For the Master's Use

Time For Change

2009-05-15T23:02:00.002-04:00

Although the election is long-since over, it seems all we're hearing about... still... is how our new president is ushering in change. I realize that not everyone reading this will agree with me (there's always that "one"), but personally, the change I'm seeing isn't good. In fact, I find it most disturbing. Our once great, God-fearing nation has become a nation who serves many gods (emphasis on the "little g"). And although he doesn't come right out and say it, it seems our president even worships a different god... apparently, Allah. Otherwise, why would he go to great lengths to appease other religions (more specifically, the Islamic faith)? Why would he choose not to observe the National Day of Prayer, as other presidents before him have done? Why would he tell a Muslim country that America is not a Christian nation? I could go on and on, but I'd rather not, for the sake of getting my point for this article across in a timely manner.

With all the focus on "change", I thought it refreshing to look into God's Word and see some of the many lives that experienced "real" change. One such example is the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul... "Saul, the Persecutor of Christians". I'd say his life was probably the most changed, given the complete turn-around there. One day he's executing the persecution and capture of those early Christians; the next, he has a life-changing experience (as we refer to it in giving our own evangelistic testimonies), which totally transforms him from the man he was into the greatest missionary ever. I love reading of this change. In fact, the Apostle Paul IS 1 Corinthians 5:17!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Wouldn't it be great if our nation's leaders experienced such a change? Do you think we'd still be hearing of more and more laws being passed to abolish the Ten Commandments and other Biblical references from our government buildings? Do you think we'd still ban prayer and the Bible from our schools? Do you think we'd still be killing babies? Do you think we'd still be making the worship of other gods more accessible in public places, as well as in many corporate offices? Do you think we'd still be seeing homosexual behavior get the royal pat-on-the-back, while the Christians who stand up for "one man, one woman" in marriage get the royal cold shoulder? It's a travesty to think of how far we've come... on the downward slope.

Morals are nothing more than a joke today. It troubles me that despite what our country's forefathers accomplished and decreed, and envisioned for the future, we haven't remained true to it. I can remember growing up, and feeling the pride of being an American, while studying our country's history. I now shudder at what our children are heaving to learn in history class today.

Isn't there something we can do to stop this roller coaster ride to destruction? Isn't there a way to get back on the right track, before it's too late?

Well... yes, there is. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we find the answer. According to God's Word... "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

And that's exactly what each of us, as Christians, need to pray for each and every day... for our country (corporately and individually) to turn back to the God of its foundation, and repent of all our sins, forsaking other gods, choosing to follow the One, True God. That's what it's gonna take.

Have you ever gone on and read what happens if we refuse to do that?

The rest of that chapter tells us...

"But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the LORD done thus unto this land, and unto this house? And it shall be answered, Because they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: therefore hath he brought all this evil upon them."

The choice is simple. Do we want God's blessings? Or do we want to continue in this downward spiral? We MUST pray... fervently... for change. Not the kind "man" brings, but rather, the kind of change only God can bring... the kind He brought to the Apostle Paul. Remember, our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What He did then, He can still do today. THAT'S change we can believe in!

But we MUST pray. Amen!

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Lord, Keep That Fox Away!

2009-04-02T20:30:00.000-04:00

It never ceases to amaze me, the way God teaches us things, or sometimes reminds us of things, through the simple moments in our everyday lives. I catch myself quite often, pausing and reflecting upon (sometimes even chuckling at) lessons learned... and HOW I learned them. My pets are often the source of such instruction. In fact, just the other night, I was reminded of something so very important to me, through a routine I go through with my cat.

First of all, I should tell you that my cat, Abigail, acts as though she thinks she's a dog. She goes to the back door and cries to go outside when she has to go potty; then cries to come in again, after she's done. It's quite comical, at times. Most cats are either inside or outside breeds; seldom do you see one that is happy in both.

Anyway, considering the unfortunate problem we've had with foxes feasting on our chickens and guineas, I get nervous about letting Abby go outside after dark. I try to coax her into using her litterbox, instead; but usually, she continues begging until I finally give in and let her go outside. That's when I begin praying for her... for the Lord to keep her safe, and to keep the foxes at bay.

The other night, as I was praying for Abby's protection, I thought about how familiar my prayer sounded... not just because I had prayed it so many times before, but because it was in many ways the same prayer Mama used to pray for us (my younger brother and me), as we were growing up. I used to love listening to her prayers at bedtime. Though she was in her bedroom down the hall, I could still hear every word. And every night, she would pray for the Lord to keep us safe, to protect us from all harm, and to keep the enemy at bay. It gives me goose bumps, just thinking about Mama's prayers; and how remarkably similar my own prayers for Abby are, when she goes outside at night.

What's more... it reminds me that I need to be praying more fervently those same prayers for my niece and nephews. They're at the age now that's so crucial in their spiritual walks; they NEED the Lord's protection & blessings upon their lives. I can't afford to be slack in my prayer-time for them. In fact, the best gift I could ever give them is prayer. Just as Mama prayed for my brother and myself, all those years ago... for the Lord to protect and keep us; and to keep the enemy away... just as I now pray for Abby, for the Lord to protect and keep HER safe, and to keep the foxes from bringing her harm... I should be praying the same for these children, as well.

Ya know, the devil is often referred to as a "sly old fox". We sang a little song about that in Sunday School, when we were children. He hasn't changed, all these many years later. He's still sneaky and up to no good! And that's why it's so important that we be on the lookout for him, and be prepared for his attacks. I can't think of a better way to protect ourselves (and those we love) than by prayer.

The Lord has proven Himself faithful time and time again. Mama's prayers for our protection and safety have been answered, and are still being answered today. So I know I can place my trust in Him, for His continued faithfulness. What a blessing!

I'd like to encourage you to think about those children that might be important to you... be it your own children or grandchildren, your nieces or nephews, friends and neighbors... whomever they might be... think about them daily, and remember to pray for them, asking the Lord's blessings upon their lives; for His provision and watchcare over them. Pray that the Lord would keep them safe from the enemy (we all know who that is... none other than satan himself). Pray for their salvation. Pray that they'd grow in the knowledge and admonition of the Lord.

I've learned firsthand, God is still in the saving business. He is faithful to complete that which He started. He is not willing that any should perish. He's given us the opportunity (actually, it's a priviledge) to come boldly before His throne, and make known the petitions that weigh heavily upon our hearts.

Who is it that's weighing on YOUR heart? Have you been praying for them today? If not, now is a great time to start!

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Which Egg Are You?

2009-03-23T20:25:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago, I (along with a group of other ladies from our church) attended a Women’s Conference down at First Baptist Church of Surfside. We were very blessed by the hospitality shown to us by the ladies there, as well as by the pastor and deacons, who prepared and served dinner for us on that Friday evening. We met some wonderful new friends, and just had a great time of fellowship, which was the icing on the cake to this wonderful conference.

A very special blessing for us, though, was the speaker (Margaret Kay Tucker) who came all the way from Jacksonville , FL to be with us. We’ve known her for a number of years now, from the annual Pastor’s Conference in Jacksonville . Several of us have taken her seminars there, and have thoroughly enjoyed the “nuggets” she’s taught us in her classes.

But anyway, one of the things that makes Margaret such a dynamic speaker (besides the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in her, of course) is her ability to utilize ordinary, everyday things and make them into an object lesson for those who attend her sessions. We tend to remember those object lessons… the visuals that are used to teach us something spiritually. It reminds me of my childhood, and how our Children’s Church pastor taught in the same way. Through the years, I’ve forgotten all the many sermons I, as a child, heard in “big church”. But I’ve never forgotten those object lessons Preacher Red taught us. Anytime I see an object he once used to teach us with, I immediately remember the lesson from all those years ago. I believe the same is true of Margaret’s teaching.

One such lesson she used in this conference is perfect for sharing at this time of year, when eggs are already on many folks’ minds… in preparing Easter eggs, Easter baskets, etc. Although this particular lesson doesn’t hold an Easter message, it’s one that we could all do well to remember… and to examine our own spiritual walk by.

First of all, Margaret presented to us three eggs. They all looked the same, identical to the beholder. She held the first one up, but we could see no distinguishing markings or anything… nothing that would make it seem any different from the other two. But then she made a fist and the egg crumbled in her hand. It was empty inside. She went on to tell how a lot of “church-going folks” are like this egg. They do their best to make it to church… sometimes… like maybe at Easter or Christmas… maybe even on Mother’s Day… gotta make Mom happy on her special day, you know. They seem like really “good folks”. They don’t commit murder, nor rob banks. They do the soccer-mom thing, attend the PTA meetings at school, have neighborhood cookouts, etc. But despite all the things they fill their lives with, something’s still missing. Something’s missing on the inside. Their lives… their hearts… aren’t filled with JESUS.

Then Margaret holds up the second egg. Again, it looks no different than any other egg… no special markings or anything to make it stand out. It fits right in with all the others. But when Margaret taps it on the side of a bowl, the insides run out. It’s raw. She tells us how this, too, is like some church-goers… even church MEMBERS. There IS something on the inside (unlike the first egg), but it hasn’t fully developed… it hasn’t grown at all. It’s still very unsettled in many ways, without allowing the Holy Spirit to work in it and to bring about a transformation there.

Lastly, she holds up the final egg. And once again, it very much resembles the previous two. From looking at them all together, you couldn’t have distinguished them apart. “But this egg IS different”, she tells us, as she taps it against the back of the pew in front of her. Thankfully, its insides didn’t gush out all over the place. There was no mess to clean up, because this egg was hard-boiled. She tells us many church members, and many of us attending this conference, were like this egg. We’ve allowed Jesus to come into our hearts and to work on us, on the inside, bringing about this wonderful change in us. We’ve grown, spiritually, and it shows; especially when the things in life come against us. We’re solid now, so we don’t crumble with pressure. Nor are our insides oozy, because we didn’t allow the Lord to grow us from within.

After these brief illustrations, Margaret challenged us to ask ourselves the following two questions:

1. Which egg am I?
2. Which do I desire to be?

I don’t know about anyone else, but I can say for myself that I definitely want to be that third egg. I want to be solid in my walk with the Lord. I want to continuously feed upon and grow in His Word, never returning to the state I was before He came into my heart. I want Him to use me and to strengthen me, so that I may face whatever may come against me. I desire to be different… to be set apart from “the world”. I want to live my life for Him, not for myself, nor for any other.

How about you? Which egg are you right now? Which egg do you want to be?

It’s never too late to make a change… for with God, all things are possible.

I pray that as challenging as this little object lesson was to each of us, it will be equally so for you. Whenever you see an egg, ask yourself which kind of egg you’re being today.

God bless you!

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A Heart For Missions

2009-02-22T23:43:00.002-05:00

I’ve always been very missions-minded, being raised in a Christian home where we were taught the importance of missionaries and of going out and doing the Lord’s work… yes, even if it meant on foreign soil. In fact, my own cousin, Dr. J.B. Godfrey, and his wife, Linda, were missionaries in Senegal, Africa for 20-something years. So there again, we learned very early on that sometimes serving the Lord involved great sacrifice. We loved our cousins, and were so very excited to see them when they’d come home on furlough every 4 years. But we knew they were about the Lord’s business, so as best as I can remember, no one in the family ever begrudged them for the calling upon their lives.

Perhaps having a missionary-cousin sparked my interest in missions, and in supporting those who were called to carry the Gospel across continents. Perhaps hearing Mama’s prayers for J.B. and Linda, all those years, as I was growing up is what got me, personally, in the mind-set of praying for missionaries and their families, as they go about reaching and teaching others about Christ. In any case, I’m very thankful for the interest (and the burden) God has placed in my heart for missionaries. I enjoy reading books and articles about missions, especially those written by missionaries, themselves.

In fact, those closest to me know that my all-time favorite book ever (after the Bible, of course) is a book written by Missionary Gracia Burnham entitled, “In The Presence of My Enemies”, which gives a firsthand account of the horror she and her husband (Martin) endured, after being kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf (a terrorist group with ties to Osama Bin Laden), back in 2001. Their story was somewhat personal for me, in that I remember reading of their kidnapping in the newspaper, a day or so after it happened. I prayed for them, and kept checking the papers daily, anxiously anticipating reading of their release.

Unfortunately, I never read such an article, at least not in the way I had hoped. It was a full year later before a rescue team found them in the Philippine jungle, and embarked on a rescue mission to bring them back home. Sadly, Martin Burnham was shot during the exchange of gunfire between the terrorists and the AFP, and he died. (Sad for his wife and family, but a true “home-going” for him!)

I remember how I raced to get this book as soon as it came out (in 2003). My eyes were glued to it, from start to finish. And again, it only increased my love and admiration for missionaries. I make it a point to go back and re-read it once a year, just to keep my mind focused on the importance of furthering the Gospel, and of fervent prayer for those on the mission fields. I’ve just completed what I’m guessing is my 8^th or possibly my 9^th reading of this book, and I felt led to share it with you here today, so you can be blessed by it, as well. And hopefully, through it, you’ll also gain enormous respect for all those brothers and sisters in the faith, who are diligently serving in other parts of our world… with the sole purpose of sharing Jesus with the lost. I pray it ignites a fire within all who reads it, that each will be led to join in the cause… even if all you can do is pray. Prayer is essential, and we know that prayer indeed changes things.

If you have family members or friends who are serving in missions, please encourage them in the faith. Don’t try to “pull them back”; the enemy is already working hard at that, believe me. Just love them, be proud of them, pray for them, and let them know you support their life’s calling. It’ll make their being away from home so much easier, knowing they have your support.

If you don’t have a missionary on the field, perhaps you can “adopt” one… by sending correspondence, notes of encouragement, etc. to them, and if you’re financially able to help them, that would be a great blessing to them, as well. In most cases, they don’t have the amenities that you and I are able to enjoy here. And I assure you, they don’t use the money they receive frivolously. They use it as they see fit, given the immediate needs of the work they’re doing. Pray about what God would have you do. Whatever you are able to do, you will be rewarded above and beyond what you could ever imagine. God truly takes care of those who take care of His.

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Valentine's Challenge

2009-02-02T20:11:00.001-05:00

February has always been one of my favorite months of the year. Perhaps the fact that I was born in February has something to do with that. But then, too, another special day… and definitely more famous than my birthday could ever be… is Valentine’s Day. Even as a little girl, I LOVED this holiday.. The whole idea of exchanging valentines with all of my classmates, in essence saying, “Hey, I love that you’re my friend!” It seemed to make any and all grudges or hard feelings go away in an instant. To me, that was exciting… powerful, even!

Now that I’m not so little anymore, I STILL love this holiday… not just for the sweet valentine’s card I look forward to getting from my husband each year… but in longing for that same excitement and energy surrounding this special day. Unfortunately, things tend to get more complicated as we grow older. I don’t recall the last time I gave valentines to all my friends… nor me, from them. What’s wrong with us? I miss the way it used to be!

Ya know, we could all take a look into the past and uncover a great truth there. Did we only give cards to a select few? Or did we exchange them with everyone in our class? I’d say the latter was true… as was the rule… everyone got a card from each person in the class, period. No matter what.

Hmmm. Perhaps we should incorporate this rule into our adult lives. What if we gave “valentines”, or expressed kindness in some way, to everyone we cross paths with? Regardless of the condition of our relationship, whether great friends or even the kind who barely (or never) speak to one another, I believe if we put forth the effort, we could again stir up that childhood excitement of peace and unity.

Just think of the possible outcome… past hurts could be forgotten; broken hearts could be mended; relationships restored and renewed. Wow! I know in my own life, there are some relationships that could use this kind of “energy boost”. If we did it on a corporate level, what a wonderful example of spreading the love of Christ to everyone in our world!

Okay, you may be thinking I’m dreaming here, that this can’t possibly happen. I know it’s a bit out of the ordinary, but given the effect in grade-school, multiplied and worked into our lives today, I believe it is possible… if we do our part. But we have to see the vision, rather than seeing the impossible..

I believe Jesus had this vision. The Bible clearly tells us that we’re to love our neighbors as ourselves; we’re to love one another as Christ loved us; we’re to love our enemies… period. Whoa! It seems Jesus had a plan for us to live out and experience Valentine’s Day, all year long!

But what are we doing, to follow His leading? It has to begin somewhere. There’s no better time, than now, as we approach this holiday especially known for love and friendship, to spread Jesus’ love to all those around us, regardless of their prior standing with us.

I challenge everyone who reads this with the same challenge I present to myself… to reach out to all those in our own little world… and share a special kindness with them, as a token of Christ’s love in us. I’m certain we’ll all be the better for it!

God bless each of you and may you have a blessed Valentine’s Day!

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The Way To A Prosperous New Year

2009-01-03T23:04:00.002-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

For the start of this fresh new year, I wanted to share an article I wrote for the Christian Voice magazine, for this month. It's something the Lord laid upon my heart to write, for the purpose of helping others who've made (or are about to make) the same poor choices that I, myself, have made. My prayer is that it will be used for the glory of God. I'm already feeling that I did the right thing in sharing it, because the devil has fought tooth and nail since. He doesn't want folks to obtain freedom from the bondage of debt, nor from the snares he sets for us, so it's to be expected that he fights. But thankfully, at such times, God gives more grace, and therefore, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!

"The Way To A Prosperous New Year"

I suppose we’ve all had the same thing on our minds as of late. With so many companies “going under”, so many jobs having been lost, and the value of the dollar decreasing more and more everyday, we’ve all been concerned with our economic situation… more so now, than ever before in this generation.

The “good life” in which many of us have grown accustomed has in reality “spoiled” us. Honestly speaking, we must admit that it’s become a way of life for us to eat out more than two or three times per week. We’ve “busied” ourselves so much, that we feel we’re justified in blaming our wastefulness on TIME… or rather, the lack of it. I, for one, shamefully accept responsibility for doing so. Isn’t it funny how we sometimes end up peddling backwards in one area, to advance in another? But that isn’t God’s Will.

My husband and I have recently begun taking inventory of our own spending habits. I must say, he’s a lot better at it than I am. I’m continually learning that his “old standards” are proving to be more and more practical, regardless of the ribbing he receives for it (yes, even by me). Truly, I am amazed at just how wise my husband is, when it comes to financial matters. He’s worked hard and saved, all his life. He never knew much about “overspending”… that is, until he met me.

Society has taught us to laugh and joke about how the man goes to work and makes the money, while the wife goes to the mall and spends it. But society has failed to teach us how foolish it is to live by such standards. Perhaps there needs to be more said and taught about the importance of saving. Perhaps we’d all be better for it.

I’ve learned (the hard way) that all those trips to the mall (and to Wally World) add up. All those credit cards come with finance charges. Yet, we continue to spend and charge, as if living only for the moment. How foolish!

It would be a good thing for all of us to “get back to the basics”, regardless of our current economic condition. But for those of us who are now seriously concerned about it, it’s even more crucial. We need to focus our purchases on the things we NEED, and less on the things we WANT. There is a difference, as I’ve come to know.

As the New Year rolls in, I pray that each of us would be more mindful of what we do with all that God has so richly blessed us with. We’ll be doing a month-long study on Stewardship entitled, "God Is Able", in our Bible Study Fellowship classes at Grand Strand Baptist, throughout the month of January, and as I was thinking the other day, what a better way to really find the key in managing our finances, our time, and our talents!

What would God have us do differently in 2009, than we’ve done in 2008? When I ask myself that question, I’d be too ashamed to admit here my answers. But I can thankfully say that just as the Spring comes after the Winter, there’s always room for a fresh start, a new beginning… a new opportunity to do differently and to improve on what have been our weaknesses.

That’s the way it is with our God. He offers new beginnings. He gives second chances… and third… and fourth… and so on. His Word tells us that He never grows tired of our coming to Him and trusting Him to help us and to see us through. That’s what He so desires to do. When we’re in that intimate communion with Him and seek His guidance, all else will fall in place. I should say, “if” we then listen to Him. (Sometimes we aren’t so good at that part.)

But anyway, as we get into this new year, let it be just that… a NEW year. Remember that “…old things are passed away, behold all things are become new”. What a blessing! Seek God’s face in 2009 like you’ve never done before. He is faithful, and has promised that if we call upon Him, He will show us great and mighty things. I’m looking forward to making that my New Year’s resolution!

God bless you, and I pray that you will have a blessed and prosperous New Year!

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'Twould Be A Wonderful Christmas Gift

2008-12-12T22:57:00.002-05:00

It’s hard to believe it’s almost time for Christmas. Seems like just yesterday, I was out in the yard, enjoying my spring flowers, as I watched my precious little ones digging for worms. (For those who may not know, my “little ones” are my chickens. Yes, I know… I’m strange. But hey, some folks have children, I happen to have chickens. Nothing wrong with that.)

But anyway, where did the time go? I suppose we’ve all been so caught up with the news, that time just flew by us, as we listened to the strategies (and lies) during those last months of political campaigning. It seems some of us shared the same feeling of gloom, given the choice of candidates, once Mike Huckabee was no longer a contender. But then when John McCain announced his choice for running mate, we regained our momentum. We praised God for the principles this fresh new vice-presidential candidate brought to the table. She was pro-life, regardless. She had a vision to see our nation return to those godly values that we were founded upon. In longing for that same goal, I so wanted to see this team go into office.

But in His infinite wisdom, God has a different plan… one that will usher in the reign of the ultimate “Commander in Chief”. We know from reading His Word that certain things must come to pass before Jesus returns to call His bride home. As much as we despise the things that are happening around us… the violence, the drugs, the homosexuality and immoral behavior of all kinds… the silver lining within that cloud is that God’s Word is being fulfilled more and more each day, which means Christ is soon to come! Praise God!

We’ve just celebrated our annual “Jubilee by the Sea” at our church, in which this year’s theme was, “I Want To See Him”. Truer words have never been uttered, for indeed, we are longing, like never before, to see His blessed face. Psalm 17:15 says, “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Just to think that one day soon, we’re gonna see the One Who paid the price for our sin; we won’t have to endure the pain, nor sorrow of this sin-sick world any longer; we’ll be forever removed from this far-from-glory temporal home. I can hardly wait!

In fact, in reflecting upon my Christmas wish list (as someone was inquiring of me the other day), I can honestly say there’s only one thing I long for more, and that’s the salvation of all my family and friends who don’t know Christ personally. I believe lots of folks (family included) have the misconception that just because they “know of” or “know Who Jesus is”, that they “KNOW” Him. But that’s not the case. In knowing Christ, there has to be a point in which He is made Lord of our life. HE must be the One to whom we give our devotion and allegiance.

Matthew 6:24 tells us that, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

We can’t ride the fence. And that’s one of the biggest downfalls I’ve witnessed firsthand… yes, even within the church. Too many people present themselves as holy on Sunday, but then live completely opposite of that the rest of the week. We simply can’t do that! Whether it be immorality; the love and worship of money and material possessions… in doing so, we are making those things to be our god. And that goes against the very first commandment. (“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” – Exodus 20:3 )

In the words of Joshua, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve...”

How truly an excellent Christmas gift, if everyone we know could say, “but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Amen!!

This holy season, as we reflect on the birth of Jesus, if you don’t already know Him as your Lord and Savior, please settle it before it’s too late. We don’t have much time left. Things are coming to pass quicker than ever before, prophecies are being fulfilled all around us. The signs are truly everywhere! There’s no time to delay any longer. Please call upon the Lord and ask Him to forgive your sins, and to help you to live for Him. There are no eloquent words to memorize. It’s an honest prayer, asking Him to be Lord of your life.

And if you do make that decision, please call or go to someone and let them know of your decision. Perhaps you have a family member who has been praying for you for a number of years… if so, go to them, tell them you asked Jesus into your heart. As a believer, they will be excited to rejoice with you, together with the angels who will be rejoicing, as well. What a wonderful Christmas gift, you’d be giving them!

God bless you and may you have an abundantly blessed Christmas. I’ll see you in the clouds real soon!

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When Life Isn't Fair

2008-10-01T23:08:00.005-04:00

I’ve given much thought recently to how unfair life can be sometimes. I can tell you the reason for my thinking along those lines… it’s because I, perhaps like yourself, busy myself with serving the Lord and doing things in His Name; yet, seem to face more and more opposition in the process, and struggle with things that the “lost” don’t seem to be bothered by at all. I often find myself palms up, shaking my head in question… “Why??”

All around us are the little things, as well as the big, that would cause us to pose this question. I think the biggest reason of all is that the enemy wants to take our minds off Jesus and to break that close communion with the Saviour. Satan would love for us to just throw our big pity parties and have our royal sinking spells, wallowing foolishly in the muck of all our woes. If we do that, we’ll feel low and defeated, with the attitude of “It’s all about me.”, rather than “Here I am, Lord, do with me as You will.” It’s quite a strategy, I’ll give him that. It happens to all of us, at some point in our lives. (Some of us happen to be “hard learners”.)

I can remember a few short months back, when I lost 6 of my beloved chickens (yes, “chickens”) to at least one hungry fox. My world came to a halt as I poured every waking moment into searching for, and then mourning for them once I realized they were indeed gone. Though merely “yard birds” to some, they were important to me. I took good care of them. (I spoiled them, even.) We had our little routines, which brought much happiness to this heart of mine. As crazy as it might sound, I’d often sit and watch them in the yard, or out by the garden, and I’d just thank God for this special blessing. So then imagine my disappointment when God didn’t allow them to stay with me. I wasn’t “mad” at Him, but I sure didn’t understand how or why this had to be.

I recall, too, how we’ve battled snakes something awful this summer, after we bush-hogged around the property. As a result, we’ve had to kill many of them, upon finding them in the hen house or there around. Who knows how many eggs we lost to those ugly slimy creatures! I can tell you, we lost 3 sets of bird eggs (my husband is raising homing pigeons). No matter what “preventative” we’ve used, we always seemed to end up with another snake to deal with.

We were so excited when Patty the Pigeon determined she wasn’t gonna allow a snake to get her eggs anymore. She sat on that nest night and day. I don’t think she ever got off of it, even to eat. I witnessed the other two birds bringing food to her on several occasions, which was a sweet blessing to discover how God gives all His creatures the intuitive skills to take care of one another in such a time as this. (We could all take a lesson there!) Well, the eggs hatched and the 2 baby birdies grew. They were the cutest little things, and it seemed Pete & Patty were quite proud of the fact that they’d succeeded in keeping their bird family safe.

But one night as we came home from Bible Study, we found that a snake was in the bird house… he had eaten one of the little ones, and had already killed the other one… apparently getting ready to eat it, as well. What disappointment we felt! After all we’d been through, here we go again! Why??

Mama taught me at an early age not to question God. But in our humanity, we often find ourselves doing just that. Why, if we’re doing all we can do to serve Him, would He allow these bad things to happen? (And yes, I do realize these particular things are incomparably minute, given the burdens and heartaches others face… but these are just examples I’ve dealt with recently. I, in no way, intend to trivialize anyone’s hardships, by sharing these examples.)

I believe God gave us an answer for all our “why’s” in His Word. One verse that kept coming to my mind as I dealt with disappointment is Matthew 5:45… “…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Those words reminded me that good things happen to bad people and that yes, sometimes bad things happen to good people. Through this one verse, I was able to toughen up and deal with the fact that yes, things are often unfair. Foxes do kill pet chickens. Snakes do kill baby birds.

As I mentioned before, the more we try to serve the Lord, the harder satan will try to trip us up. He’ll use those things (and people) that we hold near and dear to our hearts, to try and turn our hearts against God. I think about Job, and all that he dealt with. God allowed trouble and heartache to come into his life…. for a reason. And praise God, Job didn’t waiver… despite the advice he received from family and friends. That’s the way I want my life to be… that despite all the obstacles I encounter, I will hold fast.

I’ve determined recently to make it a point, each time I’m drawn to ask of God, “Why??”, I’m gonna ask myself, instead, what Job’s wife asked him… “Dost thou still retain thine integrity?” That’s my own personal challenge, and I’d like to ask you to take that challenge, as well. Whenever you’re compelled to throw up your hands and scream, “Why is this happening to me?”, ask yourself, instead, “Am I still holding on to my integrity?” I promise, it’s a convicting question, one that will make you see things from a different perspective.

My prayer is that I (and you) would be like Job, whenever life seems unfair. He knew Who held his tomorrow, as should we. There's no need to worry and fret so, over things that might catch us off-guard and take us by surprise. Nothing is a surprise to God!

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An Interesting Look At G.W.

2008-09-18T21:15:00.002-04:00

"Global warming" is politics and always has been. In fact, 1850 was the coldest year in thousands of years, yet that is the year "scientists" use as the benchmark when proving their point.

Climate change is obviously happening, but there's never been a time in history when the climate wasn't changing. There's nothing in this world that doesn't change.

Also, with few exceptions, warmer temperatures has brought prosperity to the Earth. The first major civilization (Ancient Egyptians) prospered during a warm period, and suffered when the world cooled. The Roman Empire had the same thing happen to them.

Global warming is caused by the sun's activity. Every planet has warmed and cooled just as much as the Earth since we've had instruments measuring the temperature on the other planets in our solar system. Obviously, at the same time as us.

It is a fact that the Holy Bible predicted was going to happen. And now that it is starting to be fulfilled as stated by Scripture, people are coming up with all the scientific HOGWASH. (As will they also do when the Rapture takes place…. we’ll either be abducted by aliens, or we’ll spontaneously “combust”, or something.) That will be the “scientific” response. Personally, I choose to put my trust in God’s Word, than in mere scientists.

Rev. 16:9: “And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.”

Psalm 9:17: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”

Psalm 50:22: “Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.”

Yes, we most definitely need to take care of our planet. The Bible speaks clearly about how we are to manage and care for all that we’ve been given… all that we’ve been blessed with. We have failed miserably in much of that, I agree. And we do need to strive to show better stewardship, while we still can.

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Remembering 9-11

2008-09-11T22:54:00.001-04:00

I have vivid memories of September 11th, 2001. I was working in Atlanta, and had gone into work early that morning. I didn't get to see any news shows, which was unusual for me. (I like to keep up to speed on all that's going on in the world.) I thought nothing of it, however, especially having gone in so early. I assumed I'd catch up when I got off work later in the day. Little did I know what all I'd have to catch up on!

There was a guy who ran into our building, yelling something about there being a terrorist attack in New York, in which a plane had flown into a sky-scraper there. There were no TV's on the premises, so several of us began tuning into radio stations to see if what he said was true. And much to our dismay, we learned that he was right. But then it got worse. A second plane had flown into the other twin tower, and then we learned about the plane which had flown into the Pentagon.

There were announcements that all US flights had been cancelled, due to terrorist threats. Rumors were the only thing flying throughout the remainder of that dreadful day... we heard that terrorists had threatened some of the major jetports... one of them being the Atlanta airport, which was only a mile or so away from the jobsite I was on. I feared that what happened in New York might also happen there, near where I was.

I remember going to a Waffle House to grab some coffee, for the sole purpose of watching whatever footage I could "see". I had no idea, from only being able to "listen" to it on the radio prior to this, just how horrible these images would be. What I remember standing out the most, I think, was seeing people up in those towers, so fearful of burning up in the buildings, jumping out of windows to their deaths. Can you imagine how scared and hopeless they must've felt?

It's hard to believe it's been 7 years now, since that awful day. Our hearts are still tender when we pause to remember the number of lives lost that day. My prayer is that they all knew Jesus Christ as their Savior, prior to the moment they drew their last breath.

It was an everyday normal day... then all-of-a-sudden, everything changed. Life is like that. We are told in the Old Testament that life is like a vapor. We none know how long we have here on this earth. But whether it's a few years, a few decades, or half-a-century...... it is indeed but a vapor, compared to all of eternity. The question is, when this life here is over, where will we spend eternity? We must choose TODAY!

God bless our country... protect us from the evil that would seek to destroy us. Draw us back to the Godly principles upon which it was founded. Draw us each and every one to YOU.

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Standing Fast

2008-09-04T23:03:00.001-04:00

(As sent to a friend of mine, who was going through a struggle... maybe someone else can benefit from this, as well...)

Jeremiah was a prophet in the OT who was told by God early in his ministry that his preaching would be rejected by the people of Israel (Jer. 7:27-29). Undaunted, Jeremiah continued to fulfill God’s purpose for his life and ministry. He preached forth God’s message for portions of five decades, boldly confronting the last five kings of Israel and their spiritually rebellious people. And, in spite of death threats, physical deprivation, humiliation, and resistance to his message, Jeremiah preached for 40 years.

Many of Jeremiah’s prayers were prompted by the treachery and cruelty of his own people. To his surprise, the people of his hometown were plotting to kill him (Jer. 11:18-23). They were angered by his repeated predictions of doom. But what did he do? He stood fast and prayed! He asked God to judge righteously, and God honored that prayer.

Then Jeremiah prayed further… for relief. He was weary of the everyday battles. He was ready for some “down time”, when satan would leave him alone for awhile. He contrasted himself with the wicked, in essence, by praying, “God, You know me. You know my heart. You know I’m not like these people who talk about You with their mouth, yet have You far from their mind. Can you cut me a break here?” (Paraphrased, but see Jer. 12:2.) Simply put, in the tough times, he called upon his God for relief… as should we. But we can learn from Jeremiah’s experience here that throughout all of his trials, God was preparing him… strengthening him. God basically asked Jeremiah at one point, “If you think what you’re experiencing now is bad, what will you do when the battle gets even harder?”

When we, ourselves, experience weariness and battle-scars from our own “fights” and everyday struggles, we can know that it’s in these times God is molding us, shaping us into the strong serviceman He would have us be, in HIS army. That’s right… the fights aren’t “ours”… they’re HIS. We are soldiers in HIS army. Jeremiah wasn’t the only one who faced opposition in standing firm for Christ, despite what the “talk” around him was. We face that same struggle every day, as Christ followers. But isn’t it great to know we can call upon our God, as Jeremiah did, when we face those same trials and times of persecution?

Stand firm! Remember, God is faithful!

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Don't Believe Everything You See

2008-08-23T13:47:00.006-04:00

Someone sent me a couple of videos this morning, and after viewing them twice each, I must say... I AM LIVID! So much so, that I feel compelled to denounce them here, in hopes that all my friends and family will share my burden in defending this great man of God, and help spread the word that these videos are FALSE.

Please take a look at them, but before you do, please know that these videos were created purposely to distort Evangelist Billy Graham's words. They are obviously pieced together, undoubtedly by someone who would like to cause confusion in the body of Christ.

Believe me when I say, THEY ARE COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY FALSE, in regards to what this great soul-winning preacher believes and has preached for many, many years! His words, as spoken in these videos, were taken outrageously out of context, twisted and distorted to make people believe he is a liar. But as Christians, we should all know who the liar is... it's satan himself. And he's the one behind all of this.

Fellow believers, please beware... don't listen to this garbage and draw false conclusions about God's man. Instead, pray for those who would have us believe these heresies! May conviction fall upon their hearts for even attempting to go after Billy Graham in such a way!

God bless this wonderful soul-winning evangelist, and may his work be honored forever.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 5:10

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Seeing In The Rain

2008-08-12T23:53:00.000-04:00

On the way home from work today, I drove through a torrential downpour. It was much needed, after the extremely dry summer we've had. But I noticed something as I drove, as I met other cars on the road. I noticed how they all had their wipers on "high", while I didn't have to turn mine on at all.

Yes, it was raining on my side of the road, too. In fact, it was coming down pretty heavily. But I never once had to turn my wipers on, through the entire rainstorm. Why was that? Because my windshield was treated with a wonderful solution called Rain-X, which I also keep mixed in with my wiper fluid (but only use as a quick means of “washing” my windshield, as needed). As the rain hits the windshield, it just beads up and is blown back by the wind, and because of it, my vision is kept clear; thus, giving me no reason to have to turn on the wipers. I love it!

I watched car after car after car, as I drove towards home... their wipers running frantically. I guess I was hoping to see at least one other vehicle whose owner had come to realize what an ingenious product this stuff is. I was blown away by the apparent fact that not a single car on the road that day had been treated with Rain-X. Interesting!

But anyway, as I thought about this, it reminded me that when we, as Christians, keep our hearts filled with God’s Word, there’s no need for us to get all frantic and flustered in the midst of a storm. He gives us that protection within, to keep our vision clear and focused upon Him; and thus, able to withstand those torrential showers that life has a way of dumping all over us.

Whether it be a not-so-welcomed diagnosis from the doctor… the loss of a loved one… the betrayal of a close friend… financial difficulties… decisions that aren’t so easily made… no matter what the circumstance, the more we take in of God’s Word, filling our hearts and minds with His promises and the guidance therein, the more protected we are against the hardships in life.

We can all take a lesson from Peter, who in his moment of weakness, took his eyes off of Jesus, and then fell into the water. Rather than do what Peter did, we can keep our eyes on the Saviour, fully trusting in Him to keep us afloat in our own perilous situations. But we HAVE to be filled with His Word, in order to be protected and able to stand. It takes daily reading or hearing of the Word, and then meditating upon it. We have to “take it in”, not just simply reading over it.

I’m so thankful, that after several years of not “getting” that, I’m finally seeing and experiencing the joy of meditating upon God’s Word, and listening to Him speak to me, as I uncover more and more truths therein. I’ve found that the more I take in, the stronger I become; the better I can see through what once would’ve misguided me; the clearer and more I long to see of Him.

In all the years of mere “Bible-READING”, I never experienced that. So again, I stress the fact that it has to be “taken in”, in order to gear us and protect us in those torrential rainstorms.

Are you geared up? Is your heart filled with the only solution that truly makes a difference? Today would be a great day to do a fluid “check-up”. If you find that you’re running a bit low, it’s always a good time to add more. And one of the greatest blessings that I’ve found is that there’s no cap to how much you can take in… you can never add too much!

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Fireproof

2008-07-29T23:00:00.023-04:00

I'm very excited to tell you about this wonderful, wonderful movie I saw tonight... "Fireproof". I had seen the promo's on TBN about 3 weeks or so ago, in which Kirk Cameron told about this, his latest film.

It's another production of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. (The first being "Facing The Giants", a few years back.) I knew THAT in itself was enough to make me want to go see it. But then I was extremely disappointed to hear that the movie wouldn't be out until late September. (bummer!) :(

Isn't it just like our wonderful God, though, to grant us the desires of our heart? It was only a few days after seeing the promo's on TBN, that I got a card in the mail from Lifeway, inviting me to attend a free, private pre-screening of the movie, when it came to our area... which was tonight. So I didn't have to wait until September after all! Isn't God good!

Anyway, in the movie, Kirk Cameron plays Capt. Caleb Holt, a firefighter, who at work, lives by the old fireman's adage, "Never leave your partner behind". But at home, in the cooling embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules... filled with selfishness & inconsideration for his wife, and also struggles with internet pornography.

After 7 years of marriage, he and his wife have drifted so far apart, that they wish they had never gotten married. Neither one understands the pressures the other one faces. Regular arguments over jobs, finances, and household responsibilities have brought them to the point of calling it quits. And as they prepare to enter divorce proceedings, Caleb's father challenges his son to commit to a 40-day journey based on a book he calls "The Love Dare". The hand-written journal outlines one simple act of love to be offered each day, whether or not it is accepted. He agrees, and then begins to learn about unconditional love... first, the unconditional love of our Saviour; then the unconditional love we are to have for our spouse.

The scenes are both brutal and realistic as they portray the struggle to rebuild marital trust. One thing I feel makes this movie "relate-able" is that it doesn't sugarcoat the real-world conflict between couples who have drifted apart. It's REAL.

One of my most favorite scenes is when Caleb comes to the realization that his wife's rejection of him, despite all his attempts to show her that he loves her, is parallel to the way he has been rejecting Christ. Truly a touching, yet powerful demonstration shown, as Kirk's character then receives Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour! Well done, Sherwood Baptist!

My other favorite scene is when Catherine comes to the firehouse and emotionally tells Caleb that she is sorry, that she forgives him, and that she loves him. It's what he's been waiting so long to hear, which again, in my opinion, parallels that moment when we come to Christ for forgiveness. What a blessing to see it relayed this way! My prayer is that people will see this and finally "get it".

The trials Caleb faces in this 40-day journey remind me of the process that we ALL go through, spiritually. We are placed in the refiners fire... and the heat is turned up... WAY UP. But as much as it hurts, ultimately, it's well-worth it in the end. The Lord works it all for our good. And that's the case for Caleb and Catherine, here in this movie. Ultimately, it all works out for their good... the end result being far better than either of them ever could've imagined.

Unfortunately, Steve wasn't able to make it home in time to go with me (he was swamped at work), but our friends Shamus and Sheri were able to go. I don't know who enjoyed the movie more, them or me!

As much as I loved "Facing the Giants", that movie has nothing on this one! I highly recommend it to anyone... but especially to couples. No matter how old you are; no matter how long you've been married; no matter how good your marriage is... you've GOTTA see this movie! It will change your life!!!

Now I can't wait until September gets here, so I can see it again! :)

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News, Updates...

2008-07-29T01:26:00.001-04:00

Well, it's certainly been a busy couple of weeks! (Who am I kidding? It's busy ALL the time!)

But praise the Lord for His goodness and mercy, which follow me through all the days of my life! I'm so glad to know that even through these crazy, BUSY days... He is with me, and He will work it all for my good! :)

I want to say a special thank you to each and every one who has been (and is) praying for my Daddy. He's doing much better now. His ulcers seem to be okay... no evidence of bleeding at all, anymore. His blood pressure is still a bit low, but nothing at all like it has been. Atleast it's close to 100 now. But I do thank you for praying, and I ask that you continue to lift him up in your prayers... not just for his physical needs to be met, but most of all, for his spiritual needs. I would so love to see him draw nigh unto God, get back in church, and to just be "ON HOLY GHOST FIRE" for the Lord. Please continue praying!

While Daddy was in the hospital, we were having VBS at church. Pastor did a study for the adults on "The 7 Feast Days", which was wonderful. I'm so thankful I was able to attend... I had been looking forward to it a great deal. Daddy was in ICU; therefore, I could only go back and see him at certain times, so everything worked out perfectly, that I could attend the study, and still go visit Daddy afterwards. (Just another one of those "icing-on-the-cake" blessings.)

The home Bible studies have been going great, as well. We've been learning from the book of Matthew on Thursday nights at our friends, Derrick & Pam's house; and then studying Proverbs on Mondays or Tuesdays, here at home. Tonight, it was just Steve and I, along with our friend, Eddie. We were pretty deep into it, until around midnight. It was sooooo good! I can't help but think of the words to this song...

There's a sweet sweet Spirit in this place
And I know that it's the Spirit of the Lord

There are sweet expressions on each face
And I know that it's the presence of the Lord

Sweet Holy Spirit
Sweet heavenly dove
Stay right here with us
Filling us with your love
And for these blessings
We lift our hearts in praise
Without a doubt we'll know that we have been revived
When we shall leave this place

We're very thankful for how the Lord is at work. We've witnessed firsthand how He's been transforming lives right before our very eyes... including our own. What a blessing!

I'm excited about going to the pre-screening of the movie, "Fireproof", tomorrow night. I've been counting down the days. I do pray (and ask that you do, as well) that Steve will be able to get off work in time to go. Even if it means going back later, it would be such a worthwhile investment to do so, in order to attend this movie with me.

It isn't often that good, Godly movies make it to the big screen, not to mention one that deals with relationships... specifically, the marriage relationship. (Do you think the devil has a reason for that??) Uhhh.......... YEAH!

Kirk Cameron is in this movie. He plays a firefighter, Capt. Caleb Holt, whose job is rescuing others. But now he finds himself in the position of having to rescue his marriage. I'm sure this movie has MUCH to offer the younger and older couples alike, who may not even realize their marriage is under attack. (Remember, the devil is subtle... little things, little by little.) But knowing about the warnings in advance can keep us from going down the wrong paths in the future.

Well, I'm beginning to have a little trouble holding my eyes open, so I think I'll head on to bed for a few winks. 6:00 will be here before I know it... "time to feed the chickens."

Have a blessed week in Jesus!

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So Long, Cowboy!

2008-07-09T06:18:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday was our Youth Pastor (Andrew Wade)'s last day at Grand Strand. I wanted to make mention of it, and let Andy know how much we've enjoyed his presence here.... despite being shot at by him on a regular basis! (No worries, it was a nerf gun.)

Seriously, though, I think there are a lot of things people don't realize Andy had a hand in, nor a burden for, while serving as our Youth Pastor, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank him for all those "unseen things", in case they may have seemed unnoticed.

Andy has taken the Associate Pastor position of a new church being started in Conway (Mercy Baptist). He left Grand Strand under no ill-will; but simply, following the Lord's leading to another opportunity to utilize the talents and spiritual gifts he has been blessed with.

"Andy, we love you and we'll miss you around here. We wish you the very best in the new opportunities the Lord has placed before you. Keep in touch, and come back to visit us... often.
(You can leave the guns at home. LOL)

We'll be praying for you. Love you, man!"

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Cardboard Testimonies

2008-06-16T17:50:00.006-04:00

As you know, I work with an addictions program at my church every Friday night. One of the greatest blessings in it, for me, is seeing how our Heavenly Father can take someone with NO hope, and give them THE hope, and then witnessing firsthand the results stemming from their acceptance of Him. What a beautiful picture of God's grace!

But ya know, it's that same grace He showered each of us with, when WE became believers. We all have a story... an account... of how our lives have changed, since making Jesus our Lord and Saviour. We can all testify (hopefully) as to how He's shaped and molded us along the way, changing us into who He would have us be. Speaking for myself here, it's a continual work. I've often not been as pliable as I should have been (though I am striving to change that, daily). But nonetheless, He HAS made a difference in my life. I'm not the person I once was... Praise God!

If we could each have a turn to share what He's done in our lives, and reveal the many ways He's turned things around for us... and in us... there's just no way to know how our testimony might make a difference in someone else's life. That's the reason I do this... my blogging, and my MySpace page. It isn't about ME. As much as I love my my family, my friends, my church, and yes, even my chickens... it isn't about them, either. It's all about bringing God praise and glory for what He's done (and continually does) in my life. The Bible tells us to give Him praise in all things. So that's what I'm doing... here in my blog... and on MySpace. It's just another way to tell others that I love Jesus, and what He's done for me.

But getting back to the point, someone sent me a profound video today. It moved me to tears... so much so, that it took me a few moments to regain my composure. I thought it especially worthy of sharing here, so please do watch it. And remember, we all have PLENTY to give Him praise for. So be creative, and do so joyfully, despite the enemy's intentions of keeping you from it. God bless!

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The Good Fight of Faith

2008-06-10T23:24:00.004-04:00

Today was the big day for candidates in the primary elections. Some walked away with a smile of victory, at the completion of what seems like a hideously long and drawn out campaign. Others weren't showing their pearly whites, but instead donned grimaces and other signs of weariness, in their defeat.

These faces made me think of the Apostle Paul, and how he exhorted us, as Christians, to fight the good fight of faith, and to not grow weary in well-doing. Paul, himself, spoke of his own fight, and how he had kept the faith. We can only benefit from his example.

We all have "fights" that we endure. Whether they be literal disagreements with family and friends, the surprise bumps in the road that throw us off-course at times, or the spiritual snares that satan seeks to entrap us with... we all have our daily battles. (If you don't have one today, you've either just come through one, or you're getting ready to go into one.) It's a part of life... ESPECIALLY for the Christian! Though we obtain joy, hope, and peace in our life at salvation, we can expect to have our world turned upside down every so often! The question is, "How do we handle it, when it comes?"

Again, we can look at the life of the Apostle Paul, and learn from "the expert in trials and tribulations". Here, we see a man who, at one time received 39 stripes; was beaten 3 times with rods; was stoned once; was shipwrecked 3 times; spent a night and a day on the open sea (without a boat). In his journeys, he faced danger from floods; from robbers; from his own countrymen; from the heathen; in the city; in the wilderness; at sea; among false brethren...... despite his own weariness and pain; his hunger and thirst; his regular fasting; his cold and nakedness. And to top everything else, he still bore the burdens of all the churches (daily). I'd say we could learn ALOT from our dear brother, Paul!

I get convicted, just reading about all that he endured for the sake of the gospel. This same man who once persecuted believers... what a great man of God he became!!!

I share all of that to say this..... there are times when we feel like we're up against the whole world. There's "wrong" all throughout the camp; We're tired and battle-scarred from the many fires we fight daily; "Fairness" seems to be just a delusion; And just when we think it can't get any worse, the other shoe drops (Add another impending heart attack).

BUT...

We don't have to live in bondage to our battles. We don't have to make ourselves sick with worry, over the problems we face. We have the glorious opportunity (privilege) of going boldly unto the throne of grace. We can take all of our cares, and all of our petitions to Christ, and leave them there with Him. We know that He works all things for our good, so no matter how "crazy" and "unfair" life is, at times, we know that the end result will be in our best interest. That's NOT to say things will always line up perfectly with OUR will... He never promised us that. But whatever HIS WILL is, we can trust that it will be for our good.

I think about the elections yesterday, and also the presidential election coming up in about 5 months... it may turn out that "right" doesn't win... that "wrong" is exalted and applauded (it happens everyday). But regardless, if our hope and trust is in Jesus, we don't have to worry about it. We just need to keep our eyes focused on Him, and remember that HE is the One in control... no matter what the enemy would have us believe.

And the same is true in our other battles, as well. It does us absolutely no good whatsoever to kick and fuss, nor throw an old-fashioned hissy fit. In fact, it's been proven that when we do that, we only end up making things worse! So ultimately, it all boils down to our trusting the Lord to handle everything according to HIS perfect Will.

If there's anything troubling you, I pray you'll give it to the Lord... and let Him keep it. It's not His Will for you to be troubled (nor to be someone else's stumbling block). His desire is for each of us to be free from the bondage of anything and everything that isn't of Him. That's when we can truly have the smile of victory! Anything else is just counterfeit.

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What Does Your GPS Say?

2008-06-07T22:59:00.012-04:00

Steve was looking through one of the circulars that came in the mail this week, when he pointed out a great deal on a GPS navigation system. I agreed it was a pretty good price, and then walked away, busily going about whatever it was I had been doing.

As I continued, I thought more and more about that GPS system, and it occured to me how great it would be if people had their own built-in GPS systems, which told them they were lost and on their way to hell (those who aren't saved, of course).

Think about that for a second. We're always saying that the first step in leading someone to Christ is helping them see that they're lost. And it's true. Before anyone can come to Christ, they first have to realize their "location"... lost, without Him... and on their way to hell. However, it's been my experience that sometimes people just aren't willing to admit their failures/strongholds, nor are they the least bit interested in anyone else pointing them out. Perhaps it's a pride issue. Or perhaps they have a problem with being in submission to authority figures. So wouldn't a built-in GPS system be a useful tool in speeding the process along? It wouldn't be "our" telling them... but rather, it would be their own GPS telling them.

We already DO have something that does all this. But sadly, people all too often fail to "plug it in". They may have it sitting on their library shelf, or even on the coffee table (for folks to see and believe that they do). But when it comes to actually "using" it to find their present location in this world... much less to chart their future course... they just don't get it. And that's sad.

Why, if we have something available to us to help us in our journey, would we NOT utilize it to the fullest intent?? That's a good question... one in which we'll all be held accountable one day. My prayer is that we'll all realize what a precious gift we've been given, in God's Word, and that we'll TRULY use it to direct our paths in this life.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105

What does your GPS say to you today?

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We Have A Name!

2008-06-06T05:25:00.011-04:00

I'd like to say a special "thank you" to those who've taken the time to email me or leave me a comment here, with suggestions as to what I should call this new fiery-looking friend of mine. For anyone who doesn't know what I'm talking about, I wanted her (one of my new chickens) to have the perfect name... a flower name, somehow referencing her "flame-like" feathers, given her beautiful colors and markings.

Since I couldn't seem to come up with anything I liked on my own, I thought it would be fun to kind-of make a game or contest out of it. I received many wonderful suggestions, for which I'm very appreciative of each. I could tell you've really been searching, to help me come up with just the right name for her. (If only she knew how special she is!)

Well, after considering all the suggestions, I have made a decision.

(drum-roll please)

May I present to you...

Sunburst!

This is one of her name-sake flowers... it's a Dahlia Sunburst. I absolutely love it! See how the petals kinda resemble flames? Just beautiful!

This next one is a Sunburst Sunflower, which also bears the likeness of fire (in my opinion). It's another reason I chose the name "Sunburst". Isn't it gorgeous?

Again, thank you all for the suggestions. You came up with some great ones, no doubt. A special thank you to Taranda and Kim, who ultimately came up with the winning name.

I'll be posting more pics of Miss Sunburst, and the others, later on... might be tonight... or maybe tomorrow morning. Anyway, take care and may God bless you!

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Pulling Weeds

2008-06-04T04:59:00.014-04:00

It’s funny how almost every little thing reminds me of my chickens. No matter which way I turn, it seems, there’s always some special memory that comes to mind. One such memory sprang forth on Monday night, while I was pulling weeds from my flower bed. The chickens used to love getting into the flower bed, and at first, I was real quick to shoo them out. But then I noticed that they were only bothering the weeds… they never touched my plants nor flowers at all. So, of course, I let them do the “weeding” for me. I thanked the Lord for providing for their nutritional needs, and also for saving me from that much work. :)

However, now that those chickens are gone, and I’m too afraid to let my new flock out, I haven’t exactly been thanking God for the weeds, anymore. They’d come up, and I’d hoe… they’d come up, and I’d hoe. An endless cycle, indeed. Yet still, the Lord has blessed it.

As I was hoeing the other night, I noticed that there were a few “new” weeds, that had really taken root. They were stubborn, and I had to exert myself a bit, to get them ripped up. I remember thinking how glad I was to have a good, sharp hoe in hand, for a such a job as this. Had I just been pulling them up by hand, I probably wouldn’t have gotten them at the source.

Then I thought about how very similar this is to the sin in our lives. You see, it isn’t enough just to scrape the surface, in getting rid of it. We have to go deep and pull it up by the root, or else it’s just gonna continue growing, and pretty soon, we’ll begin to see more and more weeds popping up all around it. (Sin begets sin.) And it’s not something we can handle in our own flesh. We need God’s Word… a wonderful tool for going deep and attacking sin at its source. In fact, in Revelation 1:16, we read that it’s a sharp two-edged sword. There is no better “tool” for cleaning sin up at its roots!

I’ve been thinking about my life, and the things I’ve battled in recent months… my own stubborn strongholds. Not “big sins”, like murder or anything. (You know how we Baptists are, always labeling them “big sins” and “little sins”.) But even the “smallest” sins (or what might seem small to us) are still a disgrace to our Heavenly Father. In His eyes, sin is sin. There is no scale that measures one sin from another. Sin is sin. And that’s it.

Whether it be unforgiveness; harboring ill will towards someone; that “little white lie” that only you and the fencepost knows about... it’s all the same to God as if we had killed someone. There’s no difference in His eyes.

As convicting as that is, there is good news. All of those sins (regardless of what label we may choose to place on them) can be forgiven. If we’re a blood-bought child of God, we already know about how His blood washes away our sin. At salvation, we had to confess our sins to Him, and ask Him to forgive us. And He was faithful to do so! We have His Word on it! BUT…

When we commit “new sins” (yes, even those we might not easily classify as sin), we must also confess those to Him… and allow Him to take them from us… by the root. It may be a painful process, sometimes, but if we’re sincere about walking and talking with Him, and having that close relationship with Him, it’s something we must do.

How do we do this??

This is where the two-edged sword comes in. We need it to show us where our failures and shortcomings are, and to strengthen us (spiritually), so that we can live the life that Christ would have us live (by His example). We need it to guard our hearts and to prepare us for the spiritual battles that we face each day… on a personal level, in our families, in our workplace or school. And if you’ve watched the news at all lately, you should know that we, as a country, are in for quite a battle, as this presidential election draws near.

My, my, how we all need to rid our lives of all those stubborn strongholds! Again, we can’t do it in our own flesh. We need that two-edged sword to dig deep and grasp it at the root, so we can go forward in God’s army without that “baggage of sin” weighing us down. We can accomplish so much more for Him if we get rid of that dead weight!

Anyway, it never ceases to amaze me at how God chooses to reveal Himself to us, even in the most unusual of places. It was a two-fold blessing for me, in my flower bed the other night, in that He took my mind off my chickens (my missing them, I mean). But then, too, He reminded me of such a powerful truth. ( I love it when He does that!)

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great
and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3

I’m so thankful to Him for my salvation, and for the many blessings He’s poured into my life these past 11 years or so, since I came back to Him. I haven’t always made the best choices, nor done exactly as I should have. But each day is a new opportunity to live and do what’s right, according to His Will.

Be blessed! Have a wonderful day in Christ!

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A New Flock

2008-06-01T17:31:00.038-04:00

My husband, Steve, thought it a good idea to go ahead and replenish our hen house, MUCH to my disapproval. "It's just too soon," I insisted, "why don't we just wait a while, and in the meantime, we'll keep watching out for our beloved MIA's to return."

He was persistent, so yesterday I went with him to pick up the new flock, to combine with our 4 remaining hens. Granted, they're very beautiful... actually GORGEOUS... this new flock, consisting of 1 rooster and 10 hens. (Yea, I know... that's alot!) But despite their beauty, and my husband's well intentions, they're just NOT the same. They're not "trained" to do some of the things my others did... like come to me when I call, "Kitty, kitty, kitty." Nor do they respond to my talking to them in the same way my original group did. And what's worse, they don't get along very well with my 4 hens. I've broken up several fights already, and it's only been 24 hours or so.

My friend, Pam, has been encouraging me this past week by telling me she's praying for chicken mercies. Well, Lois definitely needs some chicken mercies about now! I want to get over the fact that they're "different" from MY chickens. I want to grow to love them, and to love them as much as I do my others. I suppose it'll take some time, and quite a bit of observation, to get to know them (and them, I), for us to have the same kind of bond I had with the others. So please pray that the Lord will bless the situation, and also for them to get along with Daisy, Lily, Dahlia, and Petunia.

I've already been working on names. I wanted to keep with the "flower" theme... minus the rooster, who was already named.
(Meet "Roscoe", by the way.)

He's a gorgeous fella, as you can see, but he's kind-of mean. We're gonna try to trim his spurs this week, because his previous owners warned us of his "attacks". (Oh joy!)

But anyway, I've come up with names for the girls, all except one. She's a beautiful creature, whose colors remind me of flames. (This photo doesn't do her justice.) I've never seen one quite like her, but I'm searching for a flower-name, that has something to do with fire or flames, given her flame-like feather features (say that 3 times really fast). This is where YOU come in. I'm asking for suggestions, and from those, I'll pick out one that best suits her. I did find a *fire flower*, which greatly resembles her markings. But I just don't like that name. So please leave me a comment with any and all of your suggestions. OK?

Well, I'd better run for now. I'm still praying for my other little ones to come home. Steve doesn't think they will, but I'm praying, regardless. What a happy day that will be, when they do!

"...Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee..."
Matthew 8:13

"...Believe ye that I am able to do this?
...According to your faith, be it unto you."
Matthew 9:28,29

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Sweet Blessings

2008-05-28T23:40:00.028-04:00

This evening at church, I was given a bag of "goodies", if you will. Inside were what my friend, Pam, referred to as "chicken cards" from the children in her 3rd grade classroom. Upon opening the bag and reading what these precious students wrote and drew inside these cards... well, my heart was just overwhelmed, to the point of tears. (Click on each picture to see detailed view.)

Pam had been telling her students about my chickens, ever since I first got them. She's told me how they often ask about the chickens, which of course, I thought was the sweetest thing in itself. :)

Well, since the news of my "chicken disaster" this week, they've kind-of made it their class project to research all about foxes, what they eat, how to catch them, etc. Then today, they made cards for me... to cheer me up, and to keep me from getting discouraged. I sooooo appreciate that... so much, in fact, that I wanted to do something special to thank them.

So I'm sharing some of these "chicken cards" with you here. Perhaps someone else needs to be encouraged today. If so, these cards are guaranteed to work. You can't look at them without being reminded of the Lord's faithfulness & goodness, even as we walk through the valleys. As the Whisnants sing, "Even in the valleys, God is good."

I want to thank my friend, Pam, and each of her precious students (3rd grade class at Ocean Bay Elementary) for caring about my broken heart, and for their wonderful acts of love and kindness. They truly touched my heart, and I know I'll be encouraged each and every time I look at these. (Thank you, guys! I love you, too!)

Please keep the prayers going up. I'm hoping and believing that those missing are safe, and that they'll turn up, once they FEEL safe again. Thank you all for your prayers!

May God bless you abundantly!

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Another Update

2008-05-28T15:15:00.006-04:00

Still no news on those still missing (2 roosters and 4 hens). I've searched and called, 'til I was almost hoarse, the past 2 days. But no more of them have returned. I'm thinking maybe(?) the other night when the foxes were in so much commotion, chasing after something all night long, they could've gotten them (or else scared them further into the woods).

Steve got back into town last night, I guess around 8:30 or so. Now that he's back, I feel it's safe to share on here about my being at home alone while all of this was going on. He had gone on a missions trip with our Pastor. I don't regret his going, but I'm so glad to have him back at home! It's been one more week! First, finding the dead raccoon at my back door steps (which I wasn't sure was dead... or sleeping... when I first found it). Then having to deal with the burial myself, which I still don't understand Animal Control's thinking on that one. And now this whole thing with my chickens. Like I said, it's been one more week!

Anyway, Steve and I went searching early this morning, and way behind our place is the old Sanders place, which Steve's Daddy bought some years ago. We seldom go back there. Steve & James usually have it bush-hogged, but for some reason, just haven't done it this year. It's grown up really bad. But there's an old barn (actually 2) back there, so I'm praying the chickens made it there to safety, and are roosting in the old barn(s) up high in the loft, maybe, where the foxes can't get to them. It's really shaded back in there, and with it being "run down", I'd say there's plenty of "food" for them to survive on... lots and lots of bugs and worms, and other creepy crawly insects that they enjoy. (Yuck!)

I'm praying that Steve and some other men will take 4 wheelers and our portable chicken cage back there, to see if they're there... and if so, bring them back home. And you can bet, I will NEVER EVER leave them unattended again, IF I even let them out at all!

Please keep praying for them. I'm claiming and believing the Lord has provided shelter somewhere back there, and that they are safe. I have to believe that!

I told Steve I didn't want anymore Christmas presents, nor birthday presents again... EVER... if I can just have my chickens back now. That will make me happy enough. Big change, coming from someone who said she didn't want to fool with them in the first place. (lesson in there)

By the way, we did catch a fox in one of the traps. It was a small one, but still, eventually it would do what it's Mama or Daddy has apparently done. A friend of ours took it, and said he'd take it out into a non-populated area and turn him loose. (No worries, we're not killing babies!)

Thanks for your prayers. I appreciate them more than you know.

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Update

2008-05-27T19:35:00.006-04:00

There's still no sign of the other chickens yet. Last night, I could hear the fox pups crying (not really a "bark"). I thought the traps must've worked, but when I drove down there and shined the flashlight on the one, it was empty. And the noise continued. It was on/off again for several hours. All I could do was pray. There was no way I could out there into the woods after dark. I don't even like doing it in the daytime (not alone, anyway). I'm too afraid of snakes and any other wild animals that might be residing out there. I guess you'd have to call it supernatural gumption, that I've been able to go out there so often these past 2 days... or rather, I suppose the most fitting term would be "LOVE".

I was just looking at my myspace page, which has the pics of the chickens on it (same as my blog), and the song was playing in the background (on my page), "Somebody's Praying Me Through". I couldn't help but think how fitting it was... 'cause I truly am praying them through... trying to, anyway.

I've been outside for the most part of the day. Everytime I come in for something, I keep thinking I hear the roosters crowing. I must be losing it, 'cause when I go running back out and listen, I don't hear a thing. It's like I get my hopes up, only to be let down again... and again... and again.

Of course, I should know it isn't possible for me to be hearing them crow, anyway. Colonel is gone, I'm sure of that. And Bingo doesn't crow very loudly. In fact, his crow is more like a "wanna be crow"... it's like he tries, but it won't come out right. It used to be so funny to me. I would just laugh at him when he'd do it, and then say, "It's okay, Bingo, you tried, didn't you, boy?". And he'd tilt his little head at me, like he always did while I was talking to him. Now I'd give anything to hear him again (for real). Then these tears of sorrow would quickly turn to tears of joy.

I was talking to Daisy, Lily, Dahlia, and Petunia earlier... and telling them how it's gonna be okay, that our buddies will be back soon. It's so sad to watch these 4 in there now... I was noticing today how they go around in circles, seemingly looking for the others. It just breaks my heart.

Speaking of those 4... I got 2 eggs today... one large and one small. That would be Daisy's & Lily's. It's good to know they're still laying, after all they've been through. I'm really surprised that they're laying now at all, because a few weeks ago, when I rearranged their "furniture" (that's what I choose to call their roosting shelves and nesting boxes inside the hen house), they were in such a turmoil over it, they didn't lay a single egg all day, the day after I did it. (I said then they MUST be baptist chickens... being that they don't seem to like change.) So anyway, for them to be laying NOW, after what they experienced Sunday evening... that's pretty good!

Well, I'm gonna go back out and see if I can "call them home". Again, I keep thinking about the message last night, how the sheep know their Shepherd's voice... and I'm hoping the chickens will hear and recognize MY voice, and will follow me on home. Of course, it will be dusk soon, so the foxes will be out again. Please keep praying... not so much for me, but for my little ones to be okay, and to come back safe & sound. Thank you!

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Long Day

2008-05-26T23:35:00.002-04:00

I just came in again. I've been outside all evening. I tried working on some things out in the yard, so I could keep an eye out for my babies, if they came back. Unfortunately, they didn't come back... or at least not yet. I've walked out into the woods so many times today. I must be going crazy, 'cause I keep thinking I hear them. I've had last night's message on my mind... about how the sheep know the voice of their Shepherd. I imagine the same could be said of my chickens... knowing MY voice, I mean. So everytime I think I hear them (and even when I don't), I'd walk out into the woods again, calling for them, hoping they'd know it was safe to come on out and follow me back home. Oh, how I wish that had happened!

I feel like everyone must think I'm the biggest idiot on the planet... first of all, for being so attached to "chickens".... then, too, for going off and leaving them out like that. But regardless of what anyone thinks... the fact is, it's true. I let this happen. It's all my fault.

My hens that I do still have (Daisy, Dahlia, Lily & Petunia) are still so traumatized... I've never seen them act this way before. Bless their hearts, I can only imagine the horror they witnessed yesterday. It kills me to think about how everything must've transpired. Oh, my poor babies!

I had grown so attached to Colonel... it's hard to believe he's gone. And it hurts so much to know that he suffered such a violent death. The "remnants" I found of him tell that story all too well. Bless his heart!

I didn't sleep very much last night, and I can tell it. I'm gonna try to get some sleep tonight.

Please keep praying for the chickens. I appreciate all your prayers.

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Chicken Update

2008-05-26T13:15:00.007-04:00

I just came in... I've been out in the woods, looking for my chickens. I got up at daybreak, and went out to feed & water, as usual... hoping to find that my 7 missing ones had come back to eat breakfast. It wasn't the case, however. :(

In fact, in my exploring, I found 2 huge piles of feathers... they were Colonel's... and you can tell it was quite a struggle. Bless his heart, I know I've lost him. There's a trail where the fox(es) took him through the ditch, back to the den.

I have cried, and cried, and cried. I try not to... and try my very best to even be "cold" about it... "They're just chickens", I try to force myself into thinking. But my heart doesn't agree with my reasoning. I am hurting so badly.

I spoke to Steve earlier, and he told me I needed to get out of the woods. So on my way back, I saw something move and it was a reddish/brownish color. I froze, 'cause I thought it was a fox and I didn't have my gun with me. But praise the Lord, it was Daisy!!! She began clucking at me, and I talked to her and shooed her all the way back to the pen. I'm so thankful the Lord answered prayer there and brought her safely back to me.

I've been searching for the others, but nothing. One of our church deacons came over (Steve called him) and was helping me search the woods. He also set 2 traps for the foxes. He said that now that they've had a taste (apparently), they'll be back for more. So I'm watching out very carefully for Abby (my cat), and for those chickens who might be returning.

Please continue to pray that they're just hiding out (like Daisy apparently was), and that they'll be home today. I'm praying for a miracle.

Thank you for your prayers. Not everyone understands, I know. But these are my children and I love them so much. Steve said we'll get more, but I don't want more. I want MINE.

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Urgent Prayer Needed

2008-05-25T23:17:00.001-04:00

I realize this request is somewhat odd, and may even be considered "frivolous" by some. But I firmly believe God grants us the desires of our heart, if we pray believing. So I'm asking you to join me in praying for my chickens. I came home from church tonight to find that they are all gone, except the 3 smallest ones. I got the big flashlight (more like a spot light), and then discovered several piles of feathers, all different colors, near the chicken coop. I've been frantically searching the edges of the woods, looking up in the trees... and anywhere else I thought they might be taking shelter... all to no avail. I've cried until my eyes hurt, and I've just come inside, hoping (praying) they'll show up, come morning.

I'm usually not so stupid in leaving them out, but it was only a couple of hours, I thought. When I fed them their "snack" before church this evening (I had to be at church a little early, so it was about 5:15 or so), one of them lunged at my feet. (I was wearing flip flops... and for some reason, they always do that, when I wear flip-flops. I think they might think my toes are berries or something, with the bright polish that's on them.) Anyway, it scared me, so I jumped back. And when I did, they all came running out of the fence.

I often let them out for about an hour or so before dark, and then they voluntarily return to the coop, right at dusk. I figured this would be one of those times, and that I'd come home to find them roosting safe & sound, in the coop.

But when I went out there to close the gate and secure it, I noticed 3 of the smaller hens on top of the fence. I tried to get them inside, but they wouldn't budge. They seemed far too skiddish, for some reason. Something told me to look in the hen house, so I did. I was horrified to find that there were none in there. So seven were missing!!!

Like I said, I discovered several piles of feathers, so I know something got after them, and apparently had them in a frenzy. My prayer is that that's ALL that happened... that nothing actually "caught" them and ate them. I'm praying they're just taking shelter somewhere until daylight. It breaks my heart to pieces to think that something could have happened to them. These are my "children", and I've sooooo enjoyed them, especially this past several weeks. It's so relaxing, and truly very special to me, being able to come home and watch them. As crazy as it sounds, I've come to know their different personalities. They really are like children, and for someone who said they didn't want anything to do with them, when Steve first mentioned getting them, I've sure done a complete turn-around. I've grown to love them, so again, I'm asking that you please pray that they're alright, and that they'll come home in the morning. I'll sure be up watching & waiting for them, when they do!

Thank you for your prayers. I will update you tomorrow on what transpires. Please be praying until then.

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Down On the Farm

2008-05-16T23:25:00.039-04:00

I just LOVE Spring! It's my absolute favorite time of year! The flowers are blooming, the trees are budding. Everything is green again.... coming back to life after the dreadful winter months. We get back out in the yard, sprucing up the flower beds, adding little touches of the beautiful colors of the season. And for some of us, we get our gardens planted. We did that several weeks ago, and thankfully, it's coming up nicely now.

We planted squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, ceyenne peppers, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, banana peppers (Can you tell we like peppers?), roma beans, speckled butterbeans, corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, and peanuts. Now that everything's planted, I absolutely LOVE watching it grow! I try to go out every day (or atleast every couple of days) to monitor... or rather, to "marvel" at how much they've grown since the last time I was out there.

This is the first time I've planted peanuts, so I'm tickled to pieces at what a "pretty" plant they are. I was so excited last weekend, when I saw that they were breaking the ground. Now, they're coming up rather quickly, thanks to some much-needed rain the good Lord sent us last weekend.

It never ceases to amaze me at how something as simple as "planting a garden" can tell the story of Jesus, if we look at it just right. Let me explain...

We all know about the death, burial, and resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Right? Well, my garden tells about all three. First of all, think about where a seed comes from. In all reality, that seed came from the "death" of that particular vegetable (or fruit), because once the vegetable or fruit was picked from the plant, there was no more "life" flowing in it; so therefore, it was "dead". (In this, I am reminded of Jesus' death. God's Word tells us that He bled and died for our sins.)

You can take that seed and "bury" it in the ground, where it remains for a certain amount of time. (This reminds me of Jesus' burial. His body was placed in a tomb, where it stayed until the 3rd day.)

Then, one day soon, the ground begins to break and there appears a sprout coming forth. It's a miracle! That "dead" seed we planted is now "alive" again! (To me, it's a reminder of how Jesus broke the chains of death, when He arose from the tomb.)

I get goose bumps, just thinking about my garden portraying the resurrection story, right before my eyes! What precious blessings God gives to us in the little things of life! Unfortunately, we often miss these blessings, because we don't take the time to see them with spiritual eyes. All too often, we choose only to see with our earthly eyes. That's an area in which we all need to be more watchful.

Anyway, like my garden, my "little darlings" are growing pretty fast, too! (That would be my chickens, for those who don't know.) The boys (Bingo and Colonel) are getting along, despite everyone's warnings about raising them together. And my girls (Oprah, Violet, Daisy, Rose, Lily, Dahlia, Petunia, and Pansy) are laying better than ever! We're averaging about 6 or 7 eggs per day now.

I so enjoy watching them, especially in the evenings, when I let them out for an hour or so before dusk. They each have their own unique personality, and it's sometimes hilarious, how they interact with one another... and other creatures of nature.

Take Abby, for instance. She somehow knows how much I love the garden, so she's stepped up to bat, taking on the role of *Garden Security*.
She faithfully patrols the rows, keeping the chickens away from our harvest-to-be. I didn't ask her to do it. She simply volunteered for the position. And the chickens "mind" her very well!

Speaking of the chickens' different personalities... Miss Rose seems to think she's an acrobat. She walks the tight-rope back and forth, over and over again. (Okay, so it's not really a tight-rope... it's actually a piece of galvanized conduit, that I placed in their "play-yard" for them to sit on. So far, Rose is the only one I've seen on it, and like I said, she doesn't SIT on it... she walks it... back and forth, over and over again. (I hope she isn't planning to leave me and join the circus!)

Steve built a really nice hen-house for them. I've "remodeled" it for them twice already, and Lord willing, I plan to do so again tomorrow. I look at other hen-houses online and if there's an improvement I can make for them, I want to try to do so. As the old saying goes... "If the ladies are happy, then we're ALL happy." LOL

Well, I suppose that's enough "news" for now. It's late and I need a few winks before a busy, busy day tomorrow (today, now).

God bless!

P.S. Here's a quick slideshow, so you can see each of my feathered friends. Aren't they sweet?

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Pondering The Good Ol' Days

2008-05-14T23:51:00.009-04:00

Do you sometimes get "homesick", and find yourself going through old photo albums, in an attempt to recapture some of your favorite childhood memories? Well, occasionally, I do just that... and when I do, I'm usually caught somewhere between being teary-eyed, and laughing until my insides hurt. But it's a good kind of pain... this reminiscing into the past. It brings to mind all those silly (and often embarrassing) moments, growing up.

I've done alot of "revisiting" lately to my old home church, back home in Spartanburg. My super-sweet eternal friend, Stephanie, has caught me up on the folks I spent much of my childhood with... my teachers, my girl friends, my one and only "crush" (who shall forever remain nameless). It's been great to hear how everyone's doing, what they've all been up to for the past 25 years or so. My, how time flies!

I've also been thinking alot about Mama, and of my little brother ("Buck") and me, as we were growing up. It amazes me to think of how little we had back then; yet, at the same time, how MUCH we had! Truly, things were a lot different in those days, before the world became so.... well, "worldly"!

It didn't cost a thing, other than some sacrificial time and energy, for us to do "family outings" together. I recall how we spent many a rainy afternoons on the front porch, playing a "match-the-number " game (home-made cards cut from empty cereal or tea boxes). Mama wouldn't dare let us have a deck of cards in the house, so that's how we played card games! That's a far contrast to the many gambling establishments and casino boats/hotels that are popping up all over the place now... not to mention the LOTTERY our state now sponsors!

Mama somehow got to be a DSS worker (AKA "the neighborhood babysitter"), despite her age and ill-health. All the kids would gather at our house, so it was expected that she'd have plenty of Kool-Aid on hand... and in return, she'd share a Bible Story with them, and we'd always invite them to church with us on Sunday. We didn't have to have a special occasion like "Friend Day" or a free meal to rustle up some friends to take to church with us. They came simply because we asked... anytime! (Oh, to have that again!)

I remember, too, how Mama also carried the title of "Family Doctor". Whenever we were sick or hurting, no matter what ailed us, she was always "on call", praying for us, first of all... then doctoring us up with much love, and whatever medicine we had, if needed. She seemed to always know just what to do to make it all better. (Nowadays, parents are so quick to rush their children to the doctor's office, where they end up paying a fortune, only to receive an antibiotic that doesn't work any longer, because their child's system has grown immune to it, due to taking so much of it.) If only parents would lay hands on their children and pray for them today, as Mama did for us back then! (I bet the crime rate would decrease tremendously, as a result, as well!)

I used to think we had it so hard, growing up. We didn't have nearly the things (or rather, the "material things") that other kids had. We were raised by our Grandmother, so there again, I felt (at the time) we were missing out on the "normal" parent/child relationship. Was there anything we had, of any value??

Of course, in the years since, I've come to understand what truly mattered most... and that we, indeed, DID possess it. We had a loving, mature, GODLY woman bring us up in the nuture and admonition of the Lord! She taught us about Jesus, raised us in church, taught us right from wrong. Granted, we didn't always do what she instructed us to do. And many of the things she warned us against... unfortunately, sometimes we didn't steer clear from them. But she did her part in providing what meant the most... and that was in paving our walk with the Lord.

This past Sunday being Mother's Day, I've had her on my mind so much more this week. Though it's been over 10 years now, I still miss her terribly sometimes. But I cherish the thought of her being with Jesus now, and if I know her, she's probably looking after my little ones up there in Heaven. What a sweet thought!

I look around, and see the disrespect, disobedience, out-right defiant attitudes and behavior of kids today... especially those who seem to "have everything". It seems it's the children who are ruling the parents, anymore. And it makes me wish I'd appreciated what I had back then, because even though it may have seemed that I was poor... I was richly blessed in many ways. I thank God for granting me this priviledge of being raised by my Godly grandmother. I don't know where I'd be today, had it not been for her prayers and loving care for me back then.

Anyway, as I mentioned earlier, I've been looking through some old photographs lately. I wanted to share a few of them with you. The expressions and hairstyles are hilarious, but they bring back some of my absolute favorite childhood memories... times when things were simple, before the burdens of modern life today. Enjoy!

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Spend Wisely

2008-04-10T07:34:00.006-04:00

I was intrigued by an interesting church-sign this evening. It read...

Life is like a coin. You can spend it however you wish. But the fact remains, you can only spend it once.

It seems I've been thinking ALOT lately about the years I spent away from the Lord. Or should I say, away from His Will. In doing so, I find that I'm all the more thankful for God's bountiful grace and mercy upon my life. There's absolutely nothing I did to deserve it. The fact is, I don't deserve it! Yet, He's poured out His goodness in more ways than I can even begin to mention here. That's for sure!

But the more I think about this church sign, the more I realize how very true its message is. We're each given this amazing gift called life. We only have one chance at it (here on earth). Yet, sadly, we waste so much of it! We "spend" it in all the wrong ways, in all the wrong places, and sometimes even with all the wrong people. That's my life in a nutshell... before I came back to the Lord.

Unfortunately, there are many who never realize their need of Christ in their life. They never come to the point of accepting His gift of salvation. They never enjoy the benefits of the Holy Spirit dwelling within their heart... that peace, joy, and love that can only come from Him. They never know the privilege of serving Jesus Christ, Who gave His life so they could live. They never share the blessings of fellowship with other believers.

What a sad, sad picture of how so many choose to "spend" their lives!

As I said earlier, that was my life... before I came back to the Lord. I was living life the way I wanted to live it. I gave no thought nor care for how He wanted me to live.

But even so, once I realized the error of my way and repented, He was ready and willing to wipe the slate clean. He forgave me, and He never brought my past up again... ever.

My favorite verse of Scripture is 2 Corinthians 5:17, which affirms the truth of what He did for me...

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things passed away; behold, all things are become new."

So you see, while the message on the church sign is accurate, on an earthly perspective... I'm so thankful it's a completely different story, spiritually. No matter how we "spend" our lives, nor how much of it we "waste", He's always there... ready and willing to forgive us and to wipe the slate clean. We have His Word on it!

Don't ever think that you, or someone you love, is a "lost cause". There's no such thing in God's eyes. He died for each and every one of us, all the same. No matter what we've done, nor where we've been. The only thing He's concerned about is where we're going. He wants us to come to Him. He's made it possible. All we have to do is believe... in Him... Who He is... what He did... and why.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life." - John 3:16

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." - Romans 10:9,10

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It's All About Forgiveness

2008-04-03T12:01:00.003-04:00

Some of you already know that I was adopted by my grandmother (a wonderful Godly woman), who was "Mama" to my little brother and me. I didn’t have a relationship with my birth-mom until I was practically grown, and even then... up to now, even, it’s been the same ol’ same ol’, as in my entire childhood. She might want to be "Mom" today, but then decide not to be, the next day. It’s rediculous, I know, and there has been much, much pain involved, because of it. I forgive and try to forget, yet history repeats itself over and over again.

The same was true again yesterday. When I called my aunt to check on my uncle, who is in the hospital, on life-support (he is my birth-mom’s brother), I was told she was there at the hospital, so I asked to speak with her. My aunt tried to get her to the phone, but she refused. Like I said, history repeats itself.

The ironic thing is that her birthday is this coming Saturday, and I had just mailed her a card. It hadn’t had time to get there yet, of course, but in it, I simply told her that I loved her, and that I was praying for her.

For many years, I’ve caught alot of slack from people who say I shouldn’t have anything at all to do with her. But I don’t believe that’s the way I need to be towards her. My Bible teaches me that we are to bless those who hurt us (Luke 6:28). We are to love our enemies (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27,35). We are to forgive (Matt. 6:14,15; 18:35; Mark 11:25,26; Luke 6:37).

In all honesty, isn’t that what Christ did for us? Before we were saved, we weren’t His children. We weren’t considered "friends of God" then. So what’s the opposite of "friend"? Ahhhaa... "enemy".

So until we became Christians... born-again believers... we were enemies of God. Yet, look at what He did for us, regardless. Romans 5:8 tells us that even while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

So while the Bible also teaches us that we are to love one another as He loved us (John 15:12), why then should we feel like we’re above doing what He, Himself, did?? We shouldn’t! And that’s my reply to all those who disapprove of my trying to have a relationship with my birth-mom, despite what she has or hasn’t done.

I ask today that you join me in praying for her. (Her name is Sandra.) I fully believe that God has a plan for her life, as much as for mine, and He’s given me a burden to see her live for Him. I’ve seen the Lord work great and mighty things, in and around this crazy situation. Let me explain...

The Lord brought us in contact again in November 2005, after about 2 years of no contact whatsoever. (Again, with this "cycle"!). About 3 months later, she called me and told me of my step-dad’s having been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, and that the doctors said he only had a few weeks to live. Well, immediately my husband and I (and my infant nephew, who was living with us at the time) went up there to visit, with the sole purpose of leading him to Christ, before it was too late. (We were determined.)

As satan always does, when one attempts to free someone else from their eminent eternal torment in hell, he provided absolutely every possible distraction and hinderance to our "mission". Everything from phone calls, visits, my step-dad’s extreme fatigue and falling asleep mid-sentence... you name it, we fought it.

It was getting late, and after yet another visitor came by (and didn’t want to leave), we were so frustrated that we were the ones who left. My birth-mom walked us downstairs and saw us off, and we got about 3 blocks away, before the Holy Spirit stopped us, and reminded us of why we had driven 5 hours to get there in the first place, and urged us to go back. My husband stayed downstairs with the baby, and I went back up. I told the visitors I had something to talk to my step-dad about, and they were welcome to stay and hear it, or they could leave. But either way, I was gonna do what I came there to do. (Of course, the visitors left... and threw the gospel tracts I had given them on the floor of the elevator, too, I might add).

I began by telling him how much the Lord had done in my life, and all that He’d delivered me from. And how wonderful it was, knowing that all my sins had been forgiven, and that I knew I’d spend eternity in Heaven when I died. I then shared with him my burden for his eternal security. I went through the whole plan of salvation, taking him through the Romans Road. He didn’t fuss or complain, and miraculously, he did stay awake through all of it. But still, he had this look, as if to say, "That’s nice, little girl." I could almost sense him wanting to pat me on the head, to patronize me.

He was tough. There was definitely a wall there, but just before the point of giving up, I saw his whole countenance change. As I continued on with how much I wanted to leave there (knowing that I wouldn’t see him alive again) with the assurance that I would see him in Heaven, I watched this grizzly bear transform into a teddy bear. He broke down, and then I led him in a sinner’s prayer, where he asked Jesus to come into his heart. The Lord had performed a miracle right before my very eyes, and allowed me to be used in it. What a blessing!

The devil, of course, will always cause one to doubt anything the Lord does, so as we drove down the highway about an hour or so later, thoughts began to trouble me... that maybe he didn’t really mean it... maybe he was just trying to get me to shut up and get out of there.

But God... as always... is right on time, to cast away those doubts. He placed in the sky before me the most beautiful, complete rainbow. It was as if He gave me a sign to show me that it WAS real. I managed to get a picture of it, and I remember praising God for both gifts, that day.

Thirteen days later, my step-dad died. And because of the Holy Spirit working in our hearts that day, causing us to "go back and finish what we came for", I have never doubted where he might be today. I know he is in Heaven, and I’m so thankful for that assurance.

So you see, God does have a plan for my birth-mom’s life... despite all the pain and sorrow of the past (and present). He’s placed within me a burden to teach her in the ways of the Lord. She’s already witnessed His hand at work, and I’m confident that He will do a miracle in her life, as well.

Again, please join me in praying for her. Whether she ever wants to have a real relationship with me or not, that doesn’t matter. What truly does matter is that she has a real relationship with Christ. That’s the desire of my heart... for her, and for so many others in my family, whom I love.... and most importantly, whom the LORD loves.

Life is indeed complicated sometimes, but even so... I belong to Jesus, so as long as He's by my side, it doesn't matter who else is or isn't.

Thank you for your prayers. God bless you!

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Turning Point

2008-03-23T16:32:00.002-04:00

As a few of you already know, I got some bad news this week. While reading the obituaries in my hometown paper (online), I saw the name of someone very familiar to me... though it was someone whom I hadn’t seen in many, many years. Back in my wandering days, when I was out in the world, living a life very displeasing to the Lord, there was a group of people I spent a great deal of time with... drinking, partying together. The man whose obituary I read was one of those people.

In fact, I had a particular fondness for him back then, because right after I first met him, he "saved me" from getting caught by the police, drinking in a bar (yes, I was under-age). When he saw them coming in, he quickly grabbed the beer from my hand and took it for his own. To my knowledge, they never suspected that I had been drinking. That act of kindness was always remembered, because I’ve known others who actually were caught later on, and the authorities didn’t go too easy on them. I was always grateful I had been spared that trouble with the law.

But anyway, my first response upon reading his obituary was, "Oh my, I hope he got saved since I last saw him." I reasoned that in 20 years or so, it is possible, after all. Oh, how I hoped that was the case!

I was curious as to how he had died, since there was no mention of an illness or anything. I looked through the previous few days’ articles, and saw nothing about an accident that claimed a life. I couldn’t shake my curiosity, so I then did a search with his name. To my horror, I found three articles which detailed the circumstances behind his death. He had been drinking with a friend on Monday night (at the friend’s house), and they got into an argument. That friend then shot him in the head, which killed him instantly.

I can’t tell you the thoughts that ran through my head upon reading this awful news. The hope that he had gotten saved and turned his life around suddenly died, as if right along with him. Then the guilt set in.

I began thinking of all the opportunities I had, to share the good news of Jesus Christ with him... but didn’t. I began to recall all the means I had available to contact him in the years since, even if it wasn’t face-to-face. I could have written, I could have called. I could have found SOME WAY to let him know about the change that Jesus had made in my life, and about how Jesus wanted to do the same thing in his life, as well. I should have shared Jesus with him. But instead, I kept Him all to myself. And because of that, I felt my friend’s blood was on my hands.

Thankfully, God has placed some pretty wonderful people in my life, who give me Godly wisdom, and remind me of what Scripture says, when I need it. One special friend, in particular, reminded me that God doesn’t give someone "just one chance" at salvation, and that if one person doesn’t share with them, He will send someone else to fulfill His purpose. But even so, ultimately, it’s up to the hearer as to whether or not he/she receives it.

I had a rough couple of days with this, but I can now say I’ve reached a turning point. Although I am still so very saddened at my old friend’s apparent eternal loss, I am all the more grateful for where the Lord has brought me from. And it’s made me all the more determined to reach those who’ve either never heard the gospel, or who have strayed away from the things of the Lord, as I did, all those years ago.

There is a goal, and we must all strive to achieve it in the time we have here on earth. None of us are promised tomorrow, so none of us can afford to put off today what needs to be taken care of, in light of where we (or those we know and love) spend eternity. Indeed, today is the day of salvation!

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Childhood Memories & Regrets

2008-03-19T10:00:00.005-04:00

(As posted on my MySpace page last night)...

I guess I’ve been feeling somewhat nostalgic lately, largely due to my coming in contact with "long lost" family and friends again, after such a vast separation. (It’s funny how the Lord works in our lives, and brings to fruition those inner desires of our hearts. What a blessing!)

But anyway, as I’ve looked through online photos and old family photo albums, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about all those distant childhood memories (and people), some that I hadn’t thought about in several years. It’s been quite a journey, this stroll down Memory Lane. There are, of course, happy memories which make me smile. But then, too, there are the sad (even tragic) memories that bring on the tears. Either way, the trip is well-worth it, because as I eluded to earlier, the Lord has allowed this to come to pass for a reason. I believe that with all my heart. And I trust and pray GOOD things will come out of this, for HIS glory.

One of my cousins that I’ve recently come in contact with again... I’ve really had her on my heart ever since. She’s a number of years younger than me. In fact, it’s her older sister who’s the same age as me. But she (the younger one) used to come and spend the night with me quite a bit, growing up. I can remember how she often spent the night on Saturday, so she was able to come to church with us on Sunday morning. I loved that (as did she), because I got to fix her hair all pretty... sometimes with curls and/or ribbons. I got to "dress her up" in something I still had in my closet that was too small for me, but maybe just a tad bit big on her. For whatever length of time she was with us, she was like "my own little girl", at least that’s the way I saw it, anyway. Oh, how I enjoyed that!

In the years of time since then, somehow I feel like I failed "my little girl". I, myself, didn’t always walk the chalk-line. There were about 10 years or so (roughly) that I was out of church, beginning in those latter teen years. There were many things I did during that time, that I shudder to even think about today. What shame there is in looking back on my sin!

But as I do take that journey, I can’t help but think about those others whom my sin affected. I think of my own little brother, for instance. He NEEDED his sister... his only sister... to help him during his critical decision-making years. Yet, where was she? I was out in the world, doing my own thing, living life to the fullest. (What I didn’t realize until after-the-fact, was that no matter how "good" the good times were, life WASN’T its fullest. That was just one of those lies from the devil himself. Life isn’t at its fullest unless you’re walking in close communion with Christ! That’s REAL fullness!)

So not only did my sin alter my own life, but it also ultimately affected my brother’s life, as well. I look now at all the problems and struggles he’s had (and has), and I can see how differently things could be today, had I not gone out on my own expedition, leaving him totally to fin for himself. I could have truly been a "big sister" by helping him make good choices... the number one choice being, to live a life surrendered to and sold out to Christ! (If that’s there, everything else falls easily into place.)

I could also have helped him by giving him the encouragement he so needed, rather than constantly criticizing him for choices I didn’t necessarily agree with, over the years. What a difference that, in itself, would have made!

But as I mentioned, it wasn’t just my brother who my sin afftected. I think about my cousin, who I, on some level, considered for many years to be "my own little girl". I think about the difference there might be today in some of her choices, had my own choices been made more sensibly. What an awesome position I was in for all those years as we were growing up, to guide her and teach her the things of the Lord! I can remember how I used to take she and the other children outside, and do Bible Stories with them. Perhaps if I had continued on the right course myself, she nor I would have made the mistakes we’ve each made in the years since.

I think about she and my brother, and it truly breaks my heart. WHAT A FAILURE I AM, for abandoning the life that Christ meant for me to live!!! Even if for just a little while (or for 10 years, to be exact), so much damage was done! Those whom I loved dearly suffered (and are still suffering) because I was disobedient to God’s Word. I fell away from the life God had intended for me, and it became a chain reaction, that now affects so many others, as well.

I don’t know how to "fix" it now, other than to pray continuously for each of them, which I’m now committed to doing. I would love to see them living the abundant life God purposed for them. I do pray they see how much they are loved... by me, of course, but most of all, by our Heavenly Father. Once anyone truly "sees" HIS love, it’s hard to see anything else, despite what the devil may throw at us.

I am praying.

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She's Alive!

2008-03-18T16:00:00.003-04:00

Okay, for those of you who have threatened to send flowers for my funeral, let me just say I've had good reason not be on here for a while. I AM alive, thank the good Lord! It's just been a very busy time. I've had work, studies, ministry involvement (including a *new* ministry in which I've begun, which I'll tell you more about later)... so many things going on all at once, that I just haven't found the time needed to post things here, as I'd like.

I HAVE thought about you, though, and have almost completely filled a little notepad, with tidbits and nuggets that I'd like to share with you here. But as Ecclesiastes 3:1 so simply but eloquently says, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." So let's all practice patience, and then Lord willing, I'll begin the sharing process very soon. =)

As I mentioned, I've recently begun a new ministry (literally, "began" it), which has been a burden on my heart for some time. I'm amazed at how faithful our Lord continually proves to be, at granting us the desires of our hearts, when we diligently seek Him. What a wonderful God we serve!

So anyway, be blessed, and oh yeah... please be in prayer for my Pastor. He had eye surgery two weeks ago (two surgeries, actually... cataract, and also a lens implant). The lens, however, hasn't seemed to want to attach itself to his eye like it's supposed to do, so he's been ordered to lay flat on his back (4 different times now), and it was to the point that they were ready to re-do the surgery today, had it not shown improvement today, from yesterday. He's not one for sitting (much less "laying") still for too long, so he's like a fish out of water. He has to go back to Charleston again tomorrow, so please pray that there will be significant improvement, and that he'll soon be released from this "confinement", as he calls it.

I will say, he did surprise us all at church on Sunday. He was supposed to be at home in bed (Dr.'s orders), but he was going nuts, so he came and delivered the 11:00 message, which was a great blessing to each of us, as well as to him. He said it did him good to be in God's house, amongst God's people, especially after having missed several services. Amen to that! It truly was a blessing, and the message he delivered indeed spoke to MY heart. He had no idea what's been going on in my life lately... but God did. Again, I'm just in awe of God's faithfulness!

I'll be back on soon. Got lots to share, but gotta run for now!

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Snow Days

2008-01-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

I was so blessed to have my niece and nephew with me this weekend. I got them on Saturday morning, and kept them until Sunday evening. We had the best time! We played every board game imaginable (or at least that's the way it seemed), all the while laughing and playing, and just enjoying our time together.

I made it a point not to have to go out, the entire time we had them. For one thing, it was quite yucky out... a cold, cold rain falling the entire day. And too, I stay "on the go" so much, I didn't want to dare do any of that "going" while I had the kids. This time was too precious to me!

I did get out and vote early on Saturday, (before picking the kids up) but was disappointed in how it turned out, once all the ballots were counted. Let's not go there now. [happy thoughts, happy thoughts]

Anyway, the kids and I (and Uncle Steve, too, of course) packed as much fun into a 2-day weekend as we possibly could. They had gotten new Bibles for Christmas, along with a wonderful Bible Story book, so we spent some time learning more about some of my favorite childhood Bible characters... Sampson, David, Queen Esther, and Ruth. They really enjoyed that... almost as much as I did. :)

One thing that made it so much fun was that we were anticipating some snowfall. Though it was raining throughout the day, the forecast was calling for snow later on. We talked to my Uncle back home in Spartanburg, and it was already falling there. We kept switching the TV to the Weather Channel, to see how long it might be before the snow would arrive. (Unfortunately, it never came... at least not here.) I got tickled at Skylar, because she even got out of bed around 11:30 and wanted to look outside to see if had snowed.

The kids got to come to church with us yesterday, which was a HUGE blessing. These are the kids I led to the Lord, back in October, but due to their situation at home, they don't get to go to church. So this was an answer to prayer, for me... and for them. Aren't they adorable?
I spoke with their mom on the phone after they went back home, and begged her to please make a proper home for them, and to let them go to church.

I did get some pics from the snow back home this weekend. My, how homesick I get, just looking at them! Winter is gonna be gone before we know it, and I would love to see some snow falling, and be able to play in it just once before Spring comes. Maybe the Lord will send us some. But if He chooses not to, I'll just keep looking at these pictures. [sigh]

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New Year's Blessings

2008-01-06T22:45:00.001-05:00

I hope the new year has been good to you. Personally, I can say it's been fabulous to me. Of course, there are (and always will be) those daily bumps in the road, but all in all, I am so very blessed. ["Thank You, Lord!"]

One thing in particular that I'm especially blessed by is that a few days ago, I received a message from a childhood friend of mine. Not just any friend, but one whom I considered my "best friend" for many years, growing up. She and I went to church together, then later to school together, as well. Her parents were like my 2nd parents. I used to LOVE spending time at her house, when I was little... whether spending the night, or just going home with her after church on Sunday. Sometimes I'd even pretend her family was "my" family.

But anyway, she and I hadn't been in touch for several years. Although I've thought about her so many times, and could very easily have picked up the phone and called her (I still remember their phone number from memory, after all these years... and yes, it's still the same number.), I never did. I suppose mostly out of shame, for some of the roads I've traveled on in the years since I last saw them. I was sure this family whom I loved so, would never have approved of some of the choices I've made in my life. And therefore, they wouldn't want to have any part of me, now. That was my reasoning, atleast.

It's funny that even though I had long since gotten back on the right track, the shame of those past sins still had a way of keeping me from enjoying the abundant life God intended for me. Now I'm reminded of the importance of forgiving ourselves. I was talking with someone about that very thing, just the other day. Of course, at that time, I was encouraging her to do it. I wasn't in any way thinking I needed to apply it to myself, at that time. Isn't it funny how the Lord teaches us things, sometimes? :)

Well anyway, back to my childhood friend... after she had sent me the initial message, I quickly replied. Then she responded again, and again. Before I knew it, we had filled one another in on everything that's happened in our lives, since our last contact with one another. It was wonderful! She was even kind enough to update me on some of our church family, from years ago. I don't mean that she was gossiping... not at all. It wasn't like that. She was just letting me know who was still there, who had moved away, who had passed away, who had gotten married and how many kids they have. It was great to hear this type of update. I'd been away from there for so long, I've often wondered about these folks, whom had meant so much to me in my early years. Now I don't have to wonder. Thanks to my dear friend, I now know.

Sadly, there was also some bad news, amongst the good. My friend's father went home to be with the Lord, early last year. I wish I had known, so I could've been there for her, and the rest of her family, during their loss. I would gladly have gone up and helped out in any way I could.

Then, too, she told me about one of our childhood friends, whom had died of a drug overdose sometime back. That truly breaks my heart! I never would have guessed it, not him. But then, as I think back on my own life, and all the things I got myself entangled with during those "wandering years", I realize how easy it is for one to get off-course. Anywhere the devil can get a foot in the door, so to speak, he will eventually wreak havoc in our lives, if we allow him.

But as I think about our friend who died this way, it makes me all the more determined to help others get the help they so need, when they lose their way. Whether it's drugs, or alcohol, or just whatever their stronghold might be, it's so very important for folks to realize the stem of the problem BEFORE it gets out of hand. We know that satan himself is the stem of the problem, but it's not like he just walks up to our front door and says, "Hi, I'm the devil and I'm here to wreck your life." (If only he would be so upfront!) No, he slithers in, sometimes so discreetly that we don't realize he's even there until he's already done the damage. That's what I want to help prevent!

That's what all of us who work in the RUI program (Reformers Unanimous International Addictions Program) want to prevent, because we know God can (and wants to) deliver us from any and all strongholds! No one has to be bound! There IS a way out of it! That's what our program is all about! And like I said, upon thinking of my childhood friend, who apparently was bound by those chains of drugs, I'm just all the more determined to reach out to those whose lives are being torn apart by satan, regardless of the tool he's using to do it. God can deliver, and He can restore whatever the devil has robbed us of!

You can find a Reformers Unanimous meeting near you, by following the above link. There are over 500 chapters nationwide, and there are already some chapters worldwide.

So anyway, as we begin this new year, I feel more and more drawn to the wonderful verse that I claimed as my very own, when I came back to the Lord in 1997. Sometimes we are held captive by our past sins, not willing to forgive ourselves, where we've erred. But that's not God's Will. He forgave us, so why should we think we're any more important than Him? We're not!

Praise God for 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

I can't think of a better new year's blessing than that!

I heard a song on the way to church this morning, one that I used to listen to quite frequently, but had actually "forgotten" about. Anyway, upon hearing it again this morning, I thought it very fitting to add to this post. Please open your hearts to "hear" the words, and be blessed!

There once was a woman who came to a well,
seeking relief for her thirst.
Everyone knew of her bad reputation.
She was considered the worst.
But that day she found more than just water.
She met the "Hope of the World".
She left town with one name,
won't they be surprised at what she says when she returns?

My new name is "Sanctified and Holy"
Just call me the "Righteousness of God"
I'm now known as "New Creation"
My nickname is "Covered by the Blood"
When hell calls me "Bound by my Past"
God calls me "Free at Last"
Nothing's the same, everything's changed
I've got my new name.

My friends used to call me by so many names,
I hardly remember them all.
A "two-fisted drinker", the "life of the party"
were some of the names I recall.
But after I made my trip to the altar,
my old way of living has changed.
I know what I was, but I know who I am
and nothing about me's the same.

'Cause my new name is "Sanctified and Holy"
Just call me the "Righteousness of God"
I'm now known as "New Creation"
My nickname is "Covered by the Blood"
When hell calls me "Bound by my Past"
God calls me "Free at Last"
Nothing's the same, everything's changed
I've got my new name.

(Written by Jeff R. Steele, Recorded by The Steeles, 2002)

Amen!

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Christmas 2007

2007-12-25T22:19:00.000-05:00

Well, I hope you've had a wonderful Christmas Day, one filled with many blessings from above. Today, throughout all our festivities, I was thinking about all the things I've been blessed with this year. I'm sad to say, there have been many blessings I've taken for granted. Yet God remains faithful, still. He's given me far more than I've ever deserved, and continually shows His love for me, despite my failures and shortcomings.

For Christmas, we spent time with "my" family last night, and did presents with the kids (my brother's children) then. They're such sweet kids, and always so happy with whatever they get, no matter how big or small. By the time we left, I was broken to tears for them... because of their home situations. Please do pray for them (Thomas, Skylar, Hunter, and Jonas). The Lord knows their need, and all that's going on. And only He can work everything out. Please pray for these little ones, who are so precious to me. Pray for their parents, too, that the Lord would have His way in their lives.

This is a picture of my youngest nephew, Jonas. Isn't he handsome?

Today, we spent the day with Steve's family. One of his nephews just became a father last week, so everyone (including me) flocked around the family's newest addition. Last year at this time, Steve and I were both so heartbroken over the loss of our own baby. We didn't think we'd be holding a baby this Christmas. Even though he isn't ours, at least we do have one in the family now, and it was great to hold him in our arms, even if just for a little while. I'm so thankful that today was a good day, full of love and laughter... without any strife or conflict. You have no idea how refreshing that was, especially after yesterday!

Later on, Steve surprised me by treating me to something we've never done before... a movie. He had heard me say that I wanted to see the Chipmunk movie, so he made it happen after we left his brother's house tonight. It was really sweet of him, and we both laughed all through the movie... which again, was much-needed. The only thing that could've made it any better was if Thomas and Skylar had been there with us. [sigh]

Well, again, I pray you've had a wonderful Christmas. We all have so much to be thankful for! Please continue to pray for those whose Christmas hasn't been so bright this year. If at all possible, reach out to them and show them someone cares. Most of all, show them how much God cares for them.

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A Christmas Message

2007-12-19T18:35:00.000-05:00

"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."

Matthew 2:10

Steve and I decided that we'd send out Christmas letters this year, instead of our usual Christmas cards. I wanted to make something special to send out to all our family and friends; not so much about its appearance, but more about the message to be included in it.

In light of events pointing to Christ's soon return, our hearts have been heavily burdened for the souls of our lost loved ones. After hearing one of our Pastor's most stirring messages recently, regarding what we do with the time we have left on this earth, I knew I had to reach out through whatever means I possibly could, to share with them the "wake-up call" they so need. This burden kept me up into the wee hours one night, where I imagined my loved ones perishing for all of eternity in hell.
"Not the people I love! No!"

The next day, I immediately began writing the following, our Christmas letter.

Dear Family & Friends,

It’s hard to believe another year has almost come and gone! Time sure seems to fly, these days. Thankfully, though, we can say it’s been a good year. The Lord has been so good… as always, so faithful to us. We pray you’ve had a wonderfully blessed year, as well.

I don’t quite know where to begin, in summing up the whole year in just a few short paragraphs. It’s definitely been a busy year. Steve and I have continued to be heavily involved in various ministries within our church. One of which, that we’re so privileged (and proud) to be a part of, is the Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program. It’s a faith-based program, with over 500 chapters, nationwide. Our church began the RU program in February of this year, and we’re excited about the progress our participants are making. We’ve had several men and women give their hearts to the Lord, through this ministry, and it’s such a blessing to actually see their lives transforming right before our eyes. It’s not just for those who are battling alcohol, drug, or gambling addictions, but for anyone who struggles with any type of stronghold. It’s truly an amazing program, and we’re so thankful for the opportunity God has given us, to be able to work in this vital ministry.

Something else that is equally as important to us is our study of Biblical Prophecy. This year, it has taken on a whole new level of urgency, given the headlines we read and hear everyday, and how they line up with Scripture. With all that’s going on around us, both near and far, it’s become more and more evident that the Lord is soon to return. In fact, we could be flying any day now!

On that note, I was thinking about the 3 wise men earlier today, and how the Bible says they were overjoyed when they saw the star. Why were they so joyful? Because they were highly knowledgeable men, when it came to the Scriptures. They knew of Isaiah’s prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus. They had been expecting it, and they knew it was time. They had purposely gone to great lengths not to miss it.

My, what an example for each of us today! We all need to know what the Bible says… about why Jesus came to earth (then), and also about His (soon) return. We need to know about the signs of the time, so we can be ready to meet Him when He comes. We don’t want to miss it!

Like I said, I was thinking about those wise men, and how exceedingly glad they were when they finally saw what they had been looking for, for so long. I think about how we, as Christians, will be exceedingly glad when we hear Gabriel’s trumpet sound, and be taken up to meet Jesus in the sky. We ought to be eagerly anticipating that, each and every day.

Sadly, though, there’s a part of my heart not quite as anxious for that moment, as I wish it were. And that’s because I think of all our family and friends who might not be ready. I shudder to think of any of you (whether in our immediate families, or extended) spending eternity in hell, especially if we could have done or said something to change it.

Please know we’re sending this to everyone on our Christmas card list. No one is being singled out, so please don’t be offended. It’s with a heart of love that we send this, because Steve and I care about you, and your standing with God. We want you to understand that we don’t have much time left, and the time we do have, we need to spend wisely… spreading the Word and reaching our family and friends for Jesus. It truly is a matter of urgency these days. If your heart is right, praise God. We rejoice in that! But if it’s not, please humbly seek the Lord today, before it’s too late. Honestly, there’s no more time to waste!

We can’t turn on the TV anymore, without hearing of all the tragedies already taking place, as well as those that could be taking place tomorrow. In addition, our country is at an all-time low, spiritually… we’re in need of a great revival. Yet the Lord has continued to pour out His blessings upon us. Sadly, with each passing day, we seem to only grow more and more wicked. We’ve returned to the days of Noah, as the Bible foretold. We have the characteristics of Sodom and Gomorrah. God was good to them, too… until they were so wicked, He had to pour out His wrath upon them. Keep in mind that yes, He is a loving God, not willing that any should perish. But He’s also a just God, Whom will not be mocked!

Will America be next? Will the Lord return before His judgement falls upon our land? Either way, the urgency remains for each and every one of us to search our heart, and make sure it’s ready to meet the Lord. It’s definitely later than we think!

Someone made mention recently of how great it would be, to be Raptured before Christmas, and then to spend this Christmas in Heaven. That’s a wonderful thought, except for all our loved ones who aren’t yet ready.

Our prayer for each of you is that you do have the assurance of your salvation, knowing without any uncertainty that if you were to die (or if the Rapture took place) today, you’d spend eternity in Heaven. That’s our Christmas wish for all our family and friends this year! We love you and pray you have a most blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year, should the Lord wait a little longer! We look forward to seeing you in the clouds real soon! God bless you all!

With much love,

Steve and Lois Clardy

Our prayer is that through this letter, our friends and family members will realize their need of Jesus. Without Him, none of us can get to Heaven. I think, too often, that's misunderstood. Yet, it's so simple. God loved us so much, that He sent His only Son into this world to pay the sin debt for us.

Friends, if there's any question about where you'd spend eternity, I pray you'll settle that right now. All it takes is a simple prayer, asking Jesus to forgive you of all your sins, to come into your heart. And in return, you make Him Lord of your life. Let Him lead and guide every aspect of your life. This could be your last chance. Tomorrow may be too late.

God bless you!

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'Tis The Season... Busy, Busy

2007-12-16T22:17:00.000-05:00

As you may have guessed, it's been pretty busy around here lately. More so than usual. (Waaaaaay more than usual.) Thus the reason I've failed to keep up with my blogging. But if you'll bear with me, I'll try to catch you up on the major things that's been going on.

First of all, Steve and I attended a revival last week (Monday - Thursday), at a little country church down the road from our home. I ask that you pray for this little church (the Lord knows its name). They've been struggling enormously with their attendance and with the commitment/dedication of their members. It's obvious the devil doesn't want them to grow, to flourish, nor to reach that undeniable potential that's before them.

But the Lord really poured out His blessings upon this revival. Several of us came out to help support and encourage them. Then, in the process, we received perhaps one of the greatest blessings of all. We were reminded of what it's like to get back to the basics... just a few gathered together to worship God, letting the Spirit be in complete control of the service.

It was good to see that folks still come out to worship, no matter if it's three or four, or one-hundred and four. No number is too small. As long as there's one willing to come, there's always another One willing to meet them there.

Often times, I think one of the problems in larger churches, is that it seems things are far too dependent upon man. When that's the case, things tend to fall apart when someone is out, or when gadgets don't cooperate. Don't get me wrong, technology is a wonderful thing. I'm so thankful for it! But we shouldn't be so dependent upon it, that we leave the work of the Holy Spirit out in the cold. Sure, things need to be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40); just not at the expense of the Guest of Honor. We can't forget that His Presence is what it's all about.

So anyway, being in that quaint little church last week, and seeing how the Lord was working there, despite the lack of many of the things found in most churches today, it was just wonderful. Having grown up in a small church... one a little larger than this one, it really blessed my heart to be reminded that it doesn't have to be a big production. The Word of God stands, with or without the technological advances we often strive to keep up with. (Hmmm....good food for thought!)

.::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::..::.

In other news, a dear friend of mine had her first child last week, and I was privileged to be able to be there with her for this blessed arrival. She had the most beautiful baby girl, weighing in at 8 lbs, 10 oz... just in time for Christmas. I'm sure I'll be sharing photos in the near future, but for now, I'm doing good just to get this blog post completed. Please keep mother and daughter in your prayers (and Daddy, too), as they all adjust to the changes taking place in their lives right now. Pray for their health and well-being, also. Thanks!

Until I get caught up on some things, I must run for now. Lord willing, I'll get another post in sometime this week. :o)

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Reaching Out At Street Reach

2007-12-05T16:28:00.001-05:00

Last night, we had the most wonderful blessing of preparing a meal, then taking it and serving it to our friends at Street Reach, a local mission and homeless shelter. I can't put into words what a joy it is to be involved in this ministry. We've seen so many souls saved over the years, as we always share the gospel and do our very best to show them Jesus living in us.

Last night, Bro. George Lowe presented the message, and did a fabulous job, I might add. I can't get over the attentiveness in last night's service. Usually, there are a million distractions, which often quenches the work of the Holy Spirit. But last night, everyone sat perfectly still and as I looked around the room, I was amazed at how they seemed to hang on to Bro. George's every word. What a blessing!

As I've mentioned before, our church does this on the first Tuesday of every month. Other churches are involved, as well, filling the rest of the calendar each month, so that these folks get a good, hot meal every night of the week. I think it's great, the work they're doing there, to help folks who are struggling to get back on their feet. Granted, some of them have done horrible things in their lives, which have ultimately led them to a place like this. But do ya know what?
Some people in churches have done horrible things in their lives, which have ultimately led them to church. (Praise God!)

I know, because I'm one of them. Though I was raised in, and saved in church at a young age, I got out into the world in my latter teen years, and really messed up. It wasn't until about ten years later that I came back, after praying for God to forgive me and then rededicating my life to Him. Thankfully, that was ten years ago, this past October 31st. I've tried to faithfully serve Him ever since!

So you see, it doesn't matter who we are, or where we've been, or even where we are now. What matters is where we're going. And that, my friend, is what it's all about. We're all in the same boat, when it comes to our souls. God made each and every one of us the same. Sure, we can make poor choices, which can cause us much heartache and shame. But it doesn't mean the end. The only "end" we face, is if we die without accepting Christ as our Saviour!

But anyway, these folks there at Street Reach, though they may have fallen on hard times through some fault or failure of their own, they're not "beyond repair", as some might view them. And honestly, they're no more dirty nor sinful than the rest of us! The same blood that covers our sin, covers theirs, as well. And it's our job to lead them to the cross, where they can find that healing flow. That's why I love being a part of this ministry. And I've kind-of made it my calling, to be that traffic-director, so to speak, pointing them to Jesus. Again, what a blessing! Indeed, what a privilege!

We were also blessed, this month, to have so many helpers come and join us. Back at the church, we had lots of hands helping to prepare the meal, and to clean up afterwards. We even had some children come and get involved in giving of themselves and sharing Jesus' love. I can't think of a more valuable lesson to teach young children, in this world of self-centeredness and disrespect!

My friend, Son Hwa, is a special blessing to each of us in this ministry. She truly has a heart to serve, in any and every way she can. God has blessed me with her friendship of 14 years or so, and it's such a blessing to me, personally, to serve and to worship alongside her, here at Grand Strand. As you can see, she's getting ready to have a baby... next week, in fact. So this was her last night to serve in this ministry for a while! :)

She tickled me to pieces, how she was all excited over her "new little Bible", which she bought to take with her to the hospital. While we waited for the food to cook, she found a few moments to read from it. (I wonder what passage she was reading?)

Mr. Earl Conway is a wonderful asset to us, as well. He's always so willing to jump in and do the heavy lifting for us, and take things from the ovens, so we don't get burned. What a gentleman! (We love and appreciate you, Mr. Earl!)

Miss Natalie is a barrel of laughs, constantly cracking us up with her whimsical charm. She loves working in the kitchen, whether it's for Street Reach or for our meals here at the church. Her favorite thing is chopping onions... which unfortunately, she didn't get to do this week.
(Sorry, Nat.)

"Those meatballs sure do smell good!
I think Baby wants to try a few." :)

Again, we're all so blessed to be a part of this wonderful ministry. Together, we're reaching out to those who are less fortunate than we are. And as I've said so many times before, it's only by God's grace that we aren't where they are.

Now is a great time for all of us to share in the joy of giving. I encourage you to take the time to give of yourselves during this most special time of year... a time that's not so bright for some. Follow Christ's example of reaching out to those who are normally shunned by everyone else, and help make their Christmas a blessed one. You will be blessed, in the process!

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God is Great, God is Good

2007-11-29T23:17:00.000-05:00

Today has just been FULL of blessings. I feel I'd be doing God a terrible injustice, by keeping it all to myself. He's been so good, and so faithful to me, despite all my failures and shortcomings. I just have to share with you how wonderfully blessed I'm feeling right now.

First of all, I heard from someone today whom I'd helped relocate to another city recently, in hopes of a fresh start... a clean slate, as he got his life back on track. I'd been concerned, because I hadn't heard from him since my husband and I drove him to his new home there, more than 2 weeks ago. But thankfully, I did today... and he seemed to be doing really well. Everything he said was positive and with much appreciation for his new life there. There seemed to be much progress, for which I'm very thankful. Praise God for never giving up on us when we mess up! And praise Him for putting those people in our paths, who would help to steer us in the direction we need to be going, to fulfill God's purpose for our life. He's sure done so for me, throughout my life. It's only fitting that I use what He's taught me, to help others find their way, as well.

And on that note, we had a young college girl come by the church office this afternoon, just totally adrift. She was almost like a suddenly-blinded bird, having lost all sense of direction in life, wanting desperately to find her way. Our hearts went out to this young girl, after hearing of her struggle with various difficulties. It's so obvious that satan never meant for this girl to find the happiness and peace in life that God intended for her. One of my coworkers, Kenny Beard, talked with her about receiving Christ, and ultimately led her in the sinner's prayer, where she asked Jesus into her heart. He gave her a new Bible, and bless her heart, she was so hungry to learn, so full of questions, which we answered as best as we could. I then talked with her about our RU program, and she seemed so excited about coming to it. Please pray for her, that the devil won't talk her out of coming tomorrow night, and that she'll follow through in this comittment she's made to live her life now for Christ. What a joy it was to see the Lord working in one's heart, starting that transformation right before our eyes!

Right after this happened, we completed this semester's Good News Club at Forestbrook Elementary School today... with salvations. It's such a blessing to be able to serve in this ministry, where we're allowed to actually go into the public schools and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with precious little ones, who are so hungry for God's love. Earlier in the semester... on my first day, actually... I was privileged to lead a young girl in 1st grade to Jesus. I've prayed with several more, in the weeks since, for various burdens and needs expressed. Then today, on the last day for this semester, I was blessed to lead an exceptionally bright young fellow to the Lord. Despite only being in Kindergarten, he was so full of questions, and just amazed me with his longing to know for sure how he could get to Heaven. What a blessing it was to show him in God's Word the answers to all his questions.

We did Paddleball crafts with the children today, being it was their last day. They sure seemed to enjoy that!

Then they listened attentively as Mr Allen brought the lesson.

And after the lesson and counseling time was over, we then presented each child a new Bible of their own, compliments of our church. Should the Lord tarry, how wonderful it'll be for the children to be able to remember their time spent in the Good News Club, each time they look at their Bibles. For some, an even more special memory, as this was where they came to know Jesus as their personal Saviour.

Again, I'm so thankful for being privilege of being able to serve in this vital ministry. We have to reach them while their hearts are young and tender, before satan has a chance to corrupt their minds with lies, and cause them to follow down the road leading to destruction.

Later this evening, our church had our annual Ladies Christmas Dinner, where we enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship and fun. Several of our Sunday School Classes sponsored a table, which we decorated and set for a full-course meal for 8. There were several beautiful tables again this year.

(Mine, pictured below, didn't win, but that's okay.)

This (below) is the table that actually won. Congratulations to the Young Couples' Sunday School Class, for doing a great job! (I think this was 2 years in a row, for them.)

We had a wonderful meal, catered by "The Trestle" in Conway. Then Roxanne's Mom gave her testimony, which was amazingly similar to my own, in many ways. She truly touched our hearts, and we're thankful she was willing to share her story with us. We never know whose life our testimonies may touch in a special way.

We also played some fun little Christmas games, got to know our Sisters-in-Christ better, and as women tend to do, we laughed and cried together. (What more could we have asked for?)

I was blessed to have some of the most beautiful women in our church seated at my table. My special friends include Cynthia Garris, Tammy Sims, Natalie Brown, Louise Wells, Debbie Mattocks, Mary Nelson, and the infamous Julia Goins (love ya, Ms Julia!). The conversations we had during the course of the evening, proves to me all over again that I am indeed very blessed. God has placed me here for a reason, and I praise Him for the opportunities and for the friendships He's given me. Truly, our God is great. Our God is good!

By the way, one more word of praise... at the dinner, Ms Julia gave me the newest edition of The Christian Voice Magazine, (hot off the press) in which another article of mine appears (page 18). I had a burden to share this message so that hearts would be softened, and hopefully led to reach out to folks in brotherly love, no matter where they come from or where they are now. Jesus loves us all, and so should we! (John 15:12)

You can find these magazines in many area Christian bookstores and churches. (Yes, we have plenty of them available at Grand Strand Baptist. See me if you have trouble finding one.)

If you're a business owner or church Pastor, you might want to consider advertising in The Christian Voice. Follow the link to their website, and then contact Mr. Dave or Ms Julia for further information. (Tell them I sent you.)

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Thankful for the Thorns

2007-11-28T16:40:00.000-05:00

A dear friend of mine sent me this today. I just HAD to share...

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes when she pulled open the
florist shop door, against a November gust of wind. Her life had been
as sweet as a spring breeze and then, in the fourth month of her second
pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was
Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant
son. She grieved over their loss.

Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer
his job to a new location. Her sister had called to say that she could
not come for her long awaited holiday visit. What's worse, Sandra's
friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity
that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.

"She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder.
"Thanksgiving??? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended me? ‘For an airbag that saved my life, but took my child's?"

"Good afternoon, can I help you?"
Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk.

"I ... I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra.

"For Thanksgiving? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," the clerk continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?"

"Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong."

Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara, let me get your order." She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses… except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped:
there were no flowers.

"Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk. Sandra watched - was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers! She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

"Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again," she said, as she gently tapped her chest.

Sandra stammered, "Ah, that lady just left with ... Uh ... She left with no flowers!"

"That's right," said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet. Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery. That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel."

"So what did you do?" asked Sandra.

"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I never questioned Him why those good things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, 'Why? Why me?!'
It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life, but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about what her friend had tried to tell her before. "I guess the truth is I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God."

Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man.

"My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement ... Twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?"

"Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced," Phil replied. "After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem, the Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us."

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!"

"I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life" Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too ... fresh."

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember that it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns in your life."

Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment.

"I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out.

"I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?"

"Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me."

The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you'd like to read it first."

It read:

"My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."

Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns.
God Bless all of you. Be thankful for all that the Lord does for you.

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Giving Thanks in Times of Peril

2007-11-22T09:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you! I pray you have a wonderfully blessed day, surrounded by those you love. If you can't be with family and friends today, then I pray you are reminded that you are never alone. Our Heavenly Father is with you always! (Hebrews 13:5 - "...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.")

I read an interesting article yesterday, by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein (President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews). It really struck a chord with me, so I wanted to share a portion of it with you here.

In 1863, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation that created a cherished American holiday. Reflecting upon the year that was soon to close, which he said had been "filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies," he declared that the U.S. should "observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens."

Note again the date of this proclamation: October 3, 1863. At this time, the nation Lincoln led was involved in the Civil War, the bloodiest conflict in U.S. history and one that quite literally pitted brother against brother.

President Lincoln's job of seeing the war through to victory for Union forces and healing his nation afterward was one of the most formidable challenges faced by any president. At this date, he could not have been certain he would succeed. And yet, he told his countrymen to set aside time to give thanks to God.
It is an example we would all do well to follow — in good times and bad, not just on Thanksgiving, but every day.

I think about the road our nation is on today. This wonderful nation that was founded on Godly principles has done a complete turn-around. We've abandoned those principles for what might be "more politically correct", despite the damnation to follow. I pray we realize the damage that's been done, and what it would take to get us back on the right path... and then do something about it.

I thank God for the privileges we, as Americans... and as Christians, have today. But yet, I live in fear because more and more of those privileges are being taken away every day, it seems. That's not right! God has blessed our nation tremendously, yet we've abandoned Him. How much longer do we expect to live "as we want to live", before He cuts off those blessings? How much longer before He pours out His wrath upon what once was a Bible-believing Godly nation?

Yes, our God is a loving God. No one could ever love us more than He! (John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.")

But He is also a just God. (Romans 7:12 - "Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.") (Rev. 15:3 - "And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.")

We all need to look back through the history books... and more importantly, through God's Word... and then humble our hearts with a true spirit of Thanksgiving (giving thanks to Him), for the bountiful blessings He's bestowed upon us. As I said earlier, He's so richly blessed our country with the freedoms that we have today. We should love and appreciate Him for that... and draw nearer to Him, rather than turning away from Him!

Today, on this special day that we've set aside to give thanks for our many blessings, I am indeed thankful for His goodness and mercy. He has continually poured out many, many mercies in my life, and I cannot thank Him enough for that. I thank Him for His blessings upon our country, despite our attitude towards Him, as a nation. I do believe we're living in times of peril, but we can still praise God, just the same. We have so much to be thankful for!

And I believe 2 Chronicles 7:14 to be true... that if we humble ourselves before the Lord, and pray and seek His face, and turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear from Heaven, forgive our sins, and heal our land. I pray that each of us will make it a point to pray fervently for our country, for a true revival throughout, and for God to be given the glory and honor in which He so deserves.

I pray you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! God bless you!

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Hosea's Heart

2007-11-14T22:49:00.000-05:00

There's been a common thread this past week, in several areas of my life. Whether it was my devotional study, a key thought in RU on Friday night, or something that always came up in conversations with friends throughout the week, the common thread in all of it was forgiveness.

I've been reading, or I should say "re-reading", the book of Hosea this week. I've always been fascinated by this little book, the 28th book of the Old Testament. In it, I find a beautiful story about love and forgiveness, which serves as a great lesson for all of us today.

We all know the story, right? Hosea was a prophet to the northern kingdom of Israel prior to its fall. The Lord told him one day to take a wife... not just any wife, but an adulterous wife. (For those who ever find themselves questioning God about His plans for your life, don't feel alone. I imagine Hosea scratched his head a few times on this one.) But just keep in mind, God did (and does) have a plan. And His purposes will be fulfilled!

So Hosea married a girl by the name of Gomer. She wasn't at all the kind of girl a guy would want to bring home for the folks to meet. In fact, the only reason a guy would bring her home at all, would be for "temporary pleasure", shall we say.

You may be wondering why God would tell Hosea to marry a girl like this. What possible good could come from such a union? I can imagine if Hosea mentioned to his family that he was marrying this "good-time girl", they more than likely tried to talk him out of it. They'd probably beg him to reconsider the sweet, young girl down the road, who was a "more suitable" choice for him. And I imagine it would be pretty hard for Hosea not to agree with them, considering.

However, Hosea obeyed God and married Gomer, whom he knew was anything BUT the picture of a virtuous woman. Not only that, Hosea took his marriage vows seriously. When he said, "I do", he meant it wholeheartedly. I think about the words "for better, or for worse", included in most marriage ceremonies today. I'd say Hosea must have dug his heels in and braced himself for the last part of that phrase... because "worse" was definitely coming!

Gomer must not have been satisfied, settled down to just one man. She apparently didn't appreciate that which she had been blessed with. (The fact that any decent man would want to marry her, knowing her lifestyle, was blessing in itself!) She, instead, chased after those who would give her the things she desired. And she would use her own body to obtain these things. I suppose when you're accustomed to getting whatever you want, and paying any price to get it, your craving for those things only increases.

Doesn't that remind you of the way it is today? We foolishly dive head-over-heels in debt, for things we "think" will make us happy, only to find out that by doing so, we're just increasing our craving for more. (Think about the high-interest rates we pay on credit cards, mortgages, auto loans... all because we want to have the best... and more... of everything.) We're willing to pay any price, not to mention our peace of mind, for temporal earthly things.

But anyway, back to Hosea and Gomer...

While Gomer is out "getting what she wants", apparently not caring at all about her husband and children back at home, Hosea has enough love and forgiveness in his heart to want her back. Think about that for a minute. It must have killed him inside, knowing that his wife was with other men. Gomer was his, yet she was being "enjoyed" by probably every man passing by. Who knows how many there were!

Here he is living for the Lord, following in obedience to the Lord's commands, while his wife is obviously causing him much heartache and humiliation. (Can you imagine what the family is saying now?) Yet despite all of that, he loves her enough to forgive her. He wants her to come back to him. What a beautiful picture of forgiveness!

But that's not the end of it. Apparently, Gomer has gotten herself into some trouble. (As if being a harlot isn't trouble enough!) She may have sold herself into slavery... possibly to afford the luxuries to which she'd grown accustomed. In any case, if Hosea truly wanted her back, he would have to buy her back. Poor Hosea!

I must say, being willing to forgive is one thing. But to actually have to purchase her back... that would have been a tough one to swallow, for anyone!

Yet, what love he showed, by doing so! He paid the price, no matter what it was, to have his wife return home with him... despite her unfaithfulness... regardless of what others may have said about him (or her). He loved his bride and he wanted nothing more than for her to come home to live with him forever. What a beautiful picture of love!

The story of Hosea and Gomer illustrates to us another love story... that God loves us, even when our sins have broken His heart. He sent His Son to pay the ultimate price for our sins. He longs to forgive us, and He wants us to spend eternity with Him. (It also depicts His love for the nation of Israel, and how He's promised to someday restore her to favor again.)

On a more personal note, I think about Gomer's life, and I must admit, I do see some of Gomer in me. Granted, I haven't been unfaithful to my husband, as she was. But I have made some pretty bad choices in my life. I've gone down many roads I should never have considered, much less traveled on. I've done more than my share of "living it up". I've acted (and reacted) in the flesh, following after my own will, rather than the Lord's Will, for a great portion of my life. I've sought to fulfill my own worldly lusts, getting head over heels in debt, to keep up with the Joneses. I've broken the hearts of those I love, while I "did what I wanted".

I think about these things, and I see how easy it is for one to fall into the traps of sin. I realize now (after-the-fact), that had I turned to Jesus (alot sooner than I did), He would have helped me to break free from that life of bondage a long time ago. Many a heartache would have been avoided. Many a mistake not made.

Yet, regardless of how long it took me to come to Him and acknowledge my sin, and ask for forgiveness, He was still willing... and He did.

I don't know how Gomer felt, after Hosea went and bought her back. But if I could imagine, I'd say she must have been pretty thankful that he loved her so much. That's the way I feel tonight... so very thankful that God loved someone like me, despite all my faults and failures. He loved me anyway! So much so, that He sent His only Son to pay the debt for my sins (which are many).

But He didn't love just me. He loves YOU that much, too! If you don't know Him personally, please email me and I'll be more than happy to share with you how you can come to know Him as your own personal Lord and Saviour. It isn't complicated. I won't pressure you. I simply want you to be blessed, as I have been.

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Jubilee By The Sea 2007

2007-11-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the delay in posting. I know some of you are anxious to hear about Jubilee. I didn't mean to keep you hanging, so to speak. I had actually planned to do an update when I got home from church every night, but by the time I walked in the door, it was way past my bedtime already. And then with all the busyness of getting prepared for the following day, I never got around to my blogging. :(

But anyway, Jubilee was definitely a huge success! The Lord poured out His blessings upon each and every service. Souls were saved; burdens were lifted; decisions were made. I believe that many lives were changed... for the better... thanks be to our Heavenly Father, during this year's Jubilee.

It was great to see old friends again, and to make some new ones, as well. We had great attendance numbers this year... 532 on the first night, then 678 during Sunday morning's Jubilee wrap-up. What a blessing!

We raised over $35,000 in a little more than 25 minutes on Sunday, after the preaching service. Glory to God, for always providing what we need financially, as well as spiritually, to keep this annual event going strong!

Afterwards, we ate some of the best (if not THE best) chicken bog on the planet! A big thanks to Preacher Mack Hutson for cooking it for us again this year. He pastors over at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Loris... which is where I attended on Sunday night, by the way. We appreciate his sacrifice of time and energy (and sleep). We love you, Preacher Mack!

We enjoyed this past week so much, that some of us have now diagnosed ourselves as having "After Jubilee Letdown", as we adjust to getting back to our normal routines. Of course, we carry the messages of each service with us in our hearts, still. But boy, how we long for that "Jubilee spirit" to continue on!

If you've never attended our Jubilee before, I encourage you to make plans to come next year. (Jubilee is always the first Wednesday through Sunday of November.)

Again, I apologize for the delay in posting. I'll do my best to post atleast 2 or 3 times each week, now that Jubilee is behind us.

Take care and may God's richest blessings be yours... today and always!

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For Such A Time As This

2007-11-03T23:34:00.000-04:00

What a meaningful theme for this year’s Jubilee! While we have many within our church family who are going through crises… some fighting major health battles; others burdened for lost family members; and those facing mountains bigger than any of us could possibly climb in our own strength… how exciting it is to know that we can all come together for an amazing time of prayer and praise, trusting our Heavenly Father to once again pour out His blessings upon our church family for such a time as this!

We are often reminded of the story of Queen Esther, and how God used her to save His people. He likewise uses folks today to minister to, and to reach out to those who are hurting, or are in danger. We none know whom around us He may be using to fulfill His purposes in our lives. I have every confidence that He will use each and every speaker and musical guest during this year’s Jubilee, to fulfill His purpose of drawing each of us ever so close to Him.

We have just completed a thorough study on spiritual warfare. We know, from Scripture, that the enemy is not one who fights fair. His attacks are ruthless and unending, which is all the more reason for us to be prepared for the battle we wake up into each and every day.

We are given Jesus’ example for withstanding such a battle, in the book of Matthew, chapter 4. There, the enemy tempts Him again and again, in an effort to cause Him to stumble, to fall short from the glory for which He is so worthy. But Jesus doesn’t fall prey to the enemy’s attacks. Instead, He uses Scripture to fight off the evil one.

What Christ did, this is what we, also, should do. We need to lift up our Sword, which is God’s Word, to fight off the attacks by which satan meant to cause us to stumble and fall. We need to plow deeper into Scripture each and every day, to know exactly how to handle whatever the enemy throws our way.

Notice, then, that verse 10 says, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

You might be thinking you can’t stand up to the enemy, as Jesus did, and tell him to flee. You may be weak and weary in the battle, and don't feel like you can muster up enough courage to do this. If so, note what happens in verse 11.

“Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.”

Hang on to this example, and claim it as your own. Remember that where there is praise and mention of the Name of Jesus, the enemy can't stay. Look anxiously for those ministering angels whom the Lord will send.

Join us in praying that this year’s Jubilee will be the breakthrough in which so many are seeking at this time in their lives. Stand strong and seek God’s face for such a time as this.

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Weekend Getaway

2007-10-30T23:10:00.000-04:00

Okay, okay... I know I promised some of you that I'd post some photos from our weekend getaway, so here's your post. Enjoy! ;)

For those who don't know what I'm talking about, Steve and I finally took a few days to go to our place up in the mountains of Virginia, for some much-needed R & R. The scenery was gorgeous, once we got higher up into the hills. Like everyone else, they've had such a dry summer, which greatly contributed to the delay in color change. But it was beautiful, just the same.

We managed to pack quite a bit of "adventure" into those two short days, with the help of our friends, Mr Frank & Ms Elfreda. We owe a great deal to them, even besides their generosity this weekend. They've been so good to us, looking after our house up there and keeping everything going, in our absence. They keep the grass mowed in the summer, and keep the place winterized when it's cold. We truly appreciate their friendship!

Mr Frank took us for a ride up the mountain on his 6 wheeler, which I especially loved. This thing was waaaay cool! We rode up through the pumpkin patch and looked at the beautiful scenery below. Then he took us into the woods and further up the mountain, where we spotted signs of deer and bear, which are both plentiful there now.

We had a great time, being up close and personal with nature, and especially knowing we were in good hands. Mr Frank does this all the time, as he goes hunting up in these woods. Ordinarily, I probably wouldn't have gone into the woods like that (in unfamiliar territory). But we knew Mr Frank did this often enough, that he knew what (if any) safety precautions to take, and when to do so.

We attended the little country church we always visit while there (Springfield Baptist Church in Elks Creek). It was good seeing those we haven't seen for so long. There was even a 1-week old baby there, whom everyone flocked around, naturally. It was so sweet, watching his Dad with him. (His mom was at home recovering from surgery.)

Please remember this church in your prayers. They're seeking a pastor right now, as their previous pastor died of a massive heart attack back in the summer. They're "trying out" several preachers, but aren't really "settled" on any of them thus far. Please pray that the Lord would send the man He would have stand in the pulpit there. They would appreciate your prayers, I'm sure.

We sooooo enjoyed the scenery up there this weekend! I especially love taking a drive and looking at all the old barns and cattle, and fish. (Yes, FISH... trout, to be exact.)

The trout were actually pretty plentiful here, as you can tell. :)

I love old barns... and cows.

I always wanted a cow named "Belle". Since this one's wearing ear-rings, I think I'll call her "Jezibelle", instead.

I was looking forward to the tranquility of being in this far away remote place. Just for a little while, the peace and quiet were worth far more than the modern conveniences to which I've grown accustomed... cell phone, cable tv, the internet (although I did pack my iPod). I had planned to do alot of studying and maybe even some writing during all this "quiet time". It didn't quite work out that way, but it was good, just the same. No complaints.

Now, it's time to get back to the real world. At church (work), we've got quite a bit happening in the next several days. We're gearing up for our annual "Jubilee by the Sea", which begins next Wednesday night (Nov. 7th), and goes on through the following Sunday (Nov. 11th). This year, we have another great line-up of speakers and musical guests. Check out our website, for more info.

I hope you all have a great week. I'll try to post again in a day or two.
By the way, this Wednesday, October 31st, is the 10th anniversary of my rededicating my life to the Lord (10-31-97).
I thank Him so much for all the love and mercy He's bestowed upon me throughout the past 10 years! He's sooooo good, and so very faithful!

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RU Blessings

2007-10-27T00:05:00.000-04:00

I couldn't wait to share with you what a great blessing RU was tonight (Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program). We had so many new folks come tonight, in addition to several new participants from within our church. Then, too, one fellow who came by and spoke with me yesterday, after having seen our sign on the side of the road... he was interested in finding help for his son. Well, his son came tonight, and seemed to really enjoy it. That in itself just goes to show how the Lord answers prayer. His father had been concerned that maybe the "religious" aspect of the program would turn his son off. But if it did, we couldn't tell it tonight.

I'd say my favorite part of tonight's meeting was the testimony time. It seemed to go on and on and on (which was a good thing). We didn't just hear testimonies from the workers, but also quite a few heartfelt, emotional testimonies of God's grace from those who've been coming from the homeless shelter downtown. What a blessing!

I can't stress it enough, these folks are just like you and me. They may not have many of the luxuries that you and I have. But they're no different than us. We've all made bad choices in life. We've all done things we aren't proud of. We've all gotten involved in some things we know we shouldn't have gone anywhere near.

But ya know, the most wonderful thing that you and I have... our relationship with Jesus Christ... many of these folks also have. They've seen God's hands at work in their lives, just as we've seen them at work in ours. They bear witness to His mighty power in turning their lives around. Again, in the same way He so lovingly commissioned OUR lives into a U-turn.

One thing I especially enjoy doing at our RU meetings is watching the faces of our newcomers, as some of the others share a testimony. It's an awesome thing, to be able to watch as their emotions are (unknowingly) revealed. I often see tears, which tells me that the Lord is at work there. (Again, sometimes unbeknownst to them.)

Something else I'm always impressed with, is how much our participants believe in prayer. We fill out prayer cards each week, and then during our prayer time, Bro. Mike prays over these requests, mentioning them all by name. The list seems to grow longer each week, and I guess it amazes me to hear how faithfully our RU participants lift one another up in prayer. (It's also quite humbling.)

Our Pastor has said on numerous occasions how he loves to have children praying for him when (if) he's ever sick. Their simple, yet effective, prayers are enough to bring any grown man to his knees in humility. I like to relate that same theory to our RU participants. They're "young" Christians... "babes in Christ". So it's a blessing to see these "babes" take the time to list and pray for those around them. I can't help but be reminded of what Jesus told His disciples one day.

He said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:14)

No one should ever do or say anything to discourage or hinder the "little ones" (nor the young Christians) from getting to Jesus. We should do everything we can to make a way for them to do so, without it ever being an issue. It's all about His plan and His purpose. And we sure don't want to get in God's way, after all!

But anyway, I'm just so thankful for God's blessings upon this area of ministry. I'm grateful to Him, for allowing me this awesome privilege of seeing lives changed by Him, right in front of my eyes. And ya know, the farther we get into this program (8 months now), the more I realize He's working in me, as well. He's moving things around inside my own heart, throwing out some things, and bringing in some other things. Truly, He's giving my life an extreme make-over. And thankfully, it doesn't cost me a cent. He's already paid for it.

Please continue to pray for our RU program. Pray for many others to come in, as this one man did yesterday, seeking help for either themselves or someone they love.

Pastor used to say, as he was anticipating starting this program here... "Help is on the way!"

Well, help is here... and so now we need more participants... and workers.

Please continue to pray that the Lord would bring them in. (Thanks!)

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Another Blessed Day

2007-10-20T22:45:00.001-04:00

This post is dedicated to my dear friend, Reena Lucas. No, wait... let me rephrase that. It's dedicated to my dear friend, Reena Kurapati. (I suppose that's gonna take some getting use to.)

For those of you who might not know who Reena is, she's in my opinion one of the kindest, most beautiful people in this world... as much on the inside as out. In the almost 4 years that I've known her, she's become very special to me. She and I used to go visiting together on Monday nights, during our F.A.I.T.H. program. The two of us have prayed and fasted together, for various needs pertaining to our Sunday School class. She's been a major source of encouragement for myself, and others, in her faithfulness and dedication... not just to our class, but in the friendships within.

But anyway, this treasure of ours got married today... and although we're very happy for both she and her groom (Emmanuel), we are also saddened that she will be moving away in just a few days... all the way to Las Vegas.

But like I said, despite the fact that we'll miss her tremendously, we are indeed very happy for her. I can't think of anyone who deserves to be happier, more so than Reena. :)

The wedding was absolutely beautiful. It was an eloquent blend of both Indian and traditional Christian wedding customs. I learned a few of their native (Indian) ceremonial practices recently, all of which I believe to be greatly honorable. (It makes me think if more people took marriage as seriously, and held it as sacred as in Indian custom, the divorce rate would plummet.) It's such a beautiful thing, and I believe they've got it right... just as God intended marriage to be.

Anyway, Reena was just glowing on her special day. Her happiness was truly evident. Her dress was magnificent. The songs and Scriptures she and Emmanuel chose for their ceremony were perfect for such occasion as this... a most blessed day. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were stunning and handsome, as was the maid of honor, our very own Aimee Osborne. The little ones were absolutely adorable, in their roles, as well. In fact, one of my favorite parts of the wedding was when the children were walking in, as "Jesus Loves Me" was being played on the piano. Aaahhhh, what a blessing that was, in itself!

Words can't possibly do it justice. The Lord poured out His blessing on every aspect of it, just as we had prayed for Him to. (Thank You, Lord!) I'll share some pictures with you, so you can see for yourself, a small glimpse of how beautiful this wedding was.

Aimee, all smiles for her best friend.

Escorted by her father, Reena joins her groom up front.

One last kiss for Daddy, as he gives the bride away.

Bride and groom, ready to unite.
Rev. Jeff Stackhouse (Emmanuel's Pastor) came all the way from Las Vegas to co-officiate this special occasion.

Our Pastor, Dr. Freddie M. Young, prepares the couple, as they are about to commit their lives to one another.

Pastor leads them as they say their vows.

In an Indian Christian wedding, instead of the groom placing a ring on the bride's finger, he ties a special necklace, called a Mangalsutram, around the bride's neck, which symbolizes their marriage being a sacred covenant between them. (I love that!)

But the bride does get to place a ring on the groom's finger, as Reena is so doing here.

The bride and groom light the unity candle.

"Emmanuel, you may kiss your bride."

The official presentation of Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Kurapati.

Was Reena whispering, "I love you, Honey"?
*Note: Emmanuel's first name is Madhu, which means "honey".

The groom looks as though he realizes what a treasure he now has.

Here we have our own Debbie Tompkins, Nyla Hucks, Robin Rexroad, and Cindy Lilly, who dressed for the occasion.

Since I didn't get a good shot of her walking down the aisle, at least I got this one of her walking back up the aisle. :)

We're all so very happy for our dear, sweet friend, Reena Lucas-Kurapati. We will miss her more than words can say, but her happiness is worth far more to us than our own selfish desires to keep her here with us. She is truly happy with Emmanuel, and we know God's hand is upon their marriage. We wish them all the love and happiness under God's creation.

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The Best Day Ever

2007-10-14T17:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was an enormous blessing to me. My niece and nephew were with me all day. We had such a great time, as always... or better than always, actually.

First of all, after breakfast, we opened up the rest of their birthday gifts, which I'd stashed away here at our house, for when they came over again. We had given them several other things three weeks ago, at my brother's house, but these particular items I wanted to keep separately, to be able to share with them as I'd like. (You see, these gifts were Bible character figurines, and Bible story DVD's. When I bought them, I had in mind that I'd sit down with them and read the correlating Bible story, and have a good question/answer session afterwards. And with the "busyness" at my brother's house, I knew that wouldn't be the case there.)

So anyway, we did just that. We opened it all up, and they "played" with the figurines, acting it all out, as I read the story about those particular Bible characters. There were 8 in all, I think... their favorite being the story of David and Goliath. The kids really enjoyed it, and I especially enjoyed seeing them take so much interest in Godly things. Through no fault of their own, they seldom get to go to church, so the only "Bible" these precious children get to "read" are my husband and myself, when they're with us. I always take great pleasure in sharing Jesus with them every chance I get.

After we did all that, we then went outside to play, and had a great time in that beautiful sunshine. It was perfect... not too hot, and not at all cool, like had been forecast. I helped Uncle Steve finish planting the Azalea bushes a friend of ours had given us last week, while they played in the yard close by. Afterwards, we rode the golf-cart, told about a million knock-knock jokes, and walked through the back field, pulling up Morning Glory, with the intent of making a pretty wreath, but we soon got sidetracked with the 5 volunteer squash plants growing, where we had our garden this past Summer. (To my surprise, there were even some blossoms on them.)

Later on, Thomas decided he'd like to have "driving lessons", so while Skylar played with her Barbie dolls on our picnic blanket, I rode with Thomas, as he drove the golf cart all over the place... "over the hills and through the woods". It was so much fun for me, just watching the excitement on his face. He had such a great time! In fact, at one point he said, "Aunt, this is the best day ever!" ("Aunt", pronounced "ain't", as he's always referred to me)

Skylar, being the little drama queen that she is, kept us all in stitches with her Emmy-Award-Winning performances throughout the day. We laughed and giggled so much, it's a wonder my sides aren't hurting today.

We also went to the church, to play on the playground there, later in the day. Again, it was just too much fun! :)

After supper, we got cleaned up and cuddled up on the couch, as we watched 2 of the Bible Story DVD's. One was about the miracles of Jesus, which went along with some of our earlier stories. Then we watched the other one, which was about David and Goliath... again, their favorite of all the stories. I watched their faces, and especially their eyes, as they paid such close attention to what was being said and done. It was a tremendous blessing to see them captivated by this, rather than by Britney Spears, which used to be the center of their conversation. (Uuuuggghhh!)

So once the movie was over, we began talking about how we can apply its meaning to our own lives today... that no matter what we come up against, we don't have to be afraid, if God is with us. We talked about prayer, and how God hears and answers our prayers when we call upon Him. Then my heart totally melted when Thomas asked me, "You mean, if we ask God for something, He'll give it to us?"

Of course, I told him yes, if we prayed according to God's Will.

To which he then asked, "If we ask God to change our parents' hearts and make Mommy and Daddy be nice, will He do it?"

Oh my, I can barely see to type this, my eyes are so full of tears. (Can you imagine how it was for me, last night, as it was happening?)

I then told the kids how God can change anyone's hearts, no matter who they are, or what they've done. I told them how God changed my heart, and then I also gave them the example of the apostle Paul's life. I told them how, at one time, Paul wasn't very nice to Christians, and even had them killed, or put in jail. But then the Lord got a hold of his heart, and changed his way of thinking. And from then on, he was good to Christians (he became one, in fact), and he helped them to grow in the knowledge of God, and actually became (in my opinion) the greatest missionary ever.

I tried to explain that what God does for one, He can also do for someone else. We just have to pray for them, and believe God to answer those prayers.

Thomas asked if we could pray for his parents, for God to make them "be nice", and to take away the bad and "put good there". Again, how precious these moments were to me, and I know they were special to God, too. :)

The three of us held hands and began to pray... for my brother (their Dad); for Ruth (their Mom); for Summer (their "somewhat step-mom"); for the couple who lives with them (Gigi and Scott); and of course, for Thomas and Skylar.

"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
Matt. 18:19

It was indeed a very special "prayer meeting", and there's no doubt whatsover, God was in the midst of us!

After that prayer, we talked about Heaven, and of course, the children had mentioned they wanted their parents to go to Heaven. They knew enough about hell to know they didn't want anyone they loved going there. The expressions on their faces (not just "drama" this time, but REAL emotions) told how burdened they were for their family. I share in that burden, and so I told them we would pray every single day, until the Lord answered our prayers.

As we were talking about Heaven and hell, I felt led and began talking to them, then, about their own salvation, and how when we reach a certain level of maturity, where we know right from wrong, we know we're old enough to understand how a person can get to Heaven. So I told them about how Jesus died for us all, and how he had suffered all that pain and sorrow for our sins, so we wouldn't have to. He did that because He loves us all that much!

I explained that the only way a person can get to Heaven is by believing that Jesus is God's one and only Son, and that He came to earth as a little bitty baby, born in Bethlehem... to grow up and be crucified on the cross, for our sins. We have to admit that we are sinners, and that we need forgiveness of our sins. Again, they were just as attentive as could be (sadly, more so than most grown-ups, during the invitation).

I went over Scripture with them, mostly the Romans Road. And when I got to the question, asking them if they'd like to ask Jesus to come into their hearts, they both eagerly said "YES". We prayed the sinner's prayer (they repeated after me), and we were all teary-eyed by the time the "Amen" came.

I thank God for the awesome privilege He's given me, to lead my niece and nephew to Him... both on the same night, at that! What an amazing blessing!

The one and only down-side is that the devil tried to keep it from taking place. Once I got into explaining how to be saved, my phone had rang. It was their mother, saying she was ready for me to bring them home. But thankfully, there again, satan is no match for Almighty God! I continued on, until God's purpose for that day had been fulfilled.

And to my surprise, it wasn't over just yet. Thomas wanted to know if we could write God a letter. I explained that we could, but that we don't have to, because when we pray, He hears our prayers right then. We don't have to send Him a letter. Of course, Thomas said he wanted to write one, anyway, so I wouldn't dare discourage that. (It was so sweet.)

So he gave us each a sheet of paper, and we all wrote a letter to God. Afterwards, he folded them up, and handed them to me and told me to keep them. I promised I would put them some place safe... in my Bible, and I would keep them there, always. (If anyone knows anything at all about me, it's that I don't leave my Bible anywhere. I love this particular one, and no matter how worn it may get, I don't want another. I love this one!)

But anyway, I must share with you what Thomas' letter said...

Dear God,
Please change my moms and my dads heart. Please do it. I want my family to be good, not bad. I want everybody in my family to go to heaven. Love, Thomas

How precious! And how convicting it is that these young children can be soooo burdened for the salvation of their loved ones, when sometimes we "grown ups" fail to even lift our loved ones' names up in prayer, much less show any heartfelt concern over the fact that they're dying and going to hell.

Kinda puts a new spin on things, at least for me, anyway.

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. - Matt. 18:13

Let's all pray and search our hearts, and if we don't already have a deep, deep burden for those we love (much less for a lost and dying world full of people we don't know), let's become as these little ones, and commit to praying fervently for them to come to know Christ.

Our Pastor preached on "The Last Chance" a few weeks ago, in reference to our not knowing when "our last chance" will be. For those who are lost and without Christ, today might be your last chance to come to Him. For those who already know Him as Lord and Saviour, today just might be your last chance to witness to someone you know, who's lost.

We none know when our last chance may be. So that's all the more reason to make sure we're ready. And to make sure all those around us are ready.

We're all missionaries... in our homes, families, neighborhoods, schools, jobs. So let's all take that commission seriously, while we can!

*** One more note: As I was driving the kids home last night, I remembered what Thomas had said earlier in the day, so I reminded him that "Yes, today was indeed the best day ever... because today's the day you asked Jesus into your heart."

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If you haven't done so already, why not make today YOUR best day ever? Email me, or leave me a message here, and I'll be more than happy to get back to you and show you how, according to Scripture. Email me by clicking here.

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Battle Support

2007-10-08T18:51:00.001-04:00

What wonderful worship services we had yesterday morning and evening! The messages were so fitting for the time... especially in light of some of the problems many have been facing lately. God is so good to us, giving us that extra encouragement we sometimes need, and the wisdom we need in our fight against the wicked one, who seems to be working overtime these days against God's people, and the ministries in which they serve. But how good it is to come into God's house and be renewed, despite the enemy's schemes. Truly, there is victory in Jesus!!!

We enjoyed special music by the One Way Trio, who were with us in both services. They're a great group, with a powerful sound all their own. Absolutely fantastic! But even greater than their voices, were their song choices yesterday. They sang of deliverance, of freedom, and of God's provision... all through the blood of our Saviour. If I could have somehow captured the experience of those services yesterday... the blessings of those songs being sung... I'd have saved it and uploaded it somehow, to share with you today.

Sunday School was equally as "filling" yesterday morning. We concluded our three-month study on spiritual warfare. I must tell you, as I told my ladies in class, I've shed some tears over this study's end. With all that's going on around us these days, it's been such an important study, because WE ALL need to be aware of the fight we're in each and every day, and how to stand firm in the midst of it. The Bible is so specific on this subject, and of it's importance. Yet, sadly, it's one of those things people are too quick to rush right through, completely missing what God intended for us to "get". I've truly enjoyed this study, probably more so than any other we've done thus far. Perhaps it's because I, too, have been reminded of these critical truths, and have gotten my own life better prepared for the battle. As always, the Lord so graciously gives us what we need, when we need it. (Thank You, Jesus!)

I had been thinking for some time now, of doing a "Monday Briefing" type post, to allow those who didn't make it to Sunday School to "catch up" on what they missed. But my fear in doing so was that then I'd be making it easy for them to stay home on Sunday mornings. "Why come to Sunday School, if you can get the scoop later, online?" I surely didn't want to contribute to anyone "laying out" of church, especially when I've prayed so hard, and for so long, for them to come! I still don't have a peace about doing that, but I'm gonna make an exception, at least for today, because I feel those who couldn't be here yesterday NEED to know how the Lord is working.

As I said, we wrapped up our study on spiritual warfare. This week, we dealt with the last piece of our "armour", which is prayer. Ephesians 6:18 says, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints".

We should all stop and consider our own prayer lives. Do we lift one another up in prayer, as we ought to? Do we pray fervently for our Pastors, deacons, teachers (and other leaders)? Do we pray specificially for them... for wisdom, discernment, for good health and for renewal of their mind?

We saw in this week's lesson that, as believers, it is our duty to pray for one another. In doing so, we're uniting with the other "members of the body", helping one another to stand, in the daily battle against satan. I was thinking about that this week, and it occurred to me, if we aren't praying for one another as we should, then we're just sitting idly by, allowing the enemy to attack (and quite possibly defeat) our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

How convicting is that thought???

We already know about the new commandment Jesus gave us... I touched on that in my last post, in fact. We're to love one another as He loves us. Therefore, if we truly love one another, we're not apt to sit back and allow satan to unmercifully attack our fellow believers. We'll help them in their fight against him. We'll support them, as they stand and especially as they "serve on the frontlines". They need our prayers! They need us to make specific petitions on their behalf, each and every day. Without this support, how will they stand? How long can they stand alone?

One of our heart-searching questions in Sunday School this week was "How effective would our Pastor's ministry be... IF every member prayed for him AS I pray for him?"

We also could ask the same, in reference to our teachers and any other ministry-leaders. How DO we pray for them? Again, we should all consider our own prayer lives, and how effectively we pray for those in leadership positions. We must begin praying as we were called to do, to help them (one another) stand.

I was reminded this week of a beautiful illustration in the Old Testament. In Exodus, chapter 17, we read of the conflict between Israel and Amalek. Moses instructed Joshua to take men into battle. While they fought, Moses stood on top of a nearby hill, with the rod of God in his hand. As Moses held the rod high, Israel prevailed in battle. When he dropped his hands in fatigue, Amalek prevailed. When Aaron and Hur saw Moses' hands begin to drop, they came alongside and held them up. They supported him until Israel won the victory.

Moses stood before God on behalf of the forces engaged in war on the battlefield (with the support of Aaron and Hur). We should do the same by interceding for one another as we fight our spiritual battles. Like Moses, we must come before God with our outstretched prayers for those who are fighting. And like Aaron and Hur, we must stand alongside others to support them with our prayers.

Prayer is indeed a vital part of our defense against the enemy's attacks!

My own personal request of my ladies in Sunday School is that they lift me up in their prayers daily. The enemy has indeed waged his attacks, especially in the past several weeks. So I need their prayers, to help support me when my arms grow weary, like Moses' did.

We also need to pray fervently for our Pastor, who leads our church body. We need to pray for his good health and clarity of mind, not only as he studies and brings us the Word, but also in his decision-making in our church's business and ministry needs. He needs discernment to see through those who may come under false pretenses, those the Holy Spirit warned us of, throughout Scripture, but I think of the book of Jude now, specifically. We need to pray for our Pastor to continuously stand for what is right... those Biblical principles upon which we're all to be conformed to.

But even besides our Pastor, and teachers, and ministry leaders, we need to remember in our prayers the entire church staff. We need to cover each and every one in our prayers daily, because it's through the staff here that many things get accomplished... things that we often take for granted. Folks (myself included) often walk in at the appointed time for services, oblivious to all the planning and preparation that goes into making the wheels turn here. I suppose too often, we just assume it gets done automatically, somehow. But that isn't the case. We are blessed to have many hands involved behind the scenes, and we ought to cover these people in our prayers. The devil fights in these areas, as well as in the pulpit/podium. Sometimes he causes distractions and diversions in these "forgotten areas", in his schemes to devise even bigger trouble elsewhere.

We need to remember these things... and sometimes take a step back and see that this is what's happening, so we can know how better to pray for one another. The devil will wage these wars against us... sometimes even amongst us, if we aren't careful. So we just need to pray!

Again, this has been such an exciting study for me. I can't tell you the times I've so needed what the lesson was about in that given week. I say it all the time (from experience) the Lord indeed gives us what we need, when we need it.

But I pray that we'll all do as this week's lesson called for us to do... lift our brothers and sisters up in our prayers, and help one another to stand against the strategies and evil devices satan uses against us.

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Breakthrough

2007-10-04T17:12:00.000-04:00

I was trying to think of a good title for this post, and the word "breakthrough" kept coming to mind. After all, that's what this post is about... a breakthrough in a particular struggle I (and others) have been in. But to be sure this was, in fact, a fitting title, I decided to take a closer look at the word's meaning. Check this out:

break·through [breyk-throo]
–noun
1. a military movement or advance all the way through and beyond an enemy's front-line defense.

2. an act or instance of removing or surpassing an obstruction or restriction; the overcoming of a stalemate: The president reported a breakthrough in the treaty negotiations.

3. any significant or sudden advance, development, achievement, or increase, as in scientific knowledge or diplomacy, that removes a barrier to progress: The jet engine was a major breakthrough in air transport.

[Origin: 1915–20; n. use of v. phrase break through]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006

Hmmm. Upon completing this "mini grammar lesson", I'd say it's most definitely a fitting title for this post. Please allow me to share why.

As you may know, I'm involved with our local chapter Reformers Unanimous Addictions Program. In fact, my church facilitates this ministry. As of right now, we're the only chapter in the Myrtle Beach area; the next closest one is located in Florence, approximately 65 or so miles away.

This international program was founded by Steve Currington, who by God's grace, lived through a horrific auto accident (which was the result of his driving drunk). The Lord soon began dealing with his heart, and ultimately placed upon him the burden to show others the same truths he had learned through his struggle with strongholds (drinking, drugs, etc.). This program today is the largest, fastest-growing faith-based addictions program in America. (Amen! God is good!)

I must tell you, though, when my Pastor first shared his own burden for beginning this ministry within our church, I had a completely different attitude towards it, than I do now. In fact, after being hurt so many times over by the effects of drug-addiction in the life of someone close to me, I had the mindset... "Okay, this ministry might be good for you, but I don't want any part of it. I've been there, done that, don't wanna go there again, in any way, shape, or form!"

I felt the Lord tugging at my heart quite a few times, in the preparation and groundwork stages of getting this ministry off the ground here locally, but still, I was adament (stubborn) in my stance. "I'm not going there, so don't even try to get me to."

But then, not long before our church's RU program kicked off, Ben Burks (Reformers Unanimous International Director) came to our church to speak, and it was that Sunday night, the Lord really grabbed a hold of, and changed my heart for this ministry. He gave me a longing to see past the addictions, and to see these folks as He sees them... with compassion, and concern for their souls.

I surrendered to the call He placed upon my heart, and began training for helping out in our local RU program. We began on February 2nd (this year), and had one soul saved that first night. (Praise the Lord!)

Granted, my "love" for this ministry didn't immediately show (or grow). I was still struggling, somewhat, with some past experiences with those who had battled addictions. But as time wore on, and I was actually "hearing" what Steve Currington was teaching us, in the materials we use each week in the program, those walls began to crumble little by little, until finally I was 100% completely SOLD OUT to seeing this ministry thrive. I found myself speaking out, sharing all about it to total strangers. (If you know me, I'm not that way, usually, so it's a complete God-thing for me to do that.) I was passing out flyers and brochures everywhere I went. And I also found myself defending our RU program, to anyone who would dare say anything negative against it. (Yes, sadly, even amongst church family.)

We have the most wonderful blessing, here in our church, to be a part of Street Reach, a local homeless shelter, where we go once a month to share the gospel and a delicious meal to those who have far less than we do. This blessing has been two-fold for us, since our RU program started, because soon after, a group of these folks from Street Reach started coming to RU. Now, we have 2 vans coming from Street Reach every Friday night. (Hallelujah!)

God has blessed us tremendously, in getting to know these folks on a personal level, and loving them as He loves each of us. I do get defensive, sometimes, when folks don't quite understand why we care so much for "those people". Christ tells us clearly in His Word that this is exactly what we should all be doing. (see John 13:34,35; 15:12,17; Romans 12:10; 13:8; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Thes. 3:12; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 John 3:11)

None of us are any better than the other, no matter where we come from, or where we may be at any given moment. We should all realize, then, that it's only by the grace of God that we're not where some of these folks are. And in doing so, we should all be willing to help see these folks come to know the Lord, and to grow in His grace.

These past couple of weeks have been such a trying time for me, personally, and also for our RU ministry. The devil has fought tooth and nail to keep the Lord's work from being done. But as I said in my last post, the devil is no match for King Jesus! The Lord hears and answers our prayers. Souls are being saved, lives are being changed... all as a result of this vital ministry. And I have every confidence that all eyes will be opened to what God is doing here, and that we'll gain even more support in our efforts to see it continue to flourish.

So, in reflecting again on the definitions of the word "breakthrough", I'd say we're definitely in a period of breakthrough right now. The enemy must step aside as God's plan and purposes prevail! As I said, we're now seeing the fruits of our labor. We're hearing (and seeing) how lives are being forever changed. Each one of us are learning and growing in what the Lord would have us do in our own lives.

One of the biggest things I've learned personally, and that I'd like to pass on to others, is that this program isn't just about addictions to alcohol or drugs, or smoking. It's also about any other strongholds that we may have... be it, a wrongful attitude, a contentious spirit, unforgiveness. Or as I've adapted for our chapter's website slogan, "From anything and everything that isn't of Him, He wants us to be set free."

The Lord is using this program, not just for the benefit of those who come to us in need of freedom from whatever bondage they're in, but He's also using it in each of our own lives... we, the workers. I praise Him for the work He's done (and is doing) in me. And I cherish the privilege of being able to serve in this ministry. I would encourage others to get involved, as well, because the rewards are plentiful.

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Overflowing

2007-10-01T21:37:00.000-04:00

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." - Ps. 23:5

This past week has indeed been a tough one. One wicked device after another, in an attempt to cause me to stumble. I wish I could say I've been sure-footed through it all, but in all honesty, I must admit that I did lose my footing a couple of times. It's only by God's grace and with the help of a few close sisters-in-the-Lord that I didn't plunge. Praise God for that! (And for them!)

It's funny how, when you're going through a storm, you can't see through to the light of day. All you can see are the dark clouds looming overhead. Your entire outlook seems to blend in with the storm brewing around you... all dark and dreary, with no hope of a brighter day.

How convicting that is for me, as a Christian, because that isn't the way we're supposed to see things in the midst of our storms. We're supposed to see Jesus, no matter what the "weather" around us. We're supposed to completely trust Him to carry us through the storm, and never waiver in our faith.

I suppose I did some waivering this week. When the enemy sought to bring me down, I gave him some room to play... and he did... FOR A WHILE.

But I'm so thankful, satan is no match for King Jesus!!!

My Lord came through, as He always does, opening up the windows of Heaven, and pouring out that blessed sunshine into my heart, despite my weaknesses and heaviness of heart. I can't praise Him enough for that!

Yesterday's worship services were probably the most dear to my heart in quite some time. The messages, the music... every aspect of the morning service, especially... were God's hand at work to bring about a shift of those winds in my life. No more howling storms. No more raging seas. He brought peace to those hurricane-force winds, at last.

And the funny thing is, I ought to have known that He would, all along. He always has before, so why wouldn't He now? (Oh me, of little faith!)

I was reminded of the story of Stephen this week, and how much Christ cared for him. When Stephen was being stoned to death, the Bible tells us that he looked towards Heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing there at the right hand of His Father.

For those who don't understand what this is saying, let me make it clear. According to Scripture, Jesus is normally seated at the right hand of God. But while Stephen was being stoned (for Christ's sake), Christ arose from His throne... He stood for His child.

My, what immeasurable love shown there! Think about it. Could you just sit and watch as one of your children was being persecuted so? No, and neither could He!

There's a song entitled "He Stood For His Child", recorded by a group of young girls who are dear to my heart. They're from Victorious Valley Children's Home, in upstate South Carolina. I've listened to this song many times, but I must say, until this week, it never meant as much to me. But now I feel as though I, too, caught a glimpse of that awesome glory, and I feel more than ever that what I've been going through, my God cares about. I can just see Him standing there, FOR ME.

It reveals to me yet again that I don't have to fret because of those who would rise up against me. I don't even have to do the "fighting" in the battle. It's HIS fight. And according to Scripture, He's already won it!

I can truly say my cup is overflowing tonight, with His goodness and mercy. What blessing!

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UPDATE:

For those who would like the words to the song I mentioned above...

He Stood For His Child

No one stood beside him. He seemed to be all alone
Dying for a cause that seemed in vain
As stones bruised his body, Stephen looked past the tears
And seeing one glimpse of Jesus, forgot his pain.
As men looked upon him, they did not understand
The faraway look in his eyes
But no one else around him could see what Stephen saw
As he watched the Son of God arise.

He stood for His child, He rose from His throne
He knew how it felt to die alone
He heard the cry, and He saw the tear
And He wanted Stephen to know that He was near
He stood for His child.

At times I look around me; satan tells me no one cares
And throws stones of doubt in my way
But I know my Saviour loves me, as I look past the tears
I see Him standing and hear Him say,

"I'll stand for My child. I'll rise from My throne.
I know how it feels to be alone.
I hear the cry, and I see the tears.
And I want you to know that I am near.
I'll stand for My child."

You may order the CD from the Victorious Valley Homes Website.

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What Would Jesus Do?

2007-09-25T00:16:00.000-04:00

First of all, I know I'm way behind on my posting. It's been a rather hectic week. So much going on, so many projects in the works. But after looking at OJ's face for waaaaay too long, I figured it was worth the sacrifice of losing a little sleep, just to get rid of him (or at least move him down a bit). B'bye, OJ!

I hope you've all had a blessed week so far. As I said, mine's been hopping. But all in all, pretty good... despite the enemy's intentions. He's sure been after me, no doubt!

Have you ever felt like he was following your every move, jumping into absolutely every good and POSITIVE thing you try to accomplish, wreaking total havoc all around? Well, he's working DOUBLE-TIME on me, it seems.

I suppose I should expect such, after getting up this morning and praying, "Lord, make me an instrument of peace today. Show me ways in which I can build a bridge where there seems to be no way to cross over."

It seems the enemy fights the hardest when we commit to follow the Lord's leading. I had decided just a few days ago that I'd begin my day (every day) praying that prayer, in an effort to reconcile any broken relationships, no matter who was (or is) at fault. I fully trusted God to provide those windows of opportunity, as He has so faithfully done in the past.

Well, one such window opened today, and I was so excited to take that first step, in an attempt to make peace in a rather difficult (even hostile) situation. I prayed, I took action, and I waited.

But then, much to my disappointment, my attempt failed (the other party wasn't receptive of my effort). Apparently, peace didn't want to be found. :(

Typical me, my first reaction was to crawl back into my shell and cry (as I'm accustomed to doing when someone hurts me). And continuing on that emotional cycle, I then thought about getting defensive and confronting the one who'd done me wrong. But no, that wasn't right either, not like that.

So then I began to think about Jesus, and how He responded to those who treated Him unfairly. Did He sit there and feel sorry for Himself? No. Did He lash out at those who accused Him, or to those who spat upon Him? No. He didn't say or do anything in His own defense.

He simply loved them. He died for them.

Now, I'm not looking to physically die for anyone. (He's already done that, for all of us.)

But I CAN love those who would seek to cause me harm. I CAN forgive them (again). I CAN continue praying for them. I CAN continue to pray for peace, and for eyes to be opened to the truth. That's what Jesus did.

So, even though there may be those "impossible" people in our lives, always looking for an opportunity to defeat us, despite our efforts to make peace with them, we should remember how Jesus responded, and use His example to help us do the same.

And as the Bible tells us, He will give us more grace, to carry us through.

Romans 5:20
"...But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound."

James 4:6
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

We don't have to worry about those who mean to hurt us. He'll take care of them, in His own way, in His own time. We see it over and over again.

Thank you, Lord!

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The Wicked Abased

2007-09-18T22:22:00.000-04:00

Isn't it great when you can see the Lord coming through on His promises, right before your very eyes? In my last post, I noted several passages of Scripture in which we have His Word that the wicked (or the proud) will be brought down. Sometimes we struggle with frustration when we don't see it take place in our own timing. But as I tell my ladies in Sunday School, the Lord doesn't always work on our time-schedule. He often has His own timing, which, as proven to me over and over again, is always best. But in His time, He will bring the wicked and the proud down.

I've been absolutely disgusted by one such wicked man, who's been the focus of many news and talk shows recently. In a TV interview I saw just the other day, he was very arrogant, and obnoxiously proud of the fact that he hadn't paid any of the money his victims' families won in a civil suit against him several years ago. He says if he doesn't work, he doesn't have to pay. Therefore, he's not gonna work. He did, however, write a book, telling how he killed his victims, hoping to make millions. (Thankfully, he lost the rights to any royalties from this book.)

It's outright sickening to see how he's been out playing golf everyday, living it up, showing no remorse for his crime, nor for the injustice of his wrongful aquittal. How could this be? Is there no justice anymore?

Well, the court system might fail us, but I'm so glad that God never fails us!

If you're up-to-date on your headlines, you already know that O.J. Simpson was arrested in Las Vegas earlier this week... not for the murders of his ex wife and her friend, but for a slew of other charges, including breaking and entering and armed robbery, which could mean he would remain behind bars for many years.

Whatever the charge(s), I'm thankful to the good Lord that he's allowed this wicked man to be taken off the streets. Hallelujah, I believe we can all breathe easier tonight!

I am reminded of one of the verses I included in my last post...

Obadiah 1:3,4

The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.

Boy, does that ring a bell here!!! Thank you, Lord, for putting an end to this guy's "hay-day"!

It just goes to show, we can't live a prideful life. We must constantly examine our own hearts and pray for God to show us anything that should not be there. And then, when He does, we need to do something about it, lest we fall... or be brought down!

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Who Are We Exalting?

2007-09-16T16:28:00.000-04:00

A friend and I were talking the other day, and she asked me about why I don't display or let others know about various accomplishments and/or awards I've received for things I've done or achieved in service to the Lord. My answer was simple. "It's not about me."

If you ask any of my ladies in Sunday School, they'll give witness to the fact that this is my favorite "life truth", because I'm constantly reminding them all the time... "It's not about me!"

I suppose that's why it bothers me, as I sit back and watch and/or listen to folks who lift themselves up, for anything they may do in Christ's Name. It appears they thrive on the recognition they receive, and somehow they even entice others to join in and do the same. I can't go along with that, because the Bible tells us clearly that we're not to exalt ourselves.

Psalm 66:7

"...let not the rebellious exalt themselves."

Psalm 140:8

"Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves."

Obadiah 1:3,4

Mathew 23:12
And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

1 Peter 5:5,6
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

These are just a few of the many passages of Scripture which show us that we're not the One who should be high and lifted up. No matter what we say or do in life, no matter how great our achievements may be, we need to remember that God didn't put us here to praise ourselves, nor to be praised by others either, for that matter. He created us all to magnify HIM.

I've been guilty of losing focus of that, at various times throughout my life. It took me a long time to realize how easy it is to be caught up in the trap of turning it around and making it, or letting it be about me. Granted, it doesn't start out so bad. It could very well begin with something as simple as someone's appreciation for all the time and energy I'd put into something that meant a lot to them. And there's nothing wrong with that in itself. But, as with anything else in life, it's what we do with it, or rather, how we respond to it, that counts. We can't have a prideful attitude. Just as constructive criticm can lead to destruction, if misinterpreted; the same is true of praise. Sometimes we can get a bad case of "the big head", which then also leads to destruction.

The Bible says in Proverbs 16:18:

"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

As I explained to my friend the other day, I would much rather be overlooked, even forgotten, here in this life, and be rewarded in Heaven, than to make much of myself here, and be overlooked in Heaven.

There have been times when it bothered me to be excluded from recognition, especially when I put alot into something. But as I said, I've learned that isn't what I'm here for. So now, thankfully, I can honestly say I don't even want recognition, anymore. Instead, I think about my heavenly rewards, which are far greater!

Once again, I'm reminded of our country. I think about how we've seemingly lost all sight of morality. Corporately, we've stopped pledging allegiance to or praying to the One true God. We've embraced many of the abominations He forbade us to defile ourselves with. We've traded our spiritual strength for "living for the moment", which has weakened us. We've become so full of pride, I do believe if it were possible to "stick a pin in us", we'd fly right into orbit.

We can't continue on like this. Yes, God is love, but He is also just. He's not gonna allow much more of our disobedience. I pray we (as a nation) figure that out, before it's too late.

It's important for us to understand that it's Jesus' Name, Whom we should be lifting up, not our own. It's all about our humbling ourselves before Him, proving that we know Who's God, and that we're worshiping Him. For me, personally, I can't say it enough... "It's not about me."

I pray we all stop in our tracks each and every day and examine our hearts, asking ourselves this question, "Who am I exalting today?"

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The Days of Noah

2007-09-12T15:33:00.000-04:00

If you've paid any attention whatsoever to the news lately, it should be clearly visible how much trouble we're currently in. ("We", as in Americans... Christians... families) It seems our great country has lost all sight of morality, and even just common decency anymore.
What's happened to us?

It's absolutely disgusting to look at some of the things we see on TV today, and I don't just mean the programming. The commercials, even, have become so explicitly vulgar, that I, personally, am boycotting those products and/or companies for even advertising in such a vile manner.
(I hope you do, as well.)

It seems futile for parents to attempt to regulate what their children are watching, when the commercials are just as bad (or worse) than the shows themselves. I'll give you an example... the new Hardee's commercials. Oh my! I don't know that I can even describe the message this is sending to our young people today, these ads are so perverse!

If you click here, you can view one of the commercials, in which a young girl depicts a sexualized female teacher in a high school classroom doing a stripper-style dance on top of her desk, while male students do a rap song about her "flat buns". They also have another commercial, in which a scantly-clad woman gyrates to a countdown of things she wants a man to do to her. All the time, she is eating a "patty melt" sandwich. Click here to view this one. (Warning: These ads are offensive and are provided here only for the purpose of educating you on this matter. Please do not view them with children present.)

Again, I'm just sickened that this great land of promise now has such an unpromising future!

There's also the 2 stories I read this morning on World Net Daily, one of them being about a certain actress/comedienne who claims that her recently won Emmy Award is now her god. Then, as if that wasn't bad enough, she goes even further (deeper into the mirey pit) by making several derogative comments about, and then to Jesus. (I would sure hate to be her!)

The other story was actually ironic, in that even our enemies are taking a stand against some of the vulgarities they're seeing flaunted in the headlines. Muslim terrorist leaders threatened to cut off the heads of Madonna and Britney Spears, for spreading "satanic culture".

"If I meet these whores I will have the honor – I repeat, I will have the honor – to be the first one to cut the heads off Madonna and Britney Spears if they will keep spreading their satanic culture against Islam," said Muhammad Abdel-Al, spokesman and senior leader of the Popular Resistance Committees terror organization.

"If these two prostitutes [Madonna and Spears] keep doing what they are doing, we of course will punish them. First we will call them to join Islam. But if they keep what they are doing ... we can stone them or even we can kill them if they keep ... tempting men in order to put them far from Islam. ... A prostitute woman must be stoned or must be eighty times hit with a belt."

Perhaps "convicting" would be a more suitable word, for at least they're taking a stand against it! Granted, I don't agree with their methods, and I certainly don't agree with their religious beliefs, but at least they're getting their point across that all this perversion is wrong! My, what if we Christians would be so bold as to stand up for decency! Something to think about.

My Pastor has been preaching on the wicked day in which we're living quite a bit lately, and I'm thankful for that. But I wonder, do we leave the message in the sanctuary when we walk out?
Are we really taking it home, into our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, to help others see that "the world as we know it" isn't okay?
I hear people commenting all the time about how "that's just the way it is nowadays", or "we have to go with the flow".

Uuggghhhh!!!!

That may be how it is, but we don't have to go along with it!

The Bible clearly distinguishes the difference in how we should and should not live. Just because "everybody else does it", is no excuse for our following suit. (And yes, sitting by and doing nothing is doing just that... it's called the sin of silence. We're giving our silent approval of what we should be shouting from the rooftops is wrong.)

People, we need to get down on our knees and pray for mercy. How much longer do you think God will tolerate this wickedness? If you'll remember, He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because they were living just as we are today. (If the truth be told, I wouldn't be scared to say it's even worse today!)

And let's not forget Noah's generation. Noah preached for 120 years, warning people to turn from their wicked, sinful nature and turn to the Lord, or else be doomed to die in a flood. But they (like so many today) refused to believe. They laughed and mocked.

But don't you think they began to figure out that old Noah was right, when the water kept rising? Don't you think the moment finally came when they realized they were the foolish ones?

We're living "as in the days of Noah" right now. And I, personally, fear the punishment God has in store for us, if we don't humble ourselves, turn from our sin, and turn to Him. God have mercy on us, our great nation, for the killing of innocent babies, for the violence and sexual perversion, for the idolatry and blasphemy that has rooted itself throughout this once-Godly land.

Brothers and Sisters, we need to beg for God's forgiveness, on behalf of those who don't realize their sin... lest we all perish! Yes, if we're saved and ready to go, we'll be in Heaven when death calls. But what about our family? Our friends? Our neighbors? Coworkers? If we're "inactive" in our mission (the Great Commission), we're saying we don't care about them. Could it be true? Do we really not care anymore? Did we ever care?

Something to think about.

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Seeking God

2007-09-09T16:13:00.000-04:00

Before we go any further here, let's take a look at a particular verse that's been on my heart lately. In fact, with all the political campaigning and debating going on, I've been outright convicted by this verse, for my own endorsement of a particular political figure over the past several weeks (months).

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

If you're like me, you've been praying and asking God to raise someone up that would bring our nation back to the godly principles upon which it was founded. Being disappointed with one presidential candidate after another, I was thrilled when "good ol' boy" Fred Thompson finally threw his hat in the ring. I shouted, in fact, when he officially announced late Wednesday night that he was running.

"Finally," I thought, "here's someone who makes sense. He doesn't talk in circles. He believes in fighting for those things which are near and dear to my heart. He seems to know how to take care of what needs to be done, and not stop short of completing the task. Yes! This is what (who) America needs, this next term!"

I don't know about any of you, but I, personally, can tell when the Lord begins to chasten me. He puts me in the big squeeze, so to speak, deeming me totally incapable of functioning on my own. I get this uneasy feeling, knowing something isn't just like it ought to be. And from much experience, I've come to know it's not good to ignore it. The best (and only) thing to do is to seek His wisdom and guidance in what I should or shouldn't be doing. Sometimes the answer isn't so easy on the ears. This was one of those times.

I've been watching Fred Thompson for several months now, ever since there was first mention of his possibly running for President, which was back in March, I believe. To be honest, he's had my vote all along, although he hadn't officially gotten into the race until this past week. Again, I was elated when it finally came to be!

But ya know, after a few rotten days... days of knowing something wasn't just right within me, I began searching my heart and I soon realized what the problem was. I was "pulling for" this fellow as if this were some type of sporting event, and he were my favorite player.

That isn't God's solution, nor the answer to our prayers!

Granted, Fred Thompson could very well be the one God so chooses to raise up to lead our country for the next four years. That's all well and good, if it's God's Will.

But you see, I had been leaning on my own understanding, making my own assessment of things. And that's where so many of us go wrong, in many aspects of our lives. Rather than look to the Lord, asking Him for His opinion, to give us discernment in a particular situation, we do our own homework and make our own choices, which often results in our own failure. I admit, I failed here. I should have continued to pray and seek God's guidance before endorsing anyone in particular, regardless of how things may have appeared to me.

God wants us, in all things, to seek Him. Whether it's in choosing a mate, or choosing a president, He wants us to look to Him, and again, not lean on our own understanding.

⁵Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

⁷Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

Sometimes it's good for us to be reminded of Who God is, and who we are, in the big picture. As Mama used to say, "Sometimes we need to be taken down a notch or two."

We have to keep in mind Who's God and who's sinful, mortal man. He's fully capable of bringing anything and everything to pass, with or without our help. But we're not capable of anything without Him. (John 15:5b)

If I can be reminded of this, and repent of my wrong-thinking and doing, would you say it's possible for our whole country to do the same? I would say so! But more importantly, God says so. Let's look at that again.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

Wow! What promise!

If, throughout the remainder of this presidential campaign (and always), our nation would get back to the basics, humbling ourselves before Him, seeking His Will (not our own), and turning from the sick perversions we've grown so accustomed to, He will forgive us and bring healing to us.

Our country is in dire need of healing! So what are we waiting for? Let's all join and agree together to pray for our nation, for it's leaders (present and future), for wisdom and guidance in all things that we may again be a Godly nation, founded on morality and Biblical principles. Let's individually and corporately seek God's face, knowing that He's promised to hear and answer... and to bring healing to our land!

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Calgon, Take Me Away!

2007-09-03T17:35:00.000-04:00

Whew! What a busy week! I can't believe I'm just now finding some time to sit down and post! I don't know how I used to ever get so much done! It seems, anymore, the more I do, the more I leave undone. And unfortunately, my blogging was one of the "un-dones" this week. So for those who were waiting, I do apologize. I'll do my best not to let so much time pass betweeen my posts, in the future.

As I said, it's been a really hectic week... getting back into the groove of some of our ministries at church, now that Summer is over... working on several projects/studies I have going on simultaneously... preparing my Sunday School lesson... shopping for and spending time with my husband for his birthday... and that doesn't include the regular tasks of work, laundry, cooking, house-cleaning. (Calgon, take me away!)

My, what ever would we do if we had children???!!!

I know, I know, silly question... the Lord would provide all that was needed, including an extra helping of grace, to make it all work out. :)

He's good about that, isn't He? In my own life, I couldn't possibly count the many times He's made a way for me, when there seemed to be no way. No matter how anxious, or baffled I may have gotten over my circumstances, He's always come through, just like He said He would, even if what I wanted wasn't what I needed. He's always been there, regardless. Truly, He is that friend Who sticketh closer than a brother! (Proverbs 18:24)

Sometimes our brothers (or other family members) forsake us. They turn their backs on us, when we really need to know we can count on them, for their prayers, for their devotion. Those very ones whom we'd like to think would be our greatest support group, all too often, they fail us. And it hurts. But what makes the hurt even greater is if their reason is because we love and serve the Lord.

I've been deeply discouraged by this for quite a while now, in regards to members of our family. There are a few who outright scold and criticize us because we're "too busy in our church". They're very openly opinionated about that, and I must say, it hurts... deeply. My first response was to get defensive about it, and act in the flesh. But I can't do that. What possible good would come from it? What would it do to my testimony? What would it do for the cause of Christ?

So I do nothing... other than pray.

In my frustration, I am reminded of Scripture, where we're told to take up our cross and follow Jesus. It doesn't tell us that the cross won't be hard to bear, at times. The thought of family and friends who don't understand why we serve in the capacities that we do, and therefore criticize us for doing so... they, indeed, make the cross heavy. But should that keep us from carrying it? Most definitely not!

I think that's one of the many ways the enemy tries to trip us up. If we make up our minds that we're gonna serve the Lord, he wants to do any and every thing he can to throw a wrench in the wheel, bringing all our well-intentions to a grinding halt. He'll use even our family members to try and keep us from doing anything that would further the Kingdom of God.

Yes, the cross gets heavy sometimes. Yes, sometimes we may feel like it's too much for us to bear. We get weary in the fight, after facing so much opposition, over and over again. But there again, I am reminded of great assurances in Scripture. Matthew 11:28-30 is one of my favorite passages, because it shows me the Lord cares about the load we carry for His sake.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

I am so thankful for that passage! What comfort it has been to me, time and time again. Isn't it wonderful to know how loving and gracious our Lord is? He cares about our troubles and trials. He's faithful to walk through the valleys with us, never leaving us to face anything on our own. He gives us comfort in knowing we can come to Him and find rest in Him. I don't know about you, but I'll take that over Calgon any day of the week!!!

Dear Heavenly Father, how I thank You for Your love and mercy. Thank You for carrying my burdens for me, when I'm too weak to continue on my own. Thank You for Your faithfulness, for being so good to me, though I've done nothing to deserve such blessings. Thank You for the peace You bring, in every situation that we give to You. Lord, I ask that You work in the hearts of those who don't understand, those who don't support our choice to follow You. Lord, I pray that You show them Your will, and Your way. Thank You for being so good. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

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A Candle In The Wind?

2007-08-27T20:52:00.000-04:00

Like many others throughout the world this weekend, I've spent much time watching the various television specials about the late Princess Diana, marking the tenth anniversary of her death. I'm not sure what it is, exactly, that so captivates us. She was certainly a beautiful woman, as much on the inside as out. Long before her death, we held her in high regard, not just because she was "Princess Di", but largely because she had a certain "humanness" about her, that we failed to see in other members of the Royal family. She appeared to be much more humble than they. We all remember watching the many news stories over the years that documented her charitable work and philanthropic causes. She truly seemed to have a heart of gold, one that wanted so desperately to reach out to those who were hurting, especially. That in itself was cause for the world to love this woman. She touched lives, literally, that no one else would have dared.

I suppose that makes it even harder to understand how such a beautiful life could come to such a tragic end. We've heard the "theories" as to what (or who) actually killed the Princess. It's been quite the blame game. And I must say, since watching a few of the specials this weekend, I now question what I've believed for the past ten years to be her cause of death. I'm sure none of us will ever know for sure, and it will remain one of the unsolved mysteries in this life.

But ya know, as I've thought about all this these past few days, one thing stands out in my mind that I never really thought about until now. The man Princess Diana was involved with at the time of her death (Dodi Al Fayed), was a Muslim. That may not sound like such a big thing, but I can tell you as a Christian, in light of some of the things I've been studying lately, it truly is. Bear with me, please.

Our Bible teaches us that there is only One true God. The worship of any other god is idolatry. I am reminded in Scripture that our God is not mocked.

Princess Diana, though so well loved, was in fact still human. I'm sure she made devastating mistakes, as have the rest of us. As I mentioned earlier, she sought to reach out to those who were hurting (or who were rejected), especially... I think because on a certain level, they reminded her of herself. She felt very unloved, rejected, isolated, so it was easy for her to relate to those who were feeling the same way. (Again, we can look back and recall the many photos of her holding the hand of an AIDS patient, or others who were somehow alienated from being "touched" by the real world.)

Sadder still, is that her own emptiness and personal desire to be loved led her to a relationship with someone who did not believe in the One true God. He worshiped another god, Allah... a false god. From all indications, Dodi Al Fayed had planned to propose marriage to her on the very night they died. In fact, his own father has stated in many interviews that both Dodi and Diana had spoken to him on the afternoon of their deaths, and told him of their expectancy of a child. Of course, there has been a royal cover-up (no pun intended), as far as her autopsy report, so that none of this could be confirmed nor denied publicly.

But stop and think about that for a minute. Here, Princess Diana, someone watched and loved throughout the world, in a most highly regarded position in millions of hearts, an example and role model for so many (including children)... here she is, on the brink of marrying into the Islamic faith. Just think about that.

I don't know if you've done much research on Islamic beliefs and customs, but one thing that truly gives me chills is that once you get in, you can't get out... alive. When you marry into it, you must convert. You must raise your children in that belief. The consequences of not following those rules are deadly. In fact, if you convert from Islam to some other religion, someone in your own family must kill you. They view it as justifiable, in their belief... an honor killing. Can you imagine?

So here is Princess Diana, apparently on the verge of marrying into this false religion, and from the testimony of her would-be future father-in-law, she was carrying his grandchild... who would also, then, be a Muslim... not by choice, but by birth. What a birthright!

Again, it's so sad... all of it... absolutely every aspect of her death. But ya know, I suppose it could have been so much worse. What if they hadn't died? What if they'd gotten married and had that child? If she hadn't done so already, she would have been forced to convert to Islam. (Who knows, maybe she already did???) Then at some time later, if for whatever reason, they parted ways and she chose to leave the Islamic faith, what about her safety then? What about the safety of her children? Not just the child (or children) she and Dodi would have brought into the world, but what about Prince William and Prince Harry? Would their safety also be compromised? It could have been such an awful, terrible tragedy... even worse than it actually was!

But again, in thinking on all this, I keep going back to that passage of Scripture in Galations, in which there's a lesson for all of us.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

Princess Diana had so much of it right. She was in an awesome position to make a true difference in this world, and in many ways, she did. Her tremendous giving and caring nature was so in line with Scripture. Yet she, like alot of us, looked in the wrong place for that much-desired reciprocated affection. She failed to sow in the Spirit, which again, is like so many of us today. (I, myself, have been guilty of that on numerous occasions.)

One thing I've come to understand (from lessons learned the hard way), is that when you're isolated or rejected, perhaps that's God's way of getting you all alone with Him. It's during those times that He draws us nearer to Him, and reveals so many things we wouldn't have understood otherwise. Personally, I can look back now and thank Him for those times. Granted, I didn't always think they were so great at the on-set of them, but once I got into His Will and began to pay attention to what He was telling me, it was like His arms were wrapped around me so tightly. I've never felt more safe nor secure than in those times when I was all alone with Him. Others' affection didn't matter so much to me then.

If Princess Diana had only seen and experienced this for herself. When others caused her pain and diappointment, rejecting her love and devotion... what if she had turned to the Lord, rather than to someone who worshiped a false god, for love and comfort. How different would things be today, not just for her, but for the entire world? What if she had used her highly publicized, highly esteemed position to point the world to Christ??? Imagine the former Princess of Wales, a great evangelist of the gospel!!! Tears fill my eyes at the very thought, as it reminds me of how precious life truly is, and that none of us are promised tomorrow. The things we could (or should) have been doing already, perhaps we'll never have another chance to do, if we don't do so today.

I wish Princess Diana had turned to the Lord, rather than to Dodi Al Fayed. I wish some godly saint had walked into her life at just the right time, to help guide her in the wisdom of the Lord, when it came to making these monumental, catastrophic mistakes. I think of Ms Sharon, here at my church. She would have been good for Princess Diana. She would have been that spiritual mom to her, that she so needed (whether she realized it or not). What a sweet picture that is, in my mind!

Nevertheless, we cannot change history... only today, and if God willing, tomorrow, and the next day. We can look at this beautiful life and learn from it. We can open our Bibles and see how God would have us live, while we still can. We can point others to Him. We can be that godly counsel to those in need. We can pray that our life is an ever-burning torch, lighting the way for the world to see Him... and not merely a candle in the wind, giving way to the darkness.

Heavenly Father, I thank You for your presence with us, and for wrapping Your arms around us as we draw near to You. I praise You for the lessons learned, in my own life, and in the lives of those around me. I pray that we'll all look to You and You alone to fill the void that might be in us. I pray that glory and honor be brought to Your Name, through these thoughts I've included here today. I pray that we'll all see how necessary Your Word is for our lives, no matter who or where we are. Lord, help us to be mindful of our place here. We are but clay in Your hands, yet sadly we often turn it around and try to do the making and molding ourselves, which only causes brokenness. Lord, help us to look to You for all our needs. I thank You and praise You. In Your loving Name I pray, Amen.

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