Support Hickory Cove Bible Camp

I don't usually post things of this nature.....but I felt as if I had to.....

Hickory Cove Bible Camp has been host to our children's summer camp Camp Sonseeker for many years. Not only that, they have also hosted Youth camps, retreats, etc for our church family.

This is such a special place that is near & dear to our hearts. Hickory Cove accommodates our need for a weekend camp, and provides the facilities and anything else we need. I wish that I could write a check for the funds to help with their dining room. Our children fill that dining room to overflowing each year, and it would be wonderful to be able to help them raise the funds needed. Since, I can't write that check, I can spread the word about Hickory Cove and the Auction that has gone live.....

I know a couple of you that read my blog don't live in this area, so, if you could I would appreciate your prayers that God would work in a MIGHTY way and bless Hickory Cove Bible Camp as they have blessed us for years!

If you would like to check out Hickory Cove Bible Camp and this endeavor -  See this email from Hickory Cove -

Just a heads up that Hickory Cove's 3-day online auction has officially begun as of 10:00 AM EDT TODAY!

The 3-day online auction scheduled from Monday, March 17, 2014, at 10:00 AM EDT to Wednesday, March 19, 2014, at 10:00 PM EDT features select items from our upcoming 3/22 in-person silent auction. All proceeds go toward upgrading and expanding our 50+ year-old dining room so we can continue to feed our hungry campers for years and years to come.

To participate in the online auction, just go to http://www.32auctions.com/hickorycoveauction.

**IMPORTANT**
Highest bids from this online auction will serve as the starting bids for the same items at the in-person silent auction this Sat, 3/22 at Hickory Cove Bible Camp. So, if you're the highest bidder on an item when this online auction ends at 10PM EDT on Wed, 3/19, you'll win that item IF (and only if) no one outbids you at the 3/22 in-person silent auction.

What are the 2 ways to give yourself the best shot at winning an item you want from this online auction?

1. Bid high enough during this online auction so no one will outbid you at the online auction and at the in-person silent auction.
2. Join us this Sat, March 22 from 6-8pm at Hickory Cove for our in-person silent auction so you can make sure no one outbids you on these same items. We'll even give you some tasty BBQ, live bluegrass by Dixie Moon (Charlotte Music Award’s 2013 Bluegrass/Americana Band of the Year), and lots more unique auction items to bid on!

Please let us know if you have any questions. Otherwise, happy bidding!

 Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this and to pray! 

You Can Make A Difference

If you read this my post "I Hear an Echo" from the other day, this is sort of a continuation of that post. 

Yes, this is still echoing in my head, and my heart. I have been asking, "What is it Lord? Why does this continue to come up? I keep thinking, what is it that I am missing? How can I make a difference? It seems I am always, "doing something". So what is it. 

My husband and I have worked in Children's Ministry for a better part of 14 years. Over the years B has directed our children's summer camps and each year we meet with our counselors. One thing that I share with them year after year is the child that may drive you the craziest, is the one that needs you the most. We don't know what that child faces in his everyday life. Sad, but true. We hear, everyone is battling something. Well, children are no different. Except for the fact, they have a harder time fighting it. Another thing we share with our Ministry team is that we may never see the fruit of our labor, but there are those rare times that we see that we have made a difference in a child's life. Not all the children that have grown up in our ministry have stayed the course. Not all are faithful to the church or to God. But, there are others that you know "got it" as a young child, and we have seen them grow up physically and spiritually. Those rare ones that still seek the Lord are serving Him and walking with them. Oh, we would love to make a difference in ALL their lives, but that isn't always the case.

The Lord reminded me of how we make a difference in the here and now. We are not to worry about what happens tomorrow. We are to love those children, and to point them to Christ. Period. He will take care of the rest. He reminded me of this story.....

So, for now the answer to all my questions about, If not me, then who? If not now, then when?" is that I am to take each opportunity as it comes. Here I am wandering around, trying to figure out the BIG picture. It must be something BIG and GREAT that God is leading me to. But, for now that is not it at all. And that's ok. Because He is going to use me to make a difference, maybe not in the thousands., and certainly not to make this world a better place...but to make a difference for the here and now and to "make a difference for that one" that He placed before me.

We each have a purpose. God has ordained that. He chose us. In all this soul searching, I asked God to show me my purpose. He created me to praise Him. To glorify Him. Another answer came the other day when I made something my husband wanted. He said, "You take care of me don't ya?" As he hugged me, God nudged me...."there's your purpose".  I said, "Yes, I try, because, you are my purpose." Not only is my husband my purpose. But, my children as well. I tend to forget that they are my first ministry. So, you Mommas that think you don't have a purpose. God CHOSE you to be your child's mother. You... and He has a plan and a purpose for you in that. Everything else will flow from that ..... 

Do Something........anything 

Pray...send a card...call...encourage someone...support a ministry...volunteer...buy a pack of toilet paper, toothpaste, trash bags, etc and donate to a shelter...put someone else before yourself...God's word says to love one another....

so go.... love another...and

God will use you to make a difference! 

I Hear an Echo!

I have something that has been "echoing" in my head, in my heart, in my everyday.......

In a sermon a while back an evangelist, David Ring (has cerebral palsy), used a very compelling example in his message. He asked for help for a drink of water, he asked 7 times before anyone came to help him get a drink of water. I totally blew it. I never thought to get up to help him. I did think maybe my son (who was sitting on the front row), or maybe my husband, or, someone. But, when he began asking a few people, "Why didn't you help me?" And he told them, "You blew it!" 

How many times have I seen someone that needed help?
How many times have I thought, "someone should do something"?
How many times have I questioned why a thought or a burden is in my heart?

Why didn't I? Or Why don't I?

More times than not, I blew it... or better yet still blowing it.

In another message by Pastor Todd Good not long after that he said, "If not you, then who? If not now, when? Talk about a statement.... I don't have a clue what he said after that....because that stuck in my head..... I wrote it down over & over. 

How many times has God put something in my heart?
How many opportunities have I missed?
How many times did I think that's someone else's job?
I sometimes think:

• I could never do that....someone else would be better at that.
• I am scared. 
• That is out of my comfort zone. 
• I don't think God means me.
• What will people say? 
• I have enough to do. (just being honest here) 

When I laid my head down that night, I accepted the fact that I had to step up to a situation that has been haunting me for over two years. I have been praying about this for a long time and questioning God as to why it was taking so long...... Over the years, I have learned to pray over things instead of jumping headfirst into it... of course that is what we should do. I am afraid that I have taken that to the extreme at times.

After putting some thought and prayer to that thought. Many times I have prayed that He would use me, place opportunities in my path, to show me my purpose.....and then and there He showed me some things that He had placed before me. But, it wasn't something that I wanted to do, or it was inconvenient, maybe it came with sacrifice, or it was too hard,  scary, embarrassing, etc. Guilty of not doing what God placed in my path, who knows the number of blessings that I have missed. I have blown it more times than I even know!! 

OUCH! a hard pill to swallow.

Situation after situation over the past few months the words "If not you, then who?" have echoed in my head. I have shared it with a couple people, even when they questioned what  they should be doing. And those words come up A LOT!! 

Just last night I got a text that said, "Go NOW and watch" (the following video) pay attention to the chorus lyrics

Needless to say... there is an echo and now I believe it is on REPEAT!!

What have you been praying so hard about?? Do you think that God will change His mind about what He is showing you? Would you stop and pray about helping a child across the street? Would you pray about helping a single mother that needs food for her children right now? If someone has fallen would you help them up, or would you stop and pray about it, or see if someone else helps? Sometimes God places those opportunities at that very moment. The moment that we have prayed for.

Each of us has a purpose, and maybe you are waiting on God to show you the BIG GRAND PURPOSE you think He has for your life. While you are waiting on that just ......

DO SOMETHING!!

If not you, then who?

 

Happy Birthday Honey!!

I want to wish my wonderful husband a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I thank God for you every day!! You are my best friend, love of my life, the best Dad, an awesome "Pop", and so much more!!! You mean the world to me!! I am so thankful that God created you and that He made you for me. I know that God worked in our hearts as we were growing up to bring us together and bless our lives together.

I love you more!!!!!! :)

 

Friends: Carry Me

www.dictionary.com definition of

friend

1. a person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard.

2. a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter: friends of the Boston Symphony.

3. a person who is on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile: Who goes there? Friend or foe?

4. a member of the same nation, party, etc.

Doesn't that sound great... and wonderful?? Doesn't it make you feel special, lifted up, trusted?

Well... NOT ME... that is a terrible definition of friends. Ok... I get it, maybe, if its a casual acquaintance, someone that is not your enemy.... and I guess I could say that may fit some people in my life. 

BUT. NOT MY TRUE FRIENDS. 

My best friend in the world is my hubby. He is the person I can trust with my heart, my mind and my soul. He is God's gift to me and he completes me.

But, I am talking about true friends that I can share life, love, struggles, fears, etc. The friends,  I just didn't pick out of a crowd because they were like me, or they were popular, or beautiful. I am talking about the friends that God places in your life 

• to lift you up
• to pray for you
• to point you to Christ 
• to trust you 
• to share life with
• to carry you to Jesus....when you don't know if you can take another step
• and loves you even at your worst!

This week I was shown this story in scripture TWICE in one day (Sunday School & Sunday night service) so I would "get it" (cause I am slow like that :)

         Mark 2: 1-5 (KJV)

 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

The man that was sick of the palsy was brought to Jesus by his friends. They knew that Jesus could heal their friend. They didn't give up because there was a crowd. They didn't wait at the door for the crowd to leave. They took matters into their own hands, because they had FAITH knowing that Jesus would heal their friend. They did what they had to do to GET him to Jesus. And Jesus did heal their friend, "When Jesus saw their faith". This wasn't the faith of their friend they were carrying. It was the faith of them... the friends!!

Do you have friends that will carry you to Jesus, when you can't take another step? Do you have someone that will tell you the truth in love, whether you want to hear it or not? Do you have friends that point you to Christ and teach you things about Him? Some of you may know the type of friendship I am talking about. The friendship that you know in your heart, was God ordained. If you do, let them know how much you appreciate them, and let them know the importance of your friendship. Take time to spend with them and lift them to the Lord always!

 

Some of you may not have a friendship that I am writing about, but you really wish you did. Well, first of all ask the Lord to open doors for a friend or friends like this..... I will let you in on a little secret - before you can have friends like this....you have to be a friend like this. You have to open yourself up to others, trust where you haven't trusted before, and let someone in to those hard places in your life. You have to put them before yourself. Give more than you take. Listen more than you talk. Pray more and go to God's word before just giving your opinion when talking over issues or giving advice.

 

In this season of Thanksgiving, I want to thank my special circle of friends for carrying me to Jesus, when I can't carry myself. Loving me in spite of my failures. Holding me accountable in my walk with the Lord. Supporting me even when its tough. I am so thankful to the Lord for ordaining our friendship and for giving us each other to stand shoulder to shoulder with. Thank you for the prayers, the love and for being there anytime I need you! I love you girls!!

Thank you Lord for the blessing of true friends, ones that I know that you sent my way. Lord, bless them and their families, pour out your grace and mercy as they serve you. Give them a special touch. Help me not to take them for granted, but to take them to You.

Worship Wednesday - Need You Now

So thankful for a Savior that hears my cries for help, gives me strength to just keep breathing, holds me up, lifts my head and so much, so much more!

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.  Isaiah 41:10

Twenty-One Years!!

God gave me the wonderful gift of my awesome husband 21 years ago today! Last year I wrote this for our 20 years. Instead of re-writing all of that post...

I second it today!!

And I love him more today!

Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!

Worship Wednesday - Just Be Me

Oh Heavenly Father, I come to you today, the words of this song are exactly what I have been feeling yet have been unable to put to words. I am so thankful that even when the words won't come, you know the groaning of my heart. Lord, the main problem I see with the words is,  the word "I". I have been trying to do it all by myself, and I fail so many time to seek you in everything. I need to surrender it all to you and let You work in my life. I am tired, I am weary, and you are aware of my needs more than I. I am so thankful you love me, even in my mess. Lord, you know me, you know my heart, and I want you to help me,  just be me.....nothing more...... 

Thank you for your grace and your mercy that saved me! 

I Can Just Be Me   - Laura StoryI've been doing all that I can
To hold it all together
Piece by piece
I've been feeling like a failure
Trying to be braver
Than I could ever be
It's just not me

So be my healer
Be my comfort
Be my peace
‘Cause I can be broken
I can be needy
Lord, I need You now to be
Be my God
So I can just be me

I've been living like an orphan
Trying to belong here
But it's just not my home
I've been holding on so tightly
To all the things that I think
That satisfy my soul
But I'm letting go

So be my Father
My mighty Warrior
Be my King
‘Cause I can be scattered, frail, and shattered
Lord, I need You now to be
Be my God
So I can just be me

‘Cause I was lost in this dark world
Until I was finally found in you
So now I'm needing, desperately pleading
Oh Lord, be all to me

Be my Savior
Be my lifeline
Won't you be my everything
‘Cause I'm so tired of trying to be someone I was never meant to be
Be my God
Please be my God
Be my God
So I can just be me

Worship Wednesday - Enough

Once again months have gone by without posting at all.... This post is in Worship & Praise to the Lord! Once I get off the roller coaster called October, maybe I will post again. And maybe we can talk about the word ENOUGH. 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephesians 3:20

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 Philippians 4:19

Focusing on the one that Loves me with an Everlasting LOVE!!! 

Worship Wednesday: HE IS SOVEREIGN!

Have you ever waited patiently on the Lord?

Has He heard your cry?

Have you ever been in the mud and the mire?

Has He ever set your feet on a rock and gave you a firm place to stand?

Has He put a new song in your mouth?

I can answer yes to all the above.

I can also say that it has happened more than once.

I can say that I am not in a pit right now, but I will be honest and tell you that there are days that feel as if I am slipping.....

BUT NOT TODAY!! These words reminded me of where I have been on several occasions and that GOD never left me in that pit! Even though I am the one that is responsible for getting there in the first place, I PRAISE HIM that He didn't leave me there. When I had nowhere to look but to HIM, HE WAS THERE! And Praise HIM that HE IS CONSTANT!

So, if you are feeling as if you are in a pit, or you are slipping every so slowly, LOOK UP!! HE IS THERE! Be reminded today that HE loves you more that you know! He is CONSTANT! He will not forsake you, not for a moment!

Focus on HIM today instead of your circumstances, worship HIM....HE IS SOVEREIGN!

2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 4!

I need to confess something... confession is a good thing, RIGHT? I am not good at making decisions. What's for supper? What to wear? Where to go eat? I am terrible. And picking my SSMT verse can be hard for me too! When its time to pick another verse, sometimes I know what its going to be.... and other times I just can't decide!! I will see my friends verses, and think...ohhh, that's a good one. Ohhh, now I think I need to learn that one. In my heart, I know that I need to let the Lord show me what HE wants me to learn. And sometimes He has given me a list to choose from (then the DECISION???), but, most of the time it is one that He is using to speak to me. Another confession, I don't always like the one He is using. BUT GOD, always has a plan and today's verse is no different. 

Since the beginning of the year, God has been working on an area in my life. It has been a bed of roses very difficult at times, yet I have learned a lot  and am still learning some things. Not just about my selfish self, but how God is present in every area of my life. He gives me more grace than I could ever imagine giving to someone. I have a hard time giving myself some grace, let alone anyone else. 

Anytime that I do something that the Lord has led me to, I know very quickly, if I am really supposed to be doing it or not. If  its what God would have me to do, the enemy sticks his nose in my business and things get really messy, hard, tough, etc. Does the rascal show up when you are doing "as unto the Lord"? 

Well, I can tell you there have been days that I am fighting with every ounce of my being. Other days, I just want to throw in the towel. This week has been a struggle, there have been times that I didn't even like myself! This morning, a sweet friend, who has been an accountability sister since the beginning of the year, reminded me to "rebuke the enemy" so that he cannot get a foothold in my life. I sooo, needed those words today! Which brought me to scripture #4! 

What a great reminder that THE LORD doesn't need my help. He has got this. I just need to get out of the way. I look at different translations and I don't know about you, but the message got my attention (and cracked me up) this morning...

"God will fight the battle for you.

     And you? You keep your mouths shut!” Exodus 14:14

One more confession.... I have a HARD.TIME. with the keeping my mouth shut part!

Have a great weekend!

Worship Wednesday: JOY in the Morning!

When I woke this morning, I really, really, really wished it was Friday. It seems as if I have had a week! And it's just Wednesday. So waking to it being Wednesday, wasn't very joyful. In keeping with my "choosing to have joy" I began to think of the blessings in my life. I won't list them all... seriously I wouldn't have time this morning..... But thinking of those things did change my attitude a  bit!

On my way into work, the sun was shining brightly and the sky was amazing!!! Then this song came on....I said, "thank you Lord!! What JOY for my morning!!"  (I know I have shared it before) I turned up the volume and danced, sang and praised the Lord as I drove down the interstate. 

Those behind me and driving by me were probably thinking I had lost my mind..... but that's fine. I am a  "peculiar" person! You were dancin' too, weren't ya?? 

Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for this day! Thank you for the many blessings in my life. So many times I take for granted the fact you allow me to wake up, get out of bed, wake my sleepy head children, see my wonderful husband off to work, see my in laws when I drop Kea off (they are a HUGE blessing in our lives!) take Bub to school (which will only happen for a few more months :( he is turning 16!!!!) and then head to work. I know I complain about my job, but I am thankful that I have one, considering some people do not. Lord, I know I fail to thank you for so many things in my life.... Thank you for reminding me how blessed I am this morning!!!  

Linking up with these sweet ladies !!

Who Said It Would Be Easy?

 

Do your children listen the first time you ask them to do something or stop doing something? If so, you can stop reading because this probably won't be for you, you have it made and I am jealous happy for you :).  It depends on which child and what the situation is, as to how quickly mine obey. 

This week, God has been showing me some things, and they "ain't too pretty". What is really sad, is that He has been trying to get my attention for a while. And, obviously, I haven't listened. 

AT ALL.

But, this week, He has used something so different, and unusual in my life to open my eyes to some things that "I" need to do. 

So, I am no different than my children. Guess they deserve a little mercy, huh? See, I didn't listen the first time, or the countless other times that the Lord spoke to me, or in the different ways He has tried to get my attention. What He is showing me, convicting me of is NOT an easy road. And I am very aware that God doesn't call me to do easy. Nothing worth doing for the Lord never is.  I am so very thankful that HE never gives up on me, and that His mercies are NEW EVERY morning.

Thank you Lord, for your MERCY!! 

I cannot do this alone.... Lord, I need you now! 

2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 1!

2013 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 1!

This is the scripture I mentioned in my One Word post that stuck out like a neon sign. I had been praying about my word for 2013 and as I was trying to stay focused on the real reason for Christmas, At first I thought my word was going to be purpose, because it came up numerous times in a couple weeks and it got me to praying and seeking my purpose in some areas of my life. Then one night during our Children's Christmas play practice, a song (that I had heard no less than 100 times!!) in a child's voice that is so powerful, I just know the angels stopped to listen, gave me God bumps all over, placed the word hope on my heart. For days, I was singing that song when I woke up, when I was still, when I went to bed.... it put my perspective on the HOPE that was born to a lost and dying world that first Christmas night. I wrote about that here and here. So I began to think that maybe that was my word. But, I wanted the Lord to write my word on my heart so I decided to be still.

I am a huge Pinter*st addict follower, and I had been looking and looking at all the Christmas decor. Well, to be honest I am not the crafty one. Except in my mind. I have completed some projects. Of course none that I would post on my blog. Mine never turn out quite like the picture. Anyway, I saw this really awesome JOY sign and I thought, hmmm maybe??? I have been checking out a lot of re-purposed ideas as well. So, I had this great, wishful idea that I could find an old cabinet door and make my own JOY sign. Well, I have yet to find any cabinet doors, but God did lead me to find a piece of wood, I am thinking it was from an old desk or something at the local Habitat ReStore and it was only $3. A good deal considering, I didn't have a clue as to what I was about to do.

I actually finished the sign, not exactly as I had seen, but I liked it and that's all that really matters, right??  And sorry, this is the only picture I have of it. 

Thinking back now, I realize that God was giving me this word since the first day I saw the sign on Pinter*st. I was determined to make this sign, I painted those letters 4 times, the sign was by the steps and I saw it every time I went in the house. Christmas night I was a bit agitated over some events of that day and the fact that I had a task to do that I did not want to do. (I know you don't grumble at Christmas).... but I skip all the reasons. I was standing outside and looked over at the sign and this came to my mind -
 

Jesus

Others

You

I will tell you I didn't want to hear that at that moment. I was thinking and I may or may not have said it out loud. "Lord, I have been trying my best to put you first this Christmas, and the others, well I have put others first, but I am about done with that....I need You to take care of this situation  (go ahead, I know you are judging me right now) And quickly, He put me in my place. I know how terrible all that sounds, and my heart was definitely not full of joy at that moment.

The next few days every where I went, the word JOY came up, in a message, in a Sunday school lesson, it caught my eye everytime I walked in the door, on Christmas decorations, it was EVERYWHERE....yet I was still asking the Lord to comfirm my word was it Hope or Joy. (See, I am slow like that). I had read a devotion and Romans 15:13 was the verse..... at first I thought, oh there is hope again, and when I got to JOY it was BIG AND BOLD like a neon sign. Immediately, I knew God had been telling me JOY all along.

He had already shown me that JOY was something I needed to work on (on Christmas night). I want to be able to put Jesus first, others second and then myself. I am working on ways to do just that. I am even working on my children to be encouraging to one another. (A huge battle some days!) I know it all has to start with me. I must focus on HIM first and then think of others.

I am ready to start this year of JOY. I may not always like the lessons, but I know it will be worth it!
I want the God of hope to fill me with  all JOY! (did you read the all part??, think about it!)

Do you have a word for 2013? Do you have scripture to go with your word? If not, find one that fits with your word. For me it brings the word JOY alive and gives me much to think about and pray about.

I want to consider all joy!!



 

Jesus Our HOPE

 In my previous post, I wrote 

"HOPE that was born on Christmas. In Christ's birth God provided HOPE. Hope to a lost and dying world." 

Those words ring even more true today.

I haven't had words to write about the events of last Friday. Nor do I have them today. Many bloggers, did a day of silence, many shared there heart, many focused on the children, and many shared there HOPE in Christ. And I can only write of what I do know.....

Jesus was born to die for me.

Jesus is coming back to get me one day. 

He will never leave me nor forsake me. 

His promises are true. 

He heals the brokenhearted. 

He loves me with an everlasting love. 

I could write more about Him, because I know He has so much more for me. I have been reminded that I am to focus on the Lord and His promises and not on the evil in this world.

My hope is in the Lord!

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5

 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Lamentations 3:24

Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil. Jeremiah 17:17

I have seen the poem below a couple times. It warms my heart, renews and reinforces my hope. Hug your loved ones a little tighter and a little longer. May our Heavenly Father pour out His grace and mercy.

20 Beautiful Children 

‘twas 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air...
they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf , PA (my hometown)

Pray Without Ceasing

My heart has been heavy for the past couple of weeks. Some friends of ours that we have known for years, have a sweet 13 year old girl that has been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. This family knows the Lord is in control and that He is going to take care of her. 

Her name is Savannah, and she has already been such a blessing to me. Some of her facebook posts has read,

"OK...first of all i just want to thank my family for everything. They have stuck with me and stayed beside me! I have been at the doctor a lot lately. They did a CT scan and found a very large lymph node! They viewed it and they think that it is Lymphoma Cancer....:( No matter what I will keep walking the walk with God! They are not for sure though yet if it is cancer. I have a biopsy on Nov. 26. they said there is an 80% chance that it is Lymphoma. Just please if you would keep me and my family in your prayers."

"I have cancer but cancer don't have me....:)"

"Cancer is BIG.....GOD IS BIGGER:)"

Today's post (she begins treatment today) 

"OK. I'm ready for the fight God. I know that you will never put somebody into a situation that they cant handle!!:)! I got two thumbs up......but pray for me that God gives me strength to get through this long period. "In the multitude's. Of my anxieties within me your comfort delights my soul. Psalm 94:19" "

Oh the faith of this precious little girl!! God has a plan in all this. Her mother shared with me that she wished it was her and not Savannah. I think as parents, we all would feel this way. But, she also said this, God will get the glory from this. By using Savannah, He can touch more people through her than He ever could me. Lord, please give her Mom strength and hold her when she is broken.

Savannah loves the Lord, her faith is strong, she is outgoing, sweet, is a great athlete, she has played ball with and against so many girls and God will use this situation in her and her families lives to bring others to Him. He is already at work, she invited friends to a prayer service at her church (and the church was full!!). Our community is pulling together to support their family in so many ways. Their family is very special to us. Her older brother and Bub have been friends since Kindergarten and have played ball together for years. When we met them, I guess Savannah was 2 or 3. She also has two older sisters, two younger brothers and a younger sister.

When friends hurt, you hurt with them. I cannot imagine what they are facing, but God know exactly what they need, far and above anything financially or materially. Please pray for peace, comfort, strength, grace, love and healing for Savannah and her family. And pray for those that do not know the Lord, or live according to His word, may they see their need for our Lord and Savior through Savannah and her family.  

Pray without ceasing....... 

Thanks!

So Very Thankful!

I cannot believe this month is almost over!! Last year I posted Giving Thanks throughout the month of November. And as the one or two of you that visit me, you may have noticed that I didn't do it this year. 

This fall, our Bible Study was 

and during the very first week, God impressed upon me that I spend way too much time on my blog, blog stalking hopping, pin*eresting, facebo*k, & on & on. What it boiled down to, is that I spend way too much time on the computer and it robs me of what I always say I don't have enough of...

TIME! Hmph, at first I fought it a little, a lot and at the end of that very first week of homework. It was super clear to me. I allow the internet to ROB (yes, Women's Retreat ladies) me of precious time from the Lord, (yes, even when time is spent on blogs in search of what God is doing  in others lives), my family, my home, my job, my friends, etc. 

So, I haven't posted very often, and I have limited my time on the computer, no I haven't completely, shut it off. But, I can say that I have gone through a weekend or two without checking my email, or facebook, or pinning, or reading a blog post. I have found that I do have more time to spend with the Lord, with my family, and getting some things done that I seem to never have time to do. 

God is shown me some other things through this study, and I am working on that obedience thing. It seems that the same issue comes up in almost every Bible study I do. I struggle in this area, and I work on it, and then I find myself, right back at it again. Will you pray for me as I do want to get well??!!

If you haven't done this study, I highly recommend it, especially if you are struggling with priorities in your life. God can use it in such a way that you will come away, broken, humbled, and refreshed!

As to not get so lengthy in my post..... 

I wanted to say that I am very thankful for so many things in my life. God has blessed my life with His hand of mercy, and He has never failed me. I am so blessed. And I am so very thankful for not only the good, great things in my life, but for the hard, and the tough, and what seemed impossible. 

Twenty-five years ago today, I made a decision that rocked my world, robbed me of my stability, my independence, my sanity, and so much more. (I honestly don't know why I remember this date? Goodness, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday.) For almost two years, I stepped farther and farther from the Lord and little did I know it...... GOD WAS RIGHT THERE. 

In the midst of a terrible storm, He lifted me out of a pit of lies, that I allowed satan to drive me to.

BUT GOD intervened and became such a presence in my life. I love the BUT GOD stories in my life......because it is PROOF of answered prayers, long awaited news, that God has my best interest at heart, He uses evil for good. 

Which reminds me of another study, we did a few years ago...

Psalms of Ascent and the following Psalm became so very real to me and when I am weak and feel as if I can't take another step, He reminds me that He is all I need.

Psalm 124

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, now may Israel say;
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us:Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us: Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

So very thankful for what I went through and especially thankful that the Lord never gave up on me. 

 

In this month of Thanksgiving I GIVE PRAISE TO THE LORD THAT WAS ON MY SIDE!!!!

Twenty Years!!!

On November 1, 1992, I married my best friend. The person that I know God placed in my life to complete me. Now, I am as sure today, as I was back then, that he is the best part of me. The Lord worked in him and prepared him for me and we became one on that day. Oh... I took some detours along the way, and Praise HIM that He never gave up on me. On, many days, I do not feel worthy to have such a wonderful loving husband, yet, the Lord has blessed me. I cannot thank the Lord enough for having our paths to cross, for us to come together through HIS love and mercy.

Not only did I marry my best friend, I was blessed with a daughter on that day. I may not have given birth to her, but God placed her in my heart and gave me a love for her as if she were mine. I may not remember every thing that has happened in the past 20 years, but I do remember most everything about that day. I do remember that my heart was about to beat out of my chest as I walked that aisle, thinking I would never reach where he was standing. My Daddy had asked me to have my step-dad walk me down the aisle with him, I was so overwhelmed with the love and appreciation he had for him that he would have ask. B had no idea, I don't think. This happened just before the ceremony. But, the moment my hand was placed into B's I knew that God had given me a gift that He prepared just for me. Out of my 2 father's arms, I was given to a wonderful man. 

B is so loving and generous. He loves me... I know he must to have put up with me for 20 years!! God has blessed our lives with 3 more wonderful children.  Our oldest has a wonderful husband (they just celebrated 4 yrs!!) and they have a sweet little boy. We are now "Lolli"-"Pop" to him. Not only is B a wonderful husband, but he is the dad of all dads!! He is the best!! I know I may sound a bit biased, but I have the best husband and father to our children that I could ever ask for. Thank you Lord for 20 years!!! 

Twenty years is a long time when you think about it. And yes, we have had our ups and downs, our fusses and our make-ups, our bad and our good, and sometimes we just didn't know which way to turn. But, our God is a BIG GOD and He has been the glue that has bound us together. If God, isn't first in you and your spouse's lives, you need to work on that. Because the closer you get to God and the closer he gets to God, the closer  you become to one another. 

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life!! I love you! And I thank God for you!!! You are the best!!

Content ~ Fighting the Battle

We are right in the middle of the Bible study - No Other Gods  by Kelly Minter. God is showing me things throughout my day that are little "gods" in my life. One thing that I loved about our discussion on Monday, was battling lies with scripture. The enemy has placed so many lies and untruths in my life and I tend to dwell in the depth of a pit he wants me to wallow in. 

I want truth, don't you? 

And why wouldn't we want truth?

Truth is so much better than the deceitful ways of our enemy. He is at every turn, do not fall for the mess he throws at you. God has warned us in His word that the enemy is seeking to devour us, and our Heavenly Father has given us truth that He will never leave us, we are so much more than satan says we are. In order to battle the enemy we must STAND on HIS WORD and proclaim truth! Put on our whole armor every day, and when we slip out of part of our armor, the enemy will attack when we least expect it. 

On Monday morning, I was reading a devotion, and of course God placed it to confirm our lesson from Sunday School Sunday morning.  A side note read:

"This is war. You are right in the middle of it. And choosing sides is going to be an everyday battle."

Hmm, isn't this the truth??!!

In my yearlong quest to be content. God has shown me so much. There are things that He has shown me, that I seem to know.... yet, I struggle in some of those very areas. Some of them I have seemed to struggle for years in the same place. Other times, I thought I had gotten victory over them, only for them to resurface and then guilt sets in. Another part of being content, is realizing that I must remain prepared for battle. I must make choices based on God's Word. I must live my life as unto the Lord. I cannot fall for the enemy's attempts to choke me. I must be armed with God's Word at every turn. May I use His Word to encourage and help point others to Him. I know that God has more to show me about this Word He has given me for 2012, and as I learn what He wants may I use it for His Glory!!  

In some recent events, I have seen just how evil the enemy is, tearing families apart, filling minds with lies and deceit, corrupting lives at every turn and robbing us of more than we even know. As Christians we must know that we have the power within us to fight! And I know when I can't fight, the LORD will fight for me!!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and 

having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to 

quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:10-18