Monday, November 28, 2011

Blessings Unknown

Have you ever had one of those days. You feel exhausted from the things around you. The world is just too much of a burden for you to carry on your own. You look up and think ok God thanks for the day now I am going into my little cubby hole and hiding out for a bit. That was my kind of day today. I had a busy weekend. We got to bed last night. I only had about 2 hours sleep. My life was just too much to think about or deal with. I was going to hide out from the world. Hide out from everything. That was my plan. The hubby at work, Kids at school. Yes this was the life.

Then reality set in. I had things to do and people to see. Noon hour came and I received a phone call from my oldest daughter’s school. “Can you please come and get your daughter she is not feeling well this morning”. I thought to myself….No quiet day. I assured the secretary I would be there soon. There is a saying a mother’s job is never done. Well this was proof to me. I had one set of plans and obviously God had another for me today. Along the way I decided to do my running around. First I picked up my daughter. Followed by a trip to pay some bills at the bank. I then stopped by a friend’s house to drop something off. Then off to the post office to pick up the mail. When I got to the school my daughter was not outside.

When I went to the bank there was this elderly man. He was walking out as I walked in. He did not look too impressed. He looked like he needed a friend. I saw him coming so I held the door and simply said hi there. To which this man totally transformed. He smiled back and said “why thank you dear”. He then continued to talk about the day and I took a couple minutes to let him know that I was listening. I went and paid my bills and back to the truck. When we went to friends place she soon greeted me with a smile and we talked for a short time. She handed me a small gift. Inside the gift was a little book mark. It was about the Eagles wings. It talked about how an eagle will wait for a storm and when a storm comes the eagle picks its wings up so it can soar above that storm. This was exactly what I needed to hear today. God had used my friend and her random act of kindness to bless me. She had no idea what I was feeling like today. God used her. My last stop was at the post office. There was a young mother that was trying to hold her baby and she also had a little dog with her. She had her hands full. So without thinking I offered to hold her dog while she went inside to get her mail. She came out and I smiled at her and said I hope you have a great day. I never thought about either of the acts of kindness I had offered at both the bank and the post office.

When I came home and sat my little gift down. I looked at it and thought wow what a trip. I did not want to go anywhere. I wanted to hide out form the world and everyone in it. Had my plans not changed, I would have not only deprived myself but two other people of a blessing today. God has amazing blessings for each and every one of us. They come in many forms and God will use us to perform them as well as others to bless us if we allow him.

Romans 12:8

“If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”



Sometimes we do things without thinking. Other times God uses others to bless us. It is important that we do not allow our feelings and attitudes get in the way of what God wants. When we are willing, God will use us and we never know just how God will use us to bless others.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

A Job Well Done

     I was sitting on the couch enjoying my last few minutes of quietness. My day had been full of many chores and tasks. I peeled the potatoes and got the cabbage on the stove. I could smell the chicken in the oven. I had done a job well done. Dishes were done. Everything was perfect. As I took the last sip of my tea I thought. “This was my reward for a job well done.”


     My reward came to a quick end. The front door swung open and there stood my youngest with the biggest smile on her face. She blurted out something but so fast I could not understand a word. “Honey just breath I said.” She looked at me and slowly took a deep breath. “Sorry mommy I ran all the way from school today. There is something I really have to show you.” She then reached into her pocket and took out a bright orange ribbon. LOOK, LOOK she replied I got a ribbon today. The ribbon had gold writing on it with the school’s name. Underneath were the words “GOOD WORK” also in gold. That is awesome honey. What is it for? She continued to tell me that it was for the most improved student of the month. Once a month her school has an awards ceremony and they reward the kids for a job well done. She had been trying so hard to get this award. Finally her hard work had paid off. Then she said to me. ” Mommy I know I can do better though. I know I can get the most improved award at the end of the year. If I do my name gets put on a plaque and I will be so excited mommy. I can do it I know I can. I am going to reach for the gold.” I smiled at her and gave her a hug to tell her I was so proud of her for doing her best.

     What is more satisfying than being complimented or rewarded for something that you have done, and done it well. Many times we seek the compliment or the reward behind something. Do those compliments really mean anything? There are many people out there that do many good things but are their intents pure? Why do you do the things you do? Do you do it to help that person? Do you do these things to honor God? Do you do them to reach out to people and to show them God’s love? Or do you do them so the people around you can see just how terrific you are?

Mathew 6:1 says
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do you will have no reward from your heavenly father in heaven.”

     In the end the only thing that matters is what God thinks. I do things because I feel God leading me to do them. I know that we are not always perfect and sometimes a compliment is nice. My daughter wanted a compliment from her parent when she came home. I think that it will be like this one day when I go home to see my heavenly father face to face. I want his acknowledgment. I want his compliments. His hug to say he is proud of me. I find that when I am in Gods will I can do anything and it does not matter what the outcome is, because in the end my reward will be in heaven. In the end God will have a big rewards ceremony and I will be waiting for my name to be called with the words “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” Just like my youngest I want the bigger reward and I want to reach for the gold. We all will be held accountable for our works here on earth. Will you receive your rewards here on earth or in heaven?

Friday, November 11, 2011

Let Us Remember

Deuteronomy 4:9

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen nor let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

I remember as a young girl going up to the senitaf for the yearly memorial service. The moment of silence and the 21 gun salute. We would walk the great wall and read the many names of men and woman who gave their lives fighting for our freedom. I learned as a young child that this was the right thing to do because these many men and woman fought for our freedom and they have earned our respect. Without them amagine where we could be today.

I remember as a child I always respected, and was loyal to the veterens. It was something as children we were taught. I never really knew the actual feeling of losing a loved one in the war. I just honoured them as I was taught. I don’t think I ever saw a veteren as being more then an older aged person. You looked at them and the wrinkles and looks apon their faces told the whole story. Another thing is these older people were once young. In time I realized it is not all older people but many young people. I had such great respect and it was an important thing as a child. When I got older I still respected, and honoured our vetrens. When I looked at my life I realized that I respected but I tended to really forget the many things and values I had learned as a child. When I was a child rememberance day was a statitory holiday. Today the schools have their services but it is not like before I soon realized times had changed and so had I.

That was until a couple of years ago, when I came face to face with reality, first hand. Little did I know that I would experince it once again just over a year ago. Each time these where not only loved ones. They were also very young men. They had their lives taken from them far to young. These men both served and protected our country to the best of their abilities. They went above and beyound the call of duty. They gave their lives for us. These two young men are just two of many men and woman who give their lives for our freedom. I have also had a nephew, a couple of cousins and a couple friends who fight daily to protect our country. These people have made me come to an understanding that I never really had as a child. No one made any of these men and woman go. This was a choice that many make today. They feel they have a duty to serve and protect our country. They are aware that they may never see their loved ones again. This is a sacrific that they are willing to make for us. How can we take them for granted.

I have made it a priority to make sure my children have learned the meaning of Rememberance Day. As early as this morning my youngest daughter was getting ready for school all excited about the rememberance day service. She knew that at 11:00 she would not be with me. So she stopped and said mom can we have a moment silence before school for our friend Larry and all the other soldiers who have died and fight for us. So in my kitchen we had a small prayer and a moment of silence for all the many soliders who give of themselves daily. This is what rememberance day is really about. It is passing on the torch to our younger ones. It is teaching them about these many men and woman. It is making sure to pass on that message to their children just like our parents and loved ones have passed it on to us. These many men and woman give their lives for us. The least we can do is take the time to  make sure that they will never be forgotten.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Do Not Be Discouraged

     Have you ever taken a specific request to God and the answer seems to be no. Maybe that answer is wait? Have you ever seen a child go to a parent and the parent tells them to wait. It is a frustrating situation. They want it now. They do not want it 10 minutes from now or even months from now. It is needed now. Sometimes we take our requests to our heavenly father only to get the response wait. It can get to be very frustrating and discouraging.
     I know I have recently been going through a situation that my family has been praying for quite some time about. Every door we see an opening and think yes this is the door. God soon seems to close it as fast as it opened. It has been a long journey for us. I think in every situation it is hard when the reply is…wait. I don’t know about you but I am not a waiter. I want it all done at this very moment. When I go to my kids or someone and ask them to do something. I tend to ask once and if it is not done in the first five minutes. I tend to get frustrated and then I just go and do it myself. I do not like waiting for anything.
     So when God answers with wait it is one of the hardest things for me to do. About a week ago I was feeling so discouraged and down. I spoke with a friend of mine and was telling her that I just felt like giving up. Things were never going to work for me. When I finished talking to her I sat and thought about what I had said. I started remembering things that over the years I had been praying for. Some were answered right away. Some were answered without me even realizing they had been. Most prayers that I waited on and continued being faithful. They were answered one by one. Sometimes the answers were not what I thought it should be at that time. However they were all answered in his time. Then I looked into the bible. Many times gods answer was wait. Noah, Moses, Jonah, Those prayers that were not answered the exact way I wanted in time I could see why. God wants the very best for us. The bible tells us there is a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). God knows the right time and season for our prayers. Don’t be discouraged because God is in control.
     God also has a purpose for each and every one of us. He knows the right time and the plans he has for us. Hebrews 12:2 says: Let us fix out eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. All we have to do is focus on him with faith believing. The bible also tells us in Romans 8: 28 that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord. All we need to do is stay focused on him and he will do the rest. So next time you ask and God’s answer is…Wait He knows your best interest. Trust in him and he will bring the answers to you.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

HOT, HOT, HOT

    This last week or so has been unbelievable with the heat reaching to almost 50 degrees Celsius. We do not have air conditioning, therefore the only escape we have had is a couple of our friends. They have graciously opened their pool up to my family and me until this heat wave subsides. I watch the weather station and I see that in other places they are only getting rain. I find myself thinking. "Lord can you send a little bit of water this way.. Just enough to cool us for a short time." I am reminded of a time we went on a missions trip to the United States. On one of our stops, one of the pastors had said he would love to come over to Canada and visit us. His wife soon came back with "What?? Your going alone, I am not going to that cold, cold country. We herd several comments to this fact. Some actually thought we all lived in igloos. We would just look at each other and chuckle. Canada is far from cold in the summer. However this year we are breaking records and at this point, there seems to be no end to this heat.

    I find myself thinking about the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. (Luke 16:19-31) Lazarus was a beggar. He would sit each night at the gate of a rich man’s home. He hoped that the rich man would take compassion on him and offer him his scraps of food. That time never came because the rich man was too greedy and selfish. He only thought about himself and he did not care that Lazarus was starving. In time they both died and the rich man went to hell. It talks on how the rich man would call out begging for Lazarus to dip his finger into the water. He wanted Lazarus to bring him a drop of water to cool his tongue. He was in intense heat, but it was too late. There was no refuge. On these hot days maybe you have found refuge in an air conditioner or like me in a friends pool. When the day comes and you come face to face with God. Where will you find your refuge?
    There are many people who do not believe that hell even exists. Some believe the thought that once saved always saved. Others believe that hell will have different degrees of punishment for sin. The more sever the sin the greater the punishment. I have also saw people who believe that they will get into heaven through someone else’s good works. They believe well my family member believes in God and is going, and therefore I will go with them. Some believe that only sinners will be judged. My question is.. What if they are wrong?? Even Jesus himself believed in hell. I do believe that we will be surprised on who we see go to heaven and hell. I believe there are no degrees of sin. God sees sin as sin. He sees us all as sinner and he loves us regardless. The amazing part of it all is we do not have to suffer the heat. Jesus paid the penalty so we could find refuge from the heat.  I heard it once said that "until you believe in hell you can not actually believe in the bad new of hell. Therefore you will never be able to understand the good news of Jesus." The whole truth is whatever you believe, Jesus came down to earth to die on the cross for each and everyone of us. He paid the price so we did not have to pay the price in hell. We do not have to be in the heat. He wants to be our refuge. Not just for a short time but for eternity.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

WHAT TEAM ARE WE REALLY ROUTING FOR ?

         My husband plays baseball every Thursday evening. He has been with this baseball league for a little while now. Last year they had a new team join the league. This team was actually a church team. Not just any church team but our church. I found myself many times routing for the church team over my husbands team. A few weeks ago the two teams met for a game. I was feeling rather tired and burnt out from a crazy week. I decided that I was going to sit at home and relax instead. I called my daughters cell phone to see how they made out. She responded back with, They lost mom. The church team beat them. My first reaction without even thinking was YES, WAY TO GO BARACUDA’S….(the church team) My daughter said "um mom. You do realize Dad’s team lost. You can’t be on both sides you have to chose one." I soon replied with oh yea "Yahoo Barracuda’s boo Twisters. Shhh Don’t tell Daddy. We had a quick chuckle between us.
       That night I lay in bed and her words kept coming to me. "You can’t be on both sides. It started to get me thinking. As Christians how many times in life do we find ourselves caught between two teams. I thought of many individuals that I have met, who like to play both sides. They say they love God and are followers of Jesus, However they still dabble in many things that the world has to offer them. We walk a fine line up and down the fence routing on the other team. I know I have found myself in these situations. Yes we go to church Sunday and do the right things but we find ourselves talking about others. We find ourselves putting that certain person down, when we should be lifting them up. We point fingers instead of praying for that person. We are quick to judge or quick to condemn. We do things that we know are not expectable in God’s eyes but somehow we find it expectable in our eyes. When we go to our work places and around our friends are we excited to share what God has done for us, or do we hide what team we are routing for. Do we walk the walk or just talk the talk. Are we open to what God wants us to do for him?

What team are we really on? When you take the time to look at your life where do you really stand?
Joshua 24:15 says "But if you refuse to serve the Lord,

then chose today whom you will serve."


God wants us to chose his team. He wants us to have a life that is full of his many blessings. He does not want us to perish. He loves us and is so crazy about us. In my daughters words.. "You can’t be on both sides you have to chose one." What team do you chose?

Saturday, June 25, 2011

JESUS LOVES THE OUTCAST

      Recently we attended a couple of function. These function had a lot of Christians at it. One thing that stuck in my mind was the favoritism and the sense of not belonging. Don’t get me wrong it was not by all. There were many tables of different people. As you looked at the tables you had the idols. When I say idols I mean infamous popular people. The ones that had no time for the outcasts. If you had put any of the outcasts at their table they would have probably been offended as they did not want anyone but their group of people at their table. Then you had the outcast table. These people were amazing people, All very interesting and probably more enjoyable then the stuff shirts. I was a little offended myself that people think they are so much better then others. People seem to take first impressions on some people. They don’t take the time to get to know others. They don’t take the time to see people for who or what they really are. They are too busy in their own little circle.

      I find this to be very sad because this gives a bad example for an unbeliever. Are the outcasts not important enough to reach out to? I have to admit I am usually the outcast. It really bothered me until one day my friend pointed out that Jesus himself was an outcast. Not because he was not popular or he did not have things. He was an outcast because he hung out with the outcasts. Jesus loved the outcasts.

      When I look back in these many situations when he had so many opportunities to turn the outcasts away. He never did. I think that maybe because the outcasts were the more humble when they came to him. Jesus loves the humble. He loves the ones that have no pride. Look at the many people he was with in his life. He hung out with the poor, the prostitutes, the tax collectors. He hung out with the low lives as others saw them. How did Jesus see them? He saw them as perfect lovable people. He saw them as being great.

Jeremiah 39:17

But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’



      If you find yourself to be an outcast remember, when people treat you as an outcast it may hurt you, It may cause many scares but God promises to come and to heal all our wounds. You can allow these things to make you bitter or you can open your hearts and allow him to heal you.
      Many times in life I have been treated like I was not worthy. My friend really made me look at the facts. I don’t have money. I may not always be perfect. I may not be the size and shape everyone thinks I should be. However I am willing to be a work in progress and I am willing to allow God to use me in anyway he can. God loves me and his opinion is all that really matters.

      In the end will those idols opinions matter to me? No because they do not choose my destination. I want to encourage you to remember next the time you feel like you are an outcast, or the next time you put someone in the outcast position, rethink your thoughts because God loves the outcast. I encourage you to either look at Jesus life. Don’t point fingers. Take the time to get to know that person. You could be turning away a great chance to lead that person to God. God could have a plan for that person’s life and it could begin with you. Stop being an idol and try being the outcast for once. God will bless you greatly because he loves the outcasts.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

THANKYOU LORD FOR SECOND CHANCES

    This weekend was an amazing weekend for me. My brother was remarried. His wife passed away a few years ago. He went through a great ordeal. I watched my brother go through the worst of the worst. This was one of the hardest things for me. To watch him hurt and not be able to remove that pain and suffering. This last year he met a very special lady. I have watched his life turn around because of her. I see him smile once again. The spring in his step has returned and he is the brother I remember him being before all of this turmoil and strife. I know that if he had not of known God and his love, my brother may not have even been with us today. My sister in law will never be replaced but he has that second chance for love once again. God is so great. He knew that is what my brother needed in life and he brought her to him.

    God knows each and everyone of us. He knows our motives, he knows our thoughts. He knows our hears. Isn’t it amazing that God is the God of second chances.. He is there to give us that chance. He does not just bring us a second chance but many chances. Regardless of our endless mistakes and the nature of our sins. Regardless of if we think we deserve it or not. He is there to give us the second chances over and over again. With my brother it was a second chance to love again, However I am talking about another second chance. This second chance is a second chance to fix something that you really messed up the first time.
Psalms 103:12 says "…as far as the east is from the west,

so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

    Many times we are hard on ourselves and we beat ourselves up for doing silly things. God is there waiting for you to hand it over to him. He wants to clear the slate and allow you to try again. There is an old saying that I am sure you have all heard before….."If at first you don’t succeed try, try again."
    When we hand it all over to him we don’t have to keep trying to succeed because he is there to hold our hand and to bring us though it. I am often reminded of a parent when their child first learns to walk. That child stumbles and that child falls. What does the parent do? Do they pick them up scold them ? Do they punish them? Do they tell them they are useless because they keep falling? Of course they don’t they love their child. They pick them up and make sure they are ok. They brush them off and stand them up. They hold on to them and let them take baby steps. They support them and love them. They may even kiss their booboos all better. That is what God wants for us. He gives us those second chances knowing that one day we will walk on our own and we will succeed. He knows us better then we know ourselves.

    When Peter denied Jesus, he was so ashamed. He had promised Jesus a few hours before that he would always be there and never leave Jesus side. He was so ashamed that he buried his face in his hands and he wept. After Jesus rose from the dead, he returned to Peter. Jesus asks "Peter do you love me?" Peter then answers with all sincerity, "Yes Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus then rebuilds Peter’s confidence. He prepares him to go into the world. He gives him a task to go and to care for God’s children. Not once did God give up on Peter. Peter had denied Jesus but not once did Jesus give up on him. I am sure Peter never thought he was worthy of Jesus forgiveness. I am sure he was probably very hard on himself. Regardless of all of this. Jesus reaches out and loves him in return.

    I am sure we have all been in Peter’s shoes at one time or another. We promise God that we will never do it again. We promise God things only to realize that temptation has entered into our lives . We mess up and we give into that temptation. Only to totally fail God once more. God wants us to except our sins and transgressions when these things happen. He wants us to accept his forgiveness and to grow closer to him so he can use us.

    I want to encourage you today, If you have given into temptation or find yourself in these situations. Remember God loves you. He wants you to accept that you have done wrong. He wants to confess it to him so he can remove all your transgressions. He wants to you move forward. He wants to guide and direct you.

   God has great things in store for your life. He has many plans for you. Do not give up on God because he will never give up on you.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

WEEDS

Have you ever noticed no matter how many times you weed your garden, The weeds just keep coming back. I just weeded my garden about two weeks ago. I was careful to get all of the root because I knew if I did not get the root, they would soon grow back. My garden looked so beautiful. The plants were full and beautiful flowers had started to open. No weeds a garden without flaws. That was until a couple of days later. Then I noticed that there were weeds back already. Before long I noticed my poor garden was over come by weeds once again. In order for my garden to be free of these pesky weeds I must pull them daily. If we do not pull them the plants will soon wither and die because the weeds suffocate them and eventually will kill them.

This reminds me of our lives. There are many weeds and thorns of life that grow around us daily. It all depends on how we deal with these weeds as to what the outcome is. There are many things that grow like a bad weed. Maybe you have been hurt by someone and you can’t let it go. Maybe you have lost a loved one and are mad at God for taking them away. Maybe it is just the worries and stress of life in general. It can be many things. These weeds grow around us and become bigger and bigger. I know that one weed that can grow in my life if I allow it to is insecurity. I grew up in a very large family and I always had a sense of not belonging. I was bullied at school and I was always told by many that I was nothing. I was abused by people many times. After a while it breaks down your self esteem. As a teenager I tried to take my own life a couple of times. I did not want to live, No one cared about me so why should I. Even though I  knew God, the weeds of the world had over taken my vision and I was being suffocated by the world. The worlds image is that you must be of a certain weight, size and you must be good at everything or you are a nothing. I never fit into that criteria. And that was my thorn for the longest time. From time to time Satan tried to get that weed in there by striking my insecurities. However my gardener is more powerful then any other. I just lift my hands towards heaven and he deals with it.

It is important when we deal with these weeds in our lives that we get to the root of the issue. We can take only the top off, However it will only grow back.

Has your life become full of weeds that the enemy has planted? Are the worries and stress of every day life choking you. Do you have weeds that need to be pulled? There is a root to every weed. Maybe it is bitterness. envy, unforgiving, complaining or the root of jealousy. Some weeds may have a longer rooting system. They may be harder to pull and deal with. Remember…..You are not alone. God is standing by your side with the hoe ready to pull each and every one of those weeds from your heart. God is crazy about you. He loves you and he knows how beautiful you are. He is your best friend. He will never let you down. People in this world will fail you. Things in your life will hurt you. But God will never hurt you or reject you. God is so amazing that as I allow him to heal me and to help with these weeds he removes each and every one of them. He removes them through his word and prayer. He uses others around me to uplift me and to make me fell like I belong. I am loved because I am a child of the king. I love because he first loved me.

If you have any weeds in your life. I pray that you will open yourself up to God and allow him to show you them and to help you deal with them. He wants to pull each and everyone of those weeds to help us to be as beautiful as we can be.
When we deal with the weeds and their roots, we can become that beautiful garden without flaws.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

WHO IS OUR FIGHT REALLY WITH?

Have you ever did something that God lays on your heart? Only to find yourself in a battle afterwards?

 
     Last week. I decided that I was going to try and witness to my neighbor. She had just moved into my complex not that long ago. I felt led that God wanted me to get to know her more. We had another neighbor moving into our complex and the gardens did not look all that great. So I decided to go and clean them up and make them look nice for when the new neighbors moved in. No one had done them all spring so they were full of weeds and what plants were in there we dyeing due to them being suffocated by the weeds.
I had mentioned to my neighbor I wanted to do this and she suggested that she help me. I though it was very nice of her to help. I also took this as an open door that God wanted me to get to know her and minister to her. The night before I prayed God, shine through me. I want you to use me in this situation.

    The next morning I got up and went to work. Soon my neighbor came out to join me. We had an amazing talk. She shared a lot of her life with me. She had been through a very hard life. I was able to share with her the trials and things in my life that I had endured. I also shared with her that I believe in God and I know that without him. I would never been able to forgive the many people in my life that I have. We finished the gardening and our visit continued on to Tim Horton’s for more fellowship. I was so happy with the way things went. When I was heading over to Tim Horton’s to meet her, I went to get gas. There was this lady there that was very unpleasant and she just wanted to argue with me. She was yelling from her car window at me. She was saying a lot of stuff about me and putting me down. Things she was saying to me were things that have actually bugged me about myself all my life pretty much. I had never met this woman before. Had no idea who she was or anything about her. All I knew is I was under attach from her and I had no idea way. These things she was saying were my insecurities that I had dealt with though out life. Basically the same insecurities that I had shared with my neighbor about.
    I was driving to meet my neighbor and it was really bothering me what she said. I was shaking because I was angry. I thought why is this bothering me so much. Then I could hear a still small voice say to me. I love you. I continued driving and tears filled my eyes. Who was I really fighting? Was I fighting this bitter ignorant woman? Who was my battle really with? My battle was with the enemy himself. He was not happy that I was on a high from doing what I felt God wanted me to do. He was angry that I had actually told my neighbor that there is hope. I find my hope in Jesus. He did not like that I had told my neighbor that I believed in God and without him my life would be incomplete. He was attaching me through this lady at the gas station . What better way to get to me so I would loose focus then to attach me with my insecurities? I prayed and said God be with that lady at the gas station and Lord forgive me for being angry with her. Help me to regain my focus for you.

    Every one of us is at battle everyday of our lives. When we leave ourselves open to minister to someone or to do what we feel God wants us to do. We leave ourselves open for some kind of attach. That is why it is so important that when we go out to battle we are ready. A soldier never goes out to his post without his armor. That would be silly.

Ephesians 6: 11

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. (NLV)


    It also goes on to tell us that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against the evil ones. It also tells us to stay alert and persistent in our prayers.
When you do things and something happens take it as a sign you are on the right track. God tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. ( Matthew 5:44 )

When you find yourself in a trial with someone pray.





Saturday, May 21, 2011

ONLY GOD HIMSELF KNOWS

    I had just settled in for a nice quiet nights sleep last night. It had been a busy day and I was ready for my pillows. I kissed my husband goodnight and pulled the blankets up over me. My eye lids started to close and life was all good. "MOM…MOM WAKE UP. MY FRIEND JUST SENT ME A TEXT MESSAGE…..THE WORLD IS ABOUT TO END!!!!" I jumped out of bed to see what the ruckus was all about.
    Apparently there is a man who is the founder of the Family Radio in Oakland, California. He is an eighty- nine year old man named Harold Camping. He has studied the bible for years and has come up with this prediction. The prediction being that the world will end May 21st, 2011. He says that there will be an earthquake bigger then the one that Japan had. He also states that this will be just the beginning of the end. Events will take place over time and it will officially end October 21st, 2011. It had been broadcasted on the news and on billboards all over the United States. I had been to busy too even hear any part of this news.
    I quickly reassured my daughter that she had nothing to worry about. First of all if God came it would be a blessing for all of us that know him. To which she replied. "Yes it would mom, but not yet.. I am going to Camp Medeba on Wednesday." I thought to myself that is a normal request. I remember as a child my thoughts were. No God can’t come yet, I want to get married and have kids. Now I often think, "Yes it would be amazing to be in heaven but I want my kids married. I want to see my Grandchildren. The fact is…God will come again in his time.

"But about that day or hour no one knows,

not even the angels in heaven, not the Son, but only the Father.

Matthew 24: 36

    So no one knows when Christ will come except for God himself. So many times people figure they have studied the bible long enough and they have all the answers. Obviously they did not study it hard and long enough. This simple little verse says it all.
    Instead of studying on the actual date which no one knows would it not make sense to study the bible and get to know God more. To know what we need to do to be ready for his return when it finally does happen. I myself am looking forward to that day when I come face to face with God himself. That day will come in it’s time. Next time you hear a prediction like this, instead of panicking or worrying. Just sit back and take a look at your life. Use it as a reminder.. God will come again one day. If you are ready you have nothing to worry about. In the end the importance is not when but will you be ready?



Tuesday, May 17, 2011

AM I DOING ENOUGH??

    Have you ever questioned if you needed to do more for God? I know I have many times. I want to do more. I want to be more like him. I go to church every Sunday. I go to prayer groups and I am a member of a very lively and amazing church group, with a goal of seeking and following after God. I am a leader of the local ladies coffee break for one of the local churches. I volunteer at the school and local food bank from time to time. I am the youth bowling coordinator for the local youth bowling league. I help out in the nursery at the church and from time to time I help with the church youth. When I was about 18. I use to help on the Sunday School bus. I would spend lots of time with the kids and we would sing songs and just have a great time on the ride to and from church every Sunday. When I got older, I taught Sunday School and I helped with youth. I worked at a couple of summer camps over the years too. I was on the go for God. However is that enough? When it came to school or work, was I so on fire for God. Did I tell others about him. If I did had I done enough to get the point across?

    I never realized the impact that I make on others until later on in my life. I really took a look at how important it is for us to do more a few months ago. We had a tragedy in our neighborhood. In this tragedy one of my neighbors had died. When I realized what had actually taken place. I remember sitting in my living room on the couch in shock first of all that this had happened. Secondly the question came through my mind. Did I do enough? Had I shared and shown her God’s love? Had I made it a point to let God shine through me? I did not see this woman much as our schedules seemed to collide with the other. But had I shown her in anyway the love of Jesus. Had I touched her when we spoke or when we did things? When the day comes that God comes again. Will I see her or will she say. I never knew. Will this ladies blood be on my hands for not sharing enough with her?
    Many times we hold ourselves back because we are afraid of pushing that person away. We are afraid of what it will make us look like.
Mark 8:38

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the son of man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels."

 
    Jesus has very harsh words about those that are ashamed of him. He tells us that when God comes again, God will be ashamed of anyone who is ashamed of him. Having faith in God is not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. It is something we should be proud about. We should proudly embrace the fact that we know him. Do you remember when you were first saved? I don’t know about you but I wanted everyone to know about God. I remember a few people arguing with me. I have learned over the years that it is not always that person you are fighting. I have learned that when the spirit leads me to talk to that person. It is important because it may the last chance they have to hear it. I encourage you to be sensitive to the spirit and allow God to lead you. He will give you the words to say. He knows what that person needs to hear or see.
    I wake up every morning with a prayer of thanks giving. I also ask God to use me every day. To open my eyes and my heart that I will be doing all that I can for him. I encourage you to do the same. I know it is not always easy to approach some people. I do know that God is with us and he will use us and he will open doors if we are willing.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

SUMMERTIME

    About a week ago I was approached about writing something for Coffee Break. Seeing this was our last one before the summer break, I thought about how important it is for us to keep God involved with everything we do.
    Summer time is a wonderful time. It should be a great time to get closer to God. A time to enjoy the nature and all that he has made and given to us. However it can be very busy. The kids are home and our routines seem full. For most of us schedules seem to go out the window. Swimming, sports, vacations, family time, work, sleeping in. All kinds of things to take up our time during the day. There just don’t seem to be enough time in a day during the summer. With this crazy hectic time when church programs close for summer break, people tend to take a break from God too. They tend to leave him there until September.
    Summer is a great way to rejuvenate the mind and soul as we spend time with family and friends. God is the best friend that anyone could ask for. He cares about everything we do. Summer time is not a time to forget and leave God behind. We would never leave our best friends behind, why is it so easy to leave God behind?

Hebrews 13: 5 says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

    God wants us to allow him access to everything we do this summer. He wants to go along for the ride. He would never leave or forsake us. So why not involve him with your summer break as often as possible. He is waiting for the invitation to join you on your summer break all you have to do is invite him to come along.

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

JESUS LOVES ME

Just recently my youngest made me think of just how much Jesus loves me. I had just picked my girls up from school early. We were dealing with quite a storm. Hydro was out and the winds were unbelievable. I realized that I was very low on gas. With gas prices being so high and all I was trying to hold off. I started to drive into town to get gas, then it dawned on me, once I was almost there. Hey no one has hydro. How are the pumps going to work? I was having one of those moments. I continued to drive and sure enough all gas stations were closed. I was starting to get a little worried, as I prayed I could hear a small voice inside me say "Does God not love you? All things are possible with God on your side.


I drove into one of the local gas stations realizing all I had was a bank card to pay. No hydro not only means no gas but no debit machine. I sent my oldest to see about the debit machines. The lady at the station told her that as we pulled in, the hydro came back on and they were ready for business. Even better yet they had a running debit machine. So I proceeded to pull into the long lineup to get some gas. I must have sat there for about ½ hour to get my gas. People were getting inpatient and restless. At one point I thought that there was going to be a fist fight in front of the girls. I soon used it as an example to my kids of what happens when we let things get to us, and we try and do things in our own strength. Finally the way was clear for me to get to the pumps. Only to have the gas attendant inform me that the debit machine had crashed since I pulled in. So I asked her to put the gas in for me, while I ran to the other side of the parking lot to a local bank machine. I figured by the time I got back to my truck the gas would be in it. I could pay and get out of this crazy place. Just as I got back to my truck I heard a lady from inside the store yell out to the gas attendants. "Sorry Guys our hydro is out once again." I looked at the attendant and said "I guess I am here waiting for a little longer." She looked up and smiled. She then continues to tell me on how lucky I was. Not only had the hydro turned on as I pulled into the station, but just as she put the last drop of gas into my tank and put the gas cap on the hydro shut down. I just made it. She told me to go and buy a lottery ticket with my luck. My youngest in the back seat yells out to her and said. "My mom don’t do that, she has no luck. What my Mommy has is Jesus and she got gas because he loves her. The gas attendant just smiled at me. As I was driving home my daughters words continued to swirl around in my head. Jesus loves her. He loved me enough to make sure I had gas in my truck. He knew my need at that moment and he met it.

Jeremiah 31:3 says " I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

When we love someone and they are in need and we can help them, Do we sit and say no way? No we try our very best to help them. God don’t care how simple your request is, He wants to meet our needs. My need at that time was gas and he loved me enough to make that happen. Sometimes it take the simple things for us to realize how much God loves us. I knew all the time that God loved me, However I needed that little reminder. The voice of a very special child saying

"JESUS LOVES YOU!!"



Tuesday, May 3, 2011

ARE YOU ROOTED?

I was out driving this weekend and I saw some of the after mass of a wind storm we recently had. There were trees down. Some of the trees looked to be very strong and healthy. They looked as if they could handle anything when you looked at them. There was one problem with them that allowed them to fall. Their roots were frail and week. They stood strong and because their roots were not rooted very well. The storms came and they fell. The storm had taken that tree roots and all out of the ground where it was planted. It looked like it was firmly planted but in the end it was not.

I was reminded that this is like us as Christians. We seem strong on the outside and we look so spiritually healthy but our rooting system is frail. We need to develop and grow our roots and hook our roots into the solid ground. We do this by studying God’s word. Prayer and spending time with him is also a great way to develop those strong roots. Faith also helps to develop our rooting system, when we have a rooting system that is based on our faith, nothing can knock us down.

Friday, April 29, 2011

THE WEDDING FEAST

I got up a little early this morning to watch the royal wedding. I was so amazed by the parties and the events that are all geared around the royal wedding. I watched as people were going into the church. The streets were filled with people just wanting to get a look at Kate’s dress. The event was full of joy and excitement. People were screaming and yelling with joy as the Queen and many other royal family members drove by. They had all taken time out from their busy schedules to be at this event. There were also many weeks of preparations put into this event. Weeks of rehearsals and preparing to make sure that William and Kate where ready for this great event. Later people would crowd into the Buckingham Palace circle just to see that first kiss. They did not want to miss any part of this wedding. They all took the time to be there for them and to share the joy with this royal family. A reporter had also said that apparently the local pubs would be having special things going on such as free beer and food. They had also commented on how the pubs went into bankruptcy about 30 years ago when Prince Charles and Lady Diana were married. After the royal couple had shared the kiss they proceeded back into the palace to have a wedding feast and such celebrations. I was so happy for this couple to be able to start a life together. Although the whole time I could not get out of my mind another wedding celebration and wedding feast that the bible talks about.

 
Revelations 19:7
Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

We are his bride and we need to be ready. Kate took many weeks to prepare and make herself ready for William. We need to do the same when it comes to God. He wants us to be ready. We do not know the time nor the hour of when he comes. We need to prepare ourselves to be ready. We need to praise and worship him. We need to spend time with him in prayer and reading his word. We need to give him everything and learn to lean on him. We need to die to ourselves and give our lives over to him. When he comes again we will be invited to that great wedding feast. Will we be ready?

Thursday, April 21, 2011

IS THERE A PURPOSE?

With Easter and the anniversary of my sister in laws death approaching. I find myself thinking about death and the resurrection of Jesus. Everyone has a purpose in life, so…as a follower of Jesus what is my purpose? I have heard it said that the greatest purpose for man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.


Jesus himself had a purpose. Jesus became sin, so we could be forgiven and find righteousness in God. We were Jesus purpose. When Jesus was born, he was born for a purpose to save us from our sins. The bible says that when a sinner repents heaven rejoices. It also says that the Lord rewards good works and there is joy in hearing him say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant. Jesus knew the pain and suffering that he was about to go through, yet he anticipated the joy that would happen as each person repented and came to know him. I am sure he also looked forward to the joy that would follow every good deed done by those that loved him. The bible says that "We loved God because he first loved us."



Ephesians 2: 10 says, " For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."



Isn’t it interesting to know that God has even planned our good works. We are able to bring God joy. What an amazing Savior we serve. To know that even as sinners he has given us the ability to bring him joy. He rejoices and experiences joy as we respond to him in repentance, love and good works that bring him glory. Our purpose in life is to bring our Lord joy. So during this Easter season and every day to come. I encourage you to give Jesus the gift of joy, he is looking forward to it. That is our purpose in life.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Be Still

Psalms 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

I was sitting in the park enjoying the beautiful weather that we have had recently. I watched in the distance as some of the kids had gathered together to play a game of freeze tag. "Tag your it" said one of the children as they tagged the other. I could see the little boy freeze and try his very best to stand still. I watched as it took everything within him to just sit and be still until someone came and tagged him. Have you ever had to sit and wait on something and just be still for a bit. It is a hard thing to do.

Now anyone that knows me knows that I am the type to talk, talk , talk. When I am quiet I am still talking or thinking in my mind. We can not hear God with a mind full of words. It is also hard to be quiet when you have too much going on around you. As a parent and wife, I have noticed that the worst time to have my quiet time is when my husband and kids are around. Don’t get me wrong I love them dearly, However it is kind of hard to be quiet in the mist of, "Mom she won’t let me play the game with her…. "Mom she won’t let me do it myself…."Mom where is this? Or "Hon do you know where my keys are?
You get the picture I am sure.

I remember when I was a teenager. I worked at Christian Horizons. It was a camp for mentally challenged. As much as I enjoyed working at this camp. It was a very trying day sometimes. I would get up early in the morning before I had to be with the campers. This is when I got my quiet time. There was a lake at this camp and the campfire was at the lakes edge. The trees made it shady and the water was so clear. It was one of the most beautiful sights. I would take my bible every morning sit by the water. Nobody else just me and God. That was my place of peace and rejuvenation. I find the water to be so peaceful. Maybe for you it is that drive to work in the morning, or that nice hot bath. Whatever it is God wants us to be quiet once in a while. I find that God works best when it is quiet with no distractions. It is easier for us to hear his still small voice. We can not hear him when our mind is full of worries and troubles. We can not hear him when we have our hearts and thoughts on others around us. We may not be able to sit and be quiet because we are to selfish and self-centered to let ourselves be still. We need to forget about ourselves and totally concentrate on God and his love for us. During these quiet times when we are still and forget about the worries and troubles around us. Then we can truly know his peace. In our quiet time we should be full of praise and worship for all that God has done for us.



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

SNOWFLAKES

Ecclesiastes 3:11, "He has made everything beautiful in its time."
    I woke up this morning to a phone call saying, "No buses… Snow day today." I continued to get up and continue on to my normal duties. After putting a load of laundry in the wash machine and getting myself some breakfast, I sat at the kitchen table and watched the snow hitting the kitchen window. I began to watch each snowflake. Snowflakes can be pretty fascinating at times. They were all different sizes. Some looked like delicate lace. Others looked like they would withstand anything. Some reminded me of shooting stars. Shiny and bright. But they all had similarities in them. All of these snowflakes had 6 points. All snowflakes are made up of hydrogen and oxygen molecules. They were also all symmetrical in shape.
A snowflake is formed when a particle of dust that ice has collected around. It then floats from the atmosphere. This tiny particle has many imperfections. It may seem like nothing but it can form into a beautiful snowflake. Without it’s existence, the snowflake can not form. . I looked out and continued watching these snowflakes fall and then an amazing feeling came over me. The snowflake is quite a work. God and snowflakes are a small hint of how much he loves all things. He goes to this much trouble for something that will never be seen or appreciated almost 100% of the time.

    It made me think of the many differences between people. God created us all. The snowflake is very unique. We too are also very unique, We come in many different sizes and forms. Some have different outlooks then others. We all have flaws and faults. God formed each and every one of us. He made us according to his will uniquely and perfectly, just like the little snowflake. Sometimes we take God’s great creation for granted. The snow was a reminder to me that if he cares this much about something that only lasts a few seconds, how much more does he feel for me. I want to encourage you to sit back and think of all the great things God has done for you. He is crazy about you. He loves you. You too are like the snowflake, uniquely and perfectly made.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Organization

We are having a special perk day at the ladies group we go to. The director asked me to write a devotion on  Organization. So I figured I would share this small devotion today. Hope you enjoy it. :)


    I remember when I was a teen going to my friends house. While visiting, my friend turned to me and said "watch this"… She walked into her older brother’s bedroom and moved his clock ½ inch to the left. She then walked out and we sat and waited. Sure enough about 10 minutes later an unbelievable screech came from his room… Who has been in here?? I know someone has been in here.. My clock has been moved!! My friend giggled and said, "Can you imagine being that organized."

    Truth be told no I could not. I could never be that organized. He had a place and position for everything in his room. I don’t know about you but I need more guidance in this issue. Organization is not my best suit. Unfortunately along with being disorganized comes discontentment. God wants us to be organized.

1Corinthians 14:33 says "God is not the God of disorder but of peace. "

The average person when they are disorganized tend to be in a life of turmoil and stress. When things are disorganized and a mess in my life. I tend to get miserable and grumpy. I become far from what God wants me to be. It shows on not just my every day life, but in my family as well. It is like that old saying If mama ain’t happy, Ain’t nobody happy. My actions and attitude show on my husband and my children also. I believe that a mother’s outlook first thing in the morning is the outlook that your family will take for that day. If you are disorganized and grumpy. Your family will be disorganized and grumpy. Also what kind of a witness are to others when they see that attitude. "We are the only bible that people read." Christians are to be happy are they not? If we know true peace it shows on our faces and our every day life. When you are organized you are not so overwhelmed. You don’t feel as if you are drowning in what needs to be done. Our minds are in a better place. We are free to be there for our family. We are also more open to God and what he has for us. Our minds are not spinning in different directions. This allows God to speak to us more clearly and to completely concentrate on him. We are able to hear his still small voice better and to live a better life being totally focused on him.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Forgiveness

When you think of forgiveness, What comes to mind? What do you really think?

Ephesians 4:32 says,
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

So when you think forgiveness, do you think of a situation that has happened in your life? Maybe you are thinking.. Rose you have no idea. I had this done to me, that is just unforgivable… Jesus was whipped, he was kicked and beaten then nailed to a cross. He had a sword pierce his side. He was ridiculed and tortured. Yet one of the last things on his mind was the people that were doing this to him. He had compassion on them and said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." To love and to forgive like Jesus. That is what God asks of us. Not all of you know me or my past. I am a survivor of abuse. I did not always have the best in life. But I can say, "I forgive you".

How can that be possible you may ask? I could have decided to hurt that person right back. I mean after all was my right, they hurt me first. No I forgave them….I forgive because God forgave me. He makes it possible. Without him, I could never say I forgive you. Without him, I would be a pile of rubble. Bitter and full of hatred for these people that hurt me. I am not and it all because of God.

Have you ever herd the saying "Forgive and Forget" ??? This is far from the truth… Forgiveness is not a feeling; nor is it forgetting. It is not pretending that it never happened. It is not being able to trust that person again. It is not even reconciliation with that person. Forgiveness is something you decide to do because you want to obey God.

No one can make you forgive that person. Not even God himself can make you forgive that person. Forgiveness is a choice we have. We can chose to hang on to it and let is eat us away or we can let go and let God. It is not our job for revenge. Revenge is God’s job.

The bible is straightforward that no one should avenge himself on others.
Romans 12 :9
Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

God has reserved vengeance for himself. I forgave those people that hurt me because God forgave me for the hurts that I caused him through my sins. In the end forgiveness protects the forgiver themselves. When we forgive others, it cancels the debt like Jesus canceled our debt when he died on the cross. God says, " I will do all the punishing. Now your job is to forgive." Forgiveness is not something that happens over night. It is a process. It takes time to heal. However it is an act of faith that shows God’s grace for us. When we forgive it gives God access to work directly on that other person. When we refuse to forgive, it creates a barrier between us and God. I am saying to God that what the person did to me is more important then him. I know I have totally forgiven that person when I can pray for them. Not for harm but for good. I also know I have forgiven that person when God can use me to touch the person that has wronged me. When my decisions are not controlled by what that person has done to me, and when I am free from the pain, bitterness, anger and hatred towards that person. When I am experiencing God’s peace, I know I have truly forgiven.

If you noticed when I said I was a survivor or abuse not a victim of abuse. I say this because I am no longer living in that bondage and hurt and pain. I have totally forgiven my abusers. I have given them over to God. And I can honestly say that God is the reason for me being a survivor. He has taken me from that hurt and bitter person and made me a person with confidence and peace. He has also gave me a heart of love for those that hurt me and he can do it for you too.

Maybe you need to forgive someone, Is your lack of forgiveness holding you back from what God wants for you? Ask God to show you, and for the desires to forgive also. He will give you the ability and strength to do so. All you have to do is hand it over to him.



Monday, March 14, 2011

Miracles Do Happen

    In a hospital room a mother was praying for God to not take her little girl. This little girl weighed no more then 2 pounds. Doctors had told her parents it was hopeless. This little girl would surely die. The mother had already had 12 other children, However her heart broke at the thought of loosing this one very special little girl.
 
   In a near by room was also this babies grandmother who was frail and at the end of her life. Family had decided not to tell her of her Granddaughters birth in fear that she would give up all hope. 12 hours after the birth of her granddaughters birth, she took her last breath. At this point this little girl would gain life and perk up. God had answered this mother’s prayers to keep the fight of life in this little baby. This made it the most special day and yet one of the saddest times for this family. As time went by this child was sick off and on but over all seemed to be getting stronger and healthier. Her parents believed in God and they loved God. They would take their children along every Sunday, to church. It was a family thing and very important that their children knew and loved God also.

    At a year old the mother went to get the baby from her crib, Only to discover that her head did not look right. As she picked up her daughter, she noticed that her head looked deformed. After rushing her to the hospital, The doctors had sat her parents down to inform them that this mass on her head was water. It got so big it came over and rested on her shoulder. They informed the parents that their child would probably die. They said there was no hope. The parents went home to rest. The mother decided to go to a ladies prayer meeting. They prayed for this baby at 12:00 p.m. The child’s mother felt this warm sensation come over her. She just wanted to dance. She looked at the ladies and said, "My baby she has been healed." I know she has.

    The mother rushed home to tell her husband that she was going to the hospital. Their daughter had been healed and she knew it. The father could not believe and did not want the mother to be disappointed. He sent the oldest son with her just in case. When they arrived to the hospital, she realized that she did not bring anything to keep this little girl busy, because she would need things to play with. She did want her getting board. She sent her son up to the room while she ran to the gift shop to get some stuff for her daughter. When the son got upstairs and went to check in on his sister. He discovered his sister was gone. She was nowhere to be seen. He went out and told his mother who at that time was coming up the hall. "Don’t be silly." Said the mother. She has to be here. Where else would she be. Just as they were going to reenter into the room where her daughter had been, a nurse came dancing up the hall. "Hello there, can you tell me where my daughter is?" asked the lady. The nurse turned and with tears in her eyes said, "Yes… your daughter is in X ray’s". She continued to tell the mother on how she went into the room to check on her daughter at about 12 noon. She looked at the little girl and that mass had vanished. No visual sign of it anywhere. They had her in X ray’s to see what happened to it. The mother knew instantly what had happened to it. She was overcome with emotion and thanksgiving to God for healing her daughter.

    Why do I tell you this story? I tell you this story as an encouragement to you. God answers prayers. I heard a lady once say.. ..Do you really think that God heals like he did in the bible. I am here to tell you "Yes he does". How can I be so sure you ask me.. I can be sure as that tiny baby with no hope was me. Satan tried numerous times through out my life to distroy me.

John 4: 4 "Greater is he that is in me then he that is in the world."

In the end no matter how bad things may seem, No matter how down and out you may be, Always remember God is in control. He is crazy about you and he wants the very best for you.

"ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE"

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Free!!

Galations 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

     In my email today I received an email about a whale. A humped back whale had gotten tangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighed down by hundreds of pounds of traps that were pulling her down and she was unable to stay afloat because of them. She also had hundreds of lines wrapped around her body, tail and torso. There was also a line around her mouth. This made it very difficult for this poor whale. With hours of working on this whale the rescue team was finally able to set her free. She eventually came back to each and every diver that had set her free. She would nudge them gently as to say Thank you. The one diver said that her eyes never left him the whole time he worked on releasing those traps. She had faith that these divers were going to remove all that bound her and that they would set her free.

     Throughout our lives we deal with issues, and past hurts. Many things in our lives that are like these traps and lines on the whale. They wrap around us so tightly that we can not swim. They keep building up until we can not stay afloat. We are weighed down so much by the things around us that we sink. Some traps may be hard to let go of. We need to have faith in God to remove the traps that bind us. Just like this whale had faith in the divers. God will show the traps that bind us. He wants us to completely hand them over to God. Once we do he will remove them one by one. Some of these traps and lines may take longer to remove then others. As we hand them over to him daily he will take that trap and replace it with love and victory. God is our refuge and he wants us to hand it all over to him. He wants us to be free.

God does not promise us that it will be a bed of roses without thorns…However he does promise to be our refuge when we prick our fingers and end up crying or being shaken. He wants to remove all the things that bind us.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Tongue

     Have you ever said something without thinking, and later on thought why did I do that. I hurt that person. Or maybe you were on the receiving line of that insult or thing that came out of someone’s mouth. Either way it can be very hurtful to the person on the receiving end. When I was a young girl in Sunday School we sang a song. One of the verses were, "Oh be careful little tongue what you say… Oh be careful little tongue what you say… For the father up above is looking down in love. Oh be careful little tongue what you say. I never realized exactly what that song was saying until I got older.


    Washington Irving once said, "A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use." He was right. The bible emphasizes on the tongue.

James 3:6
The tongue also is fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

    One of the greatest threats to those around us and to ourselves is not any crime or violent act, but it is the tongue. I remember as a child the saying, "Sticks and Stones may break my bones but name will never hurt me. To me this saying is so far from the truth. Words kill. It kills someone’s spirit. It kills any confidence in a person. It will distroy them both mentally and spiritually. People may put on a big front, But in the end it will eat away at them in one way or another.

    Many times we scold children for talking about people behind their backs. Where do they get this from? Children learn by our actions. They do it because we do it. They also do it because the media does it all the time. It kind of makes me think of the saying, "Do as I say, not as I do" This is another saying I really do not like. Children are the carbon copies of ourselves. As they see it in us. They do it. God’s thought in this matter are pretty clear.

Proverbs 11:12
Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.

    I don’t know about you but this one is a hard pill to swallow. I was raised if you think it say it. So this was a very hard thing for me for a long time. God wants us to give everything over to him. He wants even our tongues. When we turn it all over to him. He will quench that fire with his Holy Spirit, he then is able to use our tongue for good. As we learn to complement and not condemn and we learn to encourage and not discourage. We become better people and it allows God to use us more.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Obedience To God

   I remember as kids my parents would take us camping every year. It was a big thing for my family. It was a very memorable time for all of us. When we grew up we continues on with this trip with our children. I remember the one time my sister had brought her 3 year old daughter along with us. We decided to go and take a walk down to the water after setting up the tents. As I was enjoying the view of the water and idle chit chat with a few friends that we had made over the years. My niece had decided she wanted to play in the water. she yelled to me, "Auntie can I go in the water?" My response was, "Yes, but make sure you don't get your clothes wet." She was wearing shorts, so I thought it would be ok for her to walk through the water... she would  be okay to play. I continued to talk to my friends and at the same time keep an eye on her to make sure she was safe. In a few minutes I turned my head to check on her. There standing before me in the water, was my beautiful little niece, not a stitch of clothing on. Totally naked!  She was definitely making sure she was not going to get her clothes wet.
    I could feel my face getting hotter and I just knew that I was going to die. I am sure my face was quite red. What was she thinking??? I ran quickly to her and scooped her up rather. Could anything be more embarrassing I thought. She had just stripped down to nothing and in front of my teenage friends too. I would be the disgrace of the camp grounds.With what dignity I had left. I got her out of the water and got her dressed.  I rushed her straight up that hill to return her to her mother.
Later on that night I lay in my tent thinking about it. I started to laugh. Maybe it was not as bad as I had thought. My niece loved me enough to actually want to obey me. In the end that is why she took her clothes off. She did not do it to embarrass me. She did not do it in spite or just to be funny. It was the sweet innocent and sincere actions of a child.
    I think of this every time I think of my love for God. As a child of I should be obedient to God. How careful am I about obedience? Do I think carefully about my actions to totally and diligent obey God’s word? Or am I sometimes careless?
    God tells us not to do certain things, but does give permission in other areas. He does this for two positive reasons, to protect us and to provide a good future for us. Obedience in how we live occurs within the bounds of God’s love.

Jesus says, "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His Love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" John 15:9-11

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

They have it all.. Why can’t I?

    Have you ever sat and looked at someone and thought. Man they have it all. They can loose weight at the drop of a hat. They have the most amazing children. They seem to have it all. A loving relationship with their spouse. They have the looks, brains, athletic or artistic talents, they have the whole package. What I would not do to have a whole lot going for me like them. Everything that is good in life they have. We have a tendency to look with envy on those who seemingly have so much more going for them than us.

   We sometimes are utterly amazed at how strong, how smart, how sweet, how talented or how much someone has going for them in a particular area in some other way. It is so sad when we sit back and watch someone squander all that they had going on for them through bad decisions and through their human nature.

   When you sit and think about it as children of God, we have a whole lot going for us then sometimes we realize. We are unconditionally loved, forever forgiven, and we are personal friends with Jesus. How great is that. He loved us first so we can love others.

   Next time you are thinking so much about what we do or do not have going for us, we need to think more of Who we have going with us. We have God on our side. If God is for us who could be against us? When we have Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have "a friend who sticks closer than a brother," an advocate who pleads our case to God. He is our burden bearer, the lover of our souls, and the one and only Son of God. He died on the cross so that we would not have to die. How amazing is that. He is crazy about us. Along with Jesus, we also have the Holy Spirit living in us to provide the power and the strength we need to get through the temptations and trials of life that come our way.

   When we have Jesus walking with us, we know that our future is secured, because of the blood that Jesus paid for us when he died on the cross. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. To God we are all precious. God sees us much like a parent does their children. There are no favorites. He sees each special talent and goal in us. No one else can see us like God does. He knows our heart he knows us better then anyone. He made us all unique in his eyes. We all have a great amount going on for us. He loves us.

   If we don’t have Jesus living within us by the power of the Holy Spirit, all that we have going for us is never going to be enough.

"And the joy of the LORD will fill you to overflowing. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 41:16b NLT