Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy New Year everyone. Be blessed and be safe. There are some wonderful church services tonight if anyone was wondering. I have my dinner menu planned. Rented my movies. So our household is all set. But more important than any of that, whatever you do, remember all that the Lord has done for you this calendar year and know He is with you always and will continue to amaze you in 2011. Have a fab New Years.




Philippians 4:19

Thursday, December 30, 2010 Prayer Request

Prayer Request:

To all that read this, please lift C and I up in prayer as we search God's will for our future here in our home. We are asking Him to reveal if we should stay or sell. Please lift us up b/c there is such power in prayer and we really need your prayers at this sensitive time. I want to stay but I must put God first and what He feels is best for us in the new year. Whether He wants us to downsize or stay and open our home to help others in need and help the church house guests. So join us as we search for answers. Thank you so much! Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Wow I feel better. The power of God and the power of prayer is intense. I love when Pastor Gary said to let God wow us and He has. I have been in a "state of fear" ( fear of the unknown to be exact) that is so unlike me that God truly had to have a full conversation with me. He told me I did not need anyone other than Him to solve my matter for me. That I don't need to envy anyone that has a husband who handles matters or a "Daddy" on earth because He assured me He is all I need and He has it under control. I have been so stubborn in not letting go that it has been saddening my heart and was leaving me so downtrotten. But the bible says the Lord comes to the weary and gives them rest and that we can rest in Him. So thank you Lord for being so good to me and so patient with me. I love you Lord!

And a special shout out to Paula and Larry....2 people who really have helped me this week! Thank you angels! :-)

Matthew 11:28-29

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

I read we should sit down and write down all the crushings of the year along with all our blessings of the year. Noone has had a perfect year. I like people that are honest, open and real. I have alway guarded myself and made myself super private and yet through one of my most life changing times, I am blogging in an open forum. I am sharing my story with strangers, new friends and old friends. I am learning more about my old friends than ever before. I feel closer to certain individuals in my life....and I feel further away from others. It is like that. 2010 changed my life in everyway and I will never think the same. God has rescued me from a life of no meaning nor substance. I got up and went to work everyday and performed at what I thought was top level and was always made to feel I was not good enough. Yet my paycheck stated otherwise. So was I not good or was I being punished for making too much? I lived with a man who chose alcohol as his daily event and I never knew what my days would be like from moment to moment. So on the outside people envied me. Yet on the inside I was a shell. But the Lord came for me and renewed my strength and faith and trust in Him. In my most saddest days, I would always chant to myself, God does not make mistakes, so I knew He had a plan for me. And He revealed it to me this year and made everything anew. So this year goes down as a year of triumph, change, renewal, restoration, deliverance and truth. I challenge you to review your own year. It is so neat to see all the Lord has done. May the Lord bless you and keep you today! :-)

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

I read that difficulties in our lives gives us the opportunity to experience the faithfulness of God. It is in those times that we are to renew our trust and hope in Him and believe that no matter what happens, He loves and cares for us and wants the best for us. Keep C and I in your prayers as we are experiencing a very difficult and very sad decision. God is in control and He will guide us to do right and when we do that, we will leave all the consequences to Him. He is the maker of our lives and He is he head of this household and whatever He guides us to do, directs us to do or commands us to do, we will listen and obey. Stay safe!



Psalm 77

Monday, December 27, 2010

Snowed in by a major storm. It has left me still and alone with my thoughts of our future here. C and I are seeking God's voice and counsel on what He would want us to do. I thank you Lord for having a wonderful angel call us first thing this morning with wonderful scriptures and counsel and wise words. It has brought me peace and I am now starting to see the direction this is going. I know you want me to trust you, follow you and KNOW that as I walk through the valley of the unknown, I will find your footprints both in front and beside. I trust you and love you and accept whatever it is you have in store for us next. May you keep us of a peaceful mindset and an open and pure heart. And may we always remember that where ever it is we live, You will dwell with us also. Amen!

Isaiah 26:3-4

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Here comes the snow! First major snow storm with 10 inches+. Hope everyone is safe and sound and where they want to be. Well Christmas was very nice and peaceful. I was spoiled by my husband and family and I thank them all because it was a true blessed day. I pray everyone had a wonderful one as well. Be blessed!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Jesus, happy birthday to you!

Luke: Chapter 2

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas Eve everyone. The day before the big holiday weekend. It is the most festive

time of year isn't it? It is also time to remember the true reason for the season....Jesus.

Have a blessed upcoming week whether you are home or traveling....just enjoy and be merry.

Ho Ho Ho!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

God will turn my messes into messages. I love that! My teachings this morning were all about reinforcing the fact that when we choose God, we are many times rejected by man. Friends, family, all man. I feel that. I feel judged and I know I am criticized behind my back, even by members of my own family. But I choose to love and I choose to not allow them to define me like the world does. The world defines you by your status and bank account and career. But that does not have any weight in the kingdom of God. I lived 45 years of my life in this world and I have made a promise to God that I will live the rest of my years living with Him and in His world. That does not mean that I am going to hide away until He comes. No! I will not have any fear. If someone criticizes me and I hear about it, I need to shake it off. I need to remember that those opinions, no matter how hurtful, are not a part of my life. For no opinion is needed where you do not have responsibility. I am most at peace now. Most happy now. Most gracious now. Do I have sad days? Absolutely? Do I have days of regret? Not anymore because the enemy loves to use regret from our past and fear for our future so NO, not anymore. For now, I live for God. And God has a plan for me......God is my rock....my future and my present. Greater is He who is in me, than he that is in this world. Amen!

1 John 4:4

May the Lord grant my sister, Robin Lee, peace beyond understanding at this time of grief on the sudden loss of her older brother at the young age of 49. For we shall rejoice that he is living amongst all the angels and God above now. He is now....an angel of God! Glory be to God!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Have you ever been yelled at by God? I was yesterday! He told me to get out of the driver's seat. I immediately said, "Ok". I am getting in my own way. My desire and natural instincts are to fix things. It is what I was trained and employed for. For 25+ years I was management and that meant solving problems. I was a trouble shooter for employees and customers alike. So when a problem arises in life what do I do? Try to solve it. There is a mountain in our way right now and I am constantly trying to find ways to climb it, blow it up, chip at it, erode it....and when I do this, I cry and experience the deepest levels of sadness. My husband's reaction is to fight and argue and His anger arises. I mean anyone would look at us and say, "Yo....get off the mountain and stop obsessing about this mountain. Have faith as small as a mustard seed and the mountain will move." Our faith will indeed move the mountain as Matthew 17:20 talks about. It is not the lack of faith that I share this but the fact that I am always getting in God's way and trying to handle it NOW. I also like to share this with you so you all know when it is God trying to get our attention. We all have weaknesses and we all have strongholds. God wants us to reveal them and share them with others. Noone wants to learn from someone who only shares their victories and their joys. I am sorry but it is true. People want to converse with others that share their worries or their failures. When you act like you are perfect and living a blessed and perfect life, people will simply walk away feeling less of themselves and that is NOT God's way. So I feel God wants me to share my struggles with others. For the most faithful person may get scared and anxious and want to try to "move the trial along". It is then that we must get out of the driver's seat and enjoy the ride. Amen? Amen!

Matthew 17:20

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Stay in the word! Listen to a good solid based preacher on television to get your mind right midweek. Join a bible study. Attend church midweek if you can. Just stay right and do right for your own spiritual growth. Make time for yourself and God today. When you feel "fed" and "strong", you become gracious and then you can enter the world and bless others. Help others. That is the true foundation of following Christ. I am so excited we are opening our home this week to some very special people and their families. I pray it is pure joy for them because it truly is for C and I. We NEVER viewed our home as a prideful possession. For we see how people are blessed and truly relaxed when they come here. I want people to feel His presence and as Danny says, the "gingerly" feeling one gets when they enter. That is a true blessing and joy to C and I. That is why we pray and believe we can continue to live here next year so we can open our homes to those truly in need. Not people that just want a handout. For God shows us the difference whether they be family or friend. We want to stay here to bless others as God has blessed us. So please pray for C and I and are future here. We are praying and believing that the Lord is going to make a way for us to be able to stay and dwell with Him here. In Jesus' name, we humbly ask for your prayers. I know our GCCC family reads this daily so please put us on your prayer lists and believe with us for God's supernatural power and favour. Thank you and may the Lord bless and keep you safe, healthy and above all else..joyful this holiday season!

James 1:12

Monday, December 20, 2010

I love my morning teachings because I can share them with you. I heard this morning a neat illustration. Think of God as the master copy and we are all His duplicates. He saves us so we can then learn how to be like Him in order to go out into the world and teach others. That is it. And the most important way He wants us to display this is through our love for others. Strangers and enemies alike. It is easy to exemplify love with others that give it to you. It is harder to pray for and love the friend, the boss, the spouse, the family member, anyone that betrays you. That is when we are to show His love most. Hard to do. I know. It is very uncomfortable to walk across the sanctuary and greet someone you never met before. To walk up to a person that looks like that last thing they want is to talk to you. I always try to welcome the scared new additions to our 3 year old class with another child. Yesterday a little boy who just turned 3 was transitioning to our room and he was scared to death and crying and clinging to his daddy. It looked hopeless that he would ever let go and join us. I had my little sidekick, Jazzy, with me and I asked her to come with me and welcome the little boy and make him feel safe and comfortable. Olivia helps me too with this. I try to teach them as children to be open and friendly to new faces and be like Jesus was. They never say no and always help me calm the new ones down. So hopefully as they grown older they will continue to be loving and kind Christians. Many many people have faith and label themselves as Christians but I gotta say they lack the very principle He wants us to have.....love. Love is kindness, not jealousy, not judgemental behavior. Do you know people like that? I cringe when they then say, "Oh I am a believer too, what church do you go to?" I think, "Huh?" Not exactly a walking testimony when they have to annouce they believe. I meet women all the time at church who are so radiant in their spirituality. They have beautiful faces and smiles and it is as if you see the light around them. Amazing! There is a sweet cashier at WalMart that you can just see she has the light and love before you even ask. That is what God is talking about. That is what we are to be to others...examples. We are far from perfect and are fully aware of the targets on our backs, the debater who loves to come at us. I am here to say that I am a work in progress. But I love God and I love learning more about Him so I can then share with you. So today I say....just love someone!

1 Corinthians 1: 1-6

Sunday, December 19, 2010

I love Sundays! They are so rejuvenating! Just what the doctor ordered. It is nice to be able to stop and reflect during the hustle and bustle craziness this holiday season brings. We forget to do it....to take a break, stop, chill, enjoy the holidays. Everyone is working, commuting, shopping, cooking, cleaning, making lists, wrapping, baking...the list goes on and on . That is why I feel Sundays are meant to be the day we stop and reflect and chill. The day of sabbath. My husband and I are learning so much during this time in our lives and it truly has been a gift from above. We stand so firm in our faith that we KNOW God is in total control and we have planted our seeds of faith and now we are believing. I just sat this morning and reflected back on 2010 in its entirety and I wrote down all the things that have occured and changed this year. Might I humbly say something? Every single occurence, event and change have been blessings. I have witnessed deliverance, miracles, lives changed, financially blessings beyond measure. I am forever grateful for this time, this year, this very moment. Thank you Lord for being you and for being so awesome. I bow before you. I honor your name. I kneel in your presence. May the world remember why we are even lighting trees and cramming malls this week....all to celebrate you, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Amen.

Psalm 30: 11-12

Saturday, December 18, 2010

7 days until Christmas. Exciting. I am looking forward to my upcoming party and sleepover with friends and just having our house filled with joy! This house was made for more than C and I . We pray and hope to see it filled with more than 2 of us this upcoming year. That is all in God's hands and His plans. You want to make God laugh? Plan. So I leave all that to Him. I have learned....finally one thing I think I have mastered. But it is true we are to trust more and worry less. It is hard, I know but it is so reassuring to know He has it all in His hands and is working for our good always. When things seem "still" it does not mean He has forgotten about us. It is in the valleys, we are most in touch with God and closest to God so it is of no wonder that the valleys come. "He's got this" is all I chant and even last night as I lied in bed I cried out to the Lord to speak to me and let me know He has it under control and what should we do and He quietly said, "listen to me" and although it was simple, it made all the sense in the world to me. So as my precious Lord instructs me, I will forward His words to you.....so you too will be ready to receive the abundance of blessings He has in store for you. And all He ask of us is to listen.

Hebrews 4:12

Friday, December 17, 2010

God wants us to do the right thing over and over and over and over again. He wants us to trust Him again and again and again. If we are waiting upon Him for an answer, He wants us to pray again and again and again. He wants us to be persistent and radical in our belief and faith in Him. I sometimes wonder if we bring a prayer request to Him, is that enough? I don't have all the answers but for me, I will pray for the same thing over and over. Where I changed in my prayer life? I always ask for His will to be done and I always acknowledge that He knows what is best for me and my family and that whatever the outcome, I know it will be the perfect thing. I also believe when we live for Him and delight in Him, He will grant our heart's desires so we should stand firm and know and believe God answers prayers. They may not always be the way we ask, but He answers us nonetheless. So keep your heart open and go to Him with all your prayers. He loves you and wants to hear from you. Prayer is our way of communicating with Him. It brings us closer to God and helps us have a more intimate relationship with Him.

John 15:7

Thursday, December 16, 2010

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Me and I will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Speak Lord, and I will listen and obey.

Do not withhold encouragement from the discouraged. Do not keep affirmation from the beaten down! Speak words that make people stronger. Believe in them as God has believed in you. You may save someone's life.

I declare my faith in the infinite power of God. Through prayer, I am blessed with happiness, abundance, peace, and love.

God so loved the world that He gave His only son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

With God all things are possible. Matthew 19: 26

The will of God will never lead you where the Grace of God cannot keep you.

All these beautiful and wonderful words are displayed in my office and are all around me. I wanted to share with you the love of His promises and the comfort of these very words. Isn't He wonderful? I surround myself with Him and I feel His presence with me always when I am here. I believe He wants me to share all these powerful words with all of you to remind you just how much He loves you. I believe that He wants you all to guard yourselves and surround yourselves with these insprirational messages. It is through these words that the Holy Spirit gets a hold of your heart and permiates His love in. I know when guests come and they use my computer, they always tell me they feel such peace in the room, in the house itself. God dwells here! So get yourself some of favorite scriptures and print them and frame them or pin them on your walls or bullentin board. Engulf youself with it. You and your house will be blessed! Amen.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

God is so faithful. It is something we all need to be reminded of and we all need to thank Him today. For His promises are always true and He is always there with us and for us. If He is for us, who can be against us? I love the assurance that it brings me. I know it is hard to be still and happy when so many things could be happening in your life that are making you unhappy or sad or even worse, doubtful, but remember God has a plan for your life and it may not be visible to you now, but in time it will. For it will be for better than you could ever imagine or expect. So try to enjoy your day. Keep your attitude happy and right and accept the things today you cannot change and keep your heart pure. Don't worry about anyone else or their circumstances. Like I heard today, your opinion is not necessary where you do not have responsibility. So never mind your neighbor, friend, relative or co-worker and what is or isn't happening to them. God wants your focus on Him and trust He will work all things out in His perfect time for you. Have a blessed day!

1 Corinthians 1:9

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The way to know the true heart of a person is by their check register. Man may be impressed by your "deposits" but God is impressed with your "debits". Amen?! PB touches on it and I can see the restraint he is displaying when I know he wants to be way more direct. So let me do it for him. As a believer our command is to tithe 10% of our income to your storehouse aka, church. If you do not have an established church, than tithe it to a ministry you watch. I faithfully tithed to In Touch Ministries, ran by Charles Stanley, when I was not attending church. Now that my family is involved in 3 churches, we as a family, have chosen to split the tithe 3 ways equally so all 3 churches receive the equal amount of tithes. Then up and above to various ministries or events, we give a "love offering". It is what we are commanded to do. We are not to be looked upon as noble or generous, we are simply being obedient. I cannot stand when someone wants to be rewarded for doing the "right thing" or make it look like you are doing me a favor. No you are honoring your commandment to God. People are so afraid to tithe FIRST because they need to pay for shelter, food, electric, heating. When there is something left over, it is then it is handed to God. In the secular world we are told to "pay" ourselves first in the way of 10% savings then bills. Well in the spiritual world, the first 10% goes to God. There is no debate, there is no compromise, there is no excuse that is accepted by God. When you tithe with all your heart and joy, you will be blessed. Thus the "cheerful giver". The bible story that everyone knows speaks very clearly about this very topic with the story of the poor widow. She gave all she had which was not much but it was more valuable of an offering to God than the rich man who gave generously. Why was that? Because it is easy to give when you have. It is far harder to give when you don't. Let that minister to your hearts. I am not impressed by the people who give generously to their church project or the pastor or a needy family....because those very people are the ones that do it for "show". We are to be quiet givers. Those very people are the ones that give in that way yet ignore their own family that may need a helping hand. Therefore, I am not impressed. People give just what is required rather than from their heart. Who cares if you tithed and gave an offering, take someone to lunch or dinner as a treat. Why? Because you can and because you should. Stop giving only to those that will reciprocate. So be an example to someone today. Show them how to be....for you all will be blessed. Amen!

Luke 21: 1-4

Monday, December 13, 2010

I have to share with you my morning teaching lesson from Joyce Meyer. She is by far my favorite female teacher and Charles Stanley my favorite male teacher. Their teaching styles are so direct, uplifting but also real. It is not all "dessert" teachings as Joyce puts it. She keeps it honest and true and I love her. But today's message was about the tests for which we are faced by God. And in those tests, some are allowed by God and some are arranged by God. God is good, satan is evil and remember that God will test us, He does not tempt us! Very important for us to remember. But I learned more than anything that tests are designed to strengthen our faith. Until we are tested, we have no idea what we believe or how we will endure. He tests us so our faith can grow otherwise how would we ever measure our faith if everything always went perfect in our lives. But through all tests, we are to Trust Him to know He is going to bring us to a higher level. Amen! It is easier to hear this when you are not in the midst of a trial or test. So much easier to read and hear when it is happening to someone else. But when it is us, it is very very real. So listen up if you are experiencing one of God's tests...I know I am. Remember that great faith comes from tests. Rememer that we will be faced with temptations along the way...old addictions may tempt you, you may resent someone else who seems to be living without a care in the world while your world is crashing down around you, we may complain about our problems, become indignant, try to take matters in our own hands. But God rather us remember that when tests come, DON'T PANIC FOR THIS IS ONLY TEST AND THIS TOO SHALL PASS. You might as well listen for if you don't pass this test, you will be given the opportunity to retake it for another one surely will be coming your way. So in all things, be "wholly joyful" today and know that God loves you and will see you through this.

James 1: 12-14

Sunday, December 12, 2010

God is just amazing. He really is. I stand in awe of Him and how He works in my life and the lives of others. Church has really been the source of my strength and my B12 shot for the week. I mean who wouldn't want to start their day with a bunch of little 3 year olds running around and hanging all over you? We have such a great class and great team but I miss the little ones so much when they move up to the 4 year old class. But I know all new little tots will come through the door and I will grow to adore them as well. I finally met my "angel" from church who I have spoken to on the phone and cried and shared with but have never met. Well after church today I met her and she said she has been praying for me and felt the Lord tell her something about my home and us and she shared the message with me. I told her I knew this was what He was preparing my home for and what He was leading my husband and myself to. She was so beautiful and as she was talking I just blurred out, "I love you" and hugged her. She is what being a Christian is all about. She has the love of Christ in her to a degree I have never seen. She is full of love and joy and peace and if you knew her story....she is remarkable! And that is what I want to be for other women...a pillar of strength, a source of comfort, an encourager, a shoulder to lean on. I mean after all don't we all just need a hug sometimes?

Philippians 2: 1-4

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Jesus IS the reason for the season! Please remember that this whole holiday fest is not about the latest gadget, blow out sale prices, drinking at the next party, or yee long Christmas gift wish lists....it is about Jesus, His birth and the whole reason for His life. It is about stopping and reflecting on the miracle of His birth. Knowing the story of Him and the life He led. I love the Christmas lights, the lit up trees and all that goes with it as much as everyone else BUT I keep it all in perspective. For all God wants us to do is live a life that reflects Him, which is to be righteous and holy. So remember to keep Christ in Christmas. And the next time somebody says, "Happy Holidays", recite back , "Merry Christmas". Have a superb and safe holiday season. Be cheery, merry and of all things be grateful and joyful for a savior was born in a manger to a virgin mother and He was to be called Immanuel. Praise God!

Take the time and read about the birth of Jesus in Matthew and Luke

Friday, December 10, 2010

Put GOD in the center and everything will come together. It is the message He wants you to know today. I pray and seek Him always before I write and these are the words He wants to say. I know it can be hard to do this. I know we all have busy lives and it is easier to just do things on our own without thinking twice. For it is something we are raised to be....independent. And yet God wants us completely dependent on Him! So it is a total rewiring of the brain for what we have been taught. But when you give your heart to Him and you confess with your mouth that He is your Saviour who paid your debt on the cross, the act of keeping Him in the center of your life is not that hard. But I urge you to know that He is a jealous God who will get your attention when He feels you are NO longer putting Him front and center. I know this for He got my attention this past summer. I was getting so caught up in taking care of the household and the mortgage and car payments and menus/food shopping and what car needs gas and what credit card is due....that I totally took God out of it. Although I was always a faithful tither, I was no longer attending church because I was at work. That crucial decision was the beginning of it for me. I began to feel enslaved to my job in order to be responsible to my obligations. Things were no longer easy for me. With God everything is effortless and I began to see nothing was coming easy. My income was reduced in the new year which was God's first hint and I ignored it and it was not until He allowed my employers to change my schedule so that I would have been working 6 days all summer long, did He speak directly to me that I said, "Oh know"...and realized all the things that were before Him and He actually brought to my attention that He felt He was behind my kittens, husband and pool. I was crushed and devastated and veryyyy scared for the wrath of God is great and veryyyy real. Thus how my whole journey began....all because I forgot to keep Him in the center of my life. So He urges you NOW like he did that summer day to me....to put Him back in the center of your life....and He will see to it that everything else comes together. Amen!

Matthew 6:33

Thursday, December 9, 2010

I must give a quick shout out to the Lord for His extra blessing this holiday season! I have been adorning my homes with a white flocked Christmas tree for at least 21 years if not more. It has been my tradition and I decorate only in red and white ornaments and beads. A stunner every year. Well we noticed last year the steep in price from years past. A normal 7 foot+ tree, flocked, normally would be around $80. Sounds like alot but for the tree, the stand and the flocking...bargain! Well this year everyone has told me it was not appropriate to get one. Save my money, I can't afford one and inside I kept saying and thinking, "you wanna make a bet?" As my hubby and I headed out for our annual tree pick, we stopped for a quick lunch. He preceded to tell me to not spend so much and to just settle for a green one and I said we could spray paint it ourselves with white snow. My heart was sinking but I was being responsible and was trying to show my husband I could listen to him and agree...the little controller that I am. He could tell I was upset but I was putting on a brave face. We found a super local nursery and pulled in and I went right up to the natural ones in the yard and we found a really full and pretty GREEN Douglas fur. My husband spotted the flocked ones all done up inside the tent and told me to go check them out. Well they were spectacular and full and WHITE and all dolled up and pricier than ever with the average price tagged at $125 plus tax. I just knew it was not right and God would want me to be a good steward of our money so I just stared at their beauty. A kinda crusty man was extremely defensive when I told him how expensive they have gotten and he was taking my comments personally and I continued to explain they were my tradition for over 21 years and I know they have gotten expensive everywhere. My husband told him I was sad because we just could not justify buying one this year. Something happened where he got up and told me to go pick a tree and he would "lightly" flock it for me and not charge me the usual fee nor tax. With that I picked the sweetest Douglas fir all proud on its stand and the man asked if I would like to watch him do it. I stood like a kid at a candy store as my tree twirled on its stand and he proceeded to spray my tree with the most beautiful white flock. I began to cry because God loves me so much that He granted my heart's desire and gave me my traditional flocked tree and all its beautiful white branches for a fraction of the tagged ones. For a tree once green was now a miraculous snow kissed tree all over. I clapped for him when he was done and he smiled and I told him he was my angel and I couldn't thank him enough. So see.....Christmas is a season of miracles....if you only believe! Thank you Jesus!

Psalm 37:4-6

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

It is good to be alone sometimes. I also find it is good for me to focus on someone else other than myself. It keeps my own "things" in perspective and it allows me the opportunity to minister to someone's heart and hurts. So many people are hurting and yet they find they have noone to really talk to. Or they have noone they can really trust. You may have someone who is there for you in some areas and someone there in others but it is a true blessing when you have a friend who you can go to for ALL things. So many people try to relate everything to themselves and I want to say, please just listen to me...I don't want you to fix it, I don't want to hear your stories, I just want to talk it out and get this of my chest. That is how I like to listen to others. It is not healthy to hold things in. I have been accused of being brutally honest and for that I had to learn how to be more tactful or careful in my delivery but I am so not into facades. I am so not into ignoring an obvious situation. You know the old elephant in the room theory....just talk about it. Communication is key to survival and it is key to moving forward. Healthy and honest relationships are what I seek and what I personally cherish most. In this new "stage" of my life, I feel so many cannot relate. And that is okay...they may be thriving at their occupations. Or they may be much younger than me and quite frankly haven't "paid their dues yet"...or they may be working to reach a family goal....college or close to retirement. That is not my case...none of those. I do not have the heavy responsibility of children. Although I would have loved it, God did not choose that path for me. It could be the very reason why God is allowing this to happen to me now. To have the freedom to make choices someone else may not be able to. I truly believe there is a greater and deeper purpose for me and I am enjoying the journey as God reveals it and guides me. I don't have all the answers and what is occurring in my life, may not work for yours. I am scared of the unknown but true faith is obeying and allowing the consequences to Him. I did not choose this path, God did so I anxiously await to see what comes next. Stay warm! and thou shall not judge!! Remember that as you walk through life today.

Ephesians 5: 15-20

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

I like the peacefulness this time of year brings. Especially at night with the lit up houses and neighborhoods. It is a special time of year. I pray for the less fortunate who may not have anyone to celebrate with or a family that doesn't have much. Those are the ones we are to pray for and lift up. It can be very sad for some so it is nice to invite someone to your house for the holidays if you think they may be alone. I remember how much it meant to me when I was living in Georgia all alone at Thanksgiving and someone invited me home with them. So remember the true meaning of Christmas this year. It isn't about the latest trinket or blowing up your credit card while shopping...it is about family, making memories together, cherishing those loved ones and extending oneself to help another. So enjoy this holiday season. Take the time to enjoy the music, the lights, the beauty of your Christmas tree, the decorations, the yummy smelling candles and most of all....the Lord our Saviour, who IS the true reason for this holiday season. Be blessed!

Matthew 1: 18-25

Monday, December 6, 2010

I notice people don't show much compassion for one another. I see it every where I go. Today if you notice someone seems upset, take the time to ask if they are okay. Be an encourager today. We are all so busy with our lives and ourselves that we lose sight of the important things. Noone seems interested in anyone but themselves???? Why is that? It is so sad. And when people are it is a debate on who has it worse. I don't want to compare my life to yours. Why do you insist on doing it to me? I saw a girl visibly upset in church and she cried twice and I could feel her and I started crying and the Lord urged my heart to reach out to her. So I wrote down my number and gave it to her Mom and told her to tell her daughter to call me if she ever needed to talk. The daughter turned around and smiled and I whispered to her that I felt her sadness. With that, I started crying. But you know what? It made me feel so good inside to be an encouragement for her. It made me forget myself and my own circumstances. That moment stayed with me all day and I felt good. M soul felt good. So the next time a friend or family member calls, ask them what is new, ask them how THEY are....make it about someone ELSE today, rather than yourself. I tell you, if we all did that....this world would be a better place and God sure would be smiling. Have a great Monday and be blessed!

Ephesians 5: 8-9

Sunday, December 5, 2010

I have been up since 3am and it has already been a blessed and amazing day and I am less than 4 hours in. I woke up for a minute and checked some emails etc...and looked up some news pages and got an overwhelming feeling of sadness for our circumstances and decided to stay up. I made some coffee and flipped on a lifetime movie. Never slept a wink. My husband knew something must have been wrong and unbeknowst to me he went into a room and prayed for me for half an hour and asked the Lord to restore something very important to me. And asked Him to help us with something we have been praying for. I watched the movie and decided to put on an In Touch lesson by Charles Stanley. It has been saved on my dvr for a month now because I never was able to finish it but it really was because the Lord wanted me to hear His voice THIS exact morning on this EXACT day. I urge you to order the dvd or cd because it was life changing. It turned my mourning into gladness in one short hour. It was called "Obedience Always Brings God's Blessings" and he proceeded to teach me God's blessings are not always material or physical but emotional. When we obey Him, he blesses us with peace, joy, contentment. Our suffering is to draw us closer to Him, to have a greater understanding for Jesus, to demonstrate to others how to handle adversity and suffering. He then showed a beautiful drawing of a tree lined pathway and it illustrated God's path for us. He said that the path chosen by God is perfect and all blessing to the max. For it is the greatest life path of all. I cried so much because it was God's voice speaking to me through CS. It wasn't CS's words...he was merely the vessel God used. I felt His presence in that room, I heard his words, His comforting to me. I then felt all my fear, sadness, emptiness...disappear. It was then my husband knelt at my knees to tell me he prayed for me and my mind. That God would bring restoration to our lives and quiet my mind and restore peace to my heart. And God did at that very moment and I feel restored and renewed. For I know I heard God's voice that day on July 5th and I know that all things will work together for good for me and for my family because we love the Lord. I believe it....I know it.

Romans 8:28

Saturday, December 4, 2010

God doesn't comfort us to make us comfortable; He comforts us to make us comforters. I really am learning that. I am really being shown by God that my current trials are not even about me, they are about YOU. Helping other people. The difficult circumstances we may face are to teach us how to be compassionate to another human being. I know what it is like to feel under appreciated at work. To be resented for the amount of money I made. To be hated on because I appeared to have so much. My husband and I know the struggles one has with substance abuse or he with alcohol abuse. We both know what it is like to be bound by smoking and nicotine. I know! And God has had me endure these things so I could help minister to the next person. I am praying and believing for a remarkable miracle so I can shout from the rooftops what God can do for you. I was talking to a sweet woman from church and was telling her that I picture myself writing a testimonial letter to my pastor and having it read to the congregation. I picture one day me copying that letter to this very blog. I cannot wait to share what God is doing and has done for us. And all of it will be for that very purpose....to glorify Him and to make that person Believe and Commit their life to Christ. God uses us as His instruments to help spread His name. That is why people should not exclaim, "Why me God?" but say, "Thank you God for using me...for I know this will all have a greater purpose that what I can see now". It is very difficult to do, I know. I sometimes wail on the couch and cry so hard it hurts. But I never once get angry at God for what I am going through. I in all things thank Him for I know this all will be revealed and it will help me serve better. This all will only strengthen my walk, my testimony and my faith. So today remember to comfort someone. To put someone before yourself. To check your own selfishness and leave it to God. For we can go further together than we can alone.

Our daily bread December-January-February 2010/2011 issue was the place I found both bolded messages.

Psalm 23

Friday, December, 2010

Count all things joy. Don't let anyone steal your joy. Turn your anger into joy. Turn your sadness into joy. Be JOYful today. I find that when I say these things, joy appears. We must all be grateful today for something. A roof over our heads, a dependable car, a stable income/job, good health, utilities bills are current, child is doing well in school, the boss likes you, good friends, a family that supports you, a good neighbor, a short commute, a small booming business, being your own boss, a great church, good workout routine, nice clothes, store sale, first parking spot, a stranger let you in front of them, a woman shared a beauty secret..I mean the Lord is involved in all our life details, big and small. Be thankful and be grateful.....and count all things joy.

James 1:12

Thursday, December 2, 2010

I am "claiming" a miracle in Jesus' name. After hearing the message Sunday I cried out to God and asked Him to unleash his supernatural power unto our lives. I asked Him to do for us what He was able to do for GCCC. I feel very blessed to be back in church after the "wasted" years I missed. Because I choose not to live in regret, I look back on those Sundays I was not in church and I count them all joy. For it is now that I appreciate my Sundays all the more. I wake up bright and early. I am in by 8:30 to help check in all the 3 year olds so the parents can worship at 9am. I am in love with those children and when I hear, "Miss Cindy"....violins in my heart. I tell them and their parents that I will be stalking their kids when they move to the 4 year old class because I love them so much. I had to say goodbye to Calleigh and little Andrew. It makes me so sad because I want them to stay with us 4ever. But like Laurie said that is the blessing....that we get to meet so many children and then watch them grow. :-) and :-( . Just a shout out to them all....my buddy Jazzy of course who likes to keep my necklaces each week. Olivia who is special to me because she helps out and protects me from all the boys. Gary who has grown so brave and enters through the front barn door now. Aiden, aw my little Aiden. Can't leave out Gabe....so cute and so lovey!! Cossette and her ballet moves. Emma who is coming out of her shell....thanks Emma for all those delicious lego breakfasts you have made me. My precious Joseph who sometimes is a big boy and sometimes is my baby. I love you all and pray for each and every one of you. My precious angels! So God is amazing and has welcomed me back with open arms and not only have I met some amazing women through GCCC, I have "adopted" in my heart about a dozen or so little tots. And I cannot forget how blessed I am to be with Mr. Jerry, Miss Britney and Miss Laurie each week....we are the team! So thank you GCCC for being so awesome and even better than I remember with Pastor Brent rocking the house each week and Pastor Bruce for being so kind and welcoming to us. Actually all the pastors...they love Christian! It is there C and I are happiest. It is there C and I are at our most vulnerable. It is there that we are in the presence of God. May you all find your happy place too....it is good for the soul. Trust someone who has been in and who has been out.....and there is nothing better than being "in" church. Have a blessed Thursday...

1Corinthians 12: 12-31

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

New day, new month. Yesterday was the 5 year anniversary of my Dad's passing and I would like to think I had a special angel with me. I was his baby and he affectionately called me "Cynthie". Love you Daddy. "Your" tree is up and displayed proudly in the foyer. It reminds me to keep things simple this holiday season. I usually do the big white real flocked Christmas tree with all red/white ornaments and trimmings but I am undecided about it this season. I won't have my usual employee Christmas party and all their winter birthdays to buy for so gift giving will be super light this year. I won't be exchanging with my entire family anymore so this holiday season will be different but you know what? I feel free and light about it. I don't have the stress of lists and who is getting what and who is buying for who. I used to do all my Mom's shopping for her but I asked my brother to do it this year and my sister will buy for the grandchildren. I just am not up for it. Gift giving and excessive spending is a part of my past. It was the very first lesson God taught me and the very first command he had for me. Remember my 40 days/40 dinners back in July? Well the practice holds true today. No more excess spending. Not on food, not on me, not on others. That doesn't mean we are not going to be a part of this holiday season. No way. My house looks like a magical Christmas wonderland. It lights up at night and looks just beautiful. I sit and watch the fire and lights for hours with my kitties curled up on their blanket next to me. It is there that I share my most intimate conversations with God. It is there that I declare my love and hope in Him. He reminds me not that He can, but that He will. And that is the true definition of faith. He asked me yesterday why was I so downcast? I just told Him I was sad and scared of the unknown and it is there alone that He told me to hold on to my faith and He will do all things. Thank you Lord. Thank you for your promises. Thank you for always being there for me and assuring me to not fear for you are with me. I believe you. So as you told me the true act of faith is planting a seed and waiting........AND BELIEVING! Amen. Have a safe commute this rainy day.

Isaiah 41:10

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Do you ever stop and reflect on the last day of a month and look back and see all that has transpired? We all do it at the end of the year but do we do it monthly? I know I do now because everything in my life is more precious to me and I hang on to every detail. I am much more aware and much more in touch with my daily walk. I used to be so busy and always agitated because I felt rushed all the time. I felt like people on the road were so selfish and erratic in their driving. This time of year especially because of the added "hustle and bustle" with Christmas shopping on top of every one's daily routines. So I am much more still and much more quiet. I hear all the time people saying they are "so busy" and I nod because I too was like that. Too busy to call someone to say a quick hi. Too busy to stop and help someone because I was too busy getting off to work or leaving work. Too late to let someone pull out in front of me because I needed to be somewhere by a certain time. Jamming my entire life into 2 days off. Just crazy. So I must say for me, all the sacrifices I currently have to make are all worth the stillness and quietness I get to experience each day of my life. I no longer am too busy to talk or to write someone. I am no longer too busy to help someone. I am a different person now. I love reading and hearing testimonies from everyone that reads the blog each day. I love meeting new people that read it(loved meeting you Ed and Diane). When someone tells me my journey has helped them or taught them something, then I say to the Lord, use me anytime. If I can be of any use to Him and be some sort of tiny vessel for Him than I say, "You got it Lord". So for me? My life has completely changed. So do I look back and reflect each month? You betcha for the Lord is so good and so amazing and He has been so good to me. I just love Him and I thank Him for giving me back life. I pray you all can carve out a little time for yourself today. To just be still and see all that the Lord has done for you. Have a great and blessed Tuesday!

Proverbs 9: 10-11

Monday, November 29, 2010

I was taught many many years ago to ask God to show me or in other words "to unmask" people's hearts and intentions to me. I asked Him to reveal to me people and their hearts and he has now for over 10 years. I can meet you, hold your hand and talk with you and just know whether or not your heart is black or not of genuine intent. It has been hard because I cannot shut it off now and sometimes I just want to. But the Lord has provided me and entrusted me with a very powerful "gift" and I must guard it and utilize it. I say "gift" because it is not a written gift of the spirit but my husband views it as a gift of discernment. So however it is described properly, God has blessed me with it. I am saddened everyday by people and how they say one thing but act another. I do not like dramatic people, liars, the "victim" or martyr, the blame gamers....I just do not have the tolerance for it. I am about truth, honesty, loyalty, bluntness even if it stings for a minute. But at least when you walk away from a conversation with me you know where I stand with myself and with you. I hold nothing back in untruths and will tell you if you are wrong or not being nice. I recently was accused of something so ridiculous and the Lord simply told me to stand firm on my foundation and speak truth and I did just that without any reservation. The person knew they were wrong and trying to play some sort of game with me and I simply dealt with the issue at hand, not the accusation and I moved on. It is how God wants us to be. Peacemakers? Yes. But doormats to others? Absolutely not. So always stay true to God first and foremost and His word. And if someone is acting a way or making you feel a certain way and it does not go along with God and His words, than walk 10 steps back and turn around and keep praying for them....but keep right on walking. You spiritual walk is much too important to you for it to be tainted by anyone's poisonous darts, whether it be their words or their actions. And always remember to recite Isaiah 54:17 and you will be just fine. Amen and amen.

Matthew 5: 9

Sunday, November 28, 2010

I will tell you that these words written each day are not from me. I pray each and every day for God to speak through me and He does. I know the words are comforting and encouraging to many and what is so amazing to me? They minister back to my heart too. That is how you know the blog is not of me. Yesterday was a very tough day for my family and I and I must say, it was difficult to praise anything or anyone. But I did and I woke up early this morning and made my morning coffee and sat alone in the dark with my hand up to God and I thanked Him and praised Him for all He has done for me. I asked Him to bestow His power on our lives as He promised He would and I asked Him to help us through these very scary and difficult times. I just cried out to Him and told Him I trusted Him and that I know, I KNOW, all things will work together for good. That when we obey the Lord when He speaks, we are blessed. I felt instant peace and I felt like a rock on my back was removed. The banging on my forehead in the way of a migraine disappeared and I saw the only star in the sky called, "The Morning Star" and C told me it is written in the bible that it is God. It was as if the star was shining right over me and my house. My haven, my fortress in times of trouble. This home is a place where people come when they are down hearted and broken and leave joyful and whole so I lift this home up to the Lord and I ask that He bless it and protect it from this world. Let no weapon formed against my husband or I prosper. Amen!

Revelation 22:16

Saturday, November 27, 2010

I give this time to you Lord. To magnify you and to honor you. I know even when life is hard and when I feel defeated, you are there. When the world seems to be bigger than me and seems to want to eat me up, I know you are there lifting me up above them all. So if you have ever felt like me, simply bow down before the Lord without hesitation and without reservation because He is there for us. Heaven is His throne and this earth is His foot stool so we must remind ourselves that we are not of this world and I believe it is the very reason why we are so challenged. But I only allow myself a short time to think that way before I say, "I am a child of God and His favour is on my life and His presence is in my life so I will overcome". It is the only way to think and pray. God will never give us more than what we can handle. We have all heard that saying but it really is true. And I know that when we do feel beaten down, it is then that we must pray even more. We must sing and play our worship music louder than ever and we must praise God at the top of our lungs for all He has done. This will give you enormous power over the enemy and you will feel better....truly. So please hold on and don't give up. We are all challenged in our life at some point or another. Just know we are in this together. You are not alone. And please always remember there is always a rainbow after the rain.

Psalm 46

Friday, November 26, 2010

You know what I find so funny about a non believer? How they ask us questions about our faith or about God and we try and answer them as best as we can and it turns into some sort of debate. Or heated discussion. Or defensive sides. And I find it so sad because men are arguing whether Jesus is real and all He wants is for the world to know Him and people reject Him or denounce Him or deny Him. And then the same person tries to set us up with a "trick question" or complicated question like we are experts with theology degrees. I love the Lord and all I ever want to do is share Him and His life with others so they too can learn a life of joy and peace. But instead the doubting thomas wants to be antagonistic with me and try to twist my testimony or find "holes" in it when there is no "hole" to be found. They attack us so when we defend ourselves we are then made to look like the bad guy or the hypocrite. So they get to be the victim and I am the one in the wrong. But you know what? I understand and I love anyway and I pray anyway. I am quite aware that the enemy loves this and wants people to deny God so their souls remains with him and that is what makes me not give up on the doubter. I will be honest when I say I am not going to argue with you or find myself in the corner where I have to explain every action or line in the bible. I will not allow anyone to do that to me or to the Lord. So if you doubt God, or have questions about gay people, divorce, living in sin, money, the starving children in Africa or all the other debatable subjects, I say this.....seek God and His counsel and He will answer them all for you. In Jesus' name I pray this. Have a great weekend.

John 12: 44-50

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Today my husband and I drank our coffee together in the morning sun and reflected over this past year. We exchanged back and forth our testimonies of blessings from January to present. We wanted to simply reflect and thank God for each and every single blessing He has bestowed upon us. It took alittle while for this has been a life changing, life altering year for us. So I encourage you and your family and loved ones to do the same. Just be still together as a family and reflect on all the good God has brought and has done for you this past year. It will bring joy, contentment and a sense of peace you might not other wise have this holiday morning. This is great to do whether you are the traveler, the hostess/host or cook today. It will keep it all in perspective. So for today I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. May it be everything you want it to be....quiet and peaceful or loud and crazy with tonss of family/friends around. I lift you all up in prayer today and ask the Lord to bless you and keep you this holiday season and always remember that God loves you so much and He is thankful for you today! Love to all!

Colossians 3:17

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Wow today is Thanksgiving "eve" so to speak. I have my turkey thawing and my bread staling. I thank the Lord for this holiday and the time it gives me to simply thank Him for all He has done in my life and the lives of my loved ones. It has been a long year to reflect with soooo many answered prayers and blessings. I am forever thankful and grateful and if I repeat that alot, I apologize but if you only knew what a difference a year makes. Just so in awe of God and all He has done for me. I am truly filled with pure gratitude and pure contentment and THAT is a gift in itself. So many people suffer from depression during the holidays and so many people dislike this time of year for an array of reasons and I truly understand for I was there. I love the holidays but I would be untruthful if I said they have all been pure love and joy because they haven't been. So if you are hurting or sad or lonely, I understand. Please seek God and simply ask Him for a sense of purpose and peace this holiday season and He will grant you. Make your sorrows known to God and ask Him to grant you joy and happiness and He can and He will. I know it sounds trite and it may sound easier said than done but we have all been there. We have all been in a place of darkness and sadness to the point where you want to just stay in bed and sleep it all away. But the problem is that until you do something about it, the sadness and dark hole will be waiting for you when you wake up. It needs to be healed and removed from your life. So I encourage you to make that step into the light. Make your petition known to Him and I promise you, I promise you, He will help you find your peace again. Happy happy Thanksgiving!

Proverbs 8: 32-36

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Put God in the center and everything will come together. That is all he calls upon me to do. I keep Him in the middle of it all....my marriage, my home, my decisions, my life. It has made such a difference for me. I came to the realization that so many scriptures told me to not worry. To not fear. To not be anxious for anything. I realized how awesome those words were in this world and all that surrounds us each day. Those promises have served much comfort to me and I truly am meditating on them. I try to give each and every circumstance willingly and freely to God. I never was a worry wart or fear freak but everyone gets scared or worried about something and to know that I don't have to go it alone and I don't even have to handle it or stress about it has been a life changer for me. I still say I could get totally freaked now with my current circumstances but I choose God and I choose to believe that He has it all under control and He will bless me and protect me for my obedience and honor to Him. It is what I feel. It is what I believe. It is what know. Amen and amen!

Isaiah 41:10

Monday, November 22, 2010

To plant a seed and to wait is to believe. To just be still and know that God is God and He is in control of every situation. He knows our needs and He knows our desires. I think this is one of the hardest things for a believer to do....to wait and do nothing. I was talking with God this morning and I was telling him I was nervous about something and what should I do and His voice gently, but firmly spoke to my heart and said, "Be still". And I know that He is continuing to allow these things to come up because He is trying to teach me to be still and utterly dependent on Him and wait upon His timely answers. I just feel like I should be doing something to help. Not sit like a lame duck with a target on my forehead. And yet I don't like when people say, "God only helps those that help themselves" because it isn't true. It is a direct contradiction to God's word of Psalm 46:10 but I understand that mindset. But it is not in the bible. Yes, God teaches us early on to work and labor and to not be lazy. But if He only helped those that helped themselves than we would be taking credit for what He has done. Man would get involved in the process and taint the testimony so I think the meaning got twisted....of course when man is involved, things always become twisted. But we are to wait upon Him and He will direct our paths and guide us through the process. So we do become involved but after His instruction. That is the difference. If we did it ourselves, than there would no need for God. Make sense? It is all something we can all learn to do better....trust God and know He is in control of evey situation, even when it appears that nothing is happening or changing. It will all work together for those that love the Lord. So for me today....I am going to trust Him and wait.

Romans 8:28

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Sunday is my favorite day of the week. I slept 12 hours and was ready for the kids and church. One of my little ones was sick and clingy (lots of hand sanitizer for me!) while the others were just fun using me as their personal jungle gym. The message in church confirmed what I always say to do..guard yourself at all times against the enemy. Keep your mind alert and your heart straight and read the bible each and everyday. I think we all could do a better job with that. I see my husband every morning at the dining room table reading his. His bible is prestine....not a mark or folded page. Mine has highlights and pen all throughout. Everyone studies differently. I like to sit in the living room with just the dim light of my candle reflecting on what God has done. I like to pray and seek His counsel and just praise Him for all he has done for me. He has given me back my life. My freedom. I still pinch myself I am in church next to my husband praising and worshiping God and not on a highway somewhere headed to a deadend life/job. I would lie if I said it has been easy financially since my decision to leave. But I trust God to do great and mighty things for us because of our obedience and faithfulness. He has done so much already for which I am so blessed and grateful that the rest will come. He is the God of miracles and I have witnessed so much in what He has done in my life and the life of my husband. So my future is in His hands and I entrust it to Him. Amen!

1 Corinthian 1:9

Saturday, November 20, 2010

God never sleeps, God never slumbers. Cast your cares on Him for He is always awake. He wants us to surrender it all to Him so we can rest in His love. I believe this promise and I know it to be true. Life is so hard and can really beat you down. People sometimes don't even realize when they are being used by the enemy to discourage us or defeat us. But we are never to feel this way for the Lord is fighting our battles each and every day in each and every way. Be anxious for nothing. The battle is the Lord's. But that doesn't mean we aren't to be the light in the darkness. When you are out and about, smile to a stranger. Hold the door open for that person. Let someone out in front of you in traffic instead of speeding up to block them. Be the encourager. Draw people to you because of your kindness. Because of your light. Because of your uniqueness. Isn't it silly to ponder the thought that when someone is nice to you, you actually question "why are you being so nice?". C hands out free cd's of his father's praise and worship album and people ask him why is he doing it. I respond always when he cannot hear them, "He wants to spread the word of God and he cherished his father's music. Just spreading the love. " It is then people walk away saying it is so nice. I marvel at how C's kind ways are looked upon as odd and suspect. The world has definitely changed and has gotten alittle skeptical. But instead of C becoming like the world and their mindset, his belief is to be the influence. And I challenge you to do the same today. And watch and see the difference you can make too. Be blessed!

John 15: 19

Friday, November 19, 2010

I believe in Jesus and Jesus believes in me. I learned recently that when God opens up doors of opportunity for us, expect the adversaries to come. Ever experience that? I have for sure. I experienced nothing but it for years at my workplace. The more successful I became, the more "hated" I was. When C and I were dating and he was at his top level of sales success, we were the target everyday of the office banter. How much money we were making. I was in shock when I heard anyone even cared about us. I was questioned on numerous occasions how it felt to be independently wealthy. People questioned how we were able to build our home with so many upgrades etc...just crazy crazy talk. The talk is the same today only in a different setting. How can they afford their lifestyle without her high salary? Again crazy talk? No, it is now that I know and understand it as an opportunity to give glory and honor to God. That is how we do it. But hear me when I say that these adversaries are not always who you think they are. They could come as a friend, co-worker, even a family member. People think it automatically means "a well known obvious enemy" and it does not. That is why you must wear your armor of God each and everyday and pray and ask that the Lord protect you. I prayed religiously, "let know weapon formed against me prosper" before each work day and I believe with all my heart that the Lord whispered to me to leave because something was going to happen. I feel it, I know it. You don't just leave your job post after 21 years of success without a supreme divine intervention. I thank the Lord everyday for protecting me against all my enemies and adversaries. It is sad and scary but you all better believe and know that satan is real and his team is real and we live in a world of real spiritual warfare and we must battle until we are called to heaven. Just believe in Jesus and know with all your heart that He also believes in you.

Deuteronomy 20: 1-4

Thursday, November 18, 2010

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall not run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.

In the darkness and stillness of my living room, I vowed to the Lord that I would wait upon Him. I would stay behind and move upon His spirit and be attentive to His word. This is very new and hard for me and even now we have a pressing matter that I would love to just deal with. But I am going to meditate on Isaiah 40:31 and wait upon the Lord and when He tells me to jump on it, I shall. For His timing is perfect and He will direct me in the way I should go. Until then, be still and know that I am God.

Isaiah 40:31

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Today looks like the perfect Fall day. Leaves everywhere. Yet going to be in the 60's. Nice. Well I always look forward to my visits with V Mae so she is on her way today. Her friendship has been a blessing. I am anxious for my first Thanksgiving hosting and cooking duties. God blessed us with a free turkey at the supermarket so I picked the biggest I could find. I pray I can do my Mom's dinner like her. I hope I can do her proud. Stuffing and all. My cup runneth over with gratitude to be home at this time. This is all new to me so I am experiencing so much. I cannot wait to decorate and bake and make candy..the whole nine yards! I felt the Lord's presence with me so strong yesterday and His spirit was upon me and I said right in the kitchen, "Lord, I feel your presence. I know you are here. " With that I look up and in my kitchen is a devotional placque that read in part...may you feel my presence in your life. And with that He spoke to my heart and told me he loved my love letter to Him. And someone wants to debate to me that the Lord does not exist? I beg to differ and I think that is why C and I are so anxious to share His word. Some people view it as strong, but we view it as enthusiastic. But I understand people and their fears and concerns. That is something they will have to deal with I guess. All we can do is share the gospel through our stories and our joy. But as for this household? We will serve and honor the Lord. Amen.

Joshua 24:15

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Dear God,

Today I just wanted to write to you to say thank you and to let you know how forever grateful I am to you. For through your love for me, you have given me back my life. I will never be able to express to you how deep my love for you is. But I sure am going to try. I thank you for your love. I thank you for your mercy. I thank you for your favour. I thank you for your never ending gift of grace. I thank you for loving me despite all my transgressions. I thank you for always being there right at my side no matter what I was doing or where I was because you loved me that much. I thank you for drawing me back to you. This has been the journey of my life and having you in the center of it all-makes it all the more special. I honor you. I worship you. I bow down to you. You are the best. You are my everything. And I love you, Lord.

Love,

Cynthia

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Lord three times this week has brought a scripture to my husband and I. It is from the book of Numbers and verses 6:24-26. It is where they speak of the priestly blessing. At the end of a long work day, C was cleaning up some things and noticed someone had left behind a box and he went to take it to the trash and inside was a paper organizer for files and C noticed its weight. Inside was a beautiful gold mirror/frame with the Numbers 6:24-26 scripture inside and I told C that God was with us and blessing us. 2 days later we were at my brother's and we were sharing with him the same neat story and I could not remember the scripture in its entirety and C looks up and sees the exact scripture displayed prominently on my brother's bureau in a frame as well.... hmm... and yesterday Pastor Bob gave us the benediction, which is your prayer or blessing for the upcoming week and is usually cited at the end of a worship service. What do you propose it was? You got it...Numbers 6:24-26 and it is as beautiful and comforting to hear the third time as the first.

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."

Sunday, November 14, 2010

I just wanted to elaborate from yesterday. This is how we have learned in our studies to explain it.

Eternal life is a free gift. We cannot earn it. So, why can't we earn eternal life? There is a problem called sin. We cannot solve it. There must be a completely different way...God's way. God is love. God is just. God solved this problem in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ is both 100% God and 100% man. He died, on the cross for our sins. He rose from the dead to overcome death. He paid the price for our sinful nature and purchased a place for us to dwell with Him in heaven. This gift is received by faith. Faith is not just a head belief. Faith is trusting in Christ alone.

John 3: 16

Saturday, November 13, 2010

This blog is dedicated today to the non believer. And I use that term loosely because I believe that many believe God is real but they have not asked Him into their heart and asked Him to be their Lord and savior. That is when you are "saved", meaning your life will now be eternal and no longer doomed for eternal flames. It is that simple. When you confess Jesus as your savior, and acknowledge his death on the cross was so we could have eternal life and you ask Him into your heart, you are saved. And your life will never be the same. I hear from people who say they are scared to do it. They say they see so many "Christians" who are hypocrites and it turns them off or people who represent God in a negative way. People think churches seek nothing more than your wallets. And to them I say, "you may be right in all those examples but they are all man, they are not God." God will never disappoint, leave you, forget you or betray you. Life may disappoint you or beat you up but God never will. Everyone else will hurt, lie, and even betray you at same point. Guaranteed. But not God. Never. Seek His face. Seek His kingdom. Seek His counsel. I will stand with you in prayer and believe you will do it today.

Nahum 1:7

Friday, November 12, 2010

Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the rock eternal. Can I get an amen? I have told you before that I used to sit down at the kitchen table with a yellow pad and write "God willing" at the top and each week's paydate along with the bills to pay each week. I obsessed over it. Even though I was writing" God willing" at the top, I still wasn't seeking Him and what He would have me do. He spoke to my heart and told me to stop it altogether, cold turkey and He would decide then provide. The girl with the check book register front and center in my wallet. No more. I keep it upstairs in the office and it is not something I look at much at all. I enter the bills we have paid and check them as they are cashed and that is it. I keep tabs online for I am responsible for this household . My husband calls me "the treasurer" and quite frankly, I am. God shows me what to pay and in what order and how. He has been amazing. I marvel at the difference in what our take home pay was before to now and yet He has provided. I cannot even begin to share all the circumstances in which He has provided. The key is to work, tithe and budget. We work together now, we tithe every penny between 3 churches and we budget. My 40 days/40 dinners is something we still practice to this day. I do not shop in excess and I plan meals based on what is in the fridge and pantry before I go buying more. My food bills never pass $50 at any time now vs. the $150 easily dropped in the past. God showed me so clearly early on this venture that although I made alot and took home alot each week, I spent alot. So simply cutting out the monthly $400 commuting, the monthly $400 extra food money, the extra car payment and monthly insurance for the extra vehicle....HUGE savings. We also did our part and let's not forget the true miracle (which was 3 months yesterday) of C quitting smoking, which was a $10 daily habit. Another $300 saved a month. We cut back our weekly $100 dinners out, our premier cable channels and kept one, instead of 6. Isn't it absolutely crazy how easy it is to cut out things in order to live your heart's desire? I know a new mom who made the decision to be a stay home mom and simply cut out manis/pedis, hightlights and Starbucks in order to do her part. That is God's diligence and it is very pleasing to Him. People who make life changing decisions when they are led by God and pleasing by God are sanctified and blessed. Now to some people who still think I was irresponsible or overly emotional in leaving my handsome paying position....to them I say what God said to Peter in the water,.."Ye such little faith". This is MY journey, MY life, MY walk with God...it may not be yours. That is what is so amazing about God. To He I say, thank you Lord for loving me so much you brought me back to you!

Isaiah 26:4

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Happy Veteran's Day. My Daddy was in WWII so today I give a shout out to my father in heaven. Well today I can happily share a praise report....my brother's cat has returned home. After 4 full days away, he returned this morning safe and sound so thank you Lord for answering our prayers. To some, a pet is just an animal, but to us...a pet is a part of the family, like a child. So amen for answered prayers! What I know about God is if it matters to us, it matters to God. When we hurt, he hurts so He will always be there for us. Some people have a hard time praying for small things because they think it is trivial and we shouldn't bother God with them. Just like some people don't believe in asking God for a material thing or money. I know that God knows your heart and your intent. When you seek Him and ask Him through a righteous prayer, your petition is heard. And if it is within His will, your prayer will be answered. So if you are hurting or troubled about something, ask God to help you. The bible says in 1 Peter 5:7, cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." The scripture doesn't say cast some, but all. If you are hurting, seek God. Whether your request is big or small. He will guide, direct and help you. Believe it or not, He will even grant you peace that surpasses all earthly understanding.

1 Peter 5:7

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

I need to stop putting myself ahead of God. I did it again with something and another lesson had to be taught. When will I stop repeating the same thing over and over? Anytime something happens I always assess myself first. I ask myself, did I cause this? Am I doing something out of the will of God? Is there a lesson here? I would be lying if I said yesterday was a great day. I was angry, feeling sorry for myself and questioning a lot of things. I think God understands and it is okay to get mad. My poor brother's cat got out and has been missing for 48 hours and I feel so bad for him. It makes you ask, Why God? Why me? I am a good person, I do right. Why can't this happen to some scumbag that is always cheating on something or someone. Natural to feel this way? I think so but only for an instant. God simply wants us to trust Him at all times with ALL things. He does not promise us a perfect world and a perfect life. I think we struggle more than others here on this earth. But I had to really stop and ask God why something happened to me and He revealed at the end of the day in my dark room all alone that I keep getting ahead of Him. He will continue to stop me anyway He can until I surrender all to Him. I keep saying I have but He has shown an area of my life where I continue to lead. I also need to stop spending like I used to. To be in any kind of debt is a life not managed so God has once again stepped in and asked me to give it all to Him. And His way was yesterday's minor incident. So as long as I continue to grow and learn and just slowwwwwwwwwwwww down, I think I can do this. In Jesus' name.

Please say a prayer my bro's cat returns home safely and soundly. Thanks! :-)

Psalm 16: 5-11

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. No matter what your circumstances may be. No matter what people say. He will get you through to the other side. It will bring you peace that surpasses all understanding and He will help you. Like the story where Peter was out of the boat and sinking in the water. Jesus was there on the water and told him to place his eyes on Him and he would not sink and he didn't. When Peter looked around him and saw he was in the water, he began to sink from fear and he was overwhelmed by his situation and circumstance. Jesus cried out to him what little faith he had. God knows we face those same situations and fears now and it is not always easy to be still and do nothing except wait. But we are to have faith. We get anxious and need to know something right now. We need answers, movement but God works in His time and we are to wait upon Him and all will work out according to His good. So whatever it is you are facing today, God loves you and wants you and your life and your circumstances. So have the faith today. So trust Him for He will be there with you all the way. I hope that will find comfort for you today. Be blessed!

Matthew 14: 22-36

Monday, November 8, 2010

In my devotions I read this morning that God does not want us to waste any time trying to analyze Him or figure out why things happen the way they do. He wants us to just submit ourselves to Him and trust Him to handle the rest. Like Pastor Brent says, don't be selfish with your needs, give them to Him. I am absolutely doing just that. I have controlled too much for too long. As for me and this house? We are submissive 100% to God and He makes all decisions for us now and for the future. I feel free. I feel at peace. I feel light as a feather. No more heavy laden with the burden of what to do, what to pay, what to decide. He has it all in the palm of His hands. I simply give each of my days to Him and I thank Him for the them. I feel blessed and happy and I let Him know my gratitude. I then give Him the day ahead and I ask that He be the maker of all divine appointments for me and that He allow those in to my paths that need to be. Even when C and I work the flea markets, you would be shocked at all the believers that come in and all the people we talk with and share the gospel with. C hands out free cd's of his father's 1992 album he recorded and we made labels of the playlist and nice colored sleeves and we know people are being blessed. I always set up a spiritual table and it is our biggest seller. I tell them each that they will be blessed and we want to spread the gospel. It really is amazing. Danny was visting us one day and he stood next to me as people were handing me bills, standing in line to pay. One man gave me more than the price and when I told him he gave me too much, he told me to keep it. Who does that? When does that happen? Only when God is at the helm. We are in His presence and in His divine glory so we are forever serving and spreading His word to all. We are so amazed at how our days are so much more than making some extra cash. People comment and come back and see us week after week and buy more and more. Once sweet woman said, "I hope to see you both again and if not now, I will see you in heaven." God is awesome, isn't he?

Philippians 4:19

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Does everyone else see that it is not even 5:30 and it is dark out? The seasons have changed. I love it and to be honest? As long as I don't have to drive in the snow, I don't mind winter this year either. Well the kids were so cute this am and I had like 4 of them hanging all over me and holding my hands. No wonder I keep catching colds!! But they are pure joy. I loved church and the message and Pastor Gary said some things I just wrote about in my blog. We are the light in this dark world. We are to choose. We cannot serve 2 worlds. We cannot coast through our Christian walk down the center path. We are to the left or to the right. No middle ground...no playing 2 sides to the middle. He also told us to be on guard for we will never win any battles in the secular world for we are fighting in the flesh. We need to stay in our spiritual world. We do that by reading the word, praying earnestly and with reverance and with all our hearts and committment. And keeping our armour of God on. Praying over and over for something we desperately need. Short prayers in cases like this are not enough. We are to seek His counsel. It all hit home and the music....just a nice day all around. I was able to dance with the kids in the chapel and able to continue in my own service. For tonight though....I am in my pj's resting and rejuvenating myself for a busy prosperous week ahead. Thank you Lord for the opportunities you have presented to me and the presence of you in my life. You are awesome in my sight and I surrender all!

Ephesians 1:3

Saturday, November 6, 2010

It is amazing to me how the Lord has created a living for C and I. We call it all "pennies from heaven". We are free to explore all venues, opportunities and we are being guided by the Lord. To be able to cook as a living first and foremost is a blessing and words cannot describe the joy that it brings me. The sore feet from standing or back aches are worth every morsel of food prepared. I love it and love to hear back that people enjoyed it and it was a success. So thank you to all who have blessed me with the opportunity to cook for you. :-) It is all made with love and a special appreciation to my Father in heaven. And my tithes are always given so He knows I appreciate all He has blessed me with. I was talking to my brother last night after I finally crashed on the couch after a longgg work day and he was trying to articulate his anger and sadness for me and any struggles I may be having with having left my job and the new financial struggles I sometimes have now that never were an issue before . And I found myself comforting him and I simply told him I was happy and fine and at most peace now. He said he knew and that he was inspired by my attitude and I thought later that if I could help him in any small way through this, than it is worth it. To be able to set an example for someone so they too will be able to see the light in a dark situation because they watched me go through it first, than I will be that example. When you ask God to use you in ALL situations, He will and DOES! So all is well. If you ever are angry at my former employers for the way they treated me,than pray for them. If you get scared or sad for me, pray for me. God works everything out for His goodness and purpose and I will be fine. No worries.

"God is Great!"- Cindy Jacobs

Friday, November 5, 2010

May I just say that the Lord is amazing!!! My new 40 day cycle has begun and I feel God is moving...fast this time. Other cycles were like molasses dripping our of a jar...slowly! This is a quick one for sure and He is revealing and moving mountains for me. Praise God. Well I just want to give Him a shout out for His faithfulness in allowing me to leave a place of employment that no longer served a healthy purpose for me and yet blessed me with 3 beautiful, strong and remarkable women! To walk way from a job and have been able to keep any relationship is incredible, let alone 3. He has not made me live 1 day in regret or sorrow. All I feel is joy for removing me from a terrible situation. The only light of my job were the women I worked with and the memories and bonds we formed. To see now they were all genuine and real is the greatest blessing for me. I have one on her way now to spend the day with me. The other called this am and we talked for 2 hours and my 3rd chickie monkey will be up later this month to celebrate her birthday with us. So God is great! I am forever grateful for these women. They are my true sisters. That is how strong the bond I feel with each and everyone of them. So I am happy and life is great, God is great and I pray you all feel the same! Happy 18th to Danny too! See you soon!! XOXO

Matthew 7:7

Thursday, November 4, 2010

When God rains His blessings on you, you will be blessed with more than enough so that you can be a blessing to others.

When you let go and let God, you will see Him bless you supernaturally, abundantly and generously.

God treats you the way you treat others.

God treats others the way they treat you.

All it takes to see a miracle are eyes of faith.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

We are believing in a miracle today. Pray with us that the Lord will grant us enormous favor that surpasses all understanding. That nothing is impossible with God and He will grant us our heart's desires. In Jesus' name we pray and believe.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

I would like to share a conversation I had with a friend who is struggling with anger issues. I explained to her that when we have faults and we all do or weaknesses in our lives, the enemy will use them as weapons against us. In her case, she has anger issues and it is her biggest stronghold. When she gets angry, she gets angry. I helped her understand and recognize the force behind the anger and it is simple...it is the enemy using her inequity against herself. If someone is struggling with alcohol or nictoine or drugs or in my case, food, the enemy will use them to tempt us to sin or fall. He hates God and hates us for we are God's children and therefore he spends his life trying to hurt us. So I try for myself to recognize it and rejoice because it simply means I am blessed and one with God and he hates it. The closer we are with God, the more he will press us. So when we are being attacked, rejoice because we are living right and are obedient and it is trying to dissuade us. Anytime you are feeling attacked, stop! Identify it and pray. This is how I advised my friend. If her life has been changed by her new faith in God and her biggest weakness or stronghold is her anger than it will be easy to identify when satan comes. If she feels rage or anger and it is out of control and really without merit, I told her to know first hand it is not of God and it is of the enemy so to know that:

Your inequity (example anger)=satan=recognition=overcoming=Through Prayer.

The next time you feel tempted by your inequities, stop and use this tool to overcome and rebuke and you will find amazing peace and you will know you are in the presence of the Lord. Do not be afraid, rejoice. It cannot touch you! You hold the power by the blood of the lamb. Amen!

Luke 11:21