Has God spanked you lately?

Yesterday morning we had a wonderful sermon centered on Jonah Chapter 2.  In Chapter 1, Jonah had run from God's command to go to Ninevah and preach to them.  When woken on the ship (during his escape journey), he told the them God was his God and he feared him.  Really?  He was running from him and not obeying him.  To get his attention, God spanked Jonah hard.  He threw him into the water and let a whale swallow him.  It was easier for God to get 600,000 people to repent than it was to get Jonah to go and do his part.  As Pastor Owens said, anyone who is in the belly of a whale quickly becomes a praying person. :)  And Jonah quickly came back to his God.  (If this story seems scattered, please read Jonah.  Short book with great meaning.)

Pastor Owens' point was that when you are a child of God, truly a child of God, he will spank you to get your attention.  He wants you back with him.  Are you in the belly of a whale right now?  Have you been listening to God instead of telling Him what you want to do?  We are all there at different times, myself included.  Give God your attention and go fully into His path for you. He's waiting to bless you abundantly.

Lord, thank you for your discipline and love.  I pray for anyone in the belly of the whale right now, that they will turn their eyes back to you and come running with their arms wide open.  We know you will embrace us. 
I lift up those I love to you, knowing you will cradle them.  Amen.

Romans 12 : 14-16
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep,
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate wtih the lowly.  Do not be wise in your own estimation.

Wow, so many lessons in these 3 verses. 

14 - it's so easy to lash out at someone who hurts you, misinterprets something you say/do, or outright lies about you.  But God is telling us in all those situations to bless that person.  Easy,  huh?  Maybe when it's unintentional.  Not when it's intentional or someone thinks less of you as a result.  I've dealt with this over the past couple of days so I know God had me read this verse this morning.  When you swallow hard and bless the ones causing you strife, the strife seems to fade away.

15 - Do you celebrate your friends victories?  Do you get close enough to them that you truly know how special their rejoices are?  When you do, and you rejoice with them, the blessings are incredible.  And when a friend is weeping and it makes you uncomfortable, do you step out anyway and weep with them?

16 - I also believe God put this first square in front of me today.  Things have been going really well and I was getting a bit of a big head.  Then bam!  The situation in verse 14 happened and turned my world upside down.  God needed to knock me down a couple of notches and show me He gave me these gifts and He is guiding me.  Just because I get some decisions right and just because I may excel at something doesn't mean it's due to me. 

Lord, thank you for the lessons you continually teach me.  Especially those I have a hard time learning.  I will strive to keep my focus on you and not me.  Please let me see others how you want me to see them and to rejoice and weep with them.  Thank you for pulling me close just as a Father should.  I love you, amen.

Devil got your tongue?

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

15 that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.

Phillipians 2:14-15

This hit me square in the face in my job.  It has been very stressful lately and others have not steadily done their jobs, but regardless, my witness needed to be that of a light, not someone ranting about everything being so bad.  It was very difficult.  God gave me different verses to get my attention so I would watch my tongue.  Search God to see what He's trying to show you.

²⁹ Let no ^[a]unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification ^[b]according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29 (New American Standard Bible)

Have you praised God today?

Thank you, Lord for the Holy Spirit that overflows my cup!

This got stuck in draft mode from October....

Today my cup overflows and God gave me a big mouth to share it. :) 

There are times in our lives when we are in the valleys and every day is difficult, we are just trying to keep our heads above water.  Then there are times when we've gotten our heads just above that water and we see God's glory so amazingly...

Today my head is up and I can only see Him and His mighty works.  Over a year ago, we found this wonderful little place about 45 minutes from our home and I felt God calling us to it.  We needed our long term home where we could get out of the busyness of so many people and just too much 'stuff.'  God told me so strongly this is where we were to go.  We took a trip and my husband agreed this would be our haven.  We wanted a smaller community for both us and our daughter. 

I remember running down the hill through one of the pastures with my arms raised seeing God's beauty overflowing in nature.  He was showing off his handywork! 

Many thought we were crazy for moving so far out, but God was drawing so sweetly.  We've been here six months and the blessings are crazy wonderful!  Every day I look out and see his beautiful creations all around me.  He has surrounded us with a family of christians that live life for Him.  He has also blessed our family.  It feels as though my husband and I are just marrying again as we create our life here. 

This weekend we go to our first local festival.  We are so excited and many from the 'city' might find it boring but I see the fellowship and appreciation of small town living.

Hang in there, kiddo...it won't last long...

Yesterday was so very odd.  The morning was calm and normal, until I starting chatting with a friend.  I was told of some horrific news that broke my heart. 

After dealing with that, I unknowingly unlocked a storm....of emails at my office.  We have forums and this particular forum I needed to post on has an email address in order to post.  Turns out there are thousands of subscribers who didn't know they were subscribed.  So of course they had to reply all and let everyone know they wanted off the list.  My thoughts on their actions is another story.  However, I had many respond to me, telling me what a good laugh they got out of it and to let it roll off my back.

One particular guy told me "hang in there, kiddo... it won't last long...".  Hmmm... sounds a little like "this too shall pass" which is actually not in a bible verse.

Thank you, Lord, for the humor or others that reminds us pain or embarassment does not last forever.  Amen.

"Never doubt in the dark what God said in the light"

Going through a particularly bad week, I emailed a lady on a forum, encouraging her in how she is handling her bad year.  She took the time, over a week or so, to email me back a very thoughtful, touching, and introspective response.  In it, she said a friend told her "never doubt in the dark what God said in the light."

Sometimes we forget the truths we know when times are really tough.  We second guess our path and what we originally heard from God.  She reminded me of God's promises which did not include an easy carefree road.  That one little phrase did so much to pick me up and dust me off. 

Thank you, Lord, for this new friend.  Please watch over her and her household, showing them your light and love.  Thank you for working through her and providing us both comfort.  Amen.

My posts are getting farther between.  Sometimes that is due to not paying attention to what God is showing me, and at others, it's because I'm in awe at how much He is showing me.

This morning, I read an article on CNN.com about a pro football player who is speaking out against Same Sex Marriage.  And he spoke against other 'notables' not speaking out.  He spoke from the heart, but still people commented and picked apart what he said.  The comments were quite disturbing, ranging from how stupid he is to Jesus is to blame for this.  Absolutely unreal. 

But if you step back, you see this guy is doing what he should be doing and of course, Satan is on his back.  That keeps so many of us from speaking out.  We don't want the backlash.  However, he gave me some hope that not everyone in the spotlight is running away from God. 

Be someone's hope and share what God lays on your heart.  Last night, the preacher asked what we were doing with God's call on our life.  Are we doing what He wants us to do?  I took this to mean in the broad spectrum, but also on a day to day basis.  He gives us opportunites, are we taking them?

And as Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man, called Matthew, sitting in the tax office; and He said to him, "Follow Me!"  And he rose, and followed Him. --Matthew 9:9, NASB

Matthew was a tax collector, noone liked him.  Jesus asked him to follow him, even though people still would hate him.  But Matthew left his old life behind and followed. 

Lord, please give us the understanding and the heart to follow you in every part of our lives.  Let us follow the abundant life you have for us.  Amen.

Friday night I was on my usual run to the nearest 'city' to get groceries, take daughter to karate, etc.  We were in Wal-Mart to get more paint for the house.  The Friday before Memorial Day and noone was working in the paint department.  In my mind, I complained that Wal-Mart understaffs to make more money.  And yet again, I'll be getting home at 10 on Friday after an hour's drive.  I tried to keep a patient attitude and went to another dept to have someone paged.  After another 5 - 10 minutes, I asked a different worker to page someone.  Another 5 minutes and I asked a third worker to page a manager, surely they could mix paint.  The lady was older and gave a funny look saying she wasn't so sure.  She spotted the lady that knew how to do it, giving someone else a break in another dept.

Martha came over and you could tell she was tired but still getting her duties done.  Her phone rang - her husband was just out of ICU.  I was floored.  Not wanting to be nosey, but wanting to make up for my earlier impatience, I asked if he was feeling better.  No.

She went on to tell me about the last 2 years of their life, since his motorcycle accident in which he was thrown 60 feet.  He'd broken 57 bones, his spine and pelvis breaking in 2.  There's now a very long screw holding the pelvis together and a metal cage around his spine.  She lost count of the procedures and surgeries the doctors said he wouldn't live through.  He already had heart problems and diabetes.  Now liver and kidney issues are added.  The doctors said he would never walk again, but the two of them worked together and he is walking and driving short distances. 

I asked if his spirits were up.  Honestly, I expected her to say he was depressed from the daily shots, 19 medicines, and continual hospital stays.  But she said his spirits are up.  He told her there are 2 things that keep him going - 1 - the good Lord wasn't done with him yet, 2 - he wasn't done loving her yet. 

She works as much as she can because they need the money and through Christmas Wal-Mart needed her, so she had to let someone else take care of him.  I felt so small for every time I've been upset there aren't enough cashiers or floor workers.  Instead, I should be praying for those not able to get to work.

God blessed me with Martha and her husband.  They are working through a very difficult time, but still loving each other and leaning on each other. 

Thank you, Lord, for those you put in our paths to show us your love and hope in action.  Please bless Martha and her husband this week, giving them laughter and a break from the turmoil.  Amen.

What is God's destination for you? 

The message last night cut to the heart of life.  You are on a road, is it the right one?  Will God change your direction? 

4 years ago, my husband and I were trying to figure out if we were supposed to remain in our state or move somewhere else.  I was searching for a job change and told God I was willing to go anywhere, absolutely anywhere but where I was.  Hmmmm....putting limits on God because of what I wanted.  Before long, I realized I had to learn to be content in my job and wait on God.  Then a new job came up when I was content so I could make a rational decision and not just jump at it.  God was preparing me for the next adventures in life - bringing a child into our home and moving even further into the country to a small town. 

This small town has been an amazing blessing in less than 2 months.  When others could not understand our move, I knew the Holy Spirit was telling me to go.  I didn't entirely know why, but knew we needed to go and it would be just what we needed.  And God is blessing that over and over.

Pray and ask God about your destination.  Much more than your job or your hobbies, what is the destination of your heart?

Thank you, Lord, for your purpose for each person's life.  Please reveal a piece of it to those I love today.  Amen.

Come and see!

"Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men."  - Psalm 66:5 (NASV)

"Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!"
~ Psalm 66:5, NLT


Look for God's miracles today and be in awe.
Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and your awesomeness!  Amen.

Sisters/Brothers in Christ

Have you thanked God this week for your sisters/brothers in Christ?  I most certainly have! 

This month has been especially stressful with the move, a close on our old farm that went haywire and should finally happen next week, rain almost non-stop, blah blah blah.  Nothing new in the grand scheme of things.  However, my daughter is having an especially hard time adjusting to her new school where there is more accountability and consequences. 

Last night, I contacted a sister to share an incident with my daughter.  Just knowing she was there and her automatic offer to pray lifted me up and I knew I could handle the rest of the evening.  This comforted me as another bomb dropped this morning.

Driving along today I mentioned my sisters in Christ to my daughter.  I told her how sometimes it's hard to be friends with someone who seems not to have a blemish in their life and yours seems not to have a clean spot anywhere.  But God gives us those friends because He knows they will be there for us through thick and thin when we need them.  Today was no exception.

I reached out over email to sisters/brothers at work and sisters at church.  I got the support and prayer I needed to keep me strong.  What a blessing they are to me.

"...a new life that is sure to bring changes.  Some of those changes will be good, while others will be less beneficial.  but msot important, we'll face them all together.  There is nothing worse than to be in this world without a friend.  There's nothing harder than to live without love.  And there's nothing more devastating than to live life without hope.  The hope of Jesus - the hope within."  ----The Hope Within

Thank you, Lord, for continually conveying your hope to me through my christian friends.  You make yourself known to me time and time again without fail.  Please bless them with your presence.  Please bless them with hope.  Amen.

If you are not an animal lover or lived on a farm, this may not make sense to you, but hopefully it will touch a cord.

Today was one of those frustrating days on many fronts.  Work was very difficult towards the end of the day and I couldn't wait for the weekend.  The bed was calling my name for much needed rest, but we needed to trek an hour into town for my daughter's class and some errands.  On the way there, I felt very unmotherly (another word I created).  I needed some down time, some time to get myself back into gear, but I was driving along with my daughter in the back seat.  The radio was on and it was raining - God brought me some relaxation anyway. 

Then I get a text and the sale of our old farm is going downhill again.  Why can't a closing go smoothly?  Anyhow, my stress level is skyrocketing and I still have to run my errands.  We did and on the way home, daughter and I talked further about an interaction with a friend.  This time she was relaxed and talked more freely.  I love it when she does that and we talk like 2 girlfriends, with me giving her the other person's point of view and how to share hers so she is understood. 

Once home I was back on the phone about the closing and middle of the ground on my stress level.  I laid down and picked up a novel I'd gotten behind on.  The main character is a strong christian woman who gets through each trial, not perfectly, but always closer to God.  I know my current trial will do the same for me.  Hubby was fast asleep, and I hear the baby goats and their mother crying.  It is pooring down rain and I know all the goats should be together and dry.  But mom sounded like she was out, so she must be separated from those babies.  She is an excellent mother and the stress of the weather, the move, and separation over night could hurt her health and the babies', so I ask where the flashlight is.  Hubby has no clue what words are. :)  I look frantically for a flashlight because there are no lights by the goat 'house'.  I find one in a box in the kitchen.  yes!!  I put on my pink rain boots, a full length fireman like yellow rain coat, and get my red/white umbrella.  I'm ready for business. 

Porch light on, I head down the side yard.  The water is flowing fast to the sink hole in the goat field.  Please don't let those babies be trapped in there.  I see no white fur thankfully and keep going.  There are 3 goats out of the field.  One is that mama goat, Bella.  She's kind of wild, so this will be tricky.  She is soaking wet. and with her 2 half siblings.  The babies are inside.  After maneuvering a steel wagon wheel, my flashlight and umbrella on the tractor, I figure out how to get mom back in.  The siblings are smaller and not frightened.  They see I'm trying to make an opening at the side of the gate and they get in.  But this mama is too scared.  I pray that God helps me get her to her babies.  The buck, who smells horrid in no uncertain terms, is sniffing my fingers.  If his smell gets on me, it will take a whole day for it to come off.  Determined to keep him from the opening, I dangle my fingers away from it so he can sniff or lick them, whatever he wants, as long as that mama gets inside. 

I have to shoo her around the tractor and it's not working.  Finally, I think she is weak and I pull the gate open and grab her by the horns and pull as hard as I can.  I then have to pick up her front half and lift it out of the loader.  Finally, I get her through the opening and get it closed back up.  The babies are happy and she walks back over to look at me as if to say wow, thanks for helping me.  I'm still afraid, but that was cool of you.

There is no way I would have gone to sleep.  Goats cannot always take care of themselves.  We are responsible for them and they come before I do.  Hmmm....isn't that mothering?  Did God just give me an experience of motherly instinct I could not deny?  Yes he did and I wanted to come back in and tell my daughter all about it.  But that will wait until morning.  She is asleep oblivious to the farm 'emergency'.  But I feel renewed and that God is telling me to hang in there, everyone has their ups and downs. 

God speaks to us in so many ways subtle every day, but sometimes he needs to be a little more direct with us.   He needs to show us we can still persevere.

Thank you, Lord, for continually showing me I have hope in you and you will always be there to pick me up and let me know I'm not alone.  Thank you for showing me love.  Amen.

Perfect timing

In moving further out into the country, we hope to slow the pace of life and concentrate on the most important priorities - God and family.  The last week has been hectic with moving, trying to figure out where things will go, including the dogs, and changing everything over to the new address.  In the chaos, I've tried to make sure and read my devotional nightly.  I also read through another book on christian parenting. 

The author made a very good point - parenting is not just about the bond you have with your child, it is a mission.  Instead of consuming ourselves with the latest parenting techniques, and our children day in and day out, we need to focus on God.  If we don't, we're no good to our kids.  That focus means we worship Him and we study, not just read, His word.  We need to totally devote ourselves to him and then the parenting will fall into place.  Our children will see Him through us, and in spite of us.


When I am on a spiritual high, or am steadily doing my devotional, I think I'm doing pretty good.  However, through some different devotional passages, the verses my daughter learned for Bible Drill, and a novel I'm reading, God is telling me to not be satisfied with where I am.  I can't half way give myself to Him and at the end of the day come running to Him for protection.  He must guide my steps beforehand, not after the fact.  I must be in His word, completely every day.  I need to study it more, see what He is telling me and truly live each moment for Him.  Is this easy?  Goodness no, but the Spirit will do what I cannot.  What is required of me is to turn it all over to Him.  Every nook and cranny of my life.  And for someone who is use to being in control, that is not easy.  However, it is freeing.  None of us is perfect, but we that doesn't mean we give up and put half-hearted effort into it.

Last night we were at our previous church and my year or longer lost bible was brought to me.  It is my study bible and I had really missed it.  I'd purchased 2 other different types of bibles, but was hoping this one would turn up.  And it did in perfect timing - when God is telling me to study His word more intently so He can speak to me.  Amazing!

Dear Father, I give all of today to you.   When I start to wander towards taking control, please reign me back in to your will.  Thank you for being in control of my life.  Please show yourself to me today unmistakably.  Amen.

What A Day That Will Be

This past Sunday was our last regular Sunday morning at our church.  We moved Monday and will be looking for our new church home.  I purposefully did not announce to everyone, because it would be too much for me to take.  I mentioned it to a few and some tears fell. 

But my 5+ year experience at this church really hit home during the special music in worship.  A dear friend of mine got up to sing and I thought what a fitting send off.  Her voice and heart while singing has always blessed me and my husband and I was so thankful I got to hear her on my last morning.  As she sang, the tears streamed down my face.  She and others have been a  family to me and my family.  The faith of the women there far exceeded anything I imagined finding in a church home.  They have blessed me more than they will ever know.  (I need to find the kleenex among all my moving boxes.)  I love them like sisters. 

In the midst of my anguish and reminiscing, I felt a peace.  God let me know through the song that I will spend forever with them.  He also reminded me of what I always tell my daughter - when goodbyes are hard and they hurt, that means there was something special between you and those you are leaving.  I thank God that it hurts so much.  I thank God that as I looked around that sanctuary, I was flooded with memories and saw the hearts of those there.

Thank you, Lord, for the Godly women you brought into my life.  Please keep them close and bless them for the many blessings they have given me.



What A Day That Will Be
Words and Music by Jim Hill Mark 14:62
"And Jesus said, I AM:
and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power,
and coming in the clouds of heaven."

There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye. All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore, What a day, glorious day that will be.
Chorus What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.
There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear, No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there; What a day, glorious day that will be.
Chorus What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be. What a day, glorious day that will be!

When I sat down to write, I had no clue what it would be about.  Then I wrote about how I've been discouraged and wanted to scream out for God to move in a friend's life.  I was so upset when I started, but then as I read over it, I saw God bringing me full circle.  I started in tears and by the time I finished, I realized God was picking me up by understanding my hurt and anger over my friend's ordeal. 

Through trying to encourage someone else, and speaking my frustration, God showed me that He is sovereign over everyone and every situation.  He will hold my friend up and do what is best even though I do not understand it.  He is a loving, caring Father. 

I deleted everything and started over, with the Spirit guiding me.  I'm learning the lesson that when I am honest with myself and God, no matter the ugliness of it, He is always there. 

Dear Lord,  I pray for those struggling with life.  I pray for strength, comfort, and peace.  If they do not know you, Lord, I pray they will see you through their trial.  Help those of us on the sidelines be a source of encouragement.  Thank you for loving each and every one of us.  Amen.

A daily devotional worth 3-5 mins of your time

Living for a Cause Greater Than YourselfMarch 7th, 2011 by Os Hillman

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13

In the thirteenth century a man named William Wallace became the instrument of freedom from England's tyranny over Scotland. A very wicked king ruled England. A tragedy in the life of William Wallace launched him into living for this cause. Initially his cause was revenge, but soon his cause turned to something bigger than himself - freedom for a nation. When he challenged the commoners to fight for this freedom, they responded that the enemy was too great and that they might die on the battlefield. They also refused to fight for the nobles, the knights and leaders who had a vested interest in gaining more land for themselves versus a pure cause of freedom. Wallace's response: "Yes, we might die. We will all die sooner or later. But we will die for a cause worth dying for. So that our children and their children might live in freedom." This story was popularized in the movie Brave Heart (Sherman Oaks, California: Paramount Pictures, 1995).
Today we find many Christian workplace believers living a status quo relationship with God that is more characterized as "business as usual" than a life demonstrating God's power. Our focus is often more concerned with improving our standard of living than improving the Kingdom of God through our circle of influence. While this takes place, millions upon millions die without the saving grace of Christ. Many other Christians die never experiencing the freedom in Christ that His blood paid for. God has called each of us to live for a cause greater than ourselves - a life that is dependent on His grace and power to achieve things we never thought possible through our lives. This is His plan for your life. The apostle Paul prayed that He might experience the power of the resurrection in his life. This power is available to you and me to live for a cause greater than ourselves. Ask God what He wants to achieve through your life today. And consider yourself dead already to the consequences of what that might mean for you.

Calling out to God

This morning I was a little overwhelmed with how to handle an ongoing situation in my life.  Many days I'm at peace and my head is above water, but today not so much.  I prayed to God, trying to recite scripture (new for me) and laying out my heart to Him.  I have no doubt that He will see me through, but I need guidance that comes from Him.  I felt better after prayer and a couple of hours later, I got an email update from a forum group.  A woman started a blog dealing with my situation.  She is laying everything out there in order to help others.  And she has written a book which is now on its way to my doorstep.  These are the verses she is staring with:

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 15:33

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

I praise You, God!  I had no idea how You would answer me, but You did in a most wonderful and caring way.  Thank You for answering as soon as I stopped trying to handle it all myself.  Amen.

Today's command!

I'm listening to the radio while I work and a kid calls in saying today is the only day of the year that is a command... March Forth!

It's really silly and kinda dorky, but really, this is our command isn't it?  We are to march forth for the Lord each and every day.  We should not shrink back from our faith or focus on what we cannot do.  We are to find our strength in the Lord and have faith He will sustain us.

I love the messages God gives us through the simplest of things.  Have a wonderful Friday and march forth!!

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go.    Joshua 1:9 
The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will extol Him.   Exodus 15:2

The Lord is my strength and my shields; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my hearts exults, and with my song I shall thank Him.   Psalm 28:7

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, through the earth should cane, and though the mountains slip in the the heart of the sea.   Psalm 46:1-2

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.   Isaiah 40:29

Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.    1 Peter 4:11


AMEN!!

Waiting...Hope...

New American Standard Bible...

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.  Psalm 33:20

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

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; For You, I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5 

He only is my rock and my salvation; my stronghold; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62:2

And now, Lord, for what do I wait?  My hope is in you.  Psalm 39:7

Many of these verses mention waiting.  In other translations, it says hope.  Hmmmm...waiting...hope.  Gives us alot of food for thought.

What is your cause?

Over the last 2 years, my husband and I took up the cause of "waking up" our country through a national program.  We have spent many weekends teaching men, women, children, service men, veterans, families, beginners, and old pros the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship.  We have also studied hours upon hours the history of how our country began, namely the start of the Revolutionary War. 

At some point, I purchased an American Patriot's Bible and started having a devotional on Sunday mornings for those of us missing church.  I relayed stories of christian patriots and the church of 1775.  As time progressed, I emphasized knowing what was good use and what was God use of your time.  For that time, I knew I needed to be in Appleseed and having those devotionals. 

Then God put a devotional on my heart and had to keep nudging me to present it.  At our December shoot, I asked the devotional attendees how many of them would go back to work, back to their families and tell them all about the weekend.  How many would relate their experience, their struggle, the good points of Appleseed.

Then I asked them how many would go back and  be as excited to tell everyone about their experience with God?  We are all guilty of it, me included.  We throw ourselves into something heart and soul and want to tell everyone.  But when it comes to Christ, we shy away, back down.  We're afraid we may offend someone.  Yet His news is the best of all. 

This was a turning point in my christian life.  I had given all of myself to this 'project' and it was time to give it all to God.  It's a daily struggle, but it is worth it. 

My 12 weekends a year will now be spent with my family, nurturing those relationships because this is the next season of my life.  It's not to say anything is wrong with devoting yourself to something and being passionate about it, but make sure it is a God thing for you in particular, not just a good thing.  And make sure you put as much effort into your study of Him as you do anything else.

I met many christians in the project and will continue to pray for Christ to move through that organizatoin.  He is doing a great work there, using His soldiers to reach people.

Lord, I pray for You to be the passion of our lives.  Please guide us to those things that fall in Your will.  Amen.

Praise the Lord!

This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. 
Psalms 188:24 (KJV)

I learned this in a song as a child and the verse in Bible Drill many, many years ago.  Notice it says "we will".  It's not a request, not an admonition.  It is an afirmative proclamation!

Even though there are hurts and disappointments, this is still the day the Lord made!  He's here, sitting right next to you saying look at what I'm giving you today.  His sky, His trees, His animals, your breath, His strength, His promises, His nudges, His love, a needed smile or hug.  Keep Him with you today and rejoice because He loves you and He wants to show Himself to you today and that is absolutely amazing. 

Thank you, Lord that you love us and want to show yourself to us in the big things and in the little ones.  I will rejoice and count your many blessings today.  Thank you, Father.  Amen!

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

The journey is always more 'exciting' than the destination isn't it?  I've been trying earnestly to really think about things before I react and keep my mind on God.  But, like all of you, I am human.  I mess up daily and when things catch me completely off guard, my world can turn upside down and I don't necessarily react calmly and take it in stride. 

This happened to me Saturday and honestly, I was overwhelmed.  Many things happened all on top of each other and my mind and heart were going in all different directions.  During the night, I woke up and stayed up from the anxiety of it all. 

This morning, my stomach wasn't feeling so hot and I wanted to stay in bed rather than go to church.  But God reminded me I was in charge of breakfast for Sunday School.  Okay, I'm listening, quit thinking about myself and get my focus on Him.  I spoke briefly with a friend about yesterday's events (most of which she was aware of) and she smiled and said, "This too shall pass."  It brought such a calm to me.  Besides it being God's word, it is something I try to remember to get through the hard days.  God spoke to me so sweetly through her.

Then in worship, the words of 2 hymns filled my soul and calmed my spirit...

"Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus"

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

---

"Amazing Grace"
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.


Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.


Lord, please give us the eyes to see You and ears to hear You above everything else.  Amen.

He always delivers

A couple of months ago, my father-in-law mentioned he was going to Haiti on a mission trip.  He pastors a small but mighty congregation with great faith.  Yesterday at 3:30 am, he set out with another pastor and his daughter (registered nurse). 

In preparing for the trip, they made plans and stepped out on faith they would raise the needed money to do all the mission work they planned.  This included helping build an orphanage.  There was a supper for donations and the pastors were on a local radio broadcast telling about their trip, hoping they would get support. 

A couple of days before the trip, they were still $600 short of helping the orphanage.  He was figuring out how to come up with some of the money and a guy called.  He wanted to know if it was too late to donate.  Absolutely not!  They met up and the guy said at first he felt led to donate $400, then he counted out 10 $100 bills.  He wanted so badly to help the people of Haiti. 

This is God at work in a big way.  My father in law is a diabetic and has had many ups and downs the last few years with his health.  But that didn't stop him.  God sent a nurse with him and provided in abundance for the trip.  When we step out of faith, with our hearts in God's will, he always delivers.  Amen!

Our cup and our action

Our cup...
"In times of suffering we are tempted to doubt God, to wonder if His promises are really true, to question whether He cares for us as He says He does.  Such lack of faith is sin...

Father, if my cup seems too bitter, help me to remember that it is Your wounded hand that is holding the cup.  Then no cup is too bitter, no water too deep, no burden too heavy but that I am willing to say, "Thy will be done.""
Originally printed January 2, 1941 in Open Windows.

This hit home with me because sometimes I feel overwhelmed by my cup, this week especially.  Yet this week I've been more calm than usual, seeing what is at the core of the problem.  This is coming from God, not me.

Mark 9:14-29 is talking about Jesus casting out a demon the disciples could not.  Verse 29 - "and He said to them, "This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer."" 

This explains my calm.  All my life I've tended to panic when the hard times hit, trying to figure out how to get through it or avoid it.  I would read anything I could get my hands on, search out my friends, etc.  But lately, I've been going straight to prayer instead of it being my second or third choice.  God is showing me that prayer is what will get me through and at times is the only thing that will.  Then He will guide me and speak to me through scripture, through a friend's word, through nature.  Prayer must be first and He will indeed get me through.


Our action...
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." 
Romans 8:28
The writer in Open Windows referred to this, saying, "for those who love God and live for His purposes".  Sometimes as Christians we tend think if we simply love God in our heart, then everything will turn out for good.  We are called to do more than that.  We are called to be in the Word and in prayer, meeting God where He wants us to be.  We are called to actively love Him which means it's an action, not just a passive feeling where we sit back and tell God to go for it and make everything work out.

All throughout the bible our relationship with God is presented as a marriage and we are His bride.  A friend of mine has said many times marriage is about active love, not the feeling.  Otherwise it falls apart.  God is telling us the same thing about our relationship with Him.

Thank you, Lord that you are not one dimensional and you want us to know you.  Thank you for always seeing me through.

Deuteronomy 31:8

And the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.  Do not fear, or be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8

Reading this verse reminds me of something a very dear friend did for me.  Realizing I was going through a hard time, she took the time to type up 4 pages of 'promise' verses for me.  They are verses she holds onto and hoped I could hold on to as well.  When she sent them, she also wrote a prayer for me.  That prayer made the Holy Spirit so real to me that I carried it with me on a couple of trips and now keep it by my bed.  I know in my head God is always with me, but sometimes my heart needs a reminder.  I also look at those verses and a peace comes over me. 

The waters are still rough and God is still showing me He's here.  This week different phrases were said to me and today they make sense.  He was preparing me for another wave. 

Thank you, Lord, for always being with me, never leaving me.

Come Home

Another new song that gets to the core of life and God's response, which is our hope.



Come HomeArtist: Luminate
Album: (tbd)

You’re best friends with the word “regret”
And you’re afraid that your life’s been wasted
So why hope if it’s only gonna let you down?

You don’t think people really change
And you’re a mess and you’ll always be the same
And you doubt if you’ll ever get it turned around

So you’ve been running, searching for something
But you’re looking in a place you don’t belong
But it’s never too late, you can’t outrun grace
No, mercy doesn’t care what you’ve done
So, come home. So, come home

You can try and fix your broken empire
And put bricks on a cracked foundation
But you’d be building castles on the sand
There’s power in the blood of Jesus
And your Father’s screaming “just come home”
And He’s reaching out His hand

 I know you’ve been running, searching for something
But you’re looking in a place you don’t belong
But it’s never too late, you can’t outrun grace
No, mercy doesn’t care what you’ve done
So, come home. So, come home

From the shadows, from the wrong roads,
From the darkness, from the unknown,
To redemption, something beautiful,
To a new love, to a new home

Chorus

Love one another

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
John 13:35, NLT (From Klove's Encouraging Word)

klove.com has a daily encouraging verse you can get via email.  I'm sure there are many other sites that do the same.  See if one speaks to you that will lift you up and ground you for the day ahead.

Thank you for today, Lord!

What a glorious day!  The sun is shining brightly across the farm and through our windows.  The snow is beautiful and the horses calming. 

Thank you, Lord, for your "Good morning" this morning.  May this be a reminder to me all day long of your love, how much you want to be in every detail of my life, and that you are shining down on me and those I love.  Amen. 

You Are More

What an encouraging song.  It's not about us, but about Him!

You Are More by Tenth Avenue North

There's a girl in the corner
With tear stains on her eyes
From teh places she's wandered
And the shame she can't hide

She says, how did I get here?
I'm not who I once was.
And I'm crippled by the fear
That I've fallen too far to love.

But dont' you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices you have made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Well she tries to believe it
That she's been given a new life
But she can't shake the feeling
That it's not true tonight

She knows all the answers
And she's rehearsed all the lines
And so she'll try to do better
But then she's too weak to try

But don't you know who you are?

You are more than the choices you have made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices you have made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

Cause this is not about what you've done
But what's been done for you.
This is not abuot where you've been
But where your brokenness brings you to.

This is not about what you feel,
But what He felt to forgive you,
And what He felt to make you loved.

You are more than the choices you have made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You are more than the choices you have made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.

You've been remade.
You've been remade.
You've been remade.
You've been remade.

Out of the mouths of babes

My friend had a tragic summer in 2010, losing someone very dear to her.  Through the loss, she got out of her Sunday routine of attending church.  On a January Saturday night, she thought to herself she needed to get up the next day and get back into church.  She didn't mention it out loud, just thought it to herself.  The next morning, her daughter woke up and the very first thing she said was they needed to go back to church.  Her daughter is in pre-school.

Amazing!

Change of pace

Do you have a regular chore or task you put off and really don't like doing?  Mine is the grocery.  It seems to take so much time out of my life and is such a nuisance. 

I was supposed to go Friday night, then Saturday.  Saturday I chose to spend the day at a flea mall and different book stores with my husband and daughter.  It was a priceless day.  Sunday after church, I was absolutely beat and figured I'd do it before evening church.  Nope, we had other things to talk over with our daughter and it was time well spent.  So I decided to go this morning, before 7am, once daughter got on the school bus.  I figured there's noone there, it's the perfect time.  It won't take as long and bad weather was supposed to be here in the afternoon. 

I stocked up with 3 weeks worth of food (so I could wait as long as possible before going back).  It was tough bagging in my cloth bags without my daughter there, but it was a good workout.  I then go to another store to get dog food.  On the way to my third and final stop, I look in my mirror.  Low and behold I had dried toothpaste along the bottom of my lip! 

On most Mondays that probably would have really bothered me, but this morning I got the biggest laugh out of it.  I wasn't hurrying, I was relaxed and trying to start my week off right and getting the grocery out of the way.  And God rewarded me with a sense of accomplishment and a hearty laugh.  It put me in a wonderful frame of mind to start my work day/week.

Thank you, Lord, for your blessing of humor.  Life would be so rough without it!

Next time a regular chore starts to drain me, I'll change when or how I do it to give myself a change of pace.  God doesn't want us or our lives lukewarm.  I believe He wants a change of pace for all of us on a regular basis to keep our spirits up and give us a new perspective.

Proven character

Today I picked up a new study bible.  The first thing I looked up was Romans 5:3-5.  It reads:
"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and preven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

It's similar but notice it says proven character, not just character.  It has a Greek/Hebrew dictionary in the back.
proven character - approved, tried; approved integrity.
hope - to anticipate, usually with pleasure; confident expectation of good.  Wow!  What an incredible definition.  Hope means we know good will come out of it even if it isn't what we had in mind. 


Last year at Relay for Life in Woodford County, the speaker to the cancer survivors was a doctor.  I felt odd sitting there among breast cancer survivors, those with deadly forms of cancer.  I was notified about my cancer and it was removed all within a week.  I did not go through radiation, chemo, or weeks of agonizing over what decisions to make or if I would survive.  But I was meant to be there so I would here this doctor.

He demonstrated different ideas and the lemon stuck with me.  He said when times get really tough, and the lemon is squeezed, sometimes lemon juice comes out.  That is, we don't focus on God, we get nasty with those around us, we only see the negative - that type of thing.  But did the squeezing really cause the behavior?  The lemon juice, nastiness, was there all along.  That stuck with me, because when I get squeezed, I realize my lemon juice is going all over the place.  I'm learning to mix that with sugar to get lemonade, but there are still many sour days I'm afraid to say.  One thing that helps is seeking God before the big squeeze, not after it's already happened. 

Yngsdal family

Below is part of the newsletter from theYngsdal missionary family serving in Africa.  I have been following them since I taught GAs 5 years ago.  They are doing tremendous work there and are always battling Satan.  They are always an inspiration to me.


"Brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.  So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." 
James 1:2-4
It hasn't been so long since we last wrote to you all, but we treasure your prayers feel the need to call on you to especially lift up in prayer our long-time friend and partner in the Gospel, Enock Shongwe and his wife, Gertie.  They are the pastor and wife of our church that was burned by fire last month.  Just a month later, this past Friday, their "wood and tin" home burned to the ground and they lost all that they owned.  It was a very hot day so they were sitting outside in just shorts and an old t-shirt (no shoes).  The teenage orphan that lives with them was cooking in the house when the hose from the gas bottle to the stove came off, ignited, and shot fire all over the house.  We praise the Lord that no one was seriously hurt.  The municipality has given them 2 tents to use for the time being and fellow Christian brothers and sisters have donated what they can to help them.  They lost all their documents, computer, keyboard, sound system, bookshelf full of Christian books, appliances, beds, clothes - everything!  They know that God has allowed this for his reasons and in the midst of the worst situation, they are still rejoicing. 
As we sat outside under cloudy skies on Sunday morning, worshipping the Lord in Isilovo, I couldn't help but think that there were 10 people sitting there, rejoicing and singing praises to God, whom Satan thought that he would silence.  Satan has been busy at work, trying his best to distract and discourage us and those we work with.  Our family, this past weekend, also suffered loss as $875 was stolen from us.  One of the other believers in our church was not paid at all by his employer before Christmas.  The message that we heard Sunday morning, as we worshipped, just happened to be on the first chapter of James - very fitting as it speaks to our attitude when trouble comes our way. 
Please pray for Enock and Gertie as they are trying to get new ID documents, marriage certificate, and bank cards.  Gertie is the mom at the orphanage next door to their property and Enock is getting retirement from the government.  The local councillor is trying to get a new small house built for them through the government's housing program for the poor.

"Forgetting and Reaching"

Last Monday I read the daily Open Windows devotional and told my husband these verses are for me.

"...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward teh goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." 
Phillipians 3:13-14  NKJV

From Open Windows, first written over 30 years ago:
          A wise man once said, "There are times when, if you cannot forget, you cannot reach, because remembering ties you to the past."
          Some memories bless; others burn.  Yet both must be so placed by the Christian builder that they may become stepping-stones rather than stumbling blocks.  The memories that bless are those that we hold in our hearts because of their high, and sometimes hold, significance.  Recalling them brings a soft, warm glow.  They are a part of our present life, and we are grateful.
          But memories that burn have their advantage, also.  From them we learned, and a part of that learning was to forgive and to grow in the process.  We must cherish the good times but not cling to them.  On theother hand, we must not dwell on the bad times and not let them cling to us.
         The past is a memory; do not lean on it.  Today is here; use it.  Tomorow is beckoning; reach for it.

I had never read these verses before and it felt like they were screaming at me - quit dwelling on your mistakes and what you've done wrong; move forward and reach for what God has for you.  They truly comforted me.  Then yesterday on K-Love, they read those same 2 verses. 

God, I hear you and thank you for caring enough to polish me and show me how I hinder myself.

When do you see the son?

It's terribly windy and cold outside today.  Coming out of my 2nd appt this morning, snow was blowing everywhere.  I stopped to pick up some milk and things seemed to calm down.  As I rode back through town, I noticed the amazing sky.  There were dark charcoal clouds and trying to get through them was bright sun rays.  You know, the kind where they look like ribbons coming out of the sky.  The sun was trying so hard to peak around the clouds.  As I got closer to the house, the darkest clouds were up against bright white clouds.  As I drove, my view changed and finally saw the sun.  It was so bright, I couldn't look.  Amid all this crazy weather, the sun was still there, behind the clouds, trying to shine through.  It took a change in perspective for me to see it.

What a testament to God.  We go through storms in our life, but if we look for Him, we'll see him shining through.  Seems sometimes it's easier to see him during the storms.  When it's summer and the sun is always out, do we appreciate it as much as in winter, when we've seen so many dismal days?

Look for the son today.  Change your perspective to see the blessings He's trying so hard to give you.

blog start

3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 NIV(1984)


I have been blessed by the encouragement of others through prayers, experiences, and scripture and I hope to pass it on. God has led me to start this blog as an ongoing encouragement to myself and others. It's amazing how much you see God at work when you actively look for Him. I pray everything posted here will be God-inspired and that this will be a place of encouragement.

This morning, at God's prompting, I again started morning prayers with my daughter before she leaves for school. Besides praying with her, I explained I would be praying for her daily that christian friends will cross her path. This came to me from our Sunday School lesson where a father does this for his children. What an awesome way to help our kids navigate through this difficult time in their lives!