Friday, December 31, 2010

2010 New`s Years Eve Day 255

Last night on our way home, we stopped and picked up our grandbabies, Jillian, 6 and Nolan, 5. What a blessing to spend the last day of the year and last day of this decade, with them; I can only imagine what they will witness, in this world during the decades to come in their lives.

Actually, I`m glad that I`m turning 60 in March, I`m so blessed to live knowing that I will live eternally with Jesus our Savior; it took five decades before this "precious gift" became a reality for me. Thank you God, thank you God for your unconditional patience and love!

Ezekiel 11:19-20 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

During my time of unemployment, I have many weeks and hours to ponder the events of this last decade, the new millennium! Knowing that God has big plans for me, I can just envision Him shaking His head, thinking is Linda Ann ever going to get it! God must have called all angel`s, front and center to work overtime, ten years ago when He finally got my attention.

Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Coming to faith is different for everyone, some are born into families of great faith and it is just a slow natural progression. In my case, even though my family believed in God, we had no real relationship with Him. I grew up knowing about Him, but not "KNOWING HIM." Sure, during my childhood there where times when I flirted with God, but I failed to reach for His hand and hold on tight!

So what happened in the last decade? Slowly, with unwavering dedication, once God got my attention, He relentlessly became my persuader; often taking out his divine baseball bat and whacking me in the head! Constantly using the events of my life to strengthen, teach, nurture and draw me into a closer relationship with Him .

What were the events? March 15, 2001, I celebrated my 50th birthday, without my mother; she died on July 23 2000. That gave me a real shot of reality! Why am I here, what have I done and what am I supposed to do with the rest of my life?

Hum,what else, a gigantic family feud, 9/11, the death of two very dear friends, joining a local church, changing careers, starting a new business, beginning of sobriety walk, birth of grandbabies, loosing two more dear friends, loosing the new business, fearing my husband`s health issues, financial deviation and finally the most important thing that I`ve done in my entire life! In the privacy of my own bedroom, on my knees I finally surrendered my life to God the Father, begging Him to remove the burdens that I could no longer carry! HE HEARD MY CRY......THANK YOU, GOD! Jesus, lived and died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins, I finally get it!

What an incredible journey, it`s a new year, a new decade, what are God`s plans for the next year, the new decade, only He knows! I will never let go of His hand, as I anxiously await each and every new day! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL, MAY THE PEACE OF GOD THE FATHER BE YOURS NOW AND FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Job 19:25-27 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes---I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Not My Will Day 254

As the end of the year is rapidly approaching I have found myself in a time of great reflection. Not only is the year ending, but we are entering a new decade; how quickly the past ten years have passed. The older I get, the faster times flies, in my younger years I never appreciated the true meaning of that phrase. I definitely get it now!

James 4:14-15 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord`s will, we will live to do this or that."

If it is the Lord`s will, not my will, but the will of the Lord. During the past ten years, the clarity of those five little words have come to life with a powerful impact on my very existence. I now find it very difficult to fathom, that for fifty years on this earth, I thought that I was in control of my life.

Living and loving only to satisfy my own selfish earthly desires. Sure I was a good person, treated people with love and respect but.... Never missing what I did not have; an intimate person relationship with my savior Jesus Christ. Thank you God, for the people, places and things in the past decade that lead me to your open arms. The open arms of true peace, love and joy; the very things I could not find alone.

1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. AMEN!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Habits and Routines Day 253

Our habits and routines can produce either positive or negative effects in our lives! The habit of drinking alcohol, over the years, opened the door to a life of dependency and addiction. Carrying on a family defect that has effected generations in my family. However, as I have shared many times, the bondage of addiction is now in the process of being overtaken by faith, hope and sobriety. First there was one, now there are three!

Psalms 31:24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.

In His time, God has proven that He is answering my prayers. I thank Him for his faithfullness; I also thank him for nurturing and developing my patience and understanding of His LOVE!

Isaiah 49:8-9 This is what the LORD says; "In time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, "Come out, and to those in darkness, "Be Free!"

Five months ago when I was doing my Little Debbie job, I had acquired some good habits and routines. As I drove my big brown truck, I was as alone with God in the privacy of my traveling sanctuary. I opened each day in prayer, praising, requesting and thanking God the Father for each new day. Often speaking out loud and having many, many conversation with Him through-out my delivery day.

I felt connected, loved and constantly aware of His presences; it was as if others also felt his presences, as I often shared and prayed this total strangers. It`s a joy to got back and read some of these precious memories.

Much to my dismay, I have slowly fallen away from my faithfullness to daily prayer. My routine has changed; life as, an at home wife and caregiver, during my hubbies surgery recovery, has taken time from my dedication to prayer. It has taken months, slowly but surely my prayer life has suffered.

Yes I still pray, but my mind and soul desire to reconnect, something is missing. What am I going to be about it? Change my routine, get back to the committed and devoted time of prayer. I thank God, for my free will and for my sincere desire to desire HIM.

Psalm 18:1-3 I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliver; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuse. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to he LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. AMEN!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Reflections Week 37

Thank you God. for the birth and incredible gift of your Son, JESUS CHRIST. Thank you for the HOPE and PEACE for the days to come.

This is the day that the LORD has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. AMEN!

Peace Returned Day 252

Thank you God, for the return of my inner peace, was I slightly off center, because of a the yearning for family and friends that I miss so dearly especially during the Christmas season. Thank you for the wonderful memories and the ability to recall them.

Luke 24:36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

I must confess, that before the development of my intimate personal relationship with Jesus, I would have allowed Satan to draw me into to his lies. Enticing me deeper and deeper into his deceitful embrace. Ephesians 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Job 1:12 The Lord said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

For many years, I did not truly understand of power and presence of Satan. Without godly wisdom, I battled the principalities of evil, alone! Satan attacks us spiritually by trying to weaken and destroy our faith in God.

James 1:13-16 When tempted, no one should say,"God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

In the past months of my unemployment, I have reflected with great intensity the past decade of my life; I thank God for this gift of time. Events, death of family members and friends have greatly increased my faith in God and lead me to His word.

It is my prayer for the new year, that He will continue to draw me closer and closer to Him, opening my heart and mind with Godly wisdom and confidence to share His word.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your heart. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk the road, when you lie down and get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your house and on your gates.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

CHRISTMAS 2011 Day 251

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS! The reason for celebrations on this day will never change!

THE GREATEST COMMANDMENTS:

Jesus replied; "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like this;"Love your neighbor as yourself."

MERRY CHRISTMAS, AMEN!

Friday, December 24, 2010

July 23, 2000 Day 250

Sunday July 23th the day that the doctor warned me about, the day that my mother pasted from this life, to live eternally in the presence of Jesus. Mom had a bleeding ulcer that ruptured causing her death. Months earlier doctors discover this ulcer, advising surgery to correct the problem.

In spite of her Alzheimer effected mind, my mother made the decision not to have the surgery. I can still her her saying, "Linda, I`m 75 years old and I`m NOT going to have another surgery!" "Do I really want to correct this problem; only to be sitting in a corner going blag, blag, blag, blag...., not knowing what day it is , or where I am? Totaling depending on someone for my daily care!"

Mom was still lucid enough to realize the truth, yes the ulcer could be corrected but, the surgery would more than likely accelerate the progression of her Alzheimer`s. Lamentations 3:17 I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. (Co-ink-dink, mom died in room #317???)

After numerous agonizing conversations with family, doctors and nurses, together we finally agreed that mom would not have the surgery. She and my step-dad moved in with Rick and I and we were committed to make the best of our situation.

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

After only 3 short months the inevitable happened; on a beautiful July day, the family of Mabel Frazer loving gathered around their dying mother. It was such a blessing from God for our entire family, brothers, sisters, spouse`s, grandchildren and great-grandchildren where at her bed side for that final farewell. Thank you, God!

The most astonished thing happened, mom was looking at each of us with eye to eye contact. I had missed the love in her eyes for years, she had lost this precious gift, to her disease. There were so many parts of her that had been robbed from each of us. She had slowly become a shell of the loving caring mother that we had known all of our lives. I missed and mourned her long before this day!

The hospital pastor joined us as we shared his reading of mom`s favorite, The 23rd Psalm, The Lord is my Shepperd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name`s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the day of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Mom`s lip gently moved as she tried to recited her favorite psalm.

With out a doubt this was the most difficult day of our lives, I tried to quickly exit the room, I could no longer hold back the overwhelming outburst of tears. My sister-in-law, Mary stopped me. No don`t go Mom wants you...with amazing strength mom sat up in bed, grabbed my hand, looked me in the eyes and said, "are you O.K.?"

What a precious gift. My mother was dying, but she wanted to know that I was O.K! Ten years later, as I reflect on this day, we truly witnessed Jesus Christ in that hospital room. No doubt, the room was filled with God`s angels reaching out to each of us! We had all witnessed unconditional LOVE. What a precious memory that opened the doors of my heart and mind to allow God`s prevenient grace to touch my life. God`s, grace, mercy, love and His son JESUS CHRIST are the ultimate gift each and every day of our lives.


2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day---and not only me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

As Christians it is our privilege and responsibility to share the good news of JESUS CHRIST to all the world. Amen..................MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Answered Prayer Day 249

Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

I received a call from my niece Kim, she requested that I pray for her. She was making the hour and a half drive to present her testimony to an AA group. The meeting where she would speak is the home group of my great-niece Renae.

We have such an amazing and faithful God; I thank God for my sobriety of nearly 5 years. Has my sobriety opened the door of healing within my entire family, surely God has heard my prayers. As my sobriety progressed, I began to pray for each family member by name. I prayed that God would open the doors of their hearts and draw them into a personal intimate relationship with Him.

Living by example, trusting and praying to God for His blessing, certainly seems to be working in and through my family. Thank you, God!

Just, saw on Facebook that my nephew Jason and his family, Stacey, Jackson and Lilly attended church on Sunday; Jason was invited to church by his friend, Alvin and his mother. Is this another answered prayer, sure seems like it to me. Thank you, God!

If you have been following this blog from the beginning you have witnessed how friends have directed my course toward Jesus. Without a doubt, it is easier to hears and receive advise from friends, than from family members! Thank you God, for Rose, Shirley, Ginger, Jimmy, Karen, Amy, Barbara, Diane, Mr. and Mrs Bennett just to name a few special God-sent friends. Thanks to God for all who have prayed for me through-out my life.

Job 5:17-18 Blessed is the man whom God correct; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal.

I will continue in obedience, to present the desires of my heart to God the Father, for my family, my friends, my country and the world. Amen.

Psalms 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law and nothing can make them stumble.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Reflections Week 36

Maybe it was a good thing that I had the flu this week, God knows my heart, perhaps the flu was a gift. A time to rest and ponder the feelings of my mind and spirit. Why do we celebrate Christmas, is it still the celebration of the birth of our Savior?

Psalm 14:2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

Did God allow time for my body to lament?

Friday, December 17, 2010

Are we Worthy Day 248

1 Samuel 7:8 They said to Samuel, "Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines." Twice this week my phone rang, I recognized the distressed voices of friends. Alison, pleading for prayers on her behalf, she was in route to a staff meeting; Sue with tears of pain and anguish, just trying to get through the day, hour by hour.

How is it that such a joyous time of year brings such grief, pain and discomfort to the surface? Are we worthy to celebrate of birth of a King? Are we worthy? Is it our sinful nature that fogs our hearts and minds, preventing us from experiencing and receiving the gift of Jesus Christ!

Are we mourning days gone by, the simplicity of our youth; are we temporarily lodged in an in-between spot, of stuck in the middle? That kind of sums up my existence for the past week or so! Is there more healing that is necessary before we can move forward?

Being in-between can stir up many feeling: grief, over what we have lost, anxiety, fear and apprehension over what`s ahead. Being in the middle isn`t fun, but it is necessary. Thank God, it will not last forever. You have to feel it to heal it. It may feel like we`re standing still, but we`re not. We`re standing at the in-between place; it`s how we get from one place to the next. Even when we`re in-between, we are moving forward, growing closer to the likeness of our savior.

Proverbs 20:30 Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.

I thank God for the fellowship, friendship, love and cries of distress from friends that He has place in my path!

Psalm 6:9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. Amen!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Godly Wisdom Day 247

Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver. Wisdom, how do we acquire this wisdom, does it just engage we we receive our wisdom teeth? That would be sweet, but it just doesn`t happen like that.

Wisdom, acquiring and realizing it`s significance is a lifelong process. Does it just come with aging and experiencing life; taking the time to truly examine the daily events of our lives and their effects on our very being. Are we just to busy getting by, that wisdom is missed in the shuffles of our hectic lives.

Psalms 49:20 A man who has riches without understanding is like the beast that perish.

Wisdom, good judgment, understanding, discernment and comprehension, how would Jesus rate us on each of these? I know that I fall short! I pray that if I`m to continue writing this blog, that God will bless and empower me with His wisdom, I pray that He will remove the scales from my eyes that allows me to tolerate injustice, I pray that He will light my steps against the dark! Amen.

Exodus 20:20-23 Moses said to the people, Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." The people remained at a distance, while Mose approached the thick darkness where God was. Then the Lord said to Moses, Tell the Israelites this: "You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.

Who or what has become your god?????????????

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Got the Flu Day 246

Got the flu, yuck..........chills, sneezing, lots of rest, no energy....three days down and out; tomorrow is a new day! Looking forward to feeling better.

Philippians 4:19 My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I thank God for my healthy body, the flu is just a short interruption!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Rachel`s Challenge Day 245

Proverbs 10-12 Hatred stirs up dissension, but LOVE covers over all wrong.

Last night our small community, Chesapeake City, Maryland hosted at Bohemia Manor Middle School, an invitation for parents and community members to attend a presentation of Rachel`s Challenge.

Rachel Scott was one of the first students killed on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School; gunned down by fellow students. Rachel was one of many that lost her life that dreadful day, just months before her death Rachel wrote a paper for her fifth period class.

My Ethics, My code of Life....."Compassion is the greatest form of love humans have to offer. According to Webster`s Dictionary compassion means a feeling of sympathy for another`s misfortune. My definition of compassion is forgiving, loving, helping, leading and showing mercy for other. I have a theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a like kindness will go."

Rachel left behind 6 journals, that inspired family and friends to start Rachel`s Challenge. Focusing on students, challenging them to start a chain reaction of compassion, love and kindness breaking down barriers of hatred and prejudice.

Isaiah 46:13 I am bringing my righteous near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.

During her short life on earth, had Rachel responded to our Lord`s pleading to her for help; placing in her a desire to share her love, compassion, leadership and mercy that would spread like wildfire throughout our world. Sounds like God had BIG plans for Rachel.

John 16:12-114 " I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. but when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protect, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Was God using Rachel`s lifestory to awaken our senses, to share love, forgiveness, compassion and mercy? As the presentation concluded tears of empathy filled the auditorium. Thank you God, for bringing this message to my school!

I invite you to join Rachel`s Challenge, we can GLORIFY GOD and change the World, one person at a time by showing love and compassion toward one another.

Was it a co-inky-dink that I was sitting in the same school, that I had graduated from, over 40 years ago. Listening to Rachel`s message, the very message that I hear in my own heart; was I receiving one of my favorite, "God Winks"? Thank you, God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Amen.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Sweet Little Rose Day 244

I thank God that I have the free time to take my dear, 88 year old friend Rose, shopping to pick up some Christmas gifts. For decades Rose has been a blessings, as a friend and mentor. She is certainly one of my God-friends!

Today, I helped to bundle her up for our chilly shopping journey, she assures me that she can still drive, but...feels more at ease with me behind the wheel. Thank you God, I can only image the difficulties and struggles of giving in to our aging bodies. Rose was independent for many years, with a gigantic care-giver heart; always prepared to lend a helping hand wherever needed. She walks the walk and talks the talk of a faithful Christian.

I shared with her that I was reading, "The Hole in Our Gospel," by Richard Stearns,the president of World Vision U.S. since 1998, who brought 23 years of corporate experience to his position.

Luci Swindoll, author and Women of Faith speaker, shares..."Brace yourself....this is one powerhouse book! In a knowledgeable, loving way, Richard Stearns carefully explain why there`s a hole in our Christian belief system. He redefines words like neighbors, wealth, possible, awareness...then, with challenging directives, shows us tangible ways this hole can be repaired--even eradicated--when each of us pours hope and compassion into it. He expands our thinking, gives us courage, and believes change can happen; and when you`ve finished reading, you`ll believe it too."

Rose is a avid reader, however she hasn`t read this inspiring book; she shared her connection to World Vision. Since 1981, she has faithfully donated $12.00 per month. Rose has been widowed for more than a decade, living on her modest retirement, never wavering from her commitment to World Vision! She considers this devotion to World Vision as her duty and privilege.

Humbly I listened and heard in her, what Jesus calls each of us to do for our neighbors, near and far. In 29 years Rose has donated $4176.00, she has faithfully taken action to change the world!

Psalm 82:3-4 Define the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. Amen.

We need more Roses.........................................

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Proverbs Day 243

Proverbs what a Godly way to start each day, co inky dink a book of 31, is that one each day of the month! Each proverb packs a powerful truth about life into a simple, memorable statement; right in your face simplicity, I might add.

December 7th... Lets take a look, Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Commands, meaning commandment? Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eyes. Living is good, apple of my eyes, that`s a desirable image. Proverbs 7:3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Commandments wrapped in my hand, etched in my heart, I like this!

Proverbs 7:4 Say to wisdom, "you are my sister," and call understanding your kinsman;.... Godly wisdom and understanding are my family, this is easy to remember! Proverbs 7:5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words. Wisdom, will keep me from impurity, closing the door on the undesirable elements of the world! This is good stuff!

The Ten Commandments.......I am the Lord your God, you shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God. Remember the sabbath and keep it holy. Honor your father and mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor`s house.....

I pray this is inviting, the simplicity encouraging. Amen!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Discipleship In Action Day 242

What I witnessed at church today, was exactly what God calls us to do, each and everyday of our lives. Reach out and love on those in need!

Lori, introduced me to Renee and her daughter, Katlin. This mother and daughter are seeking a christian family; God delivered them at our door. As true disciples of Jesus, we are called to be the hand and feet of Jesus, sharing and pouring out waves of love witnessing our faith.

Renee and Katlin were welcomed with the open heart and arms of Jesus; both Renee and Katlin cried as they received the gifts of warmth and love. Let the healing and restoration begin. As a church family, we embraced our new sisters in Christ, as we lifted them in prayer to the Lord!

1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God`s grace in its various forms.

Reflections Week 35

As I reviewed this week, I experienced the faithfulness of God the Father. Prayers have been answered, not always in my time, but His time! Thank you, God. Thank you, for choosing me to be the "cracked-pot" at the keyboard for this blog.

Thank you, God for my in depth healing and daily restoration!

1 John 2:17 The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. Amen

Evangelism and Outreach Day 241

Today I attended a half of a day seminar, on evangelism and outreach. This may seem extremely boring to many, but for me it ignites a passion of fire and energy.

It`s no, co inky dink, that I am now a part of this evangelism outreach group. Through prayer and discernment, God has taken my hand and directed my steps. My heart pounded with excitement and enthusiasm as I eagerly soaked up the messages that each speaker delivered. These people think the way I think! Thank you, God!

1 Peter 2:9 You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praise of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Just doing "church work" is not always where God is calling me; filling that empty slot, often leaves me feeling like a "fish out of water." God has a plan and purpose for each of us, as we strive to fulfill our purpose, we experience pure peace and joy! Thank you, Father.

Abba Father, I am yours.........

Colossians 1:17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Amen!

Cryin' Out Day 240

Have you ever experienced one of those days when you just feel like you have your underwear on backwards? Everything in your life is good, however something is irritating your inner soul, causing unexplainable disruption, distractions and pain.

For many years as the Christmas season approached, I entered a place of darkness and confusion, held captive for weeks and weeks. Putting on that "happy face" while secretly, dying from the inside out. Was this just the eruptions of the volcano of hurts, habits and hang-ups rumbling from the depths of my soul?

Thank you, God for releasing me from this madness, allowing me to exit the roller coaster of pain, darkness, distress and despair. Thank you for reaching for my hand, inviting me to receive your healing grace. Thank you for the sisters and brothers in Christ, that you placed in my path, lighting my steps to You, while planting seeds of love and faith.

Matthew 13:31-32 He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."

Healing and restoration is a daily process, however for me, the light of Jesus Christ makes it easier to exit the roller coaster. Knowing how much God loves "me" allows me to see that mustard tree that this etched in my heart.

Healing and restoration is my prayer for my family, my community, my country and the world!

Mark 1:41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said, Be clean!"

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Healing Day 239

Rick`s foot is not healing the way that it should, because of his diabetes; his doctor ordered a special device call a ActiVAC to help remove infection and close the incision. Hopefully this device will prompt his body to respond, allowing healing and closure of the wound.

ActiVAC, wouldn`t it be great if there was a huge device that we could hook-up to our bodies to remove hurts and pains that we have stuffed deep inside for years! Slowly and surely pumping the contents of our lives to the surface forcing us to heal and close our wounds.

Sadly, I admit that I was on a quest to find this incredible machine for decades. But I missed the obvious, it was not a machine that I needed, it was Jesus Christ.

Pain and darkest dwell deep in my very being, often taking charge of my thoughts and emotions. My addiction to alcohol temporally eased my discomfort, however only stuffing more darkest deeper and deeper inside.

Job 38:19-20 What is the way to the abode of light? And where does darkness reside? Can you take them to their places? Do you know the paths of their dwelling?

How do we abide in this light, how do we get connected? Pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, pray, God will release the Holy Spirit into our lives! The Holy Spirit will live and dwell in us, drawing us into a closer intimate relationship with God the Father.

Isaiah 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim freedom for the captive and release from darkness for the prisoners.....Amen!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Restoration Day 238

I am sick, sick, sick of turning on the news or reading the newspaper only to find more ways to completely remove Jesus from Christmas. Give me a break, Jesus is the REASON we celebrate.

"Life was oh so simple then, has time rewritten every line," these words are from Barbra Striesand`s song and the movie, "The Way We Were." What a difference 40 years makes, but come to think of it, that was an entire generation ago! What`s in store for the next generation?

Judges 2:10 After that whole generation had been gathered to their father, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.

I can only imagine, gentle tears flowing down the cheeks of our savior, Jesus Christ as He views our behavior from heaven above.

Are you going to innocently stand by and allow Jesus Christ to be completely removed from the lives of generations to come?

WHAT DOES JESUS CHRIST MEAN TO YOU----------------------------------- AND WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?????

Jeremiah 3:22-23 "Return, faithless people;; I will cure you of backsliding." "Yes, we will come to you, for you are the Lord our God. Surely the idolatrous commotion on the hill and mountains is a deception; surely in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel......................... Amen