The Bird House

Glass Houses and a FULL Heart

2010-09-12T16:11:00.005-04:00

Romans 5:8 (The Message) ^"6-8Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn't, and doesn't, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn't been so weak, we wouldn't have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him."

I am not only a word girl, I'm a theme girl, patterns, themes, threads, and the like. It's how God speaks to me and teaches me. I am sure I'm not unique in that. Our church family has had a series of messages lately born out of real life experiences living out God's word, in lives of our Pastors and in our congregation.

Through it all, a whisper in our ears is shouting "Love them, love them, love them, like I have loved you! Don't give up, don't be turned off, don't walk away, don't shut the door, don't hang up. have I ever walked away from you? Have I ever turned away from YOU?"

After reading Pam's Face Book post today, and hearing the pastor's message and news today in my home church, I am thrilled to see the Holy Spirit (of course) leading those who are willing to be led all over our country (and I am sure the world as well, it's just the right now, our own country gives me enough to pray about! :) to be willing to engage the messy, the difficult, the unpredictable, the unlovely, the untamed-never gonna be tamed.

Before you say, "Awww, that is good. Jesus loves - so should we." Well yes, true enough. And in theory that is wonderful and pretty. But, in practice - it is messy! People are quirky. I know I am, and I LOVE my family dearly, but each member is quirky, too. And though we all love Jesus in my immediate family, into every life a little mess will come from time to time. Never doubt it!

Jesus' ministry had it's messes, and it certainly was through no fault of His. His family seemed to struggle with their perception of him, having grown up with Him. His disciples, good as they were, jockeyed for position. Judas betrayed Him, and stole from the ministry. His closest ones let Him down in His darkest hour.

Recently the Lord put something in our Pastor's heart, that for the people and the churches who would, there would be great opportunities to reach people. People who are in all different stages, unchurched and unsaved, backslid, offended, dissatisfied...in this world that is ....whooooweeee...under some serious birth pains, people who ARE thirsty for the Living Waters, ARE hungry for the Bread of Life...need to be able to find people who live in glass houses, just like them. They live in glass houses, and they KNOW they live in glass houses and wouldn't throw a stone for anything (or at least it is their heart's desire to not throw stones and they would quickly repent should they stumble). People who not only are aware they are fallen and redeemed Christians, with no claim to fame, except that Christ died and rose again for them and saved them from themselves, and filled their heart's with love. Love that makes them humble (not smug) and not willing that any should perish, for lack of having the opportunity to meet people filled with Christ. If they can't find that in the church - I ask you, where will they go?

In a world that is shaking, can people find some other people who are are grounded in Christ? In a world that is obsessed with fame and superficial relationships, can people find some other people who care what The Lord thinks, much, much more than what man thinks. People who actually, actually listen to the answer of the question "How are you?" and don't try to instantly "fix" them, rather they LISTEN to them, love them and do not serve them platitudes. Sometimes a kind listening heart and a hug and a smile does a heart good!

People who won't whisper, won't roll their eyes. People who at least will be sorry when they do, and say so, and then try, try again to let God's love flow through them to others!

Mercy is messy. Success isn't sanitary. But it IS worth it ALL!

Thanks for letting me share some of my thoughts with you all. I pray your week brings you words from our King! Strength to keep on! Love to overcome and endure! and MUCH Joy!
Maria

1 John 3:2-3 "Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is. And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless).

Listening, Loving, Believing

2010-09-09T10:22:00.003-04:00

I LOVE Photobucket! I'm at a place where I have to choose my words carefully. But, feel the prompting, the nudging, to put my thoughts here today. This picture is titled Solitude. To me it shows the warmth of The Father's glowing, golden love and light for us...coupled with the sometimes occurring lowering, heavy dark clouds. You are not sure if it's your sunny day or not. But, you know He is with you in any event. You can't see much of, or far into, the horizon, But this one thing you hold onto, the horizon may look hidden from you, but, His light, His love, is warmer and more powerful, and reaches further and is positioned BEYOND the horizon and reaches PAST it, and BEYOND you. You are surrounded by His love and His good plans for your life. Like Frodo and Sam, you must keep putting one foot in front of the other, moving forward. Listen to His softly spoken words. Love Him, Thank Him, BELIEVE. Believe that though the way may not be clear, left foot, right foot will get you there, as you trust in His work to be completed in your life.

I am thankful for Photobucket, for the power His warm and golden love in us and for us, for the knowledge and the FACT that though the horizon may be dim and hidden, His loving light knows it and is positioned to illuminate it, at just the proper time! I am thankful for blogging and how writing heals me, strengthens me and begins to cause the horizon to lighten, as it seems to draw some of that golden light through the horizon and to me. I am thankful that my name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. I'm thankful for Grace Alone, where you may go to find many more thanks to comfort you and provide light for your path, or you can add some of your own!

Job's Wife

2010-09-06T15:30:00.002-04:00

"Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die." Off the top of my head, four of the most despicable people in the Bible are (in no particular order): Cane, Jezebel, Judas, and Job's wife.

I had a thought today, I thought to myself that Job's wife was very likely in peri-menopause, that lovely stage of life where you don't suffer fools easily, are prone to take no prisoners, and realize that time is running out. It'd be a bad time, real bad time to have all heck break loose in your life. I'm not going to offer science or deep truths here. Just the facts as I know them...as we experience this season of life, it is important to know ourselves, our limitations and weaknesses and submit them to God and His leadership of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12) If regular sleep helps, do it. If fresh air helps do it. Healthier eating helps, do that too, exercise in all it's varied forms, from gardening to the tred mill, don't overlook what can help keep you grounded and on the right track. Prayer is a given. The Word is a given. Quiet time - given. Fellowship with other believers - you got it, a given.

For me all those things I have learned about myself, and I recognized over this weekend I was at the 4-7 day span of time that for me occurs every 23-24 days, where I DISlike people, Face Book, people, and The Big W! (Yep, I mentioned people twice, it's worth repeating!)

Today as I left The Big W, and tried to navigate the ridiculous obstacle course of places where vehicles are to stop for other cars and pedestrians, I realized I would rather go hungry than EEEVVVEERRR go back to The Big W, yet, I also know, that I will most likely be back there in just a few short days.

Know yourself, KNOW Your Lord! Hold on! Breathe, Seasons pass! Until then pray, give thanks, chew the Word, eat your chocolate, and smell the sunshine!

Love,
Maria

Choosing

2010-08-15T15:36:00.012-04:00

Hey, Everybody! Many of you already know that my oldest, James came to live with us for a little while at the beginning of the year. He needed to prepare for his military entrance test to get a good score, and also to spend some time with family while he waited for the date to come for him to be sent to boot camp. Now days they only have so many dates in a year and his date is next Sunday. He married while here and leaves for the Army next Sunday.

We have loved on him and made memories, celebrated his successes, his birthday, and watched him get married. We pray and believe this is his vocation, and as such trust that God's equipping and his hard work will cause him to flourish and be a good provider for his bride
That's our oldest. This time last year, our youngest was planning to enlist this year under the Army's delayed entry program. Then life threw him a curve and he saw an old friend, actually the sister of a friend in a new light! When Jason and Becca started picturing their future, it looked like maybe the military would perhaps wait for a couple years, while he worked and she went to college. As the fall approaches though, Jason got itchy feet. Ready to work, sweat, invest in his future for himself and for Becca.

Tuesday morning as I be-bopped around the house content and peaceful, with an eye towards the future, I heard a terrible news story. The Iranians had provocatively announced they have dug mass graves for American soldiers, in case they need them. There were pictures, but, I won't honor them with such attention. It disturbed me, even though, I understand that's the only reason they did it, they WANT us to be disturbed. What REALLY disturbed me was when our youngest, Jason came to me and said, Becca and I have talked and I'm going to enlist with this month, they won't send me until January or later (he turns 18 in January). I'm so excited, ready to do this.

I smiled, and was very quiet. Once we had said all the appropriate things to each other I went to my bedroom and cried and sobbed and sobbed some more! Texted my husband, he called from the school he was in, and then scrubbed all the bathrooms shiny clean!

I kept thinking of how young he was, what I was having to let go of as far as thoughts for the coming year. Did I mention how young he was? I admit to thinking our Commander in Chief was not worthy of our fine young men, but, then I am sure we are not the first to feel that way. And that's not why they serve. As Christians they serve as unto the Lord, or should, and as Americans they serve as unto their country, with honor, pride and love.

I thought of the ugly truth of how surrounded by enemies that America is right now. Never have we been so isolated, so precariously perched. Lord help us. Lord, may we be worthy of Your help.

By the evening I was over my vapors, well and good. I came to realize that this was a new reality, and I will now cry at odd moments when I would never have done so before, and I don't know when that won't be true. But, I am not gloom and doom, it is just a tenderhearted recognition of the reality that life is wild, short and powerful...each moment matters so much, is to be highly valued and treasured. The three main men in life, my husband, and our two sons spent the evening in the living room that night. Father and youngest looking up the appropriate MOSs for Jason to choose from, discussing pros and cons. Oldest son nearby chiming in. I was in the room, but just keeping myself occupied so I would not spoil this important time between them.
We all went to bed happy, hopeful and at peace. With faith for the future that The Lord was and IS indeed at work in and through us. As Jerry and I prepared for bed, he told me that Jason asked him to go to the recruiters with him. This was HUGE for both of them. We both acknowledged the great progress that The Lord had made in a short period of time in us all, because this had been a point of contention this past spring. God is so faithful.

As I went to bed and woke up my mind and heart had a bit of a struggle over whether I would remember that the day Jason told us he was enlisting, was the day the Iranians showed pictures of and announced mass graves for American soldiers, or rather, would I remember that the day Jason told us, he asked his Father to go to the Recruiter's with him and they had a great evening together with James, a night we will always remember. I guess you can see what I have decided to choose by the photos of this year I have shared with you today.

Life as I know it is in the process of an incredible transformation, but that pales in comparison to what life is preparing to do in their lives. As we in our family navigate, I am seeking to keep our eyes and hearts and minds on Jesus. How about you? I am sure many of you are facing uncertainty, challenges. You can CHOOSE what you will focus on. Choose life, not death! God bless!

Much love, Ya'll!

Oh, How I Love To Be in the Top of the Tree!!

2010-08-04T18:01:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was one of those days where you are surrounded by reality that is contrary to what you are settling for, contrary to what will be in the future, contrary to what you would like to be enjoying at this point in life. Such is life! :) Thankfully, as people of faith, we are not limited to current circumstances, there is a reason for our hope, His Word does NOT return void, He is the Author and Finisher of our faith! His Word is alive! And it's powerful. Powerful to speak, to believe and to bring change. Change in us, in our loved ones, in our circumstances.

As my husband went to work last night, I retreated to my bedroom, to lick my wounds and dial spiritual 911. I knew the truth, I just was too besieged to speak it and I needed a grounded, faithful spiritual warrior. I Face Book messaged her and she didn't fail me! It is so important to have a few sisters in Christ to love and support and to love and support you! So grateful for strong Godly women!

Just reaching out to her, somehow made my spirit stir. By the time I heard back from her I was already starting to turn a corner (or climb a tree - I'll explain later!) By the time I went to bed late last night, I was in a much better place. When I woke up, I continued to poke and prod to see what the Spirit had for me to run with for the day, I prayed, and prayed and did my morning routine and God of course did not fail. He imparted revelation and exhortation to me. And I would like to share part of it with you!

Today, like little Zacchaeus (Luke 19) had to climb a tree to see Jesus (because all the people were in the way...hmmm, that's a whole OTHER post!), I've got a better perspective, AND focus! Jesus REALLY does make ALL the difference. He's the point, the edge, and the advantage. Because He matters, and because He IS, ALL these other things ALWAYS DO work out for our good (Romans 8:28). The good thing about my age is the ability to look back and SEE how He really DOES have a good plan and purpose, and even though we DO get in the way at times, and this fallen world tries and for a season sometimes appears to impede us...God is in the LONG game --- doing something FAR greater than we can think of!!

Bottom line? Stir up your gift of faith! Seek God while He may yet be found, reach out to a fellow warrior! Remind yourself of His faithfulness in the Word and in your life! Climb that tree so you can see Jesus! Just like Zacchaeus! Remember what Jesus told him once He spotted him up there? First HE went home with him (that'll preach!) THEN He told him that salvation came TODAY to his household, I looked it up, it means just what you think, all the members! I don't want to hear theology about this. I just want the Word! Thank you! Just Jesus! :)

Much love, Ya'll!

One of the Two

2010-06-20T14:26:00.008-04:00

Today was and is a special day. Father's Day is a unique time to honor the men who are in our lives, and The Father who made us and gave us eternal life. I am grateful to my GrandDaddy who went home to be with the Lord when I was 17. To his Daddy (my Great GrandDaddy) who died when I was a little girl. To my Daddy, to the father's of two of my best friends. Because they had such a good impact on me. I am IMMENSELY thankful for my husband and the father that he is!

One of the first things I learned as a young Christian, was that our perceptions of God, Our Father, are influenced greatly by our fathers here in life, in the natural. This is an obstacle for many, and that makes me sad. I have to say, it was 1 of my saving graces. Because my Dad, was and is a remarkable man in so many ways. He's a man's man. Guys like working for him, bosses respected him, trusted him, but often didn't "like" him (which is highly overrated by the way, but that's a post for another day!). Bosses knew he was going to say what needed to be said. He was going to stand for what was right, and treat his men at the plant where he worked, the right way, the way he would like to be treated. That doesn't always make you popular with the higher ups! Women always liked him, because he was and is a gentleman, courteous, kind and courtly. Children liked him because he wasn't gruff or scary, always had a smile and a kind word, and he just had a way to make them feel better when he was around.

The qualities I want to focus on here though are his loyalty, integrity and pride (the good kind). My Dad, if he had a fault, it would be his loyalty. Whom he befriends, he sticks with, good times and bad. What he says he will do, he'll do, regardless of the personal cost. And his pride would be that you KNOW this about him, that you can TRUST him to do what he says he will do. Sound familiar? These qualities have made me able to identify with this part of God's character and nature in a way that shapes my worldview and faith. My God is TRULY not a God that He should lie.

The other way today was special was that my dear friend's only sister, my good friend, and the sister-in-law of my Pastor, as well as being the Praise and Worship Pastor of our church family, came to church today. It was her first time in almost a month. One day she was fine, the next day she was dizzy while driving and hit a parked car while trying to park and get her bearings. Rescue wanted her to get checked out, which turned into having an MRI, which turned into a CAT scan (and if I have that backwards, please forgive me). This turned into cutting open her skull and removing a ping pong ball size tumor, not in her brain but just behind her ear towards the crown of her head. Surgery was very successful. Biopsy brought bad news. Glioblastoma. The most aggressive sort of brain cancer. I won't type the words of what that diagnosis means in the natural, scientifically. You can Google it.

She came and it was so good to see her and at the same time made your heart contract. How can someone who was the picture of health all the way to the 31st of May, by the 2nd of June have something go terribly awry?

After a great Father's Day service, Pastor let Owana come up to speak to us. Her husband gently and carefully led her up on the platform. She carefully spoke, and it hurt to hear how difficult it was for her to speak to us. But what she had to say...priceless. All glory to God. She led with the fact that she was glad that she was already a worshipper before she got sick, because she can honestly say and we know it's true, that she doesn't just worship to get well, She worships Him because He is Worthy! She said a few other things, very powerful. She even made us laugh (which is typical) but, mostly we cried and Amened. And at the end she turned to her daughter (who led worship today, and was on the piano) "Can you give me an 'F"?" and she actually opened her mouth and sang (beautifully, it was easier for her to sing than speak it sounded like - just shows her gift!) leading us in worship, in the song that she has always said this as a description of herself. "I vow to worship, through the good and the bad, I vow to worship, whether happy or sad. I vow to worship in all that we go through, Because praise is what I do, and I owe it all to You."

During service (I had hugged her before service) I would have periods during Praise and Worship where I was strong in faith and periods where I would just take the hurt and the pain of seeing the conditions she struggles with, I would take that to God and remind Him that I do trust Him, He is able. And He is willing. But my dilema was "Lord, it 's so much, it's so big, the statistics are awful. She's so fragile right now." Just being honest, Ya'll. All in my head, would never have spoken it out loud.

On the way home, as Jason drove, I thought to the Lord, in my mind about all this. What to take away from what we had just been privelged to witness. Here is what I felt the Lord impressing me with. The story of the 12 spies. They were honored, privleged to go scout out the Promised Land. However, 10 of them came back with an evil report. Rather than believe their Mighty God to make good on His Word, to give them that PROMISED LAND, and give them the victory over the enemy there, they chose instead to believe the giants were too big for them, and the walled cities too much. I received what He put in my spirit right away and without question. My response was and is, "Lord, let me always be 1 of those 2 spies, that believe You for the victory, for the Promised Land, for the enemy driven out! For Family Worship Center, the enemy is Glioblastoma, the Promised Land is Owana whole, healthy and leading us in Praise and Worship, and we willl already never be the same again."

"And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said "Let us go up at once, and possess it, for we are WEll ABLE TO OVERCOME IT." Numbers 13:30

I know what you are probably thinking, "But, Maria, sometimes God's plan doesn't mean recovery, sometimes at least not full recovery, in any case, He is good always, healing or no." and to that I would say, God IS ALWAYS GOOD. Always. I just know that it is a matter of honor to Him for me to believe Him for the whole thing and love Him no matter the outcome, that's why it's called FAITH! The phrase He has put in my spirit and DARED me to believe Him for is "In it to Win it". That's all I will believe for, why insult Him with anything less than who He has shown Himself to be to me? I already know that the outcome will be more beautiful and unfathomable than anything I could imagine or picture, so I am just believing Him for the best, our Promised Land, Owana healthy and whole!

Happy Father's Day, Ya'll!

What's the Deal?

2010-06-19T19:47:00.003-04:00

Well, almost as soon as I got high speed Internet I had to start sharing my laptop with the youngest son...as you can imagine, that doesn't leave lots of time for me to put thoughts together and grab photos and such, as the time I would most likely do that, is the same time he would most likely be on the net! But it is well with my soul! I haven't minded at all. Missed this, but, it felt good to share and not begrudge. Weird what love can do! Too bad I don't have that all the time!

Well, more and more I have been wanting to get back on here and viola, today I made it happen! And in my explorations I ruined my layout/design! It took so much time to fix that now I have to sign off until maybe...perchance, could it be that I might get to WRITE tomorrow? You know I can ONLY fit just so much on Face Book! :)

Love you all! And pray for you often!

Vengence - Why it Belongs to Him!

2010-03-02T08:51:00.004-05:00

We all know the scripture, it is quoted by nonbelievers and believers alike. It is distorted and used as a hammer to bludgeon people into all sorts of emotional distress, but in it's true clear form, it is such a beautiful and promising assurance from Our God to us. "¹⁹Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Romans 12:19 and in case "give place unto wrath" is confusing (as it was to me) the Amplified says that portion this way "but leave the way open for God's wrath".

A short span of time (maybe 4 - 5 weeks) ago this topic of Vengeance was laid on my heart, and I felt the Lord teaching in a clear, concise manner. I felt it was for this audience, and today I feel is the day. I pray I obediently deliver the message and that it will be helpful to all of us!

I always "got" that vengeance is tempting to our humanity, our flesh, our fallen nature. I also "got" that when we take it into our own hands, we take it OUT OF His hands. What a shame. Understandable, we all succumb from time to time. But His ways, they are oh so much higher! When we can do it His way, Much unbelievable sweet fruit is harvested. It requires us to sow mercy, sow faith, and then we do in fact reap! What sweet fruit!

The thoughts were something like this. "Why is vengeance mine?", says the Holy Spirit in my mind to me. My answer "Well, because You are God! You are Supreme! You ARE The Creator, how could the creature have the last word? Not possible!" And the line of thought continued as the realization occurred to me, that satan will never, ever, ever, ever, ever, EVER have the last word in our lives or our loved ones, as we stand in the gap for them! satan tries, like he did with Job, and Viola', God allows the trial because it suits His purpose to develop Job's character so that Job could be entrusted with even more blessing and honor and it brought Job to know himself and God intimately and thrillingly! So vengeance was God's! His vengeance upon satan for bringing bad time to Job!

Ok, you say that was satan, how about when it is people (of course never forgetting that we are all under the influence, at every given moment, either by the Holy Spirit or by satan. Should you doubt me, remember when Peter chastised Jesus, as He spoke of His impending crucifixion. Jesus spoke without hesitation, directly to satan, who was at that moment influencing and speaking through Peter!)?

People doing us wrong, how about Lot? God had so blessed Lot through Abraham. Now it was time for them to part company. Lot selfishly gazed out at the property, picked the choicest piece, and said "There! That's what I will take!". Abraham graciously gave him the best And that gracious, humble attitude of faith, of fully relying in God, made a way for God to entrust Abraham with even more blessing, once again. The choices Lot would go on to make took him further and further outside of the blessing of the Lord. But, Abraham always chose closer to God. And he was blessed beyond measure because of it. God had vengeance, He had the last word. We are His. Period. The.End. No One else is going to have the ultimate upper hand in our life. Bank on it!

In the last few weeks some incredible circumstances played out that I could never ever planned, thought of, imagined or in any way set up. These circumstances started to occur to me in just the last few days as a terrific, mind boggling example that whether the enemy outright or people under His influence, (even if the are close to you in your family like Lot, or in your place of work or worship) come against you, or hurt your loved ones, as devastating, as hurtful, as unfair, as much as people either don't know, or recognize, or know how to intervene to help, God sees it, He sees it ALL He sees it and He doesn't forget. He has a purpose and it IS ONLY for your GOOD! Only God, Only God, Only God, could orchestrate the beautiful symphony of your or your family's life!

In 2007 through 2008 a series of events happened to bring hurt and injustice to both my husband and my youngest son. The events were in no way related, they were each in their own journey. I was merely a bystander in the train wrecks of each of the events. Oh! The pain, the flesh it brought to life in me! The one thing they had in common was that it all involved people from our much beloved church. Sometime last year we all began healing and moving forward, and drawing near to God and submitting in every way possible. Those circumstances made me feel PRESSURED to speak out, speak up and/or leave...but I had NO PEACE and I did neither. Thank Goodness that Our Shepherd knows us and knows how to lead us! Over the past few months I have witnessed The Lord move blessing, favor and just His unspeakable goodness upon those two men I love. It makes no sense, except to say that He KNEW what they needed, what we all needed for the Next level He was bringing us to! Everything that was taken away (seemingly), was restored with extra goodness! Extra sweetness!

I HOPE that in time to come, or if you right now, find yourself smack dab in the middle of such hurtful circumstances, you will hold on to hope! Hold on To Christ! Trust Him to Avenge you! The old saying IS true! Vengeance is sweet, but ONLY if it's in the hands of Jesus!

His favor is LIFE! Weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning!

2010-02-19T20:53:00.002-05:00

I am missing all my bloggy friends! I have pretty much only been able to Face Book lately, because I can do it quickly and even from my phone. Trying to adjust to the constantly evolving cleaning schedule. And having James home has added entertaining every weekend so far. Not done yet. Not to mention the difference working is to me at this age. I am very tired, but happy, so I am not complaining. I have SOOO many things I want to talk about...like how at the beginning of the year, as we finished the holidays, the Resurrection was impressed on me as something to focus on and appreciate over the coming year. How in Christianity we live to die or actually, better put; we DIE to LIVE! more on that very soon I hope, feel free to ponder!

This is just to show you my weapon I wield against dirty floors where ever I go! :) Mr Clean has a terrific Febreeze scented solution that is fabulous to mop floors with or wipe down baseboards or walls!

Having a hard time with my Bible studies, it is more of a hit and run right now. But, I make sure to get some fresh manna everyday, even IF it's not all I would like and all that I crave. And now that I am becoming more comfortable in what I am doing I am able to remember to pray more while I am working and for people or businesses that I clean for.

I am astounded at the people that the Lord is gracious enough to put in my path to listen to, they just come and talk to me while I clean. And as they do, I just think to myself "Oh Lord, You have blessed me again! Help me! Help me to listen well and speak timely to them."

AND Jason works with me on some of the jobs, and he is doing very well. We got a call today that our boss has decided to give us $1 per hour raises effective 01 March, followed by another $1 per hour raise effective 01 June! Hallelujah! God is sooooo GOOD!

Well my eyes are pooping out on me, and I want to come visit as little bit, so this is me wrapping up! I love you guys and am praying for you!

"Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;" (1 Corinthians 1:3-5, King James Version)

Revoked, Gathering, Restoring, Enjoying aaaaaannnd WORKING!

2010-01-26T13:31:00.002-05:00

This picture has absolutely nothing to do with anything! I just found it while doing my last post, and just loved it!

Just want to drop my friends a few lines. It's busy right now. But, aren't we all? :) Yay! The very last Sunday in November, during a really powerful praise and worship time in service, I felt impressed with the word revoked. It was a strong impression as in the following, which I have turned into a prayer and confession, because I felt led to come into agreement with The Lord on this season we had entered into, and I feel, still are in. "I Thank You so much Lord, that You have revoked any permission the enemy thought he had at this time to trial and to test Your people. I Thank You that this is a season You have appointed for gathering and for restoration!"

I was reminded of it today, and felt I should share it with you all. As I look back I can see places in motion and already realized which reflect this in my life and the lives of those around me. As your faith leads.

Other than that, we are real busy walking out somethings that we have believed for ,for quite a while, and more things ahead, and trying to navigate the whole thing with our bearings straight and focus maintained. Answers often don't come looking like we think they should! Of course, how would we know what they should look like, when we often pray for what we don't have or haven't seen!

Some updates on our "Gathering" - Two great women, friends of mine from church started a cleaning company Dec 2008. I was so happy for them and prayed for their success. They really were successful. I started working for them a week before this past Christmas and my son the week after Christmas. It has been different but, good, and very much a blessing and the right thing at the right time for all of us. Then Friday night, those same two women have realized they have different visions. They've split the company, which makes me sad. But, it is a peaceful split and we at this time, work for both of them. I see some things on the horizon which I am keeping in prayer. Any prayers you feel like throwing our way is also greatly appreciated!

My husband is in the last stages of a VERY intensive Captains (like Gilligin's Island!) course, test Sunday. This is something he has wanted and been scheduled for at various times over the last almost 3 years! The enemy thought he could rob us, but he couldn't! God said different! ;)

AND, our two sons....the oldest is coming here to live for a few weeks. He wants to concentrate on getting his math skills up in prep for a critical test for getting into the military. We will probably be getting some tutoring for him and having a few family gatherings as he expects to get his skills down, and pass the test and enlist and leave. In pretty short order. And getting married in there some place before leaving. More prayers. The youngest is absolutely pining to get his skills in order, so he can enlist. Yes, it is entirely possible that sometime next year, both our sons will be so far I can't see them, visit them or touch them. But, I remember praying things for them over the years that I believe this is a possible manifestation of. Who knows? God does! He keeps us, and I am so grateful! Ours is to pray, believe work and grow and eventually we begin to end up where He has appointed us all along!

Sometime next week Jerry's schedule will go back to normal and I will be able to write more than this rambling post! By the way, I get so much comfort from my friends in Christ on here, you have no idea! God bless and much love!

Steps, Steps, Waiting and Mysteries!

2010-01-12T09:30:00.007-05:00

So many things to share, but the Lord orders our steps, Amen? For quite a while it was looking pretty obvious something needed to change in our finances, and to change in a successful manner...that's the tricky part because there were a lot of almost successes that just never got off the ground. AND even more intriguing (in retrospect, not during the torment of waiting) was the waiting, the delays, the TORMENT of celebration, and thinking we had attained the goal of our faith, only to find out...nope...not yet. DELAYS.

God knows us best, and He knew we were all very comfortable and use to me being at home much of the time. He KNEW we weren't use to or ready for the invasion of employment, where you surrender your plans to the work schedule. So He prepared us over a period of time, and circumstances. From July until the week before Christmas it was a dance of finding the right job for me and for our family and for our unique transportation circumstances. It was: "I have one, no I don't, I have one, no I don't, I have one, no I don't". (don't ask - not worth going into, and was OOOOOOOHHH so VERY trying!) Not to be lost in all this was a similar dance with my husband's situation in his career. A special position was being crafted to fill a need for our community, that he was uniquely qualified and favored to fill. A true blessing of God. The path this blessing took paralleled my part time employment path, along with waiting, celebrations, delays, and MORE WAITING! :)

It was so obviously spiritual in nature -this path we were on. And I was one UNgracious waiter, let me tell you. I was by turns happy, distraught, ready to fight, but not knowing who, quietly waiting and then over time I turned more dociley into the arms of the Lord and as I did I was encouraged that though I didn't understand, my job was to be thankful, praise Him, and BELIEVE, ONLY BELIEVE, and always in every way DELIGHT myself in Him. Waiting from July to December wouldn't seem like so long, but you can go back to April, in 2008 when Hubs broke his arm, and see the path we were on, which led us to this very trying time. Really, everything was in the making and in progress for this crazy waiting period, and just culminated in the past 6 months. Chinese Water Torture...that's the phrase that comes to mind.

What I left out of my yo-yo emotions was cynicism, bitterness, and just a general wonder at who I was feeling and sounding like at times. Did I mention this WAS during the time of my youngest son being out of church for 1 year and 2 weeks? Did I mention that this was during the time of...well you get the picture...we all have our circumstances that we live through and by the Gentle and Merciful Grace of God we Overcome, We are Refined, We are made to shine, because there is now much more of Him in us!

In every dilemma we faced, The Lord FAITHFULLY provided. We never went under, we might have struggled to believe we would make it. Sure. Was it always pleasant? Heck no. Did I have to learn to be assertive to the little nagging voice in my head? Yes I did. Come worrisome thoughts, then would come a song out my mouth praising God. I didn't have to feel it, ONLY BELIEVE. Believe in Him, Believe in Jesus as my covering, as my sufficiency, our Champion, KNOW that He was up to and is ALWAYS up to good on our behalf!

As my focus improved, my outlook (imagine that) improved. When I spent more time looking at Jesus, thinking on Him, and less time making lists of things we needed to do, and possible solutions, day by day the answers came. Not in my time. But, in His time! And guess what? His timing really WAS perfect! :)

Today as I write this, I am aware that He taught me things I couldn't have LEARNED, truly LEARNED any other way than in the mystery of waiting. NO ONE can take away what He has taught me, and my family during this time. We actually lived through a brief period of my husband and son having more hope and sunnier faith than me! It was good for us all, and prepared us for this season. I pray that I won't forget these things. Some treasures I learned I am more adept at walking out than others, but I also know that I am weak and He is strong and I might yet need reminding.

Today, all the things we were waiting for have come to fulfillment, plus more besides, and there is a growing sense that this is only the smaller half of it!

Somethings I know today: 1) The Lord IS my Shepherd and most importantly to my mother's heart - my sons' Shepherd. He will NOT fail to Shepherd my sons. 2) The Lord is our Provider. Not our employers. Not overtime. Not anything or anyone. Just Him. 3) Our employment is about where He needs us to be for a purpose and a period of time. 4) FOCUS on Jesus! Remember Peter? His desire wasn't to walk on water - it was to be with Jesus! 5) Praise Him! Thank Him! Always! Every day!

I just wanted to testify a little about my absences over the past year, so you could see into our lives a little, and I hope, be encouraged. He will never, never fail you!

Decree a Thing!

2009-12-29T22:01:00.012-05:00

"If you lay gold in the dust, and the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brook [considering them of little worth],

And make the Almighty your gold and [the Lord] your precious silver treasure,

Then you will have delight in the Almighty, and you will lift up your face to God.

You will make your prayer to Him, and He will hear you, and you will pay your vows.

You shall also decide and decree a thing, and it shall be established for you; and the light [of God's favor] shall shine upon your ways.

When they make [you] low, you will say, [There is] a lifting up; and the humble person He lifts up and saves.

He will even deliver the one [for whom you intercede] who is not innocent; yes, he will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands." Job 22:26-30

You know, I was turning myself inside out, weaving ALL kinds of scripture to back something up that, once I took a little time away from it to get dinner, I realized I just needed to let God's Word tell the truth simply. Let the truth and the power in the scripture above soak in, read it, and read it, and read again, say it out loud, mark it in your Bibles.

Our Father Who art in Heaven, THY Kingdom come, THY Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. His will is GOOD. We need to be saturated in the knowledge of His will. To do that we must DELIGHT ourselves in Him, and one way we do that is to commune with Him in His Word. And practicing His presence, praising Him, worshiping Him, Thanking Him! The trying times that we have train us to turn to Him, trust in Him, Him alone, rejoice in Him. For many of us, 2009 has been a whole lot of that putting whatever our gold is down, and delighting in Him. NOW, He is leading us, calling us, instructing us to DECIDE and DECREE a THING and it SHALL BE established to you! Make your prayer known to Him for the coming year, and even include those in your realm of responsibility that He has entrusted to your intercessory care. Be it spouse, or son, or daughter-in-law, or sister, or niece. Pray His goodness into their lives, pray tenderness into their hearts. Bind the enemy from stopping their ears. Ask for the Holy Spirit to stir the hearts to seek the Lord while He may yet be found!

I believe with everything in me, He wants all who will, all who are inclined to take Him at His Word! Delight in Him and Pray, Decide and Decree and it shall be established! Take authority over your garden patch!

Clock's ticking! It's almost 2010! Decide and Decree!

Decree -

1.	a formal and authoritative order, esp. one having the force of law: a presidential decree.

2.	Law. a judicial decision or order.

3.	Theology. one of the eternal purposes of God, by which events are foreordained.

4.	to command, ordain, or decide by decree.

^"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]." Proverbs 18:21

The End of a Thing is BETTER than the Beginning!

2009-12-29T10:56:00.010-05:00

^"11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
¹²For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
¹³Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. (Isaiah 55:11-13, King James Version)"

2009. Mmmhmmmhmmhmm. It's been a year. Not all, but many people that I know have been going through some paring down, some pruning, some refining. Yeah. Been going on in my house fo' sho'! Look around you at current events and think back over the past year's news stories. Companies, local governments, families, schools, hospitals all cutting back, streamlining, more carefully targeting growth. How about whole family's investments being lost in ponzi schemes (like Madoff). Not fair. Not just. Unexpected. No going back. How about the people of the local government in Indiana (I believe that was the state) who the court system broke the rules of law in order to accommodate the Obama Administration's desire to have an automobile company go through bankruptcy without honoring the hierarchy the law requires for secured creditors to be honored first. Their retirement gone - kaput. Vamoose. God doesn't like it when court systems are unjust. Read through Proverbs, Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc. Not. At. All.

I could go on to say that the current Administration, and both Houses of Congress, they're probably all I know of not feeling pain this year. They are on the upswing....or so it would seem!

In my own family there were challenges in so many fronts. And the Lord faithfully kept us, taught us, healed us, provided for us, sustained us, covered us throughout it all! During all of it I felt He wanted me to Know, wanted us to know - He was our Church, He was our provision, He was our friend, He was our covering. That He does NOT have LIMITS! You name it, He was IT!

Me personally? He kindly let me recognize hardheadedness, pride, grudging on behalf of my family members, weird complacency where I should not be complacent.

I mentioned all these woes and troubles, to say that God has been bringing it to my attention that not ONLY have all these things been for our good, that we would wake up, that we would seek Him, that we truly, in every way which we can at this point, see Him as our provision, not our jobs - they are just a tool in His hand, not our stock, they are just a tool in His hand. He puts one tool down and picks up a new one, who are we to say otherwise? We go where He goes, we stay where He stays, and so on. Not only were these experiences and trials for our good, BUT, I feel in my heart the Lord pointing out and wanting me to see and ACKNOWLEDGE, REJOICE, RELISH how much we are better off for what we have learned, how much more rooted in Him, how much more trained to look to Him and Him alone, how much more ready and likely to praise in the midst of panic and watch an opening for Grace to move in. Important to recognize that as we say good bye to 2009, we leave it stronger in the Lord and the power of His might, in joy, in hope, in great expectation, in stability.

Only a stable foundation can be built on and remain strong, steadfast. I remember when I first found out that if a building is not built strong enough for the later second story to be added, it sometimes isn't possible, and if done requires MUCH renovation. He has been preparing us for things, opportunities, great feats, relationships, authority, prosperity, things that would have been harmful to us, caused collapse, if we had not undergone these experiences which have pressed us and caused us to KNOW His goodness towards us, KNOW His faithfulness. We have been going through PREPARATION! Makes me giddy!

"Better is the end of a thing, than the beginning of it," Ecclesiastes 7:8

And knowing that, I have recognized we have an obligation to speak into the upcoming New Year. Post coming tomorrow about that!

Wise Men (and Women!) STILL seek Him!!

2009-12-23T09:51:00.012-05:00

My oldest had a favorite thing to do at home with his father and I. He would hide. I think most children do. He did this A LOT! He scared me a bit, because I was concerned - were we paying enough attention? What if he got lost? I was a very young and inexperienced mother and spent much more time worrying than praying in his earliest years, and I grew as he grew. It turns out that he just LOVED to be found! He got such a satisfaction in the adventure of "hiding" and "seeking"! And the intimacy associated with us being in on the secret of his location! I do believe he liked knowing he mattered enough for us to seek after him. It's important to note that his goal was not to prevent us from finding him. The goal was 1) to be sought after, and then 2) to be FOUND!

The past few days I have been reminded through scriptures, that when we seek Him for knowledge, wisdom, truth, providence, direction, courage - He ALWAYS answers. We show our humility in seeking Him, and our desire for Him and His ways, and our faith in Him. In Daniel 2, Daniel didn't just quietly accept the execution order for all the wise men in the kingdom, he SOUGHT a reason why from the guard, and he received an answer. Then Daniel sought agreement and strength in his prayer partners in verses 17, 18. Here's an excerpt "So that they would desire and request mercy of The God of Heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon." Verse 19 is the answer! "Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed The God of Heaven". (there's that THANKSGIVING again!).

This same pattern occurs in Matthew 2. The Wise Men are seeking Jesus, following the star to His location. As it came time to leave, the Amplified Bible tells us in verse 12 "And receiving an answer to their asking, they were divinely instructed and warned in a dream not to go back to Herod...". They sought Jesus, and they found Him. They sought direction, they received direction!

Every day for the past few months I have been making a prayer of a verse in Psalms "Show me Your ways Oh Lord, Teach me Your Paths". Because I am learning how very futile my thoughts and knowledge are, on my own. Truly, in every way, in the large and the small, the grand and the minute, I am needful of His grace, His light, His strength, His peace, His provision. Out of all these if I had to pick one - His light or direction/knowledge is one of the most valuable to me. Because without His light, I risk wasting, or misappropriating His rich blessings to me.

This week as I have been letting the beauty of the TRUE Christmas Story come to life and to light in me, I keep coming across this theme. The theme of seeking Him, the pattern of the Wise Men, back in Daniel's day and in the time of Jesus birth, as well as the BENEFITS of seeking Him! The fact that it pleases Him that we seek Him! I want to be that Wise woman! I want my husband and sons, one day my daughters-in-law, all my nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, parents and friends to have the wisdom and joy that comes from SEEKING Him always!

Listen to what Daniel said of our God, after the secret was revealed to him. "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever! For wisdom and might are His! He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding! He reveals the deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him!"

May we ever seek Him and reap the rewards in living with knowledge necessary in these challenging times, which job to take, which one to pass on, which path of education to steer our child(ren) to and through? What to do with retirement stocks? Keep investing? move to something stable? What is stable now? Should I start that new class? Why are we still dealing with this? HE has the answers! He leads us by peace, day at a time!

A God of His Word - Words in red - Matthew 7:7 Amplified: "Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking (reverently) and (the door) will be opened to you."

Seek
1. to go in search or quest of: to seek the truth.
2. to try to find or discover by searching or questioning: to seek the solution to a problem.
3. to try to obtain: to seek fame.
4. to try or attempt (usually fol. by an infinitive): to seek to convince a person.
5. to go to: to seek a place to rest.
6. to ask for; request: to seek advice.
7. Archaic. to search or explore

"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day" Proverbs 4:18

Merry Christmas! Much love, ya'll! Maria

The GLORIOUS Disaster!!!

2009-12-16T22:56:00.011-05:00

Some of my FB friends saw me joking about perspective based on my observations on Monday morning. PRIOR to being able to jest about it, I had to spend time pouring my heart to The Lord outside as I did the mundane chores that give me comfort, then I came inside and retreated to the "Bat Cave". As I lay in my room on my bed, with my Bible, phone, remote control and Fox News muted, so's I could read the ticker tape while I poured my heart out to God some more. I focused for a bit on Joseph and Mary In Matthew 1. Like so:

^"18Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place under these circumstances: When His mother Mary had been promised in marriage to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be pregnant [through the power] of the Holy Spirit.

¹⁹And her [promised] husband Joseph, being a just and upright man and not willing to expose her publicly and to shame and disgrace her, decided to repudiate and dismiss (divorce) her quietly and secretly.

²⁰But as he was thinking this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary [as] your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of (from, out of) the Holy Spirit.

²¹She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God]."

As I thought about these Joseph's and Mary's perilous situation, I got a little taste of the very dire circumstances for each. Try to consider what a strict religious culture they were a part of. The power that women have today, non existent by our standards. Mary, by the religious and cultural standards would, ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN, be worthy of the death alotted to an adulteress. Think for bit on that. All my life a weak spot I have is telling bad news. I would just about put myself in any imaginable Lucy and Ethel moment to avoid telling bad news. Ridiculous, but true. May the Lord forgive me and gently lead me. But can you possibly imagine Mary having this conversation with Joseph? The Lord provided of course, but, I wouldn't think that would nullify her fears, but instead give her the grace, strength and favor to overcome them.

Now think of Joseph. Clearly he did not "buy" what she was selling as her "story". Yet, he was a gentle man, because he didn't want her death. He wanted to do it quietly. Divorce her discreetly. Can't blame him. From a religious point of view, yes there were prophecies, about a coming Messiah, but, clearly it was like it is today, not in my lifetime, and even if it was, THIS isn't what it would look like.

It looked from every understandable carnal viewpoint like a disaster. A pity. A shame.

But, it wasn't. Not. At. All. It was GLORIOUS!!!! The Lord was birthing something BEYOND ANYONE's comprehension in Mary. She humbly agreed to yield, to submit. She rose to the occasion. She probably came to understand by degrees, generally in my experience at least, that's how faith works. She wasn't stoned, she wasn't put away, she was loved. She lived, she gave birth.

Joseph heard the Lord, even in the heat of the moment where he was planning his discreet get away. He listened, he obeyed. he shielded, he protected, he lived to see the birth and THE Messaiah was born.

In Galatians 4:19 Paul tells the Church in Galatia "My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) in within you."

As I thought to myself and to The Lord on my bed that day I was aware that as His sons and daughters, we are NOT WITHOUT HOPE. We belong to a Father God that is GOOD to us. We live in a fallen world, we dance between carnal and spirit in our lives, which makes the ingredients for many GLORIOUS DISASTERS! Sometimes we help them them to happen, sometimes we are happened to, you know? BUT the GLORY? THE GLORY IS ALL HIM!!!!

Monday, what was being formed in me, and in Jason was for each of us our own separate resolves, each good and right. Additionally, for myself, The Lord I am quite sure, was teaching that what I was going through in that moment was not a matter of provision, which is what I was focused on, but a matter of an appointed time. He was very clear in His impression to me, and the way the situation worked out backed it up. He allowed unpleasant circumstances , did not cause them, allowed them to help Christ, the Mind of Christ be formed in me, and in Jason. That was my disaster - what is yours? It is not important that we know the middle, it is important that we KNOW The Omega! The Alpha and The Omega, The Beginning and The Ending!

Christ in YOU! and In ME! THE HOPE OF GLORY!!!! Hallelujah!

OH MY GOSH! As I finish this GAC is on and Bucky Covington just came on stage singing his cover of a Nickleback song! I'm in Hilly Billy Heaven, Ya'll!!! God Wink! This moment was JUST FOR ME!

Much love, Maria!

Ethereal Effervescence

2009-12-14T19:16:00.009-05:00

Ethereal: 1) light, airy or tenuous: "an ethereal world created by poetic imagination." 2) extremely delicate or refined: "ethereal beauty" 3) heavenly or celestial: "gone to his ethereal home" 4) of or pertaining to the upper regions of space. 5) Characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; intangible. 6) Highly refined, delicate. 7) a - of the celestial spheres, heavenly, b - Not of this world, spiritual
Effervescence: of several definitions, I choose this for today "to show high spirits or animation", the synonyms show the feeling I don't know how to describe, click here to see.

Yesterday I was running an errand for church early in the morning and on one of the little side roads that I chose in order to get to the Giant Super Mart that shall be unnamed, I experienced one of those scenes like from a movie, it was very surreal. There was a wonderful, whirling dervish of tinkling leaves, at once gentle and wild. It moved in front of me as I drove for a good pace, and when I came back through on the way back to the church, it met me again, always staying just ahead of me, as if in elvish delight.

I can't explain the thrill, the other worldness of that scene, that experience. I heard a term not long ago that comes close to it, it's called a "God Wink". Those little things, that are often sprinkled throughout your week, if only your heart is turned towards Him, and you look with expectancy. Not like seeing markings in cows, or in your French Toast. But those things that are akin to the wink between two people in a large group of people, say at a cook-out or meeting, the wink that conveys a shared connection in that moment, based on that thread of the conversation, that maybe only the two of you get, and you will never speak of it. My Daddy is famous for these, usually accompanied by a stroking of his mustache...

I was thinking of two things in the rush that hit me upon seeing and hearing the tinkle and whirl of the leaves. 1) That people miss these God Winks all the time. What a shame. And 2) That it reminded me of yet another verse which I love to ponder and never fully comprehend. John 3:6-8 'What is born of [from] the flesh is flesh [of the physical is physical]; and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not (do not be surprised, astonished) at my telling you, You must be born anew (from above). The wind blows (breathes) where it wills; and though you hear its sound, yet you neither know where it comes from nor where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

At the time, I thought of the verse for the obvious reason. But, once again, as I obediently heeded the nudge to try to tackle this post, I sensed something larger at play, another teaching moment as a gift from above...He's been reminding me that we are seated in Heavenly places and I am brewing some good stuff on that...and somehow I sense that this verse and that experience are woven together, with the concept of being seated in heavenly places. As in, to be born again, and seated in heavenly places, means there is and should be a very intangible quality, even buoyancy to us. You can't keep us down, the enemy can't grab hold of us, we bring an energy a zest that is contagious, that deposits into the people around us. We bring LIFE with us wherever we go.

Something about us is a bit like that wonderful experience where God met me in the whirl and twirl, tinkle and swirl of those delightful leaves on Sunday!

Much love, Maria!

The Gate Called BEAUTIFUL!!

2009-12-10T09:22:00.004-05:00

"Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man whom You choose and cause to come near, that he may dwell in Your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple." Psalm 65:4 Amplified (turning up the volume of the original KJV)

So many thoughts, so little time to choose and order them...trusting The Lord to order my steps (thoughts and words in this instance!). This year had some tough challenges and it wasn't pretty or comfy as we went through pruning and refining! The season seems to be changing! Fruit is popping up and it IS indeed luscious! But in the hardest, darkest times the golden thread that I would grab hold of from time to time was Thanksgiving or Giving Thanks...I'd like to say that I "clung" to it...that sounds so much more appealing to our Christian sensibilities. However, the truth is what will set you free! I most certainly did not cling to this truth, but God, Who is rich in His mercy, kept helping me to catch sight of the golden thread and when I did glimpse it, I indeed grabbed it...would indeed be refreshed for a while, and then as the dreary clouds would encroach again, I would then drop it and amble on the path weary and slowly, not having the means or the clear direction where to travel, just one day at a time.

As I took those steps day at a time, more light came and more revelation of the power of Thanksgiving and the purpose and power of Praise. I PRAY I never forget, never weaken in my resolve to continually let Thanksgiving pour forth, and when it doesn't want to pour, that I will shake my vessel and tip it on its head if I have to, in order to pour some out.

Do you have some places in His Word, that draw you, but you don't have full revelation of them, and probably never will. But you love to look at them, to think on them, ponder and mull, and let Him over time give you a little puzzle piece here and there? One such place for me is Acts 3.

"And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;" Acts 3:2 KJV

I encourage you to read verses 1-10 by clicking here, then come back! :)

The name of the gate...has always beckoned and always will beckon me. Inviting me to know Him more fully. Jesus said "I am The Way and The Truth and The Life No one comes to the Father except through me.". This one time, poor, lame man in Acts 3 was lame "from his mother's womb" JUST LIKE US! due to our sin nature. He was invited in by Peter, as we are to "In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Rise up and walk !", enter into the gate, the gate which is called Beautiful! He went leaping and praising, and I would imagine making a bit of noise as he went into the temple, through the gate which is called Beautiful!

The simple elegant golden strand which the Good Lord repeatedly put in my path to hang onto was just this, thank me that your name and those of your husband and your sons, and all that you are thankful for, that their names are written in The Lambs Book of Life. Out loud. So I would, as I performed the routine tasks in a cloud of pain, disillusionment and confusion, I would state my gratitude that indeed my name is written in The Lamb's Book of Life, my husband's name is written in The Lamb's Book of Life, my son James, my son Jason, I am so blessed that their names are written in The Lamb's Book of Life. More and more I would do this, and every time it was like walking on a bridge to a place where I would find JOY waiting for me! I would be refreshed and continue on the good fight of faith! I just realized yesterday that that truth, that mercy that the Lord showed me, was very crucial to where I am, where I will stay "Psalm 23 "...and I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever."! Where I will bring it with me wherever I go!

Psalm 100 again: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful to Him, and bless His Name.". Yes, there are still and always be challenges, but I have more tools, more revelation, I can fight smarter, and I KNOW Him more fully, which gives me rest! Blessed indeed "is the man You choose and cause to come near, that he may dwell in Your courts."

When He Was Yet a Long Way Off!

2009-11-19T11:02:00.002-05:00

Last week I shared some GREAT news of a "suddenly" that God orchestrated. The person involved in this said as he went into the building and when he came out, "I feel like the prodigal son". He said it somewhat jokingly, trying to take the edge off of the jitters that accompany the commitment he was making. The next morning I heard the verse that captures the return of the prodigal son, and as the narrator read the verse, he said "while he was yet a long way off" the Father ran to meet the son! I've heard this story ALL my life, gleaned many lovely truths...

But right now the truth that makes me jump up and down, is how good and tender He is to watch for us, and any little step in His direction we make, at any time, He is waiting for it! He SEES it! And while we or our loved ones are yet a long way off, having much to be worked out with fear and trembling in our lives, He will RUN TO MEET US! RUN TO MEET OUR LOVED ONES!!!! Pray, Pray, pray with renewed vision, pray with renewed hope and confidence, be fully persuaded! Enter His courts with thanksgiving, thank Him AHEAD of time! Thank Him that they didn't fall any farther, thank Him that He kept them, and is making something beautiful out of us and out of them!, Thank Him!

My PCs woes continue, but, there is NO way to keep me from putting out what God puts on my heart!

Much love!

Enter Into His Gates with THANKSGIVING!!!

2009-11-12T11:46:00.003-05:00

"MAKE A joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!

Serve the Lord with gladness! Come before His presence with singing!

Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name!

For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations."

Psalms 100 Amplified Bible

Today is a run around crazy day! But, I didn't want to miss today on here, especially knowing I won't be on the PC again until Saturday. So much I want to say, but the MOST important thing I want to share is I wouldn't have the grace to type on here today if it wasn't for this Psalm, this mindset. He brought me out of a season through focusing on Joy, then understanding the "chokers" of Joy, and the need to FOCUS on our Source of Joy, and then the icing on the cake was THANKING Him, in ALL things there is always something I can thank Him for! I approach Him daily and throughout the day, and I approach Him in THANKS! Not deep and probably sounds condescending to say to you, but, I just had to leave you with these thoughts until I get on here and can go visit 'round the net! Because without them, I wouldn't be on here!

Much love!

Being With Jesus!!!

2009-11-10T13:38:00.005-05:00

Sickness, oppressive government, bills, loved ones apart from Christ - these winds and waves seek to overwhelm us.

"God thunders with His voice wondrously,
Doing great things which we cannot comprehend.
For to the snow He says, 'Fall on the earth,'
And to the downpour and the rain, 'Be strong.'"
Job 37:5-6 (New American Standard Bible)

Recently, as I read and then pondered the scene of Peter seeing Jesus on the water and then going to Him. I realized something that I really needed! There are many messages I have heard based on the verses of Matthew 14. All of them good and true. But we always focus on the "walking on the water". Our focus when we choose that is earthly, fleshly, and completely understandable. I realize now that Peter was not waiting in that boat all night for Jesus to show up, SO THAT HE COULD WALK ON THE WATER! NOOOO! Peter was waiting for Jesus! They all were. Jesus didn't show up until the 4th watch! It was the literal "darkness before the dawn"! When Peter saw and heard that the figure on the water was indeed Jesus, he wanted to go to Him! THAT was Peter's immediate, heart felt response! He wanted to be with Jesus!

Isn't that what all our hearts cry? What we all crave? Deep calls to deep, He desires to meet with us, and He won't be outdone, if we draw near to Him, He WILL draw near to us! He will overtake us!

Peter walked on the water, because his focus wasn't to walk on the water, his focus was to be with Jesus! I believe that as we draw near to Him, and trust Him for the rest, one day one minute at a time we will rise above the waves, overcome the winds and when we occasionally do begin to take our hearts off of him, and begin to sink, we have but to once again call out to Him, and He will once again draw us to Him. He's faithful like that!

P.S. As I wrote this post I got a message to call someone from Church, long story short, my youngest is going back to church today! AND going back to drumming for Jesus! HALLELUJAH!!!!!

Thanks, Sharon!

2009-05-06T15:59:00.002-04:00

Look at the cute header that Sharon from Sit With Me Awhile made. She just seemed to instinctively know what I might like for a springy/summery header. What a gift!

She just had a root canal, so drop in and say hello & a prayer for a quick recovery!

God bless!

MUCH!

2009-05-04T10:14:00.004-04:00

There is congestion in my mind, too many things want to come out at once! I did want to drop in and say a quick hello. I pray all is well with you all!

I have been much stirred in my heart about what is afoot in our country. There are so many bills in various stages of being passed that it boggles the mind. There are at least 6 that will either likely or potentially will greatly impact our country through violating the Constitution, curtailing our God given freedoms. Expect that will be a post within the next day or so. A list. Since MSM doesn't tell the things we need to know, if you don't aggressively seek out news on-line, and listen to FOX News sometimes, you won't know what you have lost until too late.

My Mama and I have been having conversations since last fall about the spiritual state of our Nation and the Church at large. We have felt a tremendous need to pray for an Awakening of our Nation. Interestingly, back in March I happened to catch some dear ladies on a Bible teaching show (TV) sharing how God had impressed one of them back in their home church/prayer group (back in June last year - in the midst of the LONGEST election ever!) that the "election would not save America, but that an Awakening would" in other words. Pray for America to awaken. They explained the differences between revival and awakening and gave illustrations through history. Oh, it was sooo exhilarating to hear what your heart was already telling you, backed up with historical supporting facts!

And may I say if you have ever had to awaken someone who was sluggish, and slow to respond, it is not pleasant. I have not had much experience with this, because we all wake up promptly around here (Thank you, Lord!) but, I have had a couple of friends struggle with family members who suffer this lethargy, it is NOT fun to struggle to wake-up sleepy heads.

America is a great big distracted, comfortable, self righteous sleepy head. I love my country. And because I love my country, I am VERY concerned. I am also concerned that the Church wake-up. If we really truly engage and are the salt and the light, we should dare, we should tred, we should be exceedingly uncomfortable at times, yet ALWAYS in grace, always in faith.

I am a bit bothered that so many wonderful Christian people are quietly going about their lives knowing that they have voted and that God's Word has indeed told us that it would be like this one day, sort feeling that they must leave the rest to see what the future brings. I find myself in this regard to have reached my Martha zenith! ;) In my life with Christ I have always felt much more like Mary. Now I get to know what Martha felt like! While I know my approach is not perfect (of course) I do trust that God will continue to lead and guide me each day to do what I can to encourage others (that's my gift - I reckon - don't see much sign of anything else!) (well except hospitality) who are trying to make a difference, to pray, and to write, shine the spotlight, make phone calls or whatever else I can do to sound the alarm that America is somewhat on fire. We might want to wake-up.

I was led to spend the last 5 days on household matters, with family and with the Lord just in the quiet moments - which for me means I am not chatting so much on-line. Maybe observing a bit, but, that's about it. In the stillness of my heart the Lord was so good to me to refresh, and encourage me, as well as confirming and clarifying somethings for me. You ever notice that in the Old Testament that when Godly people cried out to God in the Psalms or just about any other book, it was often about either the wickedness of their Nation, or the results that the wickedness had wrought in their Nation. God was not separated from their political life, He WAS their life. How the Nation lived before God, impacted all, and there were Godly people who were NOT content to be passive about it.

In the past few years my life of faith (which I find should be somewhat messy) required trusting God daily for sustenance in many ways familiar to you my friends in Christ. As a former career woman, turned part-time clerical worker and home school mom, we had many financial challenges. As a parent of a child gone wild for a period of time - we had many reasons to trust God for his care daily. As a home school mom period, I had many reasons to trust God daily. There are many other things I could list, but I find that I STILL trust the Lord DAILY in these matters and yet, He is hinting at a further growth and likely discomfort. To trust Him as I stand up and speak up when I would many times prefer not to. Prefer to stay in my cocoon. And just like as a home school mother and as a part time (and then 100% sahm) I often struggled feeling that my contribution was not sufficient. The Lord always, always added His grace to it. He MADE it sufficient! And now as I feel what small pip-squeak voice I can add is seemingly insignificant, I find that the Lord seems to say, "use it for My purpose, my glory and trust me for the results".

I will close with the parable of the Good Samaritan as I was impressed to study it a bit this weekend. I feel that America is the neighbor. I want to be the Samaritan. but we need LOTS of neighbors! Luke 10:26-37

"26 Jesus said to him, What is written in the Law? How do you read it?

²⁷And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

²⁸And Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live [enjoy active, blessed, endless life in the kingdom of God].

²⁹And he, determined to acquit himself of reproach, said to Jesus, And who is my neighbor?

³⁰Jesus,taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.

³¹Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

³²A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].

³³But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him],

³⁴And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine. Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

³⁵And the next day he took out two denarii [two day's wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.

³⁶Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?

³⁷He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise."

Thanks for dropping and and listening to me ramble! You are kind to indulge me! Much love! Maria

Faith Outside the Box

2009-04-16T12:26:00.010-04:00

Greetings! I pray all is well with you, and that no matter where today finds you that your hope is in The One who redeems, sustains and upholds us, the only Christ the King!

I have a confession to make. I am passionate about political issues. It's funny, the world does not like us to be passionate about our faith. Too bad. It's essence of who we are and why we are here in the first place to grow and develop as we learn of Our Lord. But the Church nor the world really cares for people who are passionate about political issues.

I was raised to be passionate about both, though I did not and have not always done so. It's been a process for me. Doing without Christ drove me to Christ. Then as I grew and life moved forward, I happened to begin homeschooling 6 months prior to September 11 2001. Studying history with biblical perspective was such an eye opener and a gift to us. It gave rich perspective to the history making times we were living in.

I won't take you through the blow by blow here, because really, who cares? Suffice it to say that something happened last August which made me unable or unwilling to compartmentalize my life from faith and politics (twin passions). It began to seem that to live my faith I must apply myself to day by day, in whatever ways I can find appropriate for my family apply my efforts to keeping myself aware, finding ways to encourage and inform those around me (family) and friends on the 'net. When opportunity presents to do more (donate, make calls, sign petitions, etc) do so. And always, and in all things pray and give thanks!

It's tempting to say forget it, my efforts are inconsequential and politics attracts so many "me-me-me people" (yuk factor). But, my conscience won't let me turn away. Until I am led in a new direction I better run with determination the road set before me.

I finally made peace with this transition during the last few days. I am hoping that I can keep two blogs going by posting and cross posting from time to time. I haven't been doing much of either because I have been struggling with what strange thing was happening to me. My faith and family and relationship with the Lord was just as strong as always, but I struggled with why was I so driven to political things.

Finally, I just relaxed and had PEACE! It's OK to be who He made me! I can TRUST Him! How novel! ;) He gives us GOOD gifts for His glory and His purpose! Who am I to kick against the pricks!?!

Yesterday there was a successful (well behaved, highly motivated and about 300+ btwn hours of 12:00 5:00) Tea Party in my hometown of St Augustine. I chose to go to next door Jacksonville (4,500+ from 12:00-2:00) with my parents, and the party THRILLED my heart. So many different types of people, different ages ALL of 1 mind and 1 accord. When God was mentioned no one was offened or ashamed but all cheered and gave honor. There was no hate but lots of wisdom and insight from young children, young adults and adults in the middle of life and adults who have been there and done that and know what they are talking about!

I have some encouraging words to share with you all my dear sisters in Christ, and am looking forward to visiting and checking in with you all. This was an important "Bird" Housekeeping matter that required tending to first!

There were a couple of times that when we sang "America, America God shed His grace on thee...and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea..." and when we prayed that I had a flash that God was pleased, that we were taking steps in the right direction and it made my heart happy!

Whether America shines or falls, God's people must trust in Him, look to Him, put our hope in Him. The Word is filled with accounts of Nations falling or pulling back from the brink, in either case there is always a remnant that looks to Him and is provided for even in the midst of trials.

If you would like to know more about where I have been dabbling check out Minorcan Maven. I will be around to visit over the weekend and catch up with ya'll! Some of the posts I have written there explain what I am speaking about better.

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

ABC's of the Word - G

2009-03-26T09:22:00.004-04:00

From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, "Gather the people together and I will give them water."
Numbers 21:16

I was facing a situation that was pressing me over the weekend. Still pressing as it evolves...through it all my spirit keeps singing this song :

"God will make a way, He'll make a way, He'll make a way,
God, will make a way!"

Then my spirit took it further and started changing it up -

"God has made away, He's made a way, He's made a way, He's made a way
He gave water from a rock,
God has made a way"

"God has made a way, He's made a way, He's made a way, He's made a way
He made manna fall all around,
God has made a way!"

"God has made a way, He's made a way, He's made a way, He's made a way,
He gave us life and made us clean
God has made a way!"

Good Thursday to you all! I know God will bless you for seeking Him through His Word and fellowship with other believers! What I hope you take from my thoughts on His Word today, is that if He has to make water flow from a rock for you, He will! If he didn't hold back His one and only begotten Son for us, He won't fail you now. Whether in His Sovereign wisdom He knows we need more time, more favor, more mercy, more grace or just plain and simple physical HELP and needs met, He will move Heaven and Earth to meet our need. What will we move to meet His need?

Lord, sometimes I feel like that rock, hard, unyielding and flinty and lacking fruit. Make your water (Spirit) flow from me I pray! Lord, Sometimes I feel like Moses - who struck the rock in anger the last time he had the opportunity. When He should have just spoke in authority to it. Help me to speak with love, patience, wisdom, authority in the power of Jesus Name , to the rocks which You have given me stewardship over. In Jesus' Beautiful Name - The Name above ALL other names! Amen

Please visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffy for more!

Lord, I have Been Here Before..Really...AGAIN? Can you Hear Me Whining?

2009-03-23T15:04:00.003-04:00

How was your weekend? We had a great time with family this weekend. Missed my oldest. He was supposed to be able to come with his fiance'. But, he had to cover for someone at work and couldn't get away. But there was lots of fun with the nieces and nephews at a birthday party, and good times with my father-in-law and his wife yesterday. Bunch of other stuff too. God has blessed us greatly.

In the midst of that, I began last Wednesay taking on a new project that may or may not be a waste of time, but I HAD, as in HAD to try it. We shall see! Nothing ventured nothing gained!

And at the outset of the weekend, I was faced with a situation that was oh so familiar to me, as to make me want to just stay at home and put the covers over my head, because it just made me weary to comtemplate the SAME scenery AGAIN! Sheesh! Enough already! But, I did not! I hung on to the hem of His garment and said "I can't do this. I. CAN. NOT. Do. This. Please. Take. This...."

And He did. Through the weekend, since it was a busy time, (and many times I just wanted to escape and be alone with Him, My Father, My Savior, My King) when I was maybe in the truck driving by myself to run a quick 100th errand in town, or in the shower, or feeding Roto (our pig)...there was this song that I would sing - and it stirred my faith, and kept the enemy at bay. I don't know if I have heard it before ,or if it just was my spirit initiating a call out to the Lord. I just know the ministry of The Holy Spirit through that song blessed me and kept me going.

I am determined to not see this scenery again. I press on, and I don't look back. I trust Him!

How about you? If He's bringing you through - say so! Happy Monday, Ya'll!

ABC's of the Word - F!

2009-03-18T21:19:00.004-04:00

5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:5-6 Amplified Bible

In the strange times we find ourselves living in, it is important more and more that we remember where our hope comes from, and Who we place our faith in! He IS faithful. He is more than enough - at all times, whether in times of plenty or want - He is MORE than enough. The world will increasingly need to be able to see that God's people are not afraid. We are secure and assured. Our children need to see it, our in-laws, our customers and our co-workers, sometimes even our spouses. It need not be a front. It should be and can be real. Lights on, groceries in the 'fridge - He's my God. No money in the bank, lights off, pink slip - He's my God. At all times, He is my God.

Lord, help us to be faithful to You like You are to us! Thank You, Father that You never leave us nor forsake us! We love You, we adore You! Fill us, Father with more of You! That we may lives lives useful to You! In Jesus' matchless and wonderful name! Amen!

For more ABC's of the Word, please visit Pam at Grey Like Snuffie - you will be so glad you did! Toodles!

Come to Me!

2009-03-18T08:14:00.000-04:00

Where oh where does the time go? I remember so often a season that occurred 5 years go last fall. It was our youngest's season playing football. The coach was a real good guy and SUCH a character! He had this thing he would say to the guys on the team that just rung in my heart like it was words from God everytime he said it. I STILL think of it. His nickname for my son was "Head" and he would say "Head! COME TO ME! COME TO ME!"

The news is frustrating, I know I am not alone....could we get some real people in Washington and have the place to ourselves for about say oh, 48 hours? We can straighten it up in the Name of Jesus, pretty durn quick...but I digress...grim and frustrating news..HIGH grocery prices, children who need much more than the little $5 dollar prize from the local Supermart, workplace politics that make the job so much harder than it has to be, a scale that just really is NOT kind. No. Not. At. All! ; ) Yikes!

But, we have a friend, who sticks closer than a brother! A friend in high places! He can make that dollar stretch, give us favor, grant us peace and the ability to be gracious. He gives me focus, the RIGHT one! Purpose and right motives. His ways are OH SO MUCH higher than my ways!

He gives to us, but our hands, our hearts, our very heads - must have room for what He gives! Empty your hands at His feet, pour out your heart to His ever present ear, clear out your head and make room for His thoughts!

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. Matthew 27, Amplified Bible.

The Answer to Questions in the Dark

2009-03-17T16:42:00.000-04:00

This morning I want to share a little thing I wrote 7 years ago next month. In March of 2002 our oldest son moved out in his 11th grade. His grades were in dire straits, but he had turned the much ballyhooed age of 18 the month before. He was surrounding himself with friends that encouraged him to ditch his family and go his own way. He was on a collision course with us, his parents. There was toxic relationship at the root of it all. And he was just completely focused on how to maintain that relationship. We were completely focused on how to get through to him. The night he told me he had made his decision and that he was moving out, I could feel the gut wrenching pain. Then came the night he came with two friends to remove his things from his room. You could feel the hostility radiating from his friends, because they had this impression of us as the overly strict parents who made their friend miserable. The two friends came from extremely dysfunctional homes and had much reasons to not respect or trust authority based on their relationships with their own parents. But these were young men we had been kind to, shown sacrificial love to and prayed for - how did they, how did we become strangers? The darkness.

Anyway, as you know if you visit regularly - that was 7 years ago, and life is dynamic flowing forward thank goodness, and praise God!!! Our family made it through that awful time intact, healthy and vibrantly. Were there rough times? Yes. But, God sustained us so sweetly. He kept my son. He went with him into the "darkness". He kept my youngest son, who this marked greatly. His one and only brother, his "big" brother, leaving in rebellion - prematurely, yeah it made an impact. He kept the little one as well, in the "darkness". His father and I experienced God's sustaining grace and "peace that passes understanding" through that period. I remember thinking at the time, "this is why it's called peace that passes understanding". The sheer grace, unexplained, and breathtakingly comforting. He kept us in the "darkness".

During that time for about 6-8 weeks I wrote several songs that just overflowed from my heart. I call them songs, but mind you I can't play or write music, so it's just lyrics that had music in my head to go with them! God knows the tune! LOL!

Anyway, lately I have been thinking about these particular verses and the times peope are going through all over this nation, and our nation as a whole. I hope you enjoy these words.

The Answer

He is majestic, mighty and holy

Lovely, and righteous and pure

He is deliberate, awesome and wonderful

He is Lord! He is Lord

He is light in the darkness

And shade in the desert

He is The Answer to the questions in the dark

He is The Answer to questions in the dark

When Your Call Comes - Shaving!

2009-03-13T19:20:00.000-04:00

I have been ever so blessed by beginning a reading plan on January 15th for reading through the Bible in a year. Do you know that as much as I LOVE to study the Word, and get little and big treasures out of it, and to have wisdom imparted to me for being a more effective servant in everyday life, I have never completed such a plan? I only started my first attempt last year. I was really enjoying it and it got me out of a bit of a rut I was in. Once my wheels got turning though, I was off "chasing butterflies" in the Word. But this year over at Karen's blog, Surviving Motherhood, when she mentioned a plan she had used, it just clicked for me. This time I believe I have the grace to complete the plan. I like this one the most, because it is chronological, and I have always been interested in reading in that order.

Anywho, as I was studying Joseph's life during the read through Genesis, something I have studied more than a few times, I came across a phrase that just seemed to "pop" for me. I felt immediately like sharing it here.

The Set Up: We all know that Joseph suffered much painful, egregious and harsh injustice from age 17 for a period of about 13 years. We know that the scriptures tell us that he enjoyed success and favor, in all that he did, as a slave, and as a slave accused of rape and tossed into prison - still favor and success, still the presence of the Lord with him always. However, false accusation, slavery, imprisonment - the sting, the loneliness, the injustice were not evaporated. No, those feelings were something Joseph most likely had to daily render unto God, as he took up his cross and followed Him.

The Promise: Joseph had been given a promise and it called to him, it simmered at times, it gave him hope, hope for a future, hope for good, hope for a life of liberty, peace, restoration, and kingdom authority. There came a day about 11 years into his dark period where he gave the interpretation of a dream for each of two fellow prisoners. One of the men would be restored to his rightful place in service to the King. He asked for the man to remember him. The man forgot him instead. Two more years went by.

The Call Came! "14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon: and he shaved himself, and changed his raiment, and came in unto Pharaoh." I don't know if I can explain why this excited me so, I am not even sure I know why it excited me so. But, it did, and does. And I really immediately wanted to share it here. The idea that we can wait and wait in seeming obscurity. But, to the eyes of God we are not obscure. It seems like the years are ticking by and our "chance" has been devoured by the enemy, but it hasn't, because God has a perfect time!

One Day: One day our call will come, our child's call will come, our spouse's call will come, and when it does, we want to be clean shaven, dressed appropriately and ready to stand and serve in the manner which God's perfect clock work has been moving us towards, inch by precious inch, day by grinding day. We are made to shine! We are made to come forth like silver - smooth, shiny and serviceable!

Joseph's day came and he was never a prisoner or slave again. He served in the way God had uniquely prepared and placed him to serve., and it saved all of his entire family, all of Egypt and many peoples surrounding Egypt. Exceedingly, abundantly beyond ALL that we could ask, think or imagine! Our Father loves us too much and is entirely too wise by far, to give us the authority and influence our hearts tell us await us, until we can handle the power and influence without being overtaken in the sins of pride, fear, lust, and a myriad of others. And that takes preparation. That takes refining. Strengthening. Chiseling off the superficial layers of what you thought was your faith, until all that remains gives glory to God! And when it does, the fires of hell can't burn it, the waters of the ocean can't drown it, the winds of the storms of life can't snatch it away from you. He IS the author and the finisher of our faith!

Shave & change clothes! When the call comes make sure you are groomed and dressed for it! Make sure you have your stuff ready and waiting! If you need an outfit for that interview, if you need money set aside for that trip, or maybe that passport, or that wedding present for a child, or a degree for a job, or the house painted ready to sell it - get it ready for your call! Pray, be with God, believe and do your everyday part. And tell me when you get your call!

ABC's of The Word - E!

2009-03-12T05:50:00.000-04:00

E Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called a living creature, that was its name. Genesis 2:19

E The LORD God said to the serpent," Because you have done this, Cursed are you more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you will go, And dust you will eat All the days of your life; Genesis 3:14

E So He drove the man out; and at the east of the garden of Eden He stationed the cherubim and the flaming sword which turned every direction to guard the way to the tree of life. Genesis 3:24

E Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5

E "And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female." Genesis 6:19

E "Of the birds after their kind, and of the animals after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive." Genesis 6:20

E "You shall take with you of every clean animal by sevens, a male and his female; and of the animals that are not clean two, a male and his female; Genesis 7:2

E "For after seven more days, I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights; and I will blot out from the face of the land every living thing that I have made." Genesis 7:4

E On the very same day Noah and Shem and Ham and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark, they and every beast after its kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, all sorts of birds. So they went into the ark to Noah, by twos of all flesh in which was the breath of life. Genesis 7:13-15

E Thus He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark. Genesis 7:23

E "Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you, birds and animals and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth." Genesis 8:17

E Every beast, every creeping thing, and every bird, everything that moves on the earth, went out by their families from the ark. Genesis 8:19

E Then Noah built an altar to the LORD, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. Genesis 8:20

E The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. Genesis 8:21

E "The fear of you and the terror of you will be on every beast of the earth and on every bird of the sky; with everything that creeps on the ground, and all the fish of the sea, into your hand they are given. Genesis 9:2

E "Every moving thing that is alive shall be food for you; I give all to you, as I gave the green plant. Genesis 9:3

E God said, "This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; Genesis 9:12

E and I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh. Genesis 9:15

E "When the bow is in the cloud, then I will look upon it, to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth." Genesis 9:16

E Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.Praise the LORD! Psalm 150:6

Skater Guy, a Hen House, Some Chickens and Thanksgiving!

2009-03-09T11:51:00.000-04:00

It takes an embarassingly L-O-N-G time to load these pictures with my wonderful dial-up that I am so very grateful for! Seriously! I know I snicker slightly as I type this, but I am CHOOSING to be grateful! Feels much better! :) At least we have internet! Which most of the time I think is a good thing! I have been wanting to post some of these though for quite a while. So today is sort of a picture "pot-luck"!

The first few are the last month at different times with my youngest doing what he likes to do best, well second best (he'd rather be on something with a motor and wheels, but that is broken and we can't find parts for it anywhere.) I just put some of my favorite here!

The one on the left is him with a new skate board his Dad surprised him with because he appreciated the manly way his son had stepped up to the plate the previous week. My husband had it specially made for him. Yeah, BIG hit!

The one on the right is just him getting some pictures made by his Dad for updating his myspace. It was a fun evening!

Yes, that IS a doublewide! I am officially Queen of the Doublewide! :) As a matter of fact, I had to laugh during the media frenzy against Sarah Palin. We were strong supporters for her campaign. And we fit the stereotype that the leftist media portrayed her supporters as in some ways. And that was Ok with us. Southern, Christian, Pro-life, members of NRA, homeschool family, creationists, lived a doublewide, and drive a 4 wheel drive. It doesn't matter to them that there is so much more to people than those statistics. OR that none of those things require an apology or shame. But, I digress! :)

More kick-flips or who knows. He tries to teach me the names of the moves...it all spells P-R-A-Y-E-R for me! I am sure you all can relate!

Here we have my pretty ladies. I have wanted to have laying hens for SO LONG! Finally, the "biddies" came in at the feed store this week. I just have six for now. I may get 4 more. We'll see how these do. I have to keep them inside under a lamp right now, because the weather is to cool at night for them They are just babies for now.

As you can see they're absolutley terrified of the woman with the camera and the flash! Yes, their living quarters are a mess. Within 20 minutes of changing the paper - there is a mess again! They don't know any better!

I just can't wait to have brown eggs for us and for our family and friends! No more buying organic eggs! I will have my own!

Right after we got the hen house back in January, my husband and his fellow officers working midnight shift captured one of the wild roosters running around down town in the St George Street area. They have been down there generation after generation since the Spanish settlers came! Anyway, Hubby brought him home to me. The picture on the left is early January the morning after he came home to us. I call that his early teenage stage. The one on the right is him today. He's looking good, huh? His name is Sam!

Here's the hubby and the hen house the day we got it! I was raised having chickens, at least when I was younger. We didn't have them when I was a teenager. And I have always missed them. I love the noise and the whole thing!

These are pictures taken by my youngest on Thanksgiving Day. You can see me as usual in mid-blink, which is my normal state for photos!

My awesome husband, oldest son, and my son's wonderful girlfriend, who we adore!

In case you are wondering about this "bird's eye view" thing going on, it's because the youngest is on the roof taking photos!

You know, as I type these bits of info, I feel led to say, that if you, or if you have a loved one who has, struggled with putting smoking behind. Be encouraged. Don't give up. Pray. Take steps towards your goal (if it's you). Don't quit trying to quit. If it's NOT you, don't nag, I pray. Don't, don't don't - resist all temptations to do so, even in the prettiest forms. Pray for them, pray, and pray, and love and love. It'll happen.

I say this because these photos occurred because the oldest and his girlfriend went outside to have their after dinner cigarrettes. We sort of ended up following them, after a discreet length of time so they could have their own conversation for a bit.

He wasn't raised to smoke. Anymore than I was raised to do some of the things I did when I was younger. I still remember when I found out he had begun smoking. It was on one of his quick visits to the house after he rebelled and moved out when he turned 18 (while still in 11th grade). I was HORRIFIED. It's almost funny now to think of my horror. There were so many more things I was going to be horrified at. This now seems tame!

I love this kid! This young man turned 25 on Valentine's Day! He has grown up so much the last two years. Well, really even longer than that. But, especially the last two. He is rediscovering his faith in the midst of some challenging, painful times. We are very proud of him.

He truly does have a sweet heart. What can you expect from a Valentine's baby?

He and his girlfriend want very much to quit smoking. They are making progress towards that. I included this picture to say that at one time this picture would have made me cringe. And I wouldn't have included it most likely. But, today - the things I have, and our family has been through in the last few years, all I see today is one of many sides of my son that I love. Yes, I can look at this picture and think "WOW!" I know him, he's my son! I can't believe we are sooo fortunate, his father and I!

Silly guys! Dad's giving him the obligatory rabbit ears. You know, once again, as I type I am further inpsired of the fact that if I feel like this about our son, what love must Our Father feel even as He sees us? We see our flaws - He sees The wonder that He has put inside us. He's not bothered by the same things we are! He is proud of us, He sees our worth, our beauty and our purpose! Praise God from whom ALL blessing flow!

As my youngest would say - Rock-On! Happy Monday, Ya'll!

Lost in This Moment - The Coming Groom & The Bride Preparing

2009-03-07T13:11:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday, Ya'll! I pray that you are hearing God in the Whispers of your life!

Last weekend at our local Unity Outreach Women's Conference, one of the illustrations I used for the desire of the Groom (Jesus) for His Bride (The Church) and his continued preparations for us, as well as His desire that we be impacted by His Word, was a song by Big and Rich called "Lost in This Moment". I didn't have any luck finding the authentic song and video by Big and Rich in a format that I could embed it here for your viewing (sadly), but I DID find one I could link to right here. If you listen to the song thinking of the Groom as Christ, singing to His Bride - The Church, it really impacts you. It makes you think how very precious His Church is to Him, and how MUCH He has done and is doing in preparation. The line that most got me (there were several of course) was where The Groom tells of seeing His Bride's eyes tear up from His Words to her! I thought "My goodness!". When was the last time I was so touched, so pierced by His Words to me? I LOVE His Word. It thrills me. Not often does it move me to tears though. Not. At. All.

It made me consider also the preparations we perform for weddings, and rightly so. But, how much more should we be sure to let His Word work inside of us so that we might be prepared? As Ephesians 5 says He prepares the Bride this way - "So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word," Ephesians 5:26.

It really is a pretty song. Even if you have heard it before, I encourage you to listen to it with new ears today! Click here if you like!

"I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth and faithfulness; for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word AND You have magnified Your word above all Your name!" Psalm 138:2 Amplified.

Dankeshane! aka Danke Schoen!

2009-03-03T17:11:00.000-05:00

Do you remember hearing seemingly unimportant things from childhood, that just leave a happy impression? I do. I hope that my sons will as well. One such that I remember are a few different songs that my Mama would sing when I was a child and she was in a silly mood or

just trying to keep cheerful while swishing dirty diapers (remember the cloth diapers our mothers had to use?)...one of the songs was a Wayne Newton song that many of us think of as "Dankeshane", but as I perused the web today I discovered what I suppose is the proper German spelling of the phrase Thank You as Danke Schoen. I don't know that I have ever actually heard the real song. But, I have strong memories of Mama singing this part (and only this) "Danke Schoen, darling Danke Schoen. Thank you for all the joy and pain." It sounds sort of wistful to see it typed out, But, when Mama sang the words (and I assume when Wayne Newton did as well) it had a decidedly upbeat tempo. Quite Cheery!

Anywho, I want to say Dankeshane, Darling! ;) to two wonderful bloggers and friends, 1 new and 1 for over a year (which in bloggy time is pretty good I think!)

Julie from Joyful Days and Kim fron Falling on His Grace. Both of these women are in love with Jesus, their husband, children and life. This sentiment and zest for all that is good is reflected in their blogs. You should visit and say hello!

The Lovely Award says the following: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

The Lord has blessed me greatly through my friendships in blogging. Here are a few of my bloggy blessings! (I am limited to 8 as I understand it!) I want to pass these awards to the following ladies!

Back at you Julie, at Joyful Days (I'm terribly late, it's been wild ride! My sincere apologies!)

And to you also, Kim, at Falling on His Grace (Thank you so kindly for sharing this with me! )

And to these sweet ladies - Leslie, at Do You Weary Like I Do? Tiffany at Southern Sass, Stacey at Stacey Stace, Laura at The Wellblog, Pam at Grey Like Snuffie, and Renee' at 2 Peas in a Pod.

Thanks to all of you for bringing out the best in all of us through your humor and insight through your blogs! You each have made me smile, think and ponder many times.

Odd Man (or Woman) Out

2009-03-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

17 This is what I command you: that you love one another.
18 If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.
19 If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection and would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you.

John 15:17-19 (Amplified Bible)

This is just a quick word to encourage you and me, to each remember, that as we are in Christ, we will more often than not, have occasion to feel like the "odd man out". By the looks of political and social news lately, that will be happening with greater frequency maybe than we have ever known before. Don't let it make you feel like you are the one who needs to "get over it", "lighten up" or "loosen up". I looked up this scripture for God's wisdom as to why this phenomena occurs. Stand your ground, graciously, yet firmly. When in doubt, go to the Word.

Yet, I also want to remind you that there are examples in scripture which though they don't fit into a small verse, they in fact show this principle is in play within circles of believers as well. It's my very least favorite part of the Body of Christ. Yet, even as I type this phrase I know better. I know with everything in me, that the delicate push-pull tension between family members and within the Body of Christ's members is vital. Vital to refine us, teach us, strengthen and correct us. There were times even with the 12 and with the 3 (which were within the 12) disciples of Jesus that men (and their mothers on their behalf, as I recall) jockeyed for positon, displayed jealousy of each other, and dropped away because they could not comprehend spiritual things (not within the 12, but the larger group {well, except I guess you could say Judas here, right?}). Yes, conduct unbecoming, hmmm? Yet, it happens.

Why do I mention this? Because sometimes I have been prone to get way too up in arms over a fellow believers' behavior as it pertains to me or my family, than I have any business being. It's a waste of energy, time and emotion. If Jesus's own closest friends and followers (and family) could succomb to this very human tendency, why do we think we would be any different or suffer any less, the tug of war that comes into every group of people, lost or saved, sanctified or cold. So, I guess I thought maybe I do not suffer this malady alone. If that's the case maybe this will encourage you to enjoy your minority status and shake off the dust that sometimes tries to cling to us from old wounds! And if I am truly the odd woman out here, well then, telling on myself and mulling this over out loud is good medicine I imagine.

After all, we are made to stand out, not blend in!

Whispers

2009-03-02T14:56:00.000-05:00

Hollar! Ok, that is a joke around here between my teenage son and myself. He has very "strict" standards of what parents should NOT do. And it all pertains to parents who try to speak in the current vernacular of the day. In this case "Hollar" isn't just the word, it's the way you say it...it never fails to send my son into spasms of horror (for now anyway) when I do it...it's a silly game we play for now...

I only bring it up to contrast with what is on my heart right this moment, which is the whispers. The whispers in life.

Life can, and does, throw so many, many things at us. Challenges, losses, trials, frustrations, delays and good things, too, no doubt. But right now, for the purposes of this post, I am thinking of the craziness of life. And how, after we make it through these periods, we tend to hibernate as much as possible, in hopes of hearing the still, small voice of The Lord. Regrouping, catching up, healing, then shaking it off and moving forward again.

As I prepared to get on and blog, (my time to shake off the dust from the last few weeks, and move forward), I thought of the post I was in the middle of writing on the 11th of February, when one of life's curve balls came and changed my plans (how rude!) :). As I stared at the sunbeam coming through the nearby sliding glass doors, I thought that post would now have to wait. I couldn't "feel" that post right now. What I was feeling now was Elijah's listening for the voice of The Lord...and being the completely focused and disciplined person that I am, (NOT!) I clicked over to read an e-mail from a friend who always sends the neatest encouraging e-mails...it was so very timely, I want to give the link to you all to read...Click here.

Another post to follow within the hour most likely! :)

"And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;
12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice.
13 When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, What are you doing here, Elijah?"

1 Kings 19:11-13 (Amplified Bible)

Love is a Verb!

2009-02-10T20:56:00.000-05:00

I know our family is not alone in the honor, respect and gratitude we hold in our hearts for our troops and their families. Recently, through a publication I receive on-line, I became aware of how serious the need is of some of our wounded troops as they have returned home. For this group of service men and women, their injuries have caused serious, life-changing impact and reprecussions for themselves and their families. They have formed a Coalition to allow people who can and will, to donate whatever amountn they choose, and it is quickly distributed to help these families with mortage, utilities and such. Most of the difficulties, as you can imagine, come from the care the service member needs, and the time it takes to make the transition from a 2 income family to sometimes no income, at least briefly, then eventually things level out, and the family makes it's adjustments. No life will never be the same again. But, with our help, it can be good again, it may mean the difference in a family making it altogether.

Click here if you would like to check this out for yourself. No amount is too small. If I remember correctly, they have suggested amounts and then you have the fill-in the blank option, that was what I did. I have found the secret to our family giving, is to give the little we can when we first have the opportunity. If we wait for the "perfect" opportunity to give what is on our hearts to give, well, we just might not ever get the chance to give.

I so very much appreciate being able to share this with you all. I think it is important enough to warrant more awareness on this subject and opportunity, and please feel free to do the same if you like!

Here is an excerpt from their site: "Tracy Keil's husband Matthew was shot in the neck by a sniper while on combat patrol in Iraq and suffered a severe spinal cord injury, leaving him a quadriplegic. The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes provided emergency financial aid to the Keil family within weeks of Matthew's injury. "The Coalition came to our aid when we didn't know where else to turn," Tracy says. "This has helped our family in so many ways."

Hodge Podge

2009-02-04T17:16:00.000-05:00

Hidee-Hidee-Ho! I pray all is well with you sweet women and your families! This is just a quick little "Hodge-Podge" to catch up on randomness, then I will follow up with more substance! God Lord willin' and the creek don't rise!

Early last week (or was it the week before? I lose track of time now days, anyone else with me here?) the Lord raised up a somewhat dusty and crumb covered dream before my eyes and my husband's, and we have both decided to pursue it, for the pure joy of the pursuit of a God given dream. Both well aware that the pursuing of the dream is as much the point, as the dream itself. God is so good!

Some background - back in the summer of 2007, I was inspired to start writing an inspirational book based on certain aspects in the lives of Hannah and Deborah in the Old Testament, which signal out to us through the ages about the life of a woman as a tool of God to influence and administer her God given authority, for the good of those given to her care. I was on a "roll" while I worked on the first half. When I got to the second half, it got to the actual "work" (about August 2007). So, I got "distracted", and before you know it, by the middle of September 2007, I had started a blog! Yeah, not much time, what with life, home schooling, did I mention life, and then DIAL-UP! Not much time to write now! :)

Anywho, God who is merciful and longsuffering, brought the dream back to both me, then my husband within a 12 hour period, and this time we both pray that we will be faithful to stay the course! Come what may!

Note the flying bug picture above! Well, last week, as I "pushed past" a writing block, and committed to write five pages one night, and while meeting that goal, the juices were flowing and I could see the second half taking shape, and began to understand a great purpose had been served in the delay (God Works ALL things to the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! {even their mistakes when yielded to His grand care! - Maria's paraphrase!}). As I sat in the loveseat recliner working on my laptop, while my husband toodled back and forth from the house to the "man shop" in the back yard, as he worked on a little "fix it" project, a lovely little treasure from the rural south flew in under the irresistable bait of the back porch light, apparently heading straight for the next shining mecca of light, the lamp shining down on my gleaming, (yet frazzled) hair.

Around here we call them potato bugs. What I found in Photobucket under that title was NOT the thing we speak of. These things are dark brown and hard shelled. They look like the dreaded roach, (eeewww!) but, they are not the same. Like I said hard shelled and LOVE the light, and beat themselves silly on the light they can find.

Needless to say, I have not outgrown my girlish frenzy to run from a bug on my person, especially when said bug is in my hair, then in my LAP! As I vaulted from recliner, dumping sweet laptop on the ground, emitting sounds which surely energized the blood flow of the men folk in the house, (and possibly putting the fear into any other potential light seeking potato bugs in the yard!)

Laptop was D.E.A.D. Breakthrough in writer's block - Gone? Say it ain't so!

OK! It ain't so! My brothers are both computer geniuses (I do not exaggerate! Just ask my Mom!! No, seriously they both are HIGHLY skilled and intuitive geeks who probably wish that gene had gotten evenly distributed in our family!) One of my brothers retreived ALL data off the laptop and has already emailed me my precious document! Yippeee!

Thank you, Bro!

I was disappointed in myself ruining the lap top. It was old (previously owned), and a present from my hubby about 2 1/2 yrs ago, in support of my writing. It is really nice to be able to hang out with him, in bed or in the family room while he reads or watches TV, and I can write.

But, I refused to believe anything other than I would continue to write and even if I lost the 5 pages (which I didn't!!), I would keep going. Because, if I believe God is leading me and inspiring me and making me able, then I BELIVE God is leading me and inspiring me and making me able!

So forward I trot and type!

At moments I may have felt a little like this! But not for long! :)

In the midst of all this has been the stubborn remnants of some financial challenges. And I just have to say that God has showed up, SHINED, strengthened and refined my faith, and is leading us into victory after victory, step after step. Is it challenging? Yes. Have I been tempted to succumb to dread, hopelessness, a sense of being overwhelemed? At times, all of those things. There were moments where I just wanted to be alone with God and wrestle like Jacob, and yet the moment escaped me, yet I knew that I had my victory, If I just wouldn't let go, If I didn't and if I won't - let go of My Word, My Jesus. When tempted to succomb, each time I would remind myself His Word is dynamic and at work in my life. Circumstances are subject to change. His Word is subject to no one.

Here is the verse He gave me for the last 4 weeks or so, as we have traveled this current path, I love it! I am sure to post on it again in more detail!

"6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of them He delivers. Psalm 34:6-7 Amplified.

Sorry for all the pictures! I just loved all of them! So I indulged a little! :) I would be so grateful for any prayers on behalf of my writing and publishing this book. We have chosen to self publish through a company that seems to have the price and program that is right for us. But, first the writing continues, and pennies in the penny jar!

Be around to visit! Much love and prayers!

Take Heed When You Think You Stand

2009-01-28T11:08:00.000-05:00

A couple of Sundays ago, our Pastor gave a message about "Doing Wrong When You Know to Do Right". Something that is heartbreaking and life destroying. He spoke of what it is like to counsel with someone who previously has shared the joy of salvation and has now chosen to pursue a sinful life. This of course, being completely different than a bad choice made, in haste, confusion, or just plain fleshly weakness, and quickly repented from (which means to turn away from and head in another direction). But, somone who purposes through choice, after choice, deliberately chosing to turn their back on what they know to be true, through God's Word to us. And instead turn towards and pursue choice, after choice the lie of moral relativism. You know, the thought process that is overtaking our society, where each person must do what is "right" for "them" in a given situation. Another term is "situational ethics".

This message was inspired because of a series of phone conversations he had been having all the previous week. With a man and his wife. The couple having been in ministry for some 30 plus years. The man at one time being a sometimes mentor to my Pastor. The man had been living a double life in the last year or so. And now everything had come crashing down around him.

I won't go into details. We have all seen the same sort of stories on the internet every month or so. Someone who was once steadfast for the Lord, now caught in adultery, financial tom-foolery, and sometimes even worse. I never cease to be grieved when I come across such a story. The stories themselves do damage. Then there is the person, who once having tasted of the sweetness of life in Christ, now has renounced it. Not all find their way back. What of the family members? What pain. Then there are the congregation members, some who are weak in spirit and this will prove more than they are willing to endure and they may become offended and fall away. Instead of clinging even tighter to the cross, even tighter to the Name of Jesus. Even tighter to the Word.

As I listened to the message, and prayed for the people I thought of involved in this specific moral car wreck, I felt impressed with this scripture, again Maria's paraphrase "Take heed. Take heed when you think you stand lest you fall." I felt a solemn stirring to seek God for strength to hang onto Him and not be distracted. To seek Him for wisdom as I assessed where I am right now, where could danger be looking? "Teach me Lord, show me your ways, teach me your paths."

It's been almost 2 weeks since that message and from time to time the phrase comes back to me in my spirit. I have felt compelled to share this with you, my friends. Let's take heed. Of course I did a word study. Here's some things to think of:

Thinketh (as in you think you stand) means "to seem" to be whether truthfully or uncertainly, to be accounted of or supposed to be of good reputation.

Heed means to watch, look, behold, consider.

Stand means to establish, covenant, to stand, abide, continue.

Fall means to fail or fall.

"11 Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction, we in whose days the ages have reached their climax (their consummation and concluding period). 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin]. 13 For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently. 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 Amplified.

2009-01-25T22:57:00.000-05:00

Sing to the Lord, bless (affectionately praise) His name; show forth His salvation from day to day. Psalms 96:2

A dear friend of mine has blessed me with a Guideposts every year for Christmas for so long. My husband and I are so blessed to read it every day. I can't TELL you how many times the devotion and/or scripture in it has ministered to me and practically saved my life. Just a day or two ago (I always peek ahead, so I can't remember which actual day it was for, because I read it for about 3 days straight! ;) ) Anyway, the verse was Psalm 96:2 "Sing to the Lord, bless (affectionately praise) His name; show forth His salvation from day to day.". It just stopped me in my tracks.

Show forth His salvation? Hmm...I wonder EXACTLY what that means? This sounds really good. Because day to day, meaning always, EVERY day I should, we should all, be showing His salvation...I bet Strongs (Concordance) will tell me something really good about this.

Check this out: to show as it used here means to be fresh, full, and rosy (to mean cheerful)! To proclaim, declare, and preach good tidings!

Salvation as used here means all these wonderful things: something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity, health, help, welfare. Also, from a word meaning (I LOVE this part!) to be open, wide, or free; to be safe, to free or give succor, to avenge, deliver, defend, preserve, rescue, saviour!

Bottom line? Psalms 96:2 says we should be showing the good effects of living as a child of God, saved by the grace of Jesus, Name written in the Lamb's Book of Life, filled with the precious Holy Spirit, wielding the sword of the spirit (which is the Word of God) and our shield of faith, Ephesians 6:16 "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. ". We have been given freedom from sin, freedom from the curse (been redeemed from it - Galatians 3:13), freedom, freedom to love, freedom to forgive, freedom for believing God is a God of His Word and taking and applying it to the doorposts of your life, and your family!

Fresh - every day! You could say, we ought to be able to have a sticker on us that says - "her rosy cheeks mean she has been made fresh daily!" Tee-hee! His mercies are new every morning! I will praise the Lord with my WHOLE heart! No offense, no bank statement, no bad attitude I may be tempted to have, is going to be allowed to preside in my life! People who come to my house, who I meet when I do business, they will know that I have a good reason for my hope!

Join me?

What Will YOU Do?

2009-01-23T14:46:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 31:8 "Open your mouth for the dumb [those unable to speak for themselves], for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless"

We don't usually talk about things controversial here. I know more and more these days, Christains disagree on the issue of the sanctity of life. I am not going to try to change anyone's mind here. Nor will I apologize for my belief on this topic. I am very committed to the need to preserve the sanctity of life in our Nation, and at this time there is legislation pending which will take a left hook, then a right hook and then a move in for the kill in the issue of life.

Here is how we know the priorities of our current President. His actions match his words in this one regard. He promised the first thing he wouild do as President was sign the Freedom of Choice Act. And He has already put his authority to work in executive orders which undo good work that our recent President had done, in matters pertaining to life. Thanks to President Obama, your money and my money will fund abortions all around the world, because it's just not enough to make sure we are doing it here in our own country. In his mind, (and others which think like him), this is reasonable tool to fighting poverty and babies born out of wedlock. They truly believe this is a good thing to do. And in some ways they seem more committed to their belief than we do about ours.

Further the Freedom of Choice Act is scheduled for review and vote at any time now. If it makes it through the Senate, it would truly take a miracle to change his mind and veto it.

From the website Fight the Freedom of Choice Act here is an excerpt - "Barack Obama is now the incoming President. And he made a promise to Planned Parenthood last year they expect him to keep."The first thing I’d do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. That’s the first thing I’d do." "

With all the troubles facing our Nation, THIS is his most serious priority? And for once his actions match his words, he is working with his party to accomplish this.

You want to know something about this current group on Capitol Hill? The wicked way they use words. They craft a piece of legislation, which has a purpose that much of America would either not be receptive to or would actually oppose, and they slap a name on it that makes it sound pretty and, ironically means the opposite of what the proposed legilation actually does.

Here's what Freedom of Choice would do, (and this is just one action, there are MANY). Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) would take away the right of faith based hospitals (which as I understand are a good 1/3 of our hosiptals nationally, and in some areas, just about the only hope of a hosipital.) and the right of medical personnel possessing moral conviction which prohibit them from committing abortions or assisting in them, to say "No, I can't, I won't do this" or as a hospital or clinic "No, we are in the business of preserving life, not killing it". Under this act, their "freedom of choice" to excercise their religious liberty is G-O-N-E.

Let's just say one of your dear children makes it through the education and training to be an OB GYN nurse or doctor. Most people who do this work, chose it because they LOVE the beauty of bringing life into the world and all that goes with it. Can you imagine them being forced to take life, against their will, or having to just leave the field all togther because they can not do this. That's all the choice there is. Under this law, you do it or face the consequences, the new consequences of depriving someone of THEIR so-called "right" to abort their baby. So now, a woman's right to abort her baby, trumps my right as an individual to say, "I'm sorry for what you are going through, but I am not going to be the person that helps you do this, nor is this hospital. We can give you help in other fashions, We can put you in touch with places that will help you either get started raising this child, and with job training, or with couples who are desperate to adopt. We can even help you with medical assistance to have this baby healthy. But, we can not help you abort this baby".

Can you imgaine any of the wonderful Catholic hospitals in our Nation having to close, because they can NOT abort babies? That's not why they exist, and the people who are responsible for the administration of those hospitals will have to answer before God if they allow this.

The scripture I chose above, is the scripture that reminds me the most, of the responsibility we all face to speak up, to take action, to not be passive in the face of evil, however well intended it might be. Eve meant well, I imagine so did Adam. But what they intended is not what they got, is it?

There are so many ways that quiet, unassuming people can be proactive and assertive in this topic.

PRAY! Prayer is POWERFUL! Ask for the Lord to grant you passion and zeal to pray with purpose and His wisdom in this matter. Pray for our leaders, to have the gift of a humble spirit before God, to have the grace to seek Him for guidance and divinely inspired solutions. As President Obama faces nay sayers, trouble makers and sycophants, I pray that God would move the hearts of a few well placed men and women, who are Godly, wise and willing to beard the lion's den and offer support, to work with President Obama, (and even poeple close to him who need help and Godly influence), to accomplish GOOD. People wise enough to not be manipulated, people with enough integrity to not become a people pleaser, because they are more concerned for their own re-election or next high ranking cabinet position.

Sign the Fight Freedom of Choice Act petition, and get your family and friends to do the same. It MATTERS to take the time. it also informs them as they do it. The site is worth the visit, it has much good information. It's free and easy to use. Click here.

E-mail, phone, or write a letter to your Senators and Congress men and women. Tell them how you feel about this act, and even the executive orders.

Every child deserves the right to live! What will you do to take action for all our children to have this right?

Dancing Backwards in High Heels!

2009-01-19T18:04:00.000-05:00

Have any of Ya'll ever heard the Kenny Chesney song "The Woman with You"? Where they talk over spilt groceries, after a hard day's work for her, over a can of beans on the front porch? It's a great song, and of course in it is the line "dancing backwards in high heels". I LOVE that line!

It's an older song, and came out at a time when my husband and I could really relate to it. I recently got a fresh perspective on it from a message my Co-Pastor Kathy Cochran gave to our ladies meeting this past fall. I don't remember the point of the message exactly but, I was inspired during her message to this effect. That when we go through those painful, long term struggles, and/or sudden impact trials we feel like we are going through a minefield, it's so hard climbing that mountain, (like the rocky craigs traversed by the mountain goats), but there is a great reward for our efforts to keep moving forward.

I was inspired specifically to the verses in Habakkuk 3:17-19 Amplified "17 Though the fig tree does not blossom and there is no fruit on the vines, (Though there was no money in the company budget for your husband's raise or yours {maria's paraphrase}) [though] the product of the olive fails and the fields yield no food (though the economy went from free market to socialist almost overnight) , though the flock is cut off from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls, (though your kids don't belong to a church family) 18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will exult in the [victorious] God of my salvation (He WILL have the last word in my life!)! 19 The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds' feet (Just like these goats in the pictures) and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]! For the Chief Musician; with my stringed instruments."

I love that this was for a song! Can't you just imagine! What terror this as a song would put in the heart of the enemy? :) I like it!

We often feel like these goats in these first 3 pictures, from barely hanging on, to lonely and cut off from friends and companionship, and terribly unsure where next to place our feet, or if we are even going in the right direction.

But, He IS FATHFULL to guide us and lead us by His Holy Spirit, in a protected path. One such example of this promise (there are several) is Isaiah 26:7 "7 The way of the [consistently] righteous (those living in moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relationship of their lives) is level and straight; You, O [Lord], Who are upright, direct aright and make level the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous."

Often times, when inspired with a scripture often comes a song, a book or a movie as an analogy to go with it. In this case it was the song I mentioned, "The Woman With You" (of course until last night when I searched the net, I always thought the name was "Dancing Backwards in High heels")! The reason we like it, I think is important to these trials and seasons we go through on our way up the side of the mountain, to get to the mountain top. The woman is telling her husband her priorities have changed. Her goals, and what she always thought she needed to try to achieve have all turned upside down. Now what she values and strives for are things not necessarily looking so important in the world's eye view. That aspect of the song, mirrored our life, and something God did in me. To us, the song was a fun way to celebrate that fact, that grace from God bestowed upon us.

My point here is these trials give us the ability to have our goals and priorities turned upside down. Yes, though hurtfull and confusing many times, this is often for our good. Things we thought were good and important, we may find were, but for a season only, not for a lifetime. On that trek up the mountain, under the Lord's careful guidance, we will find ourselves unpacking our back packs to lighten the load. We may even be given some better treasures by our Guide as this occurs.

See this mountain goat? Doesn't he look like King of The Mountain? That's how we need to see ourselves, not as the the other 3 pictures!

The Battle you and I face, and our families and friends face this week, is The Lord's, and that victory?....Yep! It's OURS! Romans 8:37 "37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us."

Happy Monday, Ya'll!

Pray and Look for the Stray!

2009-01-17T18:22:00.000-05:00

Matthew 9:36 (Amplified Bible) "36 When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd."

Happy Saturday night, Ya'll! Tomorrow it's rise and shine! Time to go to church, to be encouraged in our faith, to honor God, to rejoice in the wonderful, priceless gift of eternal life with Him, to be reconciled with Him afresh! Why am I talking about this? I have had conversations and experiences lately, which have brought it to my attention that even in healthy church congregations (which I think of as a church family, no matter the size) people are still in our midst, crying out inwardly, desiring that they might make a connection with someone, that is more than just superficial.

I believe that at any given time, you can split the people in a congregation in to 2 simple groups in this one regard. And those roles are subject to change at any given time. The 1 group is the group that is able to reach out the hand of friendship, compassion, a listening ear to someone else in the congregation. The other group is the part that is unable to reach out, and instead they cry out inwardly, at that particular time. It's a critical time. It might not last long, or it might develop into a long term slide away from Heaven's Gates.

Every Sunday, or whenever we are given the gift of the opportunity to fellowship with other believers, we are also given the responsibility to let the Holy Spirit prompt us, lead us to the person, just the one (or maybe two) that we can have that meaningful conversation, that will just make the love and comfort of God swell up within them. Sometimes that's ALL it takes for them to keep pressing on.

We have all been in each group many times. We can all remember receiving the gift of a friendly conversation when we were just to emotionally weak to go start one, but oh, so grateful to be part of one, at someone else's initiative.

We can also think of times that we were so blessed, as to just let our eyes light on someone across the church, that we really knew needed a chance to talk with someone about their grandchild, or their parent they are caring for, or whatever the case may be. We leave the conversation with that "ZING" that you feel, when the Holy Spirit has ministered through you.

Jesus looked out at His congregation in Matthew 9 and SAW the condition of His sheep. He was MOVED with compassion, may we be moved with compassion. Let Him look out through YOUR eyes tomorrow and point the way to someone who you can comfort, with that same comfort He has comforted you with. I'll be doing this myself.

Don't let their age, or the scowl on their face, or the piercing in their eyebrows or nose, or how well put together they seem, put you off, and fool you into thinking they won't welcome your kindness, if the Holy Spirit draws you, trust Him.

And what you have done for others, God will do for your loved one someday. But, even if it's never necessary, you'll be glad for your efforts...there's nothing like that "ZING"!

2 Corinthians 1:2-4 "2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

2009-01-17T00:45:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (Amplified Bible) "17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). 18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit."

As I went about my day doing the normal things one does to keep a household running, I was thinking, at certain times about all my friends out in the blog world, lurkers and all. It's a Sisterhood, I think we all agree. Those that I know who will visit, and those who are yet unknown. I love that part of blogging, the way God can (and does) orchestrate our "bumping" into each other, crossing paths, at just the "right" time!

I pondered what was most important today to hear. Today, what did God want us to know? And this is what I was inspired to, almost immediately. And the theme once apprehended by my mind, was seemingly every where I turned. My thought was that He is calling out to us to behold through the mirror of His Word who He sees in us. Not all the warts and shortcomings, but the destiny, the delicate design and great care He has taken with us and is yet to be revealed. To experience His personal, individual love for us, and great pleasure.

He desires that we (His daughters) begin to let His Word be the mirror it is meant to be, the mirror that brings the desired transformation. We love Him, We spend time in prayer, we spend time in the Word. We can all (at least mentally) rattle off numerous ways we "don't measure up". I believe He is beckoning us to take a deep breath and look again, and really, really, truly believe, profess, declare and just become thoroughly steeped in the knowledge of the fact that we are delightful to Him. He delights in us. We are His special creation - in His own image no less, fearfully and wonderfully made. He gave us His Name and authority when we believed in Jesus and gave ourselves to Him forever.

As sweet as all those things are, and that's not even the half, not even a pin-prick of His good purpose in and for us, it's not even the real point. The Christian faith is such a paradox, it's both all about us and not at all about us. In this case it's not about us, it's about who we can potentially damage and who we can potentially inspire and encourage.

There is every reason we need to be more assertive in guarding our hearts and minds in this regard. Because, we women have such an influence on those in our sphere. If we are not actively experiencing that love that only The Father can give us, we become well-intentioned, good-hearted and DRY, harried, and eventually (long term) we can become completely deceived. As we rush and work, study, serve, teach our children, pay our bills, give our tithes, but don't allow ourselves to become saturated with the knowledge the He loves US, YOU, ME! He loves ME! He loves YOU!

I know that we all know He loves us, in our heads, and even in our hearts. But, if we don't bask in that knowledge. Regularly bask in it, daily when possible, and train our minds and hearts to this powerful and heady knowledge, reminding ourselves and reminding the devil when he dares whisper his lies, (sometimes subtle, sometimes outrageous), we will slowly find ourselves thinking we are serving, when really we have become joyless Christians. Something that pushes away wobbly Christians, and pushes away people who are just confused and lost.

See, its a war out there. It's a war for our souls, for the souls of every person you know, every person you ever see. We are all in it. There are no casual bystanders. If we profess He is a God of love, then people need desperately to see that we are confident because we are well-satisfied with the lover of our souls. Nope, we aren't perfect, not nearly, but He is gently leading us day by day, and we trust Him to get us where He wants us, as we daily bask in His love and reflect that love to a lost and dying world.

As women, we most often first reflect this love (or not) to our spouses, nephews, nieces, children parents, grandparents, in-laws, adult siblings. What do they see when they see us? Do they see someone who is balanced in their perspective? Or someone pensive, sarcastic, someone passing judgement where none is due? Perhaps someone perpetually harried and worried?

I cringe as I type because this was so much sweeter in my head. As I type it sounds much harsher than it should be. But, the reason I dare is 1) He put it on my heart, and 2) I know from my personal experience that as an optimistic person, who really DOES believe the best many times, probably most times, (just ask my family, it can be a tad obnoxious!) about 2 years ago, I came to a realization that the pressures of a one income family, combined with living in the fish bowl of staying home with a husband who was home in the daytime and worked at night, and a son who I home educated were getting to me. This meant every expression that crossed my face, every worry, every time I gritted my teeth in frustration, and every time I disciplined myself to not give voice to worries was duly noted and was taking a toll. It became clear to me that the enemy was able to make inroads into our minds, partly because the people in the household with me needed to see that I really believed the good things I said. And I did, and I am sure that you all do as well. But, I needed to tell my face, I needed to tell my mind. I needed to take authority over the thoughts that I was merely mentally fighting off. That meant for me to quickly, every time, counteract the thoughts that would come each day, with a verbal affirmation of God's promises, which ever and as many as I could dish out. It meant take time to not just give love to God, but to dare to experience it, receive it, or I wasn't going to be reflecting it, and letting it shine from me.

If you haven't read C.S. Lewis's The Screwtape Letters, please, please do. It is such a wonderful, astute and droll rendition of this concept.

Look in the mirror, see how fair He thinks you are! Then go out and set the world on fire with your smile, your sass, your renewed sense of purpose, whatever the wonder of His love brings out in you. It'd hard not to smile when you know it's all gravy!

See you tomorrow!

Thanks Where Thanks is Due!

2009-01-16T17:01:00.000-05:00

In setting up my blog, I was looking for pretty pictures with God's pretty Words. Sources I had used before just weren't working. So I took a Google thru the 'net and found 2 lovely sites. Apples of Gold and Growing in Grace. I wanted to specifically call them out, since their generosity and God given skills made what I found possible. Feel free to click over and check them out!

Welcome to the Bird House!

2009-01-15T20:36:00.000-05:00

It's great to be able to visit again! I honestly didn't think this was going to happen - opening another blog. But, once again, the Lord has chosen to give me back something I had to be willing to surrender. It has been a pattern in my life since I was 17. I don't have any preconcieved notions of what this journey in blogging will hold. I just know that it will be the same in many ways, and in others different. It would have to be, because I KNOW that I am different now. The world we live in is different. I can't believe how much has changed since we last visited regularly in August 2008.

I'm going to keep this short. Please note the verse above.... I believe this verse has significant meaning to the Body of Christ this year.

Here it is in the Amplified. Feel free to leave something in the Squawk Box! Isaiah 61:7 "Instead of your [former] shame you shall have a twofold recompense; instead of dishonor and reproach [your people] shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double [what they had forfeited]; everlasting joy shall be theirs."