Psalm 139 Day 363

After just 2 full weeks at my new job at Generation Station, I`m questioning God about my purpose for being there?  Or am I just complaining and resisting the humbling lessons that He is walking me through?   Psalm 139:1-4  O LORD, you have searched me and know me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.  You search out my path and my laying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.  Even before a word is on my tongue, O LORD, you know it completely.  Really, Father God you already knew we would  have this conversation; are you merely reminding me that you are large and in charge?   Yes, I know that I have free will, but I have also learned that I don`t always make the best choices without first consulting you!

5-6  You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.  Father God, does that mean that my pea-brain can`t even fathom the wonders that you have planned for me?

7-10  Where can I go from your spirit?  Or where can I flee from your presence?  If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.  If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limit of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.  Father God, thank you for never leaving me, I`ve gotten used to having you to love and trust! 

11-12  If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me; and the light around me become night," even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.   Father God, as I listened to strongholds and lies the spirit of evil tried to gain ground in my soul, attempting to distract me from the job that you have set before me.  I thank you, for the truth has set me free.  Yes, I was tempted but not held in bondage, I know the joy of your love and understanding and I know to turn to your word, the BIBLE.

13-18  For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together  in my mother`s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depth of the earth.  Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.  How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!  I try to count them--they are more than the sand; I come to the end--I am still with you.  Thank you, Heavenly Father, yes you only create the best and I am made in your image, to bring you glory here on earth.  You know me from the inside out there is nothing  that I can say, think or feel that you don`t already know about me!  Father, as I sit here and write I feel the presence of your love surrounding me,  bringing me great inner peace, thank you.

19-22  O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me----those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil!  Do I hate those who hate you, O LORD?  And do I not loath those who rise up against you?  I count them my enemies.  Father, have you placed me at Generation Station to let the light of your love shine into the darkness in which your precious children abide.  Have you placed me in their midst as a grandmother figure for your honor and glory?  Are there lessons of good and bad that I need to share?   Will my testimony and great faith in you penetrate their souls?  Father, how will you use me?

23-24  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.  See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.  Glorious God, thank you for this time to share my thoughts with you, please continue to correct my faults for your glory, use me up!  Your daughter, Linda!

Father God, thank you for your words, yes I see that they are just as effective today as when they where written. Amen.

Fisher of Men Day 362

Matthew 4:18-19  As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.  They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

 In the early morn, as the sun peeked through the trees in the east, more than 100 fishermen and women prepared to cast off, for the 3rd Cat Fish Tournament on the Bohemia River.   Scotman`s Creek was alive with energy and excitement, as the 8:00AM start time approached. There was an air of secrey as coolers containing bait, which might land the biggest catfish, were loaded onto boats of all sizes.  Of course, there were coolers of beer and some hard stuff, for the captains and crew to enjoy; drinking and fishing seem to go hand in hand, at least in Earleville.  Five  and a half years ago, I would have also celebrated the day with several drinks, Father God, thank you for the gift of sobriety!  I wonder if the fishermen in Jesus` day also tipped a few?

What a beautiful picture perfect fall day, thank you God!  Aside from the delight of this fantastic day, the fisher folks were also competing for big bucks! The $10 entry fee, per person would be divided 8 ways to provide considerable winning pots for the biggest cat fish.   After 6 hours of fishing, the anglers would return to the dock for the official weigh-in.   Not to mention a feast, consuming the fresh catch of the day, and other delicious goodies!

As I enjoyed hustle and bustle of the morning, I prayed silently that God would protect the fishermen and their crafts and allow their safe return.   However, I did find the time to pray with one fisherman personally, Chuckie Matthew.  Not really sure why, we were both in just the right spot at just the right time.  Probably, a God-thing and I obeyed!  As I approached Chuckie, and reached for his hands and offered to pray, he was a little hesitate, to say the least.  "Now you probably just jinked me!"  Unwilling to accept Chuckie`s negative comment, I maintained great faith in God and prayer.

After hours of fishing and several beers, Chuckie`s attitude changed about prayer when he collected $200 for captaining the boat that caught the most catfish!  He was happy to share with others the fact that I had taken care of him, with early morning prayer.  I didn`t pray that Chuckie would win, I just prayed for blessings and safety; I love it when God shows off her His glory.  Did I just receive one of my favorite God-winks?

Later in the day, Chuckie shared that he really believes in prayer, but God never seems to answer!   With the seeds that where planted today, perhaps it will open the window of opportunity for Chuckie  and I to continue this conversation.  Father God, I pray for my friend Chuckie and his family, especially his son; and I pray that you will open Chuckie`s heart and soul to truly receive the gifts of your mercy and grace.  John 1:16  From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.

For the next cat fishing tournament I`m thinking of setting up a prayer station!  Any takers????  My hubby, Rick is in the blue tee shirt and Chuckie in right behind him, in the chamo jacket!  Amen.

Fantastic Weekend! Day 361

Proverbs 10:5  He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleep during the harvest is a disgraceful son.

I just love the fall, it has forever been for me a time of great energy and restoration.  The cool crisp mornings invigorating my sluggish soul, demanding a fresh start.  As Christians we walk the walk of renewal and restoration until the day we die, trusting God to direct our steps.  Hebrew 11:8  By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

This weekend was just such a weekend for Rick and I; both of us stepped out in faith and followed God`s lead.  I attended a 2 day seminar training for advanced Sozo training, in a tiny town in the middle of no-where, Greenwood De.  For 2, 8 hour sessions with great enthusiasm and desire to be obedient, I listened, took notes, asked questions and enjoyed what I learned.  When, where and how will God have me use this training, not really sure!  But when it`s time for the harvest, I`m ready, bring it on Father God!  2 Corinthians 5:7  We live by faith, not by sight. 

Rick also stepped out of his comfort zone this weekend, by accepting an invitation to attend the Walk to Emmaus.  Thursday evening I dropped him off at Camp Pecometh, for a 72 hour retreat.  As he left behind his cell phone and walked through the door, he had no clue what God had in store for his journey.  There is an air of secrecy about the weekend; there are certain events and happening that mere words can not do justice; the secrets are disclosed as the weekend progresses.  The weekend is an experience of God`s love offered by the body of Christ that serve our LORD.

The majesty of the weekend returned to me a husband that had truly been touched by the hand of Jesus.  He`s different from the inside out.  A soothing peace and tranquility that in our 23 years together I have never witnessed.  He`s different, he got it!  He said, "it`s good stuff, really good stuff, don`t know why I waited so long to go!"  Five years of praying to be exact, but as I am so often reminded, all things are in God`s time, not mine.  He`s in control and I`m not!

 Monday evening, by phone, as Rick encouraged our friend Dave to accept the invitation for the Walk to Emmaus, I gently and lovingly wiped the tear from his face.  It`s good stuff. Dave, you gotta go!

I look forward to serving God with my husband Rick at my side!  Thank you, Father God for the lessons of love, trust and faith that allow us to walk hand in hand for your glory!

Psalm 34:1-3  I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lip.  My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.  Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together. 

Let`s go Rick, I love you....Amen

Back To Work Day 360

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. 

After 14 months of not working nor collecting unemployment, many things in our lives have changed.   Primarily our spending habits, for the better I must admit!  During the past 14 months we have loosened the burden of a credit card existence.   What a sense of freedom, it can be done!   Thank you God, for removing the scales from our eyes and wallets.  We buy what we need, not what we think we want, to quote my dear friend Gina, our needs are being met.

As a result of this new financial strategy, I have the opportunity to take a part-time job at a local ministry for middle school children.  Generation Stations is an after school program that enriches the lives of children in my home town, who attend the same school that I graduated from over 40 years ago, Bohemia Manor!  This 12 year old facility  operations on grants and local donations from churches, United Way and Cecil Human service Agency,  providing a free safe environment for children after school.  Studies show that, left unsupervised while most parents work,  within this free time students are more likely to try smoking, alcohol, drug and sex.  Generation Stations provides a safe haven while including homework and instructional time to help students reach their academic potential.

As I desire to walk the path and purpose for my life, I believe that God will use me in a mighty way in this ministry.   I certainly have walked the walk and have the God-given desire to talk the talk for  His glory.  Am I paid, a huge salary, no way.....but after only 2 days with the children, I know that I will receive more than money can buy!

 Today, at the National Day of Prayer at the Pole, at Bohemia Manor  I received an amazing blessing.  As the buses arrived for school, one of the young ladies that attends Generation Stations, joined our circle of prayer.  I had my back to her and didn`t see her approaching, but I felt a comforting presence, as she gently slide her small young hand into mine.  Holy Spirit goosebumps covered my body!  I lead the prayer circle into a request for God`s blessings and favor  for the Generation Station!   Thank you, God for my young friend and new job; I look forward to your plans and purpose.

Gotta to work!  Thank you God for your faithfulness.......AMEN!

Family Ties Day 359

Psalms 133:1-3  How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, down upon the collar of his robes.  It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion.  For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Questions, so many questions about the generations before me and how they profoundly effected who I am, why I am, the way I am.  My dad was born in 1914, yikes that will soon be 100 years, an entire century, how did that happen?  Recently with help from my cousin, John and second cousin Kathy, whom I`ve only met via facebook, we are beginning the quest to fill in the blanks.   So much  valuable history, family secrets and stories untold.

Perhaps the true reason that I struggled with turning 60 was the reality of the lack of longevity in my family tree. Not only did I recently see photos of my paternal grandparents for the very first, I also learned that my grandfather died at age 66, the exact same age that my dad passed.  Is that a co-inky-dink?  My grandfather died 3 years before my birth.  My grandmother died in her 50th year of life, thirteen years before my arrival.  Sure am glad I found this out a decade after my 50th birthday, I may that been concerned and anxious about my 51 birthday.  Thank you, God!

As I stared into the faces of my grandparents picture, tears streamed down my cheeks, for the love that I had missed.  Even though it`s difficult to mourn something you`ve never had, my heart and soul ached.  What were they like, what grandparent life lessons had I missed.  How much love had been stolen from my existence?  How would my life have been effected by their touch?  Was there a gigantic void left for my young parent to fill?  Where they capable of replacing the love, compassion, patience and wisdom of grandparents?  Guess I`ll never know!  However, there is one thing that I know for sure, any love deprivations that I may have suffered has been filled by my heavenly Father.  Thank you, God for loving me and calling me to desire you, sorry I took so long to respond! Yes, indeed you are filling the void, are you my grandGod or pop-popGod or poppa-God?  That`s a comforting image!

Luke 11:9-10  So I say to you:  Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who ask receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be open.

Thank you Father God, you have not only opened the door, you have advanced me to the accelerated course of desire, guess I have lots to catch up on!  You`re an amazing Pop-pop!  I love you. 

As John, Kathy and I seek, I pray that we will find answers regarding our heritage and family history, the good, the bad and the ugly.    John 8:32  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

Any Frazers, Bouldens, Mcclearys, or Guhls reading, love to hear from you!

Dianna Day 358

Job 6:14  A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

I wouldn`t say that Dianna had forsaken the Lord, she was just disconnected, she needed to plug into the Mighty Power of our God Almighty.  Road trip!  Early one morning we headed south down route 301, to visit my beloved friend and mentor Miss Jackie, at the Kent Island United Methodist Church.  

 Dianna assured me that she had great faith in God and prayed regularly, my dad`s a pastor!  Still I believed that something separated her from truly receiving God`s intended blessing.   She knew the words of God in her head, but not her heart!   Because of the three major back surgeries, in one year for degenerated disk disease, she allowed herself to dwell in  hopelessness; receiving a sentence that may eventually lead to a wheel-chair existence.  My 45 year old friend lived in constant pain and agony, allowing and opening the door for the darkness to invade her soul.  Depression, pain, anger, fear, hopelessness, negativity and envy penetrated and possessed her thoughts, why me!  Psalm 38:7-8  My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.  I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.

Hello, Miss Jackie we`re here for the healing prayer and connection that your Sozo Ministry provides.  Thank you, God, thank you God, I was blessed to be Miss Jackie`s assistant!  Is this what you`ve been preparing me for, Father God?  Hebrew 11:8  By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

For 2 and half hours Miss Jackie, Dianna and I  faithfully prayed and responded to the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus and Almighty God.   Tears, buckets of tears flowed as the Holy Spirit released Dianna from strongholds and lies that had bound her thoughts and body.  In awe of  mighty God, I witnessed the peace of God transform and renew Dianna`s body and soul.  Thank you, God we have a "connection" and I helped!  All praise and glory to God the Father.    Thank you, thank you for directing and using us for your GLORY! 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.

Ephesians 1:18-21  I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title than can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come....PRAISE THE LORD!!!!

Did I witness a DIVINE HEALING, I believe so.....as Dianna and I walked yesterday this is what she shared. "I used to feel like I was carrying and dragging behind me heavy back-packs, I was always rushing full speed ahead.  After the surgeries I was stopped dead in my tracks; the load shifted landing right in front of me, preventing me from moving forward!  I was trapped.

 The weight is gone, I feel new, better and improved with  innocence and child-like faith restored, as if the film is removed from my eyes and the SON is shining on my face! It is as though my hearing was intenified and I hear more clearly.   The constant pain is gone, leaving behind only a small occasional twinge, as a reminder.  My husband says that I`m taller and straighter; I pray to slowly wean off the pain medicines and overdose on GOD.  You know,  this reminds me of a message that demanded my attention, that my father delivered; Don`t Let 12 Inches Keep You From Heaven! The distance from your head to your heart."

Was it a co-inky-dink that I pulled into Dianna`s driveway several weeks ago to renew a friendship, or was I responding in obedience to God`s direction?  I believe, that I just received one of my favorite God winks!  Thank you Father God, you are so amazing, thank you for loving me and healing my wonderful friend, Dianna.  Thank you for Miss Jackie, for her faithful desire to teach, share and witness for your glory!  It is my prayer that you are preparing me to walk in  her footsteps of faith.

Can I explain how or why this gift of healing was granted, no but I know that I worship and have faith in a MIGHTY POWERFUL GOD, and I do not question His power and Heavenly authority!  I just say thank you, God.......Luke 6:18-19  who had come to hear him and to be healed of their disease.  Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tired to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them.

Gotta go, meeting Dianna to walk a brisk 5 miles today!  Yes, Dianna will walk the walk and talk and talk for GOD`S GLORY! Amen........need an extension cord?

Praying Mantis Day 357

 Sunday morning, as I spent time soaking(alone in peaceful worship) and praying, I felt blessed to  share my space with a praying mantis. At a glance it appeared that we were both in the same mind-set, praying!  He or she couldn't`t tell, didn`t even mind posing for a close up photo.  Romans 12:12  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

 I`ve included some interesting facts about this praying-like critter.  The praying mantis is named for its prominent front legs, which are bent and held together at an angle that suggests the position of prayer. The larger group of these insects is more properly called the praying mantids.

By any name, these fascinating insects are formidable predators. They have triangular heads poised on a long "neck," or elongated thorax. Mantids can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings with two large compound eyes and three other simple eyes located between them.

Typically green or brown and well camouflaged on the plants among which they live, mantis lie in ambush or patiently stalk their quarry. They use their front legs to snare their prey with reflexes so quick that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Their legs are further equipped with spikes for snaring prey and pinning it in place.

Moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and other insects are usually the unfortunate recipients of unwanted mantid attention. However, the insects will also eat others of their own kind. The most famous example of this is the notorious mating behavior of the adult female, who sometimes eats her mate just after—or even during—mating. Yet this behavior seems not to deter males from reproduction.

Even though the praying mantis will turn and eat there own, they have survived because that`s how God made them. They where created in His love with a purpose and a plan for their existence; surviving to glorify God.  Weren`t we also created with the same plan and purpose?  Now to the question of the day, who was created first, man or the praying mantis?????

Deuteronomy 4:32  Ask now about the former day, long before your time, from the day God created man on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other.  Has anything so great as this happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of?

Thank you Father God, I love your sense of humor, it would be nice to turn my head 180 degrees like the praying mantis, but I like me just the way you created me!   Psalm 139:14  I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful, I know them full well..... Thank you for loving me!  Psalm 9:1-2  I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;  I will tell of all your wonders.  I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. AMEN.