What are YOU learning?

This week, as I prepare to speak at a women's conference on Saturday, I am going to post a section of my talk on "prayer." I wrote the message, "A Transformation of the Heart," about five years ago. In preparing, God led me to revise it, writing a bible study to accompany the talk. It is amazing the NEW things God teaches you each year. I didn't agree with some of the things I formally did. As I matured and grew in the Word and my knowledge of Him, some of my thoughts matured as well! The theme verses of the talk are Psalm 37:4-7.


Here is a portion of the talk on PRAYER:



Let’s go back to our key verse, Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.” For me, that is the hardest part of prayer- being STILL and waiting for Him patiently. It’s hard for me to be still for anything. And PATIENTLY WAIT? I NEED MY ANSWERS NOW! But, if we are always are talking and never listening, God can’t speak and be heard BY us.

One way that God talks to us is through his Word, the Bible. We must search out his will for our lives by reading it. If you want to pray, but don’t know where to start, take heart. Romans 8:26 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints (that means you and me), in accordance with God’s will.”

There are times when I feel lonely or sad or depressed. I’m not sure why, or even if there is something wrong. Those are the times that I continually go back to that scripture and ask the Spirit to intercede for me, to pray for me because God knows my heart better than I know my heart. He created my heart. God knows what I need and what I desire, even before I do. The Spirit will search your heart and reveal to you what you need to pray.

There are often times that God calls to us. He wants US to seek Him out- to go to Him. He wants a relationship with us. We are programmed at birth to need him. God has placed eternity in our hearts and we have a space within our hearts that only God can fill. I am reminded of college life when I would get so lonely and homesick at times I would call home just to hear the sound of my mom’s voice. I physically felt a longing, a yearning. That is how we are with God because we are His creation. Our souls yearn for God and there is a yearning inside of us to grow close to our Creator. David says in Psalm 63, “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.”

Unfortunately, in today’s “me-centered” impatient society, we tend to fill this desire, this longing, with a “quick fix,” a chocolate brownie, a shopping spree, a margarita, TV shows, or gossiping on the phone. We think these worldly pursuits will fill us up, make us feel better, and quench the thirst we are experiencing. These invitations look so appealing. The world claims we will experience fulfillment and satisfaction. And, we want instant gratification. We don’t want to wait for God. We don’t want to be still and be patient.


We want to control our lives, to take care of ourselves, and pamper ourselves. We don’t like this uncomfortable feeling of denying ourselves and allowing our spirits to feel pain, longing, or loneliness. We think it is WRONG if we are feeling any pain or sorrow, and we try to fix it immediately with our own ways. So, instead of going to God, opening the Bible, going to the Lord in prayer, we try to fill ourselves- this yearning, this need by ourselves- or with the world’s methods. These methods will always leave us feeling dissatisfied, longing for more.


Jesus offers us such a better way! While talking to the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), Jesus talks about “living water.” He points out the “world’s water”- the water of the well, and says, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again.” Isn’t that true of our “water?” Food, exercise, TV, possessions, or praise from man never satisfies us. We continually want more and more until our desire becomes insatiable, sometimes consuming us. Jesus tells the woman at the well, “But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The spring is inside you waiting to be tapped into. In order to fill up on this water, we have to get quit before the Lord in prayer. That is the hard part- being still!

But, we don’t want to be still. We can’t get off of our cell phones long enough to be still. Have you ever stood in line at Blockbuster or Target, just watching and listening? People everywhere in caught up in their own private conversation on cell phones. We are so afraid of being alone and being still, we can’t even grocery shop without talking on the phone! The Lord says, “Be still and know that I am God.” We must patiently wait for the Lord. We need to give ourselves to the Lord, be still, and quietly wait for him.

In Hosea, God says, “Therefore, I am going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her.
” God is talking to you! He wants to speak tenderly to you. But, why does He need to lead us to the desert before He can speak to us? We are so distracted and caught up in the world. God needs to get us alone, away from telephones and commitments, away from the busyness of life. Then, He can speak and be heard.

We need to be still before the Lord so that we can hear Him! God wants YOU. He wants a relationship, a living, breathing, relationship with you and prayer is the way to that relationship. Does this seem too hard? Deuteronomy 30:11 tells us how easy having that relationship is, “Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into Heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so that we obey it?’ No, the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may obey it.”

You may think that you have to be a minister or this magnificent person to pray. You may think you have to use lofty, eloquent words. You may not quite be sure HOW God wants you to pray. You may think there is a set of rules or a magic formula to prayer. You cry out,

“Father, should I pray in the morning or in the night?
Should I pray in the darkness or in the light?
Should my eyes be open or should they be closed?
Should my prayers be spontaneous, or they should be posed?
Can I sit? Or should I be on my knees?
Which is the way in which you would be pleased?
And He said, ‘My child, I love you. This is true.
It does not matter how, just that you do.
Come before me and be still, with heart open wide,
Ready to listen and be by my side.”

Praying is just a relationship with God- loving Him and going to Him for everything. God is our Abba, Father, our God, our Creator. There isn’t a right way or a wrong way to pray. We need a natural relationship with God. Praying shouldn't’ be difficult. It shouldn’t be something we only do for a few minutes on Sunday morning. It shouldn’t be a chore or an inconvenience. Prayer should be a JOY- we are communicating with The Most High God! We GET this opportunity to grow closer to our Father, to develop a relationship with our Creator.

If you need help getting started, start by reading the book of Psalms in the Old Testament in the Bible. These are beautiful songs and prayers, many written by David, “a man after God’s own heart.” They are full of praise and thanksgiving.


Psalm 66 sings, “Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious!" Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cringe before You. All the earth bows down to You; they sing praise to You, they sing praise to Your name.” Psalm 89 praises, “I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make Your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You established Your faithfulness in Heaven itself.” And, I love to pray Psalm 100, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

In many psalms, David is suffering. Sometimes he is innocently being chased and other times experiencing pain after sinning. He says to God, “You lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the muck and mire.” Who hasn’t felt that? When we aren’t sure what words to pray, Psalms offers so many cries to the Lord. Psalm 102 laments, “Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry for help come to You. Do not hide Your face from me when I am in distress. Turn Your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly. For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.” Human emotion hasn’t changed over time. We can relate to the authors of the Bible. We feel what they have felt. Praying scripture is so powerful and so helpful when we are at a loss of what to say in our prayers. Scripture can help us “get a handle” on the words to pray.

There are times we feel betrayed, persecute, or unfairly accused. David felt this as he ran away from King Saul for many years. Often, he would have to run for his life, hiding in caves. Sometimes, we also feel persecuted or harassed unjustly. Psalms offers prayers for these emotions, too. David cries out in Psalm 109, “O God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause.” David finishes his prayer twenty verses later by again praising the Lord. He prays, “With my mouth I greatly extol the Lord; in the great throng I will praise Him. For He stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save his life from those who condemn him.”

In Psalm 140, David prays, “Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men; protect me from men of violence.” Even when David was hiding in a cave, he put His trust in the Lord, saying in Psalm 142, “I cry out to You, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.’ Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need.” David goes to the Lord in times of need, in times of sadness, in times of desperation, in times of joy and jubilation. David always praises the Lord, no matter what trial he is facing. His prayers begin and end with praising the Lord. They are great examples for us during our own personal prayer time.
And I love Psalm 104, “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord.”

What are distractions in your life that draw you away from God?



Prayer
Father, help me to pray. “May the meditations of my heart and the words of my heart be pleasing to You, O God.” You know my heart and my needs and desires. Give me a heart, Lord that hungers and thirsts for You. Bring me into a deep relationship with You. I know the best way to do that is through prayer. Help me to pray. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen


Please visit Gina at Chats with an Old Lady for more thoughts on what we are learning!



Thankful Thursday


Lori is again graciously hosting this week's Thankful Thursday. Thanks, Lori! She asks us to ponder the idea of security in Christ Jesus.

This week, I want to share a wonderful experience I had with my 12 year old son, Andrew.

A few night ago when I was tucking him in, Andrew said, "Mom, you are so happy all of the time. And, it's weird because all of these bad things happened to you- your friend died, you lost a lot of money in the stock market, your dad got laid off, and your mom fell- and you shouldn't be happy. But, you're the happiest person I know."

WHEW! THANK YOU, GOD!!!! TEACHABLE MOMENT!!!

I explained to Andrew that I have a JOY inside me because of Jesus. And, this joy is NOT DEPENDANT on my circumstances. Jesus gives me such a peace that can't be shaken, no matter what is happening.

And, the strangest thing is, I would never have guessed that he thought this. I don't think of myself as "the happiest person I know." I make mistakes all of the time. I lose my temper. I get upset. I struggle.

But, I am so thankful that God is shining through me.

I know this joy that Andrew can see, it is Jesus Christ in me. I give God ALL glory and credit! It is nothing about ME and what I can do or how "good" I am. It is all about HIM in me!

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith- of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him
now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.-1Peter 1:6-10

Thank you, Lord!

Please visit Lori for more TT!

It's My Birthday...and I am celebrating at Laced With Grace!

Please come visit me at Laced With Grace today!


In Other Words


Denise, from Shortybear's Place is hosting IOW this week. Boy, she has chosen a wonderful quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. I have been pondering this for a few days. Wow! There are so many directions I would like to go with this....it has sparked many ideas.


"Take the first step in faith."
Faith is about NOT seeing...but believing anyway. Trusting that the staircase is there. Believing.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
"-Hebrews 11:1
This is the essense of faith.
I also thought of this quote in terms of my faith journey. I can't see the whole stairway of ME. Yet, I need to continue to take each step. "He that began a good work in me will bring it to conclusion." Philippians 1:6. God isn't finished with me. He is refining my faith. He can see the whole staircase, the "finished me," but I can only see the steps I have taken. I need to take each step in faith.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
And, God knows the plans He has for me....He knows the stairway of my life. I can't see the "end"- how everything will turn out. I don't know what is up the road ahead....I can't see the whole staircase. I just need to keep my eyes on Jesus, taking each step in faith.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
I hope you take a few moments to ponder this quote...then visit Denise to read more....

Miracle Monday

Last week I began a series of miracles in the life of my mom. I told how she was healed of childhood polio, and even when doctors had little hope of her walking again, God answered the prayers of a little girl. When they came to fit her for leg braces, she surprised nurses because they found her riding her bike!


Today I would like to continue by sharing another story from her childhood. When she was a young teenager, a furnace exploded in her face. Not only did she live, but she has no scarring!
Shirley was babysitting one cold evening in the winter. Back then you had to "bank the furnace" or put coal in the furnace. When she opened the furnace door, it exploded in her face. The flames lept out and her sweater caught fire. Mom put it out with hands. Her hands were burned badly. But, much worse, were the burns to her face.
Back then, doctors said never to put cold water on a burn, but warm. But, in the panic of the moment, she put cold water on it.

She was in the hospital for weeks. Her face was bandaged. She didn't know what she would look like when the bandages came off. The nurses came in to put ointment on face.
Mom prayed for no scarring. She hated being in hospital…she said it was lonely. But....she was able to spend her time talking to God....asking for His help.

When the bandages came off...there was no scarring. Today, she is the most beautiful woman I know.
Please visit Beth for more praise of miracles!

Be Still.....


At the Well,,,,Grand Opening!


If you have been here on Mondays, you'll be familiar with one of my favorite memes, "At the Well." You might have noticed I have not posted with At the Well for the past few weeks. It's because.....


EXCITING NEWS!


Chelsey, at Joyfully Living, has brought "At the Well" to us, not just on Monday, but every day, with daily devotions to encourage and teach.


There will be a grand opening Feb. 2ND, so please join us as we gather around the well!


Here's some great news directly from the new blog:


In order to help "kick-start" our new site, we are going to be giving away door prizes on our launch date. We've got some great prizes...

Here is what you could win...



A brand new blog facelift valued at over $50donated by

Doodlebug Designs

A custom blog card (or mom card, if you don’t blog) design, valued at $30. You’ll receive a high quality .jpg, .png or .pdf file – you can do the printing yourself or have them printed online or locally – the options are endless. Print only as many as you need!The file is yours to keep.donated by Simply Amusing Designs


"Fill 'Em Up!" ... a "cookbook" for parents to use with kids which includes a devotional/Bible study that goes along with each recipe.donated by Heavenly Homakers


A signed copy of the book "The Devil in Your Garden"donated by Natalie Witcher from I AM (not)


A digital scapbook dowload packagedonated by The Digital Scrapbook PlaceA $25 Starbucks gift certificatedonated by At the Well


Sshhhh.....I guess it is a secret....

Well, day 3 in the Obama presidency and he isn't wasting any time. He did something MAJOR last night, but did you hear about it on the news?

Hmmm.....

Is the story on my web opening news page?

Nope. Just a "week in review" of the "historic" pictures of the beauty of Obama.

So, are you wondering what he did?

He overturned an 8 year ban on US funded abortions. You can watch the video here. Of course, it was from "The Times of India." I guess the American news organizations didn't deem it as newsworthy. I only know about it because I received two emails late last night.

Hmmmm......Signing an executive order late Friday evening when the news won't be picked up by many news organizations.

Of course, when I googled the signing, most of the stories were about the bail-out, oops, I mean stimulus bill.

If I seem uncharacteristically sarcastic I guess I am.

I DON'T WANT MY TAX DOLLARS BEING SPENT ON ABORTIONS OVERSEAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOD, help this country.

FOCA....do you know what it is?

Thank you, Loni for posting this information Wed. Please take a few minutes to check out Loni's precious story as well.

As an adopted child, I have a very passionate view on abortion. I am so thankful that my biological mother DID NOT choose abortion. I realize she had a choice. I am so glad she chose LIFE. I wrote a post on this, including an open letter to my biological mother and ALL mothers who choose adoption.

This information is from Loni's blog, Writing Canvas. Again, please visit her when you have a moment. Thanks, Loni for sharing all of this information!

From Writing Canvas:

Do you know about FOCA - the Freedom of Choice Act? I had heard “something” of it, but sometimes we get so bombarded with one law after the other, it’s easy to become numb and just let it pass, not giving it another thought. We need to give this great thought, and take some quick action.


Information below in red was quoted from here.
If FOCA passes, it will “sweep away hundreds of anti-abortion laws [and] policies.“ Here are just a few:
Christian doctors and nurses will be sued if they refuse to participate in abortions.
Religious hospitals will be forced to do abortions or shut down.
Babies will be aborted up until the day of birth.
States will have no say in any abortion law.
Military hospitals would now be required to provide abortion the same as any other health procedure.
Abortions would no longer have to be performed by licenses physicians.
All informed consent laws would be overturned; all parental notification laws would be nullified; all laws requiring a waiting period before abortion would be eliminated.

President Obama was quoted as saying,
“The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing that I’d do.“


So, what can WE do?
Be informed. Here are a list of websites:FOCA FACT, National Right to Life, Family Research Council, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Americans United for Life
Get bulletin inserts to share at church. Order extras to distribute to family, friends, your doctor, local hospital officials, etc.


Write about this with the links on your blog. Send out personal e-mails.
Write, call, or e-mail your congressman. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202.224.3121. Contact info can be found at:
www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.

Sisters, Brothers in Christ, it is time we begin making our voices heard...especially for those who have none.

Please feel free to link, take any information for your blog, use it for emails, letters, etc.

Don't be silent any longer.

But as I
stood there in silence, not even speaking of good things- the turmoil within me grew to the bursting point.
Psalm 39:2

What are YOU learning?

Last week I joined Gina, from Chats with an Old Lady for a great new meme, "What are YOU learning?". We share what God is teaching us from the Word.



This week I have been preparing to speak at a woman's conference on Jan. 31st, so I have spending time rereading my message on HEART TRANSFORMATION! I would like to share with you a small part of this message for what I am learning this week. It's funny, even when we know certain Truths, we still need to be refreshed. That is why it is SO IMPORTANT to be continually washed in His Word! God falls afresh on us, opening His Word and enlightening our hearts. May the "eyes of my heart be enlightened!"

This part of the talk is about having a "Committed Heart" for the Lord!

1Peter 2:11 “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to
abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” Another
translation puts it like this, “Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t
make yourselves cozy in it. DON’T INDULGE YOUR EGO at the expense of your
soul. (Message)

So many of us are too cozy, too comfortable in the world! We accept too many things that are not glorifying to God. We think that they are okay because they are politically correct, or because our friends think they are okay. We’ve relaxed our standards. We’ve gone away from God’s standards and used the world to guide our decisions, ideals, and morals.

We have become too cozy in the world, too comfortable with its morals. We have been distracted, deceived, and led astray by our longings for the worldly.

Do we seek the presence of God or the approval of the world? Our generation has been on a pursuit of perfection- perfect skin, perfect bodies, perfect husbands, perfect children, the perfect career or volunteer “career,” and the perfect model home. In the process, we have traded in what is “perfect” for God’s best in our lives. We have missed out and gotten “sucked in.” But that time is over!

I believe God has a call on this generation of women to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to change this generation and to teach the next generation of women. God is raising up women who have hearts desiring change.

Change begins with the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:5 says, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Paul continues in verse 13, “By the Spirit put to death the misdeeds of the body and you will live.” And Galatians 5:16, “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

We can never do this on our own or in our own strength! We have a still, small voice that helps us and guides us. The Holy Spirit helps us to make choices between right and wrong. We need to start listening! Our choices in life need to glorify God. Even little things like the TV shows we are watching need to be pleasing to God! We need to ask ourselves with every choice, “Would Jesus buy this magazine? Would God like this movie, or would He be embarrassed by it?”

You may be wondering why little things like TV shows matter so much. You may be thinking, “I’m not hurting anyone watching this show. I’m just relaxing. It’s only TV. The kids are in bed. I'm an adult. It doesn’t matter.”

But the Bible warns us to be careful. Peter tells us “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Imagine yourself lying on the couch later at night , flipping channels and being drawn to MTV or a immoral reality show. You allow the channel to linger there for awhile, even though you feel a tinge of discomfort. You reason with yourself that watching these shows couldn’t be harmful. When you are drowsy and inattentive, you become easy prey for the enemy. Lions usually hunt at night, and there you are at night, feeding on worldly filth, allowing it to penetrate your heart.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:22-23, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness.” Don’t fill your eyes with images of the world that can never be erased. Proverbs 4:23 says “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Guard what goes through your eyes into your heart! These reality shows are making a mockery of marriage and God’s plan for our best. We have shows that tell us that God’s creation isn’t nearly good enough, so we will change it by having several plastic surgeries. It is so easy to be sucked in to these shows, and then to change our ideals and morals to fit with what we are watching. Every choice we make should bring God glory.

Listen now to the Spirit of God. Ask the Lord to help you seek Him, not the world. Please pray with me.

Father God, I give You all glory and honor and praise! I thank you for your Word to help me and I thank You for Your Spirit to guide me. I pray God that you would open the eyes of my heart. I pray that You would give me a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know You better. I pray, Lord, that You will help me seek You out, not the world. Help me God to store up my treasures in Heaven, not here on earth. I pray that I would have ears to hear You and a heart to follow You. Your Word says I am strong in the Lord. Give me a boldness, Lord and a confidence to be strong in You and for you. Help me to listen to the Holy Spirit and to make every choice with You in my heart. Remind me always to ask, "Does this bring God glory?” Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.


Thankful Thursday


I am so thankful for God's wisdom!

"For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in
store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He
guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair-
every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul."
-Proverbs 2:6-10

I have been so THANKFUL for the blessing of WISDOM.

I have been more purposeful in praying for wisdom as I parent my kids, and God has been SO faithful! He has been pouring out wisdom as I teach and discipline them and answer their questions.

How do I know it is HIS wisdom and not mine, you ask?

Because the "stuff" He has given me is so GOOD that it has to be Him and not me! I could never come up with it on my own!

Here's an example....

Last week on the way to school, the kids and I got into a wonderful conversation about being naked. I don't remember exactly how we got on this conversation, but we were talking about modesty and not looking at naked bodies of the opposite sex unless they are your husband or wife.

Then....the kids began talking about how gross it is to even look at someone naked. With a completely STRAIGHT FACE I told them that Mommy and Daddy love to look at one another naked...that we think each other's bodies are beautiful. ("Do you think Daddy is hot???")

We talked about how Adam and Eve were naked. I told them how excited Adam was when he saw Eve for the first time. We talked about how God's plan is for a HUSBAND and WIFE to love one another's bodies. But, when the "world" shows us naked bodies, we feel "icky" because this isn't God's plan for us. We're only meant to enjoy each other in marriage...

so the conversation went.....

I don't remember all of the details, but the ride was wonderful and after I dropped them off at school, I was thanking Him for His wisdom!

God has been faithfully answering my prayer for wisdom with my children and I have been SO thankful!

Another awesome blessing of wisdom came from my friend, Edie this week.

She shared how she gives a prize to her grandchildren when they learn a bible verse. Click here for the details.

We began doing this as well in our family and it has been so FUN! Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Edie.

Thank You, God that "You give wisdom to ANYONE who asks and that You give it generously without finding fault."

Please visit Lori's Reflections for more Thankfulness!

Prayers for President Bush and President Obama

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in
authority
, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all
godliness and holiness.- 1Timothy 2:1-2

Today, as we prepare for transition in our country, we offer up prayers for our President and our incoming President-elect.

Father God, we praise You and thank You for Your goodness and mercy. Thank You that Your Hand is over our country. Thank You that we are able to worship You freely.

Lord, we lift up President Bush and Laura to You. Lord, I pray for rest and comfort for them both. Lord, grant them peace. Father, I pray that You close mouths of unkind, hurtful words. Father, instead, I pray You would draw words of encouragement and kindness to him. Forgive any mistakes he made and help him to forgive himself. Lord, I pray a spirit of truth over his "legacy." Stop any lies about him and his presidency. Lord, You say, "It is mine to avenge." I pray that You would avenge any wrongdoing that has been done against him. Lord, bring justice.

Lord, I lift up President Obama to You. I lift up Michelle and the girls. I pray for blessing and safety. Bless his coming in and going out. I pray that he would seek You. Make him into a mighty man of God, seeking You above all else. Lord, draw us as a nation of Believers to be on our knees for this family. Lord, pour out wisdom and discernment on this man. Lord, I pray that You would convict him of sinful thoughts, attitudes, beliefs. Lord, I pray for the unborn. Open this President's eyes to the horror of abortion. Lord, change his mind, soften his heart. Lord, I pray against any pride. Let him not be "wise in his own eyes." May he seek wise counsel. Lord, I pray that You would bring GODLY mentors around him. Holy Spirit, whisper to him. Lord, may President Obama be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Give him a spirit of obedience. Lord, I pray that President Obama would "trust in the Lord with all of his heart and lean NOT upon HIS OWN understanding. I pray that in ALL his ways (all decisions in every area) he would acknowledge You (surrender and submit) and You will make his paths straight- You will direct his steps.

In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

"If there are any tears shed in heaven, they will be over the fact that we prayed so little. Heaven is full of answers to prayer for which no one ever bothered to ask."- Billy Graham

Would you commit to pray with me daily for our new president, his family, and our country?

Miracle Monday....the Power of Prayer and Polio

Welcome back to Miracle Monday! It has been so LONG since I have joined in. One thing that has been on my heart for months is to write about my mom. She really is a walking miracle. So, I have decided to share her incredible journey on Miracle Mondays. As I continue to blog about Mom and her life, you, too, will see how God has been over her life, performing great miracles and showering her with His love. My mom has been an inspiration to me, and I pray that she will be to you as well.

So many people "chalk up" miracles to mere coincidence, missing out on God's amazing provision, sovereignty, and mercy. But, my mommy always said, "Everything happens for a reason." We never credited anything to "coincidence". Mom always told me that we don't always understand God, but we always trust Him.

Shirley was born in Streator, Illinois in 1937, in the midst of a very scary time in our country.

Back in the first part of the 20th century, polio was a horrible epidemic that killed children or left them paralyzed. Most of the time, when parents heard the dreaded word, "polio," it usually meant a "death sentence", or a changed life forever.

"I remember waking up in the middle of the night having to go to the bathroom,
but I couldn't move. I called for my dad to help me. I went to
bed just fine.... Dad was crying. He took me to the hospital. I was
scared. It was polio."

My mom was 6 years old when she contracted polio.
This was terrifying because so many children my mom knew and across the country were dying of polio or infantile paralysis . Didn’t know what caused it. It happened to lots of people at a time. If the children survived, it usually meant that they would live in an iron lung or be paralyzed, never to walk again freely. Some would be able to walk with the help of leg braces, but would not be able to run, ride a bike, or live a normal life as a child.
"I remember living in the hospital with polio in the iron lung for
warmth. It was scary. Only my head stuck out. A nurse
stayed with me during the day and my mom at night. The nurse took fluid out of
spine every day. I was so weak."

My mom talked to God when she was in the hospital. She prayed for better health. "Childish" prayers simply asking God to help her...to make her well.
When mom went home from the hospital, she couldn't walk. She was paralyzed from her neck to her toes. She couldn't feel anything. She couldn't feed herself. She was like that at least a year....Mom can't remember all of the details.

Mom prayed.

"God, please give me strength to walk again."

My mom's grandma and Aunt Emma would pray over her.

Shirley remembers having to relearn the easiest "baby milestones", crawling and pulling herself up. She remembers falling down a lot.

Shirley continued to pray . She made up her mind she wasn’t going to be paralyzed.

The nurses and doctors said there was no hope. They said she would need leg braces to be able to walk. They said she would never be able to ride her beloved biclycle again.

So, when the Springfield nurses drove the 2 hours to Streator to fit mom for braces....she was out riding her bicycle in the driveway.

My mom, very slowly, with the Hand of God leading her, learned how to walk again.

It was a MIRACLE.

Please visit Beth at a Mom's Life to read about more miracles.

The Emblem of the Helping Hand award created by Sojourner's Place as a symbol of help, support, and encouragement to up, and coming bloggers and appreciation, for those who mentor those new to the blogosphere.

Thank you dear Laurie Ann for passing this awad on to me. I am so blessed by Laurie's wisdom and love for the Lord. I am so glad to call her friend! You are a shining light for Christ, Laurie Ann!

I encourage everyone to visit Laurie Ann's blog. Her love for Jesus, compassion, and Godly wisdom shines through each post. I am so encouraged by Laurie's comments. She faithfully shares her insight and is so sweet. I am not so good about commenting back, so I really appreciate her CONTINUED support and encouragement. Laurie Ann truly shares her helping hand of encouragement and inspiration.


Here are the rules:

Select 10 bloggers: 5 you consider your blogging Helping Hand, then "Pay it Forward" by extending your "Helping Hand" to 5 additional bloggers, in support and encouragement for their efforts.

In passing on the Emblem, each recipient must provide the name of blog, or blog author with a link for others to visit. Each recipient must show the Emblem, and put the name and link to the blog that has given it to her or him. Link the Emblem to this post: Helping Hand: Much Obliged and Paying it Forward so that others will know it origin and impetus.

If you have not already done so, show your recipients some love by adding them to your blog roll, Technorati Favorite list, or in any other way to further let them know that their blog voice is important to you and being heard.

Add your name to The Helping Hand meme at my new blog entitled The Emblem of the Helping Hand and don't forget to leave a comment as a permanent record of all Helping Hand recipients.


I would like to pass on this award to some special ladies who have given me a special helping hand!

My dear friend Leigh who first introduced me to blogging Oct. 2007. I had NO idea what a "blog" was. She encouraged me to starting sharing my walk with Jesus in the blog world. Leigh is such a wonderful friend. I love her blog because she openly and honestly shares her heart.

I also want to thank my dear friend and mentor, Lori. Oh, how I can relate to Lori- we are "kindred spirits!" Lori is Proverbs 31 woman who shares such Godly insight and wisdom. Lori is caring and kind and truly loves the Body of Christ. She has a heart for the weary and a desire to encourage. Lori has also helped me with many "tech" computer questions. She is willing to help and takes the TIME to do so.

Another friend who not only encourages me with my walk with Jesus, but also takes time to HELP with blog questions is Amy Bayliss. I love her blog because she seeks out the unbelievers as well as Christians. She told me once that she blogs about secular topics (like American Idol) to draw women to her blog that might not otherwise come. What great wisdom! This dear Sister also cares about helping women in their blogs so much that she offers free tutorials.


Two other women I am also encouraged by are Kathryn and Gina. Wow! When I read these women's blogs, I was so inspired by their hearts for the Lord! They are both passionate, "real", honest and authentic and striving to live holy lives. They speak to my heart by living out romans 12:1-2. I love you both dearly! Please visit Kathryn's blog, Pure Wells and Gina's blog, Chats with an Old Lady!


Now for the bloggy sisters I would love to encourage:
Chelle! Oh, dear one! How I have seen you growing in wisdom and discernment as you continue to press in and seek Him. Bless you dear one! Please visit Chelle and share a word of encouragement with her.

I would also love to encourage Edie from Rich Gifts ! Edie does such wonderful work with scripture tags and beautiful artwork. Thank you, Edie for sharing your gifts with bloggyland. Your kindness and love for Jesus shines through all you do.

Finally, I would like to encourage some of my new bloggy friends. These women are all seeking to know Him more. How I pray such blessings on your relationship with the Lord as you continue to press in.

Lorna from I Whisper to God.

Slowly Dying to Self from My Heart Speaks
Penlighted- this sweet young woman is only 20, and has a heart for the Lord! Keep seeking Him, dear one!

What are YOU learning?

I would like to invite you to participate in a new meme on Fridays hosted by my dear Sister, Gina from "Chats with an Old Lady." Gina is challenging us to be in His Word on (hopefully) daily basis, come together, and share what God is teaching us through His Word. If you haven't been over to Gina's blog, please stop over ASAP. She is "Proverbs 31 woman," full of wisdom with a humble heart, seeking the Lord with all of her heart. She shares what she is learning openly and honestly. I am very excited about this new meme encouraging us to grow in His Word and share what He is teaching us.



I have been studying the book of Jonah and really enjoying it! I am on chapter 1, taking it very slowly and finding SO MUCH truth in each verse.



Jonah Flees From the LORD

1 The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me."
3 But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.
4 Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us, and we will not perish."
7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah.
8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?"
9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the land."
10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the LORD, because he had already told them so.)
11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?"
12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you."
13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried to the LORD, "O LORD, please do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, O LORD, have done as you pleased." 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the LORD, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to him.
17 But the LORD provided a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was inside the fish three days and three nights.




Boy, as I read about Jonah's rebellious heart, I see myself. God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh to "cry against it." Does Jonah obey? No! He rose up to flee to Tarshish- the opposite direction to Ninevah.



Oh, Lord, how many times when You tell me to do something do I do the opposite? How many times "do I flee from the presence of the Lord?"



Well, Jonah found a ship to take him to Tarshish, relaxed a bit, went down into the hold of the ship, and....FELL ASLEEP!



I blogged about this on Wednesday for Word-Filled Wednesday. Please take a moment to SCROLL DOWN to WFW to read about sleeping through the storm.....



When Jonah wakes up to find a storm raging around him, the crew cast lots to find out "on whose account this calamity has struck." Of course, the lot falls on Jonah.

Jonah confesses....and then takes responsibility for his sin.

He tells the crew to throw him overboard so that the sea will calm.

I love this part of Jonah's story. I love that although Jonah made many mistakes and rebelliously runs away from God, he takes responsibility and confesses his sin.

My prayer is I have a repentant heart, willing to confess my sin...willing to take responsiblility for my sin. May I say, "throw me into the sea!"

Other things I learned through this passage:

God wants to do great and mighty things through US. He tells Jonah to go to Ninevah, a great and wicked city. Jonah had the chance to be used in a great and mighty way by God- to help save a GREAT and WICKED city.

Oh, Lord, how I want to be used mightily by you!

I see that God CARES about disobedience. He "follows" Jonah and sends a storm to get Jonah's attention. God isn't content to turn his head and ignore Jonah's rebellion. (I wonder how often I get lazy and ignore my children's disobedience because it is easier.)

I also see that God is FORGIVING. He doesn't allow Jonah to drown, but sends a whale to swallow Jonah. He gives Jonah another chance to obey His command.

I love that Jonah is the whale 3 days. Jesus is in the tomb for 3 days. I love that the WHOLE bible, Old and New Testament, points to JESUS!

What is God teaching you through His Word? Won't you please comment and share. Or....maybe you would like to post about it. Either way, please visit have a "chat with an old lady" and visit Gina's blog for more on His wonderful Word!



Thankful Thursday


FORGIVENESS!

I am so thankful for God's forgiveness! Monday and Tuesday the kids had shortened days due the weather. Wednesday we had ANOTHER full snow day....

and by afternoon I had "lost it" with my middle schooler. (How does he know just what "buttons to push???")

Ugh. Yelled. Said words I regret. Ugh.

Thankfully, Andrew forgave me.

Thankfully, God forgives me.

Jesus forgave ALL of my sins....past, present, and future.

Thankfully, the blood of Jesus washes me clean. God's Word empowers me and His Spirit helps me to live it out.

I pray that "no unwholesome talk comes out of my mouth, only words that are used to build others up." (Ephesians 4:29)

I am thankful that I am "slow to speak, slow to get angry and quick to listen." (James 1:19)

AND, I am thankful for 2nd chances!

I have found that when I make mistakes, God gives me plenty of opportunities to try again. So...there's another snow day tomorrow!

Please visit Iris for more thankfulness.

Word-Filled Wednesday



Do you love to sleep? I do! In college, I would be one of the sad souls hanging out at the student union watching soaps and SLEEPING! I would go to the library to study.... and fall asleep! Even now, I love a good nap. And, put me in a car on a long road trip (as long as I'm NOT driving), and I will be snoozing before long.

When I was reading Jonah recently, something jumped out at me like never before. This is WHY I LOVE GOD'S WORD!!!!! IT IS ALIVE!! THE HOLY SPIRIT TEACHES SO MUCH THROUGH IT!!!

God had told Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell the people to repent. Jonah promptly went to....Tarshish! Jonah got on boat headed for the other side of the world. He probably thought he had run far enough away from God and decided to take a snooze. While he was sleeping, God sent a huge storm to get Jonah's attention. The storm is brutal and the men are panicking. They have begun to throw things overboard in hopes that the ship doesn't sink. The men have prayed to their various "gods," hoping one will calm the storm and the sea. The captain runs down below to have Jonah pray to his "god" only to find Jonah SLEEPING. He can't believe it! He yells to Jonah, "HOW CAN YOU SLEEP?"

When I read this, it pierced my heart! I wondered, how often do I "sleep" when God is trying to get my attention? And, does it take a STORM to wake me up and get me back on the right track of obedience? I DO NOT want to be caught sleeping like Jonah.

Oh, Lord, forgive my times of stubborn disobedience! Forgive me when you tell me to go to Nineveh and I head directly for Tarshish. May I not sleep through Your warnings. When You are trying to get my attention, I pray that I am aware. Help me to be sensitive to Your Holy Spirit.


What's on Your Mind '09- God in the Ordinary

Karen from Surviving Motherhood is hosting a blog carnival. The topic is seeing God in the ordinary day to day. Wow! There are so many times I see God's Hand in my life daily, how can I begin to share them? I believe when we seek God with all of our hearts, we will see Him in the ordinary. He is always there...His fingerprints are all over our lives. We just need to begin to slow down enough to see Him and BELIEVE!

Here is the info for you to ponder:

What's on Your Mind '09? is a new blog carnival which Shane at Heart Reflections began to challenge writers and encourage conversation. I am pleased to play hostess this week!So what's today's topic of conversation?


We have all heard from God when we read our Bibles, listened to sermons at church, or gone to Bible study, right? But is God limited to our “spiritual” activities? Or does He show Himself in the middle of our everyday activities, too? Share about a time when God spoke to your heart in the midst of the ordinary.

Here's my story:

Several years ago, I owned a children’s birthday party business, Party Pros, in which I planned creative, themed birthday parties. I would “do”the entire party- the invitations, goody bags, entertainment, and even an elaborate cake. I had a Pirate Party, a Dinosaur Party, a Little Mermaid Party, and the ever popular Cinderella Party.




This party was so cute! Lots of little girls dressed up, I did their hair and makeup, an invitation comes for the ball, the girls take a carriage ride, and we dance at the lovely ball. To make the girls into princesses, they make crowns and put on “gowns”- dresses cut from pink tablecloths. This party was every little girl’s “dream come true.”



Well, my business had gotten very popular and I had over extended what I could do. But, I loved doing these parties and could never turn down any parent's request. Summer months tended to be very busy, and one week I had a Thursday evening, Friday evening, and Saturday morning party scheduled.




As you can imagine, the planning and preparation is time consuming for these parties, and I had committed to too many parties so close together. So, on Friday evening, after I finished a Pirate Party, and was very tired, I began finishing the preparations for the very large Cinderella party I had planned for the next MORNING. At 11:00 PM, I began cutting 18 dresses for the little girls. After about 7 dresses, I ran out of pink tablecloth.



What was I going to do now? The pink gowns were a crucial part of the party. I knew Wal-Mart, which was open 24 hours, didn’t have pink tablecloth. The party stores where I usually found the pink tablecloth didn’t open the next morning until 10:00 and I had to be at the party for set up by 9:00.



The situation seemed hopeless. I cried out to the Lord, “God, I am so tired. I‘m so sorry- I confess, Lord, I procrastinated, and should have had this done before now. Please help me, God! I don’t know what to do! I really want the party to be perfect for this little girl. I want to do a good job for her. I know God that with You all things are possible. I trust You and know You will work this all out.”



I went to bed not knowing how God would help me, but feeling peace that He would. But, I still felt the need to control how God was going to help. So, I planned to leave early in the morning, stop at a drugstore on the way to the party to purchase ANY tablecloth, and arrive early enough to cut the remaining dresses. In my mind, I thought God’s plan would be to provide pink tablecloths at the drugstore, or some kind of tablecloth that wouldn’t disappoint the birthday girl. In the “natural,” I couldn’t see how God could help my predicament. I wasn’t expecting a miracle!



In the morning, I continued to pray. I stopped at the drugstore and purchased tablecloth, which was the ugliest floral I had ever seen. It was either the floral or black. Thinking ugly floral was better than nothing, I grabbed it and hurried off to the party.



I refused to lose faith, and continued to pray. I cried out again to God for his help. I said, “God, I have to give this to you! I know you will take care of me. I don’t know how, this seems so impossible.” In my mind, I thought God would help me cut the ugly floral tablecloths before the party began, and that the birthday girl and her mom wouldn’t be disappointed in them. I continued praying on the way to the party.



When I arrived, the mom was waiting at the door. She had an idea for the party and was hoping I would use it. This mother had been a dancer and had beautiful dance costumes that she had worn during her performances. She thought it would be very special if her daughter and her daughter’s friends would wear these costumes instead of my tablecloth gowns.



She had wanted to ask me since she booked the party, but didn’t want to offend me. Sheepishly, she asked, “Would you mind?” I was speechless.



But, this was a large party, and would there really be enough costumes for all 18 girls? Would she have THAT many? The mother and I began counting the dresses one by one and there were exactly 18 beautiful sequined glamorous gowns.



What an answered prayer- a miracle! I knew God was speaking directly to me, wooing me and whispering love songs in my ear. I have to tell you it was an awesome party and I wept and sang the whole way home. God took such care of me. He had given me the desires of my heart and saved me in such a way that I knew it could only have been him! I had limited God in my mind of what He could do, but He was so much bigger than any of my wildest dreams. Like God parting the Red Sea to reveal His glory, He had allowed the mother to delay requesting that I use her gowns so that I would understand the way His hand saved me. If I had planned on using them, I would not have heard His tender love song and seen the way He is willing to save me.



Please post your own example of God in the ordinary and stop over to Karen's to link it. Let's make 2009 a year of EXPECTING to see God in the ordinary and telling everyone about it!



I'm at Laced with Grace today...

For more on Brian's birthday, please visit me at Laced with Grace!

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Happy Birthday to the LOVE of my life!
This is my sweet husband, Brian. I love this picture of him holding Abby.
So strong, yet tender.
Gentle.
Sweet.
Brian is such a wonderful father and loving husband.
Honey, I treasure you. I pray such blessings on this special day.
This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and
be glad in it!

I love you!
Today I am doing some special things for Brian's birthday. I want to spend time with him, create surprises, make his day special.
And, then, I thought, why don't I have this attitude EVERY day with the ones I love? Shouldn't I want to make every day a great day for my family? I am enjoying planning special activities. Shouldn't I want to do the same things on a "normal" day?
My prayer for today is that I would joyfully, cheerfully desire to serve my family. That I would treat everyday like a birthday. That I would be excited to do nice things and BE nice to my husband and my children.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in
humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look
not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Thankful Thursday


Today Iris talks about being thankful for His precious Word. Oh, I too am SO thankful for His Word. I am so thankful that it offers wisdom, hope, promise, love.... I am thankful that His Word is NOT just words on page, but that it is ALIVE. I am thankful that He speaks through His Word. I am thankful that He guides me and encourages me through His Word.

I am also thankful for new beginnings (see At the Well and Don't Waste.. posts below).

Thank You, Lord, that You are a God of new beginnings. Thank You that Your mercy is new each morning. Thank You that when I am in a "funk" and haven't been seeking You with all my heart, that I can "start over." All I need to do is turn around and turn towards You. I find that You are right there waiting for me.

I am SO thankful, Lord for my small group bible study and all of the precious women. How wonderful that You bless us with friends/Sisters to encourage, sharpen, and challenge us!

What are you thankful for today? Won't you take a few minutes and "count your blessings?" Take a few minutes to ponder what you are thankful for. Then, stop over at Iris' to check out more thankfulness. Also, please visit Laced With Grace for a super giveaway!

Word-filled Wednesday

I will run and NOT grow weary


"....those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not grow faint."-Isaiah 40:31


I love these verses!
God has brought this passage to me THREE times this New Year. Lord, are you trying to tell me something? :)

Lord, may I never try to do things in my strength. May I instead HOPE in You, trusting in Your ways....totally surrendered. Thank You, Lord that You give me strength to finish the race You have marked out for me!
Please visit AmyDeanne for more Word-Filled Wednesday!







At the Well

Today, At the Well, LauraLee from LauraLee's Lifesong is hosting. She has us ponder the New Year. Here are her questions:

The New Year is a time for us to let go of the past and look forward to newness. Everyone thinks about that differently.

Answer any one of these questions, all the below, or just give your thoughts about the New Year.

1. What is your favorite "resolution" in the Bible?

2. Do you do a New Year's resolution? Why or why not? Does your family make a resolution together?

3. Usually a resolution comes as a result of regretting something you didn't do the year before. How do you let go of the regret and move forward?

4. (optional...only if you wish to share) Have you ever made a resolution inthe past that you didn't keep and wish you had?

Please take a few minutes to read LauraLee's post! It is beautiful.

Like LauraLee, I don't want to have a list of rules to follow/promises that I will break by Feburary! But, I love the idea that we get to "start over" each year....that we begin with a clean slate...a fresh start. I think this idea resonates with me because I NEED a new beginning.....

I love that God is a God of New Beginnings. I love that in Lamentations Jeremiah reminds us, "...I have hope. Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new each morning; great is Your faithfulness." And, Paul tells me that "I am a NEW creation in Christ. Even when I was DEAD, God has made me alive in Christ. I have taken off the old self, with its practices and put on the NEW self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (2 Corin. 5:17, Ephes. 2:5, Colos. 3:9-10)

I need to know that past mistakes and circumstances are wiped away and that God begins fresh and new. No matter how disappointed I have been with MYSELF, God sees me hidden in Christ, a NEW CREATURE, a NEW CREATION.

I am thankful for New Beginnings.

I pray many blessings for you and your family for 2009! I know God has amazing things in store for us. I am thankful that He allows me to share this journey with you. This morning I was pondering how great our God is from Isaiah...

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded?....

To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal: says the Holy One....

...Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all of these?

Who brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name.

Because of His great power and mighty strength not one of them is missing....

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth..."

And, I was reminded of WHO Jesus IS...

that He came to "open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness."

I am so thankful that Jesus opens my eyes and frees me from every prison- from worry, doubt, unforgiveness (especially towards myself), sin....

God says (Isaiah 42:8-9)

I am the LORD; that is my name!

I will not give glory to another or my praise to idols.

See the former things have taken place,

AND NEW THINGS I DECLARE...

Happy New Year!