Worship Wednesday - Under His Wings

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: 

his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Psalm 91: 4

Father...you know my heart today. Our family has much to pray about this week. I am so thankful that you have us covered and under your wings we will trust your promises. I want to thank you for loving me, thank you for holding us close and for giving us victory in Jesus!!

Please pray.....
B's test results
Am's surgery
My Brother & his family in Venezuela 
Sis & school 
My mother 
and many other unspoken that the Lord knows all about.
Thanks :)  

(Visit Raising Future Esthers for the final days of God's love devotions - missed the rest of the month?? Go back to Feb 1 and begin - you will be blessed)

Prayers for Venezuela

My brother and his family are missionaries in Venezuela. And for those of you that don't know there is much political unrest in that country. He keeps in contact thru email, facebook and a blog on occasion. He has been asking for prayers for several weeks. 

The Lord woke me up very early yesterday morning with my brother on my heart. I began to pray for him and his family. We know very little of what is going on there, but we know that it isn't good. I read an article and someone said, "we are a very rich country, but we cannot buy a kilo of flour". Those words pierced my heart as well as reading about attacks on the innocent. 

I cannot imagine what it is like there. In my selfish, fleshly mind, I am thinking that boy just needs to pack up and get back to the states. I even sent him a message on Facebook that we were praying, as well as letting him know that he needed to get home. I tend to worry....I know those of you that really know me.... are thinking "tend"??? more like constantly. My mind does head to the bad and I can allow the enemy to come in and turn me upside down! Its a constant battle, but that story is for another time.

Not fifteen minutes later, B brings me my phone and its my baby brother!! (Isn't technology great?? its not even long distance!!) After getting my message he had to share with me what happened...or yet what didn't happen because of God's hand of protection. Assuring me that they are right where God wants them to be. Sharing Christ's love is why they are there. They are in the midst of people that practice Catholicism as well as worshiping 8-9 other gods all at the same time. Head over now to The Venezuelan Voice to read God's Timing is Perfect, my sister-in-law shares what my brother shared with me on the phone.

What faith! What love the Father has shown them and to those around them that they have been ministering to since they moved there in September. He was praising God for His protection, how He showed up and showed the lost that HE is God. My brother has such a peace about being right where he is. He is there to share Christ, and that is exactly what he intends to do. There is no safer place than being in the center of God's will. God's protection, provision. guidance, love, etc is what got them to Venezuela. He mentioned that they have about 3 weeks of food left, but he knows that God will supply all their needs. 

As I hung up the phone, I was putting chicken in my crock-pot. My heart was heavy. How selfish I am. How blessed I am. I can open my freezer and my pantry, get out food, and if I don't have what I want or need. I go five minutes from my house to the grocery store. 

I feel so unworthy. 

My faith is weak.

BUT, my Heavenly Father loves me unconditionally, even in my selfish state of mind. The Lord reminded me He is in control and He has a plan. I just need to trust Him in all the situations going on on Venezuela, as well as what is going on in my family. And most of all, I need to love Him with all my heart, mind and soul. 

Want to know more about God's Love - head over to Raising Future Esthers and check out Deidre's month of devotions.

Pray for my brother and his precious family. Pray for God's protection... provision of food. 

Pray for Venezuela. 

Be a blessing to someone today!!

 

Hasta Pronto!

No, I am not taking Spanish...

Nor, am I closing my blog.....

And no, I am not taking a trip,

or a vacation from blogging. (I know, I post so sporadically who would know the difference?)

Ready to roll... and FLY!!!

Today I find it a little hard to swallow, my eyes seem to leak when I think about it, (do you know its hard to type and wipe tears at the same time??) my thoughts and prayers today are with my brother and his family. If you don't know what is going on with them read here and here. And today is the day they leave for Language school in Costa Rica.  As a matter of fact Charity posted on Facebook a few minutes ago that they are on their way to the airport.... :( As a matter of fact as I finished typing this they are at the airport!!

Scott called me last night to to talk to me and thank God I was able to hold myself together! I just wanted to give him to give me another big hug!!  On a post from Sunday, he said this is not goodbye, just hasta pronto!!! Which means they will see us soon! They will be there for a year, and then they will go to Venezuela for three years. 

Friends praying as they leave! It looks like a heart!! Isn't that the sweetest??!!!

 WOW... this has been a long journey for them in preparation for this day. I am so proud of him. And their excitement and happiness is so contagious! They have more faith than anyone could possibly explain. To read their mission story go here (talk about encouraging!! ) 

At the airport!

I can remember when this strong, Godly father of 5 was just a baby. He learned to say, "Sissy" and I can remember when he walked right into my arms. He is 10 years younger than I am, so I was probably more of a "momma" figure than a sister. I can remember when he got his license, when he got married, when he moved to Raleigh. He was always so special in my eyes & my heart! He is amazing, and God has great plans for him. So excited to hear how God uses them!!

10 footlockers, 7 suitcases, 7 carry-ons and 7 backpacks!

 Dear Scott, 

No words can express my love for you and your faithful heart. You inspire me in ways you cannot understand. I know that there have been miles between us, and there will even be more now, but you will forever remain close to my heart. I love you, and I am so thankful that you are my brother, not only by blood, but in Christ as well. Stand firm in your calling. Let not the enemy defeat you. 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19 

Take care of you sweet family, give them all hugs and kisses for me. I cannot wait to see blog posts and Facebook posts (if even possible) and we look forward to Skype dates, lol! I pray that when you return for the short time before you leave for Venezuela, that my house can be really loud again!! 

Love you!! 

Hasta Pronto Hermanito!!

 

Content: Trusting Him

In my last post, I mentioned many things that are swirling around in my head, and how stressed I can allow all that to make me. Last night was Open House for Kea, needless to say, I was consumed with the situation we have with him. And by the time I left, I was in shut-down mode. I keep telling myself that I have to TRUST HIM, that He has it all under control. One day this week I got an email from DayS*ring with this

I immediately went there and got my printable and its on my bulletin board by my desk to remind me that I just need to Trust Him with this circumstance.  As well as any other circumstances that come my way. 

If you have read my blog for any length of time, you know that music and worship is a way that the Lord uses to speak to me. Rarely, does a week go by that I do not post a video. Today is no different, on my way to work this song came on, I love it, I have hinted to Bub that he needs to learn it. From time to time my past haunts me and I allow it to discourage me and it seems when I am in the midst of a struggle, I let my guard down and satan sneeks in and throws it back in my face. Instead of facing the the battle at hand, I allow him  to add past battles as well. So, I become even more discouraged. In my quest to find contentment with things and to focus more on the Lord instead of my circumstances, I had the radio turned up and this song was EXACTLY what I needed to hear this morning. So if you are in the midst of a struggle, if you beat yourself up over your past, have a regret as recent as yesterday, or you just need a reminder from Him today, take a moment and listen to the words, let them soak in and allow the Holy Spirit to work. Let Him whisper, "Child lift up your head".

Praise the Lord! I am not who I used to be! He is not done with me yet!! I am REDEEMED!!

Bittersweet Times

A few months ago, you may recall reading this, about my brother & his family being called as missionaries to Venezuela. The time is really close now, and God has put everything into place for them. They are very excited to take this next step in their journey. They will leave in September for Costa Rica for a year of language school.

Family and friends met for a Mission Celebration for them yesterday. There was lots of love, hugs, laughter and tears. I managed to hold mine back. How? God's grace, I suppose. But, as I write this my eyes seem to be leaking a bit. Odd??

I guess the reality of it all is hitting me. Some of us talked yesterday that part of us didn't want them to go, which of course is the selfish part. My dad said, "I am not selfish, I just don't want them to go." Hmmm, Dad really?? He is so matter of fact. And then there is the part that is so very proud of them and their obedience to the Lord. Some can't imagine why and how they can do this. I can..... their hearts are soooo big and they have such faith, God has brought them this far, and ONLY God can do what has been done in their lives.

What is so amazing to me, is their children are so excited for this as well. God has something wonderful in store for this family. I am so blessed to see what God can do within a family. Although, I think I will have to send care packages to my nieces and nephews, because some of the food my brother was talking about.... well, all I can say is peanut butter crackers, please!!

If you don't mind add the Smith Family to your prayers as they follow the Lord. If you have a chance stop by their blog  The Venezuelan Voice  and leave them a note of encouragement and maybe even a donation of support, I know they would appreciate it. I know they would love your prayers as take the next step in their journey.

Paw Bob with his Grandbabies  - (3 and the great are missing)

Dad with 5 of his 6 children (one in Navy not there)

Mimi & Paw

B & Sis missing their Sunday afternoon nap.

Some really "tuff" kids!! 

Isn't she the cutest??

My Dad & his sister...The best Aunt ever!!

Won't You Join Me??

I wasn't going to mention this on here. BUT I am.........

Soooooo....... I am going to just throw myself out there, just in case someone else may be lead to do this along with me and the umpteen (don't judge!) others out there in Cyberland that are participating.

I started an online study of A Confident Heart by Renee Swope on Monday.

How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises

I have NEVER participated in an online Bible Study, and I was a little concerned about it, but I thought, well if I am not able to keep up, no one will really know, and I can comment and no one will really know me.... 

Hmmmm how about that for confidence??? Think I need this study???

So, YES, I am doing a new thing.... the Lord has continually put this book before me. I have heard about it on 106.9 radio programs. I get Proverbs 31 Ministries email devotions and there was one by Renee Swope. And it came from this book!! 

Since I am confessing, I will tell you that when I am not in an organized study (remember, our Bible Study group just completed Believing God), I tend to flounder in my quiet time. I have several books, devotionals, yet, I don't dig into God's Word the way I do when I am in an organized study.

Which leads me to flounder from here to there. If you didn't know it already by reading some of my posts, I am sure that I have some form of ADD. To my really close friends, you do not have to agree so easily!!! 

So there I have CONFESSED and I am sharing this for two reasons:

1. Maybe you have doubts and insecurities that you face and you just don't think you are good enough, smart enough, pretty enough, knowledgeable enough & blah blah blah...... You may want to JUMP in quickly, IT'S just the 1st week!! You can catch up!! We are still in Chapter One!! DO IT WITH ME!!! You just need to get your book! I got mine at F*mily Christian and I got the last one....so you may want to call before you go there to see if more came in. They have ebook form too!!

2.And if you don't feel lead to be a part of it, call, text, comment, email me, or at least pray for me. I have struggled with doubt and the big WORRY for way too long and I know that its not going away over night. BUT GOD can help me through this study so that I can gain even more discernment and wisdom and ways to defeat the enemy's lies!!! Staying in His Word and focusing on HIM instead of my circumstances are crucial!!

Visit Renee Swope's for more info.

Hope to hear from you soon!!

So Proud of My Brother!

I have a younger brother that I need to brag on a little bit. I don't get to see him very much, and those times will be even less & less by summer's end. 

He and his family live a few hours away, and we are lucky that they can make time for us with the rest of their family when they come our way. He & his wife have five children and when they come for a visit, our crowd gets even louder if that's possible. If you even hear a distant rumble, its probably us getting together.

Part of the reason that I am so proud of him, is that he and his family have accepted a call from God to be missionaries in Venezuela. This has been a long time coming.They have spent a lot of time and energy sharing their passion for what God has brought to their lives. I can remember when he was just a teenager, so much wiser than his much older sister, he told me that God had told him he was going to be a missionary one day. I am not even sure if he remembers that conversation. But, I do. Part of me was thinking, how could he know that at such a young age? You have to know, at that time in my life, I was saved, and I had drifted very far from the Lord for a long time, yet, I had finally realized that what was missing in my life was a relationship with my Heavenly Father. I thought, one day, maybe I will be close enough to the Lord for him to speak to me and to use me. Through the years, I have watched him grow and serve the Lord, his wife and his children in so many ways. He has said so many times in his life, "I want what God wants for me".

They have such a desire to be in Venezuela that I know their hearts are already there. In the next few months they will take the next step in this journey. Makes part of me sad, but makes me bubble up with pride to see such love and obedience to the Lord. Many people may not understand the whys and the whats of such a calling. I just know that FAITH is the answer to all of those questions. They have put their lives in the Lord's hands and they trust him with ALL that's to come. HE IS ALL THEY NEED!

There are lots of details about how they were called and where they are now in this process. They have a blog, and she updates it as she has time. (not sure how she does it, with all the itinerating -traveling and raising support-, homeschooling the children ages 5-14, preparing to leave the states and dealing with life in general.) Check out their Mission Story at  The Venezuelan Voice as well as her latest blog post 16 Years of Togetherness.

If you don't mind add the Smith Family to your prayers as they follow the Lord. If you have a chance stop by their blog and leave them a note of encouragement and maybe even a donation of support, I know they would appreciate it. I know they would love your prayers as they come to the final months of preparation. 

Love you Scott, Charity and my wonderful nieces and nephews!!! I am soooo very proud of you and what you are doing!!!

This is for Bub.....

Hey Bub,

I know you are rolling your eyes and thinking, "Mom, really did you post this on your blog??" "You are crazy." Yes, I did. Yes, I am. I am crazy about YOU!!! God gave us you and even though there are days when I think you are trying to drive me crazy, I am still crazy about YOU!!! (and the reason I posted here, is so that you won't have to worry about losing your letter!!! lol and I can be reminded of God's answer to prayer!!)

I just wanted to let you know how very proud I am of you. In this world we live in there is "stuff" that steals our focus and our desires. There are people that pressure us. There are expectations from every angle. As your Mom, I expect a lot of things (sorry, that's just how I roll, lol). Dad and I have raised you as best we know how. We have made mistakes along the way, and we will still do our best to keep you on the right track. Yes, we will probably make more mistakes as we are full speed into your teen years. But, we pray that God will guide us in the way He would have us to go!

We have drilled things into you. We have supported you in things you want to do. We have pushed you into some things that you didn't really want to do ....all because God gave us a responsibility to raise you. Some parents don't take that as seriously as we do. Some don't beat themselves up when they mess up. Some do not give their children a Godly heritage or help them to figure out that God has a plan for their lives. 

The past few weeks have been tough for you. God chose, for whatever reason to put baseball and playing drums on hold for you as your thumb heals. I know that God has a lesson for you in this. I don't know what it is. God works differently in our lives. Trials come and we have to lean on Him to get us through it. His Word tells us there will be sufferings in this life, but He has overcome the world. He will always be there to see us through, or even carry us if & when we need Him to. We have wants and desires, but we have to realize, they need to be His wants and desires as well. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but its the Lord's purpose that prevails". Proverbs 19:21 And in everything we should do it as unto the Lord!

This plan was not yours, it was the Lord's and even though it has been hard, you are dealing with it pretty well. Take some time to thank Him for this trial, as I hope you will learn whatever it is that He is trying to teach you. It's easier to learn the lesson the first time, than to have to go back and go through another and another. I know. Just ask me what lessons God shows me over & over.... cause I can be pretty stubborn (you don't have to agree :) )

Not only, are we proud of you for hanging in there the past few weeks. We are proud of you for making good choices. That is a constant prayer, that you and your siblings will make good choices. Take responsibility to do the right thing. Do what the Lord would want you to do. Changing who you are rooming with in Florida, may not seem like a big deal. But, it is a very big deal to us. It shows you are standing up for yourself and for what you believe in. You are making good choices which is HUGE!! Peer pressure can be tough but staying away from possible trouble shows responsibility and an answer to prayer. The world is full of traps and satan is always seeking whom he may devour. You make me and your Daddy proud!!! 

Stand firm in your beliefs and do not allow others to bring you down! You are created by God and for His Glory! Never forget in whatever you do honor and give Him glory!

Love you Bub!!!

Mom

TRUST...whew, this is TOUGH

Not even sure what I want to say, I may just ramble but I have to post something. If not for anyone except me. So that I won't forget what God has shown me tonight. Finishing up Week 3 of One in A Million by Priscilla Shirer.

If you haven't done this study, you need to and please do it with someone that will keep you accountable. I have wanted to quit no less than 25 times. But, I know that I can't. I won't. But I want too. I know that this study is "for such a time as this" in my life. I thank God for placing it on Deidre's heart for our Fall Study. I also, have secretly decided numerous times that I should just end this friendship. Do you have that friend that just keeps you accountable no matter what? Sometimes, I (the flesh me) doesn't care to hear it. Even though its TRUTH.

Anyway, speaking of truth an exercise on Day 4, I just have to put it on here in case I lose my note card. 

Phil 4: 4, 6 &  8.

whatever is true.....

I am ~

unworthy ~ He is my REDEEMER, fear not for I have redeemed thee Isaiah 43:1

useless ~ I am a mother, wife, daughter, friend....He will never leave me

confused ~ "let me never be put to confusion" Psalm 71:1

defeated ~ God is my refuge & strength Psalm 46:1

depressed ~ the rivers shall not overflow me! Isaiah 43:2

discouraged~ He has a plan... Jeremiah 29:13

Now when I am feeling one of these on this list ... I need to fight it with TRUTH from God's word!!

(taken from One In A Million)

TRUST.....

HE IS GOD and I am NOT! Another truth... yes I know I am not God....but I can allow satan to tempt me with being a "little god". I need to learn to trust that God works on my behalf regardless of what I am facing. No matter what I should HONOR HIM.  I know that I will face trials in my life and I don't have to allow them to derail my relationship with HIM. He will make a way for me to experience HIS greatness.

Trusting God to work in my life in His ways not mine is what I am praying. His ways are HIGHER and He has so much more for me if I will TRUST HIM with all of me....not just the parts I don't think I can handle.

I need to do this

and stop struggling with many things that are keeping me from living the abundant life God has for me!

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Lord this is what I desire..... Please do it or something better!!!

Praying & expecting!

Piper :)