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