an excellent God!! An Awesome God!! In Isaiah 40:28 it says, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God; the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is unscrutable."God is not weak, never fatigued, never fails us, the Ancient of Days is all-sufficient!! Isn't that Awesome!!! He is Awesome!
Our God is a Holy God. (Isaiah 6:1-6)
Our God is a Trinity. (Deut. 6:4 and Matt. 28:19-20)
Our God is always at work in your life. (John 5:17 & Romans 8:28)

What are we to do? Like Isaiah we should fall on our knees!!!(Isaiah 45:23)

We are to worship, trust, & obey.
"Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable." Psalm 145:3

"In God I have put my trust..." Psalm 56:11

"But whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected." I John 2:5

We are to love.

"If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in His love." John 15:10

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34

We are to be holy.

"because it is written, You shall be Holy, for I am Holy." I Peter 1:16

We are to Proclaim Christ.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." Romans 1:16

As the song says....
"Our God is an Awesome God,
He reigns from heaven above,
With wisdom, power, & love,
Our God is an AWESOME GOD!!!"

We truly serve a Great, Excellent, and Awesome God!!!

There is a Time to Blow Your Horn

(From the "View From the 9th" Collection)

Driving on the highways and roadways in Kuwait is an unforgettable experience.  Even though there are rules and regulations, no one seems to obey the law.  NO ONE.  Excessive speed and intentional rudeness abounds.   Road rage is normal every day activity.    What is so great about this is that it gives everybody an opportunity to use their car horns regularly.   I would insert a smiley face in here if I could figure out how.      :)

In America, or in my little section of America, we could possibly even forget that we have horns built into our cars, but in Kuwait honking your horn is just part of your daily driving experience.  It is EXHILARATING!

Lay on that horn and blow!!!!!  Whew!

Since I've been home, I keep looking for an excuse to blow my truck's horn.   Alas! so far  I have found no occasion to do so.

However, there are other reasons than  inconsiderate motorists to toot your horn.

Jesus said “I am the way the truth and the life.  No man comes to the Father but through me.”

That's a pretty bold statement.   There is no question that He was announcing to the world WHO He is and WHY He came.

There are so many scriptures where Jesus talks about who He is.   He did not step down or step back.  He tooted his  horn, told people why he was here.   Before he ascended to heaven he commanded us to tell the world His story.    To blow our horns.  Only our horns have to toot about Him, not about us.

Honk!

Some horns are loud.  Others are soft & gentle.   Some horns play symphonies.  Others play jazz.   They have different sounds and are played in varying ways.

Horns are used to announce something... to get people’s attention.    The children of God are listening for and waiting to hear the horns blowing announcing the return of Christ! 

So... toot your horn... Whether your horn plays gently or is blaringly loud, get somebody's  attention and then use that opportunity to tell them about Christ.      What Jesus gave to His children is meant to be announced to the world.

Oh... and if you hear me blowing my car horn sometime, don't worry.   I am just reminiscing.

Morning Outing with Grandkids!

My husband and I took our 4 grandsons to see"The Tale of Despereax" this morning at 10:00 at the show. We all had a good time, they ate their skittles, and drank their capri sun apple juices, and we all watched this show about a little mouse who was different (set apart), courageous, brave, noble, and tried to learn and listen, and see the beauty in everything.
As Christians, we are to be different, to be courageous, to grow ( learn) and to (listen) to the Lord. We are to be set apart. "But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; The Lord hears when I call to Him.Psalm 4:3. We are to have courage, "Be strong and courageous!" Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9. We are to be noble, "Listen, for I will speak noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal right things. (The virtues of wisdom are summarized in all that is noble, right, true, and righteous.) Sanctification (to be growing (learning) in the Lord daily), "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18. We are to listen, "When you are in distress and all these things have come upon you, in the latter days you will return to the Lord, your God and listen to His voice." Deut. 4:30. See the beauty of the Lord!! "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to meditate in His temple." Psalm 27:4.
The rats in the show lived in ratworld in the darkness, and were mean and cruel.
As Christians we are to shine God's light and be loving and caring. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." Matthew 5:14 (A godly life gives convincing testimony of the saving power of God. That brings God glory.) "But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth." Psalm 86:15. (God is loving, merciful, caring, and kind to us, so should we be to others.)

Father, I pray that just as Despereax, the mouse, was courageous, noble, brave, and set apart, that I might have these standards and be a Strong Christian for You and let my light shine!!!

Step out of your comfort zone for Christ!!!

I just watched a video of our Pastor and his children skating at Skate America. The love that our Pastor shows for his children and the willingness he has to learn new things is commendable!!
Our heavenly Father has such great love for each and every one of us!!! When the "Waters" seem roaring in our lives, and we don't want to step out of our comfort zone, we must keep our eyes on our Heavenly Father and do His will
I am sure skating was probably out of our Pastor's "comfort zone," but he was willing to do it, because he loves his children. Are we willing to step out of our "comfort zone" and do the will of God? Is God calling you to teach a S. S. class, witness, be an encourager, or a prayer warrior? God wants willing servants! Are you willing to step out in faith?
Scripture Texts: John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Mark 3:35, Eph. 6:6, and Luke 17:5

"What kind of fragrance are you putting out?"

As I was cleaning out the old fragrances from my scentsy holders, and putting in the new fragrances, these scriptures came to mind.
2 Cor. 2:14-16: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?
(Paul was thankful for the privilege of pleasing God. Whenever God's servants are faithful and are an influence for the gospel, God is pleased. No one is adequate in his own strength or competent to serve God in the ways and with the power that Paul had been describing. God alone, is our strength!)
Another scripture brought to my mind on aroma: Eph. 5:2,
"...walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself us for us, and offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma."
(Christ's offering of Himself for fallen man pleased and glorified His heavenly Father, because it demonstrated in the most complete and perfect way God's sovereign, perfect, unconditional, and divine kind of love.)
How's your fragrance for Christ today?

The Author

Hebrew 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith...

How often do we look at our life and think that things could be better if we did things differently. Often times not even consulting God on our decision - but rather doing what we consider the best option for us.

This verse speaks of the fact that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. He set out a redemptive plan that includes a new life in him. He is the one who has written our story before the beginning of time. Like any good author of this world Jesus has carefully written our stories, following us through hardship, heartbreak, joy, and forgiveness to the end of our story. Unfortunately along the way we often decide we do not like the story that is laid out before us. And not knowing the ultimate outcome we decide to re-write certain parts. Ripping the pen and paper from the master author's hand and handing it over to the world or the enemy to write out a part of our story. In this we shortcut the beauty of the story the master author has before hand laid out. We miss the designed story he has for us and ultimately miss some of the blessings that were set out for our lives. During this time the Author of Salvation stands at our side ready to take over our story when we decide to trust him with it again.

Think back on the last good novel you read. The earthly author lovingly unfolded a story that surrounded major characters. The author laid out the details and through the story the reader follows as the character goes through trials and hardships, triumphs and defeats and ultimately the ending is good - though granted sometimes sad. But in the end we see that the story laid out shines brightly and we at the end have a connection to those involved.

In much the same way our story is written out by The Author of Salvation - and he has made one for each of us that will ultimately shape us into an image of Him. We must therefor trust our story in the hands of the Author of Salvation even in the times that we do not fully understand our story. We must trust him in the times of heartbreak and trials that he is working out a greater purpose. We must give him the thanks for the times of joy when all works out. We must commit to leave the pen in the hands of the Author who has our best intent in His heart. The one who said that He knows the thoughts he thinks toward of us and they are of peace and an expected end.

My hope is that at the end, my story is one that is captivating because the Author of Salvation shines through on each page. May this also be your endeavor as you seek God's will - trust His authorship in your life and know that He is writing a beautiful story across the years of your life. Let Him shine on each page.

Soar Like the Eagles!!!

It is through God's power and strength that we can go on, regardless of difficulties we face or circumstances. It is encouraging to know, that God's power and strength never diminishes. When we feel as though all of life is crushing us, we must remember we can call on God to renew our strength!!!

"He gives strength to the weary;

And to him who lacks might, He increases power.

Though youths grow weary and tired,

And vigorous young men stumble badly,

Yet those who wait for the Lord

Will gain new strength;

They will mount up with wings like eagles,

They will run and not get tired,

They will walk and not become weary."

Isaiah 40: 29-31

Characteristics of holy life: Psalm 15:1-5

O Lord, who may abide in Your tent?

Who may dwell on Your holy hill?

He who walks with integrity, and

works righteousness,

And speaks truth in his heart.

He does not slander with his tongue,

Nor does evil to his neighbor,

Nor takes up reproach against his friend;

In whose eyes a reprobate is despised,

But who honors those who fear the Lord;

He swears to his own hurt and does not change;

He does not put out his money at interest,

Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things will never be shaken.

God is Great!!!

This last week I had 4 of my grandsons for a week of fun & laughter & hugs!!! They attended V.B.S at my mom's church in the mornings, and they got to swim, slip & slide, bug hunt, play with water guns, and many other adventures!!One morning before we were fixing to gather for our morning prayer & review our memory verse for the week, I told the grandsons to pick up the toys in the play room. They started picking toys up rather slowly, But, it was so amazing when I heard the 4 year old grandson telling the other boys, "Ya'll come on!!! (In other words lets get this done!!) Then he said, "God is Great!!! God speaks to us thru the Bible, thru circumstances in our lives, and thru other people! That very moment that my 4 year old grandson said, "God is Great!!!'', God spoke thru a child to me!!! We serve a Great God! His lovingkindness is great!!!"For your lovingkindness is great to the heavens, And Your truth to the clouds. Psalm 57:10. It tells us of His great love, in Eph. 2:4, "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us...." Great joy, Great Faith, Great Nations, there are many great things in the Bible that God tells us about, but, to sum it all up, a scripture that surely speaks of God's greatness indeed, "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." John 3:16. The Father gave His unique and beloved Son to die on behalf of sinful men. This truly showed the greatness of His love for us!! The intensity!!! I marvel at His greatness and I thank Him for His love for me!!! A sinner saved by grace thru faith!!!

In the midst of tumultuous waters
as the ship is battered by waves
Still I cling to this hope and security
Jesus is faithful, Jesus saves
When the dark night presses in
as it overpowers the light
Still I cling to this promise of truth
Jesus has won this fight
When my faith is shaking and weak
When shattered, bruised and alone
I hold to the stronghold of life:
Jesus has called me His own
When the light breaks through
dispelling this night
I'll remember the ancient truth
that Jesus is light
When lifted, restored and set right
when this heart is repaired
I'll remember this: The Good Shepherd
My Jesus has cared
When waves cease to beat
on the battered ship that's broken
I'll remember those precious words:
"Be Still" that were spoken
On the mountains so high
or now in the valley of loss
I'll cling to my hope of salvation
and always remember the cross.

Roots

Have you ever stopped to think about these aspects of a root system produced by the regular, faithful study of God's Word:

>Roots are unseen-Each one of us need to set aside time in solitude to
immerse yourself in God's Word and grow in Him.
>Roots are for taking in-Alone and with your Bible in hand, you'll want to
take in and feed upon the truths of the Word of God and ensure your spiritual
growth.
>Roots are for storage-As you form the habit of looking into God's Word,
you'll find a vast, deep reservoir of divine hope and strength forming for rough
times.
>Roots are for support-Do you want to stand strong in the Lord? To stand
firm against the pressures of life? The routine care of your roots through
exposure to God's Word will cultivate you into a remarkable women of
endurance.

To become a woman after God's own heart, we must have God first in our heart and abide in God's Word. We must have this "root system", and be anchored deep into God's Word.

As we dwell in Christ over the years, we lay roots which form a foundation which make it impossible for us to be moved. Nothing can sway us if we plant ourselves completely in His love. If our roots are not in the Lord, we are shaken by the slightest thing, and we have no anchor to hold us in place. Christ invites us to take hold of the fertile soil of God's love. When we take root there, we are there eternally, and nothing can affect us. We are nurtured and strengthened by the grace of God, and we can depend on growing strong and secure in His care.

"The righteous shall never be removed; but the wicked shall not inherit the earth."
Proverbs 10:30

"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit." John 15:1-2

"So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3: 17-19

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

Lord, I place the seed of my faith in your soil. Nurture and feed it so that it might take root and grow. Help my faith to grow strong and tall in the light of your love. Amen.

What's in the Bible? DVD 5 Trailer

"Support and Stronghold"

Last night we had rain and thunderstorms and tornado warnings in our area! This morning as I drove to work I saw a fence damaged from the storm, limbs everywhere, someone told me of trees that had been uprooted, the wind had blown fiercly things off our porches and garages!
So many times in our lives "great storms, (TRIALS), come in our lives and we seem to think all our support is gone! But, we must remember in whatever we face, God will give us the grace to face it, and He is our support and stronghold! God gives us so many verses of scripture on this for us!
Scriptures:
1. (2 Samuel 22:19): "They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the Lord was my support."
(This verse speaks of David explaining how God reached down from heaven to save him on the earth! David's Psalm of Deliverance-Chapter 22)
2. (2 Samuel 22:3): "My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence."
(In this verse David extols God as his defense, refuge, and deliverer in the many experiences of his agitated life.)
3. (Psalm 9:9-10):"The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You,"
( These verses speak of God's gracious dealings with dependent disciples.)
4. (Psalm 59:9): "Because of his strength I will watch for You,, For God is my stronghold."
(Verse from Chapter 59 on Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies, When Saul sent men they watched the house in order to kill David.)
5. (Psalm 62:2): "He only is my rock and my salvation, My stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken."
(In this verse David's absence from his homeland compounds his feelings of discouragement and exhaustion. David's hope and courage were failing. David expresses his disregard of personal autonomy and his reliance on his God in this metaphor for refuge.)
6.(Proverbs 10:29): "The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity."
(In this verse,"the way of the Lord,"-this is the spiritual path in which God directs man to walk.)
Lord, I pray that just as a "beam" need support, that I would ever remember that you are my support and my stronghold and that You will help me weather all the storms in my life!

More

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgi-G-dHYkY

"Are you being pounded by paint balls?"

My grandson, Blaine, called early this morning to tell me that he and his mom & dad were going to play paint ball! He said Grammy pray for me! I don't know anything about this game, other than what my daughter has told me. She said they were getting well clothed up, because she was told when the paint balls hit you they can sting! They are off for a morning of fun and I pray God's protection on them!
Just as the paint balls can sting, Satan throws many things at us that can sting! We need to clothe ourselves in Christ! Put on our armor each and every day! We must remember, Satan is defeated! It tells us in Revelation 12:9, "And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him." Satan's accusations against believers are unsuccessful because of Christ our Advocate. Advocate, our Helper, one called alongside! Our defense attorney! Praise God for the Holy Spirit! Although Satan prosecutes believers night and day before the Father due to sin, ( It tell us in Rev. 12:10 that Satan will no longer accuse believers before the throne of God because he will no longer have access to heaven), Christ's High-Priestly ministry guarantees not only sympathy but also acquittal. (Hebrews 4:14-16), Jesus was sinless, He was able to be tempted, but not sin. When Satan throws those fiery darts, draw near with confidence to God's throne to receive mercy and grace through Jesus Christ to help in your time of need.
Many things come against us in this world, it seems sometimes like we are being pounded by paint balls (so to speak), but always remember John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." Our fundamental ground for endurance in persecution is the victory of Jesus over the world. Through His impending death, He rendered the world's opposition null and void. While the world continues to attack His people, such attacks fall harmlessly, for Christ's victory has already accomplished a smashing defeat of the whole evil rebellious system!
The next time Satan sends a fiery dart(paint ball) your way, Fall upon your knees and draw near to the throne of God to receive that mercy and grace you need to help you thru this trial! Retaliate with Prayer and Depending on God!

Always Say A Prayer (A.S.A.P.)

There's work to do, deadlines to meet,
you've got no time to spare,
but as you hurry and scurry
always say a prayer.

In the midst of family chaos,
"quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest;
always say a prayer.

It may seem like your worries
are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather--
always say a prayer.

God knows how stressful life is,
He wants to ease our cares,
and He'll respond a.s.a.p.

"Always Say A Prayer!'

Blessings

Blessings can be a loving smile,
Or even a soft tender touch.
A kind word softly spoken,
These blessings mean so much.

Blessings are a special friend,
Being there in time of need.
Lending a hand and encouragement,
By doing a simple loving deed.

Blessings are when someone cares,
When our lives seem to be adrift.
Blessings are hearing a prayer,
That gives our spirits a lift.

Blessings are knowing God is near

Our every prayer He will hear,
Giving us comfort in our fear,
Trusting Him with all we hold dear.

"Always count your blessings!"

Let go & Let God!

As children bring their broken toys,
with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God,
because He is my friend.
But then instead of leaving Him
in peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help,
with ways that were my own.
At last, I snatched them back again
and cried, "How can you be so slow?"
"My child" He said, "What could I do?"
You never did let go."

"Waiting"

How many of us like to wait? We wait in lines, we wait at doctor's appointments, we wait for many things!

Scriptures on waiting:

Psalm 27:14-"Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."

Psalm 130:5-"I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, And in His word do I hope."

Isaiah 40:31-"Yet those who wait for the Lord, Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles,, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary."

Patient, Praying believers are blessed by God with strength in their trials. God's Word cannot fail, it gives us hope! We should wait with eager and patient anticipation of the Lord!

When you wait on the Lord, you gain wisdom, you give adoration to Him, you gain inspiration from Him, and you give thanksgiving for all your many blessings!

W (isdom)
A (doration)
I (nspiration)
T (hanksgiving)

The next time you or I are waiting in a long line or for doctor's results or any other long wait, we should reflect on this verse from Psalm 25:5: "Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation; For you I wait all day."

O Lord, teach me to Understand the things I need to understand, and to wait upon you, Lord!

Father, Forgive them

Father forgive them,
They know not what they do
They've turned their backs
on what is true
Father you gave them,
each one to me
So I give myself that
they may go free
Father, you knew them
before time began
And for each one you have
a special plan
Born into sin
captive in its snares
They are burdened and broken
with worries and cares
Father Forgive them
let me pay their price
This the atonement,
this the sacrifice
Father I'll carry it,
all their dark sin
And with my blood
will cleanse each of them
Father this cross,
this instrument of death & pain
Will serve as measure
of eternal gain
Lifted high for all
men to see
Here will I die to rise
on a rugged tree
Father love them
remind them of you
Stir in their hearts
what is true
Whisper their names
across time and space
Usher them in
through your matchless grace
Father forgive them
they've lost their way
All like sheep
have gone astray
Father I'll be the light
in the dark
The mender of the
bitterly broken heart
I will deliver them
out of their sin
And place them into
your loving hand
Father forgive them
see only me
In my death and rising
I bring them to thee

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is foreign to the nature of sin
Because it requires a change from withen
It Challenges that which we've come to beleive
And requires that a new life each one recieve
It requires the sinner to recognize and see
The gift of God and His love eternally
It requires that we let go of guilt and shame
And respond to the gentle call of our name.

Better Late?

Another Spring is fast approaching and the year is shaping up.  

Being in a reflective mood, it dawned on  me that I had not made any New Year's resolution this year.  No big plan to start exercising daily and lose weight.  No  promise to myself to read the Bible all the way through from start to finish.  Not even a simple "I'm going to be a better person this year."

And here it is... almost March.  

So, thinking that it's never too late to resolve to do better, I am making a list of my top ten resolutions:

10.  Be more organized - I put this at the #10 spot because that way I will remember it for at least a day.

9.  Do my tax return on time.. if only because I know that will make the IRS suspicious!

8.  Take a  ballroom dance class - learn to TANGO!!!! Cha!Cha!Cha!

7.  Start a hobby (actually I did this but had to leave it at home when I left for Kuwait so that one is already broken)

6. Make new friends (got a good start on that one.. met a lot of new people.. now if I could just remember their names.)

5.  Write more often - because I know everybody is waiting breathlessly to read my every word!

4.  Get to work early... something I am sure the boss would love and my co-workers would hate!

3.  Lose Weight & Exercise-   ahhhh... the ultimate and classic resolution that we all make and we all break.

2.  Save Money  - well, first ya gotta make money and then ya gotta be a tightwad.  yech.

1.  Read the Bible all the way through from start to finish -  I always get hung up on the "begats"  Come on, be honest...the begats.  Can't we just skip them thangs?

I could probably add 100 more things that I need or want to do.   But I wonder what God would have me resolve to do.  

There is the old song: "I have decided to follow Jesus... no turning back.. no turning back."   That should be the only resolution any of us make.   It is the only one that brings everything else into order.   Following Jesus is key to living a life that is exemplary in every way. 

So... I'll just disregard the list (as usual) and continue following Him.  

Whew!   Talk about relieving the pressure!

Now I can get on with my year.

"DIAL"

This morning I walked over to my kitchen sink and I have a bottle of dial soap on it. The "Dial" instantly spoke to me! Divine Inspiration And Love! In Romans 1:20, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and "divine nature", have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Our Creator, who made all that we see around us and constantly sustains it, must be a being of awesome power! His faithfulness, kindness, and graciousness are seen thru what He has created! Our Divine God displays his wonder in His divine nature!
God can talk to you thru the Bible, thru circumstances, and thru other people! God talked to me, inspired me, thru the bottle of Dial soap! It tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training, in righteousness. The Word of God, Inspired, God-Breathed, Perfect! So identified is God with His Word that when Scripture speaks, God speaks! The Scripture provides the comprehensive and complete body of divine truth necessary for life and godliness. (Reference to Psalm 119:97-105).
Love! So many verses on love in the Bible, but in John 15:10 it says. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." Jesus set the model by His perfect obedience to the Father, which we are to use as the pattern for our obedience to Him.
Father, I thank you for your Creation, for the Word of God, and for your Love!
You give us divine inspiration from the Word of God! Your love letter to us!

Psalm 121

Isn't it wonderful to know that God is our helper, our keeper, our protector, and our preserver! In Psalm 121 this song gives us a strong note of this assurance in all four stages!

A. God as my Helper in verses 1-2.
"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

B. God as my Keeper in verses 3 &4 & 5a
"He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel, Will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper;

C. God as my Protector in verses 5b & 6 & 7a
"The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil;"

D. God as my Preserver in verses 7b & 8.
"He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in, From this time forth and forever.

Praise to the Lord! We extend our "right hand" in our time of need, the Father is always there!
So wonderful to know that we have "around the clock protection" with the Lord!

Isn't it reassuring for believers to know that God is our help & protection! Our Keeper & Our Preserver!

A word for Mothers

Sacred and special
these gifts from above
Entrusted to us
with ultimate love
Have you considered
to what you've been called?
A mission impossible
if you don't lean on God.
He knew them before
time ever began
And has for each one
a very special plan
Our charge is to train them
in the way they should go
To live out each day
the truth that we know
With grace and love
and constant prayer
we handle these lives
with greatest of care.
So when the tides rise
and doubts prevail
Hold fast to the love
that never will fail
When the enemy whispers
your efforts are in vain
Be still and listen
as the father calls your name
In the midst of this season
we see only the task at hand
Our sight is so limited
to all that God has planned.

This is printed on here for a special friend of mine who requested it. This season of motherhood is sometimes filled with joy, but there are days when we wonder what it is that we are doing and if what we are doing makes a difference. God thinks it does!

"I Put My Foot In My Mouth!"

Several years ago a dear friend of mine, that writes devotionals for this blog spot, also, gave me a precious 5'by7' picture frame with a beautiful picture and scripture in it. The scripture was from Proverbs 17:17a, "A friend loves at all times..." This friend's job sent her to Kuwait a couple of years ago and I sent the picture framed saying back with her. She returned back to the states and was supposed to give me the frame back, but forgot. She returned to Kuwait last month and I had casually told her when she returns we could exchange the friendship frame again! This frame has took on a special meaning for me. My dear friend and I have been special friends for over40 years. We have talked together, cried together, laughed together, went to Ladies retreats, went to the movies together, and had many fun times together! I hope this special friend remembers all these times when I share the rest of this devotional and know that my mouth just got overloaded and that I am still a work in progress and that we all make mistakes!
Last night at the Awana Bible Club Closing, I am the commander of Awana, I was telling that next week would be God & Country Night! They were to bring a card or letter of appreciation to Awana so that we could mail these to someone in the military. My friend, who goes to our church, and as I said before, is in Kuwait, and writes for this blog spot, also, is not in the military, but has gone to Kuwait with her job and is around soldiers. So I thought we would send the cards & letters to her and she could share them with the soldiers. THIS IS WHERE MY MOUTH OVERLOADED!!!! I told the Awana clubbers she is not in the military, but she wears SKIVVIES, like the military does!! After the closing our Pastor & Deacon were laughing with me and asking what she was wearing again? They were asking me if I said skimpy or bikini or what? I still said you know what those military wear, Skivvies or whatever you call them! I loaded up to come home and on the way home it came to me the word I should have used was "Fatigues!" Oh, what had I said! I wasn't even sure what "scivvies" meant! I looked it up, it was TRADEMARK UNDERWEAR!!!! I WAS SO EMBARRASSED!!! I had said this in front of the whole Awana closing ceremony! Needless, to say next week when the kids turn in their cards I will tell the kids thank you for the beautiful cards & letters that will be sent to Mrs. Kathy, who wears military "FATIGUES''!
I am so glad that I have another friend, Jesus, that looked beyond my faults and saw my need for a Savior! In the Bible it tells us in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." God saw our need and gave His son, Jesus, to die for our sin! I trusted Jesus as my Savior at the age of 10, was saved by His wonderful grace, and I am still a work in progress with the Lord. Daily growing in Him and depending on Him to lead me!
Just as I said the wrong word last night in describing what my friend wore, which was not intended in a wrong or hurtful way, WORDS can be hurtful, tho! How often do we get upset and say things we don't mean? It is easy to apologize for our words; however, they can never truly be taken back. Sometimes we need to take a moment, hold our tongue and seek His wisdom before we continue speaking! We need to ask ourselves are these words "True, Necessary, & Kind?" Here are two scriptures from the Proverbs to share on words, Proverbs 21:23 says, "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity." It tells us in Proverbs 10:19, "When words are many, sin is absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." My prayer is Psalm 19:14, "May the words of my mouth be holy and acceptable to thee in they sight!"
My dear & precious friend, Kathy, I pray for your safety and I thank God for our long friendship and pray that you forgive me for saying you wear Scivvies! I guess my brain went on recess when I said this! I love you, girl! Praise the Lord for good friends!

Well Done, My Faithful Servant!

Our Faith Girls & sponsors had a meeting last night at our church! Their project was to organize the Awana games, shoebox ministry items, master's business ministry items, & pantry items! They were to learn from this orderliness. Their theme was,"Orderliness is preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest achievement." In God's Word it tells us,"Let all things be done decently and in order." I Cor. 14:40(Orderliness!) I am the church secretary at Faith and I had walked past the pantry and saw how neat and organized it was and then I went to the Fellowship Hall to prepare some things for Awana tonight, and I looked in the room with the other things the Faith Girls had organized! I was blown away! Amazed! God whispered to me and reminded me of our theme verse in Awana for this month, I John 3;18, "Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." Claiming to love is not enough. Love is not sentiment, but deeds! The Faith Girls and sponsors demonstrated their love for God in their deeds, their project, of learning orderliness! God tells us in His Word in I Cor. 14:33a, "for God is not a God of confusion but of peace..." Have you got disorder in your life and need it straightened out, Come to Jesus, He can press out all your problems and organize your life! "Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." I Peter 5:7.
In Matthew 25:14-30 is the parable of the talents illustrating the tragedy of wasted opportunity. The man who goes on the journey represents Christ, and the slaves represent professing believers given different levels of responsibility. Faithfulness is what he demands of them, but the parable suggests that all who are faithful will be fruitful to some degree. The fruitless person is unmasked as a hypocrite and utterly destroyed. As Christians we need not have "wasted opportunities," the time is now to tell others about the love of Jesus!
Faith Girls & Sponsors you did a job well done! You conveyed the orderliness of God in organizing all the different ministry items! Thanks to Faithful Faith Girls & Sponsors! Praise God!

Valentine's

Oh, how we all long to hear from our significant loved one"Happy Valentine's", "I Love You", or other special phrases! That special gift, whether it be perfume, going out to dinner or a movie, or flowers! It just makes your day! My hubby brought me a dozen yellow roses! My favorite! These are all good and special things! But, the best Valentine that we can have is Jesus! He is our hope, our Savior, and our King! He demonstrated this love in Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! What love! He loves us to infinity! Such an overwhelming love!!!

What Valentine Can I Give Him?

What can I give to Jesus
On this special Valentine's Day?
How can I tell Him I'll love Him,
And follow Him, come what may?
Should I send a red heart, with lace?
How can I thank Him enough
For His sacrifice, love and grace?
What valentine can I give Him?
My adoration to impart?
I'll give to Him what He want most,
I'll yield to Him my heart!

"I Love You Jesus!"

On the Altar

"I am nothing but sharp edges and splinters.. shards of a splattered and shattered faith, using those shanks and points to keep His love at a distance so I don't have to face Him.   Yet He allows Himself to be pierced and bloodied once again as He draws me close,  holding me in His arms of love and grace and pulling those spears and swords into His body and heart as He covers me.   How can He stand it?  How can He stand me? "

I wrote these words one 2:00 a.m. morning about five years ago.   It was  a time when my life was broken and I felt that I had nothing left to give.  Nothing but pain.

Looking back, I see the hand of God in my life, shaping me and changing me into the person He created me to be.   Growing me.    Growing my faith.   Growing my confidence and trust in Him.

The following hymn (written by Elisha Hoffman ) comes to my mind  with new understanding of the lyrics:

You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.

Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.

Would you walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will,
To be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay.

O we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid.

Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made,
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.

I laid my life in the hands of Jesus.   He has not disappointed.  He has not let me down.  Ever.  He suffered for me and with me personally.     I gave Him my future, my past, my present.   He owns it.  He owns me.   

He, in turn, and as the song says, has given me peace and contentment and a happy heart.  The altar of His love is the crucible that changed my life.  

"Christian New Year Resolutions"

How Can I Use The New Year
To Better Serve My Lord?
I'll Read My Bible Everyday,
And Be More in Accord.
I'll Find New Ways To Serve Others,
I'LL Love My Neighbor, Too.
I'LL Focus on "Give" Instead Of "Get",
In Everything I Do.
I'll Forgive The People I'm Mad At,
Angry Feelings I'll Discard.
I'll Try to Love My Enemies,
Even Though It's Hard.
I'll Love My Lord With All My Heart,
With All My Mind And Soul.
And If I Do That Essential Thing,
All The Rest Will Be In Control!

(Reference to Deut. 6:5)

Suffering For The Sake Of by Joni Eareckson Tada

Keep Moving - anchored in Christ

I guess maybe clarification needs to be made of walking through the valley and staying in the valley. Each of us must make this walk through the valley and often times when we are truly surrendered to Abba we will walk through many valleys along this road. If our hope is anchored in Christ and we have committed His word to our hearts and we are holding to the promises of unseen things and our face is set on the end we will continue to move forward. Never allow the world to handle your sorrow or cause you to deny that you are in the valley because in doing so you will deny Christ the opportunity to ministers to you.

"Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted," Jesus said to the throng of humanity that sat on that mountainside in the afternoon sun. These were not random words flung out to make people feel good. This was God in the flesh - knowing the past, present and the future looking out over broken humanity and saying, "You will sorrow, your dreams will break, your world will shatter, your hope will falter, prayers won't always be answered your way - BUT you will be comforted, I will not leave you or forsake you, you will not be crushed or overcome, I will deliver you!"

He knew the world would shame people out of their sorrow convincing them some things "don't really hurt", or some sorrows are greater than others, or that there is an acceptable time to sorrow. He knew people would deny their sorrows hiding them in deep places in the heart. His invitation was to face it - I will comfort you.

Take a lesson from Jesus himself. Leading up to the Crucifixion he tried to prepare to his disciples. He tried to reach out in His humanity and share his heavy heart that had peace to impart. He even invited some to the Mount of Olives to pray with him to walk in the valley with him. Then there in that garden God in flesh wept openly and agonizingly. Sorrow and grief rolled over Him and He cried out to Abba. Jehovah, Immanuel, The Lamb poured out in His humanity cried out to Abba, "Father if there be another way let this cup pass from me!!" - let this sorrow end. "None the less YOUR will..." - surrender to the walk in the valley with hope secured in His father's will. And then the comforter was sent - and angel to minister to Jehovah. Notice what happened next. Jesus didn't get up with a smile on his face and go to the disciples and say, "OK I'm fine, I'm about to die an agonizing death, walk through a dark valley - darker than any valley known to man - so let's move on!" NO - scripture reveals that Jesus wept even harder with the comforter there - he came face to face with His heartbreak - he cried then so hard, so openly that blood poured from His brow. Then he stood and walked through the valley - not with giggles - not denying the pain - not denying His sorrow - BUT SURRENDER TO ABBA'S will - His faith anchored in God - His sight set on the Father's face - putting one foot in front of the other and moving forward.

When faced with the valleys of life (whatever they be) Keep moving anchored in Christ. Do not be deceived by the enemy. There is no shame is sorrow or disappointment or grief. The shame comes when we allow that instead of Christ to define us - when we allow that instead of Christ to become our focus (for when we do these things we have taken our sorrow as an idol and placed in before God). In recognizing it, facing it, owning it - we allow God to send comfort and strengthen us as we walk through our valleys - to move past all things in due time according to the seasons of God.

Thoughts for the Day Jan 16, 2011

I can not begin to know God's reasons or His ways, for they are beyond my understanding. I am continually left amazed at His Handy-work and my unworthiness. It seems that the longer I follow this God who brought everything into existence, the more I pursue a relationship with Him the more I realize the brokenness of my estate and the need for a savior.

I am amazed that God chose His pain - and a most agonizing sacrifice of His beloved -so that I could be brought close. For in my most meager attempts of sacrifice I have found I fall sadly short. My offerings are mere shadows of what was so willingly lain upon the alter for me. In fact upon looking at what I have called sacrifice I am fully ashamed to say that I have chosen that which has often cost me very little or nothing and then very proudly (albeit, not spoken except in the farthest reaches of my heart) been proud of MY ability to do so well for the Lord when in fact I was using His resources. For all the talents and abilities I possess he formed within me before time began - as stated in Jeremiah 1:1 "I knew you before I formed you, before I placed you in your mother's womb". So who am I to take credit for what God Himself created within me - these talents or things are merely my duty to use for His glory.

This valley I am in - this loss that I have suffered - I pray constantly will bring me closer to Him who created me. I began last year with a prayer that God would change my life and my sight. I offered up to Him who created all things this life (that on it's own is useless and can accomplish nothing of lasting value) for His use. Little did I know that this prayer, prayed daily until November 2, 2011 would lead me on a journey that would turn my faith and my world upside down so that I might finally see right side up.

We began with the challenge of taking in two children - when the obviously easier answer would have been no. Brent was in seminary, I home school 4 children and these two children we knew had issues (much more serious than we knew at first). Yet we felt compelled that this was what God would have us to do. After they were removed from our home after their CPS court date to be placed in a different county (away from their parents who live only 2 blocks from us) I found out I was pregnant.
This too turned out to be a challenge. For when hope was seemingly lost we were forced to decide where our faith would stand. Daily a battle raged for my allegiance - would I surrender to desperation and despair or cling to the cross? Daily a reached for my savior, daily I begged for God's provision. Daily I saw His grace and the more the hope was extinguished by this world and the odds stacked up against us the more that grace became clear and new dreams and hopes arose. Then we lost our son - my world shattered - and the greatest grief, the most terrible ache, the deepest sorrow entered my world - and my world spun and tilted, tipped and rolled. There in the devastation of hopes, the brokenness of dreams, the desperation of heart my Savior reached out. Not promising relief, not offering sanctuary from this agonizing pain but whispering "Can you not stay one hour with me, I have not left you....I am able to deliver you". "Able to deliver", how strange these words sound - not delivered from this thing but able to be delivered into grace! Amazing how God changes our sight when we lean into him.

My prayer this year: still the same as last.
Here is my life Lord, take it, break it, bless it for your glory. Use it as you see fit. You chose your loss willingly so that it would be my gain. Teach me to lie down those things most precious without thought for your will. Help me not to cling to the things of this earth. Keep me humble. Keep me close. Keep my feet from temptation.

The Valley of the Shadows

The tragic beauty of the valley
Is in the songs that fill the air
The broken hallelujahs from
God's children walking there
In the midst of terrible pain,
and in the wake of shattered dreams
On the bank where tears have fallen
into flowing streams
There the children cling
to the hope they know is true
That God is a loving Father
who will carry them through
So up from broken hearts,
poured out of aching souls
Rises a redeeming chant
The Father already knows
He hears his children's cries
has counted every sorrow
Knows their very hearts
and has penned their tomorrows
And though the shadows press
and the enemy stands near
He offers them a shelter
from their devouring fear
He may not ease the suffering
or change the circumstance
But ministers to hearts and souls
causes aching feet to dance
He holds them in his arms
so gently whispers love
Reminds them of redemption
the perfect gift from above
He gently takes their hands
and guides them on the way
Down the path of sorrow
to a brighter day.

"Snow Pack"

We had a beautiful snow Sunday and Monday of this week! Kids were out playing in it! Throwing snowballs, building snowmen, and sledding!! Such fun!!!
God's word is like rain, like snow. It will water what it lands on. We cooperate in the distribution of this moisture by pouring it out in prayer over people, over situations. As Christians we need to release scripture prayers and it can pile up like a snowpack!
"Throw a snowball of Prayer on Someone Today!"

Scriptures:
Isaiah 55:11-""So will My word be which goes forth from m y mouth; It will not return to me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."
Psalm 6:9-"The Lord has heard my supplication, The Lord receives my prayer."
Proverbs 15:29-"The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayers of the righteous."
Philippians 4:6-"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
James 5: 16 -"Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

year of

This is going to be a year of focus for me.

focus my Father

focus on His goodness, His mercy, His forgiveness, His love, His joy, His peace, His boldness, His blessings.

focus on one another

focus on other’s needs, building up others, encouraging others, serving one another

focus on the race before me

focus “pressing on” towards the goal, forgetting what lays behind.

focus my goals, goals that honor and glorify my Father

focus on serving Him with my goals

What does this year hold for you?