I thank God for Billie`s continued recovery, I first met Billie at church when he shared his amazing testimony of recovery from drug abuse. He had successfully completed the Teen Challenge recovery program; now back to reality and life at home.
Home sweet home, a wonderful place but not the ideal place for recovery to continue; we are thrusted back into reality of our not so perfect lives. We have changed but what about our surroundings? Like many Billie, slipped gradually back into old habits.
Billie continued to reach out, knowing that the peace and comfort he needed would only come from Jesus; however held in bondage by his addiction. One Sunday, God nudged me to go to Billie, requiring me to encourage and lift him in prayer. I continued to reach out to Billie trying to make that Godly connection that he so desperately needed.
The healing that Billie required would take months and months, he moved from home to get a fresh start. Only God knew Billie` true needs, I continued to pray for him. Thank you God for the "Do-Overs" and your unconditional love!
Today, clean and drug free Billie sat in front of me at church. Thank you, God, thank you, God. Of course I had to congratulate him and pray with him. Only God knows the plans he has for Billie; will Billie continue to make wise chooses and listen to God, that will certainly be my prayer for my young friend, Billie.
Was it a co-inky-dink that Billie sat right in front of me today, or was that one of my favorite God-winks! Thank you, Father!
Psalm 42:1-2 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirst for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God. Amen!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Reflections Week 34
What a busy week, Emmaus weekend was positively amazing, but it drained me to the core. This week has been a time of rest and restoration.
Busy taking Rick to and from doctor visits and therapy appointments. Please continue to pray for his healing, diabetes slowing down recovery.
This week was filled with family, friends, love and "THANKS" giving! Thank you, Father for your continued love and support!
Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Busy taking Rick to and from doctor visits and therapy appointments. Please continue to pray for his healing, diabetes slowing down recovery.
This week was filled with family, friends, love and "THANKS" giving! Thank you, Father for your continued love and support!
Psalm 106:1 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Follow-Up Required Day236
In the pasted 2 days God has tenderly reminded me that ministering is not a one time event; both Jo and Elva were in need of follow-up visits. If you are new to this blog adventure, you can read their stories on day 222 and day 226.
Once again we were off to the Farmer`s Market for veggies and our seafood treat for the week. Our friend Jo waited on us, she continued to thank us, by name, for the kindness and prayer that we had offered for her on our last visit.
There was something very different about the way Jo responded to us; she had a warm content smile. She lovingly reached out as she touched my shoulder, graciously thanking me again for praying with her.
We exchanged tales of Thanksgiving festivities, she shared information about her children and grandchildren. Had God used the opportunity of Jo`s misfortune to open the door for continued witnessing! How many times do we over look these windows of opportunity?
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
I believe that God has opened the door to Jo`s heart, allowing friendship and trust to blossom for His glory. I will be obedient to His call to witness to Jo!
Later in the day I arrived at our local store, Elva was outside for a cigarette break, this was the first time I had seen her since our talk many days ago. It was obvious that she had`nt been successful in her attempt to quit smoking. Immediately she started to make excuses for her failure. I assured her that it was really ok, I`m not the cigarette police. However, I certainly knew how she was feeling, it took me many failed attempts to quit drinking.
I tried to encourage her, suggesting that it just wasn`t the right time! Perhaps after the holiday would be a better time. As we continued talking she inquired about where I went to church. Elva is definitely seeking and looking for something that she observes in me. Thank you, God!
She confessed that she didn`t even have a bible or a cross in her home! I just happened to have an extra bible, some books, CD`s and a small wooden cross that I thought Elva might enjoy. She tearfully accepted these gifts. Again, God provided the perfect time for us to pray, as we held hands and bowed our heads.
Isaiah 50:4 The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Amen
Once again we were off to the Farmer`s Market for veggies and our seafood treat for the week. Our friend Jo waited on us, she continued to thank us, by name, for the kindness and prayer that we had offered for her on our last visit.
There was something very different about the way Jo responded to us; she had a warm content smile. She lovingly reached out as she touched my shoulder, graciously thanking me again for praying with her.
We exchanged tales of Thanksgiving festivities, she shared information about her children and grandchildren. Had God used the opportunity of Jo`s misfortune to open the door for continued witnessing! How many times do we over look these windows of opportunity?
Isaiah 55:6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.
I believe that God has opened the door to Jo`s heart, allowing friendship and trust to blossom for His glory. I will be obedient to His call to witness to Jo!
Later in the day I arrived at our local store, Elva was outside for a cigarette break, this was the first time I had seen her since our talk many days ago. It was obvious that she had`nt been successful in her attempt to quit smoking. Immediately she started to make excuses for her failure. I assured her that it was really ok, I`m not the cigarette police. However, I certainly knew how she was feeling, it took me many failed attempts to quit drinking.
I tried to encourage her, suggesting that it just wasn`t the right time! Perhaps after the holiday would be a better time. As we continued talking she inquired about where I went to church. Elva is definitely seeking and looking for something that she observes in me. Thank you, God!
She confessed that she didn`t even have a bible or a cross in her home! I just happened to have an extra bible, some books, CD`s and a small wooden cross that I thought Elva might enjoy. She tearfully accepted these gifts. Again, God provided the perfect time for us to pray, as we held hands and bowed our heads.
Isaiah 50:4 The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. Amen
Friday, November 26, 2010
ASAP Day 235
ASAP, as soon as possible, how many times have you heard that in your lifetime! As a society, it seems that we are constantly running out of time, rushing to meet the demands on our lives. Rush, rush, rush, wonder what Jesus thinks about our self-inflected madness; what would He do?
Perhaps, Jesus would suggest a different approach for ASAP,-- always-- stop-- and-- pray!
Luke 22:39-41 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone`s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed.
If it were necessary for Jesus to stop and pray, what does that say to each of us! We were created in His image, does that invite us to do as He did? You better believe it! But, what if you were like me, and you just don`t know how to pray.
Our heavenly Father desires to have a personal relationship with each and everyone of us; so where and how do we begin! Address Our heavenly Father, praise Him, prayer request, and give thanks in the name of Jesus.
Pray to God, just like you are talking to your "best friend"; as you become more and more confident in your prayer life the Holy Spirit will direct your thoughts and words.
Psalm 88:1-2 O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.
Father God, I thank you for the beauty of this day, thank you for this season of love, thanks giving and blessings. Father, I thank you for the thunder of the foot steps and screams of joy of my grand babies, Nolan, Jillian and Ricky as they spend time with us. Thank you, for your gift of time.
Father, I lift up Jay and his entire family, John, Phillip, Brenda and Hanna, Father, you know their needs, bless and bring your healing graces into their lives. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen!
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Perhaps, Jesus would suggest a different approach for ASAP,-- always-- stop-- and-- pray!
Luke 22:39-41 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." He withdrew about a stone`s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed.
If it were necessary for Jesus to stop and pray, what does that say to each of us! We were created in His image, does that invite us to do as He did? You better believe it! But, what if you were like me, and you just don`t know how to pray.
Our heavenly Father desires to have a personal relationship with each and everyone of us; so where and how do we begin! Address Our heavenly Father, praise Him, prayer request, and give thanks in the name of Jesus.
Pray to God, just like you are talking to your "best friend"; as you become more and more confident in your prayer life the Holy Spirit will direct your thoughts and words.
Psalm 88:1-2 O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.
Father God, I thank you for the beauty of this day, thank you for this season of love, thanks giving and blessings. Father, I thank you for the thunder of the foot steps and screams of joy of my grand babies, Nolan, Jillian and Ricky as they spend time with us. Thank you, for your gift of time.
Father, I lift up Jay and his entire family, John, Phillip, Brenda and Hanna, Father, you know their needs, bless and bring your healing graces into their lives. I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen!
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witness in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
"THANKS"giving Day 234
I am thankful to God for all that I am, made in His image, called to be the "hands and feet of Jesus." That comes with huge responsibility! Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world". A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Are you taking action and allowing your light of JESUS to shine, in your life, your family, your community, and your world! One act of love and kindness can make a difference in "someones" world.
This day of "thanks"giving, began many years ago because the Pilgrims of this country stopped and gave "Thanks;" they suffered, struggled and lost many lives that first year. They remained faithful, with a sincere attitude of gratitude they "GAVE THANKS PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD"!
Remember, what and who this great county of ours was built on! God is calling us to step up and defend His honor and glory! We can do this, "Transforming the World One Prayer at a Time." Thank You, Jesus! Be a blessing, enjoy this season of 'THANKS GIVING."
Matthew 22:37-39 "Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREATEST COMMANDMENT. And second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Are you taking action and allowing your light of JESUS to shine, in your life, your family, your community, and your world! One act of love and kindness can make a difference in "someones" world.
This day of "thanks"giving, began many years ago because the Pilgrims of this country stopped and gave "Thanks;" they suffered, struggled and lost many lives that first year. They remained faithful, with a sincere attitude of gratitude they "GAVE THANKS PRAISE AND GLORY TO GOD"!
Remember, what and who this great county of ours was built on! God is calling us to step up and defend His honor and glory! We can do this, "Transforming the World One Prayer at a Time." Thank You, Jesus! Be a blessing, enjoy this season of 'THANKS GIVING."
Matthew 22:37-39 "Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREATEST COMMANDMENT. And second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Amen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
God-friends Day 233
Today I had lunch will one of my new God-friends; you might ask what defines God-friends? For me, God-friends are those planted in our life by God, for specific reasons, seasons or perhaps a lifetime to teach us valuable life lessons. There is a special bond that elevates this friendship to a divine level of love, trust, compassion and spiritual connection. The magnificence of this friendship could have only been orchestrated by our heavenly Father. Thank you, God.
I met Joyce, last November when I was doing my Little Debbie job, she was shopping in Food Lion, our smiling eyes met, and we struck up a conversation. We did the normal, "how are you," she comment that I had a special glow. I shared that I was attending an upcoming Emmaus weekend, maybe that enhanced my glow. I briefly explained what the weekend was about.
We parted ways, then suddenly she returned, prompted to get my name and address! This time God lead both of us to pray, how amazing is that, God brings total strangers together in a grocery store; then directs them to bond in prayer!
Psalms 17:6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Over the past year my friendship with Pastor Joyce has continued to blossom, imagine that she`s a pastor, really God! She invited me to attend a Renewal of Faith Day, that she held in her church. I know that God used this day as a time of nurturing, teaching and personal growth.
I was nudged by God to sponsor Joyce on the Walk To Emmaus, perhaps this will connect her entire congregation to the Emmaus community; only God knows! I have been obedient to His gentle nudge; I will patiently wait for His perfect time for Joyce to attend her walk.
Today we enjoyed spending girl time together, she shared with me how she was called into the ministry. What a blessing to spend time with my God-friend, Pastor Joyce. Of course, Joyce is always ready to pray with and for me; you can never have too many prayer partners!
What else have I learned from God-friends; you can`t take life for granted, we have a loving forgiving God. Through Jesus, all things are possible, in loving memory of a friend, I walked 39 miles, twice. A caring hand on my shoulder and the words, "Don`t you dare, you`re doing to good," removed my desire to pick up that next drink. Compassion is a gift, it`s not my job to fix anyone! It is my job to love as Jesus loved!
I met Joyce, last November when I was doing my Little Debbie job, she was shopping in Food Lion, our smiling eyes met, and we struck up a conversation. We did the normal, "how are you," she comment that I had a special glow. I shared that I was attending an upcoming Emmaus weekend, maybe that enhanced my glow. I briefly explained what the weekend was about.
We parted ways, then suddenly she returned, prompted to get my name and address! This time God lead both of us to pray, how amazing is that, God brings total strangers together in a grocery store; then directs them to bond in prayer!
Psalms 17:6 I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Over the past year my friendship with Pastor Joyce has continued to blossom, imagine that she`s a pastor, really God! She invited me to attend a Renewal of Faith Day, that she held in her church. I know that God used this day as a time of nurturing, teaching and personal growth.
I was nudged by God to sponsor Joyce on the Walk To Emmaus, perhaps this will connect her entire congregation to the Emmaus community; only God knows! I have been obedient to His gentle nudge; I will patiently wait for His perfect time for Joyce to attend her walk.
Today we enjoyed spending girl time together, she shared with me how she was called into the ministry. What a blessing to spend time with my God-friend, Pastor Joyce. Of course, Joyce is always ready to pray with and for me; you can never have too many prayer partners!
What else have I learned from God-friends; you can`t take life for granted, we have a loving forgiving God. Through Jesus, all things are possible, in loving memory of a friend, I walked 39 miles, twice. A caring hand on my shoulder and the words, "Don`t you dare, you`re doing to good," removed my desire to pick up that next drink. Compassion is a gift, it`s not my job to fix anyone! It is my job to love as Jesus loved!
Thank you, God for Ginger, thank you, God for Jimmy, thank you, God for Shirley, thank you, God for Karen, and thank you God, for Pam. THANK YOU. GOD! AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!
John 15:12-15 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 friend. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servant, because a servant does not know his master`s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Refections Week 33
What a week, good thing that I`m buckled up tight and ready for the ride! This week God has allowed me to reach out and share many experiences of my personal journey.
Flash backs of pain, love and joy, as I exposed my inner soul for God`s Glory! Testimonies, the willingness to witness to one another, no matter the cost of personal discomfort.
Thank you Jesus, for leading the way and lighting in me the flame; leading me to the your river of eternal love.
Ezekiel 47:9 Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. Amen.
Flash backs of pain, love and joy, as I exposed my inner soul for God`s Glory! Testimonies, the willingness to witness to one another, no matter the cost of personal discomfort.
Thank you Jesus, for leading the way and lighting in me the flame; leading me to the your river of eternal love.
Ezekiel 47:9 Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes. Amen.
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