"Speak Oh Lord"

A beautiful song of prayer for our lives each day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsQ-gMkOSok

I Keep Running Into You

Having just returned from what was intended to be a work weekend before my daughter started school ended up quite different from what I thought I was doing. Yes I did get what I had planned accomplished, but God had his plans for me too. That is where the lyrics to this song come to mind, "I keep running into you".

Psalm 32:8-9 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which though shall go. I will guide thee with my eye. Be ye not as the horse, or mule that has no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle."

May we all be pliable and ready to go where he leads us each day.

Song:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4zkkK5BrME

Hope For The Weary

"I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:3-4

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like an eagle; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. -- Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

This Is Grace....

An article written by Tom Gilbert — June 2005, I'd like to share about "Coming As You Are".

"As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. (Matthew 9:9 NIV)

Come as you are, as you were,
As I want you to be
As a friend, as an old enemy.
— Nirvana from “Come As You Are”

When Jesus walked the Earth he went about bringing Good News to others, especially for the downtrodden, the hurting, the sick and, of course, sinners.

He was not going about condemning these people. His criticisms were mainly toward the religious leaders of the day and towards the self-righteous.

This is an interesting thing. Christ came to call sinners, but he did not make it a requirement to get your life together first and be righteous. Instead he offered compassion and the invitation to follow him. He accepted them for who they were and he did not demand immediate change.

How very different from what people then, and now, expect of God. Most of us tend to think God will not love us unless we are “good”. And since no one can measure up to the high standard of goodness we wallow in our unworthiness. We are insecure. We keep trying to get it right, but without realizing that God and Jesus are freely offering the help we so desperately need to live our lives. This is why grace is such an amazing thing. It is commonplace Christian theology that we are “saved by grace, not by righteousness” and yet we still attempt to live up to high moral standards without surrendering to this grace. Or worse, we simply compromise; believing that all will be forgiven without ever having a transformation of the heart.

"I Cannot, He Can, I will Let Him".

It seems to me that the transformation takes place by first admitting we can not do it on our own, accepting God’s love and mercy (the grace), and then doing what Jesus taught.

In the Gospel of Matthew the religious leaders of the day ask Jesus why he was eating and hanging out with sinners (like tax collectors who were considered most unclean). Jesus answers the question by telling them that sick people are the ones who need a doctor. He quoted Old Testament prophets when he instructed the Pharisees to find out what the verse from Hosea 6:6 means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Who is more Christ like, the preacher who condemns or the person who spends time helping the poor, the hungry and the downtrodden?

Here Comes Everybody

Maybe one of the challenges we have with this “come as you are” teaching is that it means God’s invitation is for everyone. It is all inclusive, not exclusive. This means there will be people at the banquet table of the Lord that we would prefer not to sit with.

If it was good enough for Jesus to meet people where they were and offer compassion, forgiveness and love then it should be okay with us. How differently the message of the Gospel (which means “Good News”) sounds when we don’t demand that people accept it right away or tell them they are condemned to hell. People need to see our love in action and they need to know that God loves everyone in spite of their shortcomings. Making a decision to follow Christ might take some thought, but if we welcome others in Jesus’ name without demanding immediate conversion then we give people the opportunity to consider the message first.

Rules and regulations miss the point. Yes, we need order and good orderly direction and the kind that you find throughout the Bible is practical and proper. Maybe we could spend more time suggesting that seekers consider the message first and then share our own experience of God’s love in our lives. As I’ve heard a friend share, “I was once where you are now. Come find out where you can be.”

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 - NIV)".

Sing, Sing, Sing

So many things to be grateful for that my heart is singing. Healing, protection, provision and blessings abound! We are called as Christians to give thanks with a grateful heart for all that Christ has done for us. May our heart's singing be filled with gratitude for all His many benefits and divine provisions that He so lovingly bestows on us His children.

"How Can I Keep from Singing" by Chris Tomlin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Of0ntOdDZU

Lead Me To The Cross......

Am I willing to be led to the cross? Is that my hearts' cry? Am I willing to go through tough times, heart aches, and trials to get there?

These are questions that are hard to answer honestly, until we are there, in the fire, being tested and tried. If the hardships lead us to the cross though, I pray our answer is yes. I pray we are like Lot, Joseph, Noah and others in the bible, that when put to the test our answer is like Jesus', "Not my will Lord, but yours be done". Luke 21-22:42.

Song.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00Nci1ATvPg

Psalms

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He Shall Never suffer the righteous to be moved". Psalm 55:22 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc9pEb-Ej7U

Psalm 63:3 " Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee".

Singing God's Praise

We all have much to be grateful for, but are we? Are we singing God's praise? Are we grateful for all He has done and is doing in our lives? I pray the answer is yes and here is a song that's on my heart with that very thought in mind by Chris Tomlin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQI5wxtH6OY

Come As You Are

Micah Chapter 6:6-8. " Wherewith shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calfs a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgressions, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" Verse 8 sums it up beautifully. " He hath shown thee what the Lord doth require of thee, Do justly, and love mercy and walk humbly with thy God."

Summer Travels

I like most of you have set aside some time to spend with my family and have been on the road traveling and visiting family and friends that we are not able to see during the school year. It is a refreshing time in that it is a chance to live in the moment, without strict schedules and take time to get off the beaten path. What I am learning is that it's also a great opportunity to practice what I've been studying in God's word. Much like a field trip gives students hands on application to what they've learned in the books, or physical training allows you the ability to compete in a sporting event, studying God's word daily prepares us to be used of God. It's amazing to me the opportunities that are presented when I slow down enough to listen to "His" still small voice. I have been blessed by being a blessing, such that I am wowed and charged by the experience! I encourage each of you to try this simple prayer, if you're not already, and get ready to be a blessing and be blessed in the process! "Lord use me today for your glory. Open and close the doors where you'd have me go, in Jesus name I pray."

Matthew Chapter 9: 37-38. " The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest."

All For The Glory of God

A beautiful song and lyrics by Casting Crowns-"Lifesong"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaia32TsPqo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsQD7rSTnxM

I Will Rise!

Wondering what to do next? Where to go? I encourage you to get started right where you are and put one foot in front of the other and reach out to friends and neighbors for their advice and help. Are we to be blessed, or to be a blessing?

As we struggle to make ends meet and to be good stewards of what God has entrusted us with, then when opportunity arises we could reach out and lend a hand, a kind word, or encouragement, and be God's hands and feet. Did he provide for us just so we could get by? Are we wondering about tomorrow, what if there is not enough for me? Is fear of the unknown paralyzing you today?

Let us let go and let God, and see the transformation in our homes, neighborhoods and community! Do we really believe he is the provider of all our blessings? If so we can trust he will also continue to provide when we share and or even give out of our need.

I encourage you to reach out to someone today who is hurting or struggling and or let your needs be known to those who are closest to you and see the sense of purpose we all can have in this moment. What a great way to let our light's shine for God's glory and start the great adventure, trusting God into the unknown!

Song. "The Great Adventure" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrrjbTc0urk

Oh My God...

I came across this video while looking for something else, but upon viewing I had to share. Riveting yet far from pretty. Something to consider..... by "Jars of Clay". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqeyisb688

Faith With Works

In I Samuel 17:14-58  we read about David and Goliath and how David looked to God and his past victories for his ability to succeed in his present challenge. He knew God delivered him from the lion and the bear and therefore could and would deliver him against Goliath. Something to note that is most commendable is that David had plenty of nay sayers around him, yet he chose to look to God and not his circumstances.

The other thing David did because of his personal walk with Jesus was he stepped out in faith to do the very act even though it didn't make sense. Five smooth stones against a giant???? However, David trusted God and used what he had. He remembered that God had delivered him in the past and would do so again because he had a personal relationship with Him. His job was to step out in faith and do what he knew to do. He didn't have to change who he was before he could act or become something he wasn't for God to use him. 

Are we facing a Goliath in our life today? Are we prayed up and ready to go? Are we listening to the nay sayers or are we trusting in God's sovereignty? I'm confident that whatever we're facing that God has a plan. I pray we do our part and step out in faith and allow God to use us for His glory. 

Psalm 63

The Psalm of David when he was in the wild country of Judah. 

Psalm Ch 63: 1-3. "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land where no water is. 2. To see thy power and thy glory so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3. Because thy loving kindness is better than life my lips shall praise thee".

Lifted High

Lyrics to the song by Jars of Clay. "If I Had Two Hands".

I’ve been living out of sanity 
I’ve been splitting hairs and blurring lines 
I am a house that is divided 
In my heart and in my mind 

I use one hand to pull closer 
The other to push you away 
If I had two hands doing the same thing 
Lifted high, lifted high 

I have a broken disposition 
I’m a liar who thirsts for the truth 
And while I ache for faith to hold me 
I need to feel the scars and see the proof 

And if we just keep digging we can reach the foundation 
Of our souls 
And if we just keep cutting all the chains from our hearts 
We’ll lose control 

And it feels like giving in 
It feels like starting over 
It feels like waking up, and you know it’s coming 
It feels like a brand new day Open your eyes

Wisdom and Understanding

 Proverbs is a great chapter that talks about parenting. Guidance and consequences for choices made. I love when it says choose wisely. A good parent knows that to teach a child to choose wisely is health to his bones, consequences follow every action whether they be good or bad. 

Mother's Day is set aside to bless and honor Mothers everywhere. As all good mothers desire good things for their children, it comes with a lot of hard work, training, love and patience. I pray all the moms out there enjoy this special day and many more throughout the year, receiving blessing and honor from their children and keep up the good work! Our families, churches, communities and country depend on you! God Bless Moms!!!!!!!

God Makes All Things New

Revelation 21:5. Gives the title to this song, though it's full of a lot of encouraging scripture as well, by Steven Curtis Chapman. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_Q3NrB_eHM

Psalm 119

Verse 105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path". 114 " Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word." Desperately, dependent on God! He will never leave or forsake us. During our toughest times, when we are totally dependent on Him, our faith is bound to grow the most because there is no other way out and He has never left or forsaken His children. 

When was the last time we had no way out, but for God to show up? Is He allowing us to go through tough times to grow in our faith and learn to trust Him more? Are we wowed and encouraged in our victories that only God could perform? Are we living on the edge challenging ourselves and trusting in Him totally, or are we holding back? Are we willing to let go of our perceived control and allow Him to guide us? 

 Whether circumstances force us or we let go willingly, God loves us too much to let us waste away. He has plans to prosper us, to give us a hope, a future. Sometimes pruning is in order for our own good. Molding by the Potter may be painful initially, but the end result is a beautiful creation.  Are we like the horse that has to be trained with a bit or are we pliable in God's hands, trusting in His promises? Hardships and struggles have the potential to grow us stronger in our faith. What is God trying to teach us today? Help us to have ears to hear and hearts that are open to His leading so that we might become all He desires for us.

Hope

Romans 8:24-25 " For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

 God's word is nourishment to our spirit, like food is to our physical body. What we put in affects how we feel. We must eat daily and study God's word to show ourselves approved and to be able to stand during our trials. God is doing His part and His word promises to never leave us or forsake us. It's then up to us to discipline ourselves and to eat right so that we know God's promises and trust in His sovereignty. 8:37 " Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us".

Lord Empty Me

This song is on my heart. Listen to the words and let it speak to yours. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrvSnQ77Mvc

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms

This song runs through my head as encouragement and hope. Dependence on a loving heavenly Father is more precious than silver or gold. The words read like this, "What a fellowship, what a joy divine, what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms. Oh how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, oh how bright the path grows from day to day, what have I to dread, what have I to fear, I have blessed peace with my Lord so near, leaning on the everlasting arms". 

May God's peace that passes understanding keep our hearts and minds fixed on Him today, the author and finisher of our faith.

More Than Conquerors

Many times we're faced with adversity and called to keep the faith and trust God. As we learn to pray, not my will but yours be done we become pliable to God's leading. I must confess there are things that happen in this life that defy explanation, but I have learned and believe the scriptures that say we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. So when adversity hits, I've learned to stop, look and listen to the still small voice. Is God trying to tell me something? Am I headed in the wrong direction, or is Satan just trying to trip me up. God promises to never leave or forsake us, so when things don't make sense or it would seem you're being attacked, stand on God's word and His promises as His children and you will not be moved. Psalm 62:6  A song from childhood that comes to mind. "I Shall Not Be Moved."

In Christ Alone

A fitting song by the  Newsboys this holy week. Listen to the words and be strengthened today in your stance for Christ. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE&feature=related

Spring Break

Tulip about to bud


Front porch and flower bed


Just in time for Easter.....

I will be traveling with my daughter to visit family and friends for her spring break, but before I leave I thought I'd share a few pictures from my spring flower bed. May God's blessings and favor be with you and your family this spring season!

Gratitude....

A dictionary definition of grace, according to Christian belief. "Unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings."

Grace for today, is all I need. Wow, can it really be that simple? One day my husband had the privilege of offering a ride to an elderly, poor lady leaving a thrift store and though his intent was to assist her in her travels, I dare say he came out blessed and humbled by her grateful attitude.

Apparently she had nothing or very little. By her own admission her total dependence was on Christ, and her sweet, grateful, appreciative outlook was amazing given her obvious circumstances. As he started in the direction of her home he mentioned going downtown next at which she asked if he could bring her there instead. Certainly he replied, "Where would you like to go"? Well apparently not far from where he worked, there was a food kitchen that she wanted to stop by so she could get something to eat. Another humble moment.

She said she was appalled at all the drunk people who were there with little appreciation for what people were doing for them and asked God if he would please not let those drunks be there the next time she came.

She proclaimed very proudly that last week when she went, not a drunkard around! She was very grateful and thankful to God for hearing her prayer. Needless to say it was hard to keep a dry eye upon hearing her story. Such grateful, loving dependence on God for supplying all her needs, each day.

Another Wow! Yes folks, we are spoiled rotten! Help us to have that loving, sweet spirit and not be too busy to reach out to those in need in our path.

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoOPsGDZdnM

Compassion Internatonal

As most are feeling the pinch at home, those who are in poverty are feeling it even more. As we are tightening our belts and perhaps cutting back on eating out and forgoing some of our luxuries, children around the world are going hungry. As a Christian and parent I can't ignore this. Please lift them up in prayer and donate whenever possible to one of these outstanding programs that are financially responsible and being an advocate for children.

Compassion International @ http://www.compassion.com and World Vision @ http://www.worldvision.org are two outstanding organizations that help meet the needs of children here and around the world.

Matthew 10:42 "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." 25:45 "Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me." 

He Reigns......

A beautiful song and tribute to all God's people, by the Newsboys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMT_kAD6cOg&feature=related

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

From the movie "The Passion". Well worth remembering this Lenten season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3em-0J1ePYU

Draw Me Close to You....

A walk in the woods. Signal Mountain, TN

"You're all I want, you're all I've ever needed, you're all I want, help me know you are near." Chorus to a song that's on my heart. Listen and may God speak to your heart too.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qEHsrgDCaeo&feature=related