Monday, March 4, 2013

When I Finally Make it Home


Psalm 103:1" Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me, bless his holy name." Vs.13-15 "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knows our frame; He remembers that we are but dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth."

May we remember God's words and bless his holy name. Teach us to number our days and know the end of our time, that we might be found faithful stewards of the time he has so graciously given to us.

Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnf1xczuOrA

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Is God In Your Fire?

I had the privilege as a young kid to witness an elderly widow in the church. Her witness to me was profound in her sweet dependence on God in all her circumstances, even when things appeared to be negative she always found God in them and shared with such joyful demeanor, I had to take note. I must confess, it has stayed with me through the years and I am grateful for it.

It is obvious to see God in our good times, but it takes a trained eye to see him in the midst of our hardships. Are we trusting in a sovereign God who knows what we need even when we cannot see him and do not understand?

Some great bible examples of this are Joseph, Lot, Noah, David and countless more. These people went through some really tough circumstances and yet continued doing what was right in the midst of their storm, and trusted God to see them through.

Hopefully we are encouraged when we read of these ordinary people that God used in profound ways whose latter end was better than their beginning. There is something we must not miss though, it is not all about them.  God was using them to bless others and in the process and they were blessed.

Lord help us to have your eyes and see the bigger picture when we're inclined to whine and complain, so that we too might be used of you in a mighty way and grow stronger in our faith.

Song: "You Raise Me Up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGK5ZYjZ6oY


Saturday, March 2, 2013

Be Not Afraid!



In Mark Ch. 5:25-36. Jesus is approached not only by the lady that touched the hem of his garment with the belief that if she could just touch him she would be healed, but by a ruler of the synagogue (Jairus) asking that he come to heal his daughter. Before he could even ask though it was reported to him that his daughter had died and not to bother Jesus. However Jesus being who Jesus is, he overheard and said " Be not afraid, only believe." He then proceeded to the man's house to bring his daughter back to life.

These are just a few of the stories in the bible that give me encouragement to keep pressing on, not to quit no matter how unlikely something seems to me. Hope and faith followed by works, believing that God does hear our prayer right where we are. Are we looking, hoping, pressing, asking, believing, today for that miracle, or are we leaning on our own understanding and becoming fearful?

When we stay in God's word we can find hope and encouragement during our storms, nourishment and strength to keep pressing on, with the ability to trust in God to see us through victoriously! Chorus to a song, "Through It All",  says it all. "Through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus, I've learned to trust in God, through it all I've learned to depend upon his word". Listen and be encouraged to keep the faith.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvIxwc90BEI

Friday, March 1, 2013

I Give My Life To The Potter's Hand.....

This week I have been moved by the actions of some very dear older friends, as they followed God's calling full-time, into the Philippines. They left all of their comforts and family to follow a calling deep within their hearts. Wow!

As I am continually reminded, God often works in our lives in similar ways on many fronts.  Just yesterday I also interviewed  to a Christian school in India, which honestly scares me to death, but then I look at this older couple and I am encouraged.

To truly live is to give God your all! Surrendering my will to his way. Am I willing to go where he leads me? Deep within his call is pushing me, propelling me, to get out of my comfort zone and truly live. How about you? Is there something he is calling you too?

Listen to this song and see.....

One of many beautiful songs by Hillsong. "Potter's Hand" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aYvGE1MKeI&feature=related

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Thank You God Our Father

One only has to be a parent to fully understand the sacrifice that God has made for us. To sit back and allow your child to suffer is hard to imagine, yet God knew the ending, as he does in all of our lives.

Is it possible for us to endure even a portion of hardship with a similar understanding that our temporary pain is not the end of the story? We are called to serve, yet in that serving we will suffer hardship as Christ also suffered, but greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world! Don't you just love those buts! I know the "rest" of the story and with that can endure whatever comes my way, by faith.

 Living intentional, purposeful, faith filled lives, daily.What does that look like for you? Are you taking steps daily to show your faith?

I have dedicated this post to a loving, faith filled older couple who is taking the next step into the unknown, as they step into full time missionary work for the first time in Ozamiz City, in the Philippines. Please keep them in your prayers for blessing and protection as they go to serve.

Song. "Blessed Redeemer" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYUm_YxSUG0

Running Your Race





If you are like me, it is easy to  get off course when we look at others and take our eyes off of our mission. It often takes reflection and reviewing our goals, checking our coordinates, values and listening to our heart's cry and not the external pressures.

Questions that help me recalibrate are: What are my gifts, talents and passions? Am I using them in a meaningful way that is lasting? How am I spending my time and money? If today was my last, would I have regrets? How can I make today better for myself and those in my sphere of influence? Am I growing as a Christian? Am I leaving a legacy that is meaningful? Hmmm.....

I don't know about you, but my run has slowed to a run/walk literally and figuratively as I have gotten older, with a desire to be more productive and purposeful in my daily journey. I am learning to be more reflective, numbering my days, intentional living, with an understanding that I have fewer marbles in my jar, and wasted time and energy is not an option.

If we keep our eyes and ears on the Lord, our course is set for us. How long it takes us, will depend on our willingness to be led? I am learning to surrender my will, my desires, to my Creator, daily. How about you?

Proverbs Ch.3: 5-6:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct our paths."

Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iTInN6FH9I





Friday, February 22, 2013

Love Your Enemies


Love your enemies, bless them that curse you and do good to them that hate you. I don't know about you, but these are hard words to for me to swallow. How can I do that? That sounds like abuse! Why would I set myself up like that? That defies good judgment. Surely there is a misunderstanding, but yet I read again and it says just that. Hmmm..... Can I take scripture that is easy for me and yet dismiss the hard parts? I know the answer even before I write.

 Matthew 4:44-48."But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. That you may be children of your Father which is in heaven, for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust. For if we love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect".

Lord, your word says that we are to do this, but in ourselves we cannot! Help us today to reflect your love, not that of the world, that we may indeed shine bright as your children, in Jesus name I pray.

Song. Brandon Heath, "Your Love",  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfc9y7X3zog

Thursday, February 21, 2013

This Mountain Shall Be Removed


Lookout Mountain

Having lived in the Appalachians for a few years, gave me a sense of mountains for a MS. girl, but at a maximum of around 2,000 feet locals would say they were but foothills. Regardless of the size or perspective of what one calls mountains in our lives, there is none that is too high for God. He can move the largest or the smallest, depending on our perspective, they are all but foothills to him. Rest in his promises today, trusting and believing that faith moves mountains, and that all things are possible with God.

Matthew 21:21-22. "Jesus answered and said unto them. Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be cast into the sea; it shall be done. 22 And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

Whatever your "mountain" is, our God is more than able. Keep the faith and keep pressing on!
Song. "Not by Might, nor by Power" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVcBye7-WFQ

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Love Is.....


Ask a child what love is and I dare say your heart will be pricked. Our actions are a reflection of our heart and God is the ultimate judge of each of ours. Kids are a close second in my opinion. If you are anything less than authentic, a kid will sense it even though they may not fully understand it.

Matthew 9:13. "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 12:7 "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire compassion and not sacrifice', you would not have condemned the innocent".

In Matthew 12, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees for the work that his disciples are doing on the Sabbath. They are quick to accuse him of being unlawful, but Jesus easily puts them in their place. In his explanation to them there are five simple words that stick out in my head, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” God doesn’t call us to merely follow laws, he calls us to love. He doesn’t call us to give up a week of our time because we feel it is our duty to sacrifice. Instead, he desires that we would feel such compassion for the world around us that we would have a deep desire to do something. Jesus calls for our hearts, not simply for the sacrificial work of our hands.

Song. "Give It Away" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc55Y1KqLYw

Monday, February 18, 2013

From The Inside Out!

                                         (scene captured by photographer, Scotty Lisenbe)

A beautiful song by" Hillsong", that captures the essence of our purpose here on earth. May this be our hearts cry everyday, as it seems to be these dolphins!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ-fghqc8Oo

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Lifting Up in Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, in Jesus name, I lift up my daughter and friends in college and pray for your hand of wisdom and protection as they continue on their journey. Open their eyes to your way, your will, your still small voice. Put someone in their path to encourage and guide them through times of loneliness and hardship. Help them to continue growing in your likeness and become more like you each passing day. Give them a peace that passes understanding, in the midst of their storms.

I  know we serve a loving God who sees us right where we are, in good times and hard times. He is ever present, and I count it a privilege to take these needs of family and friends to the Lord in prayer.

"What a Friend We Have in Jesus", is a song that comes to mind. God is never too busy, he is our heavenly father who is always with us, keeping, protecting, guiding and directing us in and through our hardships.

Below is a link to the ole time hymn. Listen and be encouraged in whatever circumstances you may find yourself in today, and take it to the Lord in prayer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me9791AfsPU


Friday, February 15, 2013

Faith of a Child

Proverbs 16:9 " A man's heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with our whole heart. Lean not unto our own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct thy paths."

Listen to the following song and be encouraged.

Song by Tenth Avenue North. "By Your Side". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU
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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

On Your Shoulders I Can See


Here in the South, at the many Mardi Gras parades, parents will lift up their child and put them on their shoulders so that they can see the parade? Much like parents, Jesus desires good things for his children and wants them to be able to see what he sees. He desires to give us a loving and caring heart when viewing the world.

To have Christ's view and understand his ways, that are so much higher than our ways. Taste and see, wait, hope, faith as a child. Numerous scriptures throughout the bible encourage us as his children to look up, trust and believe.

Faith in action, hopeful expectation, like that of a child that knows their parent is going to help them, no matter the situation or difficulty. What a privilege to be his child and have access to his promises. It is like having a front seat pass that is ours for the asking. Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good;blessed is the man who takes refuge in him".

Are you settling today for less than you should, worrying about the future, the unknown and fretting about the storms all around? His word says peace I give you, not as the world gives. John 14:27

Trust him today with your all, and see that the Lord is good!
Song: "I Raise You Up"    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqtwZWvXux8

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

God is Faithful!

 Exactly what does "faithful" mean? According to the dictionary, it means loyal, constant and steadfast.

According to the bible, it says God will never let us walk alone and states that he is faithful. Oftentimes we don't even know it, yet he is always there, never leaving or forsaking us. What a promise and a privilege to be God's child. 


Det. 31:66 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”


Whatever your struggle or hardship today, be comforted in the knowledge that God is faithful, to you his child. Rest in his promises knowing without a shadow of a doubt that he will never leave or forsake you. "Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, the Lord thy God is with me." Psalms 23.


Song by Chris Tomlin. Faithful:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJFlY0mwFks


Sunday, February 3, 2013

Let Faith Arise


Today I write with a heavy heart, but with peace as well. We are not always called to understand the "whys" in this world, but we know who holds our hand. We found out last night that the young mother  from the US that went missing in Istanbul was found, but not alive. At least not in this world anymore, and that leaves a very sad family behind, not to mention the people on both continents that were praying for her.

So let faith arise.....but how in the midst of such pain is that possible? In my earlier posts I reflected about us being on God's "set" if you will, and that good and evil exists. We have a job to do here, but it is his way, not mine, his time, for he knows what I do not. "Faith, the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen."

It was apparent in church this morning, as the pastor prayed, that many in the church were following and I am sure praying for this young mother as well. What we do not know though is "why" was she allowed to die? Good question that I am sure comes to all of us at one point or another. Yet the bible does give us hope, in the midst of our pain. "To be absent from this world is to be present with the Lord." 2 Corinthians 5:8


Proverbs 14:32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.

As the chorus to this song goes. When troubles come and we do not know "why", let faith arise, let faith arise....
Listen to the song and be encouraged in your struggles, today.
"I Lift My Hands Up" by Toby Keith:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbNK50T35wY

Friday, February 1, 2013

I Turn to You Jesus, I Turn to You...

The chorus to this song plays in my head. "What else can I do Jesus, I turn to you". I find it interesting that songs will come to me each morning, almost like the mana in the desert. Enough for today, encouragement for my soul and others out there, that need that word of encouragement.

Interesting thing is back in the states that was also true, but I have now been in Turkey for  6 months and I  have NOT had any music played, because everything is in Turkish and I don't understand, yet it is there, daily.  God knows where I am and what I need to share. Just that thought makes me smile, even as I write. Thank you Lord for always being there, in big and small ways, allowing me to be used of you. Amen....

Song, "I Turn To You Jesus by Todd Smith" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq-EddBdJBI

Monday, January 28, 2013

Who Are We Looking For?

Thought provoking song and message for us all. Hope in the midst of whatever you are going through. I turn to you, Jesus. Be encouraged this day!
Song: "The More I Seek You" 

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Gifts....



This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Not tomorrow, but today. Let us run our race with patience, living each day with no regrets, should tomorrow, next week, or even next year not come, we can say with confidence, I wouldn't do anything different. As the chorus to the familiar song goes, "Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand, but I know who holds the future and I know who holds my hand."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWKZVbG9egQ

Saturday, May 19, 2012

I'll Go Where You Send Me.....



As I read my daughter's recount of her view of all our moves up to the present, in her recent writing assignment of "Where She Calls Home", it caused me to reflect, and truthfully cringe. We have done our share of moving and then some, for reasons that did not make a lot of sense to a young girl, now blooming young lady.

For me our moves instead reflected God's hand on our lives, by providing for us, through work, places to live, and sometimes out of harms way. Now granted, we have never stayed very long in each place, but along each step there was divine provision that could only come from God. As I recount the blessings, I am reminded that he has always provided in ways far beyond anything that I could ever imagine!

"Change", however is never easy. I remember the uncertainty and sometimes fear of the unknown, but when I looked around and saw God's supernatural provision, I was comforted to know, it was his way of providing for me and my family. I am sure I could write a book and probably need to, so that one day my daughter will recall our moving with a better understanding of why, and be comforted in her own journey, that God has planned for her.

Now that is not to say one has to move to be used of God, but for us it was. Are we willing to be God's hands and feet? That can be right where we are, or around the world. Each day we have opportunities to shine God's love to others. Are we representing Christ well? Are we saying yes Lord, wherever you send me?

As I contemplate our "next " move, I must confess my family is getting a little nervous. "We are comfortable, you will never see me again", have been some of the recent sentiments, and the truth is I understand, and that may be true. What they do not know, that I do instinctively, is that getting by is not enough, comfortable is close to stagnation, and fear should never drive us to inaction, but rather action.

I like a recent comment I read that said when whipped by life we can either be like the mule and be stubborn and say I am not moving and sit down, or be like the race horse that is spurred onto a faster pace, to get to a better place.

Where will you send me? Good question that only God can answer, thankfully. With the uncertainty comes excitement. "I know the plans I have to prosper you , to give you a hope a future". I have been down this road enough to know that God's ways are always so much higher than my ways. I have learned to let God steer, and relax. He opens doors I would have never dreamed possible and closes others that seemed like the right way. My sense of direction has never been great, so it is a great relief to know I have a pilot who knows me better than I know myself, and knows where my next step should be. I'll go where you send me", gladly.....

Are you living to the fullest, willing to dig deep and let go, trusting God to provide the way, even when it does not make sense? I encourage you today to relax in his promises, and surrender your hopes and dreams and see if he doesn't direct you in ways you have never dreamed possible!


Friday, April 30, 2010

I Will Be With You Always!


God promises to his children, to never leave or forsake them, from the rising of the sun to the setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised. His promise to us is,  "If we abide in him and his words abide in us, we shall ask what we will and it shall be done, but if you forget the Lord your God and walk after other gods ye shall surely perish."

We shall remember the Lord thy God for it is he that giveth us power to get wealth, not of ourselves. Where does our hope come from, maker of heaven and earth. Let us not forget his many benefits in keeping his commandments with grateful hearts, loving and serving him all the days of our life.

Song by Mercy Me, "Here With Me":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74CNUExD4I8&feature=related

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The Last Waltz.....


I heard about the wishes of a 94 year old lady, and it was to have a "last waltz". Her sights though currently here, are set to a better place for which I pray we all aspire to go, whether we're 94 or 7, may we understand we are but pilgrims on this earth. Some will have a longer journey than others, but we all have a promise of eternal life. May we enjoy every step and be encouraged to make the most of every step!

Link to her last wish.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_V5jXJjIAk

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

My Redeemer


There is hope for us all, if we believe....Do you know? A beautiful song and video by Nicole Mullen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p4G2GbPYQA

Thursday, April 15, 2010

I Am Forgiven...


Like most people it is easy to become fearful, but God's word says we are to rest in his arms and not to fear the things that are going on around us. We are encouraged to recognize trials as a refining period to draw closer to him and rely on his sovereignty to see us through. Nothing happens to you that God does not allow, and if he allowed it then he has a purpose. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose". If you are feeling down and discouraged, get in God's word and let him speak to your heart the peace that only he can give, and relax, you are in the arms of God!

Song." Because I'm Forgiven" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGmCsdFKMIk







Friday, April 9, 2010

Love Will Keep Us Together



God's love transcends our love. He is ever loving, gracious, and merciful. His love knows no limits. Psalms Ch 37:23-24, encourages us to love our Lord, all his saint's, with promise to preserve the faithful and plentifully reward the doer. Be of good courage and God promises to strengthen our hearts, all who hope in the Lord.

God not only loves us more than we can imagine, but when we return his love that he gives us so freely, he rewards us and our children, such that everyone around us benefits because Christ's love spills over into their lives as well.

Help us today to be open to God's love and let him fill us up to overflowing. For his love will keep us together! Listen to these songs and think of the words as God's love to children.

A couple of oldes that should bring a smile. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6inwzOooXRU&feature=related

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

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Get Back Up


Have you ever fallen, gotten discouraged, and felt defeated like you couldn't go on? Well I'm here to encourage you to get back up! God is with you, and He's waiting for you to ask for His help. He's holding out His hand in love. Won't you get back up and trust Him to see you through each step of the way, where on your own it seems impossible?

Song. "Get Back Up" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX5OqyBYKh4

Saturday, April 3, 2010

The Sabbath

A day of religious observance and abstinence from work, kept by the Jews from Friday evening to Saturday evening, and by most Christians on Sunday. One definition of the sabbath according to the dictionary.

As we have been preparing our hearts and minds through various practices of lent, and subsequent celebrations on Saturday or Sunday, I pray we are drawn closer to Him in a very meaningful way, by reflecting on His ultimate sacrifice for us all.

As in previous years one of our families traditions is to read one of the 4 gospels account of Jesus's death and reflect in writings and drawings on a piece of paper to be saved for a later time, and chronologically reflect on our own growth and thoughts during the Easter season. It then gives us something tangible to remember our journey individually during this time of year.

This year I also had the opportunity to collect sand dollars during a recent vacation, and have decorated our still standing Christmas tree with them. I can't say this was planned, but for those of us who have been too lazy to take down their trees, I found a way to take advantage of it. Most of you are familiar with the story of the sand dollar, but just as a reminder I am including this link. http://legendofthesanddollar.com/

May God continue to shine bright in all of us with a renewed sense of purpose and meaning this Easter season. God Bless!


Front view

Back view

A seldom seen view from the inside of a sand dollar and it's 5 doves, before they came apart