Jesus, Jesus let me tell you how I feel, you have given me your spirit, I love you so!
Today, as I mentally prepared for Ginger`s moms funeral tomorrow, I was overwhelmed with extreme sadness and overpowering tears and grief. Perhaps attending three funerals, in just one week has taken a tremendous toll on my emotional output. Is this overload, what the Holy Spirit was preparing me for on Easter Sunday, when I felt His directions to pray?
Job 32:8 But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.
Today in church, as the worship team sang songs of praise and glory to God, the water works began to flow, actually it became more of a flood, maybe even a tsunami. As I held my hands high in the air, in honor of God, the words were hampered by uncontrollable tears, Thoughts of making an exit were replaced with Godly comfort and confidence that embraced my soul. Thank God ,I had plenty of tissues. I was touched by the Body of Christ as friends reached out with hugs and supportive prayers.
The celebrations of Mother`s Day added insult to injury. Memories of my own mother surfaced, only to be replaced, by pain and empathy that I felt for Ginger and her siblings. For me, the death of my mother was one of the most difficult times of my life. The dynamics of our family has forever changed; ushering me and siblings into the oldest generation. An unwelcomed position that required time to sink-in! These same feelings will surface, as I bid farewell to Ginger`s mom tomorrow, laying to rest decades of childhood memories and a generation of love and friendship.
I pray that I will be restored and refreshed so that I can offer love and support of the entire Foley family tomorrow. Tonight, as I was sitting in my favorite green chair praying to God, a movie came on TV. "The Passion of the Christ," really God, more tears, but a feeling of love and renewal and the ability to write this message! Thank you, God.
More prayers and a good night`s sleep will work wonders, thank you in advance, Father God! Amen.
Psalm 18:32-33 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Ginger`s Mom Day 315
Isaiah 33:2 O LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of darkness.
The family was making plans to bring their mother from from the rehab center, when a unexpected high fever sent them back to the hospital, instead. The time that they would have with their 83 year old mother had reduced from months, to just hours. Six siblings and scores of grandchildren gathered at the bedside to bid farewell to their mother and grandma.
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thought than your thoughts."
Fifty years ago, Mary and John Foley moved their young family of six children, yes they were a good Catholic family, from Long Island, New York, to Cecil County, Maryland. I admired the strength and courage it must have taken to leave friend and family to make the bold move. This young city couple bought a farm, an incredible investment that would provide income for decades to come.
What a blessing, our family of five children would now have neighbors just up the road with six kids. Mariann, Jackie, Ginger, Richard, Billy and Donald, a new city slicker friend for each of us and one to spare. Our families soon formed bonds of love and friendship that would last a lifetime.
While Mary was pregnant with their seventh child, the unthinkable happened, 42 year John suffered a fatal heart attack and died in the bedroom of their farm home. The father-less family returned to New York to lay John to rest. I was fearful that I would never see my new best-friend Ginger again. However, Mary brought her family back to Maryland. The farm, a savvy purchase that would allow John to provide for his family, even in his absence! Thank you, God.
Mary and my mom were like sisters, our family's supported and loved one another through life and premature death of brothers, Robin and Billy. Billy died in his early forties, from a fatal heart attack, just like his father! What a true blessing from God, two country families sharing life one day at a time for over 5 decades, and beyond! Thank you, Father God!
John 15:12-13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Monday morning at 8:30am Rick and I will join family and friends to bid farewell to one of the most incredible,loving and caring Mothers that I have even know. A mother of great faith, compassion and love that kept her family of seven children together on the farm! There was always room and love in Mary`s heart and home for one more; their house was a second home to me.
Eventhough Mary, married and buried two husbands after her beloved John, to me she was always Mary Foley, the mother of my "Best Friend Forever, " Ginger!
Genesis 45:10-11 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me---you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds and all you have. I will provide for you there....................
As I finish writing this, the song "I Can Only Imagine," is playing on the radio! What impeccable timing! Thank you God, yes I can type through tears.... I pray that the siblings and their significant others, of Mary and John Foley will live in love, peace and unity with one another! Never losing sight of the family over stuff and money! God Bless the entire FOLEY FAMILY, AMEN!
The family was making plans to bring their mother from from the rehab center, when a unexpected high fever sent them back to the hospital, instead. The time that they would have with their 83 year old mother had reduced from months, to just hours. Six siblings and scores of grandchildren gathered at the bedside to bid farewell to their mother and grandma.
Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thought than your thoughts."
Fifty years ago, Mary and John Foley moved their young family of six children, yes they were a good Catholic family, from Long Island, New York, to Cecil County, Maryland. I admired the strength and courage it must have taken to leave friend and family to make the bold move. This young city couple bought a farm, an incredible investment that would provide income for decades to come.
What a blessing, our family of five children would now have neighbors just up the road with six kids. Mariann, Jackie, Ginger, Richard, Billy and Donald, a new city slicker friend for each of us and one to spare. Our families soon formed bonds of love and friendship that would last a lifetime.
While Mary was pregnant with their seventh child, the unthinkable happened, 42 year John suffered a fatal heart attack and died in the bedroom of their farm home. The father-less family returned to New York to lay John to rest. I was fearful that I would never see my new best-friend Ginger again. However, Mary brought her family back to Maryland. The farm, a savvy purchase that would allow John to provide for his family, even in his absence! Thank you, God.
Mary and my mom were like sisters, our family's supported and loved one another through life and premature death of brothers, Robin and Billy. Billy died in his early forties, from a fatal heart attack, just like his father! What a true blessing from God, two country families sharing life one day at a time for over 5 decades, and beyond! Thank you, Father God!
John 15:12-13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Monday morning at 8:30am Rick and I will join family and friends to bid farewell to one of the most incredible,loving and caring Mothers that I have even know. A mother of great faith, compassion and love that kept her family of seven children together on the farm! There was always room and love in Mary`s heart and home for one more; their house was a second home to me.
Eventhough Mary, married and buried two husbands after her beloved John, to me she was always Mary Foley, the mother of my "Best Friend Forever, " Ginger!
Genesis 45:10-11 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me---you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds and all you have. I will provide for you there....................
As I finish writing this, the song "I Can Only Imagine," is playing on the radio! What impeccable timing! Thank you God, yes I can type through tears.... I pray that the siblings and their significant others, of Mary and John Foley will live in love, peace and unity with one another! Never losing sight of the family over stuff and money! God Bless the entire FOLEY FAMILY, AMEN!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
New Carpet Day 314
Ezekiel 36:25-26 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
For the past 3 days Rick and I have worked diligently to empty 2 bedrooms, in preparation for new carpet that will soon be installed. Years of wear and traffic patterns surfaced as we emptied the rooms. This once pristine carpet has seen it`s better days, time to be discarded and replaced.
Unlike this carpets, when we are worn out and show signs of life`s traffic patterns, we are not torn-up and trashed. As I have shared, many of my personal journeys through out the last year, this is when Jesus does His best work in us! We don`t even have to write him a huge check, like the carpet guys! He does it for free, just because He loves us!
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
That sounds like a plan to me, God will not throw me in the trash, he will work around the worn spots and quiet me with his love. No matter how deep the stains of life have scarred my soul, he loves me just the way I am, he`s singing over me! Can`t get better than that! Thank you, Father!
Isaiah 1:18-19 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.
Are you willing, to be renewed from the inside out, by your heavenly Father? NO CHARGE, SATISFACTION GUARANTEED......................Amen
For the past 3 days Rick and I have worked diligently to empty 2 bedrooms, in preparation for new carpet that will soon be installed. Years of wear and traffic patterns surfaced as we emptied the rooms. This once pristine carpet has seen it`s better days, time to be discarded and replaced.
Unlike this carpets, when we are worn out and show signs of life`s traffic patterns, we are not torn-up and trashed. As I have shared, many of my personal journeys through out the last year, this is when Jesus does His best work in us! We don`t even have to write him a huge check, like the carpet guys! He does it for free, just because He loves us!
Zephaniah 3:17 The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
That sounds like a plan to me, God will not throw me in the trash, he will work around the worn spots and quiet me with his love. No matter how deep the stains of life have scarred my soul, he loves me just the way I am, he`s singing over me! Can`t get better than that! Thank you, Father!
Isaiah 1:18-19 "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.
Are you willing, to be renewed from the inside out, by your heavenly Father? NO CHARGE, SATISFACTION GUARANTEED......................Amen
Monday, May 2, 2011
Viewing and Funeral Day 313
Psalm 6:7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes
Saturday evening we attended the viewing for Marshell, hundreds of people waited on hometown streets to offer love and condolences to her family. A life of only thirty nine years prematurely ended, at the hands of an irate husband; what gave this man the right!
For hours and hours, the family stood faithfully, in front of the open coffin that held their precious daughter, sister, and mother, as mourners filed slowly by. Words can not express the grief and pain that I felt for Claire and her family. Total strangers soon shared embraces of disbelief and sorrow.
Sunday afternoon, the family and hundreds of friends gathered for their final farewell. Messages and songs of love filled the room, pouring out love and the peace of God; the presence of Jesus Christ penetrated the hearts and soul of all.
Marshell was buried in a grave at the foot of her pop-pop`s, Marshall (Smoke) Poore`s grave. As God so often does He made this possible. Like many, who are not prepared in advance for their own death, Marshell did not have insurance for burial nor own a burial plot.
Approximated 5 years on a visit to her father`s grave, by chance, Claire met a man at the cemetery. He said that he owned several graves adjoining her father`s grave. He gave her his card and said that if she ever needed a grave to get in touch. Fortunately, Claire stashed the card and knew exactly where to retrieve it, in her time of need. Claire made arrangements and met this gentleman at the cemetery. Learning of Claire`s situation, this total stranger, sold Claire six burial sites for one dollar! Thank you, God!
What a welcomed blessing in a time of grief and despair, there are angels among us!
Psalm 24:5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior.
Please keep Claire and her family in your prayers, how many lives will end prematurely because of domestic violence? By removing God from our society, have we created a God-less, broken generation that has little or no regard for human life. God must shake His head in disbelief.....God will prevail, He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever! AMEN.
Saturday evening we attended the viewing for Marshell, hundreds of people waited on hometown streets to offer love and condolences to her family. A life of only thirty nine years prematurely ended, at the hands of an irate husband; what gave this man the right!
For hours and hours, the family stood faithfully, in front of the open coffin that held their precious daughter, sister, and mother, as mourners filed slowly by. Words can not express the grief and pain that I felt for Claire and her family. Total strangers soon shared embraces of disbelief and sorrow.
Sunday afternoon, the family and hundreds of friends gathered for their final farewell. Messages and songs of love filled the room, pouring out love and the peace of God; the presence of Jesus Christ penetrated the hearts and soul of all.
Marshell was buried in a grave at the foot of her pop-pop`s, Marshall (Smoke) Poore`s grave. As God so often does He made this possible. Like many, who are not prepared in advance for their own death, Marshell did not have insurance for burial nor own a burial plot.
Approximated 5 years on a visit to her father`s grave, by chance, Claire met a man at the cemetery. He said that he owned several graves adjoining her father`s grave. He gave her his card and said that if she ever needed a grave to get in touch. Fortunately, Claire stashed the card and knew exactly where to retrieve it, in her time of need. Claire made arrangements and met this gentleman at the cemetery. Learning of Claire`s situation, this total stranger, sold Claire six burial sites for one dollar! Thank you, God!
What a welcomed blessing in a time of grief and despair, there are angels among us!
Psalm 24:5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior.
Please keep Claire and her family in your prayers, how many lives will end prematurely because of domestic violence? By removing God from our society, have we created a God-less, broken generation that has little or no regard for human life. God must shake His head in disbelief.....God will prevail, He is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever! AMEN.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Yes, LORD Day 312
Easter Sunday, Christ is risen, He has risen indeed, Resurrection Sunday; each year, actually each moment, we have the choice of how we will respond to the Good News! We stand at a crossroad everyday. Do we go our own way, fulfilling our plan and idea of success, or do we follow "JESUS" who holds the secret of the universe in His hands?
Daniel 12:13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."
Sunday morning, what a beautiful day, church was packed! I pray, that the new faces that filled the pews, received exactly what God had planned for them! Perhaps in time they will return on a regular basis. Before closing the service, Pastor Amy invited the congregration forward to receive a special blessing and annointing. When asked what she could pray for, I requested to be filled to overflowing and for God to direct my steps. Thank you, God!
My day was filled with love and joy, as we shared time and Easter dinner with children and grand-babes. Later in the evening, I felt God summons me; as I have mentioned many times, God has taught me to respond to His call to action. I felt the over whelming need to pray, I just didn`t know what I was to pray about!
At 10:00 pm, my BFF Ginger called. She was on her way home after spending the weekend with her mother, who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Choosing to receive treatments, Mary her 83 year old mother is now facing the final months of her earthly life. Yes, Father I will pray for my best friend, her family, and mother.
Early Monday morning, I called Mariann, Ginger`s sister, offering to assist in any way possible with the 24 hour care that the family is facing. Mariann was a God-send when Rick and I cared for my mom. For decades Mariann and her mother owned and operated, an in home, nursing facility. Giving their heart and souls to the needs of the elderly.
As I prayed with Mariann, tears gushed from both of us, it was so difficult to get just the right prayer request to God. God heard our pray and provided me with the strength to continue on Mariann`s behalf. I thanked God for the love and friendship that our families have shared for over 50 years. Two country families sharing, living and loving one another through life`s journey. Thank you, God.
As I was still processing the moment, the phone rang, it was my niece Mandy. She was calling to tell me about Smoke`s granddaughter. Once again, this news and our family connection was deep. Smoke and his wife, Agnes, where neighbors for years, we had watched and shared in the lives of their family and grandchildren. Marshell, Smoke`s 39 years old first-born granddaugther, was murdered at knife point by her husband, of less than one year.
I sobbed in disbelief, how could a husband do this to his wife? Yes Lord, I will pray!
Later that evening, with God-given courage and strength, Rick and I when to visit Marshell`s mother and family. The yard was packed with cars, people gathered everywhere. Words were not necessary, open arms sharing soul to soul hugs quenched our needs, offering God`s love to one another. Faces of pain and distress welcomed and gratefully received our heartfelt condolences.
As friends and family continued to arrived, I silently prayed, I felt the arms and love of Jesus encompass the entire house. Angel`s wings fluttered above interlacing and protecting this family with God`s love, mercy and grace. Yes, Father I will continue to pray!
With the reality of this day coming to a close, I was drained to core. Had God used my time of pain and sorrows for His glory, to empower and equip me for this very day? Calling me to comfort, to pray with and for loved-ones in need. YES FATHER ,THROUGH MY TEARS I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY!
John 14:15-21 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever---The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.
But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love and show myself to him."
Father God, thank you for calling me to pray and preparing me for my purpose, for your glory. Thanks to all of the wonderful people who responded to Your call to visit with my family over forty years ago, when my brother, Robin was killed. Amen
Please visit, Let us Go Home Day 209 and search "Ginger" for previous post.
Daniel 12:13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days, you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."
Sunday morning, what a beautiful day, church was packed! I pray, that the new faces that filled the pews, received exactly what God had planned for them! Perhaps in time they will return on a regular basis. Before closing the service, Pastor Amy invited the congregration forward to receive a special blessing and annointing. When asked what she could pray for, I requested to be filled to overflowing and for God to direct my steps. Thank you, God!
My day was filled with love and joy, as we shared time and Easter dinner with children and grand-babes. Later in the evening, I felt God summons me; as I have mentioned many times, God has taught me to respond to His call to action. I felt the over whelming need to pray, I just didn`t know what I was to pray about!
At 10:00 pm, my BFF Ginger called. She was on her way home after spending the weekend with her mother, who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. Choosing to receive treatments, Mary her 83 year old mother is now facing the final months of her earthly life. Yes, Father I will pray for my best friend, her family, and mother.
Early Monday morning, I called Mariann, Ginger`s sister, offering to assist in any way possible with the 24 hour care that the family is facing. Mariann was a God-send when Rick and I cared for my mom. For decades Mariann and her mother owned and operated, an in home, nursing facility. Giving their heart and souls to the needs of the elderly.
As I prayed with Mariann, tears gushed from both of us, it was so difficult to get just the right prayer request to God. God heard our pray and provided me with the strength to continue on Mariann`s behalf. I thanked God for the love and friendship that our families have shared for over 50 years. Two country families sharing, living and loving one another through life`s journey. Thank you, God.
As I was still processing the moment, the phone rang, it was my niece Mandy. She was calling to tell me about Smoke`s granddaughter. Once again, this news and our family connection was deep. Smoke and his wife, Agnes, where neighbors for years, we had watched and shared in the lives of their family and grandchildren. Marshell, Smoke`s 39 years old first-born granddaugther, was murdered at knife point by her husband, of less than one year.
I sobbed in disbelief, how could a husband do this to his wife? Yes Lord, I will pray!
Later that evening, with God-given courage and strength, Rick and I when to visit Marshell`s mother and family. The yard was packed with cars, people gathered everywhere. Words were not necessary, open arms sharing soul to soul hugs quenched our needs, offering God`s love to one another. Faces of pain and distress welcomed and gratefully received our heartfelt condolences.
As friends and family continued to arrived, I silently prayed, I felt the arms and love of Jesus encompass the entire house. Angel`s wings fluttered above interlacing and protecting this family with God`s love, mercy and grace. Yes, Father I will continue to pray!
With the reality of this day coming to a close, I was drained to core. Had God used my time of pain and sorrows for His glory, to empower and equip me for this very day? Calling me to comfort, to pray with and for loved-ones in need. YES FATHER ,THROUGH MY TEARS I WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY!
John 14:15-21 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever---The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him.
But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love and show myself to him."
Father God, thank you for calling me to pray and preparing me for my purpose, for your glory. Thanks to all of the wonderful people who responded to Your call to visit with my family over forty years ago, when my brother, Robin was killed. Amen
Please visit, Let us Go Home Day 209 and search "Ginger" for previous post.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Precious Time Day 311
Once again, I thank God for the gift of free time; time to enjoy and appreciate every moment of every day. Last July when I left my Little Debbie job, if anyone had said to me, you guys with will fine with one income. I would have denied that phrase, until I turned blue in the face! How in the world could we survive on one pay check? I`ve always worked.
Oh, how my mind set has changed, setting priorities opens the door of changes and adjustments; what do we really need, and what do we really have to have? For years, it was full speed ahead spend, spend, spend, dashing away-- beyond our priorities and means; using credit cards to enhance our spending.
Was it a God- nudge that adjusted our thinking once I quit my job; or had this process started years ago!
James 5:7-10 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Hum, we are living differently, our needs are being met, and we are happy.... most of the time. Except when we pluck one an others last nerve, that`s sure to happen, when you spend 24/7 together. Can I get an, Amen?
1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Today at his doctor appointment, we discussed Rick ability to be released to go back to work. Soon, Rick will be leaving the house to go to work; just wondering how that might effect his attitude, concerning my unemployment? Guess, I just have to wait and PRAY! I like being a stay at home wife. What a blessing......thank you, God for the gift of free-time.
Father God, I love you so, thank you for the months and months that Rick and I have spent together, 24/7. This time has allowed us to share more quality time, than every, in our 23 years together. What a gift and blessing, thank you for making it possible. Please continue to bless Rick and I, as we await notification about returning to work, I anxioulsy await whatever plans, you have in store for me. The quality and quanity of this precious time spent with my husband, my best friend, is more than I could have fathomed, Amen!
Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the LORD our God rest upon us: establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands.
Song of Solomon 2:10-12 My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
Are Rick and I entering into yet another ebbing journey with the LORD?
Oh, how my mind set has changed, setting priorities opens the door of changes and adjustments; what do we really need, and what do we really have to have? For years, it was full speed ahead spend, spend, spend, dashing away-- beyond our priorities and means; using credit cards to enhance our spending.
Was it a God- nudge that adjusted our thinking once I quit my job; or had this process started years ago!
James 5:7-10 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Hum, we are living differently, our needs are being met, and we are happy.... most of the time. Except when we pluck one an others last nerve, that`s sure to happen, when you spend 24/7 together. Can I get an, Amen?
1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Today at his doctor appointment, we discussed Rick ability to be released to go back to work. Soon, Rick will be leaving the house to go to work; just wondering how that might effect his attitude, concerning my unemployment? Guess, I just have to wait and PRAY! I like being a stay at home wife. What a blessing......thank you, God for the gift of free-time.
Father God, I love you so, thank you for the months and months that Rick and I have spent together, 24/7. This time has allowed us to share more quality time, than every, in our 23 years together. What a gift and blessing, thank you for making it possible. Please continue to bless Rick and I, as we await notification about returning to work, I anxioulsy await whatever plans, you have in store for me. The quality and quanity of this precious time spent with my husband, my best friend, is more than I could have fathomed, Amen!
Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the LORD our God rest upon us: establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands.
Song of Solomon 2:10-12 My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.
Are Rick and I entering into yet another ebbing journey with the LORD?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
GREATEST GIFT Day 310
Revelation 7:9-10 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice; "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.
For decades, the true meaning of Easter, never truly penetrated my soul. Like many, I heard the stories of Jesus and his sacrifice for our sins, but it just never hit home with me! I lacked faith, teaching and a valid relationship with Jesus; I believed, but I had not received!
I thank God, for removing the obstacles that prevented me from receiving his grace. By the grace of God go I! Grace his free gift, absolutely, positively free, received by faith.
As I reflect on my walk, their were gigantic obstructions of lies and strongholds, that prevented me from receiving, and living the life of grace and mercy that God desired for me. Once I surrendered, my will to the will of God, he began to work on me from the inside out. In depth healing, in God`s perfect timing, is a vital step in receiving our salvation.
Psalm 103:8-12 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserves or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west has he removed our transgressions from us.
Had I read and believed Psalm 103:8-12, perhaps 35 year of my life would have been different, but that wasn`t the case. After graduating from high school, I made a decision with my one and only boyfriend, Brice, to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.
If only, I knew then what I know now....but! Our 6 year courtship lead us into a marriage that was based on lies guilt and shame, soon ending in divorce, after just 2 years.
At the time, I had no clue the devastation this would cause in my life. I erroneously believed that I would carry on with life, and live happily ever after. Not...the guilt and shame of the abortion, consumed my existence; allowing satan to take possession of my soul.
Even though I remarried, I was never able to conceive a child again. There were no medical reason for the inability. According to specialists, my body produced antibodies that killed sperm. Really, how could that be possible; had my self-inflicted guilt and shame, allowed my mind to sabotage my body?
Kind of seemed that way, especially when Brice fathered a child, with his new wife! I was convinced that God was punishing me, and me alone for our terrible choice. Had Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of every ones sin but mine?
Satan delighted in the fear and lies that kept God at bay. Alcohol allowed me to endure the pain and guilt that consumed me. I never even shared this horror with my own mother. The pain, was hidden and camouflaged, with a fake happy face smile, while I was dying from the inside out. For decades, I lived in this self imposed agony and bondage, believing that I was sentenced to hell.
Once I invited God to take control, He straightened out my "stinkin thinkin." Yes, it has been a process, but the depth of his love and compassion have brought "light and truth" to replace lies. I know, I believe and I have received the gift of JESUS CHRIST.
Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
If you a trapped in lies and bondage, I encourage you to reach for the hand of Jesus and receive! Holy week, what a great opportunity to begin your process of healing and salvation. You are alive to thrive, Jesus is the way and the light, please receive God`s gift!
Revelation 1:17-18 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said; "Do not be afraid, I am the First and the Last. I am the Living one; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."
Who`s driving you or Jesus???????????????
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