Life is HARD! But God is GOOD!!!!!!

Have you ever gone through those times when you just think... GOD, I NEED YOU NOW!!!!!!!!!  Only to look around and it seems HE is no where to be found.  Although you know in your heart, mind and spirit that He is ALWAYS with you... you just can't seem to find Him right now!  Sometimes it is difficult to see through our own pain and find Him waiting there, but He is.... there!!  Waiting for us to let it all go and give it to Him to take care of!!  We all know that life is hard, but what we need to realize is GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Worry and stress, anguish and pain,

It can make you feel like you are going insane!

Just let it all go, give it to God -

You hear all of this yet you just smile and nod.

It's so much easier said than done -

So, instead you hold it... but it's not much fun!

Life is hard, without a doubt!!

But there's no need to sit and pout.

Just give it to God, this time for real -

He'll give you joy in place of the pain you feel.

Surrender it all, just let it all go!!

Give the opportunity for HIM to show -

There's a life lesson that you should learn

Just seek after God!  For only Him yearn.

Read the Word everyday and pray like you should -

Because life is hard!  But GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!

I hope you will find a little bit of comfort today in the words that I've written.  Again I say, sometimes it's so hard to see anything good through all of our pain and sorrow.  But, nevertheless... God is with us through it all and He is a GOOD GOD!!  Just hold on to that word today!!  GOD IS GOOD!!!!!! 

Be blessed....

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE??

Wow - where has the time gone??  Has it really been almost 2 months since I've posted a blog?  What is wrong with me??  Oh yeah, LIFE!!  Busy, busy, busy... that's how it's been.  So, I'm not coming today with anything profound - actually, I'm not coming today with anything, really.  Just to let you all know I'm still here - I'm still alive and I do have stuff swimming around in my head just dying to get out.  Just haven't had the time to write it all down yet.  I promise to get back to that soon though.  Don't give up on me!!  So, until then... just keep checking back and God Bless You!! 

(sorry Tiff about all that punctuation!!  LOL)

THE FAITHFUL ONE

Psalm 9:10

Those who know your name will trust in You, for You, Lord have never forsaken those who seek you.

Have you ever felt like God has forsaken you?  Like things just can't possibly get any worse than they are right NOW!  Then, your dog dies, your house gets burglarized, or you get into a fender-bender... all of the sudden -THINGS GOT WORSE!!!!  What are you supposed to do now??  How are you going to get out of this, seemingly, never-ending circle of destruction.  AND where is God in all of this???  You've called on HIM every day and He just obviously isn't any where to be found!  Why would He leave you in a time like this? When you apparently need Him more now than you've ever needed him before!

All you did was pray for some patience!  You told God you wanted to prove yourself faithful to Him.  Did you ever stop to think that maybe God is testing you??  Just maybe he's trying to see how patient you can be, how faithful you intend to prove yourself. 

During this trying time in your life, have you prayed MORE or LESS??  Have you put your COMPLETE trust in GOD, knowing that things are bound to get better??  Do you really think God has forsaken you?? 

How about this... instead of focusing on all the BAD things that are happening, focus on all of the GOOD things.  I know, I know... it's easier said than done... but you have to do it with a made up mind.  You CHOOSE where your focus is... When you realize you are focusing on the negative, choose immediately to focus on the positive!! 

But, I lost my job.  More time with the kids!!

I got into a car accident.  You're still alive!!

My finances are in a bind.  You have a job!!

If you just can't see the "silver lining" in your situation, see this one....GOD IS FAITHFUL!!  GOD IS FAITHFUL!!  GOD IS FAITHFUL!!  As long as you are doing your part trusting in and being faithful to God, HE will be faithful to YOU!!!

Psalm 9:10

Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord have never forsaken those who seek you.

There is a song by SELAH, entitled "Faithful One"... powerful words!!  I'm going to give you the 1st verse and chorus here... but you should look it up!!  It's amazing!!  Love it, love it!!!

I find no hope within to call my own, For I am frail of heart, my strength is gone, But deep within my soul is rising up a song, Here in the comfort of THE FAITHFUL ONE.

I walk a narrow road through valleys deep, In search of higher ground on mountains steep, And tho' with feet unsure, I still keep pressing on, For I am guided by THE FAITFUL ONE

Faithful, Faithful to the end, My true and precious friend, You have been faithful, faithful, so faithful to me!!

Be blessed today.... even in a rotten situation!!!!!!  Always remember that GOD is....THE FAITHFUL ONE!!!

 

Will Work For Food

Nowhere to go, nothing to eat

Homeless & hungry -it is no treat

I didn't imagine life this way

Don't know what to expect from day to day

How did this happen?  What went wrong?

I thought I was more, I thought I was strong.

Now on the corner I sit of 5th and Jude,

Holding my sign "will work for food"

A single mother of 3, I have found myself

Looking for money in the jar on the shelf.

Down to my last dollar, no job in sight

Struggling to make it, with all of my might.

The children are hungry, I'm weary and worn

Can't "dress to impress", my clothes are all torn.

I'll go to this restaurant, that's what I'll do...

I'll let them know that I "will work for food".

A sinner am I, I was born that way

But down came a Savior, so in sin I won't stay

He gave His life on the cross, He bled and died.

So I could be saved and swallow my pride.

The Living Water, they say, the Bread of Life,

He keeps us, sustains us, so we won't live in strife.

For His Kingdom, I'll strive, to always do good,

And for the rest of my life I "will work for food"!

John 6:47-51
 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." 
NIV

Pictures taken from:  www.andybrarer.typepad.com and www.old-photos.blogspot.com

                       

An Invitation to Praise

Ps 105:1-4
Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
2 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
4 Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
NIV

I think this is one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible. I love the Psalms anyway!! It's all such a song and it blesses me every time I read it!! Here is what I came up with after reading today....

AN INVITATION TO PRAISE

Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name

For the good things in life HE is to blame.

Make known above the nations what He has done

If you want it simply put, it means tell everyone!

Sing to Him, sing praise to Him

Through your worship, He'll fill you to the brim.

Tell of all His wonderful acts

Don't make up stories... just give the facts.

Glory in His holy name

In Him is where you'll find true fame!

Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice

Lift it up... don't be afraid to use your voice!!

Look to the Lord and His strength

Draw close to Him, don't keep Him at arms length.

Seek His face, Seek His face always

Not just from time to time, but seek Him ALL days.

What a blessing we get when we tell of the Lord;

About all of His goodness and our great reward.

How blessed are we all to be called HIS child!

When we each called Him "father", I'm pretty sure He smiled.

Now rejoice in the Lord and in all of His ways;

For this, my dear friends, is

AN INVITATION TO PRAISE!!

So what are you waiting for?? I think it's time you RSVP and let God know that you're accepting this invitation!! Let Him know that you are coming and You'll meet Him there!!! He'll be there for sure!!

Have a praise-filled day!!!!!!!!!!!

See. Hear. Smell. Touch. TASTE!!!!!

YUMMO!!!! I love to taste of good things!! Are you a foodie?? I wouldn't necessarily consider myself a "foodie", in the sense that I like to try a lot of foods, but I do love to EAT.... mostly junk food, sweet stuff, snack food.... not always the stuff that is really good for me! I'm definitely NOT a health-food freak or anything like that!! I would just as soon put junk food in my mouth than healthy stuff!! But...... nevertheless, I LOVE TO TASTE food!!!!!!!!!!! What about you??? Do you love to taste too?? That must be my favorite sense that the Lord blessed me with!! ('Cause it's definitely not common sense!! LOL!!) I am thankful that he blessed me with all five... but I do love that TASTE one the best!!!! You know, I didn't realize it, until today, but God uses faith in the Scripture "under the emblem of all of these senses".... check out this commentary that I found on my PC Study Bible this morning!!

"His fruit was sweet to my taste." --Song of Solomon 2:3

Faith, in the Scripture, is spoken of under the emblem of all the senses. It is sight: "Look unto me and be ye saved." It is hearing: "Hear, and your soul shall live." Faith is smelling: "All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia"; "thy name is as ointment poured forth." Faith is spiritual touch. By this faith the woman came behind and touched the hem of Christ's garment, and by this we handle the things of the good word of life. Faith is equally the spirit's taste. "How sweet are Thy words to my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my lips." "Except a man eat my flesh," saith Christ, "and drink my blood, there is no life in him."

This "taste" is faith in one of its highest operations. One of the first performances of faith is hearing. We hear the voice of God, not with the outward ear alone, but with the inward ear; we hear it as God's Word, and we believe it to be so; that is the "hearing" of faith. Then our mind looketh upon the truth as it is presented to us; that is to say, we understand it, we perceive its meaning; that is the "seeing" of faith. Next we discover its preciousness; we begin to admire it, and find how fragrant it is; that is faith in its "smell." Then we appropriate the mercies which are prepared for us in Christ; that is faith in its "touch." Hence follow the enjoyments, peace, delight, communion; which are faith in its "taste." Any one of these acts of faith is saving. To hear Christ's voice as the sure voice of God in the soul will save us; but that which gives true enjoyment is the aspect of faith wherein Christ, by holy taste, is received into us, and made, by inward and spiritual apprehension of His sweetness and preciousness, to be the food of our souls. It is then we sit "under His shadow with great delight," and find His fruit sweet to our taste.

What about that!!! I can use my TASTE and know it is FAITH at work!!! I think I'll call this my "Tasty Faith"!!! I so much desire to use all of my senses as I practice faith in my life!! I want to hear the voice of the Lord, I want to see HIS goodness and mercy, I want to touch Him daily, I want to smell the sweet aroma of HIS presence and I most definitely want to "taste and see that the Lord is good..." What about you?? Which sense will you use today?? How about using that COMMON SENSE and find yourself basking in the presence of our ALMIGHTY LORD and see what awakens your senses today!!!!! I'll guarantee that it will work better than "Folders in your cup"!!

Ps 34:8

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
NIV

On A Personal Note II

As I promised!! Pictures of my family!!

And now, for a picture of my pride and joy!!!! You are not going to believe this picture!! They were so good for me and didn't complain a bit for me to take this!! MY PRIDE & JOY!!

Hope you enjoyed the pics!!! Especially the one of my PRIDE & JOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!

SIN & SEATBELTS???

It's vacation time for the Jackson Family!!  We are so excited to be going all the way to Arkansas to see my beloved grandparents and then on to Texas to see my parents.  The car is loaded, children are comfortable in the back, complete with pillows, blankets and video games.  So, off we go!!  Chuck and I are in the front seats having good conversation - talking about all we plan to do when we arrive.  Rest and relaxation - aaahhhh - the joys of vacation time!!  We've made it about 3 hours, into Mobile, Alabama, with little to no arguing from the children.  Looks like it's going to be smooth sailing (well, driving).  LITTLE DID I KNOW WHAT WAS COMING!!!

Marleigh, my dear daughter of 9 years, is buckled up, but laying sideways in the car.  Head on the pillow against the door and feet in the seat... she's resting.  She decides to sit up and talk to her brother for a bit.  But, instead of putting her feet down, she keeps them in the seat and turns backward (now facing the backseat).  So begins the downward spiral of "smooth sailing"!!

Conversation begins between brother and sister.... all is going fine then the conversation takes a turn.  It goes a little like this:  Mason:  "Marleigh, look - on the roof- it's a spider"  Marleigh:  "eeeekkkkk, Mason, kill it!!"  she screams, while jumping into the center of the back seat.  (Let's don't forget, she is turned backward and still buckled up.)  Mason:  "Marleigh, you kill it, it's just a little spider and it's over on YOUR side!  I can't reach it."  Marleigh continues her frenzy and insistence on Mason to kill the spider.  I've heard enough!!!  I unbuckle, turn around and kill the little spider myself.  Marleigh resumes her position in "her" seat - problem solved!!  NOT QUITE!!!! 

After a few minutes I hear Mason saying "Ummm, Marleigh is stuck in her seatbelt."  What??  "What do you mean "STUCK"?, I say.  "Ok, not a problem - just unbuckle the seatbelt and straighten it up, buckle it back."  Problem solved - NOT QUITE!!!!  "She is unbuckled and she can't get out of it.  It's wrapped around her waist."  "Ok, not a problem", I say.  I unbuckle, again, turn around to help her out of the seatbelt.  "Hmmm", I think... "this is NOT good".  She really is STUCK!!!!   The thing is, when she was resting with her feet in the seat, then turned around backward, then jumped to the center, then moved back into her own seat... somehow the shoulder strap is UNDER the lap belt, wrapped around her waist.  Now, Marleigh is a tiny thing, so surely she can just wiggle her way out of the seatbelt, we will untangle it and "voila"!!  Not quite!!!!  We stop the car.  Get out and walk around the back to see if we can get her out.  Well, because she "jumped" to the center, that pulled the shoulder strap and caused it to lock (like it would if you slammed on the brakes suddenly), so it would go back in but not come back out, therefore causing the belt to tighten with every little move.  What a predicament!!!  What are we going to do??  By now, Marleigh is in a panic, not able to breathe, because it is cutting off circulation or something and I am in a panic because I don't know how to get my daughter out of this death trap!!  THANK GOD we brought Chuck's mustache scissors with us.... we literally had to CUT THE SEATBELT!!  Finally.... PROBLEM SOLVED!!  Only problem now is that she has to sit in the center, right next to her brother, for another 10 hours!!!!  WHEW!!!!  What a trip!!!

So, I'm thinkin'.... Isn't that just the same way SIN works!!!  We are riding along, having a great trip and before we know it we are right in the middle of a situation and haven't a clue how we ended up there!!  Maybe we got caught sleeping for a while and when we woke up we were in the middle of a tangled up sin and didn't know how to get out of it.  It has wrapped itself around us and with every move it gets tighter and tighter, cutting off our air supply and we have no where to go.  We are trapped!!! 

Proverbs 11:4  "The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires"  NIV

I say instead of laying down, turning backward and getting TRAPPED, stay UPRIGHT and RIGHTEOUS.  It is so great that we can call on GOD and He will stop the ride, come to where we are and cut us out!!!  We may have a few things to fix afterward (like I'm going to have to get that seatbelt fixed), but at least we are now free!! 

John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
NIV

Right There... In My BATHROOM!!!

Psalm 63:1-3 O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (2) I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. (3) Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. (NIV)

My husband was just telling me about what a great prayer time he had the other day. He said he didn't ASK God for anything at all - he just thanked him for everything good in his life. I had a similar experience ther other morning, as I was getting ready to go somewhere. I was listening to a CD, made for me by my dear sister-of-faith, Aimee - well, maybe Angie made it and Aimee just passed it along - anywho... It is a wonderful worship CD and as I was getting dressed, I listened. The more it played & the more I listened, I began to worship God... thanking HIM for who HE is and all of the good things in my life... I listened a little longer... worshipped a little more and there HE was.... He met me there.... right there in my bathroom!!!! I love those times where we meet with God, asking for nothing, but just giving HIM the praise, honor and worship HE soooo deserves!! Our pastor has been preaching on "thirsting after God" - the Lord burdened my heart a couple of weeks ago about seeking after HIM (see blog "Seek His Face, ALWAYS"). Then, at the women's camp meeting, the theme was about keeping an appointment with God. I'm seeing a pattern here!! (Or as my daughter would say, "patter-en") God desires our praise. He longs for us to worship HIM, to lift HIS name on high. That is the only thing we can give to God that HE didn't give us first!!!

I have a book by J. Vernon McGee - it is a part of Thru the Bible Commentary Series, this particular one is Psalm Chapters 42-89. It is based from his radio program and is an insightful commentary on the scripture. This is what he says about Psalm 63:1-8:

This is "A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah." This is a special psalm. It is an ointment that is poured out upon all kinds of sores. It is a bandage for bruises. It is a balm to put upon wounds to help them heal. It has been a marvelous psalm for the church. It speaks of the thirst for the Water of Life. Chrysostom said that it was ordained and agreed upon by the primitive fathers that no day should pass without the public singing of this psalm, and in the primitive church this psalm was sung every morning or every time there was a public gathering. They always began the morning service with it. This psalm is the expression of wonderful thoughts. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee int he sanctuary [Ps. 63:1-2]. These two verses were translated by Dr. Gaebelein thus: "O God, thou art my God; early do I seek Thee; my soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh pineth for Thee, in a dry, thirsty land without water; as I gazed upon Tee in the Sanctuary, to see Thy power and glory" (The Book of Psalms, p. 251). It is faith, and faith alone, that can speak like this. God, the Eternal One, transcends all human thinking. He is the Creator. He is the REdeemer. He is my Father. It was He whom David sought. He knew what it was to be thirsty. He had hidden in caves down by the Dead Sea, and it is some of the driest land I have ever seen. California, Arizona, and New Mexico haven't anything that can touch that dry land around Engedi. It is a place where you can get thirsty! If you are ever over there, make sure that you have water with you. David's soul thirsted for God. Do you feel that way about Him? Do you have a love for Him, or has He become a burden to you? Oh, that we might thirst for Him! Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips [Ps. 63:4-5]. David is sayinbg that he would rather have fellowship with God than have a gourmet dinner. When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice [Ps. 63:6-7]. David thought about God - meditated upon Him - during the night when he couldn't sleep. My friend, meditating upon God's goodness is a lot better than counting sheep! My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me [Ps. 63:8] Oh, that our souls might follow hard after Him! This is a great psalm. Remember, it is the psalm of the morning and was sung at every service of the early church. Maybe we can't sing it in our day - I don't know. (Thru The Bible Commentary Series, Poetry, Psalms Chapters 42-89, By J. Vernon McGee, p. 104-105)

Psalm 63:1-3 has become my husband's favorite scripture. He keeps it taped up in his work truck on an index card so he can recite it every morning... I think that is a great idea!!!

So, what do you think?? Can we still sing it every morning? Even in our day?? I would venture to say that we shouldn't go a day without it!! ESPECIALLY in our day!! So, sing it people... maybe HE will meet you.... right there in your bathroom!!

On a Personal Note...

Just wanted to add a few personal things today.... I don't have anything "inspired" or "profound" or anything like that for today's blog!! ;-)  I just wanted to add a few pics of my family, including my precious animals!!  Also some pics of a few of my art projects... I'm not exactly an artist, but I love to paint and I've done a few things that turned out pretty cute!!  I've painted every room in my house with exception of the bedrooms, they are all next on the list though!!  So, check out the pics and I hope you enjoy!!

This is the picnic table I painted for the silent auction for Covenant Hospice...

This bench belongs to my niece Savannah.  My sister asked me to paint it for her.  I haven't finished the sides and front of it yet.

 

This is my Sunday School classroom.  They thought I was crazy when I told them I wanted to paint the ceiling blue also!!  LOL

 

 

This is my dining room... my husband thought I was crazy when I told him I wanted to paint STRIPES!!!  We love the way it turned out though!!

This is my dearly departed Penny!! She was a precious addition to our family and we lost her way too soon!!  I love and miss her!!  She was a long-haired Daschund.

   My sweet, precious, yellow Lab, Ranger.  He is the best dog ever!!!  He is such a big baby!!  He rules the yard!!

My Chocolate Lab, Miley.  She's a sweetie!!

 

 

  My other yellow Lab, Scarlet.  She is a sweetie too.  She is named Scarlet because when she was born she had ringworm and it stripped the hair completely from her tail... I wasn't sure it would grow back, I was afraid it would scar.  Thus the name SCARlet.  She is a puppy from Miley and Ranger (1st litter).

 

This is our newest addition, Bobo.  He is a 2 year old Toy Poodle and we have been trusted to give him a little TLC.  He is just precious and, although we got him as a "family dog", he won't leave my side.  ;-)

  Here I am with my sweet god-daughter, Addison Paige Hemming.  She is such a sweetie!!!!!  Check out that HAIR!!!!

 

I have saved the best for last.... In my next post I will be including pictures of my family.... There are a lot of them, so I will do it in a separate post that doesn't have all the side-lines!!!  I pray that you all will have a blessed day... come back soon to see my FAMILY!!!!

Seek His Face ALWAYS!!

Psalm 105:1-5 "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 2) Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 3) Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4) Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 5) Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced."

I get so caught up in day to day living that sometimes I forget to "seek his face...". I go about my day trying to accomplish all that is set before me, without taking the time to see what HE has set before me!! When I stop to listen to His voice, when I stop to seek His face, when I stop - for even just a moment - to say "Good Morning, Lord" it is then that my day seems to run a little smoother. My children seem to obey a little better, my mind seems a little clearer, my heart isn't burdended down with "what if this doesn't get done" or "what if I don't get this accomplished today".... I can move about my day with a little less stress!! Of course, Satan is always there in the background just waiting to attack, but when I seek HIS face, I have the power, not to mention the strength, to fight him off!!

I got an email this morning, actually, I saw it there yesterday, but didn't take the time to open it and read it until this morning. It had this verse from Psalm 105:4... when I read it, I wept!! "Lord, I want to seek your face. Lord, I want to know you more and more. Lord, I pray that I ALWAYS feel your presence inside of me and that others will witness it also!!" God is soooo good to me!! He has blessed me beyond measure and I don't even take the time to thank Him properly!! I want to be more disciplined in doing that... I pray every morning - for my husband, for my children, for my family and friends.... but I don't always just take the time to LISTEN... just to SEEK HIS FACE and find out what He wants to say to me.... I'm usually too busy doing the talking!!

I'm very excited about the Women's Campmeeting this weekend. I look forward to it every year!! It is just a spiritually refreshing time! A time of fun and fellowship with other GODLY women! I feel so blessed to be a part of this each year. I pray that this will be a weekend that I will learn, a little better, to listen to what God has for me!! I know that He has called me to be a witness for HIM (as He has all of you), but I want to seek deeper.... I want that deep, intimate relationship that He wants from me. I thank God every day for saving my soul!! For dying on the cross that I might be free.... GOD IS SOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!

I'll leave you with one final scripture..... Psalm 106:1 "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Today, I challenge you, pray for your needs.... give thanks to the Lord.... but, in all that, don't forget to SEEK HIS FACE ALWAYS!!!!!!

Don't Forget The Ministers!!!

"Brethren, pray for us." --1 Thessalonians 5:25
This one morning in the year we reserved to refresh the reader's memory upon the subject of prayer for ministers, and we do most earnestly implore every Christian household to grant the fervent request of the text first uttered by an apostle and now repeated by us. Brethren, our work is Solemnly momentous, involving weal or woe to thousands; we treat with souls for God on eternal business, and our word is either a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death. A very heavy responsibility rests upon us, and it will be no small mercy if at the last we be found clear of the blood of all men. As officers in Christ's army, we are the especial mark of the enmity of men and devils; they watch for our halting, and labour to take us by the heels. Our sacred calling involves us in temptations from which you are exempt, above all it too often draws us away from our personal enjoyment of truth into a ministerial and official consideration of it. We meet with many knotty cases, and our wits are at a non plus; we observe very sad backslidings, and our hearts are wounded; we see millions perishing, and our spirits sink. We wish to profit you by our preaching; we desire to be blest to your children; we long to be useful both to saints and sinners; therefore, dear friends, intercede for us with our God. Miserable men are we if we miss the aid of your prayers, but happy are we if we live in your supplications. You do not look to us but to our Master for spiritual blessings, and yet how many times has He given those blessings through His ministers; ask then, again and again, that we may be the earthen vessels into which the Lord may put the treasure of the gospel. We, the whole company of missionaries, ministers, city missionaries, and students, do in the name of Jesus beseech you -->
"BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US."

This is today's devotion from my PC Study Bible. Let us all remember to pray for our pastors, missionaries, ministers.... active or in-active!! We must also remember to pray for the leaders of our country (remember, we have just celebrated our INDEPENDANCE). We don't have to agree with them, we don't even have to like them... but we DO have to pray for them!!! The Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - 2) for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." So, today, I challenge you to make your prayers be, not only for your families and friends, but pray for our ministry leaders as well as for the leaders of our country!!

I pray a special blessing on all of you, right now, in the name of Jesus!!

Are You Still Singing??

Psalm 33:21 "Our heart shall rejoice in HIM"

We have a program on our computer, the PC Study Bible, with lots of great features. One of those features is a daily devotion. When you pull it up it automatically gives you a devotion for that day. So, I was looking at it this morning and read the one for today's date... it was pretty good. But, for some reason, I continued to read... it was tomorrow's devotion. But, I guess that one was meant for me today!! It made me ask myself.... "Am I still singing??"

"Blessed is the fact that Christians can rejoice even in the deepest distress; although trouble may surround them, they still sing; and, like many birds, they sing best in their cages." This is just an excerpt from today's PC Study Bible devotion.

Trouble surrounds us ALL!!!! We are not exempt from the testing and trials of life. Whether it be a HUGE, HOT, FIREY trial or just a tiny, itey-bitey, warm trial.... we all walk through it!! There are trials that range anywhere from: financial stress, depression, family issues, marital issues, stress at work, rebellious children.... etc, etc, etc!!! The list goes on and on and is not the same for every person!! We each walk through them individually, as a married couple and as a family. But The Word says in Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not; I am with you; be not dismayed; I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my Righteous hand" WHOA!!!!!! GOD, himself, will uphold ME with HIS RIGHTEOUS HAND!! What????? Can you imagine, the God of the universe willing to do that for YOU when you are feeling down??!! HE will pick you up and carry you through!! Therefore, as Christians.... we have NO reason NOT to sing!!! Just think of the testimony you will have when you come through this!! WOW!!! What an amazing word from God Almighty!!!

As I was pondering the thought "Am I still singing??" He brought to my mind the ever-popular song by Simon and Garfunkel (what?? God listens to Simon and Garfunkel?? Yes, apparently he does....) "Bridge Over Troubled Water"...

When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I'm on your side when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
When darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

That's exactly what HE did for us!! Like a bridge over troubled water.... HE laid down HIS life!! HE died... so we can keep singing!!!!!!

Grace Abounds

This morning in church as Bro. Bill was preaching he touched on a scripture that hit me... I wrote down the scripture reference and when I came home I wrote down the words of the verse. For me it was a powerful revalation that - no matter what - God's grace ALWAYS ABOUNDS!!! It stuck with me throughout the day and this is what I have come up with...

(Keeping in mind Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God")
It is based on the verse Romans 5:20 "... but where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." NKJV

GRACE ABOUNDS
Of a sinful nature we all are made
This is how the foundation was laid
With Adam and Eve it all began
Through generations it still spans
But God was generous - He was kind
He sent His son and on the cross He died
So from our sins we could be saved
Nevermore to be enslaved
Now free we are and free we'll be
As long as Christ is who we see
We still may fall but He'll pick us up
And fill us as we drink from His cup
We never have to be alone
When we know the ONE who sits on the throne
So when you're down and feeling blue
Remember what He did for you
He showed you mercy and gave you grace
So, there's no need to hide your face
And when you can't go on and in sin you drown
Remember The Word says "GRACE ABOUNDS"

I'm so glad to know that God's grace is so much greater than my sin!!! How awesome to know that no matter what I do, nothing is too great that He won't forgive me and extend His loving arms down and offer His AMAZING GRACE!!!!

{singing}... Grace, Grace, God's Grace
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within
Grace, Grace, God's Grace
Grace that is greater than all my sin!!!!!!!!!!

Be blessed and walk GRACEFULLY!!!!!!

Are We There Yet???

"Are we there yet???", "Yeah, how much longer??", "Are we close?"..... This is the 50th time I've heard these questions coming from the backseat of my car... my children are getting very impatient and the trip is only beginning!! Florida to Texas.... not a short trip by land!! It only takes about 12-14 hours to get there, but to my 9 & 10 year old it seems like an eternity!!! HA!! 12-14 hours, by the time the trip is over I'LL be asking "Are we there YET????!!!" But, you know, I really love the scenery that comes and goes while waiting to arrive at the final destination. Sometimes it's in the waiting that I see the most beautiful things. Sure I have to catch them between the screams of my children... oh wait... that wasn't them screaming.... it was me, screaming at them to "HUSH ALREADY!!! We'll be there when we get there!!!!" Of course, that is after patiently saying "Not much longer now" when I know it's still another 9 hours!!

How many times have we been in situations and circumstances where we find ourselves asking God the same thing?? "Are we there yet? How much longer, Lord? Are we close?" We have prayed and prayed.... and prayed and prayed.... and prayed.... (you get the idea).... and still we don't seem to have an answer! Well, not one that satisfies us yet!! Did you ever stop to just enjoy the ride?? Check out the scenery on the way to the final destination?? Listen as God patiently says "Not much longer now", even though it may seem like an eternity to us, it's only a minute to God! No matter the situation, no matter the circumstance.... HE WILL answer that prayer.

The Lord spoke to me through His Word today as I read Psalm 27:11-14, which reads... (from Today's English Version)
11) Teach me, Lord, what You want me to do, and lead me along a safe path, because I have many enemies, 12) Don't abandon me to my enemies, who attack me with lies and threats. 13) I know that I will live to see the LORD'S goodness in this present life. 14) Trust in the Lord. Have faith, do not despair. Trust in the Lord.
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Another version (NKJV) reads in vs. 14) Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord.

So... if your situation is a wound that is trying to heal, financial stress, unemployment, something you have been asking God about for some time now... whatever the case may be, just remember vs. 14... WAIT on the Lord!!! Remember it is in the waiting that you just may see some beautiful things take place!! So, sit back, enjoy the ride and take in that beautiful scenery while you wait!!!
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Fan the Fire

I am new to the world of blogging.... wow!! I am soooo excited to be able to write my thoughts and express myself in the best way I know how... through my writing!! I am not really a "story teller" or much of one who writes in any form other than poetry!! I love to write poetry though!! Therefore, I find it only fitting that I begin my blogger's journey with a poem that I wrote not too very long ago and it describes the feelings I was experiencing at the time. The title and jest of the poem came from a sermon my pastor delievered one Sunday morning and I actually began writing this during the alter call... shhhhhhh.... don't tell him!!!!!

FAN THE FIRE

Walking in darkness is where I have been
Can't see what's in front of me because of my sin
Wandering around with no direction
Don't like what I see when I look at my reflection
Where do I go now? What do I do?
The only thing left is to turn to You

Lord, fan the fire that's burning in my soul
Lord, fan the fire and make me whole
Lord, fan the fire so the world might see
Your Holy Spirit at work inside of me

Where there was darkness the light has crept in
It shines through the world from my soul within
Lord, You have shown me the way to go
I'm not lost anymore, this I know
You fanned the fire in my heart today
Now with you I will walk, forever I'll stay

Lord, keep fanning the fire that's burning in my soul
Lord, keep fanning the fire and make me whole
Lord, keep fanning thet fire so the world might see
Your Holy Spirit at work inside of me

I pray that the Lord will fan the fire in each of your hearts today!!