Broken Potterie

Amazed!

2012-01-18T16:25:00.001-05:00

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Phil 4:6 I made my petition known (even down to the specifics of my requests) and God answered those prayers tonight! Thank you Lord for answering this request so quickly and wonderfully!
It always amazes me when God answers to the specifics of what I pray! Not sure why it does considering the Word tells us to present your requests to God. We should expect nothing less than what we pray for right!? But it always amazes me. I will share more of what God did this week for us in a later post but today I have to say THANK YOU LORD!

Transition

2011-12-31T00:18:00.001-05:00

Transition-a passage, a movement, an abrupt change. No where do you see a stop or pause in a transition...there is movement...forward changing movement. Thank you Lord that although we are in a transitional phase of our lives we are not at a stop. Thank you that YOU know the plans you have for us...plans of a future filled with hope! :)

Lift my Hands

2011-12-29T21:32:00.001-05:00

I lift my hands up to you Lord. Despite all that is going on, despite what I think and feel I will continue to lift my hands up to you. My heart is broken and I don't understand but I will lift my hands to believe again. I know you have the best in store and I will trust You know what is best. Again my heart is broken and my mind is confused but I know that you are faithful and I will place my trust in you!

This Baby Changed the World

2011-12-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T12:14:00.002-05:00

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible.” Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:30-38

Oh to have this kind of faith to answer the way Mary did!!!

Charlie in the Box

2011-12-06T12:59:00.001-05:00

"Halt who goes there?!" said Charlie in the Box. The conversation below is from none other than "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer".

Charlie-In-The-Box:I am the official sentry of the Isle of Misfit Toys.
Hermey:A jack-in-the-box for a sentry?
Charlie-In-The-Box:Yes. My name is...
Rudolph:Don't tell me: Jack.
Charlie-In-The-Box:No, Charlie. That's why I'm a misfit toy. My name is all wrong. No child wants to play with a Charlie-In-The-Box, so I had to come here.

Have you ever felt like a "Charlie in the Box"? Feel like you don't fit in or belong. Boy I sure have, more than once. In fact sorta feeling like that right now in a few places in my life. Just don't fit in, seem to be on the outside looking in. Well Jesus was a "Charlie in the Box!" He didn't fit in with what society expected of him. He was an outcast and yet EVERYONE wanted to be friends with him. They would journey hundreds of miles just to get a glimpse of him, crawl on their news just to touch the hem of his garment! God uses the rich and poor, the beautiful and the ugly, the popular and the unpopular. You may feel like a "Charlie" but know this...GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU!!!! And it will be fulfilled if you truly seek after HIM!!!

Patience...Waiting...not my favorite!

2011-12-04T16:53:00.001-05:00

"Patience ~ an ability or willingness to suppress annoyance when confronted with delay. Waiting ~ a pause, interval, or delay." These two words and definitions go hand in hand and I for one do not like either of them....just being honest.

Right now we are "waiting" to hear from the two churches that interviewed Sean for the lead pastor's position. We are having to be "patient" while we "wait." I know it's the holidays and I know that the boards/committees of these churches may put off making a decision until after Christmas...which means a whole month of waiting.

I do not like waiting or patience. Never have never will. I am sure there is a reason why God likes to keep teaching me this lesson. Sooner or later, probably later never , I will learn that it's ok to wait and be patient. Right now is not that time!

I want to be able to say that I would be ok with the doors closing...honestly I won't be ok with it! But I would rather have a closed door than be in this waiting game with these two churches. UGH!

Poor People

2011-11-30T22:25:00.001-05:00

Saw this posted on Facebook and thought it was worth a repeat for the blogging world.

POOR PEOPLE ?

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, 'How was the trip?'

'It was great, Dad.'

'Did you see how poor people live?' the father asked.

'Oh yeah,' said the son.

'So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?' asked the father.

The son answered:

'I saw that we have one dog and they had four.
We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.'

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, 'Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.'

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!

Pass this on to friends and acquaintances and help them refresh their perspective and appreciation.

'Life is too short and friends are too few.'

By: Author Tom Baker

2011-11-24T02:00:00.000-05:00

Forks

2011-11-20T13:08:00.001-05:00

Ever been on a hike or a river adventure and you come to a fork in the road so to speak? Two paths that lead to the same destination, different characteristics, sights to see things to do and yet they lead to the same goal. That is what we are looking at right now. Two separate churches are interested in Sean as their pastor. Both from all that we know on the surface look the same a few differences but both appear to be great opportunities. Sometimes when faced with a fork in the road it is hard to know which path to take. Right now we are faced with this situation. Naturally the outcome is yet to be seen. For all we know both doors will close and we could be back at the starting point again. We only want what God wants for our family.
We know no matter the outcome He knows what is best. This is like a roller coaster for the emotions and thoughts...I really dislike roller coasters...specially this close to Christmas! UGH!

Lord make the path clear and straight that we would know what to do if given an option and we would follow only what you have for us! Amen

SMILES

2011-11-14T08:08:00.000-05:00

Yep I am smiling again. Although I was sad the other day when we received some news that was disheartening now that we have the full story I am much happier. This weekend Sean preached at Daysprings A/G in Frenchburg, KY. It is a beautiful church and the congregation is so loving. They took to our kids so quickly, it really doesn't surprise me though our children are wonderful. Anyway, the church board is interested in Sean and after this weekend we believe that they may be calling and inviting us to come back for a church vote, a vote for pastor.
We were so blessed by their worship and the anointing was so sweet. The presence of God just filled that place and I know people were touched! We loved it from the moment we walked into the sanctuary. We hope they call us! We would be honored to serve these people and this community.
During the worship time this 6 year old little girl sang, "Waiting Here for You " and WOW! That little one blew me away! I love the song anyway but there is something about a little child raising her hands to the Lord and singing with all her might to the Lord. Just such a blessing!

Frown

2011-11-11T13:57:00.000-05:00

My heart hurts.

Some very disappointing events have taken place that I am not going to expand on here.

But if you read this blog please just pray for our family. Thanks

Standing on this scripture verse today!

I know the plans that I have for you, declares the LORD.

They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give

you a future filled with hope. Jer 29:11

The Visitor

2011-11-07T21:48:00.000-05:00

Once gain someone has posted this little story. This time it's on Facebook. No one to credit but would love to give credit where credit is do. I hope this challenges you the next time you see a visitor in your church.

****************************************

A man went to visit a church, He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, "I always park there!

You took my place!"

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude wel...come, but said nothing.

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, " That's where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing.

Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place.."

The Storm

2011-11-02T10:16:00.000-04:00

This morning a friend sent me the following story in an email. It had been forwarded to her from another friend and that friend had received it as a forward as well. I would LOVE to give credit to the original author of the story but am unable to but I wanted to take time to share it with you today. All of us go through storms in life and this really touched my heart and made me think of His faithfulness during those times!

THE STORM

A pastor had been on a long flight between church conferences..

The first warning of the approaching problems came when the sign on the airplane flashed on: Fasten Your Seat-Belts. Then, after a while, a calm voice said, "We shall not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened."

As the pastor looked around the aircraft, it became obvious that many of the passengers were becoming apprehensive. Later, the voice on the intercom said, "We are so sorry that we are unable to serve the meal at this time. The turbulence is still ahead of us."

And then the storm broke .

The ominous cracks of thunder could be heard even above the roar of the engines. Lightning lit up the darkening skies, and within moments that great plane was like a cork tossed around on a celestial ocean. One moment the airplane was lifted on terrific currents of air; the next, it dropped as if it were about to crash.

The pastor confessed that he shared the discomfort and fear of those around him. He said, "As I looked around the plane, I could see that nearly all the passengers were upset and alarmed. Some were praying. The future seemed ominous and many were wondering if they would make it through the storm.

"Then, I suddenly saw a little girl. Apparently the storm meant nothing to her. She had tucked her feet beneath her as she sat on her seat; she was reading a book and everything within her small world was calm and orderly. "Sometimes she closed her eyes, then she would read again; then she would straighten her legs, but worry and fear were not in her world.

When the plane was being buffeted by the terrible storm when it lurched this way and that, as it rose and fell with frightening severity, when all the adults were scared half to death, that marvelous child was completely composed and unafraid." The minister could hardly believe his eyes.

It was not surprising therefore, that when the plane finally reached its destination and all the passengers were hurrying to disembark, our pastor lingered to speak to the girl whom he had watched for such a long time.

Having commented about the storm and the behavior of the plane, he asked why she had not been afraid. The child replied, "Cause my Daddy's the pilot, and he's taking me home."

There are many kinds of storms that buffet us. Physical, mental, financial, domestic, and many other storms can easily and quickly darken our skies and throw our plane into apparently uncontrollable movement. We have all known such times, and let us be honest and confess, it is much easier to be at rest when our feet are on the ground than when we are being tossed about a darkened sky.

Let us remember: Our Father is the Pilot. He is in control and taking us home.
Don't worry!

Ever Faithful

2011-10-31T09:47:00.000-04:00

Yesterday during our worship service we sang “Never Let Go.” Here are a few of the chorus lyrics in case you are not sure what I am talking about…

“Ever faithful, Ever true, You I know You never let go,

You never let go, You never let go, You never let go”

We have sung this song a few times before but this time was different. You see during the weekend a brother in Christ lost his battle with cancer but won the victory over death as he entered through the pearly gates of heaven. While we were singing the Lord was speaking to my heart. In times of great strife, storms, illness, and the death of loved ones we often times question where is God? Why has He left us? Why has He allowed this to happen? Sometimes it’s hard to remember that He is right there with us during those tough times.

You see God NEVER lets us go. Once we accept Him as our Savior He grabs a hold of us and refuses to let go. What the Lord was showing me yesterday is that it is during those times of storms that He holds on to us even tighter. When we are questioning where He is, He is there holding onto us with all of his might. In the case of this dear brother in Christ, the Lord showed me that God was there with him, holding on so tight that when the pain he was in was too much to bare Jesus said, “That’s enough, it’s time to come home,” removing him from the pain and the disease, holding him tightly, never letting him go.

If you are hurting today, struggling with “where are you God” in the midst of your storm know this…

God is there! He hasn’t let your side! He will NEVER let you go, in fact in the midst of your storm He is there holding you tighter than ever before! God’s word promises us, “For the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31:6b

In His Grip,

Here in Your Presense

2011-10-18T20:39:00.000-04:00

Tonight I just want to sit in your presence Lord! I want to feel your arms wrapped around me, knowing all things are in your control. Feeling your touch, wiping all my fears away! Lord just as the lyrics of this song state, all fear is suddenly wiped away. Lord you know how I do not like not knowing how events will play out. There are so many scenarios playing out in my mind and all I want is peace. I trust You fully and know what ever door you open or even if you shut all of them that you know what you are doing. Just need your reassurance tonight in a real way! I long for more of your presence in my life Lord! More of you and less of me!

Found in Your hands, fullness of joy
Every fear suddenly wiped away here in Your presence
All of my gains now fade away
Every crown no longer on display, here in Your presence
Heaven is trembling in awe of Your wonders
The kings and their kingdom are standing amazed

Chorus:
Here in Your presence, we are undone
Here in Your presence, Heaven and Earth become one
Here in Your presence, all things are new
Here in Your presence, everything bows before You

Bridge:
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchlessin every way
Wonderful, beautiful, glorious, matchlessin every way

More lyrics: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/n/new_life_worship/#share

Thoughts

2011-10-16T15:49:00.000-04:00

SO many things on my mind....

* Do I need to downsize more for when God moves us?
* What do I keep and what do I give away?
* Where is He going to send us?
* Why must my children scream when in the house?
* What is God thinking? (A church in KS has contacted us as has one in KY)
* What if after everything we end up moving to KS...will I love it there as much as I do KY?
* How can we pay off the rest of our debts the fastest way?
* How can we afford to move?

This is just a few things on my mind...they all (except one) depend on faith and trust in God. God alone knows where we are suppose to be, I just don't want to move and then be longing to be back in KY. So God if it is your will for us to move anywhere but in the state of KY then I pray you will remove the desire to live here. When we move (we have moved to different homes and states 6 times in 14 years) I pray that it be the last time we move. I want to set roots in the next place and feel like we are "home"!

Resting Under His Wings

2011-10-09T18:50:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week a friend posted this picture on Facebook. I immediately thought of this scripture,
Ps 91:4..."He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge." My friend Cindy shared that a friend of hers and sent the picture to her and she had no idea who took it. I ask if I could use it specifically for this blog and well here it is. I just find it comforting to look at. Reminds me that God is there no matter how far I run, or what I do, if I will turn back to him I will find refuge. A safe haven. Anyone else out there need a place to find rest, a safe place to rest? Thank you Jesus that you cover us with your wings of mercy and protect us from harm. You got our backs and for that we thank you Lord!

Creaking Door

2011-10-07T08:37:00.000-04:00

God has a sense of humor, He really does. A door that we thought was closed is may now be open again. Only this time it is creaking open. We were contacted and now starting the beginning process of the interviews. We are trusting God to tend to every detail and cover us with his favor. If you read this blog you know we have been seeking ministry opportunities for some time now (over a year). This may be the one and it may not but what we do know is it is in His hands and we are trusting Him to open the door WIDE!

You Reap What You Sow

2011-10-05T22:15:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine sent me this in an email. I hope it touches your heart, makes you think and makes you want to act like it did me!

*****************************************************************

Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground.

The man slowly looked up.

This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.

His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled....

To his amazement, the woman continued standing.

She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.

"What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."

" This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it.."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived...

The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled....... "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a godly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh."

The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, maam. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said.. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus...... He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways....

"Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And..And thank you for the coffee." !

God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

Steps

2011-10-01T12:19:00.000-04:00

It's October! I can not believe this year is slipping away and I feel as if I can't reign it in. It's a crisp cool day here in Ky, 46 degrees and I am for sure NOT ready for these temps! Thankfully by the end of the week we will be back up to the high 70s low 80s. I prefer temps in the 70/80. We are still seeking God about ministry. Just waiting on Him. We are doing our part, sending resumes, praying, believing for open doors. Not sure there is anything else we can do. ~~Sometimes~~, most of the time, I wish God would give us a manual telling us what to do next. Oh I know we have the Bible and it is a manual for our lives but I am talking about what to do in this process of knocking on doors. I just want to know the next step. Trusting blindly in full faith that His plan will be revealed.

2011-09-28T13:08:00.000-04:00

And yet....

2011-09-15T09:55:00.000-04:00

We will still praise Him! We have sent out a total of 12 resumes to churches seeking a new pastor and so far have had 5 doors close. The sweet sound of silence is sometimes golden and other times it is troubling. It is when the silence is broken and then a door is closed. Many times its the waiting in the silence that is more aggravating than the closed door. This process of applying and then waiting for an answer is .... well .... it's just plan frustrating. Sometimes those in leadership at the churches we apply to are kind enough to let us know they received the resume, other times they are kind enough to send a letter letting us know they have elected a pastor. Other times we get NO RESPONSE at all even after we have tried contacting them a few times. Personally I would rather have a disappointing letter than no response ever.
Well regardless how many doors shut in our face we will praise the Lord. He is worthy of our praise PERIOD!

Transition

2011-09-07T21:51:00.000-04:00

So instead of writing here I wanted to share what I wrote over at Pastoring Partners Network about the Season of Transition. I am one of the guest writers there along with other women that are in ministry. It is a great place to be encouraged and challenged as women in ministry. You can also check out the message boards to see what people are talking about. It's a place to find support, encouragement and help from women who "get it." You can be yourself or you can sign on undercover to protect your identity. Come and check out what PPN is all about!

He is so Faithful

2011-08-31T22:08:00.000-04:00

After a year of trying to get a better position with higher pay, in the company that Sean works for, Sean has finally been rewarded for his hard and dedicated work! YAHOO! God came through again. He always does. I can spend my days stressed and worried or I can chose to trust Him to do as His word says and that is "He shall supply all of our needs!" I am learning and it hasn't been an easy year but I am learning to put all of my trust in Him and not in what we are able to do! Thank You Lord for once again proving yourself to us. Not like You even have to do so but because You love us you do it over and over and over and over again!

Surrendering to YOU

2011-08-06T23:24:00.000-04:00

My dear friend Pastor Tara posted this song on Facebook tonight. You can read her blog here! I highly recommend reading Tara's blog called The Fight Within. I do believe I have found the song of the year for my life. I will share it in a second or you can just scroll down and click play. But this past week has been an awesome week! Have spent this past week watch General Council and the Influence Conference for the Assemblies of God via the internet. You can listen in on the sessions via videos now at General Council. Anyway they were very powerful messages. God got a hold of my heart like ~~never before~~... uhm ...well not in a long time have I surrendered everything to Him the way I did this past week. I am so thankful for His touch and His Holy Spirit that has been gently calling me to Him. God has set me free of some things this week that I am not going to share here but this song I am sharing really explains a lot!

A Dream I'm Dreaming

2011-08-03T16:10:00.000-04:00

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking

But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking

I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah
Just gotta keep going

And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on

'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

Closed Doors

2011-08-03T15:48:00.001-04:00

Closed doors...~~a year ago~~ a couple of weeks ago I would be complaining, throwing a fit, doubting what God was/is doing and most definitely would be questioning why God has closed yet again another door. I can't say that in the future I won't wonder or question. I don't think there is anything wrong with questioning God and asking why and what His plans are as long as my heart is in the right place and that is a place of trusting Him. But I have had to repent and ask Him forgiveness when I have done a lot of complaining!
Anyway today we learned two doors to ministry have been closed. I am not stressed, worried or even releaved to be honest. Just thankful that God has closed those doors. It means He has another plan, a better plan and in that I am very thankful! "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. Those plans are to give me a future, hope and will bring glory to His name! I know what ever door He plans to open He already has it prepared for us and is preparing us for it!
In Your will Lord that's where I always want to be!

My Dearest Friend

2011-07-28T18:16:00.000-04:00

I don't know how to say exactly how I feel
And I can't begin to tell you what your love has meant
I'm lost for words
Is there a way to show the passion in my heart
Can I express how truly great I think you are
My dearest friend
Lord, this is my desire
To pour my love on You

Chorus:
Like oil upon your feet
Like wine for you to drink
Like water from my heart
I pour my love on you
If praise is like perfume
I'll lavish mine on you
Till every drop is gone
I'll pour my love on you

Dancing with the Father

2011-07-27T12:36:00.000-04:00

Lately I haven't been posting much of anything substantial but today I want to share some things the Lord has shown me over the weekend. On Sunday, during worship, the Lord showed me some pictures that I want to share with you. I have tried to find some pictures on the web that can illustrate what I saw and I hope it helps you see what the Lord showed me!

First picture was of the Father holding a baby or small child in the air dancing in circles.

The child was in full trust of her Father as they danced, no fear of falling,

complete eye contact, and full of love and trust.

How fun! To stand on your Father's feet, trusting his steps

and yet with out stretched arms.

The last with the daughter's head against the father's chest in a warm embrace.

Now what the Lord revealed to me is that when we first accept Him as our Savior we are like a small child or baby who fully trusts the Lord, never taking our eyes off of him, fully trusting his hands to support us, guide us and protect us. As we grow we experience things that keep us at bay. We trust the Lord (represented by our feet on our father's feet as we dance) but we want to do things our way (arms stretched out keeping our father at bay). Oh we want to know His plans and we want to follow Him but by our terms and how we think He wants us to go. But the last scene of the child with her head on her Father's chest represents how the Father wants us. He wants us in his warm embrace. Fully trusting Him! With our ear against His chest hearing His heart beat. HEARING HIS HEART BEAT!!! How are we to hear His heart beat for our lives without that warm embrace. Trusting, relying on, fully engulfed by his arms. Hearing His heart beat so much so that if it beats to the left we follow and if it beats to the right we follow. To fully know what God wants for our lives, to trust and obey we must hear His heart beat!!!

I will be honest, I tend to be the little girl on His feet but with outstretched arms keeping Him at bay. Oh I fully trust the Lord but I want to see around me (and Him) at times, to see if there is a way out of a situation instead of being embraced in His arms. What I have found is that when I am in that position I am longing to be in His embrace hearing His heart beat. You would think after 22 years of dancing with the Lord as an adult I would realize I need to be within His embrace hearing His heart beat. For it is within that embrace that I have peace, I have rest, I have comfort and protection.

I don't know about you but I am choosing today to dance within His embrace to hear His heart beat for my life. What are you going to chose to do?

He Is.

2011-07-18T23:13:00.003-04:00

Such a timely song! We are in a waiting place. Casting out nets and waiting for the Lord to fill them with a new destination, a new place of ministry. We are waiting on Him and this song reassures me that He is there.

Words

2011-07-09T12:34:00.003-04:00

Wondering
Trusting
Dreaming
Hoping
Wishing
Expecting
Accepting
Wanting
Needing

A word of direction from my Lord!

Nuff Said

2011-06-30T00:39:00.001-04:00

You ARE for Me!

2011-05-04T09:52:00.003-04:00

I know that you are For me! I know you are! I know that you are for me! I know you are!
What a morning! Seriously! I can't shake this feeling that some how I have missed something important! So many thoughts are going through my mind right now. Too many to be honest.
This morning as I was walking back from getting the mail and was opening an item I felt this major weight about leap off my shoulders and then as I began reading the letter realized that even though this great opportunity has presented itself to us, there is no way it will happen. Which is why I must remind myself that God is FOR ME! He is not against me. He wants this opportunity to take place he does really! So I must trust Him to provide the means for it to take place.
I am realizing that either I am a very negative person or that I deal with the facts so much that having faith for something to take place is just a leap of faith every time. Reality just stinks to be honest sometimes. There are many times I can read the scripture and although it may be positive the reality of a situation becomes so much bigger than what the scripture says in my mind. I need God to be bigger than my circumstances. I KNOW He is but sometimes I need to SEE it take place!
God this is an opportunity to take some pressure off our shoulders financially. It won't really change anything in our daily events but to take just a little more pressure off of Sean and myself would be such a wonderful and healthy thing. God I know you are for me! I know that You are my provider and this opportunity is one I must beg of you to help us with so that we can walk in financial freedom. Lord move the mountains on our behalf!

An Yielded Heart

2011-05-03T18:49:00.003-04:00

In a tough place right now. It's a personal thing I am walking right now. A place of of just...hmmm...honestly I just don't have the words to even explain it. I feel as if I am adrift on the water and need God to blow me towards the right direction. I am willing to go and do and be all He needs and wants me to. I think honestly I am getting to a place of desperation. Maybe that is where God wants me to be. So desperate for Him, His direction, His provision, His guidance and wisdom. So that when it's time for Him to blow my boat there will be no fight left within me and I will completely yield to His will. Hmmm wow thank you Lord for opening my eyes to see what it is You truly want, an yielded heart! A surrendered heart!
This song about written by Kari Jobe "You Are For Me" really ministers to my spirit right now. Here are the lyrics so you can sing along.

So faithful, so constant, so loving and so true

So powerful in all You do
You fill me, You see me
You know my every move
You love for me to sing to You

Chorus:
A
I know that You are for me
I know that You are for me
I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness
And I know that You have come now
Even if to write upon my heart
To remind me who You are

Verse 2:
So patient, so gracious, so merciful and true
So wonderful in all You do
You fill me, You see me, You know my every move
And you love for me to sing to You, Lord

Chorus:
I know that You are for me
I know that You are for me
I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness
And I know that You have come now
Even if to write upon my heart
To remind me who You are

Resurrection Sunday is not ...

2011-04-25T18:22:00.002-04:00

just one day a year for me. It is through grace I am saved and set free from the bondage of sin. I am not perfect and fall before my Savior daily to repent for attitudes, words I have spoken that did not bring Him glory. NOPE Resurrection Sunday is not just a once a year event! For me it's a daily event! Thank you Jesus!

"Surrender "

2011-04-03T16:20:00.005-04:00

"I'm giving you my heart, and all that is within ,
I lay it all down for the sake of you my King.
I'm giving you my dreams, I'm laying down my rights,
I'm giving up my pride for the promise of new life.
And I surrender all to you, all to You.
And I surrender all to you, all to You.
I'm singing you this song, I'm waiting at the cross,
And all the world holds dear, I count it all as loss.
For the sake of knowing you, the glory of your name,
To know the lasting joy, even sharing in your pain."

Sometimes in life you just need to surrender to Christ all of your hopes and dreams. I am at that place again. Not understanding many things going on right now, amazed at how God is providing (NOT how I ever fathomed or wanted to be honest) but He is providing, and yet I find myself once again wanting more. Not material stuff just more of Him more of what HE wants for my life and for our family.
I question a lot of things and lately a lot more questions are surfacing. But the one thing I know is that I want MORE of HIM and less of me!

Winter

2011-03-31T23:47:00.004-04:00

SO I started writing this long post about winter and how it correlates to this season of rest my husband and I are in but I realized I was making what I wanted to say much more complicated than it is.

Here are some words that come to mind in most peoples minds when you say winter:

Cold Quiet Rest Loneliness Bareness Nakedness Crisp air Dark

Snow Dreary Death Hopelessness

All of these words are so ... sad. As I was looking at how to write this out I realized that what I wanted to share has nothing to do with these words. A friend of mine once told me she LOVED winter. Honestly I thought she was nuts up until this past weekend. I could never understand why she loved the season. It's all of the above words...right?!

WRONG! During the winter season the earth rests. Everything seems to slow down, specially when snow blankets the ground. You can see through the trees and see what the leaves and bushes have hidden through out the rest of the year. In that you can see all kinds of things; a creek winding down the hill side, a small red cardinal sitting on the branch of a tree, or an old abandoned barn. This past weekend on my drive to and from church I was praying and asking God to show me something I haven't seen before, something about this season we are in and that is when I saw a small cardinal perched on a branch. I would have never seen it had it been the summer or any other season but winter.

That's when I realized, winter is more than those dreadful words, so much more! You see winter also means rest, peace, hope just to name a few. It's a time when the earth rests and prepares for spring. Spring is seen as a time of growth, renewal, of new life being born. Without winter spring can not happen.

God showed me that I must not rush this season of rest that we are in. That I need to see the beauty in this season because He is behind the scenes preparing us for spring. I believe our season of rest will come to an end soon and that our season of renewal and new birth is around the bend. Until the first buds of spring come forth in our lives I shall rest, sit back and watch how God's hands brings for the new ministry He has for us to do!

Blessings

2011-03-07T12:52:00.003-05:00

I heard this beautiful song this morning and I just can't stop listening to it. Right now God and I are working on some things in my life. Some things I don't understand and probably won't ever and I am coming to grips with those things. Anyway this song spoke directly into those thoughts today and I wanted to share.

Hidden Damage

2011-03-04T08:56:00.007-05:00

So today I have been thinking...I know hold on to your hats because I was actually thinking and it's only 8 AM. As I said the other day, I was in an accident. Thankfully the van is drivable so my husband has been taking it to work with him. Well today I had to meet him at the mechanic so that we can get the brakes in the car. While he was taking care of that I was sitting in the van. (yes that is my van and yes we are taking it tomorrow to get an estimate of what it is going to cost to get it fixed...praying it won't be a tremendous amount...this is coming out of our pockets.)
Do you know how embarrassing it is to sit in a vehicle that has this kind of damage? Right now all the openings are covered with a black garbage bag and PURPLE duct tape. So it stands out even more.
Anyway as we were driving home I started thinking about how looking a the van from one side you can not see any of the damage, but walk around it and there it is. Then this thought crossed my mind...how many people do we see that look whole, healthy and happy on the outside but on the inside are damaged worse than my van? Then you have people that have been "damaged" and you see the evidence on the outside such as with a burn victim and yet you get to know that person and they are more whole, healthy and happy than that other "perfectly put together" person on the other corner.
I am so glad that I serve a God that can see the inside past the "perfect outer shell" and can heal the damage on the inside all because He loves us! I invite you to pray this prayer with me today..
Dear Heavenly Father,
Today I came before you and ask that you reach deep inside of me and heal all the damage that no one else can see. Past hurts, negative thoughts, sins I have committed, all of it...Lord cleanse me from within, heal the damaged areas and restore to perfect health my body, mind and soul. Forgive me for the sins I have committed. I accept You today as King and Lord over all of my life.
In Jesus Name...Amen.

Wrap Me in Your Arms Lord!

2011-02-27T12:30:00.003-05:00

Hmmmm, Jesus wrap me in your arms. On Friday I was in a accident. By road rules it was my fault because I did not yield the way for the oncoming car. But to my defense I was following another car turning left through the intersection and there was NO CAR (at least I didn't see one) as I was going through the light. Needless to say this car/small suv hit me going about 40 through the intersection I was doing maybe 25 (the light had just changed to green for ME). Smashed my van & threw me for a loop inside. Thankfully I never hit my head but my body is really feeling the impact of that accident.
On top of that my husband has a stomach virus and my baby boy has the flu. Thankfully my oldest who will be 11 in a few weeks has been taking care of all of us. Anyway this morning I tuned in to the service at Lift Church in Venice Florida. You may wonder how I would know of this church but you have to understand it is my home church. It use to be called Venice Assembly but they launched a new church and vision last year and changed the name. It is an awesome church with awesome worship and a loving church as well. It is the church I was saved in as a teenager, Sean and I were married there and served on staff there for 4 almost 5 years. They broad cast their services on Sunday mornings and Wed nights and other times when they have guest speakers or events. You can go here to tune in or find more info about the church and the Pastors Gary and Rhonda Gray.
Anyway the message was awesome...loves Pastor Gary's last quote; "The beginning of worship is surrender!" During the alter time Lucas was singing this song...

Wrap Me in Your Arms by Michael & Lisa Gungor

There is a God who loves me
Who wraps me in His arms
And that is the place where I'm changed
And that's where I belong

[Chorus]
Take me to that place, Lord
To that secret place where
I can be with You
You can make me like You
Wrap me in Your arms
Wrap me in Your arms
Wrap me in Your arms

AWESOME worship song and is most definitely my song of prayer today!

GOD IS SOO GOOD!

2011-02-02T00:16:00.002-05:00

OK so the other day I was sharing how God has really been speaking to me about trusting Him for the smallest details. That when He says he will provide HE WILL! Well let me share. This week due to my miscalculations in the check book ... :-( sigh... we had less than $20 for two weeks after bills and food. Unfortunately our vehicles need gas. Sunday during the worship service I felt God speak to me saying, "Trust me, I will provide." I wasn't even thinking about the financial issues we were in just worshiping Him.
OK so we were expecting some money for two of our kids birthdays. We decided to speak to the kids and ask them if we could borrow the money. (NO we do not make habit of this but it was their money not ours). Well our twin 7 yr olds have hearts of gold! They both said, "You can use it Mommy and Daddy!" No qualms, no crying just you can use it! It was breaking my heart to even think about it. God knows our hearts! He really does!
Today unexpectedly we receive a tax refund from IL that we were not expecting for another two weeks! PRAISE GOD! We did not have to borrow the kids birthday money! We blessed them with added funds just because they were willing to sacrifice for our family. (We were going to give it back to them as soon as Sean got paid.)
SO why am I sharing such a personal issue? Because we have all been in situations that look hopeless. Honestly that is how I was feeling besides mad at myself. That's not the point! The point is GOD PROVIDES! His promises are true!

He's GOT it COVERED!

2011-01-30T23:11:00.003-05:00

Been a while since I actual wrote on here and not just posted song/videos. A lot going on here and honestly writing has not been at the top of my list. But God has really been pouring into me just thoughts that flutter through my head and I figured I better start really writing them down. Maybe they will capture your thoughts as well.
You know this journey we are all on is truly all about God and not us. God has really been impressing on my heart that this year is my (our) year of breakthrough in a variety of areas. OH the joy that brings to my heart! Break through is what we need! But you know in that break through comes the tests, trials and mountains to climb. Yes before every break through there is a time of complete darkness. You see just before the sun rises is the darkest moments. I know this personally because every morning I drive my kids to school. It is pitch dark, I mean even with the dim lights I can barely see, I always have to drive with the brights on. It is so dark that even my kids have noticed that it is super dark. Sometimes we leave and the sun will rise as we pull into the school driveway, and the kids are always amazed at the change in the sky :) I cherish those times with the kids!
You know the Bible tell us:

"Don't ever worry and say, 'What are we going to eat?' or 'What are we going to drink?' or 'What are we going to wear?' Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you. "So don't ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 31-34 (GW)

Here's the thing. We have been struggling financially like about 80% of the rest of America. We are blessed! Sean has a job, because of that we have a home! There are things that happen to a family that is on the brink of breaking...you do a little more praying, a little more crying out, and a whole lot of humbling. But you know what, God has taken us down this road before. This one is a bit more humbling and a whole lot more bumpy. But God has been faithful.
I really feel God was speaking to me today saying, "DON'T WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW! I GOT IT COVERED!" He is faithful, he will come through and for that I am forever grateful. My life is a lot more peaceful when I remember that! When I don't and I am full of stress!
Thank you Lord for reminding me that YOU GOT THIS COVERED!

Make you Stronger

2011-01-25T22:15:00.000-05:00

"Arms Open Wide"

2011-01-17T03:00:00.000-05:00

“What does love look like?” is the question I’ve been pondering
“What does love look like?”
“What does love look like?” is the question I’ve been asking of You

I once believed that love was romance, just a chance
I even thought that love was for the lucky and the beautiful
I once believed that love was a momentary bliss
But love is more than this
All You ever wanted was my attention
All You ever wanted was love from me
All You ever wanted was my affections, to sit here at Your feet

Then I sat down, a little frustrated and confused
If all of life comes down to love
Then love has to be more than sentiment
More than selfishness and selfish gain

And then I saw Him there, hanging on a tree, looking at me
I saw Him there, hanging on a tree, looking at me
He was looking at me, looking at Him, staring through me
I could not escape those beautiful eyes
And I began to weep and weep

He had arms wide open, a heart exposed
Arms wide open; He was bleeding, bleeding

Love’s definition, love’s definition was looking at me
Looking at Him, hanging on a tree
I began to weep and weep and weep and weep

This is how I know what love is, this is how I know what love is

And as I sat there weeping, crying
Those beautiful eyes, full of desire and love

He said to me, “You shall love Me, You shall love Me
You shall love Me, You shall love Me”

With arms wide open, a heart exposed
With arms wide open, bleeding, sometimes bleeding

If anybody’s looking for love in all the wrong places
If you’ve been searching for love, come to Me, come to Me
Take up your cross, deny yourself
Forget your father’s house and run, run with Me
You were made for abandonment, wholeheartedness
You were made for someone greater, someone bigger, so follow Me
And You’ll come alive when you learn to die

Song:
Artist:
Album:

Arms Wide Open
Misty Edwards
Fling Wide

He Loves Us!

2011-01-16T15:37:00.004-05:00

I am realizing how much God loves us. It is amazing! HE LOVE US! HE LOVES YOU! HE LOVES ME! He really loves me! I am realizing when all the past hurts were happening He was there keeping things from getting worse, protecting me from deeper pain. He was there! Holding me when I wept, He was there when my heart was breaking, he was there when my innocence was stolen from me, He was there when my baby died, He was there. He does care. Do I wish He had stepped in and stopped certain things from happening...oh heck yes. But ya know what, I wouldn't be the same person I am today! I would be able to minister to people who have and are walking through the same things I have walked through. You see what satan means for evil God means for good and He will get the glory! So today I chose to look upon the past and say God YOU TURNED IT AROUND! YOU TURNED IT AROUND! YOU TURNED IT AROUND! You shall get the glory! You will get my praise. Now matter how much my past hurts, my future is filled with joy. It is filled with your love! Thank You Jesus! Thank You Jesus!

Lyrics to How He Loves Us :

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane,
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of
His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.

Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.
(x2)

Yeah, He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves.
(x2)

We are His portion and
He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption
by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns
violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

He loves us,
whoa, how He loves us
whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves
(x2)

Yeah, He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us
He loves us
He loves us
He loves.

Yeah, He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves

He loves us,
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves

Lord be my Healer

2011-01-05T22:44:00.003-05:00

For most of Dec. I was sick with strep throat and double ear infections. Was on antibiotics and steroids for 18 days. Started feeling better the Monday before Christmas and then that Wed just two days later got this terrible burning in my sinus cavity and woke up sick. Nasty sick; coughing, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat...all of it. Well it's been 2 weeks and I am still sick. Can I just say I am sick and tired of being sick. Anyway, tonight I decided enough is enough and started singing this song:

Healer

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need

You hold my every moment
You calm my raging seas
You walk with me through fire
And heal all my disease

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You're my healer
I believe You are all I need
I believe You're my portion
I believe You're more than enough for me
Jesus, You're all I need

Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You
Nothing is impossible for You

This is my prayer! I have been so stressed and this week has added to the stress...you see both of our blessing vehicles have decided to not be nice and have transmission issues...one is leaking and the other is skipping gears. Neither are good scenarios for us financially. That tax refund check that we know we will be getting can't come fast enough. So God if you are listening either fix the cars or get us those W-2 forms to us ASAP so we can do a fast return. Yes I talk to God like that. I don't need some ritual or formal prayer, He's my best friend and we talk all the time. Actually I think I do more talking than He does...or maybe He is talking and I just haven't heard Him because I have been so loud lately! If that's the case Lord forgive me for not listening to Your still small voice.
So I have the stress, the terrible cold, and now due to the stress my eye is twitching again. Had this same issue back at the beginning of the summer when we were trying to decide if we were going to move from IL to KY or not.
SO tonight my prayer is this song...

Searching for Jesus

2010-12-28T09:49:00.002-05:00

The last week has just sorta flown by. My parents and one of my brothers and his family came to visit us for Christmas. It has been such a wonderful time for our family. But that's not what I really want to share about. Last Wednesday night was the church candle light service and children's play. It was amazing!!! Let me just say that right now, simply amazing!
But it was what happened before the service started that really caught my heart. You see we attend church with our best friends, Michael and Martha (Marty) Short. They have two children on autism spectrum as well. Their daughter, Lucy, bless her heart is very nervous and scared of large crowds of people and noise. Many children who are on the spectrum are. Well before service started it was rather chaotic in the sanctuary, we had people talking, hugging, laughing, kids moving around trying to prepare for the play, just nuts to be honest. As I was sitting there watching everything going on I saw Lucy pushing past people to get to the front. Now first of all that is HIGHLY unusual to even see her in the sanctuary and not upset by everything but there she was whispering about something I couldn't hear pushing past the people.
As I was watching her she went straight up to where the manger scene would be. By this time I was up walking towards her to help her if she were to get too scared by everything. That's when I noticed and heard what she was searching for. She went straight to the manager and was saying, "where is baby Jesus." "Where is baby Jesus?" She pushed past the people, past her fears, all in search of Jesus.
It has really had a profound affect on me and I have been pondering what I saw for the last week. How many times do we allow our fears to hinder us from finding Jesus in the midst of our circumstances? I guess the question is really for me..."what is stopping me from going forward and searching for Jesus in the midst of my (our) circumstances?" FEAR! Yes I said it, it's fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of what will be asked of me, fear of the emotional or mental pain that may come about if I do find Him. Oh I know He is the God of peace and healing. But sometimes the pain of the healing process seems to great for me to face. Just being honest here!
I don't know if I want to walk through the process of pain to get to the healing. I know I need to face it, come to the reality of it and break through it. I just want the healing to take place and not the painful stuff that goes with it.
For the last couple of years I have been picking out a word to focus on for the year. First year it was perspective and last year it was focus. This year I am still praying about but I do believe I know what my word is going to be and I will share it in a few days. It's a word I am struggling with so I am not sure I really want to focus on that one word for the year or not.
Anyway, I want to challenge you as I am myself by asking you...Are you searching for the Baby Jesus this year? or are you allowing the pain to stop you? I shared this quote earlier this month and wanted to share it again...
“We’re not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” –C.S. Lewis

CS Lewis Quote

2010-12-12T21:56:00.002-05:00

Saw this posted tonight on Facebook. Thought this pretty much summed up my thoughts of this year...

“We’re not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.” –C.S. Lewis

Line to See Jesus

2010-12-11T09:39:00.002-05:00

With just two weeks till Christmas I am sure you have spent time shopping whether in the mall or in other stores. This Christmas for us will be much smaller than we have done in the past. Oh the kids will have a good Christmas when it comes to presents. Let's just say having large families with aunts/uncles, grandparents and friends that love your kids helps in that! This year for the first time in our marriage we will not be able to bless other families. Every year since Sean and I started dating and into our marriage, we have adopted a family in need and blessed them at Christmas with a food basket and with presents for each family member. Sometimes with multiple gifts.
This year we do not have that ability and to be honest it is breaking my heart! You see this year we barely have enough to purchase one or two gifts for each of our children. There are no gifts for friends or other family member. This year for the first time ever our kids were placed on the Angel Tree by someone at the school. I am not angry about it, humbled yes, sad yes, grateful yes. This has been the most humbling time in our lives. I can't remember if I shared the gift of a hair cut on here or not but a few weeks ago a close friend took me to get my hair cut. She just wanted to bless me, knowing that I could not afford to even go and do that. I was humbled by that and to be honest I was at a point of no hope, just sadness. But that hair cut really changed that for me. You see the gift of a hair cut made me realize that nothing ever stays the same. It was like a NORMAL event in life. Having things back to normal and being able to afford the "normal" things in life is something I am longing for. Things weren't suppose to be this way. I guess this is the new normal for a while and as long as we are serving God then He has a purpose for this season in our lives.
As you are out shopping for that "one perfect gift" remember the only true perfect gift is Jesus! A friend shared this song, never heard it before but it really is a beautiful song!

Martha Munizzi - Your Latter Will Be Greater

2010-11-27T11:16:00.002-05:00

First time I have heard this song. It is a powerful song and just what I needed this morning! We have some exciting things taking place and when I am free to share I will. I may not share it here but on my other Family Blog. It concerns our son Kristofer who is autistic and what we believe God is about to do for him. When we see it happen I will then share. We would ask that you pray that God's favor be upon him and that in this opportunity come about.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

Make Your Petitions Know

2010-11-23T16:28:00.002-05:00

ok Lord I have been taught to "make my petitions known" to You. So here goes...Lord I am asking you to provide our basic needs; shelter, food and clothing for each of our children and for Sean and I. I praise You for doing so and I trust You to continue. Lord let our lives glorify You. Let this season we are walking THROUGH glorify you. Despite the storms that blow...like Sean's car needing a repair that we can not afford...we shall praise YOU! Despite the storms that rage...like the bill collectors wanting paid and we have no resources...still we will praise You. Despite the thunder of the storms we are facing YOU SHALL FOREVER receive our praise. Lord as you have promised and we stand upon Your word, we ask that provide for our needs and cover the rest with your grace. As you provide we will give You praise...and should You chose to refrain we will still praise You!

Waiting! Patiently Waiting!

2010-11-17T08:51:00.002-05:00

This poem was with my devotional today. It truly speaks to the heart of this season in my life, our family's life. Thankful to day for all He has done and all He will do on my behalf!

Waiting! Yes, patiently waiting!

Till next steps made plain shall be;
To hear, with the inner hearing,
The Voice that will call for me.

Waiting! Yes, hopefully waiting!
With hope that need not grow dim;
The Master is pledged to guide me,
And my eyes are unto Him.

Waiting! Expectantly waiting!
Perhaps it may be today
The Master will quickly open
The gate to my future way.

Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
I know, though I've waited long,
That, while He withholds His purpose,
His waiting cannot be wrong.

Waiting! Yes, waiting! still waiting!
The Master will not be late:
He knoweth that I am waiting
For Him to unlatch the gate.
--J. D. Smith

Not here today

2010-11-16T12:48:00.002-05:00

So I was going to post something here to day but decided I really wanted to post it over here instead. So if you want to go to Pastoring Partners Network you can read up on Christmas Messes there.

Friends

2010-11-13T22:13:00.002-05:00

I have the BEST friends in the world. Oh I have quite a few that are close friends, in which I have shared many of the best and worst life experiences. This week has been such a long week filled with disappointments left and right. In fact there have been times this week that I have wanted to find a hole and bury myself in. Oh I know you can't run from the problems in your life. In fact the best things to do is to place it in His hands and let Him deal with it. But this week was just filled with lots of sickness, closed doors, financial attacks (yes attacks because it is satan's way of distracting us the fastest!) and just sadness and not just from my own feelings. It seems as though our oldest has been dealing with sadness of missing his friends as well.
So today was a breath of fresh air for me. I spent a few hours with one of my best friends from college and her kids. It is always nice to just sit and talk. We always enjoy each others company and the kids all love each other greatly! Then later this afternoon, my other best friend came over with her son and we had a great time working on a project together for my parents and Sean's mom. I would share what I am up to but I am unsure if my parents read this blog or not. I will share in a few weeks. It's something for Christmas.
Anyway I am thankful for my friends today. They have been a true blessing through the last few months...year. Never take your real friends for granted!

Hold Me Jesus!

2010-11-11T19:28:00.001-05:00

Well, sometimes my life just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big
And my faith just seems so small
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul
I swear there must be blisters on my heart
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees
And this Salvation Army band is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep
It makes my resistance seem so thin
I'm singing hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace

by Rich Mullins

2010-11-10T08:04:00.003-05:00

Sigh....

Lord come to my rescue...come to our rescue!
We need you more than ever before!
We need you!!

Another Closed

2010-11-08T11:16:00.002-05:00

Ok so the theme of this weekend besides sickness (since Friday I have had 3 kids get the stomach flu including myself and this bug is terrible!!!) has been closed doors. Not only did we receive a letter Sat about a church we had applied to ending the candidating process with us, but we received another word last night of the same nature. Just being honest here, a year of rejection when it comes to sending out resumes, answering a billion questions ~ some extremely personal, moving in faith believing God to open up doors to ministry here in KY and now being in a financial storm what seems to be full of hurricane winds is becoming draining. Despite all that we have endured the last year; the hurtful words and actions of other against our family, the transitions, changes, hard decisions ect... moving here was the best decision and we have a peace that passes all understanding. We know that we know we are to be in KY and that has not changed and will not change unless it is a God changed desire.
As for what is next...WHO KNOWS! Only God does. I only know that I will stand on this scripture for now...

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord and confident in Him I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me." Micah 7: 7

As well as:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans for a future filled with hope!” Jer 29:11

Closed Doors

2010-11-06T09:54:00.004-04:00

This is my status on Facebook today..."Despite another closed door I will praise you Lord for keeping us under Your wing of protection and for having something much greater for us to do!" Yes I do mean it but honestly another closed door to ministry ~ REALLY?!? Seriously, what is it that these church pulpit committees are not seeing in all of his answers and resume? I just don't get it. Seriously I just don't get it. My husband is a great pastor, preaches the Word of God and doesn't stray from what it says. He doesn't twist the word, he is a man of integrity and he loves the Lord and his congregations with everything he has. I just don't get it.
I will praise the Lord, for this does not warrant anything else as a response except that. This disappointment is just another disappointment it's not death and it's not that He has forsaken us. He has protected us from something and apparently God has other plans for us. I just wish I knew what they were. I wish I knew how to encourage my husband because he is feeling very defeated right now. :(
Lord open the doors that only you can open and shut the doors only you can shut and in the mean time help me to help my husband!

Shawn McDonald - Open Me

2010-11-05T22:06:00.001-04:00

So last night was a special night for one of my best friends, Marty. The ladies of her church which is becoming our church for now, threw her a surprise birthday party. I was so neat to see how much she is loved and supported, something I would have loved to of had in our previous ministries. It was just such a blessed night. One of her long time friends played the following song and said as she has watch Marty's life over the years this song is a a perfect life song for her. It really ministered to me and I wanted to share it with you. I have never heard it before but I can tell you it is definitely worth the time to listen to and let it sink deep into your soul.

Shawn McDonald - Open Me

Would You open up eyes, so I can see
Would You open up my ears, so I can hear
Would You open up my mind, so I can know
Would You open up my heart, so I could love You more

I want to serve You, my God
I want to give All of Me,
I want to serve You, my King, yeah
I want to serve You, my Lord
I want to give You everything, yeah

Would You open up eyes, so I can see
Would You open up my ears, so I can hear
Would You open up my mind, so I can know
Would You open up my heart, so I could love You more

I want to serve You, my God
I want to give You everything
I want to serve You, my King, yeah
I want to serve You, my LOrd
I want to give You everything, Yeah

Here I am with my arms open wide
Asking for You to come up, up inside
Won't You make me new, won't You make me true?
Jesus, won't You make me like You?

Would You touch my eyes, so I can see
Would You touch my ears, so I can hear
Would You touch my mind, so I can know
Would You touch my heart, so I could love You more

Won't You open me
Won't You open me, open me
Won't You open me, open me
Won't You open me

Word of God Speak

2010-10-28T10:49:00.002-04:00

I know that I have posted this song on this blog before but today when I woke up it was on my mind and has been all morning. I think it's because my soul longs to hear His voice right now. I need to know what His plans are, I need His guidance and direction. I need to hear His voice say, "It's going to be ok!" "I got this!" I know He does but sometimes you need to hear Him say it, you need to feel His presence and rest in it. That is where I am today. I NEED Him! I need to hear Him and I need clear direction. Besides the up front issues we are dealing with financially and in this holding pattern concerning ministry (a place of rest right now is nice), I personally am working through some private matters that the Holy Spirit is bringing up to the surface. Ya know sometimes when you are open for God to touch and use you, impurities in the clay rise to the surface and must be removed.
Broken Potterie...the reason I named this blog this is because I want to stay broken (humble) before the Lord so that He can use me the way He needs to. But want Him to work out the impurities and hurts. But going through that process is tough stuff! SO today as I sit and wait on Him to speak to me I will rest in the knowledge that what was meant for evil in my past is meant for His glory now and in the future. Thank You Lord that you were in my past holding me, and you are in my present holding me and will be in my future holding me!

Thoughts

2010-10-20T16:41:00.002-04:00

So many thoughts running through my head. Lord what are You up to? I need some direction. I need to know what steps to take next. Which way to turn, which way to go. Lord I will follow You, I trust Your plan! Just lead me and I will follow. Speak to me and I will listen. Give me the ears to hear and the heart to receive. I long to hear Your voice, I long to feel Your touch. I long to know Your heart for my family and me. Speak to me Lord! Give me clarity of mind to know Your plan.
Just my thoughts during prayer today...this week...this month. I love the Psalms and how David was so open and to the point when he prayed. He just said it like it was. Simple statements. Simple prayers. And God always heard him. God always hears us too...it's just the waiting for His answers that always gets me.

LORD I CAN'T MAKE IT WITHOUT YOU

2010-10-17T17:20:00.001-04:00

Found this song by accident today...ok so maybe it wasn't an accident but I surely wasn't searching for it. I am not into gospel on a regular basis, I enjoy Bluegrass and Country though on occasion as well. Anyway I thought it was a beautiful song and really touch my heart today.

Needing You Lord

2010-10-16T14:31:00.002-04:00

I started this blog as a place to just write out some thoughts and feelings. Things God is showing me and a place to just vent. Not many follow this blog and that is fine by me. Honestly I don't blog for others, if someone by chance finds it and something I write ministers to them that is great and if not that is just fine too. Right now is the toughest time we have ever gone through. Ok well one of the toughest. THE TOUGHEST was when we lost our first son. Right now we are sorta just out here. We packed up our family, resigned from pastoring the church in IL and moved to KY because we felt that is what God told us to do. We are holding on by a thread. Seriously we know God called us to KY. We have never been happier about being back "home" but I have to tell you there are many days I ask God, "Have we missed a step, have we missed what You were telling us to do?" We are barely making it financially! Well to be honest we aren't making it. I have not found a job despite all the applications and resumes sent out. Sean has finally gotten a job and we are ever so grateful for that but it is barely covering the rent and utilities. Forget about any other debts we might have. We have never been at a place like this ever and I HATE IT! Oh I know God is watching out for us and I know He is providing, I see it daily but this stepping out of the boat and walking on the water is the HARDEST thing I have ever done.
We have 4 children and I just keep reminding God that they are innocent bystanders in this walk that we have taken. They didn't ask to move, and they didn't ask for us to be in this terrible financial place. What were thinking 5 years ago when we decided to move from Florida to IL and now here....Sometimes I just wonder. My faith that God has a plan and is providing is not wavering I trust in Him. But that doesn't mean I don't wonder where He is right now in the midst of this journey that seems more like a storm.
Don't comment or email me telling me all the cliches like "He is there walking with you through this" or "He is the plan maker" or any other statement that is easy to say when you aren't walking through this or have never walked through this. What I need is to SEE God moving on our behalf in a BIG WAY! I need to see the break through. I am weary and need God to come and BREAK down the walls and open the doors! We are trusting Him to do this and to show us HIS plan because right now what we thought or think doesn't matter anymore. We need answers now and not tomorrow. We need a break through, we need a miracle!
God where are you?

In Your Presence

2010-10-04T00:02:00.002-04:00

All day I have been singing this song, well the first verse that is. I just could not remember the rest. So I looked it up and found this video and the lyrics. I hope you will read and listen let the words sink into your spirit.

In Your Presence by Paul Wilbur

IN YOUR PRESENCE
THAT'S WHERE I AM STRONG
IN YOUR PRESENCE
OH LORD MY GOD
IN YOUR PRESENCE
THAT'S WHERE I BELONG
SEEKING YOUR FACE
TOUCHING YOUR GRACE
IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK
IN YOUR PRESENCE OH GOD

I WHAT TO GO
WHERE THE RIVERS CANNOT OVERFLOW ME
WHERE MY FEET ARE ON THE ROCK
I WANT TO HIDE
WHERE THE BLAZING FIRE
CANNOT BURN ME
IN YOUR PRESENCE OH GOD

IN YOUR PRESENCE
THAT'S WHERE I AM STRONG
IN YOUR PRESENCE
OH LORD MY GOD
IN YOUR PRESENCE
THAT'S WHERE I BELONG
SEEKING YOUR FACE
TOUCHING YOUR GRACE
IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK
IN YOUR PRESENCE OH GOD

I WANT TO HIDE
WHERE THE BLOOD OF EVIL
CANNOT REACH ME
WHERE I'M COVERED BY THE BLOOD
OF THE LAMB
I WANT TO BE
WHERE THE SCHEMES OF DARKNESS
CANNOT TOUCH ME
IN YOUR PRESENCE OF GOD

IN YOUR PRESENCE
THATS WHERE I AM STRONG
IN YOUR PRESENCE
OH LORD MY GOD
IN YOUR PRESENCE
THAT'S WHERE I BELONG
SEEKING YOUR FACE
TOUCHING YOUR GRACE
IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK
IN YOUR PRESENCE OH GOD

YOU ARE MY FIRM FOUNDATION
I TRUST IN YOU ALL DAY LONG
I AM YOUR CHILD AND YOUR SERVANT
AND YOU ARE MY STRENGTH AND MY SONG
YOUR MY SONG, YOUR MY SONG

IN YOUR PRESENCE
THAT'S WHERE I AM STRONG
IN YOUR PRESENCE
OH LORD MY GOD
IN YOUR PRESENCE
THAT'S WHERE I BELONG
SEEKING YOUR FACE
TOUCHING YOUR GRACE
IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK
IN YOUR PRESENCE OH GOD

SEEKING YOUR FACE
TOUCHING YOUR GRACE
IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK
IN YOUR PRESENCE OH GOD

IN YOUR PRESENCE
IN YOUR PRESENCE
IN YOUR PRESENCE
IN YOUR PRESENCE
IN YOUR PRESENCE
IN YOUR PRESENCE, OH GOD

Thanks, Thanks, I give you Thanks!

2010-10-03T13:02:00.005-04:00

Just taking a moment to say thank you Lord! Thank you for always being here for me. Through the small and large struggles, through the rain and the might forceful storms You have been here for me. You always provide! You always hear! You always come through! Lord even through this journey we are on I will praise You. I will do my best to not look at our circumstance and will look for YOU in the midst of them. Lord I want to see You moving on our behalf! You want the best for our family and You want the best for our ministry. We will wait upon you, seeking you for the guidance you have for us. Seeking You for the answers. For it is only in You that we have peace and it's only in You that we place our trust. Thank you Lord for the blessings you have bestowed upon our family. Thank you for the friends we have, for our family, for the job you have blessed Sean with. For provision. Lord we trust You will open the doors that need to be opened and close the doors that are not good for us. Jesus complete in us in this journey what needs to be completed according to Your will! Let it be done on earth as it is in Heaven! Thank you Lord!

The word tells us to count your blessings. IN fact there is a song we teach the kids... Count your blessings name them one by one, count your blessing see what God has done, Count your blessings name them one by one...
You see today I could sit back and dwell on the things that have NOT happened and have NOT taken place. But instead I am choosing to count my blessings...I challenge you to do the same.

I Call You by Rita Springer

2010-10-03T12:35:00.000-04:00

He's Already Provided

2010-09-24T19:20:00.001-04:00

Plain and Simple

2010-09-22T20:43:00.001-04:00

Psa 70:5 ~ I am poor and needy, but you, the LORD God, care about me. You are the one who saves me. Please hurry and help!

I love how David puts it very plain and simple... “Lord God please hurry and help!” How many times have we prayed this same simple prayer? I know I have many times, in fact lately it seems this is exactly what I say, “Lord you promise to care for me, you promise to provide my needs from physical needs such as food to healing. Lord please hurry and help!” You see we are living out our faith in a very, very real way. We moved here on faith believing God has a plan and purpose for us here. We have been watching the Lord provide in every aspect of this move.
We prayed for a home that had 4 bedrooms and my heart’s desire was for a dishwasher. What did God supply? A home with 4 bedrooms with extra room that we plan to make into a big game room and a dishwasher! I had found a certain couch at a local store (in IL) and it was listed for $400 no way was I going to pay that. Went back the same week we were moving and got the same couch for $45! God provided again! We have been praying for jobs since getting here and Sean started a job this week. I have a few other prayers that will remain between the Lord and me but have faith He will answer them. Last night I was praying specifically for Him to provide for our needs. This morning Sean came home from work and brought this large bag in from work that was given to the workers, that was filled with snacks and juice boxes…all the things I needed for lunches for the kids! Thank you Lord!
Right now the biggest news I can post at this point is that this Sunday is a huge day for our family! You see we moved here without jobs or ministry. God opened the door to a job for Sean this week. On Sunday he will be preaching and after the evening service if the Lord sees fit and the church members believe it’s the Lord’s will, then we will become the new pastors of this wonderful church. It is all in God’s hands and we will wait and see how God moves. He has been faithful up to this point and we know He is going to stay faithful. Even if this door to ministry closes we must stand on His word and know He is looking out for our family and will open doors elsewhere.
So if you are reading this could I please ask you to pray with us and for us! For God to open the doors He sees fit and to provide for our immediate needs and without going into detail we have many. So as David says, “Lord you care for me, please hurry and help!”

A Little Worship

2010-09-19T13:44:00.000-04:00

Focus

2010-09-17T09:26:00.002-04:00

~ The Bible describes it very well in these scriptures ~

"Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground. Don't make a mistake by turning to the right or the left." Proverbs 4:25-27

Something my dear friend Michele has done for me the last month and a half has repeatedly sent me a Facebook message of FOCUS! Just to remind me! Many times I needed that word because I wasn't focused and I wasn't looking at Jesus! i was too caught up in the worries of tomorrow, the what if this doesn't happen or does. The Bible tells us to :not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough worries of their own." We took a GIANT leap of faith...in fact I have told many it has felt like we are jumping off the top of Mt Everest without a safety net but once again my friend reminded me, "God will never leave you or forsake you." He will be there to catch you and instead of letting you splatter on the ground He will help you to soar! It hasn't been easy to keep that focus through this walk of mighty faith we have taken but I gotta tell ya to see how things are unfolding and how His hand has been on every step is exciting! Thank you lord for just being YOU!

UGH!

2010-09-14T10:03:00.001-04:00

Seriously God?! Seriously? I get excited about something and then a wall gets thrown up that seems impossible to get through, over, around, or under. God you are gonna just have to push this wall down for me cause I just don't have the strength this time!

2010-07-25T16:09:00.002-04:00

I know the plans I have for you
I know just what you're going through
So when you can't see
what tomorrow holds
And yesterday is through,
Remember I know,
the plans I have for you

I know the plans I have for you
I know just what you're going through
So when you can't see
what tomorrow holds
And yesterday is through,
Remember I know,
the plans I have for you

To give you hope for tomorrow
Joy for your sorrow
Strength for everything you go through
Remember I know the plans I have for you

Do I Trust You, Lord

2010-07-14T22:52:00.003-04:00

Going through some tough times, doing a
lot of wondering what God is up to.
Came across these song lyrics and they
really ministered to me tonight.

*********************************************
Sometimes my little heart can’t understand
What’s in Your will what’s in Your plan
So many times I’m tempted to ask You why
But I can never forget it for long
Lord what You do could not be wrong
So I believe You even when I must cry

Chorus:
Do I trust You Lord does the robin sing
Do I trust You Lord does it rain in Spring
You can see my heart You can read my mind
And You’ve got to know I would rather die
Than to lose my faith in the One I love
Do I trust You Lord?
Do I trust You?

I know the answers I’ve given them all
But suddenly now I feel so small
Shaken down to the cavity in my soul
I know the doctrine and theology
But right now they don’t mean much to me
This time there’s only one thing I’ve got to know

Chorus 2:
Do I trust You Lord does the river flow
Do I trust You Lord does the North wind blow
You can see my heart You can read my mind
And You’ve got to know I would rather die
Than to lose my faith in the One I love
Do I trust You Lord
Do I trust you

Chorus 3:
I will trust You Lord when I don’t know why
I will trust You Lord ‘til the day I die
I will trust You Lord when I’m blind with pain
You were God before and You’ll never change
I will trust You, I will trust You Lord
I will trust You Lord
I will trust You, I will trust You Lord
I will trust You Lord
I will trust You, I will trust You Lord
I will trust You Lord

Get up and stop bellyachin’!

2010-06-29T09:21:00.002-04:00

How many times do we get ourselves in situations that are tough and then lay on the ground begging God to do something or blaming Him for the situation? When it was our fault the whole time. This is exactly what Joshua does after the Israelite army runs in fear from the soldiers of Ai.

Joshua 7:4-10(CEV)
Joshua sent about three thousand soldiers to attack Ai. But the men of Ai fought back and chased the Israelite soldiers away from the town gate and down the hill to the stone quarries. Thirty-six Israelite soldiers were killed, and the Israelite army felt discouraged. Joshua and the leaders of Israel tore their clothes and put dirt on their heads to show their sorrow. They lay face down on the ground in front of the sacred chest until sunset. Then Joshua said: Our LORD, did you bring us across the Jordan River just so the Amorites could destroy us? This wouldn't have happened if we had agreed to stay on the other side of the Jordan. I don't even know what to say to you, since Israel's army has turned and run from the enemy. Everyone will think you weren't strong enough to protect your people. Now the Canaanites and everyone else who lives in the land will surround us and wipe us out.
The LORD answered: Stop lying there on the ground! Get up!

I love how God answers this, just get up and stop it (my version). Ok so not when it is me He may be talking to but today during my morning devotional His answer actually made me laugh. It sounds like something I have said to my kids before when they have thrown themselves on the floor and lay there whining and complaining. Has God ever said that to you? He has me and I can tell you when He has I have not liked it one bit! A reprimand from the Lord is NEVER pleasant but if take what He says and follow His word His blessings will follow us. Later in this
chapter we read, “Then the Lord stopped being angry with Israel.”(Jos 7:26) But this did not happen until the Joshua followed the orders that God gave him concerning the situation that had gotten them to this place.
Our Heavenly Father wants only the best for us. It is our decision whether we will follow His plans for our lives. He is just like an earthly Father in that He disciplines us when needed, comforts us and loves us. Are you in need of a word like this today… “Stop lying there on the ground! GET UP!” What are you laying there complaining about? God has a plan for you stop complaining and start praying!

The title of this blog

2010-05-18T00:45:00.002-04:00

so fits how I feel right now. It just seems like the more I press in the more I am broken down. A friend of mine posted the following video/song on Facebook tonight and it states what I feel right now. I surrender all Lord I do I do! Despite what I am feeling and how crush I am I know you shall get the glory! Lord, I am trusting you!

My Heart Song today

2010-04-23T11:51:00.000-04:00

Our God is Great by Chris Tomlin

Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shining
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You

CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…

Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…

BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…

And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?

Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome and power
Our God, Our God…

Restore Me

2010-04-21T15:52:00.001-04:00

by Jason Ingram

Restore me, I would have no way
But your's my Lord,
Restore me, like the eagle
Spreads it's wings and soars,
I will lift my faithless heart
To a God who's love is pure.
Resting in your arms I am secure.
Restore me

I lift my prayer to a God who waits to hear
Each groan that I call out in His Name.
I'm standing here in silence
I wait for You to speak
For Your whisper heals me with one word

Restore me, I would have no way
But your's my Lord,
Restore me, like the eagle
Spreads it's wings and soars,
I will lift my faithless heart
To a God who's love is pure.
Resting in your arms I am secure.
Restore me

I lift my prayer to a God who waits to hear
Each groan that I call out in His Name.
I'm standing here in silence
I wait for You to speak
For Your whisper heals me with one word

Restore me, I would have no way
But your's my Lord,
Restore me, like the eagle
Spreads it's wings and soars,
I will lift my faithless heart
To a God who's love is pure.
Resting in your arms I am secure.
Restore me

Edge:
You bring me love, You bring me peace
You lift me high on eagles wings

Worship is the ONLY thing...

2010-03-17T23:01:00.004-04:00

I tuned into the church service of Lift Church (formerly known as Venice A/G in Florida where we were on staff for 3 1/2 years) tonight due to Eli being really sick with a high temp. Anyway, something that Pastor Gary stated tonight really made a lot of since to me ~ "in a church service the only part of the service that is TOTALLY FOR GOD is the WORSHIP!! The sermon or teaching is for us Christ's disciples but the worship is ALL FOR HIM!"

If we can get that message across to those that don't "get" worship can you imagine how the Spirit would fall in our services? I love worship! Always have! In fact it's so important to me that I keep the kids in service for worship before taking them to Children's church. I can't live without singing His praise even when I am at my lowest if I start singing praises to my Father something always happens and I end up being the one that is blessed.

So for those of you that don't like the worship part of going to church...GET OVER IT! What do you think we will be doing in heaven? Even the angels cry Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty! You better believe that is what we will be doing when we are standing and I believe we will probably be on our knees and face before Him crying out the same thing! Give Him praise here on earth is our practice time!

We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Your Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb
We fall down
We lay our crowns
At the feet of Jesus
The greatness of
Mercy and love
At the feet of Jesus
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
And we cry holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb

I believe...

2010-01-18T23:07:00.001-05:00

You hold my every moment

Calm my raging sea

Walk with me through fire

Healed all of my disease

I trust in You

I trust in You

I believe, You’re my Healer

I believe, You are all I need

I believe, You’re my portion

I believe, You are more than enough for me

Jesus You all I need

You’re my Healer.

Nothing is impossible for You

Nothing is impossible for You

Nothing is impossible for You

You hold my world in Your hands

More than enough for me

Jesus You all I need

More than enough for me

All we need is found in You

For I know...

2010-01-14T23:28:00.002-05:00

Found this song tonight. Was exactly the encouragement I needed! Hope it encourages you too!

Jeremiah 17:7-8
I will bless those who trust me. They will be like trees growing beside a stream-- trees with roots that reach down to the water, and with leaves that are always green. They bear fruit every year and are never worried by a lack of rain.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the purposes which I am purposing for you, says Jehovah; purposes of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Ten Way You can Prepare Now to be a Pastor by Guest Speaker Deanna Shrodes

2010-01-07T15:52:00.004-05:00

From time to time I repost articles or posts from other bloggers. Today I have the priviledge of sharing this post from my dear friend Pastor Deanna Shrodes from Lifetime Intimate Portrait.
Enjoy as you read and learn:

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Most people will tell you to listen for the voice of God, spend time praying, fasting and reading your Bible. That's definitely top priority, but here are some other things you can do to prepare.

1) Set your cell phone alarm to go off at all times of the day and night and interrupt you. When it starts beeping, don't just turn it off. Stop what you are doing for at least an hour, and do something totally different that you didn't plan on at all. Come back later to the project you were working on before. Finish it even if you have to stay up until 2 am.

2) If you are just starting out, make sure to stock up on ramen noodles, easy mac, and peanut butter and jelly.

3) Ask a few people to follow you around all the time, and find out what you're doing, who you're doing it with, where your family is eating, and where you shop.

4) Install cameras everywhere to keep a watchful eye on everything your kids are doing 24/7 to report back to you.

5) Plan something that will take a tremendous amount of help to pull off. Delegate jobs to all your friends and but instruct them that what they are really going to do is call you at the last minute with a bunch of excuses and tell you they can't follow through. Somehow pull off the huge event with just you and your spouse doing everything. Do this repeatedly throughout the year as you prepare.

6) If you are a man and your goal is to pastor a traditional church make sure your wife knows how to play the piano, and fry chicken.

7) If your goal is to pastor a contemporary church be sure to update your look to be as effective as possible on church advertisements. If you're a man, shave your head and get a pair of trendy glasses, jeans, and a crisp cotton long sleeved button down shirt. If you're a woman, get an outfit from somewhere like New York and Company and make over your hair in a style that requires a flat iron.

8) Invite your friends to call you up and email you at inopportune times, to criticize you for random things that are ridiculous "share things in love." Ask them to make those things as unexpected as possible - things totally in left field that you don't expect. Make sure that when they do this, you thank them, and keep a smile on your face. In fact, right after they do it invite them to go out for coffee and underscore to them how much you love them and don't hold anything they just said against them.

9) Start stopping by the local hospitals on your way home, and eat in the cafeteria just for fun.

10) Have your family members throw a bunch of bulletins, Sunday School papers, empty water bottles, an umbrella or two, and a bunch of other people's Bibles around your house. Schedule an event that evening at your house that requires it to be in perfect order. Make sure you will be the only one available to get it ready before that time. Clean it all up yourself and talk God while you're doing it.

These are just a few little starter exercises you can do to prepare yourself -- there are many more and perhaps I'll share them in days to come so stay tuned.

**ME again...unfortunately as insane as this may sound it is ALL true! You can read more from Deanna at Lifetime Intimate Portrait

2010-01-06T11:58:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! Well our church has started a 30 day fast. Sean and I have decide to fast everything except veggies & fruit. Which means Sean is only eating veggies cause he barely eats any fruit. You would think it would be easier than doing a true fast but it's NOT! I have really struggled the last couple of days craving meat. Giving up the pasta and breads isn't as hard as the meat. Anyway, so we started Monday and I decided that this year I plan to read through the whole Bible. Did it once about 18 years ago or so and decided it would be a great challenge for me.
So I have started with the book of Jeremiah. Which the first few chapters have been very interesting. In fact I almost decided I might want to read something more uplifting but once I really started reading and digesting what it is saying I am more ready to read it now than before. I think digesting what you read is important. Let it sink in and really think about what you are reading. Not just read through and say ok that;s done.
The Word of God is manna. Well when we eat we have to difest the food to get the nurishment our bodies need. It's the same as reading the Word of God. In order for your spirit man to get the nurishment it needs you have to think about what you have read and let the Holy Spirit speak to you.
Well that is what I have been doing this week. Let me tell you something the things that are revealed are amazing! I read through the first chaper and didn't catch it at first. But then I stopped and reread it. Guess what, when I stopped and took the time to let it sink in, I was WOWed.

The LORD showed me something in a vision. Then he asked, "What do you see, Jeremiah?" I answered, "A branch of almonds that ripen early." "That's right," the LORD replied, "and I always rise early to keep a promise." Jer 1:11-12 (CEV)

Do you see it? " I rise early to keep a promise!" NOT only does God keep His promises but He rises early to keep them! Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus! When it's time for Him to fulfill the His promises to us He rises early to do so! How can we even doubt that He will fulfill them when he reassures us that He will not only keep the promise but rise early to keep it.
That encourages me SO MUCH! You see I stand on His promises of healing, provision, guidance and protection. In Jer 29:11 He promises us that He has a plan for our lives one of hope and a future not evil. What we must realize that He has thought about our future and we can trust that He will rise early to keep that promise and will see us through what ever it is we are going through.
Thank you Jesus that not only do You keep your promises but You rise early to keep them. I am trusting you today for many things and know you will do as your has pormised us! Thank you Jesus!

Not Here...

2009-12-31T00:55:00.002-05:00

but HERE today! I know I haven't posted here in a while. Sorry if you are one of my readers. I have sorta taken a mini break from both of my blogs as well as PPN. I am believing that in the new year God is going to speak more to me or maybe I will take more time to listen is more like it. Either way, if I feel impressed to share I will. Anyway, lately He has been speaking to me...and today I wrote about it over on the Pastoring Partners Network. An awesome network of women in the ministry as Pastors, PWs, Sunday school teachers, ect...Go check it out!

Silent Monks

2009-12-07T15:58:00.001-05:00

2009-11-23T01:01:00.000-05:00

Still Looking...

2009-11-19T22:20:00.002-05:00

for the song! Yes if you have even come across this blog for the last few posts you have read I am seraching for a song I heard on the radio. Still can't find it but I am finding some very POWERFUL songs out there. This next one I found...well heard on the radio today hit me so hard I just sat in the car bawling for a good 30 mins. It just hit me squared in the heart strings. Has such a POWERFUL message. Read the words here and then listen. Let the Lord minister to you as He did me today.

You Deliver Me ~ Selah

Deep as the ocean, Bright as rain
This powerful emotion lifts me up above the planes
It's taken me to places I never thought I'd go
Showing me a grace I never thought I'd know

When I feel like I can't go on
You deliver me
When the road is winding and way too long
You deliver me
You deliver me

I feel like a sinner, my sins have been washed clean
I'm absolutely given, this heart has never seen
I must be forgiven sometimes asking why
I was chosen to be given you in this life

When I feel like I can't go on
You deliver me
When the road is winding and way too long
You deliver me
You deliver me

When there's a distance
Between what I am and who I want to be
You deliver me

When I feel like I can't go on
You deliver me
When the road is winding and way too long
You deliver me
You deliver me

When I feel like I can't go on
You deliver me
When the road is winding and way too long
You deliver me
You deliver me

Still Searching

2009-11-17T00:32:00.002-05:00

Well I am still searching for the song. I heard it twice today. I love it and wish I could remember it more. I never have a pen handy or paper when I hear it. Next time I am gonna call the radio station and ask them for the name and artist! I did find this song that the lyrics are similiar to the song I am searching for but it's still not the one. Enjoy!

Hiding Place

2009-10-16T00:24:00.002-04:00

Today as I was going to to the store to pick up a few things I heard a beautiful worship song. I wish I had had a pen and paper to write it down but I didn't. So tonight I went seeking it on youtube.com with no luck. Sorta hard to find something without a title or artist. Anyway I came upon this video and the song is exactly what my heart is wanting right now. I pray it ministers to you.

Just Say It Series

2009-10-08T11:29:00.002-04:00

I was planning to post every part of the series that Deanna is doing about what Pastors want to say and think but I have decided I am just going to post links to it. I may post the entire blog a few times like I did yesterday but if you are really interested in what she has to say as I am go check her out over here.

Just Say It!! ~ Guest Speaker Deanna Shrodes

2009-10-07T10:32:00.002-04:00

Ok here goes - My dear friend Deanna Shrodes is starting a new series and it's great! I wanted to share it with you and so each posting on this series she will be doing I will be posting on my blog. She is a wonderful minister and friend. I hope you enjoy, are challenged and that your eyes are open and have ears to hear on this subject!

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"Just Say It!!"

Writing a series of posts on this topic has been on my heart for a while but I was just pushed over the proverbial edge last week to do something about it, so here goes. Recently we ministered at a wonderful church and the service went great and afterwards the pastors said to us, "Thank you so much for coming in and saying what we can't say." I hear that all the time when I preach at places. I hear it from America, to Africa, from small towns to large ones. Now, let me say I totally understand. This is how I lived for all of our years in ministry until we came to Florida. And I don't look down on people nor blame them for feeling that way or running the church that way. Pastors who wait for a guest speaker to come in and say what they evidently can't say are in abundance and are also in a very tough situation. Let me tell you, church people have NO IDEA what pastors go through. Did you know a survey was done of the most stressful jobs in America and pastor came in at #2. [The number one spot went to dentists. Evidently a lot of them even commit suicide or have breakdowns. The reason given was because most people hate going to the dentist and so they are used to people dreading coming to see them. Also, they are doing tedious work in a small space - people's mouths - all day long.] Over the coming weeks, I am going to do some posts about what your pastor wishes they could just bring out in the open and tell you, but some fear to. I want to share with you the ins and outs of what makes some of them very stressed out and what you can do to help them. In our previous pastorate, we would go through difficult situations of various kinds, just as all pastors do. A few times a year we would have a guest speaker and although we wouldn't tell them the problems beforehand or ask them to address certain things, Larry and I would pray out hearts out that the visiting minister would come in and "say what we couldn't say." (Translation: say what we would say if we didn't have the threat of World War III breaking out in the church, or being forced to resign because we simply laid the issues honestly on the table.) I remember at a previous pastorate how we prayed and fasted for a season, believing for God to speak to a guest evangelist to deal with some things that were current problems in the church. One lady had been giving us serious issues for some time. There were even times she would inappropriately interrupt the service. One time she had the gall to approach the pulpit when my husband was ministering and said, "The Lord has told me to take this service in a different direction." Of course he didn't put up with that and told her to sit down. She did but she would push the envelope constantly and it was so draining to deal with. We prayed that the evangelist would get a Word from God and deal with this lady. Lo and behold he called her out right there in the service and dealt with her! He gave her a word of knowledge and said, "you are out from under the authority of the pastors and have a critical spirit and need to submit to the pastors and he leadership of this church." We hadn't told the evangelist anything. This was a total God thing. And, the service where this happened the lady said NOTHING to show her true colors-- she was just quietly sitting in her seat. When all this was happening I was playing the keyboard in the background as he ministered and it was everything I could do to not show emotions as all this happened. I kept a poker face, and just stood there and played when the evangelist corrected her but afterwards when we went home, I jumped up and down and was leaping and praising God. So, why didn't I just deal with her? We were in a political hornet's nest. We feared for our ministry, our family, our livelihood. It's the place where way too many pastors find themselves. So, when I moved to Florida I said, "never again." I am NOT going go all year long with unaddressed situations, afraid to say it like it is, just praying that a guest comes in and "says something I can't." I thought, "I'll say it like it is plain and simple, and if they don't like it, I'll resign and go be a greeter at Walmart and hand out smiley stickers." Seriously. I am NOT kidding. And that's how I've lived for the last 7+ years! Occasionally we have speakers come in who will say things in our church here like, "Now, I'm telling you folks this...your pastor would probably like to tell you this but he/she can't do that..." and our people look puzzled as if to say, "what are you talking about? There's really not much if anything that our pastors would not dare to say." I do realize that many pastors are understandably afraid.. They aren't ready to pack their U-Haul and start passing out the smiley stickers and go on government assistance and then explain to their kids that they have no money for school clothes or supplies simply because Daddy or Mommy had to speak the truth about something in church. I get it...really I do. But I'm not afraid anymore and haven't been for a long time. So here's what's up. I'm writing a series of posts coming up..."what your pastor wants to say but can't." This is going to be so fun. Because a lot of people who are church folks across the nation and beyond read this blog and hopefully it will open some eyes as to what your pastor really thinks but might not ever dare to tell you. For those who wonder what my church people are going to think reading these posts, not to worry...they've heard all this already -- and more. And, they seem to want to keep me around for a really long time despite it. Or maybe even because of it...

Not here this week...go here...

2009-09-18T22:12:00.002-04:00

I am not writing here this week. Not that I don't want to but I have been working on something special for another site. Pastoring Partners Network. It's a fantastic life line for you women who are pastors, PWs or women serving in the ministry in any form. I was honored to be asked to be a part of this wonderful online ministry by the founder, Deanna Shrodes. Not only did she ask me to be a contributing writer but also a board member. I have to say its very humbling to me to be asked to serve in this capacity. I love this ministry and I love the women who are part of this ministry. So this week I posted a new blog over here. Go check it out! It's good for everyone not just those in ministry!

Jesus Bring the Rain by Mercy Me

2009-09-08T01:01:00.003-04:00

I was listening to the radio tonight and this song came one like 5 times within 2 hours. It really struck a cord with me tonight. Not sure why but it really touched my heart.

Here are the words:

I can count a million times
People asking me
how I can praise You
with all that I've gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It's never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

I am yours regardless of
the clouds that may loom above
because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
suffering your destiny
so tell me
whats a little rain

Holy, holy, holy
Holy, holy, holy
is the lord God almighty
is the lord God almighty
I'm forever singing

I love it when I find a song that really ministers to my heart and also makes me say, "Yes Lord that is my cry tonight!" I have gone through a lot in my life, like a lot of people. But I have to say I would rather walk in my shoes than someone else's. Even the most well put together person has hurts and things they have gone through. I think I will chose to follow the plan God has for my life and if that means some pain along the way that pulls me closer to Him then I will face it with courage and hope, trusting Him for the outcome.

Guest Speaker Deanna Shrodes

2009-09-04T10:10:00.004-04:00

This morning I went through my daily ritual of coffee and blogs. Yes I actually read the blogs before my quiet time with the Lord. But I can assure you that my quiet time with the Lord is coming and I am looking forward to spending time in the word and in prayer. But before I do that I had to post this. My dear friend Pastor Deanna Shrodes writes monthly for Take Root and Write. This months post is awesome. I so needed to hear this this morning! I believe all women do but especially women in ministry regardless of their position but especially for women pastors and pastor's wives. But I also feel that the other men and women in the church need to hear what is being said. So sit back and open your heart to the Lord as you read this post!

Vital Signs by Pastor Deanna Shrodes

"Stop the ministry! I want to get off!" How many of you pastor's wives have said that? Every friend I've got in ministry (and I've got lots of them!) have said that at least once if not a million times. Before I even go any further, I want you to say to yourself out loud, "I AM NOT ALONE!" If you don't believe that and still feel like you are, email me and say, "I feel alone." You don't even have to share any other details, just those three words if that's all you're comfortable saying, and I'll shoot you back an e-mail in a New York minute and reassure you the truth of the matter that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. One of the devil's biggest lies he tries to get you to believe is that you are alone. Let me give you some statistics from a survey that show you that you aren't as alone as you might think...
In the Enrichment Journal article, "Stress Management for Women in Ministry, author Joann Butrin says the following: "When pastors’ wives were asked to name the things that cause the most stress in their lives, the most common responses were: balancing the demands of the congregation with the responsibilities of raising children, being a supportive wife, keeping an organized household, and feeling guilty for not giving enough time for any of these roles. Other responses included: feeling frustrated at being relegated a lesser role while feeling the same call to ministry as one’s husband, feeling unappreciated in the support role of pastor’s wife, feeling drained by the constant schedule demands that go with ministry, and feeling isolated and alone due to taboos concerning friendships in the church."
Stress is a given when we accept the role of a minister's wife but that doesn't make it any easier. No amount of reading, training or even mentoring beforehand could ever prepare one for what they will face in full time ministry. I stopped to think about it the other day and realized I don't have many friends who are pastor's wives who haven't faced some serious physical complications as a result of stress. This is not only with pastor's wives at mid-life or older but even younger ones. I came to the conclusion, we can't hear enough about stress management!
The other day I went to a meeting for ministers in my area that was a mandatory thing for our denomination. I have to be honest that at first, I dreaded it. I was overwhelmed with a full schedule that day and had so much to deal with, the last thing I needed was a three hour mandatory meeting to add to the insanity that was my day. Once I got there, my attitude changed. Our presbyter (overseer over our area) had prepared a workshop on stress management in ministry. He shared some things I really needed to hear and be reminded of.
One of the first things he shared was that when a person becomes president of the United States, everything is monitored very carefully, from their diet to their sleep schedule, exercise, and even mandatory vacations! There are those who criticize because our various presidents have taken vacations and even during critical times in the nation's history but the truth of the matter is, during that time they probably needed the vacation all the more to hold up under the pressure. Our leader went on to say that they are very protective of the president because he must be able to function at his optimal best to lead the nation, and without these basics being well covered in his life, his health and safety is at risk. He went on to say that we in the ministry are front line warriors and very important leaders in our nation and how much more do we need to carefully "monitor all of our "vitals?"
In Mark 6, we see that the feeding of the five thousand had just taken place. A busy time of ministry had just concluded, for sure. Perhaps Jesus Himself was thinking, "stop the ministry, I want to get off!" We know this because in verses 30-32 in indicates he immediately called for a break:
"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place." Mark 6:30-32 (NIV)
How long has it been since you took stock of what you are eating? Stolen away for some quiet time? Enjoyed some moments of solitude? Years ago a counselor told me I had better plan to do this for myself because no one else would ever be standing in line to do it for me. He was right. Church members usually have little regard for their pastor's quiet time and if you don't take a stand, nobody will. Pastor Perry Noble of Newspring Church in Anderson, SC, says the following, "I know WAY too many pastors who let the expectations and demands of needy, clingy church people (notice I didn’t say Christians) DRIVE them to a place of insanity and burnout…and then those same church people will stand around his coffin and talk about how he should have taken better care of himself."
This is so true. To share a typical and humorous story about this, a number of years ago a woman called me on my day off and said, "I know it's your day off but I needed to call you. We are having terrible marriage problems and I need to talk." I was expecting to hear that her husband had just left, or that she found out that day about an affair, or something of new and shocking revelation. Instead she continued on and told me about many problems they had over the years. I interrupted a few moments later and said, "what new thing has happened today or this week in this situation?" She said, "nothing." I said, "how long have you had this problem you are calling me about today?" She said, "Hmmm...well, since 1972." I said, "So this has been going on since 1972, nothing has changed, but you are calling me about it today?" She said, "Yeah, I just finally felt like talking about it." This was the "emergency."
Many in our church or ministries will not understand this. We are never going to get it across to everyone in an understandable way and quite frankly if that is our goal we will more than likely never achieve it or have everyone happy with us. But we CAN decide how to respond each day. A healthy response means that we monitor our vitals and take the time we need when we need it whether anyone understands or not. The other day our presbyter admonished us, "You've got to do this, or soon. . .cancer is coming for you. . .ulcers are coming for you. . .a heart attack is coming for you. . ."
That got my attention. I decided to come home and make a list of things I needed to more closely monitor. Some will understand, some won't. But that's okay -- we have to do what is right and take care of ourselves so we can take care of others properly.
Are you monitoring your vitals?

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Me here. Good stuff huh! Now go check out more of what Deanna shares daily on her blog. She is very straightforward and open and I LOVE that about her! She is a trooper for God and I cherish our friendship, her wisdom and her love for God and the lost. Love ya D!

Way to funny not to post!

2009-09-02T02:09:00.001-04:00

2009-08-21T16:44:00.000-04:00

2009-08-15T22:18:00.001-04:00

All We Ever Needed - Rush of Fools

2009-08-11T23:12:00.000-04:00

A heavy heart I bring
For I am tired Lord
Awaken my lost love for You
Take this heart of stone
And warm this bitter cold
Awaken my lost love for You

Let your children fall down and worship
Fall down and know You
For You are holy
Let Your children rise up before You
Rise and adore You
For You are holy
You are holy

Remind us who we are
When we have wandered far
Awaken our lost love You
And like the morning star
You chase away the dark
There is no shadow here with You
With You, Lord

Let Your children fall down and worship
Fall down and know You
For You are holy
Let Your children rise up before You
Rise and adore You
For You are holy

Just a glimpse of You is all we ever needed
Just a touch from You is all we ever needed
Just a glimpse of You is all we ever needed
Its all that we are needing now

Let Your children fall down and worship
Fall down and know You
For You are holy
Let Your children rise up before You
Rise and adore You
For You are holy

Stagnant Pools

2009-07-23T17:44:00.004-04:00

A week ago I was sharing with a friend that sometimes people get stuck in stagnant pools and forget that all they have to do is walk into the river to be refreshed. Well that has stuck with me and I haven’t been able to shake it. So I have been doing some research on stagnant pools and stagnant water.
Water stagnation occurs when water stops flowing or is trapped in an area where nothing can move. Stagnant water can be a major environmental hazard, generally it breeds bacteria and gets a foul smell. I am quite sure many people have experienced the nasty smell of stagnate water. In some cases its enough to make a person lose their lunch so to speak.
So what does this have to do with our walk with God. A LOT! First and foremost scripture tells us repeatedly that He is ALIVE! Jesus even calls himself the living bread, living water (John 4:14). God is a living moving God. He NEVER changes but is always moving. He doesn’t want us to get stale. He doesn’t want us to dry up or become stagnate. When we get stuck in a rut so to speak we because like a pool of stagnant water. We begin to stink, our attitudes stink, our thoughts stinks and we begin to believe the lies satan feeds us, such as you too old to be used by God, you’re not a preacher, you’re not smart enough or rich enough or talented enough. God can and will use any person that is willing to be used!

God is a living moving being. Jesus tell us in John 7:38 - “Have faith in Me, and you will have life-giving water flowing from deep inside you, just as the Scriptures say.”

Life-giving water flowing…no where in these words does it say dryness or stagnant water. Jesus says having faith in Him gives us life giving water flowing deep inside us. Often times we forget who it is that give us the abilities to do what He has call us to do for Him. If we hold fast to this promise then all we set our hands to will have life as long as it’s for His glory and not our own.
Why not jump in the river! A flowing living river and we start by confessing our sins and our faith in Him to forgive us. Are you stuck in a stagnant pool…come to the river and wash your self in God’s love and forgiveness. Letting go of all the yuck and stink that has caused you to be sick spiritually. Maybe you already have a relationship with Him but are still stuck. Sometimes the stagnation in our lives is caused from stinking thinking. Throw down those thoughts of unworthiness and grab hold of the promises of God’s word. He can and will use you if you are truly willing to be used by him. Sometimes that means throwing down our pride and sometimes that means throwing down our own wants and desires and relying on His plan and not our own.
Get in the river and let Him use you!!