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.

God Only Knows! Day 356

1 Samuel 12:16  Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!

Thank you Father God for the blessing of each new day!  This is the day that you have made, Linda Squier will rejoice and be glad in it!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Each day we are extended free-will and choice, how will we receive the day?

My day began with a walk with my friend, Dianna, who is struggling to recover and dealing with agonizing back pain.   As we walked and talked, it was evident that my once strong-willed and healthier friend, is in need of God`s in depth healing and gracious mercy.  Spontaneously, we stopped to pray to God, pleading for his touch.    Later that afternoon, I received a call from Miss Jackie from the Kent Island Healing Ministry; next Tuesday Dianna and I will travel to have a healing prayer session!  Was that unexpected call  from Miss Jackie a God co-inky-dink and one of my favorite God winks!  Thank you for hearing our prayer!

Hours later I was praying with another friend, Debbie the administrative assistance, at our church.  On Monday Debbie will journey to Uganda as part of a mission team on a 2 week visit.  While professing her lack of professional skills,  Debbie is confident and willing for God to use her for His desires and glory.  No doubt in mind, God has gigantic plans for Debbie`s praying and intercessory abilities.  The sanctuary was filled with the presences of the Holy Spirit as Debbie played the piano and sang.  As I knelt at the alter, the melody of Debbie`s angelic voice mesmerized my soul, allowing me to communion with the Father. With divine intensity, I opened the chambers of my soul to receive; tears flowed as the spirit orchestrated my words.   I thank God, for calling me to share this incredible time of worship and praise with Debbie.  Please keep her and the team that will be traveling to visit orphanages and prisons in Uganda, as they share Jesus Christ.

The peace and joy that enveloped my existence was amazing, later in the day, as Rick and I strolled though the grocery store a total stranger approached us.  This elderly gentleman felt compelled to share with us that he was pleased to see the smiles of joy that glowed as we shopped.  Really?   In a brief conversation, we learned that this 86 year old gentleman, was disturbed by the faces and actions of his younger grumpy counterparts.  Of course, I had to share that it was the glow of Jesus Christ!  The elderly character confessed that he was not a believer, and that he had plans to befriend and amuse Satan.  I pray that this brief encounter may change his thinking.  Prayers for this stranger, are requested!

As we continued to shop, I spotted a familiar face of days gone by.  Betty Price, an 80 some year old friend of my mom, was right front of me at the dairy case.  We exchanged greetings and briefly reminisced, sharing how much we both missed  mom.  She and Betty used to chat on the phone daily, our families had been friends, since my early childhood.  As Betty shared health concerned for upcoming breast care, I offered to pray.  We shared a full body hug, as I prayed to the LORD on her behalf.  Tearfully, Betty received my prayers!

What a blessing to share this ordinary Wednesday with friends new and old and my husband, thank you Father God!   Psalms 118:24  This is the day the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.  AMEN........

Thank You Father God Day 355

Isaiah 26:4  Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal.

The LORD is our Rock, the solid foundation on which we stand, One Nation Under God.  Last week the east coast was stirred, but not shaken from the foundation of our God.  An earthquake, a hurricane and tornadoes, all within a matter of days, while Jesus took the time for a personal visit with Jillian and I by the lilac bush, wow!

The fear, the uncertainty and the unknown ushering in reality of our faith or lack there of; God is my rock, is he yours?  Did you pray as the hurricane threatened our area?  What is really important?   Did you help your neighbors?   Thanks to the lessons that our country learned from Katrina, we prepared for the worst, while hoping ( praying) for the best!   Sadly, there were 35 lives lost, property damaged ,devistation and major inconveniences, but what did learn?  Is our sinful nature controlling our destiny?  Is God pleading for our attention, does He just what us to depend completely on Him?  God is in control and we are not! 

Jeremiah 36:3  Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked way; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin.

Isaiah 48:17-18  This is what the LORD says---your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel;  "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.  If only you had paid attention to my commands your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the the sea.  Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like it numberless grains; their names would never be cut off nor destroyed from before me."

Have you surrendered your will and life to the LORD?  No time like the present!  Father God, I believe that your son, Jesus Christ lived and died on the cross for the forgiveness of  "MY SINS."   Father God, please  forgive my ignorance and arrogant ways.  Heavenly, Father I surrender my life to you, I love you with all my heart, soul and mind.   Father, please remove the burdens that I can no longer carry, I desire to live my life in your perfect will. AMEN.

Matthew 1:21  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sin.

If you prayed this prayer to the LORD and truly meant it from your heart, God will do the necessary work and healing to restore you to the child of God which you were created.  He will direct your steps and actions, expect changes from the inside out!  Stay connected to the LORD your GOD!

Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, For I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 28:19-20  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Did you pray from your heart.... GOD LOVES YOU!   Mandy, Stacey, Laurie everyone reading this, Amen, thank you, LORD!

Mimi, Jesus Is In My Head! Day 354

Tuesday morning as Jillian and Nolan finished their breakfast, I sat at the computer prepared to write.  As usual, I prayed to God, asking him to direct my thoughts, to lead to me to scripture allowing me to compose for His glory, and  meet the needs of the readers!  I started with the title of Promises, however for the first time since writing this blog, I came to a roadblock, it just didn`t flow, as usual!  After a couple of paragraphs I stopped, believing that perhaps what I was to write about, had not even happened yet!  Little did I realize what an eventful day God had planned.

For the first time in over 100 year the east coast experienced a 5.8 magnitude earthquake west of Richmond, Va; with the effects  felt along the coast as far  as Canada.  Just like thousands of people, I have a where were you story.   As Gina and I watched, Jillian, Nolan, Harrison and Hayden frolic at the community beach, we felt tremors of the quake.  The beach has a gigantic cement barrier retaining wall, I`m talking  really big barriers each weighting better than a ton, that Gina and I sat were sitting on.   Suddenly,  to my amazement, I said to Gina this is moving!  Soon the boat anchored at the near by marina began swaying as unexplained waves traveled to the shore.    We joked about an earthquake and a snaumi, as the waves washed to and throw.

  Later we learned the magnitude of the quake, thank you, God that no one was injured!  Judges 5:3-5 Hear this, you kings!  Listen, you rulers!  I will sing to the LORD, I will sing; I will make music to the LORD, the God of Isreal.  O LORD, when you went out from Seir, when you marched from the land of Edom, the earth shook, the heavens poured, the clouds poured down water.   The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Isreal

You`d think that an earthquake would be the ultimate experience for one day, but what happened later that evening blow me a way!  We have an amazing God.   While Rick worked,  Nolan and his parents attended an open-house for school , Jillian and I shared a girl`s-night!  Just Jillian and Mimi, nobody to bother us, time to talk and do whatever our hearts desired.

We decided to sit in the backyard by the lilac bush to chat.  Jillian said she had something that really bothered her and she wasn`t even sure she should talk about it.  I assured her that she could talk to Mimi about anything!  She shared that she has terrible frightening nightmares that scare her. She fears that someone or something will harm her.  The fear and anxiousness were evident in her gestures and expressions, as her voice trembled.

As I listened carefully, I told her that when she wakes up after a nightmare, she should ask Jesus to help her!  I flashed back to my Sozo training and suggested that we pray.  I  prayed while Jillian repeated it word for word, abruptly Jillian said, "Mimi Jesus is in my head!"  He says that he loves me, he`s showing me stuff.  He has on a long white robe, he has long hair, a beard and dark eyes, his teeth are so white they shine when he talks.   He has a husky voice, he says he loves you too Mimi!   Mimi, I see people,  young, old and even babies, they`re really happy and peaceful.  It`s bright and sunny and beautiful yellow!  Jesus is telling me about Sadon(just how she pronounced it) and he`s showing me people that are mean and grumpy, there is fire and dark clouds.  I`m not afraid because Jesus is with me!  Jesus just keep telling me that he loves me!  He loves, me!  Mimi, Jesus loves me!

 I could hardly believe the moment and the reality of what was happening, I gently hugged Jillian and rocked her in my arms, as tears of joy flowed. I love you too, Jesus!  Habakkuk 1:5  "Look at the nations and watch--and be utterly amazed.  For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.

I asked Jillian if I could share this story on the blog, explaining that perhaps, it would touch the lives of people that read it.  She gave her consent, her only concern was that her friends might read it!  But it would be OK if people around the world read it!  Together we searched for just the right picture of Jesus. When  she spotted it, with loud screams of delight and joy, she said that`s it, that`s it, only Jesus was looking right at me! 

Acts 4:31  After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.  And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

I thank Jesus for joining Jillian and I for girl`s night by the lilac bush, a night that I know Jillian and I will cherish as long as we both live!   WE LOVE YOU JESUS...............AMEN

Father God please have mercy on us as we face the threat of hurricane, Irene, this weekend!