WHAT WAS MARY THINKING?

This picture was not on her mind.  She had no idea he would reach out to us all to save our lives.  Or if she did know, she didn't say.  Sitting there that Christmas night looking at her newborn son must have been not only a normal moment, but an overwhelming moment.  Naturally she would wonder how she was going to be as a mother to this young man names Jesus.  She would also wonder how she would do as a mother to the son of God.  Whoa! 

Was she thinking about God's Word that night?  Probably not, but here is a scripture that envelops the entire night for her.

Proverbs 16: 3

Roll your works upon the Lord (commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will and) so shall your plans be established and succeed.


So it goes for us today as well.  What do you do with this Son of God?  You just put it all in His hands, our Savior's hand and know He will do the rest. 

Merry Christmas everyone!  Remember why we celebrate this wonderful season.  God loved us so much He knew we needed a gracious Savior to come into our lives.  We needed forgiven and restored, redeemed and loved unconditionally.  Let's celebrate that through our love and get togethers this season.  We need to bring glory to God in all we do and say.

"JOSEPH. . .WHAT WAS IT LIKE FOR YOU?"

Matthew 1: 18/25

19. . .Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.

"Have a seat Joseph, do you go by Joe or Joseph?" the reporter asked.

"I am always called Joseph!"

He was a very tall gentleman, with a very pleasant look about him.  I had been asked to interview him and I was intrigued, but not excited.  What would I want to know about him, I wanted to interview his son, but he was no where to be seen.

"Basically, Joseph, in trying to prepare for this interview I admit the only question I have for you is what was the first thing you thought when you heard your fiancee was pregnant?  And, most of all how did you take it that it wasn't your baby?  Must have been pretty daunting?"

"I was sleeping sir, I had a dream and this angel told me it was okay, God sent his Holy Spirit into Mary and she now carries His son.  I must admit it hit me pretty hard at first, I wanted to know how can this be.  .  ."

I interrupted. . ."It was just a dream how could you be sure?"

"Sure, I fought with my own thoughts and what everyone was saying around me, but I just knew, that I knew, that I knew!"

"So then what did you decide, how did you do that?" "I don't think I could have that much faith or trust?"

Joseph drew quiet for a moment - I was pretty sure I had got him at this point.

He raised his head from thought and said.  "I know my God, and if that was His plan for my life, all I had to do was be obedient.  You should see how Mary glows, I knew the minute I Looked into her face.  This was God ordained.  It was something I had no knowledge of how to work out.  So when I looked deeply into her eyes, I knew and it was time to live out God's plan.   We talked about what the pressures would be like.  No one would understand how I could not walk away.  God came in, He showed up and gave me the grace, strength, and wisdom to take Mary in and live out His plan for our lives even though we had the Savior of the world in our hands.   We had no idea just what all that meant.  How would it change our lives?  Were we to discipline him like a regular child, would he leave us and never come back?  We prayed together and then we knew, no matter what wild journey we would go on with this child, God would lead us.  And, isn't that what we all need to do.  Turn ourselves over to God for Him to lead us, to guide us, to be with us.  Jesus means Immanuel with us after all.  It was hard, don't get me wrong, but looking to her face during birth, looking into that Savior's face that night, I knew!  I felt a peace and quiet I would never know again.  And, then when the Kings, and Shepherds came and looked at this baby, I knew it was all going to be okay.  Jesus would make it okay.  We have but to look into His face.

Proverbs 3: 6

"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"

It all of a sudden became too clear.  Follow the star and you will go where ever He leads.  God's Got It!"

I put my pen down and closed the pad up.

Suddenly I wanted to know Joseph better.  What a woman God chose and what a man He chose to carry such a huge package for us to receive on Christmas Morning.  The most perfect package ever.  Bright, Colorful, Fulfilling, and perfect.

What is this reason for the season bringing you for Christmas and how will you share it in 2015?

Merry Christmas everyone!

A Reunion at WANE TV!

check out www.soudersentinel.blogspot.com this week

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR FOR THANKSGIVING!

When I read lately, it seems to be everywhere about giving thanks.  I watched Oprah yesterday and how she had to learn in every situation to give thanks.  her Aunt told her it was the most important way to get out of the doldrums - there is!

I agree.  When I also read in Jesus Calling, how He talked to Sarah Young daily it seems, about giving me praise for everything keeps your mind closed to junk.  Dark and evil things.  He loves it when we praise and honor Him with that focus in mind. 

I Thess 5: 16-18

Be happy  (in your faith) and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always).  Be unceasing in prayer (praying perseveringly); Thank (God) in everything (no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks), for this is the will of God for you (who are) in Christ Jesus (the Revealer and Mediator of that will).

Try a thank you journal and write it in everyday.  Yo would be surprised at what happens.

I am thankful for all my readers of this blog, you keep me thinking and stretching.
I am thankful for my husband and love how he is my biggest fan even after 44 years of marriage and the 5 years before we got married.
I am thankful to God for the incredible friends he has sent my way.  It is breathtaking.
I am thankful for all the medical care-takers He has introduced me to - without them I wouldn't be walking and this is literal.
I am thankful for the career path He sent me on and how it has taken me on oh so many journeys.
I am so thankful for the "things" He has allowed me to take care of for Him.  Our home and everything in it.
I am thankful for the animals He has sent me, they just get better, how does that work - it is God?
I could go on and on.  You see what I mean. 

Be thankful anyway.

Read  Romans 4: 17.

WHAT IS YOUR MAIN THEME EVERYDAY?

Or, in other words, what do you concentrate on, what do you mostly think about, or practice????

It is my hope that when you look at this picture you think of God's creation.  How did He do that?  Why there?  Sun coming through and just that amount of trees, and you can't see the blue sky, but it is there, how?  I have searched and searched my files for the picture of Jesus standing on a rock in a stream.  He is leaning over to the outstretched hand of a young child to help him up to his rock. 
I love that painting and want to find it and put it up everywhere.  It is that moment when you know you are practicing the presence of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.   

Hebrews 13: 15  

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of Praise - the fruit of lips that confess His name."

When we practice the presence of God through praise and thanks it brings us His full armor and Peace for the day.  Sounds weird doesn't it?  It is the greatest mystery I have ever uncovered.  How do you get peace everyday.  Okay, I'll study the Word, I will pray for everyone, and I will be nice all day.
Ah! that didn't always work, and then when I started reading Jesus Calling, I realized He was telling me everyday;   that because I sit quietly with  praise and thanks plus do that all day even when I am busy, things change.  I have actually been fitted for the dress code of ARMOR and my PEACE  in Him equips for all the obstructions and distractions our enemy throws our way.

And, so I put all that to the test and He delivered.  Instead of thinking and then practicing all those performance things each day;   I just spent time thanking Him - even for a parking place.  Or answers to a prayer that surprised me.  He is our sovereign God you know.  He's Got It!  Practicing reaching for His hand takes a mind set.  Do you have that mind set?  Develop it and see what I mean.
He does love it, of course, because we spend time in His Word, and we pray for others, but things changed for me when I started Practicing the Presence all day long.

WHO DO YOU CONSORT WITH?

In talking with lots of people I hear the same thing.  "I have this committee running around on the inside of my head, I swear.  And, I wish they would shut up!"

And, I totally agree.  In God's Word, II Cor. 10: 5, He talks about how we need to take captive those thoughts that become contentious and argumentative.  It is my opinion that that takes a GREAT deal of work to demolish argumentative and negative thinking.  The first time I read that I got mad.  There are two things in Corinthians that really grabbed at me these last 41 years as a Christian.  The Love chapter and this verse.  When I was in college we learned Psychologically how to teach people to think differently.  There is a book called Stinkin Thinkin!  Some of us enjoy having pity parties in our head, some like to do self condemnation talking, and then there are those who just enjoy being negative.   The Psychologists will tell you to wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it every time you think something ugly.  Practice thinking negatively for 30 minutes at 5PM every day.  Pretty soon each person thought that was so silly they quit it altogether.

This week I read something that solidified what I was already thinking.  When you read Jesus Calling, you learn a lot about how the Holy Spirit is inside us.  We know that logically, but I am impressed by something that was said on November 14th.  "Try to depend on the help of the Holy Spirit  as you go through this day of life.  Pause briefly from time to time so you can CONSULT with this Holy One inside you. Gal 5: 25  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

He also illustrated this last couple of weeks the need to place His face in the center of your mind boggle.  If you are having a committee discussion about something or someone, place His face there along side.  It's been very convicting to realize that practicing the presence requires a lot of concentration and focus.  It WORKS!  I've tired it.  I am finding consulting with the Holy One instead of my committee releases more positive thinking and reactions.  TRY IT!  Stop talking to yourself so much and talk with the Holy Spirit.  CONSULT with Holiness.

RELEASE AND RECEIVE!

Today, I want to share another major snippet from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

Worship Me in the beauty of holiness.  All true beauty reflects some of who I am.  I am working My ways in you:  the divine Artist creating loveliness within your being.  My main work is to clear out debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession.  Collaborate with Me in this effort by being willing to let go of anything I choose to take away.  I know what you need, and I have promised to provide all of that - - abundantly!

Your sense of security must not rest in your possessions or in things going your way.  I am training you to depend on Me alone, finding fulfillment in My Prescence.  This entails being satisfied with much or with little, accepting either as My will for the moment.  Instead of grasping and controlling, you are learning to release and receive.  Cultivate this receptive stance by trusting Me in every situation.

Ps 29:2  Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name;  worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness

There are so many key words int his I don't know where to start.  But, I will start with Collaborate - agree with, go along with, give up, work with, be okay with, and accept that He knows what is best.
Boy, is that hard.

I love that part bout instead of grasping and controlling, learn to release and receive. WHEW!
You have heard people say - Let Go ad Let God!  Here is another best way to say that all.

Then CULTIVATE this new stance, and how would I do that.  By digging deeper, fertilizing and watering my trust in the Lord.  I must admit that doing that this year has been a driven focus of mine.

I want my total security to be in Him no matter what comes down.  And, another chapter came down this week, I did not take it well.  However, instead of days of frozen immobility and fear, I worked on it being only hours.  I still take everything back to Ps 31: 8 -  The Amplified version.  He goes before me, He walks with me in it, He will not forsake me, let me go, or abandon me.  I do not have to accept fear, discouragement, depression, being unnerved.  I am to trust God.  This may be easy for you, but for the rest of us, it takes driven vigilance.  It is called PRACTICING THE PRESENCE!

THE TEMPORAL BATTLEFIELD! TO FIGHT OR FLIGHT?

Ep 6: 12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

I have been teaching Girls With Swords by Lisa Bevere this year and something caught my eye.  When I read that we really don't fight against anyone we know.  What?  As human beings, I see us thinking that we know exactly who we come up against.  We could even put names to some of those conflicts.  However she is right, our real battle is against the enemy and what distractions and influences he sends our way.

Just as we can count on the fact that labor precedes natural birth, there are those temporal battles before eternal dreams.  What does the word Temporal mean exactly.  If you look it up in the dictionary you learn it is something that goes on for a short time here in our life.  What I like about this concept is the two words. . .short time.  If you are like me we think what we go through sometimes is going to be forever.  What we can count on from God is that this whole thing here is temporal and then when we go to be with Him, it is eternal and the battle is over.  These episodes in our lives are temporal.

Our job is take sword, God's Word and stick it right in the face of the enemy.  He can't take three things.  He will back down when you use the tools of three major things.

1).  The Word -  James 4: 7 -  Submit yourself unto God, resist the enemy and he will flee
      Luke 10:19  I have been given the authority to trample on scorpions and snakes and to overcome the power of the enemy and that no harm shall come unto me.

2).  The Blood of Jesus - Satan and his dark world can't take the blood of Jesus because it was shed on Calvary for us - each one.   Rev. 12: 11 . . .they overcame them by the blood and their testimony.

3.  The Name of Jesus -  Phil 2: 9, 10, and 11   God gave him the name that rises above all names - Jesus.  Etc.

Once we start throwing our weight around in the name of Jesus, the enemy backs off.  Even though it is temporal while here on earth, keep that sword where you can get it at all times.  The enemy hates it when we fight for the Lord, when we love in the name of Jesus, when we behave in the name of the Lord.  One day it won't have to be this way, and that we can celebrate.

"DON'T LOOK BACK - YOU AREN'T GOING THAT WAY!"

Dotty Miller is one of those people you need to have in your life forever amber.  Her perky character and personality never waver, and if it does, you will never know it.

She sends me THE most wonderful tag lines and upbeat messages.  So I give her the credit for this
absolutely simple but perfect perspective.  I am really all about positive reinforcement lately.  I say Don't Borrow Trouble and I hate to admit it is not an original saying.  You have heard it growing up, or at least the older generation heard it a lot.

I wrote a book about it -  "Fix Your Future So It Does Not Reflect Your Past!"  Same concept.  The Bible is full of that concept.  "Don't look back, keep your hand to the plow. . ." 

Isaiah 43: 18 and 19  Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland!"

Pity parties don't last and if they do you need to seek professional help.  Pity parties do not solve anything.  You can NOT go back, don't look back.  There is no way to redo or do a do-over.  I have wanted to do that a million times.  Self condemnation is so easy to do, get a whip out.  A counselor would tell you that "Okay, go ahead from 5:00pm to 5:30PM you can have a self -loathing party and do it up right.  Yell,  Scream,  and get a ball bat out to hit yourself on the head."  It is quite humerous to hear a client say, "I am not going to do that, that is just silly."  Oh really!  Don't you do it as often as you can.  "Well, but that is different!"   No it is not different.  How does it help you to look back
down the road.  You Can Not Do It Over!!!

STOP!  Stop at the stop sign and move forward.  Learn from it, ask God's forgiveness.  He said He was making a new way, did He not? 

I just ordered a book called The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown.  I will be sharing it with you down the road.  That came today through another great friend Anna Bell.  I love God's gifts to me in friendships.

So, turn around and go down the road facing forward.  It's God's love and design for you.  He forgives and forgets, WHY CAN'T YOU?

DON'T BE THE GOD OF YOUR FANTASIES!

Once again, I have to share a writing from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  It blew my mind.

Anxiety is a result of envisioning the future without Me.  so the best defense against worry is staying in communication with Me.  When you turn your thoughts toward Me, you can think much more positively.  Remember to listen, as well as to speak, making your thoughts a dialogue with Me.

If you must consider upcoming events, follow these rules:
1) Do Not linger in the future, because anxieties sprout up like mushrooms when you wander there.
2) Remember the promise of My continual Presence;  include Me in any imagery that comes to mind.  This mental discipline does not come easily, because you are accustomed to being the god of your fantasies. 

However, the reality of My Presence with you, now and forevermore, outshines any fantasy you could ever imagine.

Ephesians 3: 20 and 21

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

======================================================================

If that doesn't take your breath away, I don't know what will.  Anxiety is the enemy's tool and he uses it well.  It doesn't take much to get anxious over small and big things.  But when He said, include me in any of those imagery things you do when you are fretting, fussing, stewing and steering that situation;  it caught me off guard. How do you even do that?  Well, if you take this seriously, and I pray you do, you will try reflecting on your situation with Him in the center of it.  It should be quite the experience to suddenly feel peace and that He is with you (me) and He will work all things together for good.  I don't know about you, but I don't want to be the god of anything, or worship anything that resembles being one.  Think about this, this requires some focus and management skills.

I took this from a park bench over in the woods.  It is a good place to reflect and ask God to show you (me) how to always be focused on placing Him in our mind and situation.  James 4: 7  submit yourself unto God, resist the enemy and he will flee from you!

THE GIVER OF GOOD GIFTS!

Something that I read this morning caught my eye and spirit.  "Though I have brought many pleasures into your life, not one of them is essential."  Whoa! that took some thought and then I read on about how He wants us to receive His blessings with open hands and open hearts, BUT. . .do not cling to them.   Cling to the giver of gifts only. 

That is the hardest thing we do, or should I say Americans especially.  I can't speak for people overseas.  I remember a hundred years ago if I was having fun on a vacation, I would get all bent out of shape getting ready to come home.  I did not want to come home.  What our Lord truly wants from us is total focus and attention.  When we get an answer to prayer, that car problem turned into a small thing, or got to buy something terrific He wants gratitude yes!  To utilize what He has given us and then give Him glory by using it well.  BUT, never clinging to THINGS.  Easier said then done.  So I thought about that for awhile because I hear people who do cling to things and they cling to people.
Sometimes mothers get to living vicariously through their children.  I remember one young woman who wanted to move with her high school graduate to college.  She needed to be close and see that she did okay.  I was floored.  Ha!  What right do I have to judge when I have done that with things, events, hobbies, and my dogs. 

Psalm 62 is an excellent chapter where David points out how important our refuge - God - really needs to be.

Psalm 62: 6 - He only is my Rock and my salvation;  He is my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be moved.    And, there it is, I shall not be moved.  We need not be shaken at bad news, or fear, or be unnerved.  God's Got it!

This is why I journal.  I recommend everyone journal even if it is only a paragraph.  You need to go back over and reread things.  Then you will see where He moved in a situation and brought change.
You forgot!  We do forget sometimes, but remembering how and what God has done for us,  helps us then to be able to take a hold of that shakky wheel you are encountering at the time.

It is really simple when you concentrate on the platform of your relationship with God.  If it is shakky - firm it up.  Recommit, and take that conviction to change.  Fix your Future so it does not reflect your past.  CHANGE is scary, but once you get used to paying attention to Him and only Him, it is a piece of cake.
James 1: 17   Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above;  it comes down from the Father of all light, in Whom there can be no variation or shadow cast by His turning.

SILENCE!

I did have a plan for originality today, but I can't HELP myself - I need to talk about Church today.
That was the most daring unusual service I have ever been to.

The Theme was going to be about Hiding Things Under the Rug, or Pushing Things Under the Rug!

It started with a woman reading scripture from Ps 46: 10 about how God is our refuge and to be quiet before Him, wait for Him, Know He is God.  A noise started to take place, phones ringing, people talking, babies crying etc.  Until you couldn't hear her.  Then on either screen for 10 minutes at least, just written words about how hard it is to be quiet, to be silent, people are afraid of silence.  It is uncomfortable and comforting all at the same time.  You began to quiet down yourself.  It was quiet and relaxing.  Then we were to pray quietly -  The Acts prayer style.  Acknowledge God, Confess, Thank Him and Supplicate through asking for your requests.  The choir sang a specific number which you just knew not to clap afterwards.  It was about Jerusalem. 

Then the sermon on BUSYNESS.  This is a sin very few people talk about and usually brush under the rug.  It is so hard to pin point what does it mean.  When Jesus said "It is Finished". . .there was still people who needed Jesus, there was still worldwide hunger, there was still war, so what does it mean that you have the confidence to know you have done what you could do.  And, there it is, how do you know when its all busyness and not FOCUS on things you should do and do them with quality?  This is something we need to ponder, because I have always been about busyness, how about you?  I realized that I have slowed down and don't say yes all the time, but I am still wondering have I been effective, did I do it all to the Glory of the Lord.  There are things I became quite convicted about that I need to now turn and address.  And, ask God to help me do them.  I surely can't do it all by myself. 

Do you need to do the same thing?

CHURNING WAVES OF LIFE

Some of you may remember that old soap opera from years and years ago . . .As The World Turns!
John always called it "As The Stomach Turns!"

When I got privy to this term - Churning Waves of Life, I thought about that right away.

A friend of mine sent me a really neat quote that is on my facebook.  But I am going to put it on here myself.

F E A R   H A S  T W O

MEANINGS!

'FORGET EVERYTHING AND RUN'

OR

'FACE EVERYTHING AND RISE!'

THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

DEUT.  33: 27

"The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, Destroy him!"  

Right along with that goes PS 112: 7  "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed trusting (leaning on  and being confident) in the Lord. "

Psalm 5: 3, 11, and 12

In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare (a prayer, a sacrifice) for You and watch and wait (for You to speak to my heart).  But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them;  let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.  For you, Lord, will bless the (uncompromisingly) righteous (him who is upright and in right stading with You); as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor).

There is a wealth of information in these verses.  Reread them.  Everyone of us has something in our lives that has caused surprise, churning waves, and great pleasure.  Life is very full today.  Pastor Stu talked about all the surprises in life especially within the family unit.  Things we just didn't see coming.  Some have lost their jobs recently at the age of 57 and they are head of the household.  That would surely take your breath away.  I haven't been to an alter call for years.  But hundreds of us responded to that alter call yesterday and went forward.  We all need God as a refuge and to keep our eyes focused on Him and our hearts trusting that He will work all things together for good.

Stop Churning and start trusting.  It takes a lot of focus and attention.  But God's Got It!  Let us not lose site of that.

ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN AND ONE FOOT ON EARTH?

There are several reactions to a statement like that!  I have read in the Bible to not straddle the fence.
It means to not be in the world and play all goody, goody.  It could mean talking out of both sides of your mouth (heart).  Today I am sharing an interesting devotion I read yesterday out of Jesus Calling.

Giving the high lights of that devotion, Jesus is saying:   Trust me, don't worry.  I am your strength and Song.  Even when you are feeling wobbly and looking at difficult times that loom ahead. . .STOP
measuring them all against your own strength - I am your complete strength.  I will give you the strength fo heandle each task as it comes.  Because I am your song, I can give you joy as you work alongside Me.

KEY ISSUE:  If you magnify all these troubles and worry, you cloak yourself in the dark with unbelief.  However, when the hope of heaven fills your thoughts, the Light of my Prescence envelops you.

Though heaven in future, it is also present tense.  AS YOU WALK IN THE LIGHT WITH ME, YOU HAVE ONE FOOT ON EARTH AND ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN.

22 Corinthians 10: 5

Hebrews 10: 23

Exodus 15: 2

I don't know about you - but I embrace this concept with all I am.  I love that vision.  it is much more positive and true.  It does, however, require focus and priority.

Are you making Him your priority today, every hour, every minute?

Where do you want to be caught walking when He comes back?

TO HUDDLE IN THE PUDDLE. . .

OR NOT!!!!

I heard myself saying that a few weeks back.  I truly meant that too!  Come huddle in the puddle with me!!!  Puddle of tears, pull hair with me, feel sorry for me!

How silly!  It is okay you know to have a melt down into the puddle?  Right?  It is okay to take a minute or two and get right down in the very bottom of that puddle and actually want someone or ones to join you, right?  Yes, I do.  Some of you don't.  Some of you are very grown up people and you wouldn't think of letting anyone know you have had it.  Well, I called it in this week and let it out.

Psalm 27 -  Psalm 27 is all about this.  So if it is in God's Word, it is our Sword of the Spirit.


I am going to switch things up a little here.

Psalm 27: 7  Hear my voice when I call O Lord;  be merciful to me and answer me.
Psalm 27: 8  My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"  Your face, Lord, I will seek.
Psalm 27: 9  Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger;
      you have been my helper.  Do not reject or forsake me, O God my Savior.

Psalm 27: 11  Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 
12:  Do not turn me over to the desires of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing violence.

Psalm 27: 1  The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid

Psalm 27: 14   Wait for the Lord;  be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Forgive me Lord for taking things in a different form and out of placement.  But, I do know He is my stronghold, but sometimes the body decides it has other methods or strategies for how you take in stress.  For 7 days, I took on every form, right down to the TMJ - now as a professional I know what that means.  It means you are clenching over something.  Instead I blamed my chewing gum.  Funny.

It took my best ever chiropractor - Sarah to figure it out and she gave me a story about her own life and what she had to do.  Counseling.  Oops!  The counselor needs a counselor.  God and I are working on that one.  But, what a revelation to sit down and have a melt down in the puddle, and God answered it within 24 hours.  He used several things and two people.  What an awesome time to dump out the pain, stand up from the puddle and see the blue skies.  Clarity after the pain.  Acknowledgement - Conviction - Commitment and Change.

Think about it!

SEPTEMBER BEGINNINGS!

Summer is over for me and after Labor Day I always like to revisit my serious side.  It was my decision to bring into the house a black fur ball named Jax (Sir Licks A Lot) "Dude" Souder.  In that decision was housed the desire to focus on him and not on a lot of work, hobbies, or vacations.  It has been a wonderful time.  Most people thought I was nuts taking on an 8 week old puppy at my age.  However, when you go through a breeder like Cathy Brunner who raised them from a box hotel set up in her home, I knew it was going to be a breeze.  When I brought him home, he could sit and do a high five.  He was not afraid of thunder, neighborhood gun shots, the vacuum, or anything.  He was chasing and fetching the first week he was here.  He has been so much fun and received by everyone.  I have loved it.  He has been through 5 obedience trainings and is 6 l/2 months old already.  So, now I can concentrate on other things.  It is true I said there would never be a dog like Dakota, but I have learned another valuable thing about life, via God.  You can love differently and deeply people and animals - even after said relationships have left us.  I would have missed this wonderful bright, and loving little boy with a fur coat.

NOW:
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It is a beautiful day and they have been quite stunning for several days.
John and I celebrated 44 years and the ACD weekend is over and onward and upward.

It is time for harvesting now.  I love how the sun comes down this time of year and my walks and devotions have been so deep and intense.  Due to a family situation, I became quite hopeless.  I don't usually buy into hopeless.  It was quite a smack in the face.  I read and reread Psalm 112: 7 hoping to get some peace and strength.  
"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firmly fixed, trusting (leaning on and being confident) in the Lord."

I just kept escalating in my fear and anger.

After letting it all out there, I got busy and left with Jax for awhile, went to obedience class, came home and felt different.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday were full of special verses, prayer time and confirmation that hmmmm!  You aren't trusting God for your future and how He will take care of you.  He hasn't answered this one thing, so evidently I am just not important enough.  
Proverbs 11: 18 Came up -  "The wicked man earns deceitful wages, but he who sows righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) shall have a sure reward (permanent and satisfying"

Whoa!

Then Mark 4 1/20.  Be sure you read all of that.  Its the story of the seeds being sowed on different parts of the land, some fell off, died quickly etc.

Sow a thought, reap an act;  Sow an act, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character;  Sow a character, reap a destiny.

What I noticed about reading Mark and these comments from the Daily Bread, I was mortified to realize, that I need to form a better relationship with trust.  We trust God alright, but that word covers all kinds of trust in all kinds of situations.  If we have seen Him do you TRUST when you haven't seen certain things happen.  Can you honestly say you put the right seed down on the right part of the land.

That led me to thank God for the day I drove into Fort Wayne Bible College. WOW!  I couldn't figure out why God was leading me into the driveway at Fort Wayne Bible College around 1975.  I still remember that day.  I walked in and said I am 35 years old and too old to be here, right?  I was too old to take the entrance exams so I was grandfathered through.  Had I not had that experience with having to know the Word, put it on recipe cards and learn over 100 verses, I would not have had the seed so firmly planted that when things happen I do tend to water and fertilize.  I get it.  I have to ask for forgiveness, but I get it, cause its there.  I understand the doomsday people when they say BE PREPARED.  I see it as being prepared with God's WORD planted deeply in my brain and spirit.  That seed must be watered and fertilized so we
don't lose it.  Think about yourself today on this gorgeous fall day!!!
What are you doing to be prepared in God's Word and then triple that!

My poor flower drooped, but it came back to life quickly.  GET yourself the book "Jesus CAlling"  Fill your mind constantly with His Word and what others write from Him.

ABOUT A DOG!

Enjoying Obedience Training.  Some people don't do this with their dogs, but I highly recommend My Best Friend Dog Training Group.  I have been through four different ones, and they are the creme de la crop!

Jax at 6 months old is the star.  You wouldn't think so, but he loves it, it must be the poodle in him.

He goes to his mat when told, he leaves it if I so direct, and comes, sits, stays, works on dog puzzles like they are just ho hum!  Amazing animal.  Naturally I thought he wouldn't or any other dog would ever replace Dakota.  They are all different, and I would have missed the most fun time of my life right now had I not taken a chance.

A friend of mine Tracy Barse who co-owns Find Great Companies, said "Go call Cathy, my sister in law, you know her."  I waited 2 months, and she reminded me again.  So I did it, what a BLAST!

Thank you Tracy and special thanks to a good breeder family Cathy and Terry Brunner.

Thanks Jax.

CELEBRATING PHIL LONGSWORTH!

ON THE LEFT - PHIL LONGSWORTH - DECEASED 8-22-14!!!

What can I say about the most God-fearing, generous, giving, praying man in our lives.  Phil is celebrating his first day in heaven with Jesus!  For that we can celebrate.  For his friends here it has been a devastating day.

The circumstances of his death remains as bazaar as everything else that goes on in this day and age.
Thank you God for our conversation Tuesday night.  I remain breathless over how that came about.
His son who was arrested recently for trying to bury a man alive took a long time to sort out.  We discussed how things happen in our lives we just don't understand.  I told him I loved him and I would be praying for him.  Two days later he is gone.  We must remember to let those people in our lives know we love them, we can never take that for granted.

The family situation lends our Prayer Team Partners to decide that we will celebrate his life our way very soon.  Coleen Sommers will officiate as he would have wanted. 

Our lives have been touched by this man and he made our world better.  He never failed to tell people they needed Jesus, he prayed for us every day and I wouldn't have taught The Full Armor of God without him pushing me.

He is free, free indeed!  But we still wish he was here with us.  He brought new meaning to the word
LOVE.

TO CIRCUMVENT, OR NOT TO CIRCUMVENT, THAT IS THE QUESTION?

As you are maybe catching on, I love Jesus Calling.  I am convicted every day.  So, I have to share this with you because, I don't know about you, but this is me.

August 18th, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

Expect to encounter adversity in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world.  Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties.

The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me.  When you became a Christian, I infused My very Life into you, empowering you to live on a supernatural plane by depending on Me.
Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities:  situations totally beyond your ability to handle.  This awareness of your inadequacy is not something you should try to evade.  It is precisely where I want you -- the best place to encounter Me in My Glory and Power.  When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me to fight for you.  Watch Me working on your behlaf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence.

Rev. 19: 1  -  Paslam 91: 1  and Psalm 55: 17

Evening, morning and noon - I cry out in distress, and you hear me.

WORKING IT!

Practicing the Presence of the Lord is not some trite little phrase.  It is WORK.  It takes vigilance and sheer determination.

PS 95: 1,2, and 3

O come, let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our Salvation!  Let us come before His presence with Thanksgiving;  let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise.  For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

That is what I had to do in spades this week.  Practice the presence and sing.  I realized my zeal has been a little out of touch, well okay, so it was more than a little.  The physical side of myself was getting out of whack again and it got to me.  I was not enjoying get togethers, or much of anything.

I had found myself making an appointment for a third back injection and then the colon went whacko on me again.  So I called it all in and realized I needed to praise, practice and sing this week.  Although I don't know the outcome of some important tests this week, I am leaving it with Him.  And, as always, He comes through when you finally let it go and let Him work all things together for good.  Tomorrow I will know something, and whatever that word is negative or positive, I will let Him know by praising and thanking, and standing on the rock.  I will sing about Joy and pretty soon it starts to come.  Try it.  If you need to that is.

HOW TO CATCH A CURVE BALL!

Curve balls are always a surprise.  I have watched some baseball, and have watched a lot of bowling enthusiasts.  it is amazing how you can set a ball down on the floor in one place and then suddenly it starts to curve over and they get a strike.  Same thing with watching a baseball leave the glove and it does not go where it began.

In life we get hit with a lot of surprises.  I also was watching Illusionists last night on the CW.  You have to be watching closely to what they are doing.  However, it doesn't seem to matter they fool you anyway.  I have always liked figuring things out and I can't figure those people out for one minute.  I believe they trick you into watching something and then they do something behind your back or theirs.  We just can't predict those surprises.  We don't have eyes in the back of our heads.  The hand is quicker then the eye.  Life's events seem to fit that groove very well.

If someone had told me ten years ago, that in 2014 I would be a member of the County Line Church after twenty seven years at Dayspring, and that I would be now taking Zumba lessons in the old sanctuary of Dayspring. . .I would still be laughing at them.  No way, not ever!  Who would put a gym in a sanctuary.  Life's little surprises.  I can name several types of surprises, but you know them, they happen to you too!

It still takes me back to two verses.  Psalm 37:4  Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.  Ps 37: 5  Commit your way to the Lord (roll repose each care of your load on Him); trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.   And, naturally, Romans 8: 28 where He promises that he will works all things together for good. .

Things we desire, want, need, and the surprises are all His doing.  I have learned these past few years, to like it says - roll - trust, rely on, lean on.  He does the impossible.  You know and must admit that you have heard Him say in your head at times. . ."Leave it to me!"   I am just amazed at that whole curve ball thing.  You are pretty sure this "thing" can't be worked out, it would take a miracle.  And, then suddenly something weird comes out the back field.  Personally, I have grown to love it.

I remember last summer thinking. . ."What is going to happen to Emily.  She is in the hospital down south and now they want to send her to the one in Chicago because they can't help her?"  Erik needs to move to the Carroll District and there are no homes available.  We all agreed to let her go to Chicago, and in 24 hours they found the problem with her liver enzymes.  In 4 weeks, Erik found a house to rent just across the street from Carroll High School.  She can walk to school even.  That was when I said, hands off Shirley.  Make the prayer request, and then ask God for Him to work out the rest.  In His time, every time.  Do you trust Him that much?  What stories could you tell?

CORD OF HOPE!

Good Morning all!

Thank you to you for taking your time to read on occasion what I write here.  Just getting home from French Lick prompts me to get lazy and use others words today.  Funny how far behind one gets when they leave for a few days.

I love this from "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young!  July 27th

Hope is a GOLDEN CORD connecting you to heaven.  This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you.  I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand.  But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me.  Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road.  You are reminded that the road we are traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven.  When you consider this radiat destination, the roughness or the smoothness of the road ahead becomes much less significant.  I am training you to hold in your heat a dual focus:  My continual Prescence and the hope of Heaven.

"Be  Joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.:  Romans 12: 2

I Thess. 5: 8 and Hebrews 6: 18 and 19.


I don't know if you have ever been to West Baden's Resort Hotel or not.  it is famous for reconstruction as is the French Lick Hotel Resort.  I watched a young man get down on the floor and lay face up to the dome to take pictures.  It was right in the middle of the most traveled area.  I did the same thing several years ago but on a chaise lounge.   I sat there this time and thought, wouldn't this be the greatest place to be when Jesus comes back.  I can rise clear through the dome into Heaven some day.  It is the best place to see on your Bucket List.

HOW ARE YOUR ROOTS?

And, not your hair roots color!

It must not be a coincidence that I was writing about Roots and Pastor Stuart gave a rousing adaption of the Tree and Israel.  The Roots according to Romans.

Jesus is the root, of course.  The Tree trunk is Israel.  We are part of that heritage.  The branches are gentiles, Jewish Christians etc.  His searing comment was made when he said the United States should only support any country in a fight if they are born to God's standards and Biblical proportions.  You do the math.

My comments are and always have come from Jeremiah 17: 8 -
"For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters that spreads out its roots by the river; and it shall not see and fear when heat comes;  but its leaf shall be green.  It shall not be anxious and full of care in the year of drought, nor shall it cease yielding fruit."

Words to live by -  If the tree's roots are Jesus, and I am planted with him, I don't have to sweat even the small stuff.  I will rise to any occasion and respond not react.  Be concerned but not worry.  Continue to pray, and work towards knowing God brings all things together for good.  I will stay fresh and able.

The companion verses that I want to add with this comes from Acts 17: 27 and 28

"So that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel after Him and find Him, although He is not far from each one of us.  For in Him we live and move and have our being;  as even some of your (own) poets have said, For we are also His Offspring."

All we have to do is stay CLOSE!  Seek His face and only His face and He will release us from the snare.

WHY WE PRAISE THE NAMES OF GOD?

"THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER; THE (CONSISTENCY) RIGHTEOUS MAN (UPRIGHT AND IN RIGHT STANDING WITH GOD) RUNS INTO IT AND IS SAFE, HIGH (ABOVE ALL EVIL) AND STRONG."

PROVERBS 18: 10

"AND THERE IS SALVATION IN AND THROUGH NO ONE ELSE, FOR THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN BY AND IN WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED."

ACTS 4: 12
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I learned most of these in Bible College, but as a general human being who lives their normal lifestyle, we forget these eloquent names and how VAST and WONDERFUL they are to us on a daily basis.

ELOHIM  --  God above all gods.

JEHOVAH RAPHA --   Out healer God.

EL-SHADDAI  -   The Almighty God.

JEHOVAH JIREH  -  The God who provides.

JEHOVAH SHALOM -  Our God of peace.

JEHOVAH YAHWEH -  Out Loving covenant keeping God!!!

We used to sing songs with these names in our words.  Some are new to me.  The bottom line for all of them, is how wrapped up tight we are in His goodness, promises, and protection.

His name is above all names, all fears, all of the enemy, all tragedies, all of the everyday life junk.
He is our healer, emotionally, physically, and mentally.
He is almighty over everyone and everything!
He provides - testimony upon testimony tells of people who thought they would go hungry that day, and found groceries on their porch, how he provides the timing on our lives with protection and deliverance.  He brings ALL things together for good.
He is our hope and our peace, bar none, end of story.
He keeps His promises.

So trust in Him to take care of that family member you worry about every day, and likewise everything is your life because it is His will anyway.

THANKFUL!

This is that time of year we need to be extra THANKFUL.  Have you thanked a serviceman, or woman on this holiday for what they do for us?  I am very thankful that Jesse Cook has arrived safely back from Afghanistan since last Sunday.  We can all breath a little easier now.  But, seriously, some do not make it back and some come back forever changed.  Last Sunday at church they introduced Travis.  A young man from our area who sat his back pack on a mine.  He lost his arms and most of his legs.  They are having a fund raiser for him at Trine University July 24th.  I can even imagine what that is like for him.  He is married and the father of a two year old.  He does have some prosthesis's, but how will they manage?

It blows my mind.  Let's remember today how thankful we are for them and what they do for us.  It takes my breath away when I think about it.  I am so glad we have the Wounded Warrior program.  It still doesn't seem like enough.

I trust your holiday is good, and you celebrate it with friends and family, but let us thank God for being an American, and let us thank God He made people like Travis and Jesse.

THERE IS ONLY ONE NAME!

As you get out of bed in the morning, be aware of My Presence with you.  You may not be thinking clearly yet, but I am.  Your early morning thoughts tend to be anxious ones until you get connected with Me.  Invite me into your thoughts by whispering My Name.  Suddenly your day brightens and feels more user-friendly.  You cannot dread a day that is vibrant with My Presence.

You gain confidence through knowing that I am with you--that you face nothing alone.  Anxiety stems from asking the wrong question "If such and such happens, can I handle it?"  The true question is not whether you can cope with whatever happens, but whether you and I together can handle anything that occurs.  It is this you-and-I-together factor that gives you confidence to face the day cheerfully.

From Jesus Calling

Psalms 5:3

Psalms 63:1  and Phil 4: 13

CONGRATULATIONS!

Taking some time out here for area young women and their well-deserved hard work.

Congratulations to Maddie Bryan (Miss Three Rivers Outstanding Teen) of Laotto who just won the Miss Indiana Outstanding Teen Crown.  She will advance to Miss America Outstanding Teen soon.  Terrin Thomas from Auburn just gave up her crown to Audra Casterline.  Alexiandra Dallas of Angola(Miss Ft Wayne Outstanding Teen) was first runner up and won the Interview Award.  Several of us who just did a mock interview for her can attest, she is the best interviewed 17 year old I have worked with.  And, Congratulations to Morgan Grady (Miss Fort Wayne) who placed 3rd Runner Up at Miss Indiana - who is from Ft. Wayne.  Megan Thwaites of Garrett won the Fitness Award and other scholarships I don't have the names for.  I bring all that up because we are always in the Top Ten or win from this area every year.  It says a lot to me about young motivated and assertive young women who are pursuing their college and career dreams.  They are determined and these are the young people that will represent this area in the work force and make a difference.  We need to be proud of them.

ARE YOU A SPONGE OR A ROCK?

Color me wierd or whatever, but when I read this scripture I suddenly felt different.  It felt like I was taking it all in - absorbing it like a paper towel;  ah a sponge!


PSALM 130: 5 

I wait for the Lord, my SOUL waits for the Lord, and in His Word I put my hope!

Our soul is deep within us.  Many of us keep it guarded, secret, away from everyday life.  All life's events, words, hurts, joys are stored there.  Many of us react accordingly.  Liberty Savard comments in her book Shattering The Strongholds, that the soul is deep within us and holds onto everything.  Therefore, the bad things, hurtful things need cleansed by binding and loosing it all to God.  Well, when I read that part about My Soul waits for the Lord, I suddenly felt that washing over, that complete absorbing of what that means.

When I asked are you a sponge or a rock, you can also be a rock that stands its ground;  hard and unyielding.  The washing and cleansing can come and hit you hard, but splash on over and away.
Think about that for awhile.  I see and hear that in my counseling over and over.  People do not like giving up what they have kept hidden away in that soul.  Protective barbs, walls of silence, carefully kept secrets of anger and fear.  The soul also can keep great joys and un-restraint.  Just sayin'!

Waiting for the Lord tries our patience, but letting Him wash over us and we take in all that He has for us in patience, (supernatural patience) can be hard, but in the end it is like a sudden tide of sunshine and unexplainable joy.  You don't even know why, things haven't changed in certain areas of your life, but you just know God's Got it!  Be hopeful!  Trust!  Experience!

BASKING IN THE LIGHT!

From Jesus Calling, I wanted to share something I am very impassioned about. . and, it is all a part of practicing the presence.

There is just no better way to know God then to hear Him saying this to you personally:

I am all around you, like a cocoon of Light.  My Presence with you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me.  Many things can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry.  My children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life.  However, worry is a form of unbelief;  it is anathema to Me.

Who is in charge of your life?  If it is you, then you have good reason to worry.  But since I am in charge, worry is both unnecessary and counter-productive.  When you start to feel anxious about something, relinquish the situation to Me.  Back off a bit, redirecting your focus to Me.  I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it.  In this world you will have problems, but you need not lose sight of Me.

John 16: 33  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."


ENOUGH SAID!

PRACTICING THE PRESENCE!

There are many many verses and many many writings on this, but I decided to share the one from this morning.  I have been working on this ever since the cross showed up on the lake Dec. 10th.2013.   Whenever I get the chance I talk with people about what that means.  Just walking from the house to the mailbox and looking at the blue sky, flowers starting to raise up, and the baby robins who just flew out of the nest gives us pause to practice the presence.  However, I am sure I had a few choice words when they flew out of the nest Friday and one blanked on my shoe and toes.  I was flabbergasted at nature right then and had no words.

From Jesus Calling the devotional;

I am involved in each moment of your life.  I have carefully mapped out every inch of your journey through this day, even though much of it may feel haphazard. . . . . 

Stay conscious of Me as you go through this day, remembering that I never leave your side.  Let the Holy Spirit guide you step by step, protecting you from unnecessary trials and equipping you to get through whatever must be endured.

Isaiah 41:13

For I the Lord your God hold your right hand;  I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you.

One of my favorite verses.  

There is a difference between saying "Well, Lord what is going to happen today?"  Negative emphasis.  And, Well, Lord WHAT is going to happen to day?"  Postive reflection.  Some of in prayer team were discussing the way you say that in the morning makes a huge difference in how you react to what happens every day.  Yipper!!!!!  That person has changed the reflection and noticed a big difference in their day now.  God's Got It!  Practicing the Presence is noticing all the beauty of God nature and thanking him.  Singing songs, praying, and then when something in life happens, you JUST handle it, you don't go flying around the room.  I have noticed the complete difference in my days now.  When I saw the cross on the lake and realized He is with me on every journey bad and good.  What do I have to get all fluffed up about.  Just handle it.  If you don't know how to, then ask him how to handle it.  I get ideas in my head that weren't there.  I react in ways I haven't always been good about reacting.  Responding now is easier.   He has my right hand.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF GOD!

 

HAPPY MEMORIAL WEEKEND!

To Everyone!


Enjoy your beautiful weekend.  The weather is a special gift to us all, and drink it in, enjoy. 

John and Jax and I will be enjoying friends, too much good food, a race, and a movie.  No biggy, but especially the weather.

THE COMMAND TO REMEMBER!

God's Word is our tool for every situation in life.  This won't be new perhaps to you, but to me it is the companion to Deut. 31: 8 - Amplified version, about how God goes before us and He walks the journey with us.  I hang onto that like fly paper.  He knows what bumps in the road we go through, and yet, He promises to walk it with us.  We do not have to worry or be in fear about anything.  He never leaves us alone, abandons us, or fails us.  So don't get up in your shorts and or walk around on the ceiling anymore.  God's Got It!  So then here is our other commandment to remember:

II Timothy 4: 2 - Amplified version

Herald and preach the Word!  Keep your sense of urgency (stand by), be at hand and ready), whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. (Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.) And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.

Sounds like quite a BIG task doesn't it?  It is.  I recently taught the book The Full Armor of God.
For some it was like taking it in like a sponge in water.  For others it was quite daunting to realize how the enemy loves to scare us silly and keep us distracted and in sin.  I decided to STAND my ground and talk about the hard stuff anyway.  God wants us equipped.  He wants us to TRUST Him without one flinch or nervous tick.  Then we are to put on those sandals from Ep 6 and dig in.  When I look at that verse it reminds of a nice one hour sermon.

Be URGENT (excited - bold - passionate!
Be READY - always - always - always
Speak up no matter where it is or what it is.
Tell people the truth of God's Word without hurting or judging them.  Do it in a loving (tough love) manner.
Be PATIENT
Be ENCOURAGING -  I see that as help them no what resources or tools they need to change their lives.

Key word - PATIENT!  I do admit that I want to give up sometimes, but one person in my life took 8 years to make some changes, but it is remarkable now.  Thanks be to God.  It is only my job to teach and give out God's Word, it is His job to fertilize and water.

I remember my professors in my masters program.  Give them the truth.  Then go about your business.  Don't get caught up in how they learn or when they learn.  God's Got It! Now!

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

As you can tell I did not get to change my blog this last week.  It was extremely busy this week.  Especially with working with a new pup.  More counseling than usual, and get togethers. 

I usually have all the plants out and this is the first year ever - no plants but two I bought at Kroger that are hanging plants.  So, we do some digging and new dirt things this weekend and hopefully Monday I can get some new growth in here. 

Have a wonderful day on Mothers Day.  I truly hope you are blessed with appreciation and love for all you do for your family.

I hope to be back next weekend with some insights.  Anna and Steve Bell will be moving next weekend.  Puppy Class Instructor is coming on Saturday morning and then that afternoon we help the Bells.  Steve has been in the hospital for two weeks and I believe he comes home today.  He has a blood infection among other things.  Please pray for him.  Everyone will be moving them but him and he will have a hard time with that.

Jax enjoying a rest.  Wish I could!

WELCOME HOME OUR NEW FAMILY "FUR"EVER FRIEND!

JAX!

We get him four days early.  We are so excited.

CELEBRATING SACRIFICE!

As I wrote on our personal blog, this is called Good Friday.  What in the world would have been good about a man who was mortal at that moment, being called forward to be whipped and hung on a cross?

What a true sacrifice is that.  Many of us would not be willing to have to do that.  I know of parents who do anything for their kids, and go down for them if they had to.  But not in that manner nor would there be any glory in that.  Only God's Son would have the right to be glorified in this manner.

As you reflect this weekend, and even help kids or grand-kids hunt for Easter eggs, think about what we are really to get out of this.  Last weekend Pastor Stu relayed a story about his daughter from China who is now 6 or 7 and they are teaching her about Easter.  So in the car one day, he asked her if she knew the story of Easter and why we celebrate it.  She hemmed hawed around and said slowly. . .
"Ah. . . its about Jesus and . . . ahm. . .what to do with Easter eggs!"  Naturally he was mortified.

Let's really take in the impact of our freedom that was given fully this entire weekend.  Its breath taking.  He is breath taking.  He is the Shepherd of our Hearts.


"SOMETIMES WHEN I SIT QUIETLY, CONSIDERING WHAT JESUS DID FOR ME, I GET A LITTLE OVERWHELMED."

PATHWAYS TO WORSHIP!

It is that wonderful time of year when we celebrate and Worship God's sacrifice for us.  His Son died on the cross for us so we could get free of sin and live forever with Him.

I had another subject I was going to write about, but I got very engrossed in Pastor Stuart's sermon on Worship.  And, especially the 7 Pathways to Worship God.

It has such Psychological connection for me:

1.     THE INTELLECTUAL - The one who loves to learn, by listening to Sermons, or reading books about God.  They love to study eveything available.   They are not so much into music, just get on with the Sermon or presentation of learning.

2.     RELATIONAL -  They are the ones who love to be with people when they worship.  Small groups that study the Word.  Conferences, one on ones.

3.     SERVING -  Helping others -  greeters, ushers, pray with others, serve in the kitchen, anything that helps others at church or in the community.

4.     WORSHIP -  ARTS PART OF WORSHIP:  Choir, or singing, dancing, drama's anything with a flair for presentation.  Listening to praise music all week.

5.     ACTIVIST -  THEY LOVE PROBLEM SOLVING-  anything that needs leading, or done, they will see to it - it gets done.

6.     CONTEMPLATIVE -  They love to mediate on everything - but always alone.  Read, sing, pray, meditate.

7.     CREATION -  These are your nature lovers.  Long prayer walks in the woods, fishers, hunters, anything that requires being outside and worshiping God.


Which one, or two, or three are you?  He emphasized that even if we are a one, two or three type of worshipers, think on being balanced in all of them.  You will like one more than all the rest, but be open to them all.  He noted and I have seen it myself, that some will come after the corporate worship music has ended to hear the Sermon, and or if there isn't enough worship music, they will hunt for a church that has all music.  Balance is good, because:

"I must prioritize my daily worship of God instead of a daily worship of myself!"

What more can I say.  I chose four I like the best, but I could say I have developed the rest out of a need to stay connected 24/7.

Col. 1: 16

Enjoy your Easter Weekend.  Good Friday services at CLC from 7-8 PM.  And Easter Sunday 9:30 and 11AM.  Wherever you worship, do it in honor and celebration of our Lord and Savior.

TRANSFORMATIONS!

Transforming is always fun, at least for me it is.  How about you?  I have used II Cor. 5: 17 more than once, but it is useful here again.  Winter turns into Spring, Spring turns into Summer, Summer turns into fall etc.  Most women love to get new hair cuts, a new Easter outfit, plant new flowers, change the furniture;  Men love to get new golf clubs, new guns, new cars, new tools;  kids love to get new computers, new phones, new friends;  it is all part of the transformation we all see every day.

The old things pass - all things become new.

WHEW!  And all is right with the world after 5 months of winter.  I will never take that for granted again.  I felt relieved.  I felt grateful, I felt a great big sigh coming on.  I really wondered even Thursday and Friday if we would ever see spring happening.  Just had to share that.  Transformation in our spiritual lives is a BIG DEAL as well.  Letting God change you His way is a BIG DEAL!
I heard a friend tell me on the phone today that she just wasn't ready to "forgive" yet.  "I am too devastated!"  "This is horrible, I can't believe it!"  I also heard another person say, "I just can't believe I spent my whole life working so hard to make it right for my kids, and they grow up and do this!"  "I don't deserve this!"  I could go on and on, one and on.  it still boils down to the same thing, same station, same day, you need to let God transform their lives.  Let Him write on their page.  That is write you did do everything you could, but that is all you can do.  We give our kids, or family members, or co-workers all the tools we can BUT. . .we can't make them use them.  God gave us free will.  I have seen that in counseling.  I can give my clients all the tools and resources, cheer lead and motivate forever, but they still have to take it and use it.  I can't go home with them and make them see it and do it.  That is why Transformation takes in everything.  A makeover in your attitude, a makeover in your grace and forgiveness chip.  You can't do this by yourself.  Praise Him and thank Him, Trust Him and make Him look good.  TRANSFORM!  Phil 4: 13 and 19. 

You can do ALL things through Him who strengthens you and He will give you all you need to do it.
PERIOD.

BEING STEADFAST!

Good Afternoon!

And, it sure is!  Sun Shine and 55 degrees.  How much better can it get, especially since it hasn't been anything like that since last October.

It is my hope by this weekend to make my opening remarks about a new path for me under the umbrella of Faith Enterprises.  Very excited.  It has been a long time since I actually got this enthusiastic.  In looking back, I have been in care taking modes for ten years.  And, now having been steadfast, Jesus has shed some light on a new path.  TBA

Which leads us to a verse I learned back in college.  I was the oldest student at both Ft. Wayne Bible College and University of St. Francis.  The reason I share that is because I had to certainly learn about steadfastness.  Many times I wanted to give up.  In the last ten years I was sure I probably should just lay back and retire.  And, yet, I kept going.  What is steadfastness.  The dictionary says - Firmly fixed or established.  Constant; unswerving.  No wavering or being fickle.

God's Word says in Isaiah 26: 3

"You will keep in perfect peace him (her) whose mind is steadfast, because he (she) trusts in you."

I remember memorizing that verse and over these 3 decades plus, I have had to refer to that verse several times.  If I felt wishy-washy or all over the place, I new somewhere my fixed position had washed away.  We all have different lifestyles and things we are responsible for.  We all worry at times and wonder if God is going to answer that prayer about so and so.  Staying steadfast and fixed, unswerving takes prayer each and every day.  As we have learned God doesn't always answer a prayer immediately, but I do believe He answers them in His time.  Steadfastness means - stay fixed in your trust by praying like it is as critical as oxygen to breath.  

"In order to reach your greatest potential view your prayer life as critical as it is for the need of oxygen!"  (Pastor Stuart Kruse)

So the bottom line is if you want perfect peace, then stay fixed (steadfast) and unnerved in your prayer life.  Trust God will grant you peace because you trust in Him.

WHAT ARE YOU PURSUING?

When you think about it, we are pursuing something almost all day long.  What I have to do to plan supper, get those things out and decide what time we eat etc.  You need to call someone.  You have housework, or a client to call back.  Some like to think I know where every bathroom is between here and Florida.  We are looking for employment, a new friends telephone number, getting a grandchild something for their birthday.  Should I volunteer for church greeter, the kids department, parking attendant, sound technician, part time job. . .you get my drift.

We can probably say we make a lot of those decisions on our own.  What would happen if I didn't put anything in front of Jesus on any given day.  What if I said. . ."Lord Jesus, I am considering doing such and such, is this what you want me to do?"  "Would it bring honor, glory, and truth to You and me to do this?"

I propose that if you seek a pursuit let Him shed the light on it if He wants it.  If He does not, He'll change your heart's desire.

Psalm 37 4: 7.  But in particular 4:  Delight yourself also in the Lord and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart.

I also like 5 because it talks about how do we do this. . .Commit your way to the Lord (roll and repose each care of your load on Him); trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.

Keeping in mind here, that if you have a pursuit and it seems really real to you, then process it with the Lord.  That is what He wants every day fro us anyway.  I have experienced Him changing my mind and desire about that pursuit.  I am also convicted to tell you that I have gone on and done what I wanted to do.  No big surprise to some of you.  It turned out badly.  Not doing that anymore.

In these very cautious and precarious days, it is time for us to Pursuit only Him, and anything in between.

PROCESS IT ALWAYS WITH YOUR ONE AND ONLY COUNSELOR!  JESUS CHRIST!

HERE IS TO US ALL!

II CORINTHIANS 5: 17

Therefore if any person is (in-grafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether);  the previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away.  Behold, the fresh and new has come.

Behold, the fresh and new is coming!  Believing and Receiving is but a milometer apart!

Take it all in, and enjoy!

THE BIGGEST WORD WE KNOW!

Is BELIEVE!  Do you believe when you sit down in that chair it will be there when you sit?
Do you believe the sun comes up every day?  At least here or somewhere it does?   Do you believe you are loved by the Lord God Jehovah?  And, most of all Do You Believe that He works ALL things together for good to them that are called according to His purpose?   Romans 8: 28

I will hear the most famous line that goes with that, a million times.  "Well, I sure hope He does!"

Wow!  So what would you want a personally signed letter that He will promise to bring that situation together for good that you have prayed for - for ten years, maybe 30 years?

We are all guilty on that one.  I am saying nothing new here.  We are all impatient and want to tell God What, When, and Where!

I mentioned this on my business Facebook awhile back. . .When my good friend Anna said to me "God's Got It!", that was the cement, the glue, the "stuff" I needed to be reminded that BELIEVE is a permanent marker on my life.  In Jesus Calling the devotional book, not too many days ago, it said make friends with your problems and see me fit them all together for good.  After thinking on that awhile I could see that we do tend to get rattled and distracted by problems.  I have met some people that actually freeze up emotionally when things get over the top.  We BELIEVE we have to do something, or we BELIEVE God won't do what is needed quick enough. 

Our real commitment here is to really embrace our problems, turn them over to Jesus and BELIEVE He will fit them, fix them and work them all together for good.  RELAX!  Uhhh!  I hear that sigh you just made.  No, really.  I have had two months of coming to terms with this very concept.  I have been a Christian for a long time.  Yes, I have read the Bible many times.  Yes, I have even applied His Word to my life.  But, this time I smile, because this one I finally get, experienced it, and had no choice but to SEE IT!  Be careful.  God brings things around as many times as is need be until we get it.  He got me through this last month when i thought I would burst at the seams.  Medical crisis after medical crisis with friends, ourselves, two funerals and the death of our beloved Dakota.  Three snow storms and clean up just to get to all these things.  I turned it into a daily mantra.  God's Got It! He has the light on my path, all I have to do is take His hand and walk it.  BELIEVE, and don't make Him bring that circumstance around for the 18th time.

God's Got It!  Spring is officially on it's way.  Whew!

JESUS CALLING!

It has certainly been a very rocky road this past week.  With still so many mixed emotional sadness's, I would like to share something from my devotional. . .Jesus Calling!

A single mother wrote this devotional book.  Her mother read her journal and told her she should put these thoughts from her mind (she felt Jesus was saying to her) into a book. 

From February 26th -

I AM LEADING YOU, STEP BY STEP, through your life.  Hold my hand in trusting dependence, letting Me guide you through this day.  Your future looks uncertain and feels flimsy - even precarious.  That is how it should be.  Secret Things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things.  When you try to figure out the future, you are grasping at things that are Mine.  This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion:  doubting My promises to care for you.

Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent to Me.  I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that.  Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go.

Deuteronomy 29: 29 and Psalm 32: 8

Psalm 32: 8

I (the Lord) will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;  I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

I also work hard at remembering Deut. 31: 8   Where I read about how He goes before me, and He walks with me in whatever my life is leading.  So, that tells me He's Got It! And, even though it seems really precarious, He's Got it!  Good stuff.  Take it all in.  You can trust it, you can trust Him.