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.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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???????????????
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Dicy, A Call for Prayer Day 309
The significance of this blog may be more meaningful if you revisit previous stories about Dicy! I believe there are three, just take a glance!
Yesterday, I received a call from Dicy, I no longer have regular contact with her, since leaving my Little Debbie job. I was a little surprised to heard her sweet girlish voice, she sheepishly ask if I would do her a favor.
With a trembling voice, she asked if I would pray for her sister, Jeanie. "Will you please pray for her," the next time you are in church; tomorrow she is having surgery for liver cancer. The doctors are confident that they can remove the cancer and she may not even need chemo or radiation!
I suggested the we pray now! I paused, took a deep breath and waited for the Holy Spirit to provide me with the right words, that Dicy was so eagerly seeking.
1 Corinthian 2:12-13 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by humans wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truth in spiritual words.
With heartfelt compassion, I began to pray; as I prayed, I heard Dicy`s loving tears begin to flow for her sister. By the time I finished, Dicy was sobbing, I imagined that her entire body was quivering, as I petitioned God on her behalf.
I am so thank to God, because of our growth and healing in His love, Dicy and I were able to share this special time of needed prayer. Twenty years of bitterness and unforgiving as been released by the healing power of the LORD! Once again, enforcing His message, ASAP, always, stop and pray!
Tears of love and joy, for the Lord trickled down my cheek, as Dicy and I shared a tender farewell! Dicy confidently assured me, that she never leaves home, without first making sure she has the small wooden cross that I gave her. This small cross, healed wounds, open hearts and allowed both of us to benefit from the precious gift that God so freely offers us!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Psalm 107:19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. Amen!
Yesterday, I received a call from Dicy, I no longer have regular contact with her, since leaving my Little Debbie job. I was a little surprised to heard her sweet girlish voice, she sheepishly ask if I would do her a favor.
With a trembling voice, she asked if I would pray for her sister, Jeanie. "Will you please pray for her," the next time you are in church; tomorrow she is having surgery for liver cancer. The doctors are confident that they can remove the cancer and she may not even need chemo or radiation!
I suggested the we pray now! I paused, took a deep breath and waited for the Holy Spirit to provide me with the right words, that Dicy was so eagerly seeking.
1 Corinthian 2:12-13 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by humans wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truth in spiritual words.
With heartfelt compassion, I began to pray; as I prayed, I heard Dicy`s loving tears begin to flow for her sister. By the time I finished, Dicy was sobbing, I imagined that her entire body was quivering, as I petitioned God on her behalf.
I am so thank to God, because of our growth and healing in His love, Dicy and I were able to share this special time of needed prayer. Twenty years of bitterness and unforgiving as been released by the healing power of the LORD! Once again, enforcing His message, ASAP, always, stop and pray!
Tears of love and joy, for the Lord trickled down my cheek, as Dicy and I shared a tender farewell! Dicy confidently assured me, that she never leaves home, without first making sure she has the small wooden cross that I gave her. This small cross, healed wounds, open hearts and allowed both of us to benefit from the precious gift that God so freely offers us!
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Psalm 107:19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. Amen!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Changing Seasons Day 308
Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven.
Thank you God, for the changing season of our lives. As you unfold the beauty of spring, with blossoms and buds of pinks, yellows, golds and hues of green, I behold the magnificent splendor of your creations. All that is required of me, is to receive this master piece. Nothing absolutely nothing, is demanded of me, spring arrives on time by your loving grace, and I`m the grateful recipient!
Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
My pea-brain can not even fathom, I love that word. Fathom, figure out, comprehend, understand, discover or get it fixed in my mind, no sense trying-- I have infinite faith in God and his plans from beginning to end! If God`s gift to me, is to live happy and do good for his glory, I`m on board! Father God, I am in awe of you!
Father God, I thank you for the peace and joy that I feel as I continue to enter the season of senior-citizen-hood; I`m 60 years young, senior discounts are great! Graying hair is a gift of divine highlights, adding character and an appearance of wisdom!
Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. AMEN!
Thank you God, for the changing season of our lives. As you unfold the beauty of spring, with blossoms and buds of pinks, yellows, golds and hues of green, I behold the magnificent splendor of your creations. All that is required of me, is to receive this master piece. Nothing absolutely nothing, is demanded of me, spring arrives on time by your loving grace, and I`m the grateful recipient!
Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom what God has done from the beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him.
My pea-brain can not even fathom, I love that word. Fathom, figure out, comprehend, understand, discover or get it fixed in my mind, no sense trying-- I have infinite faith in God and his plans from beginning to end! If God`s gift to me, is to live happy and do good for his glory, I`m on board! Father God, I am in awe of you!
Father God, I thank you for the peace and joy that I feel as I continue to enter the season of senior-citizen-hood; I`m 60 years young, senior discounts are great! Graying hair is a gift of divine highlights, adding character and an appearance of wisdom!
Isaiah 43:18-19 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. AMEN!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Self-Serving? Day 307
Why do I sit at the computer for hours to write this blog? Early on, I must admit, that I was writing for my own personal desires and satisfaction. Maybe someday I would write a book! God soon took control and realigned my thoughts; the purpose for writing continues to evolve as God uses my writing for his glory.
He uses people places and events to direct my actions, He uses my writing as a tool for teaching, discipline, nurturing and healing the crack-pot at the keyboard. Often I sit down with "my plan," for writing and He soon redirects my fingers and my thoughts.
It wasn`t until I began to pray before writing, that the messages began to flow with great ease, imagine that! I suppose, that I received a heavenly head-nod and God-wink when I finally got that concept, duh...I pray a lot, it just never occurred to me to pray about this blog!
Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you and wait in expectation.
I thank you Father God, for the time and desire to write for your glory. I pray that by sharing personal trials, difficulties, struggles, messages and teachings, that you will continue to smile on all the viewers of this blog and the cracked-pot at the keyboard!
ASAP----- ALWAYS, STOP, AND PRAY-----AMEN!
He uses people places and events to direct my actions, He uses my writing as a tool for teaching, discipline, nurturing and healing the crack-pot at the keyboard. Often I sit down with "my plan," for writing and He soon redirects my fingers and my thoughts.
It wasn`t until I began to pray before writing, that the messages began to flow with great ease, imagine that! I suppose, that I received a heavenly head-nod and God-wink when I finally got that concept, duh...I pray a lot, it just never occurred to me to pray about this blog!
Psalm 5:3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you and wait in expectation.
I thank you Father God, for the time and desire to write for your glory. I pray that by sharing personal trials, difficulties, struggles, messages and teachings, that you will continue to smile on all the viewers of this blog and the cracked-pot at the keyboard!
ASAP----- ALWAYS, STOP, AND PRAY-----AMEN!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Don`t Worry, ASAP Day 306
My mom was a worrier, she worried about everything, all the time! Of course, I assumed that I would carry on this family tradition; for years I did exactly that, in my co-dependent state of mind, I worried about everything and everybody. As one of the oldest sibling, I erroneously believed that it was my job, to take of everyone. Leaving little time for my own needs to be met!
Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single
hour to his life?
As I reflect on this scripture and my own life, I now realize that I was ignorant of the truth, the word of God and his teaching! Just as my mom, probably learned from her mother, I learned to worry! Of course, my mom and mom-mom did the best job that they could. It has taken decades to correct the direction of my thoughts, thank you, God.
Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life: in your light we see light.
Recently, in my unemployed state, God has continued to reinforce the importance of totally depending on him and not my own understanding. ASAP, my child! Always stop and pray! Worrying will only produce more gray hairs but praying to God can change your world.
Father God, I pray that you will bless and open the minds and hearts of everyone that reads this message, drawing them ever closer to the love and the purpose that you have for their existence. Father, I thank you for loving me through my ignorance and allowing me so many do-overs! Thank you for opening the windows of my soul to receive your gifts of grace and mercy. Amen!
Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single
hour to his life?
As I reflect on this scripture and my own life, I now realize that I was ignorant of the truth, the word of God and his teaching! Just as my mom, probably learned from her mother, I learned to worry! Of course, my mom and mom-mom did the best job that they could. It has taken decades to correct the direction of my thoughts, thank you, God.
Psalm 36:9 For with you is the fountain of life: in your light we see light.
Recently, in my unemployed state, God has continued to reinforce the importance of totally depending on him and not my own understanding. ASAP, my child! Always stop and pray! Worrying will only produce more gray hairs but praying to God can change your world.
Father God, I pray that you will bless and open the minds and hearts of everyone that reads this message, drawing them ever closer to the love and the purpose that you have for their existence. Father, I thank you for loving me through my ignorance and allowing me so many do-overs! Thank you for opening the windows of my soul to receive your gifts of grace and mercy. Amen!
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