Heavenly Message Day 333

Proverb 31:31  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

Yesterday I received a note from Ginger`s brother, Jackie; it will soon be a month since their mother passed.  Jackie`s note read, "I found this in my mother`s bible and thought that you might like to have them."  Folded in his note I found my mother`s obituary and a memorial card.  Mabel Frazer Fuller-January 24, 1925- July 23, 2000, how quickly 11 years have passed

As I continued reading the note tears tenderly began to flow,  "it`s hard to believe that she`s gone but I have to tell you, she came to me and she was in a much better place.  She gave me a short message about her will."  .

Upon calling Jackie I found him eager and willing to describe his divine message.  He was in bed, not yet asleep.  He said that his mind went completely blanks, no thoughts, no sounds then completely white!  He heard his mother`s voice, somewhat younger than when she died.  She didn`t say so, but he sensed that she was in a better. He didn`t see her only sensing her presence and hearing her voice. With motherly authority she told him, "no fighting and that all debts were paid." She also warned him that she was most concerned about Ginger. The message lasted only a minute, after which Jackie felt extreme peace.

Jackie shared this message with his siblings and found that it made it much easier to settle their mother`s estate.  Previously, they where arguing and in an uproar upon finding a notebook that contained notes about money she had lent to family members.  Jackie confessed that he was determined that these loans should be repaid; however after his divine message he peacefully followed his "mother`s heavenly orders." 

2 Samuel 23:2  The spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.

Father God, what Jackie described sounded very similar to the experience and message that I received from my dear friend Jim Mullen.  " We have to find the gate," which also come with extreme urgency and authority.   I guess that`s no co-inky-dink! Thank you for your amazing gifts of love.  Heavenly Father, please bless and protect my BFF, Ginger.  Amen!

Matthew 7:13  Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that lead to life, and only a few find it.

Fear and Faith? Day 332

Can fear and faith both dwell in harmony our soul, I don`t think so!  According to Webster, fear a distressing emotion aroused by impeding danger, evil or pain.  Faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing, belief in God!  That`s what I`m talkin about!

Evil ,I`m picturing Satan`s dirty work, lies, strongholds and flaming arrows aimed at our soul. Trust flashes images of Jesus, Psalm 28:7  The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Sing yes, but only after I apologize to the people sitting or standing in ear shot of my off key harmony; but the LORD does say to make a joyful noise! He knows that singing is not one of the gift He gave me!

Psalm 47:7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him in psalm of praise.

Satan is disarmed and rendered helpless when we sing and offer worship to the LORD. Our super-hero, the LORD has taken care of Satan.

  1 John 5:18-20 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.  We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.  We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.  And we are in him who is true--even in his Son Jesus Christ.  He is the true God and eternal life.

This song is for you Satan: Sing praise, sing praise,sing praise, sing praise!  Sing of the glory of the LORD.  Sing praise, sing praise, sing praise, sing praise.  Sing of the glory of the LORD. 

This just happens to be one of my favorite Emmaus songs!  If we keep a song in our heart for Jesus, can the evil one harm us, I don`t think so........Fear or faith, I live in faith; trusting God to fight my battles with Satan. 

DeColores and Amen!

From the Alley-Way to the Pulpit Day 331

2 Chronicle 31:20-21  This is what Hezekiah did through Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God.  In everything that he undertook in the service of God`s temple and in obedience to the law and commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly.  And so he prospered.

Once I surrender my will to the will of the LORD, I wholeheartedly desired godly wisdom and knowledge.  I recall standing in the alley-way, beside my friend Linda Bellin`s shop, Tattered Treasures.  Her gift shop is across the street from Trinity United Methodist Church, home of Jacob`s Well, where Rick and I currently worship.  At this time Rick and I were worshiping at St. Paul`s in Earleville.

Five years ago, as Linda prayed for me, I recalled sharing with her, that I knew that I needed to read the Bible.   I requested her advise on how and where to start.  Immediately, she suggested that I start in the Gospel of John.  I followed her advise and continued to read and read and read, and read, I sorta felt like Forrest Gump! "Life is like a box of chocolates you never know what you`re going to get."  I read and I read and I read, not to mention all of the highlighting!  It was if God had me on an accelerated path to bring me up to speed.

 This Sunday standing in the pulpit at Trinity United Methodist Church, as I prepared to deliver a message on the Holy Spirit, I read from the Gospel of John 16:1-5.  I stood in awe of our amazing God, five short years ago I hadn`t even read John. Today I volunteered to prepare and deliver His message to our church family, two services!  What an amazing God we have!  From the alley-way to the pulpit for the glory of God in five short years.

John 16:5-15  "Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me. Where are you going?  Because I have said these things, you are filled with grief.   But I tell you the truth:  It is for your good that I am going away.  Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.  When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgement, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

"I have much  more to say to you, more than you can bear.  But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into truth.  He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.  He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.  All that belongs to the Father is mine.  That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."

Did I receive one of my favorite God winks? Surely this was no co-inky-dink!  Thank you Father God for directing my steps and the desires of my heart.  Thank you, for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Psalm 37:4  Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Canal Day 330

John 7:6  Therefore Jesus told them, "The right time for me has not yet come; for you any time is right."

Saturday our outreach committee worked at Canal Day in Chesapeake City. MD. Canal Day is a 36 year old event that attracts thousands of people to the historic town for a day of outdoor festivities.  People browse the waterfront community enjoying craft vendors, seafood, carnival fare and music.  However, over the years this once family friendly day, has evolved into a Mardi Gras style celebration.  Boating, boozing and "guys and girls gone wild," behavior has taken over the water basin.

Our outreach participation was part of the town`s attempt to return this event to a  family event, discouraging the wild partying.  Our church is located in the center of town on our lawn we hosted family-friendly activities.

  As we prepared for the day, I was approached by a lady in distress.  She was a vendor from Columbia, MD, she disparately needed to use our bathroom.  She was near a full blown panic-attack in her search for bathroom facilities.  As I directed her to the bathroom, tears flowed and she was over taken by anxiety.  As she departed, I inquired about her well being, once again the anguish and panic took over, as she began to sob.

With peace and tranquility in my soul I ask if I could pray for her.  While sobbing and trying to catch her breath, she accepted my offer.  The Holy Spirit provided me with the exact words that she required.  After introducing ourselves, my new friend Lisa, thanked me for reminding her to focus on Jesus; of course that Holy Spirit did all the work, I was merely willing and obedient to His call.

Philippians 4:4-6  Rejoice in the LORD always, I will say it again; Rejoice!  The LORD is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

Later in the morning, our Jacob`s Well praise band(not your grandmother`s church music) ushered hundreds of guests to the day`s festivies.  Words of praise to the LORD blanketed the town for blocks.  I can imagine God`s smile, as he read the headlines in two local papers: "Canal Day goes family- friendly," and "Annual celebration two festival in one.  Family-oriented activities in town--and Mardi Gras with boater on the water." 

Today, I e-mailed my new friend Lisa, thanking her for the blue wooden rose that she gave me.  She introduced me to her husband, Linwood, as the lady who prayer with her; reminding her to focus on JESUS!  I encouraged Lisa to "pay it forward" as they travel selling their wares as, "L and L Creations."

Philippian 4:7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

I pray that the words that I prayed with Lisa, penetrated her mind and soul and that she will work and walk in the PEACE of the LORD always!   Amen.

Obedience Day 329

Exodus 7:6-7  Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD commanded them.  Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.

Thank you Father God, I`m only 60, sounds like I`v got plenty of time for service and obedience ahead of me.  As I approached my 60th birthday, back in March, was it fear and knowledge of family longevity, or lack there of, that distracted my peace of mind?

Yes, I`m only human and Satan knows my weakness. He plotted against me, using the fact that my father died at 66, both of his parents passed before my birth, that my maternal grandmother died in her 40`s and that pop-pop passed at 69.  Mom did celebrate her 75 birthday, however her mind was invaded and distorted by Alzheimer's.  The sin in me, allowed Satan to corrupt my thinking, filling me with his lies and holding me in his stronghold of deception.

Romans 6:20  The God of peace will soon "crush" Satan under your feet.

God, the Satan crusher, sound like a "super-hero" to me.  It is only when we trust God and walk in His glory light that we are protected from evil.  Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Hum, is that "The LORD`S Prayer, that I remember reciting every morning before starting our school day!

Was it the Sozo Healing service that helped me to replace lies and break down walls of deception, that empowered me to move forward with the peace and confidence of Jesus.  I believe so, thank you Father God for the Kent Island Ministry, that you directed me to last summer.

Matthew 10:1  He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and heal every disease and sickness.

Father God, I thank you for the empowerment and confidence to stand up and deliver a message to our congregation this coming Sunday.  I thank you for the in depth healing that enables me to speak and testify on your behalf.  Thank you for loving me just the way that I am.  Thank you for the comforter, the counselor, the teacher, my intercessor  and my advocate, the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit abides within: he has gently taken my hand, purging my soul, healing, cleansing and restoring me to the daughter created for your glory.  

Father God, thank you for the peace and confidence, that I`m experiencing while knowing that our new pastor, Mark Avens, will be sitting in our congregation.  No pressure...... I know that my strength is from you!  However, I would certainly appreciate prayers on my behalf, as I deliver His message at 9:00 for the traditional service and again at 11:00 for the contemptory service.  Amen!

Psalm 18:32  It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.




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Road Trip Day 328

Numbers 9:23  At the LORD`S command they encamped, and at the LORD`S command they set out......

No doubt, my friend Phyllis, prayed long and hard before deciding to pack up and move from Maryland to North Carolina, to be closer to the "good son" and his family. As Phyllis` husband Bobby`s health declines, she  found it very difficult to work and provide necessary care for Bobby.   Aside from many serious health issues, Bobby is also developing signs of dementia, something that I am all to familiar with.  I remember, struggling with the problems that came with mom`s dementia years ago; I thank God for the time that I had to share and witness to Phyllis concerning this devastating journey, called Alzheimer's.

Psalm 100:5  For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

This move will provide Phyllis with a family network of love and assistance, even her sister Bink and her two children are moving from Pennsylvania to North Carolina.  A son, daughter-in-law, three grandchildren, a sister, a niece and nephew living only minutes apart; all sharing the bonds and love of Jesus Christ.  Sounds like a successful combo to me!

Acts 10:2  He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

I pray that the union of this family will provide love and support that they all need.  I pray that Phyllis will find and maintain peace, support and joy, that will allow her to live the full and abundant life that God has planned for her.  I pray that Bobby will adjust to his new surroundings and that he will thrive on the love offered by family members.  Once again, I thank God for the gift of free time, that allowed me to drive a packed van 400 miles, to the new home and fresh start for my dear friend, Phyllis!

1 John 4:21 And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.  

Or in this case my sister in Christ, Phyllis Davis.  Amen.............

What Did You Say? Day 327

Ephesians 2:10  For we are God`s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God has a plan and a purpose for each of us, He has prepared us with all the gear and extras that we need; prayers, planning and priorities are helpful!  Do we work towards His plans or remain on our agenda?  I desire to function in the perfect will of God, believing what the Bible says about me.

From Colossians 2:12 I am chosen, holy and dearly loved.  1 John 1:9,  If I confess my sins, God is faithful and just He will forgive me and purify me from all unrighteousness.  True I`m a work in progress, God has taken me tenderly by the hand, teaching, repairing my brokenness, healing wounds, breaking strongholds and replacing lies with truth. 

From Romans 5:1 I have been justified (just as if I had never sinned) through faith, I have received God`s peace.  John 1:12 tells me, I am a child of God because I believe in His name.  2 Corinthians 5:17 tells, me I am a new creation; the old has gone and the new has come.  My citizenship is no longer just of this earthly world, but my eternal citizenship is now in heaven, as confirmed in Philippians 3:20.

As 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 reminds me, I am reconciled to God, giving me a ministry of reconciliation.  I am an ambassador of Christ, living and witnessing on his behalf.  Worry has been deleted from my vocabulary, 1 Peter 5:7, I have cast all my worries on Him because He cares for me.  Romans 8:28 tells me, that in all things, God works for the good of me, because I love Him.  When I am faced with difficulties and confusing circumstances, I trust Him.

I thank God for this amazing daily journey, that petitions me to walk this walk of faith, love, peace and joy nestled gently in the arms of Jesus.  As children of God, we need to focus our eyes and attention on Him.  Praise Him, God can turn terrible circumstances into a great blessings, let go and let God!

 I thank God for calling to write His blog, allowing me to share what He had done in and through me, this pea-brained, cracked-pot at the keyboard.  He can take our mess and create a message for His glory.  Roman 8:31 says to me, What, then, shall we say in response to this?  If God is for me, who can be against me?  Notta, no one, no thing, no how, no way, notta! Yes, Lord I will praise you, all of my days.  Amen.

Heather Drive Day 326

Isaiah 40:30-31  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Less than a mile from our front door, we are blessed to be welcomed into bonds of friendship and love, created by friends and neighbors sharing life`s joys, trials and tribulations.  Our friend of over 20 some years, Dale owns property on Scotsman's Creek, that flows into the Bohemia River.   On this tree lined shore front haven, Dale has created the perfect site for friends to dock their boats.   This delightful location is referred to as "The Shack," the perfect spot for crabbers, fishermen, friends and neighbor to share and enjoy this location of beauty and tranquility.  

Yesterday, on an evening cruise on our pontoon boat, we enjoyed the serenity of the setting sun.  The shore lines provide trees for nesting eagles; eagles soaring high and low, as we puttered alone enjoying their presence.  What a blessing, it`s not unusual to spot 5 to 6 eagles in one short journey; ten year ago our eyes were not privileged to these amazing birds.  I thank God for their increasing numbers, right in our back yard.

Exodus 19:4  You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.

2 Samuel 1:23   Saul and Jonathon---in life they were loved and gracious, and in death they were not parted.  They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than loins.

Proverbs 23:5  Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the like an eagle.

Job 9:26  They skim past like boats of papyrus, like eagles swooping down on their pray.

Psalm 103:1-5  Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my being, praise his holy name.  Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefit--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle`s.

Father God, I thank you for the beauty and tranquility of the Bohemia River, a spot that I have called home all of my life...thank you, for the eagle population that is alive and growing...thank you, for Dale`s willingness to share the beauty of his property with friends and neighbors.....Father God, thank you for friends and neighbors that create a family of love and comfort in your glory.  Thank you God, for Dale, Karen, Dee-Dee, Robert, Dave, Sharon, Bill and of course my husband, RICK.  Amen!

Anyone ready for an eagle siting cruise on the Bohemia?

                                                                                                                                             

Prayer of Confession Day 325

Gracious God, you encourage us with your love, bringing new life out of death.  We confess that we need your life-giving power in our lives and our relationships.  We have hurt others and been hurt by them.  We are often angry and afraid.  We are not sure when to assert our needs and when to care for others` needs.  We continue to live in ways which do not lead to peace and justice.  Forgive us, O GOD!  Pour your Spirit of wisdom and healing upon us, that by our lives and our loving, we may glorify you, through Jesus Christ the Risen One.  Amen.

This week after speaking with two friends, one a widow seeking companionship to fill the void created after her husband`s untimely death, the other a man in a difficult relationship with a drug addict.  They are both loosing themselves in an effort to fill God-given desire for a partner; from both of them I heard, I`m praying but God`s not listening?   Who`s not listening?

Ecclesiastes 8:5-6  Whoever obeys his commands will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure.  For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man`s misery weighs heavily upon him.

So many times, God has reminded me of this difficult, hard to swallow lesson.  Often I wanted what I wanted, when I wanted it, not how God operates!  Lack of patience lead me down the streets of distress and disobedience; opening the door for you know who, Satan was delighted to be in the driver`s seat.

2 Timothy 2:25-26  Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 

I thank God for the gift of time and the lessons learned that He allows me to share and witness for His glory.

1 Peter 3:15  But in your hearts set apart Christ as LORD.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.

Father God, thank you for leading me to 1 Peter 3:15, how long have you been directing me to this?  Is this one of my favorite, God winks?  Of course, it`s no co-inky-dink that 3:15 is also the date of my birth, I love you Heavenly Father! Thank you for the joy of your love.  Amen.

One Nation Under God Day 324

In 1969 when I graduated from high school, we began each day by reciting the"Lord`s Prayer," and "Pledge of Allegiance," what a difference 40 years has made.  There were no security guards at the doors, no one brought guns to school, bullies never pushed anyone to the point of hopelessness and suicide, no one cut themselves for joy and comfort and cigarettes smoking was the drug of choice.   Have we publicly removed God and our allegiance, creating a Godless society.

Psalm 89:1-2  I will sing of the LORD`s great love forever, with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.  I will declared that your love stands firm forever, that you establish your faithfulness in heaven itself.

God is the same yesterday, today and all of our tomorrows; our society has made  changes ushering in our "political correctness" while deleting God.  As Satan rejoices in victory, with the happy dance, I imagaine the God weeps for our stupidity.   "They once had it, what happened?"  As I personally witnessed in my youth, five minutes in the morning reciting the LORD`S prayer and Pledge of Allegiance confirms the fact that, " A Little Bit Of GOD Goes A Long Way!"

Last week Stephanie and Craig, the parents of our wonderful grand babes, borrowed Rick`s pick-up truck.  Late Friday night when Stephanie, who works for the American Cancer Society, returned home from her Relay For Life event, someone broke into her locked vehicle and Rick`s unlocked truck.  Stephanie learned the following morning that several other vehicles in their neighborhood had also been vandalized.

Saturday evening an elderly friend called in a panic believing that someone was trying to break into her house. She asked if Rick and I would please come to her rescue.  Fortunately, we discovered that the noise of fireworks across the river had startled her.  Is she living in fear in our Godless society?

Yesterday, I spoke with my friend Janet, recently vandals had entered their unlocked bedroom window, only feet away from where she and her husband slept.  After entering, they closed the bedroom door and proceeded to ransack the rest of the house, removing Janet`s belongings.  They took Janet`s laptop, which contained photos and correspondence from her daughter, who had recently lost a battle with cancer. My heart ached for Janet. 

When I grew up beside the mill pond, we never even locked our doors."......and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.......one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all............."

 We need the courage and faith of Esther.  Esther 4:16  "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me.  Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.  I and my maids will fast as you do.  When this is done, I will go to the King, even though it is against the law.  And if I perish, I perish."

Yes, I am only one person, but I can fast and pray to the LORD.  "A LITTLE BIT OF GOD GOES A LONG WAY, YESTERDAY, TODAY AND ALL OF OUR TOMORROWS."  Amen!

Cross Road?? Day 323

Proverbs 16:20-21  Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trust in the LORD.  The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.

Five years ago, God brought Rick and I to a cross road, it was time for a change.  A time to step out of our comfort zone, trusting and following God`s lead.  Was it difficult, you better believe it was.  Did we have unanswered questions and uncertainties, yep.  Did we pray, yes but not as much as I would today; that`s a sure indication of my spiritual growth, thank you, God.

After attending our small, close to home local church, St Paul`s for 5 years, the Holy Spirit prompted us to check out a new contemporary service at a church in Chesapeake City, Jacob`s Well.  We decided it wouldn`t hurt to visit, just to satisfy our curiosity.  I liked what I felt and heard, it was so much different than the traditional type of worship, we had grow accustomed to.  I felt alive and invigorated, Rick not so much.  He wasn`t sure about this new "rock and roll" church.   For nearly a year we attended the old and the new, doing justice to neither, before we comfortably made the choice to leave St Paul`s.

Father God, why am I feeling this over again?  What are you trying to tell me, is this coming from you or my own insecurities and the remaining sin in me?  Have you accomplished and fulfilled our time and purpose at Jacob`s Well?  Father God, are we to give heed to your instruction, do you have plans to prosper us?  Are you directing our steps to Cornerstone?  So many questions, it wouldn`t hurt to visit!  Linda, did you heard what you just said?  Is this process to be duplicated?  Really, LORD!

Ezra 8:23  So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayers.  

"The Power of Praying Through the Bible," Stormie Omartain explains:  Prayer  is always a strong weapon against the enemy.  Fasting makes it even more so.  When the LORD puts on your heart that a particular request needs to be accompanied by fasting, you would be wise to listen.  Fasting takes prayer to a whole new level, keeping evil at bay and breaking down strongholds.  Fasting is a way of saying, "I deny myself what I want most and put God first in my life."

Fasting and praying bring your body into submission by informing it that it is not in charge.  Fasting says, "I`m a spiritual being before a physical being.  I`m physical, so I need to eat, but I`m spiritual too.  I`m going to assert the supremacy of my spiritual allegiance beyond and before my allegiance to my body and its desire for food."

Yes, LORD I will fast and pray, YOU ARE LARGE AND IN CHARGE!  I love you and trust you, probably no co-inky-dink I read this devotion today, thank you, God.  Amen!

Are You Ready?? Day 322

Isaiah 38:1  In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death.  The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, This is what the LORD says; Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.

Are we every ready to receive this news, are we prepared, is your house in ordered?  No, I don`t mean that your beds made, the bathroom is shiny clean and your closets are arranged in alphabetical order, how is it with your soul?

In a matter of two weeks, Rick and I attended 4 viewings and funerals.  Marshall, 39 murdered by her husband, Mary, 83 leukemia, Del, 58 heart attack and alcoholism, and Mark, 31 drug overdose, were their houses in order?  Maybe, maybe not!

When my brother Robin was killed I was 18, I like to believe that his unexpected death drove home the importance of living and loving every moment and the uncertainly of our time on earth.  Unfortunately, I fall short of this reality..... often allowing the ways of the world to consume my thoughts and energy.

Ecclesiastes 8:8 No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death.  As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice.

Today, I received an e-mail, revealing the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed, thought you might be interested:

 #1-  I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life other expected of me.  Do you strive to live the life that God planned for you?  While you have the blessing of a healthy mind and body are you choosing and prioritizing your life and dreams?

#2-  I wish I didn`t work so hard.  Hum, I remember writing something about this.  Men most often confess  missing their children's youth and partner`s companionship, spending much of their lives on the treadmill of work.  This sound familiar too, Rick and I have made adjustment to our lifestyle and spending habits, realizing that we can live happily and peacefully on less!

#3-  I wish I had the courage to express my feelings.  This is huge in my family, do we suppress our true feeling to maintain a fake sense of peace with family and friends?  Are we settling for a mediocre existence, often developing illnesses relating to unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment.  God is working in and through me on this one.  I pray that my sister Joyce and I will both receive God`s mercy and healing; truly releasing all resentments and receiving forgiveness from one another. God, hear my prayer!

#4-  I wish I had stayed in touch with friends.  I try hard on this one.  Are we so caught up in our own small circles, that we let God-given friendship slip away over time.  In reality, it all comes down to love and relationship in the end.  All that remains in our final moments are love, family, friends and relationships.   I`ve never seen anyone on their death bed looking at their bank statement!

#5-  I wish I had let myself be happier.  I thank God, I`m where I am on this one, peace and happiness what a treasure.  Many people don`t realize that happiness is a choice.  I thank God for the inner healing that He has walked me through, allowing me to receive the truth and releasing me from strongholds and lies that held me captive for years. 

Is my house in order?  I will always be a work in progress, but if I died today, I`d be much closer than I was yesterday.  I know that God loves me and accepts me just the way that I am.  He created each of us to live and walk for the glory of His eternal kingdom; I know that I will stand before Him in heaven.  Is your house in order?

Matthew 10-32  "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.  But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.  Amen....

List of 5 regrets, from Observer August 2010