Sit At Our Father's Feet

Life is so fragile.  Many times we believe that we are in complete control of our lives, but this is so untrue.  A dear friend of mine has lived a wonderful  healthy life.  However, recently a sudden illness seems to want to take over - Lou Gerrig's Disease.  When asked his thoughts, he plainly said, "You know, ever since I was a small child, I prayed that God would keep my family and friends safe and healthy.  I told God if anyone had to get sick, to please let it be me."  He further said that he could handle something bad better than anyone else in his family, so he wanted God to protect them.  Today as he's waiting the results of whether he is carrying this horrid deadly disease, he is just glad that his family and friends are healthy and happy.

My friend never dreamed the possibility of something of this magnitude to strike at his door.  However, once he found true love, married and thought life was great, the devil has attacked him.  He believes with all of his heart that God will heal him.  I stand in agreement with him, and I ask each of you to do the same.

The sudden news has made me stop and think about my own life.  God has placed a high calling on my life.  It is no secret to those that know me that I love the Lord with all of my heart, and I want to do His will.  However, as many of you have noticed, I haven't written a blog post since September 5.  Yes, I've graduated college.  Yes, I am ministering to a few women that God has placed in my life.  Yes, I speak that I want to do what God has called me to do.  The problem, however, is that I've stayed so busy that I have failed to stop and listen to God.  Upon hearing the news of my dear friend, I have realized how precious life is.  God wants us to stay in close communion with Him at all times, not just when we need something.  Let's pray for each other that we stay about the Lord's business.  This world wants to drown us with busyness.  We need to be filled and covered with the Lord's presence.  When Jesus went to visit Mary and Martha, Martha was so busy preparing  the things around her that she lost focus on what was most important, spending time with Jesus.  This is what Mary did, and Jesus commended her.  How can we truly know the Lord's will for our lives if we fail to sit at His feet, worship Him, and listen.  Let's sit at His feet today and listen for His voice!

Have a blessed day, my dear sweet friends!!!  I pray God's abundant blessings upon each of your lives.

Trust in the Lord Always!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Have you ever wondered why certain things do not happen the way you thought they should have or the way you planned them?  Have you ever wondered why a particular guy had no interest in you?  During a Bible study that I conducted with ten teenage girls the topic this topic came up.  After several of them had committed on their beliefs about this topic with every day life and guys, one girl who was always quite said something that I will never forget, "You know, at first I thought it was me.  I thought I was ugly.  I thought I wasn't a good person.  I kept putting myself down.  I even starved myself to lose weight.  But one day when I was praying at the alter, I heard God say, 'It's not you.  You are perfect in my eyes.  He's just not the man I have planned for you.'"  Chill bumps filled my body as she spoke those words.  She had spent numerous hours putting herself down because a guy she liked would have nothing to do with her.  However, once she realized that he wasn't the one God chose for her, her entire outlook changed.  This made me stop and think about my own life as well.  There had been many times that I wanted to date someone, but for some reason the doors kept closing.  I would get so upset many times trying to figure out what was wrong with me.  It wasn't me, it was just that I was trying to make things happen because I thought it was what was best for me.  It is so comforting to look back today to see the many doors God closed to protect me.  He knows the entire picture.  We don't.  This is why we have to trust Him with all of our heart.  Not just a small portion but with ALL of it.

God's timing is perfect!  His ways are perfect!  His plans for our lives are perfect!  What an awesome God we serve!

This past week, my husband and I were faced with two situations that we just knew was the right thing to do.  However, one door after another kept closing.  Given the circumstances, you would think that we would have been devastated when things didn't work out like we thought they should, but we weren't.  We both had a peace within us.  We knew that God had blocked a door!  We trusted God enough to allow Him to have control of our lives.  Whatever your circumstances or trials at the moment, turn to God and ask Him what His will is for you.  The sooner we let go and allow God full reign of our lives, we will live in victory!

Dear God, please touch each person who is reading this!  Anoint their lives!  Bless them!  Guide them!  Love them!  Direct them!  I plead the blood of Jesus over each person!  I ask that You speak to their hearts and lead them in the way You would have them to go!  In Jesus Name, Amen!

Be Still Before God!

Hello, Everyone!  I know it has been a while since I have posted, but I've been in a mess remodeling our home that we are about to move into.  Last night as we were finishing up the kitchen, my mother looked at me and said, "Never in a million years did I think that it would look like this when you were done.  Your sisters won't believe it when they come back and see it."  When we first began the process, the walls were covered with outdated wallpaper and chicken border, and the trim was painted hunter green.  When we began the process of taking down the wallpaper, we realized that there were more than one layer which made the job horrible.  It took tedious hours trying to pull the paper off.  Once this was done, there were several tears in the drywall that needed to be patched, where it was damaged.  After patching the holes, I had to sand it real good.  Once all of this was done, I had to put two coats of paint on the walls, and three on the trim.  Yes, the kitchen looks beautiful now, new paint, new counter tops, and new sink, but it took hard labor to get there.  It didn't happen overnight.

As I stood and admired the kitchen, I thought of what God has to do in each of us to reconstruct the bad that we've placed within us.  Yes, He can heal us, forgive us and make us new, but it is a process.  One in which we need to be patient.  God didn't place the sin within us, we made the choices that damaged us.  But what a gift we have in knowing that once we repent and turn back to Him, He will make us complete.  Praise the Lord!

I John 1:8-10 says, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess out sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives (NIV).)

Today, be still before God and ask Him what changes you need to make in your life.  In order to fully experience God's fullness and peace, we must live a holy, pure and righteous life.  God wants to free all of us from the sin that entangles us.  Many times, however, we become so complacent in this world that we fail to see what we are doing wrong.  Let's join together and pray for one another so that we can stand firm against the devil's schemes and live the victorious life God has called us to live.

Dear God,  we humbly come before You and ask that you show us the sin in our lives that we continue to live in.  Free us from the snares of the devil.  Help us, dear God, to live fully for You.  We love you with all of our heart.  In Jesus name, Amen!

Praise God in All Circumstances!

What a wonderful God we serve!  He is amazing!  I am so blessed to be His child.  He is my comforter, my strength, my breathe, my life!  He is my best friend, the One I turn to in all circumstances.  What a mighty God we serve!

This past week has been a very challenging time for me.  I'm facing some personal issues that is causing so much pain, plus I'm trying to finish up a research paper for one of my classes.  It seems that when you least expect it things around you can develop into a swirling wind trying to take you down.  On Sunday night, I went to the altar and had the pastor pray over me.  I've had so many issues coming at me that I needed to hear God completely so that I made the right decisions.  It was a wonderful time!  I felt so free when I left there.  However, in my peace, the devil attacked me the next day so severely that I've cried and cried in deep pain.  It seems that the closer you get to God the more the devil tries to destroy you.  I've committed my life to the work of God.  I give my all to God!  The devil doesn't want me to do the work of God, but I stand before you today and say, "Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and I will continue to do what God has called me to do."  Hallelujah!  Whatever you are facing, know that you have a heavenly Father that loves you unconditionally, and He will help you through whatever crisis you are facing.  Stand firm!  Allow God to move in your life!  He will never let go of your hand!  Just don't let go of His!  We need Him!  Without God we are nothing!

During my struggles this week, I'm standing firm in God.  I'm praising Him in this storm!  God says to give thanks in all circumstances.  I know that He is building my character during this storm.  All I have to do is keep my eyes glued on Him.  Please remember to do this always!  Pray about everything!  Seek God with all of your heart!  He will be your provider, healer, rescuer, strength and love!

Let's pray for one another!

Dear God, In Jesus name, we give You all praise, honor and glory.  We love You with all of our hearts!  Dear God, we trust You!  We know that You will work everything out in our lives in accordance with Your will.  Forgive us for our sins!  We love You so much!  Lead our every step!  Bless each one of us with Your presence and love today!  In Jesus Name, Amen!

God Loves You!

I've said many times, "I wish God would place someone in my life who will love me for me."  Throughout my life, it seemed that people only loved me because of what I did for them.  For instance, my first husband expected so much from me.  I would get up at 4:00 a.m. every morning just to have time for me - read my Bible, pray and exercise.  Once the day began, I worked as his legal assistant, homeschooled our three sons, and kept up with the house chores.  Needless to say, I was exhausted most of the time.  However, God gave me the strength to do everything I did.  The point of telling you this is one evening when my husband went crazy over all I had accomplished one day.  He gave me a huge hug and told me how much he loved me.  He told the boys to give me an applause.  I stood at the top of the stairs as he made his way downstairs.  I said, "You only love me when I work myself to death."  He stopped, looked back at me and said with a huge smile, "Yes.  It makes me love you more."  My heart sunk that day.  He said to me what I had felt for the eighteen years we had been married.  I was devastated.

You see, those around us love us conditionally, but God loves us unconditionally.  God doesn't love us just when we work ourselves to death for Him.  He loves us all the time.  What a gift we have in this!  Whenever the devil tries to attack you with whispers that you are unloved, speak back and say, "God loves me unconditionally."

Check out this amazing song by JJ Heller - Love me!  It speaks what many people struggle with - just wanting others to love them for them.  You see, we have all messed up, made mistakes and sinned.  However, the great thing about this is that we still have a Heavenly Father who loves us.  What a tremendous blessing!  Stand strong, move forward with God leading your every step, and walk in confidence knowing that you are loved.  Your past is your past!  Hallelujah!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm-njPYvj4Q&feature=related

Does Anybody Hear Her?

This morning my husband and I attended church with my sons.  We so much hated to leave our church family, but my sons really wanted us to go with them.  I am so glad I did.  Before the pastor preached, they played a video by Casting Crowns - Does Anybody Hear her?  I was moved beyond words.  God confirmed that very moment that I was to share it with each one of you.  I have attached the words and the video link at the bottom of this post.


This video showed me that we never know what those around us are facing on a daily basis.  God could have a young lady sitting beside us at church, a ballgame or concert who is hurting deeply.  There could be a lady standing beside you in a check out line ready to end her life.  I think that many times we get so busy going about our daily lives that we forget about our mission here on this earth - to help the hurting and bring the lost to the Lord.  Many times when I've come across someone that is rude, I pray for them.  I pray that God will meet whatever need they are facing at the time.  You see, just because someone lashes out or is hateful doesn't mean that they are like that all the time.  We don't know their circumstances.  We don't know what is troubling them.  It's very important that we allow Christ to shine through us at all times.  You never know when God is going to put someone in your path that just needs a smile or a "hello."


If at anytime any of you are down or just need to talk, NEVER hesitate to text or call me.  I have committed my life to God and His calling on my life.  I pray that God touches each and everyone of you right now!  I pray that His presence will hover over you continually!  Continue to trust in Him for all things!  


DOES ANYBODY HEAR HER? By Casting Crowns
She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgment looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we've never even met her

Please go to this link and watch this video.  It will change your life.
http://youtu.be/uhOJW4Uwy3c

My Grandmother - A Proverbs 31 Woman!

Today I had the privilege of attending a surprise party for my grandmother's 75th birthday.  It was a joyous occasion.  She looked so beautiful when she arrived.  She was so surprised.  When I was little, I couldn't say Mammaw, so I call her Mimee.  She is such a wonderful Christian lady.  It gave me great joy today seeing the excitement on her face when she said that this was only one of two birthday parties that she had ever had.  She was honored today as a mother, grandmother, friend, sister, and devout Christian.  The crowd that showed up displayed the impact she's had on many people's lives over the years.  She has lived a wonderful hard working life.  She is the only person I know that I can truly say is a Proverbs 31 woman and mother.  I praise God for the example she has been in my life.  She truly spent her life being a wife/mother/grandmother of noble character.

Read the following Scriptures in Proverbs.  This is who God has called us to be.  Can you call yourself a Proverbs 31 woman?  If not, what can you do to change your life?  God has called us to be holy and pure.  Let's join together and pray for one another that we can become the women that God has called each one of us to be.

Proverbs 31:10-31( NIV)

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find? 
   She is worth far more than rubies. 
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her 
   and lacks nothing of value. 
¹² She brings him good, not harm, 
   all the days of her life. 
¹³ She selects wool and flax 
   and works with eager hands. 
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, 
   bringing her food from afar. 
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night; 
   she provides food for her family 
   and portions for her female servants. 
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; 
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously; 
   her arms are strong for her tasks. 
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable, 
   and her lamp does not go out at night. 
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff 
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor 
   and extends her hands to the needy. 
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household; 
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 
²² She makes coverings for her bed; 
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate, 
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them, 
   and supplies the merchants with sashes. 
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity; 
   she can laugh at the days to come. 
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom, 
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household 
   and does not eat the bread of idleness. 
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed; 
   her husband also, and he praises her: 
²⁹ “Many women do noble things, 
   but you surpass them all.” 
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done, 
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Bad Company Corrupts Good Character!

Today, I spoke with a wonderful Christian lady whom I love dearly.  She lives quite a distance away, so we do not get to see each other as often as we like.  However, when we do talk, it is as if we hadn't skipped a beat.  We pick up where we left off.  We talked, cried, prayed, and quoted Scripture.  It was a wonderful time spent with one another and God.  When I hung up the phone, I realized that we had spoken and prayed for almost two hours.  God's presence was amazing!  It only seemed like we had spoken for minutes.  It is amazing how God can minister to you when you come together with other believers and seek Him.  The power was there!  Praise the Lord!

As I hung up the phone, God spoke to me about a blanket I was trying get all of the lent and string off of.  I had washed three blankets together, one being black.  When I got all three blankets out of the dryer, I noticed that the handmade quilt I had washed had a hole in it.  As I pulled out the black blanket, I saw that it was covered with lent and string from the quilt.  I was a little frustrated.  I hadn't noticed the tear in the quilt.  It was beautiful, and I use it often.  However, the pieces that shed from the inside of it left my other blanket in a mess.  I got the lent roller out and began trying to get it all off.  It seemed like it was taking forever.  I even put it down for a while because my hand was tired.  When I went back to work on it again, it looked like I hadn't even began to work on it.  I kept rolling it with the lent brush and picking off the large pieces with my fingers.  Needless to say, when I had done all I was going to do, it looked better, yet it still had pieces of lent on it.  This is when God spoke to me, "Do not be misled:  Bad company corrupts good character."  (2 Corinthians 15:33 NIV).  God tells us to not be yoked together with unbelievers.  He also says, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.  (Galatians 6:1 NIV).  God wants us to reach the lost, but He also warns us to be careful so that we do not get pulled in their direction.  We have to be very careful who we hang out with, who we spend our time with.  Today when I got off of the phone, I felt wonderful - happy, uplifted, joyful, rested and peaceful.  My time had been well spent.  My dear friend is someone with good character.  It is crucial to stop and take a look at who you spend most of your time with.  Make sure that it is around individuals who will lift you up, encourage you, support you and build you up.  

When we hang around the wrong people, their attitudes, demeanor and personalities can drag us down, even causing us to sin.  When this happens, the after effects of the sin still remain.  It is sometimes hard to fight off the sin that the devil is using to entangle you; just like trying to get the lent off of the black blanket.  It takes time, commitment and dedication to fully clean off the blanket.  Once I got tired and frustrated, I just stopped.  I said, "We will just have to live with it."  This is how we react to our own lives as well.  We mean well.  We want to do what is right, but yet when it doesn't happen over night, we give up.  You can't do this!!!  You have to keep fighting the fight!  God will bring forth victory in your life!  Just don't give up!

Regardless of what you are facing and/or battling at this moment, please do not grow tired and weary.  Stay focused and persevere.  You can make it.  You can achieve anything you set your mind too as long as you keep your eyes focused on God.  Let's pray for one another!  God is a God of miracles.  Let's stand in agreement right now for one another.

Dear God, we love You so very much!  You are such a wonderful, powerful and loving God!  We praise You for all things!  Lord, God, we thank You that You can take what is bad and turn it into good.  Hallelujah!  We thank You that we are the head, not the tail.  We thank You that we are blessed going in and blessed going out!  We thank You that we are more than conquerors in Jesus name.  We thank You that He that is in us is greater than He that is in the world.  Hallelujah!  Praise You, Lord!  We praise You in advance that You are going to help each and everyone of us overcome the sin that we battle with on a daily basis.  We thank You that You are going to set us free!  We praise You for the victory!  Hallelujah!  Dear God, please weed the people out of our lives that You do not want us spending as much time with.  Send to us the people that You would have us fellowship with.  Send us prayer partners, accountability partners - people that can be trusted so that we can grow closer to You!  We praise You God for Your Word!  We praise You for You!  In Jesus name, Amen!

God is Our Helper!

This is the day that Lord hath made, let us rejoice in be glad in it!!!!  Hallelujah!  What an awesome God we serve!

Dear God, we come to You and ask that You anoint each one of us, renew our spirits, and speak Your Words into our hearts and lives.  We give You all praise and glory for all things!  We love You with all of our hearts, soul, mind and strength.  Surround us today with Your presence.  Guide our every step.  Speak to our hearts and show us the way You would have us go.  Speak to us, "This is the way, walk in it."  We want to live our lives fully for You.  Praise the Lord!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Today, my heart is filled with so much joy in the Lord.  I love Him with all of my heart!  I trust and pray that He touches each one of you today like He has me.  Praise the Lord!

A couple of nights ago I watched Little House on the Prairie.  This is a wonderful program that I grew up watching.  However, this particular episode reminded me of what a wonderful, compassionate, merciful, and loving Father we have.

Albert, Charles Ingle's son was battling issues that Charles could not figure out.  To save his son's life, Charles left his wife and job and moved from the city back to Walnut Grove.  While in Walnut Grove, Charles learned that Albert had an addiction to the drug Morphine.  This is what led him to get arrested numerous times in the city stealing things.  Charles borrowed his friends home out in the middle of nowhere, and set off to help Albert detox from the Morphine.  It was a horrid few days.  Albert cried, screamed in pain, vomited, hallucinated and broke out in sweats.  Charles stayed right by his side, holding him, comforting him and encouraging him.  At one point, Albert started vomiting.  Charles didn't move.  He kept holding him with all of his strength and let him vomit on him.  This is love.

Later when Albert was feeling better, he told his father that he was afraid that he couldn't be strong enough to not do it again if Charles left him there without him.  Charles told him that he loved him and was not going to leave his side.  He said that he was going to help him.  It was the most beautiful scene.  As I watched how Charles stayed by his son's side helping him, I thought of how God is with us.  Charles never criticized or put him down.  He didn't say, this is what you get.  You're the one who messed up.  No, he just loved him unconditionally.  This is how God is with us.  Yes, we mess up, but he is always right by our side as we repent and turn back to him.  We are never alone.  God is the best Father anyone could ever have.

Today, let's lift whatever is bothering us to God.  I pray that God will bring forth the healing you need to continue the calling He has placed on your life.  I am so very thankful that I have a wonderful God to serve.  One that will never leave my side regardless of how many times I mess up.  Praise God!

If anyone has particular things you would like for me to pray for, or you just want to talk, feel free to call, text or email.  My number is under the contact information.

Have a blessed day!

God is Good All The Time!

What a wonderful God we serve! I want to first of all say thanks to all of you who send me thanks and encouragement as I seek God and do these post. God is touching and ministering to me as much as He is you. Thank you so much for your commitment to God. He is an amazing God, and He loves each one of us more than we could ever begin to imagine.

I pray God's richest blessings on each one of you as you begin this new week. Always put Him first and do everything as if you were doing it for Him.

I love you! Have a blessed day!

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

God is The Only Way!

Wow!  What a week I've had.  So many tears have been shed that I thought that I was dehydrated.  It's amazing how much a mother loves her child.  In my situation, it is my sons.  They mean the world to me.  I would do anything for them.  Over the course of their life, being a single mother I had to make many sacrifices to make sure that they were taken care of.  As I've mentioned before, I worked two jobs, cleaned houses and went to college full-time.  I had to learn how to cut and color my own hair to save money.  That took some time, but I did it.  I'll never forget the first time I attempted this.  I stood in front of the mirror and asked God to help me since He knew the sacrifice I was making.  Believe it or not, it turned out okay.  I still to date, haven't been to a hairdresser so that I can save money.  When my oldest son from Alabama comes in, I let him cut it.  Otherwise, it's just me and God.

Another thing I did was sacrifice eating.  When there was little food in the house, I would cook supper for the boys when they got home from football practice telling them that I had already eaten.  This worked for a while, until my middle son I think picked up on it.  I guess because I had lost so much weight, he was questioning whether I was eating.  I'd work at Nestle twelve hour shifts and not eat to save money.  I would then come home and eat a snack of whatever I thought the boys wouldn't want.  However, it wasn't long until my son wouldn't eat until he saw with his own eyes that I had eaten.  He would put less portions on his plate to make sure there was enough food to fill me and his brother.  He wouldn't get seconds until we were away from the table, and he knew we had eaten and were full.  His thoughtful gestures brought tears to my eyes every night.  Here, I was trying to make sure they ate and were satisfied, and he was doing the same for his mother.  What a beautiful picture!

You see, God is just like this with us.  It is not any of us who provide for ourselves, it is God who provides everything we have, where we live, what we wear, what we eat and where we work.  He is the One who watches over us and provides our every need.  All we have to do is seek Him with all of our heart.  A wonderful memory that I have with my youngest son that we still discuss today is over a small can of tomato paste.  Over the course of my life, there wasn't a meal that I cooked that I didn't sit in the floor and ask God to help me fix a wonderful meal for my family that would be healthy and taste good for them.  The miracles He displayed through this was breathtaking many times.  His meals are the best.  This particular evening, however, I had some pinto beans, beats, sauerkraut and a small can of tomato paste in the cabinet.  Caleb, my youngest son, said that he was hungry for spaghetti.  I told him that we could pray over the tomato paste and ask God to help me make homemade spaghetti sauce.  We dropped to our needs and anointed that can of paste and asked God to give me the wisdom to make the sauce.  Caleb still brags on that sauce today.  He says that it was the best He's ever had.  You see, with God, all things are possible.  His ways are best.  God says in Jeremiah 32:27, "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind.  Is anything too hard for me?"  Today, give everything to Him.  Allow God to work in your life.  Allow Him to have complete control.  Trust in Him!  He will provide your every need.

I still have to sacrifice to meet all of my boys needs.  I cut their hair, a gift God blessed me with.  I send them with groceries to eat at college every week.  Many times, I clear out my refrigerator and cupboards to make sure they have plenty of food to take back with them.  I want to make sure that they have everything they need, from clothes, hair cuts, and toiletries all the way to food for their bodies and spiritual food for their soul.  I wouldn't change a thing.  I still forfeit eating during the day so that I have enough to provide them.  If I feel this way toward my own children, can you imagine just how much God feels about me and you.  We are His children.  He loves us like no other.  Surrender all your cares and anxieties on Him today!  He will make your path straight!

Dear God, in Jesus name, we surrender our lives to You today!  Forgive us, Lord, for all the times that we try to play God.  Help us to get the "me" out of our vocabulary so that we can fully allow You to work in our lives.  We love you so much!  Dear God, please bless each one of us.  Lead, guide and direct our every step.  We praise You for who You are!  You are amazing!  We praise You for just being You!  We praise You for all You've done for us and all You're going to do!  Hallelujah!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Pressing On!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20

This was the favorite verse of my best friend, Sandy, who died of brain tumors a few years ago.  She was a remarkable woman of God.  I loved her so deeply.  God used her to minister to me in many different ways.  She was never down.  She was always full of praise to God regardless of her situation.  She was always quoting Scripture.  She always spoke the things of God no matter who she was around – the rich, the poor, the Amish.  Sandy was just Sandy no matter the audience that surrounded her.  I remember one day when I was helping her clean an office, she began speaking salvation to a millionaire who owned the business.  As I heard her speak, I began slipping off to the back of the office acting as if I was cleaning another room.  Sadly, I was embarrassed.  I knew this gentleman quite well. 

It wasn’t too long after this that Sandy showed up at my doorstep with a horrible headache.  There was never a day that she didn’t show up at my house, even if it was for just a minute.  If we were eating, she’d sit and eat with us.  If we were watching television, she’d sit and watch it with us.  It didn’t matter what we were doing, she’d join in like she’d been doing it the entire time.  However, this particular day was the last day that Sandy came by my house.  Multiple brain tumors took her life. 

I tell this story because at her funeral, the rich, poor, atheists, and Amish were there shedding tears for the loss of this great woman of God.  She was only forty-five – so young - but she made a tremendous impact on many peoples lives.  It didn’t make sense to me at all.  I did, however, learn a valuable lesson from her – to always share the Word of God to those who cross my path.  Sandy wasn't ashamed of her God, and she wanted all of her friends and family to join her heaven.  God is a great God!  He is the only God!  He is our source of strength!  It’s time to rise up, take hold of Him, and soar through life as an eagle doing His work for our lives.  Because of the power that God has placed in our lives for us who believe, God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.  It’s His Will to bless us, lead us, guide us, love us, and help us in everything we do.  If life isn’t exactly where you want it to be, then step back, draw nigh to God so that He can draw nigh to you.  Let Him speak His plans in your life.  There is nothing that God cannot do.

Today is the day for victory.  Today is the day for God’s favor.  Today is the day for a fresh start. 

Let’s join together, repent and seek God with all of our hearts.  Let’s take back what the devil meant for bad and allow God to turn it to good.  Paul tells us in Philippians to forget what is behind and press on toward the goal that God has placed before us.  We can do it!!!!

Dear God, in Jesus name, help us to let go of everything that is keeping us from You.  Use us!  Lead us!  Guide us!  Direct us!  Help us to get where we need to be so that we can serve You with all of our hearts by doing what You called us to do before we were even born.  Continue to place Your Word in our hearts and minds so that we can live the life You’ve called us too.  We love You so much, and we praise You for all things.  In Jesus name, Amen!!!

It is Crucial to Forgive Others!

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  Matthew 6:14-15 NIV


Over the course of my life, I have had to battle numerous times about forgiving those who had hurt me.  Many times, I didn't want to, but God wouldn't let me rest until I did.  It is the verse I've shared above in Matthew that God used to keep my life on path when it came to forgiving those around.  How powerful it is, the very words of Jesus, that if we don't forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  I needed God to forgive me.  I needed His presence in my life to see me through.  I needed Him to hear my prayers and help me.  I just plain old needed Him.  Without God in my life over the years, I couldn't have made it.


A book that God placed in my path that also helped me in this area is "The Bait of Satan" by John Bevere.  Amazing book on conquering unforgiveness.  By the time I was finished reading that book, I was forgiving people that I didn't even know I was holding unforgiveness towards.  I felt like a different person.


Many of you may think that, "Sure, it's easy for her.  She hasn't had very much bad done to her."  Let me tell you, my friend, many times I was hurt so deeply by rumors and things people did to me, that I didn't think I would be able to leave my house and face the world.  It was only through the strength of God that I was able too.  I remember after my divorce, and rumors were spreading so severely, that I finally told my mother that in time people would see the truth.  Rumors were spread that I was a drug dealer and a lesbian.  Though there were others, these two crushed my spirit.  I had to hold my head high and forgive people that I thought were my friends that were repeating these rumors.


On top of this example, I've also had to forgive someone for sexually abusing me.  I've experienced sexual, physical, emotional and verbal abuse many times over the course of my life.  None of it was fun.  And no, I didn't want to forgive those who hurt me, but I knew that I had too.  


You see, forgiveness has nothing to do with the other person.  It has to do with your well being.  Unforgiveness and bitterness can lead to depression, anger, cancers and other illnesses.  It is a deadly tactic that the enemy tries to keep us in bondage with.  However, the moment you ask God to help you forgive those who have hurt you, the most wonderful peace comes over your body.  Forgiveness brings you closer to God.  Forgiveness brings about freedom.  Forgiveness allows you to enjoy the life that God created you to live.  It is a beautiful thing.


Let me encourage you today to truly forgive anyone that has hurt you in anyway.  Don't let this be a stumbling block in your life any more.  Yes, it is hard, but it will be more than worth it once you experience the freedom in Christ that comes with it.


I was listening to Pastor Hagge on television one night while I was going through a very hurtful time with a family that had severely wounded me by their words and avoidance.  I had spent hours crying out to God in pain.  Pastor Hagge said something that night that will always be a part of my life.  He said to bless those who persecute you, and pray for those who hurt you. Romans 12:14 tells us to bless and not curse them who hurt or persecute us.    I thought to myself, "Yeah, right!"  I didn't want to do this, but I knew I had to in order to experience the freedom I needed.  Every day when I took my sons to school, I'd pass this families home.  I'd pray God's blessings upon their entire family and asked God to meet their every need.  As each day passed, I felt a much greater peace.  Within a few days, I truly meant these words from my heart.  Before I knew it, I was praying good things for this family.  I had forgot about the pain, truly forgave, and turned my thoughts and prayers towards blessings for them.  


Join with me today in beginning a new journey in your life.  Today is the today to truly forgive everyone that has hurt or wounded you.


Dear God, In Jesus name, I ask that you touch each person today.  Bless their lives.  Speak to their hearts and show them, dear God, those they need to forgive.  Help them today to hand over all of their pain to You.  Help them to see that the devil is holding them and bondage, and You want to set them free.  Hallelujah!  Your Word says, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."  (2 Corinthians 3:17)  Praise God!  Dear God, I ask that You hover over each one of them today and fill them with the freedom that they deserve.  We love you so much, and we praise You from the depths of our heart!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Set Your Hearts and Minds on Things Above!

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  Colossians 3:1-2


Today I was hurt by something someone said and did.  Even though I have forgiven the person, my heart has stayed heavy most of the day, even to the point of not smiling.  Those of you who know me, know that I smile all of the time.  When I opened my Bible up tonight after praying, God spoke to me with the Scripture above.  I immediately asked forgiveness and changed my thoughts.  I started thinking about things above.  Many times we find ourselves getting so caught up in the moment that we forget about what is important.


Tonight, I'm setting my heart and mind on the things above.  The devil tries to destroy our happiness.  However, true happiness comes from God.  As long as we stay focused on Him, we can have a peace within us that will bring joy to our hearts in all circumstances.


I pray that whatever challenges each of you are carrying, that you can lift them to God and trust Him to take care of them.  Don't let the devil rob you of your joy.  Set your hearts and minds on things above, heavenly things, not earthly things.  Stay focused on the things of God.


Have a blessed day in Him!


Dear God, I pray that you touch the lives of each person that is reading this post.  I pray that you meet their every need.  I pray that you will help them set their hearts and mind on You.  We love you so much!  In Jesus name, Amen!

What Does God Want You To Do?

"For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable."  Romans 11:29


It is amazing how many people I come across on a daily basis that voices that they are unhappy with their lives and their jobs.  So many times we tread through life scurrying just trying to find a job that pays the bills.  However, if we would seek God with all of our heart, He will bring to life His will and calling on our lives.  Many times, we are unhappy because we are not doing what He wants us to do.  When I read this verse, God strongly impressed upon me that from the moment He formed us in our mother's womb, He began a plan for our lives.  He placed His desires, hopes and dreams within us.  Unfortunately, we become so busy in our every day lives that we forget to put God first.  Without putting God first, we miss out on the best for our lives.  


I think it's time for us to take time and focus on God, seek Him with all of our hearts, and find out what He wants us to do with our lives.  Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails."  If your tired of going through the motions and not getting anywhere, turn to God with all of your heart today, and ask Him to show you His plan for your life.  It's not too late!


Dear God, In Jesus name, I pray that You touch each person today!  Bless them!  Lead them!  Guide them!  Love them!  Speak to their hearts and show them the way!  Forgive us, dear God for all of the times we've taken life into our own hands.  We want Your Will for our lives.  Open up our gifts so that we can fulfill the life You've called us too!  We love you so much!  In Jesus name, Amen!

No More Excuses!

When my oldest son was five, he was running through the halls of the church.  Of course, we had told him numerous times to not run in the church.  When a lady came around the corner and saw him running, she told him not to run in the church.  He looked at her with a serious look and said, "I'm not running.  I'm just walking fast."  Without letting him see her amusement, she continued on her way.  She immediately came to me and shared with me what had happened.  She was impressed with his quick reply as to why he was not breaking the rules.  I smiled inside as I realized at that very moment how often we as God's children justify what we are doing too.  In my son's mind, he was not doing anything wrong because he was walking fast and not running.  However, we all do this very thing on a daily basis without even realizing it.  For instance, one may be late for work so they speed.  Even though the speed limit is 70 mph, they justify that it's okay just for that day to go 80 mph so that they won't get in trouble for work.  However, God's Word tells us to obey the laws of the land.  Obeying the speed limit is obeying the laws set before us.

No one really means to make excuses or do wrong.  It's just that many times we don't see that what we are doing is wrong.  Have you ever been late for work, and lied about the reason?  Have you ever missed an appointment, and made up an excuse for the why?  Have you ever changed plans because you decided you didn't want to do it, and made up an excuse?  Things come up, but let's focus on facing things with truth and see how God blesses us.  There is no justifying the wrong we do - not even fast walking for running.  LOL!

Dear God, please help us to be honest in everything we do.  We want to be people of integrity.  We want to follow Your Word and do what it says.  Help us, dear God, as put You first and do what is right in all circumstances.  We love You, God, and we praise You for all things.  I pray your blessings on each one of us!  Guide our every step throughout the day!  In Jesus name, Amen!

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.  James 4:17

Because We Love Him!!!!

 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.  He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.  With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."  Psalm 91:14-16 (NIV)

What a beautiful promise we have! 

As I sit here and began seeking God about this post, a song came to my mind that I used to sing with my children when they were small.  It has very powerful words.  We would sing it over and over while using the hand motions that went with it.  The words go like this, “My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do.  My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do.  The mountains are His, the valleys are His, the stars are His handy works too.  My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my God cannot do… For me… For you.”  These words could be heard upon numerous occasions by me and my three sons.  What wonderful truth we were speaking into our hearts and minds. 

God is so big, strong and mighty.  We need to remember this.  It doesn’t matter what you are facing today.  God loves you, and He wants to help you.  God makes it clear in His Word that He wants to rescue us, protect us, and deliver us.  All we have to do is believe in Him, love Him and call upon Him.  Speak this truth in your heart today and smile knowing that everything is going to be okay.  Nothing is too big for God!  Hallelujah!

Have a blessed day!

Dear God, in Jesus name, I pray your anointing and blessings upon each one of us today.  I praise You, dear God for each person that is reading this post.  I ask that You touch them and feel them with Your peace.  I pray that You meet each one of their needs.  I praise You, God that you are bigger than any problem that comes our way.  I praise You, God that You are going to bring forth victory in each one of our lives.  We love You so much!  In Jesus name, Amen!

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Matthew 19:26 (NIV)

What a blessing we have in knowing that with God all things are possible.  In our own strength, success is hard to accomplish; however, with God we can accomplish everything He sets before us.  Praise the Lord!

This reminds me of a song that I love singing around the house in defeating the devil and giving praise to God – All Things are Possible by Darlene Zschech.

Almighty God, my redeemer

My hiding place, my safe refuge

No other name like Jesus

No power can stand against You

My feet are planted on this Rock

And I will not be shaken

My hope, it comes from You alone

My Lord and my salvation

Your praise is always on my lips

Your Word is living in my heart

And I will praise You with a new song

My soul will bless You, Lord

You fill my life with greater joy

Yes, I delight myself in You

And I will praise You with a new song

My soul will bless You Lord 

When I am weak, You make me strong

When I’m poor, You know I’m rich

For in the power of Your name

All things are possible

All things are possible

All things are possible

All things are possible

Go online today, play this song and sing it with all of your heart.  Let’s praise God together, defeat the devil, and speak knowing that all things ARE possible.

Dear God, in Jesus name, we praise You for who You are.  We praise You for what You have done for us, and what You are going to do.  We praise You for the abundant future You are blessing each one of us today.  Dear God, I pray that You speak to each one of us today and plant in our hearts and minds THAT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE in Jesus Name!  Praise the Lord!  Amen!