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  When we first began the process, the walls were covered with outdated wallpaper and chicken border, and the trim was painted hunter green.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!