Happy 2014!

Some comments I would like to share. 
Check out www.soudersentinel.blogspot.com


Also I have sat down with Kevin Kreigh from Dekalb PC Repair.  Has anyone tried to make comments below.  When you want to comment, you will need to sign in with email and your password?  I would love someone to try and see what happens.  Let me know at my email.
shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com!

I will bring an update on the rest of the story in later.  I want to check out some things first regarding this blog.

PART FOUR - THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!

Who knew on December 21st, 1973, that Faith's whole life would take a very huge leap of "faith", three days later.

Christmas Day 1973 was no different then normal.  It would be a trip to the "family's house for dinner and everyone would complain they ate too much, take naps and go home miserable from over eating.

As she went on with her story, the animals all gathered around to hear how God would change Faith's life.  

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A few days after Christmas, the phone rang and it was the client's wife on the other end.  "I want to apologize to you, it seems my husband was mad at me and took that opportunity to throw everyone under the bus.  I truly am sorry.  We would like to make it up to you, I called your employer, and made things right.  And, so we would like to take you out for New Years Eve on us.  Like old times.

"No!"  "There will be another account executive on your business as of Monday, and don't ever call here again."

As she got down on her knees, her thoughts were scrambled, but one to be clear was, she was asking God to come in and take control.  "Thank you God, for intervening, now use this to change my life, I give you the reigns!"

Faith got involved in the local Methodist Church again, and heard that Tony Fontane was coming to the church to entertain and give his testimony.  A good friend of Frank Sinatra, he had been in an accident, lost his singing voice and eyesight.  We had heard he was going around to places to tell them what had happened, because now he could see and sing.  He had given his life to God.  He would really be coming to Auburn, Indiana.  It didn't seem possible.  His testimony was vivid and disturbing.  It caused Faith to go forward and give her life publicly to the Lord.  It just so happened that Tony Fantane had cancer and Auburn, Indiana was his very last stop before he died.  What can anyone say about God's timing and how He works all things together for good.

From there, Faith joined the Tri-State Lay Witness Movement Leader Group of people who traveled to churches and spent the weekends giving their testimony and talking to people about the Lord.  She traveled in Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky giving her testimony about being involved in occult activities.  One weekend in particular she was experiencing pains in her ear and head.  She got on the airplane anyway and traveled to Tennessee to give her testimony.  The guest house she stayed in was an older couple.  After her testimony on Friday night the lady remarked about how she had better take down that sun-dial of the horoscopes in her bathroom.  Faith dropped to her knees.  She could see in her minds eye the sun-dial of horoscopes in her laundry/bathroom also.  She excused herself and went into the bedroom to pray.  The pain immediately was removed from her head and ears.  After praying, Faith went back out into the living room and they discussed for hours about how Satan's deceives and causes a blind eye to his devices.   Faith went home and tore the house apart for sun-dials, jewelry, a story she had written about Satan, and other artifacts.  It was quite remarkable how things changed at that point.

She changed churches, changed jobs, changed friends, and began the rest of the journey to Fort Wayne Bible College to become a Christian Counselor.

Stay tuned for next week when an overall update of the rest of the story is explained.

Closing her journal, the reached down for her favorite bunny and everyone  took a well deserved nap.

PART THREE - JOURNEY TO JESUS - 40 YEARS!

"Maybe it was a sign", Faith said out loud as she looked out on the pond.  God's handy work has no coincidences.  We are all his handiwork and that is all that kept her going as she continued through the story.

Her counselor carefully guided her through the forest of her trees.  It was painful to learn so many things about her behavior and where it was taking her.  She had modeling jobs at night after 10 hour days at work.  She found herself working at radio stations, television, and then a big jump to personnel recruiter for Magnavox.  So, it was two jobs in one day and the downtown party scene in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.  Faith's ex-mother-in-law also suggested that she finish her high school diploma.
At first, it was very discouraging, but rewarding.  She found that graduating from night school gave her a new lease or so it seemed at the time.  At a local television station she met her current husband
"J" and finding that they were both in the middle of a divorce had something in common.  He picked on her, and she fought back.  Five years later they tied the knot and moved to a smaller town.  Faith still felt compelled to look up her five year forecast, and be a part of the party scene.  They both settled into working and partying.  She enjoyed working for the radio station and he had jobs in the graphic areas.  Faith tried the church scene with no real commitment and soon she became restless and empty.  She looked back over the last few years and wondered what was it she should have done, but this probably wasn't it.

On Christmas Eve of 1973, she was calling on a client for the radio station, took the materials back to the station and went home.  Just as they were getting ready to leave for her parents and an afternoon of make Norwegian Lefsa and opening presents, the phone rang.  It was the wife of the client she had seen earlier.  "So he tells me that he is leaving me and boys for you!" 

It was then that the breath went out of Faith and she dropped the phone.  "J" picked it up and she walked slowly to the bathroom.  Her whole life flashing before her.  Where had this come from.  She searched her mind and comments and communication skills.  She hardly knew what to say to her husband. 

The animals were all drawn up in a tight band now around her feet.

They discussed the situation all the way to her mom's house.  They went to late night Christmas Eve Service.  And, then she knew.  She remembered with a vivid tenacity her summer.  She had been so sick and couldn't even pick up a fork for weeks.  Her doctor gave her special Vitamin B and C shots.
She had sat on the pier and said to God. . ."Well, if you are really out there, then come in and fix me.  Do what you have to do to heal me and fix my life."  She had gotten well, and talked to a lady at the radio station.  It was prayer, someone prayed for her.  And, then she promptly forgot.  As she sat in church with the wonderful drifting smells of candles and incense, she knew.  In her mind she started raising her emotional fists.  "Why?"  "Why would you choose such a demeaning and humiliating way to get my attention?"  From she understood, the woman had called her employer and wanted her fired.

Soon she found herself at peace and quietly began to pray in a very foreign way.  She hadn't done much of that over her life, not like this.

"God, I turn my life over to you, I have no idea what you want or how you could ever straighten this mess out, but here I am. . ."


Stayed Tuned for the Rest:  All her pals just snorted and laid down in disgust.

comments may be received at shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com.

PART TWO - 40th Anniversary!!

The snow was getting heavier now and as Faith peeked out the window she saw her friends coming to the door for their gathering.  She opened the door, greeted them and quickly they all bedded down to listen to her story.  She gave a little nudge to the goat who was bossing the kittens around, and then everyone quieted down.

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Faith began by reminding them where they left off last time by talking about how she felt like she had turned into another person when she walked down that dark hall to her bedroom.  She felt hot, angry, disappointed, confused, and defeated by it all.  She opened the window to her bedroom to take in some fresh air.  It was a cold night like tonight and then the white hot tears began to flow.  She couldn't believe what she heard.  She was not interested in that senior boy, what are they talking about.  By morning Faith was not going to talk to her parents ever again as long as she lived, but of course, that wouldn't be true either.  Upon arrival at school that morning, the typical psychological changes were taking place.  She had a renewed interest in this Steve guy, her friends, brother.  Her interest was peeked about whether he was a villain or monster, or what?  The next months would bring about the exact opposite of what her parents had hoped for.  Faith not only struck up a friendship with Steve, but started hanging out more with her new friends.  They would lie for her while she and two other couples would go out riding together, even going to near-by towns for the evening.  Springtime brought on the final blow with her sneaking out of her bedroom window and running off to her friends house for the night.  What she didn't expect was, the perfect betrayal.  Classmates and people in the town soon heard of the run away and asked her friend about whether Faith had slept with her in her room or her brothers room.  With great gusto and story telling ability, her friend told of how they stayed together in his room.  The small town made mincemeat of Faith and her parents.  Her dad being a teacher, her mother working for the religious college, Dean of Students sparked her parents picking up everything and moving to Indianapolis. 

Faith sat back in her chair and readjusted the covers.  She sighed and went on.  It was quite the shock for her, her parents, and their readjustment to a much bigger city.  The relationship between she and her parents had further deteriorated.  As a 10th grader now, she joined a girls click called the 17 checks and did some cheer leading.  One of the football players, a senior had now taken notice of her also.  Suddenly Faith sat up and said loudly," Oh, and did you know one of the former teachers told me I should find a man and get married, cause my math scores were too bad to ever go to college?"  There were agreeing gasps in the room.  It is safe to say at 16, she was now depressed and wondering what was next.  Her new boyfriend was joining the Air Force in the spring, and talked her into getting married and moving south with him.  Unfortunately, she reported, it wasn't hard to be talked into at that time.  And, so they ran off and got married in another state.  Before he deployed south later that year, she was soon pregnant.  Her dad cried and her mother evidently was planning a very elaborate scheme that would change her life forever.  After her husband went off to his first base in the south, Faith's mother encouraged her to see a doctor about the pregnancy and make sure things were okay.
The doctor was not a regular doctor and during the exam performed a first stage abortion.  Becoming irate and full of the knowledge of what was happening, Faith caused more harm then good.  And, to make the story less then horrible, she lost that child, packed her bags and flew to Georgia ahead of schedule.  On the airplane Faith tried to think through about what had just happened.  Where is God in these kinds of things?  How could this happen to anyone, let alone me?  What had I done to deserve this?  I must be one deranged and horrible daughter, person, woman.

Faith stopped talking for awhile trying to decide where to take this very long and sad story.  All those hopes and dreams of being a pianist, tap dancer, writer, actress, were gone.  And, so after two years of miscarriages, and her husband being sent to Okinawa, she went back home to finish commercial college, and see what path to take in life.  Learning that her husband had taken a geisha girl overseas, she filed for divorced, and started partying with friends.  She renewed her interest in the occult things and began searching her future out of horoscopes.    She did well at the Commercial College.  Her mother thought she should get a finishing school and modeling career going, therefore paying for it.

Sub consciously she knew her new relationship with a Mexican-American family would create more stress with she and her parents.  She married the oldest son and another nightmare would unfold.

Having a career in modeling, teaching finishing school, partying, forecasting futures herself;  it had now become a lifestyle of emptiness and craziness.  Serious alcoholism and gambling had entered into the marriage and before all was lost, she divorced once again.  Her wonderful mother in law (who to this day - calls her daughter) insisted she go to counseling - "You need help!"

Faith acknowledged her anger, depression and did just that.

Looking up Faith put the Bunnies down on the floor and said, "And, we've just got to the tip of the ice-berg, gang!"  Next time I will have yet another huge journey to tell you about.  The one that finally led me to Jesus 40 years ago.  Thank you for listening, night, night!

MY 40TH ANNIVERSARY AS A CHRIST ONE!

As a little girl I remember seeing this picture in the Lutheran Church in North Manchester where I grew up.  I always thought how fascinating it was that he would be standing at the opening of a tomb.
I much preferred the picture of Him standing in front of a big log cabin door, where it portrays the idea  "Behold, I stand at the door;  all you have to do is ask, seek and knock" picture.  Then I fell in love with the picture where he is standing on a rock, leaning over and extending his hand to the little children to help them climb up over the rocks.  I have that picture somewhere in my computer and can't find it.

Artists always have him looking so serene and inviting.  However, I never really knew what it was to have a "Jesus" life changing event come into my life until December of 1973.  I spent most of my life as a youngster playing on both sides of the fence.  I would get this music stand and a Bible and play preacher.  Sing songs and talk to God, or so I thought.  Then the next night I might be found reading ghost stories under the blanket and checking my future with an eight ball.

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When I realized it had been 40 years the other morning, I thought how can I pay tribute to the Lord God - my Savior and Holy Spirit Teacher.  So I thought about my favorite places.  And, who would listen to this story anyway.  Evidently you are, but my special invites were to a special bunch of critters who have followed me to a cabin in the woods.  If I had the time and money I would build it.  For real!  Up on the side of a small incline that over looks the lake at Lakewood.  It would, of course have a fireplace (that somebody tends for me) and a wonderful cozy lazy-boy chair with a fuzzy blanket in tow.  I am a passionate animal lover and so I thought I would tell them my story and you can listen in.   My favorite animals would be a basket of long haired calico's, two female white and brown shih' tzu's, a baby lamb, a baby goat, two baby bunnies,  and everyone has to have a fawn in their midst.  I have just fixed a cup of green tea and we have all quietly settled into a listening mode.

Once upon a time there was this little girl named Faith who loved animals,  and since she was an only child, her teacher, 4-H leader dad decided she should raise bunnies for her project at the 4-H fair.  Her mother, on the other hand wanted her to be inside sewing on the "Joseph" coat she was to make for a pre-Christmas play at church.  Being a strong willed young lady, she snuck out the back door and ran after her dad to see how to feed all the animals.  They had kittens under the porch, and Yapper, first ever dog was running ahead.  "Daddy, daddy, wait for me.  She tried to make both her daddy and mother happy, and almost did it, except truth would have it she was much more interested in the barns and pig pens then in any old sewing machine.  And, especially doing those silly Bible stories for Sunday school.  You see, right there God had His hand on her life because she was still trying to ride both sides of the fence.  Plus she enjoyed Ghost stories, and things that went bump in the night, black magic, the eight ball etc.  When her mother what she doing up there, she would get the music stand out and play preacher for a little while.  That went on until the year of her 8th grade.  Then something very dark began to emerge.  So, maybe it was that sudden move to town out by the college.  They had college kids who rented their rooms.  Her mother was secretary to the Dean of Students, her mother was getting her degree part time, and now she found herself chosen to be on the cheer leading team.  Her new friend Linda and fellow cheer leader,  also had a brother who was 17.  He did seem to pay a little more attention then he needed to as far as she was concerned.   She had spent most of her life on the farm, riding horse, feeding animals, showing them, playing in the woods, and this new completely different thing of living in the city was quite foreign.  She had no grand parents, or cousins to hang out with and so who were these people anyway?   It was about to turn out badly. 

It was a typical sports night and the junior high team had just finished.  It was time for the Varsity [and something they called a school dance afterwards.   It was her first school dance.  Still dressed in her cheer leader outfit she went up on stage and watched the girls pick someone to dance with as they got to choose first.   Linda took her over to choose her brother Steve.   Turns out he was a senior and wanting to date his sisters new friend.   She danced with him three dances, grew bored and moved on. 

Turned out her parents were there and stayed to watch.    Linda her had offered to drive her home.  Which turned into her brother driving Faith home.  NO BIGGY!  She got out, thanked him and went inside.  Waiting for her there was World War III.  She went up the stairs and was called to the master bedroom for her punishment.  Punishment?  For what?  Faith listened in horror about how they had gone to the principal to find out who that guy was she was dancing with and he had helped the story along by noticing that Steve did come to her locker occasionally, and followed her down the hall.  Sorry,  she tried to even remember that happening.   Nothing she said or did made any difference.  Faith was grounded.  Faith would be driven to school for two months and yadda, yadda, yadda.  With great anger Faith turned on her heel and walked down the hall slamming her door!

SHE WAS NEVER THE SAME PERSON AFTER THAT NIGHT!    continued!

(The baby deer blinked a good night, the goat was snoring, the kittens were piled in a heap, the shih tzu's were running in place after the bunnies who were sitting in my lap waiting to hear more)

You make make all comments to www.faith2enterprises.com or shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com

WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM!

No, I have no idea where these things come from.  It just came to my mind when I was thinking about a pronominal event that took place yesterday.  I want to share this story with Eric Wimer's permission (Upword Living Bookstore and Coffee House - downtown Auburn)!

A family situation was weighing very heavily on my emotions and so I was seeking God for an answer.  "What am I missing here?"  After lunch with a dear friend Wendy O., I went to a viewing at one of the local funeral homes.  Afterwards as I was driving through town, I felt a prompting to stop in at Upword for a cup of coffee.  I do mean prompting, because I argued about how I needed to take my pity party and go home.

 There wasn't anyone around except Eric and he was picking up trash and hauling it outside.  Unusually friendly today, he asked me what was I doing today.  So we talked a minute about "life and the things it brings our lives."   Eric has no idea how he ministered to me yesterday and I thank him for a whole new brain cell has attached itself to my spirit.  He began talking about how some people view their prayer life as asking for God's will in things.  We will tend to say, "Well, Lord willing I will be healed, or Lord willing I will be here next year."  I agreed.  He went on to talk about confessing what you want or need in a given situation.  He perked my ears, because I knew somewhere in the new testament was the verse. . ."Call things NOT as though THEY ARE!"  Where was that.  His example blew my mind.

He talked about the time he had a kidney blockage that required a $40,000. procedure.  He had no insurance and no money.  His prayer became this, "Okay Lord, I can't pay the $40,000.00 so 1) you will have to bring me the money from somewhere, or 2),  You do the Healing or 3) It will have to be my time to go, because I do not have any means to do it.   He boldly stated that God healed him and he has not had another anything with his kidneys.  So you do the math.  Another time he felt that God was calling him to go on a missionary trip.  He was young and just newly married, and there were bills to be paid and he was the only income.  It would also cost so much to go on the trip.  It came down to the last few days.  He again confessing that he believe the money would be there.  Not only was it there to pay the bills ahead but the money for the trip.

Witness Protection Program, you ask?  I honestly felt like I had gone somewhere else in the country for several hours.  This young man gave bold witness that God has a PROTECTION PROGRAM for us if we will but only use it.  We do need to be free to witness to people how we have been changed by God. It was clear, it was bold, it was what I needed to hear.  I got it.  I went home and looked it up.

Romans 4: 17 -

NIV Version -    - - -The God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

It caused me to examine how I was praying about the family situation.   And I realized that how I needed to confess my belief.   And how I needed to change my attitude.  I realize that this has been a controversial aspect for some, so let me be clear.  In my examination, I saw how I prayed and had a negative attitude at the same time.  Na-uh! That won't work.  Think about it.  It jelled for me.Thank you Eric for your bold beautiful witness.  Jesus expects us to follow suit.

HAVE YOU FINISHED WHAT GOD SENT YOU TO DO?

John 17: 4 and 5  "I have glorified You down here on the earth by completing the work that You gave me to do.  And, now Father, glorify Me along with Yourself and restore  Me to such majesty and honor in Your presence as I had with You before the world existed."   Amplified version

Jesus is speaking here about completed work.  How we should apply this to our life is very simple.
I DO NOT want to be ashamed when I stand before Jesus someday and not have done everything He gave me to do.  I listen to some people who wonder what are they supposed to do,  and even say to me. . ."How do I know what He wants or wanted from me?"  "I didn't get a letter from Him,  I didn't hear Him say anything, I did the best I could with what I have." 

What was the work Jesus had to do while He was here?  To bring the world at that time to know the father God, know themselves and know their enemy.  To teach them the truth.  The truth will set you free.  The truth was and is - That Jesus Christ came in the flesh, died for us so we could live free of sin, and then rose again on the third day.  That there just isn't anything in life as authentic as living your life for Jesus Christ.  Loving others and teaching them the truth.  Will there be some who don't want to accept the truth and turn away, yes!  It is still our job to inform them.  Changed lives show the living Jesus Christ.

The other point that must be noted here.  Did you see (if not - then look at it again) that He gives us the power to complete His work whatever that is.  The Holy Spirit is sent to complete our work with power and guidance.  He will show you the truth if you look for it, seek it, speak it, live it, show it, be glorified.

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT LIFE. . .

from a feral cat named Bandit!

Strange thing to blog about today, but I just have to do this.  I have only respected and adored a few animals in my life.  One of which Dakota who is still here at age 13 l/2.  And, this silly wild cat I named Bandit.  I named her that because of her face and how she stole all my ideas about how to treat wild animals.  My assumptions and structure, and belief system went right out the window.  Yet, this interesting character liked me and trusted me.  I could rub her back just before I put her food down.  But that was it.  I used to watch her from afar.  She roamed the three mile area.  She has probably had batches and batches of kittens.  Suddenly in February she came up to the house and ate some left overs.  And, the rest is history.  She brought three generations with her this year.  Teeger Babe.

He grew up and is almost a year old now!

Then she brought three more into the area.  Two calicos and a little tiger.  Then 3 weeks ago, Cutie Pie!

I admit I got really honked off about all this delivery system.  And, what difference does all this make now, you ask!  It's just me understanding that she trusted me, and wanted to bring me her family whether I liked it or not.  She got hit yesterday, and dragged herself to the house an under the deck.
It breaks my heart, but I know its where she wanted to be.  I took care of this beautiful animal.  Some idiot years ago must have let her out.  I could see such regalness in her face and eyes and she came home to end it.  I wanted to tame her, fix her, bring her in.  But she taught me life is not predictable, or assumed.   That nature has its own protocol and even though she came close, it was too late, but she knows its not too late for her family.  Cutie Pie has a home, Teeger Babe has done what she couldn't do, made up with me.  I brush him every day and he comes by name.  The other two gals are like their mom - oh well.  Now you know I need counseling, right?  Thanks for letting me share this with you.

LIKE THE SHEEPDOG, AM I?

One of my favorite bookmarks has the picture of a sheepdog on it!  I always liked those dogs, but at the same time it drove me nuts to figure out how do they see?  I even tried taking some yarn and throwing across my face to try and imitate what they see.  The caption under this sheepdog's picture is. . .   "We walk by Faith, not by Sight."

Perfect Illustration for how I feel today.  I read some things this morning on how God did let some of his leaders know the future before it happened.  Noah for one, Moses for another.  Moses was even told, go to the Pharaoh and here,  say such and such.  However, he won't believe you.  He has also given us gut instincts paired with emotional feelings and experiences.  We get indications that something might be coming.

          Hebrews 11: 1   Now Faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of proof of things (we) do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.)

So, there you have it.  God sometimes reveals to us what He wants us to know, and sometimes He just gives us a heads up.  Our commitment then needs to be walking by Faith through the "bangs" of life.  Get it.  Sheepdog "bangs".  We can't see, but He walks us through it.  All things work together for good.  Each one of us has some events in their lives that creates a high need to walk by faith.  If we could see, we might not want to see it all.  I always go back to Deut 31: 8.  He goes before us, and He marches with us through anything. We need to remember He never fails nor forsakes us.  We don't have to be depressed, discouraged and unnerved.  Yes, it is the toughest thing some of us do.  We can be told tomorrow we have cancer.  We can be told next week, that someone we love is terminal.  We have a nation of people about to be out of work because of decisions we had nothing to do with.  We have many scenarios in each family that we struggle with.  Grab on to God's hand Isaiah 40.  Read it all.  And, finally, as often as we can. . .let's pray for our national leaders that God will circumvent the bad headed our way and bring the truth.  The truth will set us free.

WHO FATHERS THE DROPS OF DEW?

DOES THE RAIN HAVE A FATHER?

It is always good to remember the story of Job!  Here was a good dude who got way laid by the arrogance of the fallen angel - Satan!  My interpretation you understand.

Hey God, look at your favorite fair-haired boy, Job!  He thinks he is so good.  Of course he is good, he hasn't had anything happen to him.  Let me have him for a minute and we will see how he is.  God simply said, knowingly, go ahead, but don't kill him.

Its a story about how a man loses everything, his children, his health everything.  He has a lot of those "good friends" who try to help him understand why this has happened to him.  Famous line.  "You must have done something really bad and God is punishing you?"  In the end Job gives us the mirror to look in.   "No matter what happens to me, I will serve the Lord, for the Lord is Lord of my life and heart."  So what does Job 38: 28 have to do with anything.  It struck me that the Lord is now speaking and talking about what all He does.   28:  "Does the rain have a father?  Who fathers the drops of dew."  Have you ever seen dew's formation.  You can feel it if you are sitting outside at night waiting for the fireworks or to see June bugs, and you can see it the next day on the grass, outside furniture and cobwebs.  I love seeing the cobwebs with all that shimmering dew.  Then we need to think how small and delicate and beautiful that is.  He stores up the rain for when we need it, He stores up the lightening, clouds everything is in His power.  Power that big, and that delicate, and that small is TRUE power.  He touches lives, He helps us forgive, He brings the Sun, Water, and storms.
He moves mountains, He restores relationships.  Who father's the drops of dew.  The great I Am, the great Artist. . .our God.  How breathless is that to take in? 

PEEK A BOO!

There is a point on Lakewood Christian School and Church's woods where I would love to have a house.  Not only do you get to peek out at the south end of the lake, it is like a private, secret kind of jut out into the lake.  You would have the east morning sun and the west sundown beauty at night.
It is kind of I see you, but you can't see me.  However, that is only a fantasy.  What it would cost to pipe in, and run a road, and all that realistic stuff, would stagger the imagination.  It is a day, like today, that makes you think of something like this.  Grey and rainy.  Although the sun is trying to play peek a boo with us right now!

Psalm 16: 1  Keep and protect me, O God, for in You I have found refuge, and in You do I put my trust and HIDE myself.

WHAT TO DO WHILE YOU WAIT!!

Do what the spider does, braid and weave your way to peace.  How in the world would I do that?
And, better yet WHY?

Waiting is hard.  Americans are so bad about waiting, even right down to how we handle road rage.
I saw in the paper this week a young man who didn't like how another guy was communicating with him on I-69.  (You know what I mean)  So he followed him onto US 6 and went around him to get him to stop.  Instead the man in the truck hit him spinning the car end over end.  WOW!  Tough example, but we don't even like to wait five minutes for the waitress to come over.  We want God to answer our prayers.  Some of us have waited years for certain people in our life, or events.

Twice today I read from two different devotions about Isaiah 40: 31.  So, I got the message that I need to work on this today and it certainly did bring some interesting ideas.  For example:  what are we to do while we wait?  The spider weaves an intricate braid or strands to make a very tight compartment of safety.  So, how about we spend time in the Word, worshiping, praying, singing, spending time with God we don't usually have.  We ask, seek, knock and then go about our life.  Some definitions write that the word wait - means braided together.  A tight band of material that has no strings attached.  Hmmm!  So, I see that as staying so closely woven to God, braided into His Word, trusting His perfect plan for my life, and of course, trusting His timing.  Ooops! The really hard part.

Isaiah 40: 31 -  But those who wait for the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope in Him)
shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up to the sun; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and and not faint or become tired.

I sat down this week (John 16: 24) and wrote out 14 bold statements.  Four of which have been answered.  So, be busy about your relationship with Him and perfect peace in the time of war can be yours.

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As per a request:   Pictures from a fall walk on 10-11-13

It wasn't as colorful as I thought it would be yesterday - maybe next week.  I have pictures form previous falls where its peaking already.  We have had the reds, but the maples are slow this year.
Have a wonderful Fall day!

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

When I started thinking of the things that speak to me or did this week, I couldn't help but use that phrase.

Most of you will know that that was a phrase used in a Tom Cruise - Cuba Gooding movie.  The whole emphasis was, to perform those words in order to get pumped up and focused on "the issue at hand!" 

This week I was impressed with reading about how God does see all the good and bad things that happen to us in our daily lives.  David was always in God's face about feeling abandoned, or picked on, and forgotten.  He would whine and Nash his teeth, but in the end, turn it over to the high God, and Praise Him anyway.   Isaiah 61: 7 says Instead of your (former) shame you shall have a twofold recompense;  instead of dishonor and reproach (your people) shall rejoice in their portion.  Therefore in their land they shall possess double (what they had forfeited);  everlasting joy shall be theirs.

That is even better then "Show Me the Money!"  It is God promising that no matter what is in front of us, God is always behind us.  He has got all the offenses, all the lies to us, all the hurts, all the everything covered.  He is SHOWING us that He is, of course, the judge and He will take care of it, no matter what it is.  And, once again, our job then.  Focus on giving Him glory and honor in whether you eat or drink, whatever it is, the total glory goes to Him.

I have listened to a lot of hurt people over these last 32 years as a counselor.  The hardest thing they handle is . . ."Look at what this person did to me - they changed my life forever -  I will never get that back!"    I do believe that we do, He does.  God has it covered.  You just keep serving Him.  it is no longer your problem.

OUR SURRENDER TO GOD. . .

ALWAYS PRECEDES HIS MOST SIGNIFICANT WORK IN OUR LIFE!


Let's take Abraham for example.  Gen. 22:  All of it, but in particular 1/3.   Everyone has heard some version of this story at some point in their life.  I was always struck by the immediate obedience of this patriarch.   God command him to take his son up into the hills to be offered as a living sacrifice, a burnt offering.   No back talk, no questioning, no doubting took place.  You know I don't have children, so I can't speak to that moment in time.  However, many of you can.  Would you have immediately taken your servants and your only son and gone to the place as marked?  He surrendered any thinking or doubts.  He must have believed and trusted that God would do something at the last minute to save his sweet and only son. After all, Isaac was a special gift from God.  God wouldn't do that to him or Isaac.  Right?  

This week, after many weeks, I decided it was time to do the same.  I took two pieces of paper.  8 1/2 by 11.  One was on Business stationery.  One was a plain piece representing my personal life.  In the center I put letters G O D.   All around the edges I put ME.  I surrendered my blank pages to God and said, okay, you have my attention.  Here is my life.  Psalm 25: 1  Unto You, O Lord, do I bring my life!  You write on them and I will do whatever you write.  Trust me, it isn't that simple.  Its been nine months in the making.  Ooops!  No pun intended.  I have been praying since Jan. 1st.  Some of you might remember MY ONE WORD this year was Surrender.  It has taken a whole lot of events, physical pain, emotional disappointments, family disappointments, pride upsets;  but here we are.
Here I am!

Each one of us has their own way of relating to God and wondering what in the world is going on here?  I get up each morning now and say, okay sure I have things written on the calender but it is your page to change and rewrite what you want.  How can I bless someone today and bring glory to you.  How can I respond to surprises, good news, bad news and bring glory to you, Lord?

I do want His significant work and His perfect peace in any war, crisis, drama, or trauma.  I claim it, how about you?

Get in and swing to Surrender!

PRACTICING THE PRESENCE!

SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE AND NOT THINGS OF THE WORLD!

Col. 3: 2

Easier said then done.  What is the first thing you think of each morning.  Do you set your mind to the negative or the positive.   Only symbol I can think of is the one heard once that concrete is impressionable and flexible before it SETS UP!  Don't let your mind set on the trauma, dramas and crisis's of life.  Or get to it before it sets.  What are you tempted to think about!  Be prepared to NOT do that, know that you do that -  STOP!  Do not allow outside forces to get you going while the concrete is drying on your negative feelings.  God's Word is clear here.  Set your mind on things above.

Each one of us has some sort of thing going on whether it is family, physical things, emotional ones, worries, etc.  Nip it in the bud!  Its the first day of fall and God's sky and landscape is going to have colors we can't even duplicate.  Look up!, Stay Up, Don't set up unless its on the heavenly things!

SO WHAT'S THE SNARE?

Footholds versus Strongholds?  Are they the same?  Why or why not?

All these years, and I had never thought about that question?  How does our enemy Satan send distractions, influences, footholds, strongholds our way?  How can we know the difference?

I will be teaching a class  this fall at County Line on The Full Armor of God!  And, out of the blue today I see something - a fine line I had not seen before.  You could say,  "which comes first the chicken or the egg?"

Joyce Meyer pointed out this morning in one of her devotionals that Satan likes introducing footholds to us in order to turn them into strongholds.  They were one and the same to me before that.

Eph. 4: 27 . . .and do not give the devil a foothold!   Bingo.  Sure.  In Corinthians we learn about how to take CAPTIVE every thought so it does not turn into a sin.  Psalms 25: 15.  Mine eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He releases my foot from the snare.  Light bulb moment! 

Okay, okay, so you already knew that.  Good for you.  I understand all about taking captive every thought.  We don't always do that very well.  An attitude about someone can enter in.  A new perspective can float by and you grab it.  Did you check it out.  Did you ask God about that attitude, idea, or temptation?  There is the snag.  Cause if you didn't, it turns into a Foothold.  Satan celebrates and whamo bammo it is a stronghold a waiting.  The first time a person turns into the porno site just to see what it is all about.  Thought/looksee + Foothold = Stronghold!

Good Stuff.  Make a commitment to EVALUATE every thought.  It is God's Word and commandment, II Corinthians 10: 5.    The mind is a very unloyal part of our mind and body, folks.
Tame it - Test it - Repent - Move on.  Think - Test it - Keep it - Foothold.  Think it - Test it - (I John 4: 1) Throw it out if its bad and Move On.   No Footholds - No Strongholds.    Takes too much time you say.  Tough!  I guarantee peace of mind 99% of the time if you just take this serious.  God is awesome - Its a gorgeous day today - Live to the fullest - Live in Peace of mind no matter what is going on around you.  Test it!

A New Day, A New Dawn!

Yep, John wouldn't get in the picture.  I wanted to remember what a stunning day it was.  AT that time it was our 43rd anniversary and we had a great dinner at the I.G.  The weather was superb.  WE did have to say goodbye to Jack Randinelli earlier, and I didn't have to go to a custody hearing because they settled.  My arm wasn't asleep and I had no pain.  Best day of the summer for me, so forgive me for wanting to put my own picture up there.

Today, is a new day, a new dawn.  Fingers are asleep, and I have no energy today, so I am taking a break.  They say working at the computer aggravates stuff in the neck.  Going to take up a book and read.

I will return.

NEW MORNING, EVERY MORNING!

LAMENTATIONS 3: 22, 23 AND 24

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are NEW every morning; great is His faithfulness.  I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."

In thinking about what to say on my blog today, I really felt compelled to say "Thank You Lord!"
For 43 years I have lived here, walked on a 3 mile radius of woods, prayed lots of prayers for people, had aha moments,  and listened to your creation.  Not only must we view your incredible creation, we should listen.  You speak to us through color, and sounds.  Not everyone can see or hear, and for that I would be most sad.  I say thank you I can hear and see your beautiful masterpieces through the leaves, and clouds, sound of the lake, frogs, herons, kids laughing at Lakewood next door on the playground.   It is very true, if you want to know there is a God, step out of your front door on any morning and thank Him for that gift.  If you had a gift box outside, what would be in it?  His faithfulness to you. . .what would that look like?  His portion for you today. . .what would that look like?  His unconditional positive regard for you. . .what would that look like?   If we are to wait for Him, how well do we wait?  Just step outside, walk outside, go get the mail.  Say Thank you Lord you are my portion, I can do all things through you who strengthens me.  What can I do for you today?  Share Him, Show Him in your actions and words, and then Praise Him for all He is!

DO YOU WANT GOD TO EDIT YOUR LIFE. . .

Or Do the Writing Himself?

Hebrews 12: 1 and 2

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Most likely we most generally let Him edit our life.  He gets to delete the messes, and suggest some new things.  He does work all things together for good. . .(Romans 8: 28) we have read that haven't we?

I don't know about you, but since I started writing, I have had to ask for lots of editing skills from friends and experts.  Believe me, I want so much to write it, and then send it.  In my life I have run ahead of the Lord many times on situations and then have to run to Him to clean it up.  "Please, please, please, Lord Jesus fix this for me!"   Like the title of my rewrite - "Fix Your Future So It Does Not Reflect Your past!"  Easier said then done, but God does love a cheerful giver.  It doesn't have to be about how much money you give, it could very well be, how much are you willing to cheerfully take on discipline and change?  

Our thought for today is - What can I do differently today to let God write on page?

Personally, I am having to take a breath and do that.  There are situations, physically and emotionally that are trying to weigh on my mind and make me want to edit them.  Or I could run kicking and screaming into the sunset!  Okay, God is my Author and Finisher.  Embrace that and like the oxen in the lead, let Jesus lead.

COME AWAY. . .

Mark 6: 31

"And He said to them, (as for you) come away by yourselves to a deserted place, and rest awhile - for many were (continually) coming and going, and they had not even leisure enough to eat."

That is my calling today - to take this time and spend it with Him, in His creation.  This last month has taught me about the tyranny of the urgent.  God does call us to rest and be prudent with our time.

Enjoy your weekend, I know I am. It is the prettiest August I have ever seen.

THEREFORE, BE CLEAR MINDED. . .

And that is the key isn't it?  It is not always easy to do.  So much is thrown at us in one day.
Whether we work all day in a career, work from home, retired, or retired but always busy.  There a million stories in the city.  I like I Peter 4:  7/11 for many reasons.  Peter summed it up then and it also applies to today.

"The end of all things is near.  Therefore be clear minded and alert so that you can pray."

And, there you have the bottom line to our individual lives for each day.  You can't get anymore direct then that.

However, even though knowledge is power, the execution of that becomes the problem.

So he goes on to say. . .:Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.  If anyone serves,  he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."

The key being we should do it in the STRENGTH GOD PROVIDES.  Oops! And, therein lies the problem with clarity.  We all have different personalities and some of us just have to fix it ourselves, or at least worry about fixing it.  If we find we can't get control, then we just fester and stew about the problem at hand.  So NO clarity.  I recently gave up that little trick I have of worrying about it.  Years ago, I just stepped in.  Not so much anymore.  I would rather fester.  Found out what that gets you.
Physical outbreaks.  You know.  Headaches, back spasms, stiff necks, and the list goes on.  When I let up on the worry wart aspect,  mainly because I couldn't find any wart medicine to take it off. . .(a little humor there), everything fell into place.  Again, God does work it all out for His good, our good.

Just another reminder, it is always going to be in His strength people.  Not ours.  Clarity is resting.
Clarity is purpose,  truth,  vision and finally peace.

SNARLING DOGS! SNARLING THOUGHTS!

It has been quite a couple of weeks, I must admit.  Beautiful weather, but lots of drama!  Between finding out I have a patch of shingles on my back, a frozen shoulder to be undone, tendinitis in the elbow, colonoscopy is clear, and I don't have to get foot surgery on the heel spur; whew! And that was just a few things that went on.  How does one person get all that in a two week period of time?  Stress?  Yep!!!

I have seen a doctor every day but one this week.  In all of that questioning and fist raising to God, I did learn a lot about the subjects at hand today -   You learn that once again the body takes what is going on in the mind and decides how it will respond.  What a deal!  You think you are being cool, but you aren't.  After all these years of counseling and studying you would think I could get that fixed.   Humbly, no!  Monday, however, the Lord got it through my thick skull some answers  I want to share with you, that might help you on down the road.

Our mind, unfortunately, can be penetrated by the enemy with our own toxic thoughts.  Hence - Psalm 59.  Here is a snippet. . .Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;  defend and protect me from those who rise up against me.  .  .They return at evening, they howl and snarl like dogs, and go (prowling) about the city.  Behold they belch out (insults) with their mouths; swords (of sarcasm, ridicule, slander, and lies) are in their lips, for who, they think, hears us?  But you,  O Lord, will laugh at then (in scorn); You will hold all the nations in derision.  O my strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises; for God is my Defense (my Protector and High Tower).   (Read the entire chapter)    Job, no doubt, learned all these too!

My point here is that our own thoughts become like snarling dogs in the night.  We get all caught up in the "Why" questions of life,  and why did I do that, well why did I make that decision, am I nuts?
We worry, fret, fester, stew, and steer.   I wrote a book on that once.  Fretting, Fussing, Stewing, and Steering.  Here is the question I had to ask myself when I looked at the last two weeks and all that is going on in our family right now . . . " Do I trust that God works ALL things together for good according to His purpose, or not?"  And, if I believe His Word, then why don't I act like it.  Telling me, "Shirley, you are human, we are all human after all!"  That just doesn't help.

What I needed to hit me was that I need to keep my snarling thoughts down to a dull roar.  I need to share with you that keeping your mind clear and at peace no matter what, brings praise, and clarity.  Trusting that, turning that all over to God, and not carrying it ourselves brings peace.  Trust brings peace.  

You will keep the enemy away more often, you will circumvent his snarling away at you so much.  You must also be about keeping your thoughts in steadfast prayer, peace, and trust.  Stop, Look and Listen to God.  He DOES work all things together, especially,  if we keep our mitts off of it!!!!

Hang out and rest in a beautiful tree, the TREE OF LIFE -  Jesus Christ!  TODAY!


I Peter 4: 7 - But the end and culmination of all things has now come near;  keep sound minded and self - restrained and alert therefore for (the practice) of prayer.

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER!

HISTORY IS HISTORY!  There are no pictures on record of this green yard overview to the lake on July 24th of any day,  of any year since 1970.  It is beautiful to see God's green carpet on July 24th and today, July 27th.  (the picture says July 20th, but our grandson took this picture on Wednesday of this week.)  (need to check camera dates)  At any rate it is such a blessing to see how lush everything is.  And, we have no mosquitoes on the premises.   Tuesday night I had a gentleman very fearful of sitting on the pier because allergies to mosquitoes.  He was totally blown away.  This year we bought a zapper and its been 100% for the entire acre.  Yes, this is trivia today.  Taking the weekend off.

GOD USES EVERYONE!

Joshua 2: 1/14

There is a lot to be seen and understood when you read this passage about Joshua who sent a couple of guys out to scout for the promised land.  They went in secret, but the King of Jericho got wind of their inquiry.  So he sent his men out to find them.  Now here is the interesting part of this story; Rahab a known prostitute offered her home as a hideout and lied to the authorities about whether they had been there or not.  So, number one, was is okay for her to lie?  And, why did a woman of her stature know these were men of God and what stirred within her to do this?

Verse 9, 10, and 11:  And she said to the en, I know that the Lord has given you the land and that your terror has fallen upon us and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.  FOR WE HAVE HEARD HOW THE LORD DRIED UP THE WATER OF THE RED SEA for you when you came out of Egypt, and WHAT YOU DID TO THE TWO KINGS OF THE AMORITES who were on the (east) side of the Jordan, Sihon, and Og, WHOM YOU UTTERLY DESTROYED.  When we heard it, OUT HEARTS MELTED, neither did spirit or courage remain any more in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.  (Hebrews 11: 31)

Hebrews 11: 31 - (Prompted) by faith Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed along with those who refused to believe and obey, because she had received the spies in peace (without enmity).

So, we can do the math here, even though it can be debated forever. . ."When is it righteous to lie?"
God blessed it.  God used her.  God uses everyone, no matter what their condition.  Why?  Because she obeyed Him.  She was convicted, committed, and changed.  Hallelujah!

I remember when I came to the Lord and when some of that church leadership prayed with me, and I confessed the desire to serve the Lord in the church doing whatever.  I just want to help people where I was.  Can you imagine what could have been had I listened to this. . ."Oh, I don't think so Shirley, your husband isn't saved yet and God doesn't honor women in leadership roles here."  I left that church and the rest is history.  I went to Bible School on a dime, my husband wasn't happy, but I trusted the Lord.  I heard Him say He wanted me to help people, trust Him for John and be a leader.
I found the right churches for that, my husband led me to County Line, and I have done all that.
Not because I was some wonderful obedient, sinless child of His, but because I obeyed.  God uses everyone right where they are.

B R E A T H. . . . .!!!!!!!

My new chiropractor tells me this all the time.  Whenever she puts me through a pace, I concentrate and stop breathing.  She says. . ."Breath Shirley, don't stop breathing!"  We have all learned that without breathing, we die.  It takes necessary oxygen to the brain.  We can lose our breath over so many things, pain will make you hold your breath, bad news will make you hold your breath, and yes, swimming makes us forceably hold our breath.

I am referring to the concept of breathing through an event, rather than holding your breath.  Some of my exercises make me want to hold my breath, but once I learned how to do them, I could breath while I did them.  Other exercises proved to be better when I took a breath, let it out and relaxed.
Do you see where I am going?

Knowing how to use our own God given breathing helps us with everyday life events and surprises.

The reason I got impressed with this concept was realizing how important it is to know how and when to use a very important part of our development and creation.  God gave us breathing to maintain life.  Yes, we get the breath knocked out of us at certain times.  Emotionally, Spiritually, and Physically.  What else does God tell us in His Word about breathing.  He wants us to practice leaning and relaxing on Him when we get knocked around.  John and I both talk lately about how "this just takes my breath away!" when we hear about what someone in our family is going through, or all of them, and the people in Boston, San- Francisco, just name an area today.  God's Word has so many examples, but let us embrace Psalm 121.

Paraphrased;  I need to lift my eyes to the mountain tops, because there is where I will get help!
My help and my breath only comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.  My God will not let my foot slip or be moved, why?  Because HE NEVER SLEEPS.  He shades me, from the blinding light of the sun and will KEEP ME FROM EVIL.   He has my life in His hands.

Psalm 121: 8  The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

My perspective about this last verse.  He will keep me breathing through anything I need to go through, no matter what, now and forever!

Today, I practiced the five breaths in, hold for 5, and let out for five.  Breath!  Relax.  He's got it covered.

TAKE THE PLOW!

On our trip to Chicago and back I was impressed with how high the corn was already.  Last year, it was 105 degrees with corn only about 6 inches high.  What a difference?  It was breath taking.  In some places it was taller then myself.  Today (Sunday) I notice that on our road it is higher then John.
What a wonderful site that was.  Farmers have to hold their breath a lot you know.  This year they do not.  They will have to keep their hand to the plow:

Luke 9: 62

Jesus said to him, No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back (to the things behind) is fit for the kingdom of God.

There are so many different ways to apply this to our lives, isn't there?  Do not look back at the weather last year.  I get picked on for doing that some times.  I just think it is interesting to see how things change.  Some do it, because they want to stay back there in the past.  Some do it, because want to compare how different things are now.  Jesus is saying very clearly, we are to move forward with His plan for our life.  No need to look back.  This is now, that was then!  I am highly impacted today about how God has a plan for each one of our lives.  Think about that!  Did you, do you see yourself living His plan for you?  Do you know what it was He had planned?  Maybe you are living it right now!  Maybe you are not sure if you are.  I have not been home two days and between phone calls and emails, I am bombarded with "What happened to my life, I can't catch a break?"  "What did I do wrong, what wrong road did I go down?"  "This can't be what God planned for me, what am I going to do?"  "Why are these people doing this to us, why would God plan this kind of assault?"

Difficult times, but a clear message.  Stop, pray, and listen.  Some are being assaulted for their ministry for God.  Some have made bad choices in their lives.  Jesus is still saying, keep your hand to my plow.  Do not look back.  "Fix Your Future So That It Does Not Reflect Your Past!"  If you are praying, listening, and applying - hang onto the plow.  Jesus is at the same plow you are.  He is the head oxen.  Let Him lead.  He does not fail, abandon, or forsake you.  He is the best farmer, shepherd you will ever have.

CHOICES!

How many books or blogs could anyone write about that word!!  Choices!  It can mean one thing, it can mean thousands of things!

As we go off on vacation for the week, I would invite you to think about the difference between feeling guilty about discipline or excited to make a change.  If I asked you to rate that question with 1 being the lowest, or 10 being the highest, what number would you choose when it comes to being disciplined.  It may feel like this was a trick question.  Sure it depends on the level, who is administrating the discipline, and how bad did you screw up.

Rev. 3: 19

Those whom I (dearly and tenderly) love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten (I discipline and instruct them).  So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent (changing your mind and attitude).  AMP

There are other verses that can be found to back this up, but I like this one because it encourages us to look at that whole conviction thing and make a decision that discipline is good.  Each one of us can look at at any given moment and know whether God is involved in teaching us something new, or we are just bad mouthing ourselves with false humility.   It can be over eating wrong, spending too much money, something you said to someone that hurt them, or  serious things we don't want to share.

The excitement for this choice must be - categorically that we know He loves us, and when we repent or admit we need to fix that, that it becomes that moment of celebration - WE ARE ALIVE IN GOD!  We are spiritually alive and growing.  Do not make the mistake of choosing to beat up on yourself about "How could I have done that, or said that?"  Get up out of that mud puddle and brush yourself off.  Walk out of that pit and choose to realize. . ."He loves me.  He is in me.  He will help me.  I can do this!"

You are alive in your Lord God Jehovah and growing spiritually.  Celebrate.


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Have a wonderful holiday over the 4th.  I will be back on by Sunday the 9th refreshed and ready to share more.

WHO'S HOLDING IT TOGETHER?

WHAT ARE YOU HANGING BY TODAY?  A nice specifically made hanger?  A nice tight and packed with dirt container?  Or is the fertilizer that makes you grow?  What engineer formatted and programmed this Black Eyed Susan to grown this way?  I submit it was, of course, God who implemented this entire part of our stunning visual capacity.  Look at it.  This is just one of many
things (ALL THINGS, ACTUALLY) that He did for our pleasure. 

In studying Col 1: 17, we see it very clearly.  "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."  He even got someone to invent the hanger, the pot, and the fertilizer.   He supplied the rain or water from a hose.   It is a master programmer that can do it all.  I certainly can't hold it all together.  I have heard many people say, "I just can't keep it together!"  Well meaning people will say, "Get your stuff together, will you?"  And, the fun answer is always, "Well, even if I could get it together, I can't lift it."   

We are more than relieved to learn that He goes before, He holds it all together for us.  More than once I have had to be bopped on the head to "let it go" and let him hold it.  It is too heavy anyway.

And, God's Word reminds us that we are to bring our heavy stuff to him for He cares.  He takes the burden, He shines the light ahead.  So, if you are hanging by a thread today, can you let it go and fall safely into the hands of your Lord and Savior who promises in His Word that he has it all together?
Or maybe you are swinging from a lovely golden rope that is swaying gently in the breeze.  Fabulous.
Whatever it is, we all know that at sometimes, we hang by a thread.  Let God show you the special made and heavy duty hanger.  Let Him show you the very special and prepared pot with enriched dirt to supply your needs.  Let Him show you the fertilizer and water that will make you grow full and beautiful.  Wilting only happens when you don't fertilize and water.  His Son Jesus is the water, and His Word is the fertilizer.  Use them all and as much as you need.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

HERE IS TO YOU JOHN DAVID SOUDER -  A TRUE GENUINE FATHER.  What is a father after all.  Is he like God, all protective, all knowing, all protecting and has your back at every turn?

Some of us had that, some of us didn't.  What I see in John is how he has really put every effort into honoring God by being an upright, honest, God fearing person with integrity and unconditional positive regard for everyone.  He has rescued animals galore, and taken care of God's gift of property that we have had here for 43 years.  No one has done it better.  He has a deep respect for nature and does give the benefit of doubt to most who cross his path.  Does he have a moment when you have crossed that line, oh yeah!  But it takes a whole lot to turn that corner and for that I am grateful.
I have certainly crossed the line many times.  We need more people like John David Souder in today's world.  I am just fortunate to have been blessed with a true renaissance man.  He could iron, cook, plant flowers, mow, build a building, paint one, draw one, fix a car, build a car, parent and grand parent, teach, name it and he would try to conquer it.  I have seen him stay up at nights processing in his head how to fix something that broke or needed facilitated.  Sure enough - he came up with it.
He learned how to say "I'm sorry" which is rare, and fix things he didn't like about himself.  We can learn from him, I just wish we could spread him around more.

Happy Father's Day to a real gem and treasure.

WE NEED YOUR EAR TODAY, LORD JEHOVAH!

There are so many bazaar stories out there today, it takes my breath away.  I have heard and read many scenarios in the last few days.  When I was seeking God for why, I was directed to these scriptures, just to name a few.  What do you tell friends and family today anyway.  As a counselor in today's world, I am supposed to be equipped with psychological and Christian principles.  But, I must admit it gets harder and harder for some and they wonder "Where is God!"

Psalm 31: 1 through 5

In you, O Lord, do I put my trust and seek refuge;  let me never be put to shame or (have my hope in You) disappointed;  deliver me in your righteousness!  Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily!  Be my Rock of refuge, a strong Fortress to save me!  Yes, You are my Rock and my Fortress;  therefore for Your names sake lead me and guide me.  Draw me out of the net, for You are my Strength and my Stronghold.  Into your hands I commit my spirit;  You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth and faithfulness.

7:  I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy and steadfast love, because You have seen my affliction, You have taken note of my life's distresses and you 8: and You have not given me into the hand of the enemy;  You have my feet in a broad place.

All we can do is guide people to His Word, and ask them to take a breath, sit back, wait, and see the tide turn.  And, it will.

If we know ourselves, if we Know God, and you must know your enemy;  then you take a breath, sit back, wait and see the tide turn.  Very difficult concept when the arrows are piercing and coming too fast.


Psalm 35: 26  Let them be put to shame and confusion together who rejoice at my calamity!  Let them be clothes with shame and dishonor who magnify and exalt themselves over me.

Deut. 31: 8 -  it always comes back to Deut. 31: 8

It is the Lord who goes before you;  He will (march) with you;  He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; (let there be no cowardice or flinching, but) fear not, neither become broken (in spirit) (depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm).

He (God) knows, knew you were going to go through______________________.  That is the one thing some have a problem with.  If He knew why does He let it happen?  And, again, it goes back to free will.  Satan and the fallen angels found out that free will gets them some entertainment, but WE WIN IN THE END.  They broke away and became independent and destructive.  But, we still WIN IN THE END.  Get someone to wait with you, get someone to help you breath and pray.  Get a posse of people who pray and have your back.  YOU'LL SEE!

BIG NEWS!!!

MY BOOK "FIXING YOUR FUTURE SO IT DOES NOT REFLECT YOUR PAST" (EMBRACING EMOTIONAL FORGIVENESS)has been accepted at Amazon.com.  Amazing to me how that all came about.  We will start working through the details on Monday.  Pray God's favor upon its marketing and how it helps people along the way!!

IMAGINATION CAN BE GOOD!

IS THIS NOT THE GREATEST IMAGINATION PICTURE YOU CAN THINK OF!!!???

Isaiah 40: 10 and 11.

See the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him.  See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.  He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;  he gently leads those that have young.

I fell in love with this picture years ago.  It was on the front of a greeting card.  Upward Christian Living Bookstore had them.  I began sending them out, and then a friend copied this and sent it to me so I use for a screen saver.  It exemplifies our Lord Jesus Christ to a T.  It dots every i and crosses every t.  When changes come, when the storms come, when life hits us in the stomach, and when we just need to think about how sweet it would be to be helped up over the rocks in life.  He is ready to hold us, carry us, rock us, love us!

Imagine - IMAGINE - Imagine!  Nothing to fret about even though you may have right now.
He is there all the time to carry us and take the burden off.  I love it.  I love Him.  Enjoy your imagination today about what it would be like to be pulled up to safety.

Isaiah 41 comes along right behind 40 with - verses 10 and 13.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear;  I will help you.

IS IT SMOOTH SAILING. . . .

OR CAN WE RIDE OUT THE STORM WITH OUR LORD JESUS?


Psalms 107: 23/32

Others went out on the sea in ships;  they were merchants on the mighty waters.  They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.  For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves.  They mounted up the to the heavens and went down to the depths;  in their peril their courage melted away.  They reeled and staggered like drunken men;  they were at their wits end.  They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.  He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.  They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.  Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.  Let them exalt him in the in the council of the elders

(I would suggest you read the rest of that chapter - it is full of great stuff.)

This reminds me of that walk on the wild side with Jesus and Peter.  Jesus invited Peter to come out on the water.  He was encouraged to walk out of his comfort zone and knowledge that no one walks on a sea of water, especially during a storm, right?    Would you have responded to Jesus without question and just walked on the water?  Peter did, but as soon as he looked down, he started to sink.

There is another favorite story that goes with this concept of riding out a storm with Jesus.  It comes from a story about people visiting the tallest building in any given large city.  They are all at the top looking out over the city when some one tells them the building is on fire.  That would have been it for me right there.  Pass out time.  They look across from the tall building at another tall building.
They suddenly see that a line goes between the buildings.  On the other side is Jesus and a wheel barrel.  He comes across with that wheel barrel and asks you to get in, He will take back over to the safe side.  "Come on Shirley, get in!"  Are you getting this?

I love in Psalms where it says, " They reeled and staggered like drunken men, they were at their wits end.  They cried out to the Lord in trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. "  It is very bold and clear that we get all up in our shorts at times, right? 

All of this to say, there is a difference between knowing about God, or knowing God.  When you know Him, you will trust Him.  You will get in the wheel barrel, you will call out and know He is on the way.  You will know He can hold you up out on the stormy waters of life.  He will be in it with you.  To know Him is to be head down in His Word.  Applying His Word, and Living His Word.

Check yourself out here and decide - Am I doing my own smooth sailing my way, or am I  into smooth sailing even in the storms of life with my Lord, God and Savior.

MINE EYES ARE GLUED TO YOU. . .

OH LORD!  Unto you O Lord, do I bring my life.

Last week I talked about (and if you haven't read it, go back and read it) what do you do if someone makes a decision in their life, that changes yours as well, forever.  If it is negative, we can become bitter, angry and need to forgive.  Embracing emotional forgiveness is a very tough thing to do.  Jane Fonda said years ago,"You can't grow up until you forgive!"   I totally agree.  I also concur that it musters everything in us to let go of things that have altered our life and we didn't give that person permission to do that.  It is like the Butterfly - who has to FIGHT its way out of the bag.  IF we help it out, poor thing, we kill it.  It has to go through that small opening in order to gain strength.  They need that strength in their wings to fly.  Same thing for us, we must struggle and painfully go through the forgiveness hole in order to fly away into freedom and peace.

Psalm 25: 15 - Mine eyes are ever on the Lord, for only He releases my feet from the snare.

What snare, you ask?  Every kind of snare.  We struggle with our personalities sometimes, we struggle with letting go of anger sometimes.  We develop attitudes and ideas about people.  We get strange feelings that become ideas, which turn into brick walls.  Name a scenario today and there is the snare.  Forgiveness is no different.  Letting go of emotional pain is more difficult then taking Advil or Vicodin.  Those pills most likely will get rid of the pain in a few minutes.  Emotional pain can be lost lasting and worse then a bitter pill.   So, keeping your eyes on the Lord and KNOWING that he releases you from the snare, when?  When you finally hit the brick wall and say. . .okay, I am done with this, help me.  I still love Jim Dobson's story about his son.  They were parked somewhere and Jim had the tailgate down in the back of station wagon.  He reminded his son to stay in his seat until he got back with the bags of mulch to put in the back.  BY the time he turned around, his son was dangling from the back of the tailgate.  He was yelling. . ."Somebody, help the boy, please help the boy."  That is what we do many times.  However, I think it is appropriate for what we do emotionally or can do is better.  "Hey Lord, help me. . . I 'm caught, I need released from the snare."