I AM HEADING TOWARDS MY DESTINY!

I have moved

2011-07-20T06:31:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone! Great news! This blog has officially moved. Just waiting to have this link forward everyone over to my new site.

To find my Word-Filled Wednesday post -- please click HERE.

Placing something into nothing? Huh?

2011-07-15T08:09:00.001-04:00

It takes a place of NOTHING to have SOMETHING placed in it.

Does that comment make any sense to you? Well, it is odd, I must admit, but it came into my thoughts this morning -- inspired by the Faith Barista's post today.

Are you feeling empty? Dry? Alone?

You're in good company!

Just off the top of my head I can think of many examples in the Bible of people who must have felt alone and empty.

Abraham and Sarah: They were in their old age and childless. I can speak as someone who was married for 16 years before becoming a Mom ... people can be cruel with their comments and questions.

Moses: He was sent to take a stand against Pharoah. A man who was insecure about his own abilities to speak.

Noah: Creating a huge ark when there was no rain. Can you imagine the comments and sneers he received?

Tamar: Given as a wife to two wicked brothers. Both husbands were killed by God due to their wickedness. Her father-in-law, Judah, withheld his last son fearing he would die as well. Tamar was left to grow old without a child. She came up with a plan to trick Judah to become pregnant by him. She came close to being killed -- burned alive.

Mary and Elizabeth: Both had empty wombs. Both wombs were filled miraculously. Mary must have felt alone, terrified of what people would think. What would happen to her? What would Joseph think? Elizabeth couldn't bare a child in her old age. She was empty. Dry.

Peter: He denied Christ THREE times. He was ashamed and at the end of his rope.

Paul: Blinded at first by the one he persecuted.

Jesus: Abandoned, rejected, persecuted ... yet was innocent.

I could go on and on with examples of Old Testament and New Testament patriarchs (and of course our Savior).

Each experienced places of emptiness, but GOD had a plan. God created something in those empty places!

God sees the past, present, and future. He prepares those beautiful empty spaces. Think of a nest. The birds prepare a place for those precious little eggs to rest. The nest had to be there BEFORE the gift of the eggs.

Sometimes we have to be empty as well. Empty of our own agendas. Empty of our own striving.

It is a place of preparation.

Psalm 31:4
Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD.

Believe that there is HOPE in your situation. God will fill those empty spaces with His Spirit and with His Purposes.

Are you empty? Do you feel dry? REJOICE, because NOW you are PREPARED!

(Sorry to post twice today, but after reading Faith Barista's post, I had to write again. If you missed my other post about POWER WORDS, click here.)

POWER words!

2011-07-14T23:48:00.002-04:00

There is something POWERFUL about the blessing of a parent over a child.

This beautiful gift has been lost in this culture.

Today, I heard words from my Mother that I may have "heard" before (though I don't remember my Mom ever saying this), but TODAY I HEARD with my heart. Do you know what I mean? We were driving down the road and I was telling her how sorry I was that she was having to stay in a rehab for now. I told her I understood that she wanted to come home, but I didn't know what else to do. I HAD to make sure she was cared for and protected. She looked at me and said, "You are the sweetest person I know and I love you." Just typing those words brings tears to my eyes. I told her I didn't think I was the "sweetest" but that I did love her. (Thank You Father for that sweet blessing today.)

I am part of Generation-X. I don't know about you, but I never heard "I'm sorry" from my parents -- even if they overreacted in a situation. Did you? Kids were to be seen and not heard back in those days. I really didn't have a voice, if you know what I mean. Trust me, my parents definitely did they best they knew to do, but there is something much different about my relationship with my daughter. I talk openly about how imperfect WE ALL ARE because we are human. I apologize to her on a regular basis for misunderstandings or times I just completely overreact. When she messes up I remind her that Mommy and Daddy mess up and do things that grieve the Holy Spirit sometimes too. I don't want her to think I've got it all together because I don't.

The reason I'm even sharing this is because I was just watching Sid Roth's show, "It's Supernatural," and saw his interview with John Waller. John has done research concerning the importance of the Jewish blessings that were passed down to children in the Old Testament. I heard John sing this song and it washed over me. I immediately went to YouTube to find it.

If you never received a "blessing" from your parents, receive the words of this short, anointed song and agree with the words for your own children as well:

I pray God helps us to humble ourselves as parents and build up our children.

If you are a parent, place your hands on your precious children and bless them.

Genesis 27:1-4
Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.”
And he answered him, “Here I am.”

Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.”

Genesis 48:20-21
So he blessed them that day, saying, “By you Israel will bless, saying, ‘May God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh!’” And thus he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

Then Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you and bring you back to the land of your fathers."

Confused about INCREASING your blog traffic?

2011-07-14T07:31:00.001-04:00

Now that I'm switching over to Wordpress (any day now) I thought I would "Google" some information on increasing by blog traffic. For someone who has been an active blogger for almost 5 years, I don't know the inner workings -- you know, the TECHNICAL side like I should! (Hanging head now ...)

For instance: RSS feeds. I finally figured out that it meant receiving someone's post via email. Isn't that correct? Do all of you bloggers just know this stuff instinctively? I remember the first time I wanted to "link" something -- I didn't even know what a "link" was, nor did I understand that on Blogspot a picture of a link of chains on a button was something I needed to use. LOL I guess to make it more idiot proof, Blogspot now uses the word "LINK."

I DON'T understand Feedburners and AdSense. Stuff that some of you pro-bloggers eat for breakfast around here.

I DON'T know how to MAKE MONEY with my blog. Though some of my buddies out here know and haven't shared their wisdom with me yet -- ahem!

Now that I have floundered around on Blogspot for a few years I am merging over to Wordpress. That has a new set of challenges for me.

1. I don't know how to use it -- YET. I'm sure there will be a little learning curve.

2. Now I'm hearing about PLUG-INS. What in the world?!?!? I'm assuming they are like a handy-dandy WIDGET. Right? I also heard that to increase blog traffic I need to utilize the SiteMap plugin.   Scratching head. Oh, and don't forget I need the Related Post plugin. Now, will someone tell me how to PLUG IN?

So, what are some other suggestions to increase your blog traffic?

1. I have learned over the years that visual appeal is HUGE. Personally, I don't stay long on sites that are difficult to read. Cutesy fonts are fun and nobody loves to celebrate all of the colors of the rainbow more than me, but not while I'M READING. Light color backgrounds are much friendlier on the eyes. If you're creating a new blog -- remember this.

2. When I first started, I loved all of the WIDGETS Blogspot provided. I still think many of them are great, but sometimes too many widgets on a blog are ANNOYING to your readers.

3. SEARCH ENGINE SPIDERS! I HATE spiders, but in this case I think they might be something I want on my site! What in the world is a search engine spider anyway? Apparently they visit more frequently when you blog more often. Hmmm. Would regular blog posts be search engine spider bait?

4. One thing I did realize over the years is this: CATCHY TITLES GET ATTENTION. I have noticed I get more hits when I use a strange or shocking TITLE for my post! We should keep our creative juices flowing.

5. Music on a blog. I never thought much about it in the beginning. I actually had a friend who would visit my blog just so she could enjoy my Playlist all day at work. Other people are disturbed by music while reading. The choice is yours, but I have heard more people complain ABOUT music than complain that a site doesn't have it.

So are you STILL confused about INCREASING your blog traffic? Well, I am too, but I'm going to get to the bottom of this! I'm an intelligent woman. Surely, I will figure out this cyber world and conquer it. :o)

Soon, you will visit and see a different look ... don't leave, it is still me.

Word-Filled Wednesday

2011-07-13T07:14:00.001-04:00

Today I'm linking with the Internet Cafe to share God's Word.

If you would like to sip on more of God's Word, visit the Internet Cafe.

Have a blessed Wednesday Everyone!

May I vent just a tiny bit?

2011-07-12T21:01:00.004-04:00

This morning I was listening to one of Jennifer Kostyal's teaching CD's. Her ministry is Transformed by the Word and you can find here web site HERE. (Picture below is of Jennifer's CD.)

She was talking about how our home is our sanctuary! That is ONE place we can have some control over what/who enters.

She gave the example of allowing adultery into our homes through lustful shows. Or how we compromise and allow horrible language to enter through TV shows -- you get the picture.

It is OUR responsibility to make our homes a sanctuary. We don't have to allow anyone in our homes who speak discouragement and death into areas where we are standing in faith. It is our choice and responsibility!

This afternoon my daughter had a play date with a Christian family. I would even consider the Mom to be a strong Christian. When I picked up my daughter she shared how the little girl was telling her ghost stories and how their closet was haunted. Argh! That really made me angry because I know how a spirit of fear tries to enter a child. HE WILL NOT HAVE MY DAUGHTER in the Name of Jesus! I don't think this Mom would have liked this game that the kids were playing upstairs, but I'm not sure. I can't assume anything.

When we arrived home, I left my daughter to watch an innocent cartoon when Harry Potter movie advertisements kept coming on every 10 minutes! Seriously, you can barely find one cartoon where "witchcraft" isn't glorified. It is DISGUSTING. When the movie trailer kept showing I turned the commercial.

THAT spurred another conversation!

I found out that when we were at another friend's house a few weeks ago, my daughter was upstairs watching an innocent movie with other kids while we were downstairs. A Harry Potter movie advertisement came on in the beginning and my daughter put her head down so that she didn't have to see it. She was trying to honor our wishes because she knows she isn't allowed to watch stuff like that. My daughter said the little girl (who is larger because my daughter is so petite) held her head up to force her to watch it. You have no idea how my flesh wanted to react to this. I said, "Why didn't you come down and tell Mommy?" and she said, "She blocked the door so that I couldn't."   This again was at another Christian home.

I'm just SO frustrated about what I heard this afternoon. Honestly, it makes me want to have all of her play dates here.

You can imagine the conversation I had with her again about "there are no such things as ghosts" ... there are demons and there are angels.

No demons are welcome HERE!

We went to ANOTHER Christian home last year and when we got in the vehicle to come home we found out that the little girl was telling our daughter that dead people were buried in her back yard and that her bathroom was haunted. Demonic mess.   I do know that this particular family celebrates the evil side of Halloween, so this was just part of what this child thought was "ok" -- even to the point of telling my daughter that her friend died after touching a special ball. Ok, so you get the idea and see why I'm a bit frustrated.

This house is our sanctuary.

I think I am going to have to make even more changes around here to protect what type of doors are opened in our home.

Do things like this bother you? How do you handle stuff like this when children who share different beliefs interact with your child? I know she can't live in a bubble, but as someone who was set free from fear, I KNOW how things that seem like innocent childhood-fun can actually open doors and desensitize children to darkness.

I'm MOVING ...

2011-07-12T15:03:00.000-04:00

The time is getting close my friends. Jen with Blue Yonder Design is creating my new web site as I type! I can't imagine anything happening where I would lose my friends on here, but JUST IN CASE -- please remember my new url (not active yet): mydestinysharinghope.com

As I said before, my new blog name is: My Destiny ... Sharing the Hope of Christ.

I am really excited and a bit nervous too. I don't know what this will mean for my blogfrog community OR my facebook page. So much is unknown for me right now. So don't lose me please. I would miss you terribly!

On another "change" note ... I shared a few weeks ago that I was looking for some new glasses. Well, I FINALLY found the pair that is just right for me.

You can't tell in this picture, but the rims are a lovely shade of blue!

One of my dear friends met me there to confirm if I had made a good choice. Are we 18 years old? What in the world? Ha. Good thing she doesn't read my blog!

I'm telling you, there is something about the BLUE. I just changed my hot pink phone case to a blue jewel-tone. Now my glasses are that color ...

Oh, and I got some CUTE new shoes at Target too! I LOVE Target! (Oops, you can still see where that blister is healing from those shoes I wore to church a MONTH ago.)

I do pray my transition to my new site goes smoothly. I am clueless about doing this type of thing, but I am trusting Jen's expertise. :o)

Have a great evening everyone!

Place it on ME. I'll take it willingly!

2011-07-11T23:40:00.000-04:00

Oh friends. I love the Word of God SO much! Ahhhhh. I was invited to join a few women tonight who had been in the middle of studying scripture -- breaking down the scriptures into the original context (Hebrew and Greek). Now, you want to talk about a passion of mine!!! That is one group I'd love to join! Thumbs up to my Sister Jan for leading women deeper into the Word of God! Woo hoo!

This morning I read in the books of 1st and 2nd Kings. After a message preached by Andres Bisonni on Friday night, I decided to read about Elijah and Elisha again. May I just share a few points with you?

God instructed the Prophet Elijah to anoint Elisha as a prophet.

1 Kings 19:19-21
So he departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him.

And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.”

And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?”

So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant.

Now think about this scene. Elijah placed his mantle over Elisha. What did Elisha FEEL that made him leave everything he knew to be Elijah's servant? It must have been a powerful experience!

Elisha was hungry for God! Elijah even told him to stay behind several times, but Elisha wouldn't take "NO" for an answer.

In 2 Kings 2, Elijah followed the leading of the Lord to go from Gilgal to Bethel. From Bethel to Jericho. Then from Jericho to the Jordan river. Each time, Elijah asked Elisha to stay and not follow him, but Elisha refused and said he WOULD NOT leave him.

Do we have that type of determination to press through?

When Elijah and Elisha reached the Jordan river, this is what happened:

2 Kings 2:8-14
Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?”
Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.”

So he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the LORD God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.

There are so many different lessons in this portion of scripture! We should hunger for the things of the Spirit like this! Elisha was determined. He was changed from the moment he experienced the anointing from Elijah's mantle!

Elijah and Elisha MOVED. They followed the Lord's voice. We are to follow His voice and leading as well. Are we willing to leave all things familiar to follow His voice? We should never stay in the same place. We should always be moving and growing in the our walk with the Lord.

Ok, so Elisha received a DOUBLE portion of the anointing that was on Elijah! If you aren't familiar with what Elijah did for the Lord -- read 1 Kings. For whatever reason, God chose to take Elijah out of this world without him tasting death. The entire story makes me sit back and say, "Wow."

Here is something Andres Bisonni pointed out to us that I have never noticed before.

No person followed Elisha desiring his mantle. So what happened? The mantle was buried with Elisha. The anointing was still with him even in the grave.

2 Kings 13:21
So it was, as they were burying a man, that suddenly they spied a band of raiders; and they put the man in the tomb of Elisha; and when the man was let down and touched the bones of Elisha, he revived and stood on his feet.

I knew that this had happened with the dead man and Elisha's bones, but I never thought about it as his mantle resting in the tomb with him. It wasn't passed along to another hungry lover of God!

I'm hungry! I want any mantles that weren't picked up in my family line! How about you?

I could go on and on with this, but I hope it is enough to wet your appetite and spur you to read 1st and 2nd Kings.

I pray your hunger for God and His Word will increase each day!

You don't need Caller ID for this Call.

2011-07-11T07:47:00.000-04:00

(This is a post I shared last year, but thought it was worthy of sharing again.)

One of our pastors, Taylor Stewart, gave us some great meat to chew on yesterday. I know I can't do his message justice, but here are a few points that stood out to me.

EACH CHRISTIAN IS CALLED BY GOD.

2 Timothy 1:6-9
For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity ...

Have you ever noticed this in verse 9? God has CALLED US with a HOLY calling -- according to His own purpose and grace.

Pastor Taylor pointed out: IF YOU ARE SAVED -- YOU ARE CALLED!

Think about it! Your calling is holy unto the Lord!

God calls us to intimacy/communion with Him, but also with others. This is key for those who call themselves Christians.

I have a dear friend who was so wounded by a church split that she and her family have refused to find a new church home. "Christians are hypocrites," so she isn't going back. Well, non-Christians are hypocrites too (we are all human). It makes me so sad for her because SHE IS SO GIFTED. The Body needs her!

Pastor Taylor said we can't just walk around with Jesus and not the Body (the Church). Can you imagine someone just walking around with a head under his arm? "I'll just walk with the Head" (Jesus), some may say. But God created us to have relationship with each other as well.

Mark 1:17
And Jesus said to them, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men."

Follow Me shows the VERTICAL relationship with the Father. Fishers of men shows the HORIZONTAL relationship with others.

Mark 3:13-15
And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach, and to have authority to cast out the demons.

Jesus appointed them to BE WITH HIM (vertical) so that HE COULD SEND THEM (horizontal).

We are called BY God. We are called TO God. We are called to minister to PEOPLE.

Have you ever noticed that in the story of Lazarus that Jesus involved the people?

John 11:42-44
I knew that You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that You sent Me."
When He had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

Jesus did the miracle, but he asked the people to TAKE OFF THE GRAVE CLOTHES.

Are you involved?

Are you like my friend who has given up on people and church because of wounds?

Maybe you're like me. You were once heavily involved in ministry, but now are hesitant in stepping off of the sidelines.

This message really convicted me.

WE ARE CALLED.

Don't wait for someone to commission you. God has commissioned you!

Healing is the bread of the Saints & Corn~

2011-07-09T15:11:00.000-04:00

I am so blessed to have attended a conference last night with Andres Bisonni. What a sweet-spirited, gentle, anointed man of God! If you ever get a chance to attend one of his conferences, you will not be disappointed! A lot of people left his meeting HEALED! Some people came from New York, Tennessee, and Virginia. God really honored those people who traveled so far for healing. It was wonderful! Check out his ministry web site HERE. I will be attending tonight as well and I can't wait! Please watch the videos on his web site and build up your faith. He does speak English. :o)

I hope to share his message with you soon! Last night he opened my eyes about some scriptures in 2 Kings! Stay tuned!

On the home front, this past week I FINALLY got around to freezing some corn. I don't know about the rest of you "country" ladies, but I have never had success freezing corn while still on the cob. However, this time I decided to use a Food Saver with the vacuum sealed bags so they should be nice and tasty this winter!

Here is just one basket. I froze 3 of them.

I blanched them.

In case you have never blanched corn, this is how you do it ...

Boil water and place corn in for 8 to 11 minutes.

After the corn boils, place it in COLD water for the same amount of time.

Drain the corn really well and then put in freezer bags.

Here are just a few of the cobs I froze.

If you live in NC and want to join us for the miracle crusade -- shoot me an email and I'll give you the details.

Happy Saturday~

So, what are your thoughts?

2011-07-08T06:57:00.000-04:00

I had something happen in my life a few years ago that was shocking to my system. It shook my entire foundation and I found myself trying to balance -- arms stretched out to the side -- teetering back and forth in the wind.

After seeking the Lord (and I MEAN REALLY SEEKING) I received a lot of healing concerning that event, HOWEVER ... (you knew that was coming) I found that when I would mow our grass my mind would race along with the blades spinning around. Perhaps it was a time when my mind didn't have to be fruitful (just zooming around in familiar patterns on the mower), so like clockwork I would hear, "She said _____. Do you remember how he said _______. And now they ______." Several minutes would have passed before I even realized what I was thinking and what was happening!

2 Corinthians 10:4-5
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (Emphasis mine.)

Do you feel the struggle in the scripture? When you take something CAPTIVE, implies that the thing being captured isn't going easily, right? The scriptures ahead of "take captive every thought" explains that we are to use weapons that are NOT of the world. You only need weapons in a battle.

It is A BATTLE OF THE MIND.

Seriously y'all. EVERY TIME (and probably to this day) when I started mowing grass (even though I'd start off in prayer) my mind would eventually float over to that area. I'm not so thick-headed that I didn't finally figure out what was going on.

If that happens now, I begin to pray blessings over those people and I speak out loud, "I forgive ____. I release _____ and bless ____." I capture those thoughts and reverse them! It totally puts a wet blanket on satan's plans!

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Sometimes it must be a conscious decision to think on GOOD things.

If we entertain unhealthy thoughts that don't line up with the Word of God, before we know it our thoughts will grow into something worse. If it can, it will be become an ACTION! An obvious example of that would be lust. If you allow yourself to entertain lustful thoughts about someone, it is only a matter of time before you take the next step -- no matter how wrong it may be. You become desensitized over time in your thought life. At first the thoughts were shocking to your senses and offensive to you (you felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit). As the thoughts were entertained more, they didn't seem so shocking (because you made the decision to ignore the promptings from the Lord). Eventually the thoughts were just the "norm" -- no longer "wrong" in your mind -- so why not act on them? That is how affairs and any perverted act starts. With a thought. Do thoughts seem so innocent now?

Doesn't the bible say that if a man (or woman) looks with lust in his heart he has already committed adultery? (Matthew 5:28.) THOUGHTS are powerful.

I believe stinkin' thinkin' can also create demonic strongholds in our lives.

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, a STRONGHOLD is a fortified place. I believe we build those strongholds (or allow them) in our minds by believing the negative thoughts that we entertain. Even about OURSELVES.

Come on women. How many of us verbally tear our images apart? Even you we don't verbalize -- are our thoughts positive when we look in the mirror?

Proverbs 23:7a
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.

THOUGHTS. Thoughts can become ...

Romans 1:28
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

Again ... the results of not thinking correctly.

So, what are your thoughts today?

A New Name and Another BIG Change!

2011-07-07T07:09:00.000-04:00

I'm taking a huge step for me folks!

I'm going to do it.

My Mac is shaking at the thought of it ...

Do you remember MONTHS ago (if not a year) I asked all of your opinions concerning the name of my blog? I was at a NC blogger event and I was so embarrassed when someone asked me the name of my blog. It is a sentence (ha). Well I thought I'd make it shorter.

In a sense it will be a little shorter as far as the blog name, but ... well you'll see.

Not only am I changing my name, but (ok, are you sitting?) ... I am going to have my own domain and a new look.   Not just a new layout, but (deep breath in ... exhaleeeeee) I'm going to have a Wordpress format (shhhhh, I don't want blogger to hear that).

I pray I know what I'm doing. I don't have a CLUE how to use Wordpress! Y'all pray me through!

The new blog name isn't 100% decided on YET, but I feel like I need to keep My Destiny since that is the "meat" of my blog title here. I'm thinking, "My Destiny" then the tag line "Sharing the hope of Christ" since that is what I do. What do you think?

So, one of these days in the near future you are going to come visit me and think you're at the wrong place. DON'T LEAVE. It will be ME.

Oh my! I'm so uneasy about leaving this little comfort zone.

I know some of you have made the jump over to Wordpress. What did you think? Any hiccups I should know about. And what was your learning curve?

What do you all think of my potential new name?

(Picture is one of my MANY cloud photos I have taken. It has NOTHING to do with this post - ha.)

Shiny Eyes in the Darkness!

2011-07-06T09:38:00.002-04:00

There is just something different about people who love Jesus!

Have you ever noticed?

For those who keep up with me, you know that the "care" for my parents has been ramped up this past month due to my Mom being in rehab. During this time I have spent hours in medical facilities -- first the hospital, then rehab. Trust me, I have looked into the eyes of the staff for reassurance and comfort. I look for that same Spirit of God who lives inside of me.

The believers are like a breath of fresh air and HOPE in those places.

Matthew 5:12-16
You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Christians are like cities of lights on a hill. Our light cannot be hidden!

I have been grateful to see the LIGHT of Christ in the eyes of others in these places!

My friend Angela at Free Spirit Haven made a comment today on her post about someone calling her spiritual. Ha. I had the very same comment made to me at my Mom's Rehab. After the physical therapist discovered who I was in Christ he said, "I KNEW SOMETHING WAS DIFFERENT ABOUT YOU! IT WAS SOMETHING SPIRITUAL!" I knew what he meant. His discernment picked up on something about me.

Luke 11:34-36
The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light.

Do you ever look deep into someone's eyes? I always do. I want to see what (or Who/who) is within them.

As Christians, we are to let our LIGHT shine so that others are drawn to the Lord.

Strangers should be drawn to us and notice something "different" about our lives. Not because we are striving to appear a certain way, but because they get a sense of the One we spend time with -- our Lord.

Do you remember Israel Houghton and The New Breed's song: Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So?

Here are some of the lyrics:

Oh that the church would arise.
So that we would see with Jesus' eyes.
We could show the world heaven.
Show what it means to be His.
To be formed in his likeness.
Show them they have a purpose.

To be salt and light in the world, in the world.
To be salt and light in the world.
To be salt and light in the world, in the world,
To be salt and light in the world.

Enjoy the song and go share your saltiness~

You HAD to blog about it!

2011-07-05T02:33:00.000-04:00

I saw this cartoon in my Dad's Reader's Digest and I HAD to share it with you!

Only a blogger would appreciate this joke. My Dad was laughing at the luggage, but he didn't even "get" the blog comment.

Illustrated by Mary Nadler.

Suffer from Panic Attacks?

2011-07-04T08:04:00.001-04:00

I am amazed, but never surprised in the amount of people God brings into my path who suffer from panic attacks. I know the solution and how to overcome, but it isn't an easy process. If you haven't read part of my testimony and are interested, click HERE.

Once upon a time my life was FULL of FEAR. I think A LOT of the fear was handed down to me from past generations (thanks a lot ancestors!), but I opened doors as well. Eventually, all of the little fears grew and manifested in full blown agoraphobia at the tender age of 18.

According to Wikipedia: Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder defined as a morbid fear or having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms in a situation that is perceived to be difficult (or embarrassing) from which to escape. These situations can include, but are not limited to, wide-open spaces, crowds, or uncontrolled social conditions. (If interested, you can read more HERE.)

It truly hit me out of nowhere. Sure, I experienced great pressure when I was in high school and had band performances or marched in parades. I never liked the idea of someone watching me. For instance, I remember the first time our middle school band performed in the gym. I remember feeling flush and RED all at the same time. I felt like all eyes were on me. When I graduated from high school -- the actual moment of my graduation I thought I was going to faint. I actually had people fanning me before I got on the stage. But a panic attack? I didn't have a clue what they were until the first one at at 18 that changed the course of my life.

Out of the many people I have encountered struggling with panic disorders, they normally fall into two categories. One: They want freedom and are willing to do whatever it takes to find it. Two: They want the panic attacks to stop, but aren't willing to fight for what is theirs.

I can relate with group number TWO because I would have loved to have had a happy switch to flip to make the nightmare end. But it was through the "fight" to reclaim what was already mine that I learned SO MUCH about God's Word and about spiritual warfare.

I often tell people that Kenneth and Gloria Copeland taught me so much during that time. It is true! I remember the first time I heard Kenneth speak about demons tormenting us here -- yes, here on earth! That was such a strange concept to me. I thought satan (I never capitalize his name on purpose ...) was in hell and all of his demons were with him. I was WRONG and misinformed for sure! The panic attacks were caused by demonic torment, but because I didn't know God's Word, I didn't know about the TOOLS/WEAPONS I had as a Christian.

It all goes hand in hand friends. No matter what battle you are facing, you MUST know God's Word. It holds the keys and the answers you need.

I had been walking around allowing a bully to push me around when my Father -- the King of Kings, the Alpha and Omega, the I AM, had sent His Son, JESUS -- to take care of this battle 2000+ years ago!

Friends, if YOU are battling fear and torment, let me assure you that IF you are a Christian, YOU HAVE AUTHORITY OVER IT in Jesus' Name. And yes, it is a spiritual battle.

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

He has given you authority over ALL the power of the enemy. Does God lie? NO.

You must do your part and BELIEVE that God's Word is true. It is your weapon.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ ...

The battle often takes place in your mind. It begins with a thought.

I remember when I started having panic attacks on a regular basis back in those days. I would hear in my mind "I'm going to have a panic attack. Oh no, here it comes. I can't breath, my heart is racing ... blah blah blah." Tormenting demons! Those weren't even my own thoughts! The devil doesn't speak to you in 3rd person because he doesn't want to be discovered. If he said, "You are going to have a panic attack" you would realize someone (someTHING) else was speaking to you. But instead, you receive the thoughts as YOUR OWN and entertain them until the thoughts have manifested into a full blown attack. THAT is why we should capture our thoughts.

Your will is totally involved in everything that takes place in your life.

IF you struggle with fear and panic, I pray that you will begin to dive into God's Word and find the TRUTH about WHO YOU ARE in Christ and WHO HE IS in YOU. I promise you, there is FREEDOM! And what God did for me, He will do for you!

It may be asking you to step out of the "traditions" taught by man at your current church, but the Word of God is a higher authority than any silly doctrinal rules MAN has created.

Colossians 2:8
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Emphasis mine.)

Please don't let doctrine steal what God has for you ... I could have fallen victim to it. I was raised under a traditional doctrine that didn't teach ANY of the tools I needed to find freedom. But God's Word does and it is available to you. Even if you don't own a bible, you can always go to www.biblegateway.com and have the Word of God at your fingertips.

Are you ready to walk in freedom?

The choice is yours ...

(Photo taken at our mountain house. It reflects the peace of God to me.)

Two tires BLEW in ONE trip!

2011-07-03T18:27:00.000-04:00

This morning you heard (read) me whining about having to leave the mountains and come home. I was typing my post in the house pictured above. Would you want to leave?

Little did we know when we left what an adventure it would become! We made it a couple of hours from the mountains when we heard "KA-POW!" We blew a tire on our cattle trailer. Sigh ...

It was HOT outside folks.

I'm amazed at how God protects us and provides. The tire blew to shreds right at an exit, so my husband drove off to a shady spot at a convenient store. Thankfully our spare tire had air and we were quickly on our way.

That is a picture of our old tire after the change ...

We were on the road again, headed to pick up something in another town and POW! ANOTHER tire blew! I'm not kidding. Can you believe it?!?!?

Again, God made a way.

We were at an exit close to where some of our friends live.

We called them and they were literally across the road from us. They took a tire off of their horse trailer and loaned it to us.

Here is my sweet friend Cyndi who kept me company while our men went to get the trailer tire.

Our daughters were perfectly happy to kill time in the 90+ heat!

We got on the road again and just about the time we arrived to our destination the air conditioning stopped working on my husband's side of the truck. Nice cold air blew on me, but his side was hot. Mercy, what an adventure!

We picked up what we needed in the cattle trailer and headed home! The air decided to come back on and we made it back with no more drama (at least not the mechanical kind).

I am grateful that I pray the protection of Psalm 91 over us each morning and loose angels to surround us. God definitely protected us and made a way. I am so thankful for His love and protection.

Psalm 91:9-11

Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,
         Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you,
         Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;
For He shall give His angels charge over you,
         To keep you in all your ways.

Holy? That's how I ROLL.

2011-07-02T10:10:00.000-04:00

May I stand on my soapbox just a few minutes?

(Ok, where did that saying come from? If I stood on the soap box in my house it would collapse -- Tide w/ Bleach - ha.)

Earlier today I posted about our Rodeo adventure which was a lot of fun. But the comment the rodeo announcer used a few times "holy roller" (though HE confessed to be a Christian) really disturbed me.

I looked up Holy Roller on Wikipedia and this is what I found:

Holy Roller is a term in American English used to describe Pentecostal Christian churchgoers.^[1] The term is commonly used derisively, as if to describe people literally rolling on the floor or speaking in tongues in an uncontrolled manner.

It is generally considered pejorative, but some have reclaimed it as a badge of honor, William Branham wrote: "And what the world calls today holy-roller, that's the way I worship Jesus Christ." ^[2] Gospel singer Andrae Crouch stated, "They call us holy rollers, and what they say is true. But if they knew what we were rollin' about, they'd be rollin' too."

Merriam-Webster traces the word to 1841.^[1] The Oxford English Dictionary cites an 1893 memoir by Charles Godfrey Leland, in which he says "When the Holy Spirit seized them ... the Holy Rollers ... rolled over and over on the floor."^[3]

Similar disparaging terms directed at outspoken Christians but later embraced by them include Jesus freaks or, from former centuries, Shakers and Quakers.

Does this bother anyone other than me? I don't know about you, but I have never had the Holy Spirit take over my mouth and pray in tongues without my will being involved. Sounds to me like someone who was fearful and didn't understand what was happening "coined" this term.

I had a discussion with a pastor years ago about the term CHARISMATIC. When you think of Charismatics, you probably think of people raising their hands ...

Psalm 28:2
Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.

Psalm 63:4
Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

Psalm 134:2
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, And bless the LORD.

Lamentations 3:41
Let us lift our hearts and hands To God in heaven.

You get the idea. I could go on and on with these ...

Maybe the word "Charismatic" means people who pray in tongues.

Mark 16:17
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;

Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 10:46
For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.

Acts 19:6
And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.

1 Corinthians 14:5
I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

1 Corinthians 14:18
I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;

1 Corinthians 14:39
Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.

I guess that covers what people consider Charismatics and probably what people consider Holy Rollers.

Here is my opinion (if you are still reading). Is there a word for those who aren't passionate for Jesus? For people who never mention His Name? Is there a name for those who confess to be Christian when filling out a form, but never show the fruit?

I think derogatory terms towards those who love Jesus, such as a "JESUS FREAK" simply means the person doing the name-calling is uncomfortable with someone's passion and love for Jesus. Perhaps it convicts THEM. What do YOU think? I would really like to hear from you.

Ok, off of my proverbial soap box now.

Signed the NC Holy Roller, Charismatic, Jesus Freak. :o)

Rodeo fun and pics to prove it.

2011-07-02T08:01:00.001-04:00

We decided to take our Princess to the RODEO last night. She had a lot of fun! I wish I had a really nice camera like some of you bloggers, instead I just used my iPhone -- so excuse some of the shots.

Before we even found our seats, our daughter spotted the mechanical bull and wanted to give it a whirl.

We arrived 2 hours early (when they opened the gates) so we had plenty of time to look around and enjoy the views. This is NOT one that we enjoyed! Now you must join in our suffering ... sorry.

This rodeo company really put on a good show. The announcer (not sure what his title really is) did an awesome job keeping the crowd involved. I could tell this wasn't his first rodeo (ha, ok - pardon the bad pun).

How many of you get emotional when the Star Spangled Banner is played at public events? This group had a rider and flag for each arm of our military and for the USA and the Christian Flag. My husband and I were choking back the tears the best we could. My thoughts went to those in Afghanistan -- the lives that have been lost in the Vietnam War, Korean War, WWII, and WW I. I looked at the older folks wiping their eyes -- some of the men most likely fought and served. It just messes me up. I am so grateful to live in the USA. I am thankful for those who sacrificed (and those who continue to sacrifice) their lives for my freedom. I just pray America will turn to the Lord. I am concerned for her future.

On a side note, the announcer guy kept talking about prayer in school and Christianity, but then said, "I'm not a holy roller." What exactly IS a holy roller? Someone who is on FIRE for Jesus? So what does that make the rest of the people who AREN'T holy rollers? Luke warm?

2 Chronicles 7:14
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Our daughter had a great time! Before the crowd arrived, she enjoyed dancing to the country music. Such a ham!

And yes, my child is almost 6 and she JUST ate her FIRST hot dog!

The most exciting part of the rodeo was when the "announcer" called all children to the ring! I think he called it the "Calf tail roundup" though my husband and I don't agree on that. Ha. I thought he said, "Cat tail" and I pictured the kids chasing some cats.

There were probably about 50 kids in the ring with 3 young calves. There were a couple of ribbons on the backside of those calves and the kids had to chase, corner, and grab a ribbon. This is when I REALLY wished for a nice camera with a zoom. Anyway, it was hilarious to watch those kids running. And even though our daughter was in flip flops (ever tried to run in those?) she was hanging in the middle of the pack! You go girl!

All in all, we were roped into a good time! (And just so you know, the trick rope wrapped around my husband was $5!)

Happy 4th of July to you all!

God bless America and may she turn to Him.

Use your mouth~

2011-07-01T08:47:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I had a little bit of time to pick up Robin Bertram's book entitled Shadows Among Us. This is a 500 page book and I'm only at page 171 because it is so meaty!

Robin discussed PROCLAMATIONS. A proclamation, according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, is an official formal public announcement.

Jeremiah 34:15
Then you recently turned and did what was right in My sight—every man proclaiming liberty to his neighbor; and you made a covenant before Me in the house which is called by My name.

Robin used this scripture as an example of PROCLAIMING liberty over one another (especially in prayer), however I wanted to share more. She shared how proclamations, under the leading of the Holy Spirit could bring about miracles, healing, deliverance, and restoration.

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD, IF YOU ONLY BELIEVE. NOW PROCLAIM YOUR FREEDOM. HE WHOM THE SON SETS FREE, IS FREE INDEED! (p 158) ~ Robin Bertram

I love it! Proclamations!

Here we go using our mouths again -- this time PROCLAIMING freedom. Our confession is SO important! If you ever learn anything from me, please learn the lesson concerning the power of your tongue! Please don't claim sickness and death as YOURS. Don't loose curses over yourself and others.

My daughter loves to sing the lyrics of a song we sing at our church, "I WILL LIVE AND NOT DIE, I WILL LIVE AND NOT DIE -- TO DECLARE YOUR WORKS, TO DECLARE YOUR WORKS!" Use your mouth to DECLARE God's Works and His Truth.

Ok, back to Robin's book ...

Mark 23-24
For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. (Underline mine.)

According to Robin, Jesus gave us guidelines on proclamations. FIRST, we must identify the mountain. What is YOUR mountain? It could be anything that stands in the way of you walking in freedom -- physically or spiritually. Anything that blocks the abundant life that God's Word says is ours: Addiction, sickness, poverty, failing relationships, bitterness, unforgiveness, demonic spirit ... the list could go on and on. Once you have identified your mountain - SPEAK TO IT.

Alright Friends, this is what stood out to me: The SECOND lesson from this scripture was we MUST NOT DOUBT IN OUR HEARTS. Ouch.

DOUBT

Doubt

Robin pointed out that DOUBT itself IS a mountain or hindrance that must be removed! I immediately put down the book and pondered that for a moment. Before I read any further I began to think about being double-minded. What does God say about a double-minded man/woman in James 1:7-9? It states that he may not expect to receive ANYTHING from the Lord because he is UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS. Father, I don't want to be double minded. I don't want to doubt or be unstable!

I picked up the book again and to my surprise Robin was sharing the same scripture! She went on to say that DOUBT stops the flow of the Holy Spirit.

Isn't doubt really just taking our eyes off of Jesus and putting them on our situation? We place our eyes on FEAR instead of JESUS. Most of you reading this know what happened to Peter when he stepped out of the boat. When his eyes were on Jesus, he walked on water. When he looked at his circumstances, DOUBT that he could actually do it made him (Matthew 14:27-30).

The THIRD step to a proclamation (an official formal public announcement) is to ASK IN FAITH.

Ok, how do we receive faith?

Romans 10:17
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Do you want faith? You must be spending time in His word and HEARING His word. There is something key to HEARING those God-breathed scriptures that are living, active, and sharper than a double-edged sword. I'm sure hearing the word of God CUTS THROUGH the spiritual cobwebs formed in our minds. Sorry ... rabbit trail again ... back to FAITH. Don't despair, you do have a measure of faith, but GROW your faith by delving into the scriptures.

You must have faith, knowing that you will receive the thing you have asked for. A believing must take place before receiving. (p.159) ~ Robin Bertram

1 Corinthians 2:4-5
My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom of men but on the power of God. (Underline mine.)

Here is another quote from Robin: All proclamations that are efficacious (having the power to produce a desired effect) are those issued under the power of the Holy Spirit. Such proclamations will be manifested in the natural realm, with a demonstration of power (p.159). Definition of efficacious added by me.

We can also make proclamations of faith based on the word of God -- proclaiming blessings and His promises. This is something we should do daily. I cover my family daily with the full armor of God and the protection of Psalm 91.

Use your will and your mouth to PROCLAIM the TRUTH of God's Word into your life today.

I pray something I shared has made you stop and ponder. Bless you on this Friday morning.

(The enemy did not want someone out there to read this post. I have had more problems posting this than I care to share. Even the pictures won't upload -- so enjoy a picture I have shared before from the mountains. To GOD be the glory!)

Plenty of Pictures while I ramble ...

2011-06-29T21:31:00.001-04:00

Just some rambling tonight.

1. I have learned that you can't force someone to eat! Before my daughter was born I judged all of my other Mom-friends who didn't make their kids eat certain foods. Well, well, well ... as judgment finds its way back to us -- my child is PICKY! Even when I tried to force her she would begin to gag. Sigh.

Now the extremely picky eater is my Mom. Same principle -- nobody can make her eat. None of the tricks work and you just can't reason with her OR my daughter when it comes to food.

2. After all of these years of living I don't think I have ever gotten the exact same haircut twice. I don't think it is possible. I just went today and now I have gone even darker. What do you think?

On a funny note, I have been living by my iPhone calendar for weeks now! I received two alerts this morning telling me that I had a hair appointment at 10:45. For whatever reason -- when I looked at the clock at 9:15 I thought I had to be there in 30 minutes! I went WILD getting ready and at Mitchell's Hairstyling just in the nick of time. Well guess what, "I WAS AN HOUR EARLY!" SO ... what did I do? I walked next door and had my eye-brows waxed. At least I used my time wisely, right?

3. I don't know what is up but I feel like I have lost my "weight loss" mojo. I think having such little time to myself -- ESPECIALLY for exercise -- has me in some type of holding mode. Argh.

4. I have been busy updating our corn maze web site and trying to get my ducks in a row for this fall. I know, it is only June! Can you believe people are already booking birthday parties for OCTOBER?!?!?! What Mom is THAT stinkin' organized?!?!? Come on Moms. My daughter turns 6 in August and I haven't even thought about her party yet. Ha.

5. I have been trying to pick out some new glasses this week. Great news, my prescription hasn't changed in 4 years. Bad new, I could't find ANY I liked. I think the problem is this -- I DON'T LIKE GLASSES ON ME! So, my doctor's office is ordering some rimless glasses with chunky sides. Hopefully I'll like them.

6. I feel out of my routine and like I'm doing nothing with excellence. You should (well, no you shouldn't) see my house. Oh my! Even the inside of my vehicle looks like a McDonald's toy store.

7. I found some old photo albums that unfortunately have suffered some water damage, but here are some pictures of me as a little girl. Enjoy~

I am the youngest one in the front -- sitting real "lady-like" -- ha.

Fashion Diva

The little girl is me.

Crouching and ready to POUNCE!

2011-06-29T07:47:00.000-04:00

Genesis 4:7
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.

One of our campus pastors, Charles K., shared this scripture with us Sunday. Out of all of the scriptures he discussed, this one stood out the most in my mind.

What a visual of sin! Just like a lion, it is crouching at our doors. A hungry lion desiring its prey.

It makes me think of this scripture:

1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

The devil (satan) is the father of sin. So he is behind this "crouching" that happens at our doors.

Each day we face temptations. We have the choice to over-eat, to over-talk, to do many things that could have negative consequences. There are numerous ways that we can allow SIN to enter our thoughts and lives.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Though sin crouches, God ALWAYS provides a way of escape for us. Hallelujah!

I pray each of us will make wise choices today and be aware that SIN is CROUCHING at our doors.

Be equipped with the Word of God in your heart today.

(Photo: This is a sign my husband had made for us to post during our corn maze. If you imagine all of us being The Farmer's sons and daughters ... it would apply to this message.)

As the Rooster Crows ...

2011-06-28T08:17:00.004-04:00

As I type our rooster, Oscar, is telling the world that it is morning! He started around 5am and though it is 7:31 he is still proclaiming his good news!

Though I hear his cockadoodle-doing daily, this phrase just entered my mind and struck me: AS THE ROOSTER CROWS.

Mark 14:27-31
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:

‘ I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’

“But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”
Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.”
Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!”
And they all said likewise. (Underlined by me.)

If you don't know how this situation ended, be sure to read the rest of the story in Mark 14.

How many times do we deny Jesus too?

We recently met a new acquaintance who is working on some corn maze stuff for us (in case you are new here, we have a corn maze on our farm in the fall). Of course, he tried to suggest (along with others) that we should "haunt" our maze or our farm.

Folks, you will know that someone has taken over our farm and we have moved out of the country when that ever happens. Nothing demonic is going to be on this farm. It isn't happening. Of course when I say that to some people who even confess to be Christians -- they are stunned.   But tell me the truth -- how does anything representing death and gore, demons and hell -- bring glory to God?

Then this sweet man suggested, "Well, what about friendly Casper type of ghosts?" Nope, just the Holy Ghost here! I reminded him what Jesus said about people who are luke-warm. They will be spewed (vomited) out of His mouth.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership have right living and right standing with God with iniquity and lawlessness? Or how can light have fellowship with darkness?
What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial [the devil]? Or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever? (Amplified Version)

This scripture is talking about believers versus non-believers, but the same applies -- what do light and darkness have in common? They are opposites. Jesus is the Light of the world. Satan represents darkness.

I'm not picking on this new acquaintance because many of us Christians compromise and deny Jesus on many different levels. The fact that I allow my daughter to watch Disney movies would be completely repulsive to some Mom's. As a matter of fact, most of the princess movies bother me and I feel conviction about allowing them in my home. They usually involve a witch or something wicked. I don't like it, but I have compromised in some areas and I have no doubt that it grieves the Holy Spirit.

How can LIGHT have fellowship with DARKNESS? There is no gray area though we try to smooth it over somehow. As much as I have disdain for Harry Potter books and would no way allow them in our home, am I any better by allowing witchcraft a doorway through cartoons? I can't think of one cartoon that doesn't have magic somewhere in it. Dora the Explorer is full of it -- Spongebob, My Little Ponies, etc ... The list could go on and on. (Though my daughter immediately tells me when witchcraft is in the cartoon and we change it -- she is still exposed to it.)

Back to this new acquaintance: He made me giggle the other day when he so politely made the suggestion that we should "perhaps" change our "Christmas tree" section on our web site to "Holiday" ... I stopped him right there. (Oh yeah, if you're new here -- we also sell Christmas trees on our farm.) I told him there was no way we were concerned about being politically correct and the word Christmas was going to be used! I also threw in, "And I'm not going to say gay marriage is ok either." Poor fellow ... he didn't realize who he was talking to, but in his kindness he said, "That is why I like you folks."

What areas are you denying Jesus?
I hear the rooster crowing ...

Father, please show us areas where we compromise and deny you. Please give us the wisdom to make right choices -- ESPECIALLY when it comes to raising our children.

And ... the rooster is STILL crowing ...

(Photo of our rooster Oscar and two of his girlfriends.)

I can't figure it out ...

2011-06-27T11:16:00.001-04:00

In front of me are piles of folded clothes. They won't put themselves away.

My daughter is walking around in one of my satin gowns (princess gown to her), dress shoes, and a bag of Doritos. I love the innocence of childhood. She doesn't have a care in the world and is LOVING having a morning at home for a change.

My father wants me to grocery shop for him so our morning at home is coming to an end.

I am REALLY hoping to avoid a trip to rehab (praying the guilt won't drag me there).

With the busyness of things that are just a necessity right now, I am determined not to just tread water but be an OVERCOMER and a CONQUEROR.

I was reminded this morning as I shared with someone else that OUR FEELINGS do NOT always represent the TRUTH.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

My daughter memorized this scripture yesterday at church and it has really been a sweet reminder to me.

I can't lean on my own understanding. How can I even TRY to figure out what tomorrow holds? How will my parents receive the care they need? How, what, when, and where? I have a bunch of questions, that's for sure. How can I be there for them AND have time for my own little family. I must find balance in it all. (Pictures were taken when we saw Cars 2 this weekend - 3D.)

I love the Lord and I do acknowledge Him in all that I do. I know that His Word is TRUE. HE WILL DIRECT MY PATH.

Is this a reminder for any of you as well?

One-Anothering?

2011-06-25T07:10:00.001-04:00

Yesterday my little one (who will soon be 6) wanted to do something fun. As I tried to decide what we could do that would be inexpensive and something she would enjoy, the morning began to escape us.

After two long phone calls and a shower, it was almost noon. Does that ever happen to anyone other than us? The morning dissolves as fast as dust in the wind. Sigh.

My daughter's hopes of a fun day began to slip away when responsibilities got in the way.

We needed to go check on my Dad and take him some food he had requested. Then after our visit with him, my Mom requested something at rehab. Each step of the way I kept reminding my daughter, "Honey, we are spending our time blessing others. We are helping those who can't help themselves and that is what God would want us to do." After we left the rehab, we received a call to pick up some medication at the pharmacy, etc ... This is how a lot of our days are spent. Bless her little heart. That is what we have done daily for most of her summer break. I had "big plans" to make this summer (her last one before she starts Kindergarten) a FUN summer. Well, life hops in the way sometimes ...

This morning I awakened to find this email from my friend Jim. It reminded me of what I told my daughter yesterday. See below:

The Ministry of One-Anothering

by Chip Brogden

http://theschoolofchrist.org/articles/the-ministry-of-one-anothering.html

Every Christian is called to the ministry of One-Anothering. We are to love one another, serve one another, submit to one another, instruct one another, encourage one another, help one another, forgive one another, and so forth. This is our spiritual service. This is your ministry to the Body of Christ and the basis from which every spiritual gift should operate. It would be profitable for you to do a study of all the places in the New Testament that mention "one another". There are a considerable number of references. You will immediately benefit by seeing that Christianity is not for hermits. There is no place for individualism in the Kingdom of God, for we are a Body of many members, each fashioned together into interdependence. You will also see that we are called to live very simple lives of quiet service to our brothers and sisters. It is neither complicated nor difficult ...

You can find the rest of Chip's article HERE.

The ministry of One-Anothering is a great way to look at it. We are called to love others and serve them.

Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

Galatians 5:13
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Romans 12:10-11
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

It isn't always easy to put someone's needs ahead of your own desires. Even saying "isn't always easy" sounds too light because MOST of the time our flesh cries out and wants to have its own way. Trust me ... sigh.

Father ... for those of us who belong to You, our lives are not our own. Our lives were purchased with a great price. Help us to remember that when we are faced with the choice of serving another versus serving ourselves.

(Photos: My daughter's fun hairstyle yesterday. A picture of my Mom in the rehab.)

What if this happened to you?!?!?

2011-06-23T22:52:00.003-04:00

Wow, I am sitting here watching Celebration on the DayStar network with Marcus and Joni Lamb. They are interviewing Pastor John Hagee with Cornerstone Church. They have been discussing what happened when his church had a night to honor Israel. Suddenly, one at a time (it is on film) these ANTI-Israel (pro-Palestine) people stood up one at a time and began shouting anti-Israel statements and screaming, "Free Palestine!" One of the protesters filmed it to put on youtube, but Pastor Hagee had the footage.

He was determined that they WOULD NOT take over his service. One by one they were escorted out by his security team. He was wise to have an active duty police officer on staff who ARRESTED them. They were shocked because they were use to taking over church meetings and walking home. It didn't happen in this case. (Pastor Hagee recommends having a police officer on your security team.) Who would have thought that we would need security teams for our churches in America?

Pastor Hagee suggested IF this happens in your church, begin to shout to the Lord and drown them out.

Folks, I don't know everything I should know about what is happening with Israel, but I do believe God will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel.

Pastor Hagee shared something I have never noticed before in Luke 7. Check this out. (Italics and underline are mine.)

Luke 7:1-10
Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”

Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

The centurion was a gentile, but did you notice that the JEWISH ELDERS begged Jesus to bless this man BECAUSE THE CENTURION LOVED ISRAEL (their nation) and built a synagogue there? I have NEVER noticed that part before, have you? The Jewish ELDERS were PLEADING with Jesus for a gentile? Yes! A gentile who LOVED Israel and blessed the Jewish people by building them a synagogue!

There is a blessing that comes with loving and blessing Israel.

Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.

What does this mean for those who don't bless Israel? What does this mean for those who don't want peace for Jerusalem?

This scripture has been in my heart for the past week:

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.

God's Word directs us. It shows us the direction we should go and it lights the way.

Christians, now is the time when we need to support Israel. Now is the time we need to be on our faces for our country.

Sid Roth (God bless this precious brother) interviewed Shira Sorko-Ram. She shared what is about to happen in September of this year if the United States of America makes the wrong decision concerning the dividing of the Land of Israel.

To watch the interview, click HERE.

Psalm 121:1-4
I will lift up my eyes to the hills --
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

(Picture was taken at our church on Pentecost Sunday.)

Just Too Busy!

2011-06-23T04:01:00.006-04:00

I am so excited to share a book with you that was written by a blog-sister of ours! The author is Joanne Kraft (some of you may know her blog: Blessed ... is she who believed).

I spoke with Joanne over the phone a year or so ago as we chatted about publishing and writing. Little did I know I would be reading one of her books soon after!

Joanne is like many of us: Married, a Mom, works outside of her home, and has ministry roles (such as public speaking, Marriage Study group leader, leader of Inspire Christian Writers).

In addition to her blogging passion, she has been published in Today's Christian Woman, In Touch, ParentLife, Kyria, and P31 Woman Magazine.

Allow me to tell you about her book. It is entitled: Just Too Busy -- Taking your family on a radical sabbatical

You're already interested in that idea aren't you? I know I am.

Joanne shared how her family had a head-on collision with BUSYNESS which prompted her choice to take her family on a 12 month sabbatical from all extracurricular activities! Can you imagine?

Joanne was faced with the question, "How important was [her] busyness?" She realized God was orchestrating this change in her life and she was ready! (Aren't you?)

Do you and your family stay busy? Most of the families I know stay on the go: Soccer, baseball, piano lessons, voice lessons, girls scouts, horse riding lessons, swim lessons ... the list goes on and on. BUSY! That is the way many of us live. If you're like me, you didn't have those activities in your childhood so you want to give your children that chance. However, it is unhealthy when it controls our lives and steals all of our time. WE JUST STAY SO BUSY! (Joanne learned a great acronym for B U S Y: Burdened Under Satan's Yoke. Isn't that the truth?)

Would you like to try the radical experiment that Joanne and her family dared to do for a year (with awesome success I might add)?

I don't want to share too much information, but I will say that each month (during the year "off" from busyness) they walked into more and more rest and learned to have fun without spending a lot of money. They also learned how to be a family -- spending quality time together. (I will also say that her daughter's memories about that sabbatical made me cry!)

This book is worth reading! I aspire to be the type of example Joanne has been to her children and husband.

You can find Joanne (and her book) at http://www.JoanneKraft.com or you can purchase her book from Amazon: Here.

Joanne is also giving her readers a FREE "Just Too Busy" reader's guide. For your copy, click HERE. Also included in her giving heart, if you enter a comment on my post and send me your address, you will be entered in a drawing for a $25.00 gift certificate.

Thanks for sharing this book with us Joanne! I pray others will follow your experiment and let you know about it.

A Good Man, a Brothel, Mom, and Skinny Kids.

2011-06-20T22:34:00.000-04:00

I watched the MOST DISTURBING documentary last night! It was entitled, "A Good Man." A story about an Australian farmer who married his girlfriend who while pregnant suffered a stroke and became a quadriplegic. So far it sounds interesting, right? He did an "honorable" thing to marry this young woman and take on such responsibility. The only part of her body she could move was her eyes and that is how they communicated.

The story switched to them going in the hole $200,000 to build a brothel. I was amazed as the husband defended his desire to build this brothel to bring in money for his family. It was disturbing to say the least. The Christian community tried to stop them, but the family temporarily "won" the battle. (The brothel did eventually go out of business much to the delight of the community people.)

I was bothered by a conversation the mother of the stroke victim had with the producer. In front of her daughter she was saying how she no longer believed in God because "a god" would never do this to "his" children. The daughter began to sob as the mother said, "He would have taken her on out instead of leaving her like this." One, that was just a cruel and heartless thing to say in front of a crippled daughter, but for her to blame God was so frustrating. Just hearing the lack of the Holy Spirit in the lives of these people seemed so foreign to me.

The entire documentary was uncomfortable.

You know how it is to want to reach through the TV and witness to the people and shout the truth?!?!?

John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

People blame God but they never look in His Word to see who is actually behind the suffering in this world.

So I went to bed a bit frustrated.

I want to scream sometimes. Do you?

There is a lost and dying world. How do we reach them?

This little blog is one way I can get some truth out into the airwaves.

I want to see people walking in freedom.

________________________________________

On a different subject, my Mom needs prayer. She hasn't been able to hold down her food (what little food she eats because she has no appetite). I grabbed a nurse at the rehab today and said, "You're a Christian, right? Come pray in agreement with me for my Mom." She came in and shut the door. We prayed together over Mama.

Matthew 18:19
Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

________________________________________

I want to end this on a lighter note. My Princess went with me to a Weight Watchers meeting today. When we left she said, "Mommy, why are children skinnier than adults?" Hmmm. "Probably because adults have been around longer than children and they have had more years to eat food" I said.

Thankfully she waited until we were in the parking lot before she confessed her observation.

Thanks for visiting. I know I've been rambling a lot lately -- thanks for bearing with me.

Sucking teeth in public. Yep.

2011-06-19T07:33:00.001-04:00

SATURDAY HAPPENINGS ...

My little Princess and I left first thing Saturday morning and popped in on my Mom. I want to keep the rehab guessing as to what time my smiling face will come through the doors.

________________________________________

Ok, let me stop this story to share an embarrassing moment with you so you can have a giggle first thing. How many of you would like to look YOUR BEST when running into a school mate you haven't seen (other than Facebook) in 20 years? Well YEAH! Most women want to have on a good face, right? Well, this is what my friend Brian got to see. What a lovely first impression (after 20 years).

Looking beautiful, I KNOW! I was at the mall and had just finished eating lunch. It felt like I had a film of bread on my teeth so I was walking away from the food court sucking on my teeth. lol You know how you make yourself look like a monkey by putting your tongue over your upper teeth? Lovely isn't it?!?!?! Scream!

As I was grooming my upper teeth, my eyes met with a guy I went to high school with. LOL. He even laughed and said, "I haven't seen Beth ____ in 20 years and here she is cleaning her teeth" (after I explained to him what I was doing of course). Ha. Figures ... ok, back to the story ...

________________________________________

We fixed Mama's hair and wheeled her down to visit with her friend. Before we knew it, "therapy" time had arrived so we stayed to watch. THANKFULLY the weekend therapist wanted to get Mama on her feet. (I wish he was with them during the week.) This man and I immediately hit it off. He is full of life and immediately recognized something "spiritual" in me (he said). I kept mentioning Jesus and He kept agreeing, though he never said the Name of Jesus. Perhaps it was against the rules with his employer.

He decided to put Mama on this table that would stand her up so that she could begin to build up some muscle strength. As the began to stand up, her right heel touched the platform, but her left leg wasn't touching. I said, "Mama, I didn't know your left leg was shorter than your right." The therapist, Tom, said, "So is yours and so is mine. Everyone has a shorter leg." I said, "No I don't - God healed me." I said to Tom, "Watch my Mom's leg grow when I pray." He put his hand under Mama's foot and I commanded the leg to grow in Jesus' Name. He stood there amazed as the leg grew and began to touch the platform -- even with the right leg. He said, "We NEED you here!" I said, "It was THE NAME OF JESUS." Wasn't God good to show this man that He is still the same YESTERDAY, TODAY, and FOREVER?!?!? This picture was before Mama's leg grew.

There is an entirely different post I could write on Tom's first judgment of me. He thought I was a city girl because of my nails and jewelry. You can never judge a book by its cover! Ha.

Since Princess girl has been SO PATIENT visiting the rehab every day, I thought I would bless her and stop at the mall. It was lunch time, so off we began our fun with her favorite treat:

Yes, a healthy meal (ha). That is ONE piece and it was bigger than her head. I had a Subway sandwich on whole wheat. :o)

After the treat of pizza, I decided to take her to Build-a-Bear. She has 3 different animals from there, but NONE that she created herself -- so this was a big treat.

After she chose her animal, she picked the heart, stood on the pedal to put stuffing in her new "best" friend, then did a sweet little ritual to get the heart started ...

Of course the new friend "Daisy Grace" needed a bath before picking out a new outfit.

One happy child with her new friend Daisy Grace!

After Daisy was born, we decided to get a cool treat for the ride home because this was the temperature outside (ignore my child's junk in the back seat -- even her Cheezit box). Can you tell I take all of my pictures with my iPhone now? I don't even know the location of my camera.

Yum ... a strawberry and banana smoothie to beat the heat and wash away the Subway sandwich. :o)

Stay cool everyone and don't suck your teeth in public. You never know who you might see. Ha.

In case you missed my Father's Day post, click HERE.

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there!

I love the MEN in my life!

2011-06-18T07:43:00.004-04:00

I LOVE THE MEN IN MY LIFE!

I'll start with my Daddy.

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

He was the one I would run to when I was upset. He was the one who always took time to play with me. He was the one I would follow around. If he was on the tractor, I was on the tractor with him. If he was carrying wood, I was helping him.

We spent many days in the woods.

Looking back and being a parent myself -- I'm sure he would have liked to have been ALONE, but he never complained.

I have never heard my Daddy raise his voice. And when he told me to do something, I didn't back-talk him. He had my respect.

I am thankful that my parents have remained married all of these years. How many kids can say that these days? (NO condemnation meant in that statement, please don't receive any.)

I have been blessed to have my Daddy. I love you Daddy!

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

My husband

He is a great Daddy to our little girl. He wrestles in the floor with her almost every night and loves to pop in and check on her when she is in the pool. He is the one who will most likely sob when she starts Kindergarten (Mommy will have to be strong). I know this because he was a mess during orientation. He was also a mess when she started preschool. Who had the picture with her at the door? DADDY!

I am grateful for the Dad that he is being for our daughter. I am thankful for who he is as a husband too.

I married someone who reminded me of my Daddy. He is a great story teller, knows how to plant gardens, live a country life, make me laugh, work on machinery (the list could go on and on) -- just like my Daddy.

I love you Honey!

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

ABBA Father

Psalm 68:4
Sing to God, sing praises to His name; Extol Him who rides on the clouds, By His name YAH, And rejoice before Him.

I can't talk about Fathers without mentioning my heavenly Father.

Without Him I'd be lost, hopeless, and most likely dead. He is my Protector, Deliverer, Hope, Peace, Rock, Shield, and Strong Tower.

I don't know how I was so blessed to be chosen by Him.

He rescued an insecure, shy, fearful child who had grown into an insecure, shy, fearful woman. No longer do I wear chains.

He set me free!

I love You Father God!

Happy Father's Day to all of the Dad's out there! You have a very important job! Your children will relate to their heavenly Father according to their relationship with you.

Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

(Photo credits: All MINE. The tractor and trailer were my husbands when he was a little boy. He had them restored so that our daughter could have them.)

Bought myself a present ...

2011-06-17T15:47:00.000-04:00

With everything going on I forgot to show you a treat I bought myself. Happy "Father's Day" to me. Hmmm. I was trying to figure out a holiday I could actually claim as my reason for buying this, but Father's Day was the closest. Ha.

I can add more of these beautiful little orbs/charms.

What else is going on?

Princess is learning to swim "free style" in her lessons.

Life goes on doesn't it?

Have a super blessed weekend everyone!

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Song of Solomon 2:4
He brought me to the banqueting house,
And his banner over me was love.

A downer post, but this is on my heart ...

2011-06-16T22:00:00.002-04:00

I'm sure you all are growing weary of me writing about my Mom, but as always -- I share whatever I'm going through on my blog. I can't help myself.

I thought if I could get my Mom to a facility where she could have 24/7 care I would have "peace of mind" and have more freedom. Well, that was a pipe-dream. I didn't take into consideration how my mercy would come into play and how difficult it would be to leave my Mom in the hands of complete strangers.

I have been up to the rehab each day and it sure is hard to leave her room.

It isn't fair. She and Daddy have been together all of these years and they should be able to end their lives in their home that they built together.

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

Tonight I have been trying to figure out a way to keep her in her home. Most of you haven't had to face this (just like I hadn't), but let me explain something about Medicare. I was told that Medicare would pay for THREE months of rehab. Guess how much a bed cost a day in these facilities. Are you sitting? Between $400 - $500 A DAY! Medicare completely covers 19 days, but from day 20 to day 100, WE will have to pay over $140 a day. Where will that come from?

Then we have the option of those "in home" caregivers that you can pay $20/$21 an hour! Where does that money come from?

I know I am not alone in trying to figure out this stuff. I just found this web site and I realized that there were others out there just like me. Quotes from: http://www.eldercare.com/

Women provide the majority of informal care to spouses, parents, in-laws, friends and neighbors, and they play many roles while care giving such as hands-on health provider, care manager, friend, companion, advocate. Most seniors with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance, most often a daughter, granddaughter or sister.

Adult children of these seniors often find it difficult to help their parents make the right choices. What happens if a caregiver begins to feel stress and find perhaps that they are unable to continue in their role? This creates a crisis in the family where a decision may have to be made to send the senior to a long-term care facility or nursing home or other residential care facility. It is a role reversal when the parent becomes the child. Parents will become dependent on their children who will then have to arrange their meals, pay their bills, take them to their doctor visiting, sit by their bedsides at the hospital and in the nursing home. However, children of seniors can feel like they belong to the “sandwich generation“, looking after their own children as well as looking after an elderly parent, taking them to medical appointments, etc.

Wow, was someone following me around or what?

Sigh ...

Below is a picture of my Mom and her dear friend Minerva. Her friend is in this rehab because three months ago she was driving to visit my parents and had a horrible wreck. She almost died, but praise God -- she is recovering and gaining strength. I'm sad that they are visiting in the rehab, but Minerva being there has been a blessing. They have been friends for 50 years.

My parents don't want to be in this position. How can I help their last years/months/days be better? What do I do?!?!?!?! I know that no matter what, God is going to be with us. I just want to do whatever I can to make the last times of their lives BETTER if possible.

Please pray I will hear clearly. I want them to be as happy and comfortable as possible.

Cuts, Grief, and Joy. Another blessed day.

2011-06-16T07:24:00.004-04:00

The things we women do to look cute! I needed some black sandals to wear to church last Sunday so I grabbed a pair out of my closet. I should have known there was a reason I NEVER HAVE WORN THESE SHOES! Look what they did to my toes. Yes, the shoes took off a layer of my skin. Ouch! The cuts are healing nicely. No, they weren't even tight. Cheap shoes ... that is what I get.

Many of you were praying for my Mom's appointments yesterday. Well, as I pulled into the parking deck I received a call from the transport driver that my Mom had already arrived and that her appointments had been canceled. What?!?!?!

I ran to the building and discovered that they had called my Daddy to confirm and he didn't have a clue about the appointment. I guess the hospital thought they were in the same house so they canceled everything.

(Sisterly fish-face love is what happens when we are bored.)

To make a long story shorter -- we were in the waiting room two hours. One of the hours was after they had rescheduled a couple of her appointments. After sitting there for so long and seeing patients (who came in long after my Mom) walk back to see the doctor, she decided we were leaving. My sister and I took our Mom to the cafeteria to get a bite to eat and then waited outside for transport to take her back.

We sat there most of the day and didn't see one doctor. I did get a chance to take this picture of some clouds (imagine that). This view was from the waiting room. Look at the reflection of the sky on the windows. Beautiful ...

It is so difficult to see your parents weak. I felt guilty when I had to place my Mom with a stranger to take her back to a place that is not her home. I HATE IT and I don't know what I can do about it. I can't physically pick her up. Daddy is missing her and I know (though she hasn't said it) she wants to be home. Sigh ... God help us ...

On a much brighter note, our church had the last night of "Hope, Healing, and the Supernatural" with Joan Fitzgerald. So many people had a physical manifestation of HEALING and more children were baptized in the Holy Spirit. Look at the beautiful diversity in our church. HALLELUJAH!

I want to share with you about one set of parents who brought their child up for prayer. I remember Joan praying for this little boy before (maybe last winter) with no noticeable change in his condition. This time she called up some spiritual elders and they all prayed over him. God began to uncover some stuff in his family line. His ancestors were of a different religion and at some point had sacrificed a child. There was a tormenting spirit on this little boy because of what had happened years ago. When they broke off that spirit, the child's countenance totally changed and he stopped crying. He was miserable before prayer, but afterwards he was peaceful and full of joy. I cannot imagine how those parents must have felt. Glory to God!

(I didn't not take a picture of that child. These are other children wanting the baptism of the Holy Spirit.) That is our Princess in the blue and white dress.

I feel sorry for those who don't believe God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Without the Holy Spirit revealing that "key" in prayer -- the boy would still be in torment. We need people in the Body of Christ who operate in Words of Knowledge. This child and the future generations in this little family will be forever changed.

People were physically healed as well. (I didn't start taking pictures with my iPhone until the children came to the front. Sorry.) Those who were in pain from arthritis ran up the aisles of the church. Hallelujah! The pain was gone!

They also had to change their confession. So many times when people hear a diagnosis from the doctor, they begin to call the condition "theirs" ... without realizing the power of their confession. I don't know about you, but I REFUSE to claim any diagnosis that isn't in alignment with the Word of God. I have had stuff spoken over me before by doctors and I began to battle and curse those diagnosis' as soon as I was alone.

Don't take on a bad report and call it your own, pet it, and nurse it as if it is a welcomed thing.

Proverbs 18:20-21
A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth;
From the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.

I had an interesting encounter with a little Jewish woman in the hospital waiting room. She was full of life! She even wore bright colors that reflected her personality. As soon as she started talking to me and my family she began to tell me how she doesn't "receive" the report of the doctor. She said the doctors thought she was "coo coo" since she told them, "I don't have _____! I don't need to be here, because I don't have it." Ha. Good for her! She kept saying, "Positive thinking! It is all about your mind." Well, she was missing a lot of it, but she was at least doing the right thing by not accepting the bad report! I don't think she had a clue how it tied into scripture though.

Joan also pushed people about their confessions and warned them after their healing to NEVER CONFESS ANYTHING LESS than the healing God had given them.

Confession is SO important friends.

Please watch what you speak over your life and what you receive as truth when God's Word is the ULTIMATE TRUTH.

Would you like for Joan Fitzgerald to come to your church? If so, contact her here: joan@joanfitzgerald.org

Well, I better get my day started. Guess what we have this morning? ANOTHER SWIM LESSON.

God bless you today!

Fun, Frustration, and Freedom! All in one day.

2011-06-15T06:31:00.005-04:00

For someone who doesn't work outside of the home anymore (and by the looks of it - I don't work IN the home right now), I sure do stay busy.

Our Princess started her second summer of swim lessons yesterday! This year we have "one on one" lessons versus the group thing.

After the swim lesson I thought I'd surprise my Mom with a delicious chocolate milkshake from Chick-fil-a! If you don't have a Chick-fil-a in your town ... I'm sorry. Those shakes are way too good. Ok, getting off track in the sea of chocolate dreams, waves of chocolate deliciousness ... sigh....

So -- I walk into my Mom's rehab room to hear, "I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow at the hospital." Uh, ok ... nothing like NO NOTICE to find a sitter for Princess! NOBODY called to tell me. (Good thing I decided to stop by there.) After asking several people at the nurses station (none of them wanting to look me in the eye which really bugged me), I finally got the time the rehab was going to "transfer" my Mom. Friends, finding out information was like trying to pull hen's teeth. (Have you ever looked in a hen's mouth?) I didn't know what was going on and I'm not too sure I fully grasp it now. I was getting extremely frustrated. (Ha, look of "uh!" below)

My Mom finally had the idea to call the hospital. By the grace of God I found someone who knew Mama's schedule and not only does she have ONE visit, but THREE today! She will be in a wheelchair most of the day (and my sister and I will be there with her) which is pitiful! Ok, enough ranting and whining. Grace, grace, grace ... I pray God will give my Mom strength.

I came home long enough to get my breath then it was off to church for our second night of healing with Joan Fitzgerald.

That would be my sweet sister-in-Christ Holly on the floor while Joan explains the Baptism of the Holy Spirit to the children who came last night.

Here is Princess praying for another little boy.

Joan is at home in our church -- so don't pay much attention to those beautiful bare feet. :o) The adults were touched last night as well.

If you are local, tonight is the last night of the healing services this week. We will meet in the sanctuary tonight at 7pm. Contact me if you want more information.

Oh, and while I'm talking to the locals. IF you need eggs, PLEASE let me know. These chickens are giving us 2 dozen eggs a day and they need to be enjoyed. Farm fresh eggs. Yum!

(Oh yeah, after not weighing for 3 weeks due to the issues going on with my parents. And deciding that eating hospital food, fattening pizza -- tacos and the like -- was more important that being concerned about counting points ... I finally weighed this week. I had actually gone down a few ounces (SHOCK) and then as of yesterday I had gone down more than another pound. Just keeping you posted.)

Oh, and I just "liked" my own blog on Facebook. So there ya go ... another day started. Ha.

Have an awesome day everyone!

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

A Sweet Time

2011-06-14T07:39:00.000-04:00

Last night was very exciting! Joan Fitzgerald (a sweet friend who our Princess calls "Nana Joan") is leading healing meetings at our church for three nights. If you are local, you really should come Wednesday night! Contact me and leave me your email address so I can share where I go to church if you would like to come.

People were healed and children were baptized in the Holy Spirit!

Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

It was a wonderful night! I am so grateful!

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

A short update on my parents. My Mom spent her first full day in rehab yesterday. She was in a wheel chair when I arrived yesterday morning. She seemed very week though. I would appreciate your prayers for her. I stayed for several hours and though it was hard to leave her there -- I had to move on to visit my Dad and do some grocery shopping for him.

I have noticed that since my Mom has been away, Daddy has come out of his shell a bit. After years of being a caregiver to my Mom, he was weary and I'm sure stressed. Though he misses his wife, he has started to settle into a new "norm" and is a bit relaxed. He is talking to me in the way he did years ago. I don't know how to explain other than to say it that way.

Even though in the natural this is a sad time, I can definitely see God's Hand in it all -- healing bitterness and weariness -- softening some hard areas.

Deuteronomy 31:8
And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

I pray each of you have a wonderful day. And I certainly appreciate your prayers for my parents.

God bless you!

(Photo of my Mandevilla. I used Color Splash on my iPhone for the fun effect.)

What does tomorrow hold?

2011-06-11T20:03:00.001-04:00

I finished my Mom's poster! I pray it will bless her and bring a smile to her face.

It is hot here in the south y'all! You know it is bad when the chickens are panting!

Don't worry too much about the chickens. After I took this picture a big rain cloud blew into town and now it is POURING! I am grateful! We really needed the rain.

Tomorrow morning my Mom will have to change her schedule again. She has basically been mostly home bound since 2001. Being in a strange environment at the mercy of strangers can't be that easy.

I have seen this view way too many times ... the bridge going from the parking deck at the hospital to the main building. I hope today is the last time I have to walk this path, but only God knows what tomorrow holds.

Princess loves going to the hospital for a visit. It is a big adventure for her and she LOVES their pizza. I think we're going to have to go up there for lunch sometime -- just for her enjoyment!

As we were leaving the hospital, we met some of our family members coming to visit. Princess was able to meet one of her cousins for the first time. Isn't he a cutie? They are the same age!

I am trusting God with this whole situation with my parents.

John 14:1
Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

Psalm 3:3
But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.

Psalm 33:20
Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.

Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.

1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written:
      “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
      Nor have entered into the heart of man
      The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

I appreciate all of your prayers for my Mom and Dad!

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

Ready for some normalcy around here.

2011-06-11T07:16:00.000-04:00

An update on my Mom ...

She was supposed to be discharged yesterday to a rehab near her home, but the hospital didn't contact the rehab first thing in the morning so the bed was given away. Now the plan is for her to be discharged tomorrow (Sunday) at 2:30pm.

I started a poster for my Mom to bring cheer to her rehab room. You can click on the picture to enlarge. These are pictures of our family members (and one friend). All of my Mom's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will be present, but I still have 5 pictures to add ...

The pictures of my brother and his wife will be picked up this morning and glued to my work of art (ha).

Please pray that my Mom will have NO CONFUSION in Jesus' Name. She is a stroke victim who has been in the same routine since 2001. This has definitely been hard for her. I really covet your prayers.

This past week has been difficult so yesterday I actually took a little time to enjoy the pool (in the midst of handling hospital, rehab, and parent calls). I was thrilled when my hubby took us out to eat seafood last night. Yum! I am shaking about getting on the scale. I have eaten poorly the past 3 weeks and have avoided the scale completely. Compared to the situation around me with my parents, my weight loss has fallen to the back burner.

I am looking forward to things settling down a bit around here. That will happen, right?

This is my rambling post, so bear with me. :o) Since you have read this far ... would you please do me a little bitty favor and click on this link and "Like" my blog on FB? Just click HERE. I certainly would appreciate it. Really, it will only take a couple of seconds.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone~ Here are a couple of early morning pictures I just took near my deck.

My gardenia bush that I adore ...

One of my Mimosa trees.

I wish you could smell this blossom. Ahhhh. The tree is humming with bees enjoying their breakfast.

All photos were taken with my iPhone.

What do ears have to do with growth?

2011-06-10T07:33:00.000-04:00

I spent time out on my deck reading the Word this morning and I noticed two of the potted plants that I "rescued" last week. Do you remember the post I wrote where I saw something beautiful in the midst of the weeds? Well, get ready for another analogy!

A little bit of WEEDING, WATER, and SUNLIGHT turned what was once THIS ...

Into THIS ...

I could hardly believe how much it had grown in a weeks time!

We need weeding, watering, and the light of the SON as well. How do we increase our faith and grow? Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)

How many of you water your faith by hearing the Word of God on a consistent basis? When the rains come and the winds blow -- it is a little late to THEN begin to build your faith. It is better to be prepared in my opinion.

Did you know that FAITH is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen? Did you know that without FAITH it is IMPOSSIBLE to please God? For us to go to God, we must believe that He IS, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. That takes faith. (Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:6)

We should WALK BY FAITH, not by SIGHT. Don't you realize that what we see and feel isn't as REAL as what we DON'T see? You might want to read that again. There is a realm around us that many Christians don't "walk" in ... and it is REAL. Faith is the SUBSTANCE and is EVIDENCE of things not seen. (2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1)

Do you remember the story of the woman with the issue of blood? It was by HER FAITH that she was made whole. (Matthew 9:20-22)

How do you water your faith? By HEARING the Word of God. How often are you watering your faith? (Romans 10:17)

When you hear a doctor's report -- do you believe it over God's Word? Yes, in the natural our bodies manifest things that come against us, but still -- in your heart of hearts, WHOSE word will you believe the most. Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of MEN, but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:5)

You have faith to believe you are saved by grace, correct? The Lord said that if you had faith as small as a grain of mustard seed you can command a tree to be plucked up by the root and be thrown into the sea. (Ephesians 2:8; Luke 17:6)

Faith is powerful! It is free! It is here for our taking. All we have to do is believe. Just as we believe Jesus died for our sins -- we believe the rest of God's Word as well. Faith is mine! Faith is yours!

Be encouraged! Have faith! God sent His Word and healed us. He delivered us from our destruction. He forgave our iniquities and healed all our diseases. (Psalm 107:20; Psalm 103:3)

Build up your faith today and chew on the Word of God. Read it out loud so you can HEAR it as well.

YOU SHALL NOT DIE, BUT LIVE, AND DECLARE THE WORKS OF THE LORD. Do you believe that? Then shout it! God will not break His covenant with us. He will not take back one single word of it. (Psalm 118:17; Psalm 89:34)

This isn't something that someone else can do for you. Fill yourself and build your faith each day.

Isn't His Word alive? Isn't it LIVING and POWERFUL? When we speak it, read it, sing it -- things HAPPEN. The Word MOVES through our atmosphere and brings CHANGE. (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 55:1)

Open your Bible, your mouth (by speaking the scriptures), and open your ears. Faith comes by HEARING and HEARING by the Word of God.

Bless you today!

(Photo credit: Pictures of the flowers in my yard.)

A Holy Experience!

2011-06-09T06:35:00.001-04:00

I just stumbled upon the most precious place!

By accident of course.

I often hide somewhat from what I call a "mega" blog. I guess I feel lost in the numbers somehow.

I also feel uncomfortable if I can't leave someone a comment and share how much her/his post meant to me. You know -- when the comments have been disabled. Ouch - so uncomfy for me.

Well, I threw all of my caution to the wind today and "followed" a mega blog that has the comments disabled. Ha. This is why: My eyes landed on this post. You really must go over and read ...

This picture belongs to the author. I'm not trying to break any copyright rules (please have mercy on me Ann) -- just pointing you over to her blog:

One Habit that Radically Changes a Family

Words are always dessert.
I was sixteen when I first I ate dinner at his house.
And when the plates were cleaned, forks laid down, when it’d seem commonplace to nod thanks to the cook and push back the chairs, his family bowed their heads and his Father opened a Bible.

It was thick and tattered, had a multitude of bookmarks sticking out from all the pages, and he read from that Scripture in an even thicker Dutch accent. Chapter finished, he’d close the book, look around the table, choose one of the sons to close the meal the way it began, in a word of prayer.
And then, only then, would the chairs would push away, the souls fed.

______________________________________

Do you want more of this story? I sure did! So precious. Head over to A Holy Experience. The blog author is Ann Voskamp, homeschooling Mom of six, and ANOINTED writer. Click her button below and take a tour. You won't regret it. Yes, I know she has close to 4000 followers. There is a reason for that ... She is also a published author. You will find her book there as well.

Barbie -- why didn't you tell me about her? :o)

Have a blessed Thursday everyone!

Sweetness in ALL Seasons

2011-06-08T15:51:00.001-04:00

God is so good to us.

He gives us beautiful flowers to enjoy. Is there anything sweeter than a gardenia? I love my gardenia bush and enjoy it every summer.

Gardenias, Magnolias, Hydrangeas, and Mimosas will always remind me of my childhood. Isn't this arrangement lovely? That is only ONE of three that I have in our house right now. I picked these last night.

I told my husband that as long as I have those blooms in our house my Grandmother, Mom, and Dad's memories will always be alive. My Dad's mom would keep gardenias in her refrigerator to help the blooms last longer. Her food would even taste like gardenias in the summer.

I try to keep a fresh summer arrangement in my parents home since they always decorated with them when they were healthier and able. This week I have made them several hydrangea arrangements. I wish I had a picture for you to enjoy. They are the most beautiful shade of blue.

Psalm 104:34
May my meditation be sweet to Him; I will be glad in the LORD.

Do you ever wonder what the scents of heaven smell like? One evening I was in my bed and a sweet smell that I didn't recognize was in my room. As soon as I noticed it, the smell quickly left. It was fresh and sweet.

I want to be a sweet aroma to my Lord.

Ezekiel 20:41
I will accept you as a sweet aroma when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered; and I will be hallowed in you before the Gentiles.

I want my thought life, my words, and my actions to bless Him. Not that I'm trying to "earn" anything, because I can't. I just LOVE Him and want to please Him. He has done so much for me and is so good to me.

Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Even now as my parents deal with uncertainty, God's Hand is guiding our steps. I have to keep reminding myself that He is in control. He loves my parents more than I ever could.

Here is a picture I took of my Mom in the hospital today. You wouldn't know what she is going through by looking at this picture. I asked her to smile so I could show Daddy a picture of her. He is pretty-much home bound so he hasn't seen her since Saturday. Doesn't she look pretty?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season,
      A time for every purpose under heaven:
      A time to be born,
And a time to die;
      A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
       A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
      A time to break down,
And a time to build up;
       A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
      A time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
       A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
      A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
       A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
      A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
       A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
      A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
       A time to love,
And a time to hate;
      A time of war,
And a time of peace.

No matter the season, the sweetness of God and His promises are always with us. They are YES and AMEN.

I'm grateful for this reminder through my little gardenias: They stand as a reminder of SEASONS. They make me think of the sweetness that I want to reflect in my own life. They remind me of God's sweetness towards me.

God bless you in whatever season you find yourself.

Please read and share with others.

2011-06-07T05:38:00.000-04:00

Just as some of you, I was harassed for many years.

Even in the womb I believe my spirit felt rejection. It wasn't that my parents didn't love me, but I wasn't planned. My arrival into this world wasn't in my Mom's timing. She thought she was finished when she had a boy and then a girl - two years apart. Nine years later - SURPRISE - I came bouncing into the world.

I'm sharing this to tell you that satan does NOT play fair! He hates us and tries to plant lies into our minds at the youngest age possible.

Ephesians 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

God's Word is truth. Paul is telling us that we WRESTLE against spiritual wickedness. Did you see that? I don't know about you, but the verb wrestle isn't something "light" to me. I envision a struggle! I see a picture of two forces pushing against one another until one submits.

Are you in a battle? YES. With who? The enemy of our souls and his demons, that's who. Do we put our focus on him and what he is doing? NO. I don't want to give him any honor or glory, but I DO want to make some aware of his schemes.

I meet many people who walk down a similar path that I did and I want to share some of the steps I took to OVERCOME and walk in FREEDOM.

1. I learned that as a Christian I had AUTHORITY over the enemy who was attacking me. Did you even realize Christians can be oppressed by demons? It is true.

Luke 10:19
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Just place your name in that scripture to make it personal if that helps: "Beth, behold, I have given YOU the authority ..." Did you see that? God has given us the authority OVER ALL the power of the enemy. What good is this authority for those who don't even realize they have it?

Colossians 2:13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made youalive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Jesus DISARMED the powers and authorities!

What are these scriptures to you? EVERYTHING. Trust me!

2. I learned that the devil is crafty and often speaks to us in 1st person. He plants thoughts in your mind, but you believe it is your own thought. You may hear a thought, "I'm stupid. I'm going to fail. I'll never get it right. I'll never be free. I have no hope. I have no future. I can't change." If the thoughts came in 3rd person as, "You're stupid. You're going to fail. You'll never get it right, etc ..." you would eventually figure out that someone or something placed the thoughts in your mind. Does that make sense?

When I was bound by fear and suffering from panic attacks, I would always hear, "I'm going to have an attack. I won't be able to breathe. I will lose control." Those taunting thoughts would prepare me and work my breathing up to the point that I WOULD have an attack. The thoughts would talk me right into one. Argh, it really angers me now -- how easily the enemy could manipulate my thoughts.

3. I learned about the AUTHORITY and POWER of God's Word!!

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Did you read that? The WORD is LIVING and POWERFUL. These scriptures are ALIVE. Living things have a purpose. They move and change the world around them, right?

Isaiah 55:11
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

When we speak God's Word IT ACCOMPLISHES something. The Amplified Version states that void means "without producing any effect, useless." The Word of God moves out into the atmosphere and EFFECTS our circumstances and our lives.

4. I learned to follow the example of Jesus.

If you haven't read the story of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness, go to biblegateway.com or turn in your bible to Matthew chapter 4. Each time Jesus was tempted by the devil, He answered him with God's Word. He quoted it (used the SWORD) as His defense. We should do the same thing!

Back to my own example. Attacks happened to me at stop lights when they turned red. I felt trapped and just approaching one would bring great anxiety. I didn't know the scriptures by heart, so I wrote them on index cards and kept them in my car. As I started approaching a light, I would grab my cards and OUT LOUD I would confess God's Word over myself.

Matthew 18:18
Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

God's Word said if I bound it -- it is bound, so I would say OUT LOUD, "Spirit of fear, I BIND YOU in the Name of Jesus! God's Word says that what I bind on earth will be bound in heaven and I bind you!" I confessed God's Word AND I believed that it would happen.

You may be confused about the "heaven" part ... Just a quick note about this. Ephesians describes satan as the prince of the air. He and his demons are in our atmosphere -- what we consider the air -- the heaven over us. Ephesians 2:2 in the New KJV describes him as the prince of the air. The NIV 1984 version calls him the ruler of the kingdom of the air.

Ok, back to my example. I would also quote scriptures about fear (because GOD'S WORD IS LIVING - it has an EFFECT -- it is a SWORD and I followed Jesus' example).

I would say OUT LOUD, "God has NOT given me a spirit of FEAR, but of power, of love, and of a SOUND MIND! IT IS WRITTEN!"

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

I would quote other scriptures as well. That was just two examples. I would remind the devil that Jesus made a public spectacle of him on the cross and DISARMED him.

4. I learned that though our battle IS against spiritual wickedness, but we can play a part in this as well. WE can open doors to the devil and give him legal right to harass us. UNFORGIVENESS IS A HUGE DOOR. Can I shout that from the mountain tops?!?!? Do you know that God can't forgive us unless we forgive others? How scary is that? I can show you the scriptures if you'd like. (Of course there are obvious doors like witchcraft, occult practices, etc ..)

So many have battles and cry out for God to set them free. Trust me -- been there! But I have great news for you! JESUS HAS ALREADY SET YOU FREE. You have the keys to remove the chains! Did you know it? Jesus did everything needed for you to walk in freedom and liberty.

The thing is YOU HAVE TO DO IT. YOU must read God's Word and learn it for yourself. YOU must decide to take a stand and use the scriptures as your sword. YOU must walk in the authority that has been given to you. Nobody can do it for you. I can pray for you -- others can pray for you. That will help and can offer relief, but ultimately YOU must renew your mind with His Word and BELIEVE that YOU ARE who His Word says YOU ARE as a Christian.

I can hear someone right now, "I can't do it. This is too much to ask." YES YOU CAN DO IT because IF you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living inside of you. You can do ALL THINGS through Him who gives you strength. If I can do it - someone who had NOBODY to teach me other than the Holy Spirit -- YOU can do it. You have been given some very important keys here. YOU CAN do this.

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at bethinnorthc@gmail.com

Romans 8:37-39
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

In the difficult times ...

2011-06-05T21:18:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow morning at 10am I will be following a request of my Mom -- helping my parents with some personal business.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

I have requested prayer from a lot of my friends for peace and strength.

Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

I don't know how people "do" life without Jesus. I cannot imagine going through life hopeless -- void of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Even through my tears, I lean on Him. He is my ever present Help. My Strong Tower!

This is a serious time with my parents and even though I feel such sorrow for them and the condition of their health, I still have the joy of the Lord.

Nehemiah 8:10
... Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Do you have this joy? This peace in the midst of the storm?

This morning as I drove to intercessory prayer, I felt grieved over my Mom and Dad. I asked the Lord to change my perspective so that I would focus on being thankful because He has made a "way" where there seemed to be no way. He lined up everything and will continue to order our steps. He is faithful.

I pray God would help all of us focus on Him and not on the circumstances around us.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Spent Saturday in the ER. Sigh.

2011-06-05T07:32:00.000-04:00

I had a feeling yesterday was going to be an interesting day!

I did have plans with some dear friends who were going to enjoy a nice steak dinner with us.

My entire day was planned: Clean house, clean house, and did I mention -- clean house?

However, when I did my usual 8am call to my parents I suddenly knew my schedule was canceled. My Mom was having a difficult time walking and had landed in the middle of the kitchen in a chair.

My sister-in-law and I met over at my parent's home. After seeing how weak she was, we had no other choice than to have the rescue squad come and transport her to a local hospital.

Note to self. The rescue folk TAKE your parents bag of medicine WITH them. I drove almost to the hospital before I remembered I didn't have my mother's meds. After traveling BACK to my parent's house I learned they were with my Mom. Sigh.

The ambulance people were looking for a family member at the hospital and I was on a hunt for pills. What a great start.

Thankfully my sister met me there and we had each other to lean on.

After sitting in the ER around 7 hours, she was finally placed in a room.

I would appreciate any prayers you could send my Mom's way. Her name is Mary. Thank you!

This is what a daughter looks like after sitting in the ER all day with no shower. Concern, frustration, uncertainty of what tomorrow holds ... but I know Who holds tomorrow!

Hey - at least I remembered to bring my make-up! (And Sissy, I didn't post your picture. You can thank me later. ha.)

Matthew 6:34
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

What do YOU see?

2011-06-04T08:14:00.002-04:00

I know we aren't supposed to "judge a book" by its cover, but part of our human condition naturally leans in that direction.

For instance, when you look at this picture, what do you notice?

Yes, me too. A table that is ready for the dumpster and some pots full of dead stems from last year that need to join it.

After years of rain, my beautiful old table needs some work. It belonged to my grandfather, so I am a bit upset that I allowed it to get to this point. When I started cleaning up my deck, I pulled it near the steps so I could take it down. I also put those leftover pots full of last years soil and weeds to leave the deck as well.

Yesterday I decided to finally remove the clutter ...

Yes, total neglect over the fall and winter. Look at the carnage ...

But wait! What is this?

Some petunias have made it through the snow and the heat! No human has watered them. They were left alone to survive.

Here is another pot ready to throw away, but wait ... what is that in the midst of the weeds?

After I cleaned out the weeds you can see it. VERBENA! I think that might be a little petunia to the right of it as well.

I was quick to clean out the pots and water them.

So back to "judging the book" by its cover. How many times have we done this with people?

Or maybe you have judged yourself as hopeless, abandoned, filthy. Perhaps you have been totally neglected by family and "friends" in your lifetime.

I have good news for you! God has never left you. He didn't abandon you or neglect you. He LOVES you!

Deuteronomy 7:9
Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

Jeremiah 31:3
The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:“ Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

Like the first appearance of these pots, do you ever feel worthless and hopeless? Maybe you think God could never forgive you for the things you've done?

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 106:1
Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.

Mark 3:28
Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; (Vs. 29 - unless you blaspheme the Holy Spirit.)

Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace ...

There is ALWAYS hope with Jesus. ALWAYS!

All we have to do is turn to Him and allow Him to clean us up -- from the inside out.

Isaiah 61:3
To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

He can turn you into something BEAUTIFUL!

Just like my little plants who survived, with care they will multiply and produce some awesome flowers this summer.

If you feel like the weeds of life are choking you and overpowering you -- look to the Father. He is here for you.

God bless you all!

Sunscreen won't help you in the bottle!

2011-06-01T21:02:00.001-04:00

Just as sunscreen won't help protect your skin if you don't apply it -- the same goes for the Word of God in your life.

Satan DOES NOT want us to know the Word of God. There is power in those God-breathed Words and he knows it.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Word is LIVING. Can you wrap your minds around that? When you speak the scriptures out loud something WILL happen in the atmosphere around you. That is the truth.

God has really been showing me the condition of the world around me this week. Today is Wednesday and I have already had TWO different people look me in the eye and proclaim to be non-believers.

What can I do to reach more people? Do you ever feel like this? Do you see the condition of those around you?

What about the Christians who look no different than the non-believers? They don't realize WHO they are in Christ because they don't read their Bibles. Maybe they read the scriptures, but they don't apply them to their lives. (They don't use the Word of God as their swords.)

So many people are walking in defeat. So many are filled with wounds and haven't allowed God to touch those "infected" areas. People are perishing for a lack of knowledge. They just don't know what the Bible has within it's Holy covers.

We must KNOW the Word of God and APPLY it.

Nobody can do it for us.

Our pastor's can't do it for us.

Our spouses can't do it for us.

Our prayer partners can't do it for us.

This is one area of our lives that we MUST handle ourselves.

Nobody can use your faith for you.

For many years I was TRULY bound by fear. The irony of it all is I had authority over fear the whole time. Knowledge of the scriptures was KEY. Understanding what God had to say about me was KEY.

What are you allowing to bring defeat and sorrow your way? Guess what? Whatever it is, you have authority over it through Christ. He bore EVERYTHING on the cross for you.

God can change us. He can change our situation. He can change our marriages. He can bring our prodigal children home.

He STILL performs miracles.

Do you believe? Do you believe He can change any bad situation that you're in right now?

I challenge you to spend time reading God's Word each day. Ask the precious Holy Spirit to unlock the scriptures and give you fresh revelation as you read.

When you see your reflection in the Word of God, you will find areas that need some fine-tuning. I know I ALWAYS do.

Begin to obey the scriptures and see what happens in your life.

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.

For my iPhone and Weight Watcher friends!

2011-06-01T08:03:00.000-04:00

I haven't discussed "weight" on here a lot this year, so I thought I would give you an update and also share a new application that has really been helpful!

I have lost between 15 and 17 pounds since March 7th. I keep going back and forth and frankly -- after being out of town the past two weekends, I'm afraid to get on the scale! Monday will be my time to face reality when I go to my WW meeting.

I must say that I did NOT enjoy seeing myself in a bathing suit yesterday. Deep sigh.

Now for the application! My friend Tresa introduced me to this:

I wanted to show you the picture on the application so you could find it when you do a search. Of course you will see a lot of "Restaurant" applications, but look for this fist and fork.

What is so great about this you may ask?

When you open the application you'll see a LARGE list of restaurants:

You can go through that list and click on the restaurants you frequently visit and click on the star in the right corner and save them as "favorites." Once you choose some favorite restaurants, the application will automatically move them to the top of your list in a yellow section.

Still, what is so great about this? I'll show you. Click on a restaurant, then click on the dish you want to eat. You will have all of the caloric information right at your fingertips. Yes, as you can see below, we just ate at Cracker Barrel Tuesday night.

For my Weight Watcher buddies -- all you have to do it put these figures in your PointsPlus calculator and you'll have your PointsPlus Value!

I really do love this application! (I can't remember, but I think it is free.)

If you know of any cool applications, let me know.

Have a blessed Wednesday everyone!

"Holy" cow?

2011-05-31T06:42:00.002-04:00

For those who don't know -- we live on a farm. We have cattle that we sell for beef.

Another important fact: We live within 7 miles of two Hindu temples. (Do you see where this is going?)

We have a lot of Hindu neighbors and have really had some strange requests over the years.

I have shared before how I had one lady who had some type of little sacrifice wrapped up in tin foil. She had just returned from a pilgrimage to India and couldn't eat again until she fed this stuff to a cow. I told her no (because I don't want any other "god" worshiped on my property). She looked so offended that I wouldn't let her feed it to our cows. Why would you agree not to eat again until you fed some concoction to a cow IF you don't OWN ONE?!?!? I can only assume that she came back in the dark of night to feed a cow. I hope not, but what was she thinking?

I have had pregnant Hindu ladies stop and want milk from a Mama cow who just gave birth. Uh ... these are beef cows. We don't milk them. They would probably kick us into tomorrow!

Then of course we have always had the request for cow manure ... that is yearly.

There was a brief season last year where they bothered us about getting cow urine! Ok, that just crosses the line. We are NOT going to have people running with cups/buckets behind our cows. And again -- these are beef cows. They don't usually have a lot of hands on them. Uh, NO.

So here is what happened last night. I had just gotten our daughter to bed and ASLEEP when my husband said, "Someone is coming to the door." He darted to the room to grab a shirt since he was already prepared for bed. I went to the door and I see an Indian man running back to his car yelling something in another language. I thought, "Good, he is leaving ..." but alas, he ran back towards me.

Here was his question. Are you ready for this one?

"DO YOU RENT OUT YOUR COWS?" asked the excited man.

"What?" my husband and I said to him. (Surely we misunderstood him.)

"DO YOU RENT OUT YOUR COWS? I ONLY NEED ONE FOR AN HOUR ..." he said -- hoping the "one hour" would sway our decision. Our minds raced with what he could possibly want with a cow for an hour. ???

"Uh, no. We don't rent out our cows" we said as we looked back and forth at one another. My husband said, "Are you Hindu?" "Yes" the man said. "Then would you please have this put in your bulletin at the temple that we DON'T rent our cows so others won't come ask us too?"

All of this was comical to us because we are continually amazed that the strange requests, but then ... it got serious.

My husband asked, "Why do you want a cow for an hour?" The man told us that they needed it for a new home -- to walk it around their home as a blessing. "We worship cows" he said.

THOSE WORDS STRUCK ME. I have always known that cows were sacred to Hindu people, but to have someone look me in the eye and say that they worship a cow just took me off guard.

I wanted to grab the man and say, "Jesus died for you. You were made in the image of God -- not of a cow." So many things raced through my mind but he was gone in a flash.

As we were shutting the door I told my husband, "God has allowed these people to continually come to our door. We must be prepared! We must be prepared! They don't know Jesus."

All I could think of was the image of all of the Israelites worshiping the golden calf when Moses returned from spending time with God on the mountain.

Exodus 32:1-6
Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.”

And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.” So all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand, and he fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made a molded calf.

Then they said, “This is your god, O Israel, that brought you out of the land of Egypt!”

So when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to the LORD.” Then they rose early on the next day, offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.

The Israelites -- they were just dense. I cannot figure out how they so quickly forgot God. They had seen His Hand move and He provided for them supernaturally. Especially AARON! What in the world?!?!?!

But this Indian man was probably raised in this religion. This deception was passed down to him from his family. I felt such pity on him and poof, he was gone.

God forgive me for not sharing Jesus with him. I know I will get another chance. Please pray that my husband and I will have the words to say and be ready in every season.

Proverbs 15:23
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

Jesus died for these beautiful people from India. Would you please pray for them today?

Memorial Day - What does it mean?

2011-05-30T06:42:00.000-04:00

I received this today via email from "Breaking Christian News" and thought I'd share it with my friends. I pray God blesses our soldiers and their families. I also pray God will bless America and forgive her people. May we be a sweet aroma to our Lord ...

Memorial Day: a Day to Remember

Aimee Herd (May 30, 2011)

"Memorial Day is a day unlike any other. Since 1868 we have come together in our communities, towns and villages, to place flowers and flags on the graves of those who have given their last full measure of devotion to our country. We have come here to remember and honor those who have done their duty, as God allowed them to see that duty." –Peter W. Shramm

In case you ever wondered how Memorial Day got its start, below is a little history of the day set aside to remember those who have paid the ultimate price in the various wars in which America has fought.

Although many don't really stop to consider the reason for this holiday, the fact remains that the cherished freedoms we enjoy in this country were not free, but came at the price of lives laid down.

It's our history, and—at least in this correspondent's humble opinion—it's important for us to remember how we came to this place and to honor those lives.

Click on the link below to watch a moving Memorial Day Tribute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u6IcIqri8E

History of Memorial Day from The History Channel

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried in the cemetery.

This 1868 celebration was inspired by local observances of the day in several towns throughout America that had taken place in the three years since the Civil War. In fact, several Northern and Southern cities claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Columbus, MS; Macon, GA; Richmond, VA; Boalsburg, PA; and Carbondale, IL.

In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, NY, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. They chose Waterloo—which had first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866—because the town had made Memorial Day an annual, community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.

By the late 1800s, many communities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day and, after World War I, observances also began to honor those who had died in all of America's wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. (Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor all veterans, living and dead, is celebrated each year on November 11.)

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Also, it is customary for the president or vice-president to give a speech honoring the contributions of the dead and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Trains, Planes, and a CHAIR LIFT!

2011-05-28T16:29:00.004-04:00

Today we were near a place called Ashe County Cheese. What a cool place! They had EVERY type of cheese imaginable! You can even watch them make the cheese.

Of course they had samples to enjoy and that is where my husband headed. Our friend told us how much he LOVED their fresh cheese curds. Curds? What in the world? Blech! Isn't that what Little Miss Muffet ate?

In the same "sample" section was a plate full of cheese curds. My husband ate some and really enjoyed them. He handed me a sample. I sniffed it, sniffed it, and sniffed some more. "Uh, I don't know" I said. "Oh just try it! Tastes great!" he said. Ok ya'll after MANY years of not being able to trust him when it comes to food -- I FELL FOR IT AGAIN! I put that chewy -- egg tasting, cold chunk in my mouth. GAG! IT WAS DISGUSTING! So please, never bring me any curds. (We did buy some for our friend though.) Blech, blech, blech!

We left that location and headed to Tweetsie Railroad! The weather was perfect and our Princess was MORE THAN excited!

When you ride the train, the cowboys and Indians put on some skits. Princess climbed all over me when the cowboys started shooting their guns. It was a lot of fun.

Cutest little cowgirl in the south!

Personally, I was forced to face a fear!

We were walking around when my husband said, "Let's just take the chair lift up to Miner's Mountain." "Uh, ok ..." came out of my mouth before I really had time to process what taking the "chair lift" would really mean for me!

Oh my!

I would have taken a picture for your viewing pleasures if I hadn't of been pressing my fingerprints into the metal of the lift!

Seriously, I got on that lift with my 5 year old and said, "Dear Jesus!" I was praying and trying to breathe as I went up that mountain. Ya'll there was NOTHING to hold us in. Nothing locked in place. Of course my man was more than happy to heckle me from the chair behind us. Waaaaaaaaa. Princess was thrilled and wasn't a bit concerned.

Mark 4:40
But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”

I DID make myself take the lift back down to face that fear! I should have ridden it a few more times until it was no big deal to me! Riding down the mountain was a little better than going up, but if I ever go back -- I've got a date with that chair lift!!!

I'll admit the entrance fee to Tweetsie seemed really EXPENSIVE. It was $22 for our child and $34 a PIECE for me and my husband! Yes, it is true! Just to enter was close to $100. On the other hand, once you are in the gates you can enjoy their rides as many times as you'd like.

The employees were EXTREMELY polite and friendly. You could tell this was expected of them. It made our visit quite enjoyable!

Definitely a family friendly place!

My husband and I both visited Tweetsie Railroad when we were little kids and haven't been there since. I wish we had pictures of our adventures so that we could put them with pictures of our daughter.

If you're ever near Boone, NC - you should check the place out. (Tweetsie Railroad did not ask me to do a review -- just letting you know what we did today.)

Here are some more pictures of our fun day.

Fun driving the boat and planes.

This is a picture of my man sending me some hilarious texts! He wasn't feeling quite as comfy up there as he thought he would. lol

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend everyone!

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES FOR OUR FREEDOM!

Happy Memorial day!

A Blown Tire and Lightning Bolts - OH MY!

2011-05-27T09:02:00.002-04:00

My little family had quite an adventure last night. We are home safe and sound, but it was quite a trek to get here.

We were several hours away from home -- hauling a large tractor on a trailer behind us -- when BOOM! "What was that?" I nervously asked my husband. It sounded like we ran over something. "Oh, a tire blew" he said calmly -- as he continued to zoom down the interstate. Gotta love men, stuff just doesn't get to them like it does us women. "A tire?!?!" I responded in surprise. "We have another good tire rolling right beside of it -- I'm not stopping" he said. That is why he likes to pull a duel-wheeled trailer I suppose.

Over an hour passed and that remaining tire was really getting HOT. It was holding an extra amount of weight on it. It was going to get dark soon, so my husband decided to pull into a "Mom and Pop" looking TRAILER business. Seriously, this place was in the country! I would have never stopped at this place being a woman. Ha. It sort-of made me think of the movie DELIVERANCE, "We don't want no trouble around here boy ..." YIKES!

I had been praying angels would protect this last hot tire as we made our way, but I really ramped up the praying as my husband entered into this ~~shed~~ garage. We could hear someone working on a truck, but we couldn't see his feet. Just about the time my husband approached the truck we heard, "SON OF A" bleeeeeep. Oh great, this isn't good. The man had been stuck under the hood of his truck and had just gotten out as we arrived. He was not in the mood to help a stranger and pointed us to the nearest truck stop.

Matthew 25:35
... For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;

I immediately thought of this scripture when the guy turned us away. My husband even tried, "I have my wife and daughter in the truck" to see if he would have mercy, but he didn't.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

I felt in my spirit that this man had missed out on a blessing. God would have blessed him for helping three of His children. I have no doubt.

So off we go to a truck stop. My Boaz said, "I don't like bringing my wife and daughter to a place like this. You keep the truck locked and the pistol is here." We weren't in the front building of the truck stop -- we were behind it where the garage was located -- way back behind all of the fuel pumps -- behind all of the trucks. For some reason that brought me to tears. Was it his love and concern for us that triggered my tears? I couldn't figure out why I was emotional, but there have only been a couple of times when I had tears streaming down my face for no reason -- and each time it was something of the Lord where danger was ahead of me (even if it was spiritual danger). I began to pray in the Spirit and read God's Word over us. I also asked our Princess to be in agreement with me. I held her little hand and we prayed that we would have favor and that the mechanic would help us.

He was willing to help us and got us in within 15 minutes. THANK YOU LORD.

After about 30 minutes of praying in the Spirit and reading God's Word while the guy fixed our tire -- we were off again.

After getting on the road we started driving right into an electrical storm. God knew what was coming and now we had our NEW spare tire next to the one that had been carrying the burden for the past hour or more.

The lightning danced across the night sky. It looked like we were heading into a fire since the sky had a red glow ahead of us. Was I praying? Uh YES! I'm sure my sweet husband was praying too, but he was remaining cool as a cucumber (southern sayin') as we forged ahead.

THEN the rains came! Friends, I don't mean a little rain either. I mean rain that was so heavy and thick we could barely see the road. What road we could see was blinded by the lightning. The flashes were so bright and fierce that it made us see spots (as if someone had put a camera flash an inch in front of our eyes).

We finally made it into town (what a welcomed sight!), but had to sit in our truck until the lightning ceased just a little to unlock our gate. We finally started up our drive (attempting to haul the tractor up a steep hill), but it wouldn't make it. My husband knew he had to get out in the storm to unload the tractor (in the pouring) rain. Lightning was crackling all around until my husband prayed, "Lord. You know I have to unload this tractor. Please protect me as I protect my wife and child." THE LIGHTNING STOPPED! God did protect my Boaz and we FINALLY made it to our house. THANK YOU LORD!

I feel like the enemy may have had something planned for us, but each detour was in God's Hand and in His timing. I can also say that years ago when I was riding with my husband in a lightning storm - I freaked out just a bit (sarcasm there -- I was terrified). This time, I didn't like it, but I knew God was with us through the storm.

Remember my last two posts have been about Dr. Sandra Kennedy? Well, I received a book from her just minutes before getting on the road. I had it with me to read while riding. I HIGHLY recommend this little book! It is entitled, "The MAGNIFICENT WORD of the LORD." Here is part of her introduction to wet your appetite:

My heart's desire is that you will fall in love with God's Word the way that I and so many others have, and that you will discover the power that is contained in like no other. Holding the Bible is like holding the truth of all the ages right in your hand. Within its pages are the words of God. The Bible is the only book you will ever read that will tell you the truth about God, who you are, why you are here, and how you should live. And it speaks with the same authority as if God Himself were standing before you speaking it. You can trust the Word of God to be your guide, your wisdom, your hope, and so much more. Dr. Sandra Kennedy

If you would like to order this little book, here is her web site: Click here.

Have a super blessed Friday everyone!

(Photo credits: First picture is the section I was reading in Sandra Kennedy's book while on the road. Second picture is of my husband holding my hand when we traveled a few weeks ago. Third is a picture of my copy of Dr. Kennedy's book.)

Are YOU Healed? Find out HERE.

2011-05-26T06:52:00.003-04:00

When I was sent the invitation to this year's Women's Aglow Retreat, the hair stood up on my arms. Dr. Sandra Kennedy had a testimony of how she was healed from a freak accident and since then healing has "followed" her.

Years ago she and her dog collided. Her dog didn't mean to do it, but he ripped off half of her upper lip.

The doctors said she would never smile again. They said she would need at least 6 surgeries (I hope I have that number correct) and EVEN THEN would never look normal. Her doctor TRIED to make her look at a book full of people with cleft pallets and other defects, BUT SHE WOULDN'T DO IT. She told the doctor, "I WILL NOT HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL SURGERY! MY GOD WILL FIX THIS!" It was medically impossible for the skin on the upper lip to heal itself and form a lip again ...

Sandra Kennedy posted pictures of herself all over her house. Pictures of herself from BEFORE the accident, SMILING -- completely whole.

Now this is not a surprise to some of my friends of FAITH out here in blogland. You totally "get" what she was doing. For others, this may stretch you and even make you feel uncomfortable.

Sandra was NOT going to let the doctors words OR the pictures of "a bad report" settle in her mind.

How many people hear a doctor's report or feel a certain pain in their bodies and IMMEDIATELY come into agreement? Does God use doctors? Yes, but we are responsible for what we do with our thoughts and our "resolve" about the matter.

Many of you have heard that our MIND is the battlefield. It certainly is with everything I have experienced in my life. A thought is planted -- do we let it take root and water it (producing bad fruit) or do we dig it up and cast away the seed?

Ok, let me ask you this question. How are you saved?

You may answer, "By FAITH."

Great! But what if you sin? Are you still saved?

YES! You are!

But how do you know this?

Because the Word of God says so. You believe this by FAITH. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

But what if you do something really bad! Are you still saved? YES.

Isaiah 53:4-6
Surely He has borne our griefs
      And carried our sorrows;
      Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
      Smitten by God, and afflicted.
       But He was wounded for our transgressions,
      He was bruised for our iniquities;
      The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
      And by His stripes we are healed.
       All we like sheep have gone astray;
      We have turned, every one, to his own way;
      And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Does the Word of God say WE ARE HEALED? Yes!

If you believe what the Word says for salvation, then you must believe what it says for healing.

This made sense to me because I have "spoken" to my body for years -- commanding it to come into alignment with the Word of God. That is our part. We must come into agreement, but with God's Word -- not the symptoms OR the report.

Dr. Kennedy gave this illustration. She pulled up 3 volunteers from the audience. Imagine 3 people standing in front of you -- all facing right. Get the visual. Person #1 is looking at the back of person #2's head. Person #2 is looking at the back of person #3.

Person #1 is our SPIRIT. This is where the Holy Spirit comes to dwell when we are saved.

Person #2 is our SOUL (our mind, our will, and our emotions).

Person #3 is our BODY (our tent, our house, our flesh suit).

Our soul acts as a filter between our SPIRIT and our BODY. Our body tells us one thing, the spirit understands something different BECAUSE of the Holy Spirit and then there is our soul -- the clogged up filter in the middle. The TRUTH from the Spirit of God is hindered because of that clogged up filter and it isn't passing through to the body. Does that make sense to you?

What is our SOUL? Our MIND, our WILL, and our EMOTIONS.

What is our body? FLESH. Our flesh isn't "saved" -- it is paid for, purchased - but it will return to the dust of the earth! It is our "suit" that will fall to the ground. Dr. Kennedy asked, "Why do we listen to a flesh that isn't even saved? Why do we believe IT to tell us what is truth?"

Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Romans 8:5
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Galatians 5:17
For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

There is a war between the SPIRIT and the FLESH! Our SOUL (mind, will, and emotions) is stuck in the middle. Do we listen to the SPIRIT or do we listen to the FLESH?

I have heard this type of truth for years. In the late 80's, I learned this from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. The confession of our mouth is POWERFUL. Our thought life is POWERFUL. We must come into agreement with the Word of God.

Back to Sandra Kennedy. She gave the example of her lip. She would look herself in the mirror and point saying, "LIP. YOU WILL GROW BACK IN JESUS' NAME! YOU WILL COME INTO ALIGNMENT IN THE MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS!" She continually had the visual of herself HEALTHY AND WHOLE in front of her. She wasn't focusing on the deformity. If you want to see her lovely smile now, click HERE.

To some of you, this may be new teaching -- but trust me -- for those who have been involved in prayer ministries, you totally get this (you've been doing it yourself).

The flesh LIES. God's Word is TRUTH. Whose report will you believe?

Jesus did EVERYTHING He needed to do when He was on the cross. It is FINISHED. What else can He do? He gave His life for us.

Just take this before the Lord and let Him share whatever He wants to share with your heart.

God bless you all! Walk in FREEDOM today! God loves you!

(Photo taken by me.)