Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Prayer . . . believing God for miracles

I have a sister/friend who moved to the other side of the world 3 1/2 years ago to marry the love of her life. Tonight she needs prayer. She has a little boy who is a year and a half, and he is sick with croupe and had to go to the ER because he couldn't breathe. My friend has a bulge in her lower back that caused her to be in excruciating pain for last several weeks, and barely walking. Tonight she is desperate for healing, for her self, for her son, and so I post here for anyone to believe in prayer for their healing! JESUS WE ARE ASKING, BELIEVING, AND KNOCKING BECAUSE YOU TOLD US TO IN YOUR WORD, AND YOU ARE FAITHFUL! So hard to not be able to help in the physical, yet I know what is done in the Spiritual is even more important, and I guess this is my best way of helping my sister. So I am asking please pray for her and her son even if you don't know their names, God knows.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Great is Thy Faithfulness . . .

Today I am praising God for His faithfulness! 20 years ago today I married my best friend, and not only do we very enthusiatically celebrate 20 years, whoo hoo! But, we thank God for them. This hymn (below) was in our wedding and it seems to be the theme of our life together. Here's to my wonderful lifelong friend, I look forward to every day we have together for the rest of our lives! I love you!



Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.
Summer and winter and spring-time and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Live abundantly . . .

Live in full joy being close to the One who loves us more than anyone can! JESUS!
God promised us through Jesus in His word:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Oh, God is smiling over us . . .

Monday, April 28, 2008

The "thankful heart" key

I love this chapter out of Francis Frangipane's book - "The Stronghold of God". I am reminded today of the places where I have not been thankful. Lord, forgive me for grumbling and complaining. Lord, I AM thankful for many wonderful blessings of family and friends you have placed in my life. I am forever thankful for the many wonderful blessings you have given us, especially Your Son.

A THANKFUL HEART By Francis Frangipane

The very quality of your life, whether you love it or hate it, is based upon how thankful you are toward God. Our attitude determines whether life is to us a place of blessedness or wretchedness and misery. Indeed, looking at the same rose bush, some people complain that the roses have thorns while others rejoice that some thorns have roses! It all depends on your perspective.
This is the only life you will have before you enter eternity. If you want to find joy, you must first find thankfulness. Indeed, the one who is thankful for even a little enjoys much. But the unappreciative soul is always miserable, always complaining. He lives outside the stronghold of God.

Perhaps the worst enemy we have is not the devil but our own tongue. James tells us, "the tongue is set among our members as that which . . . sets on fire the course of our life" (James 3:6). He goes on to say this fire is ignited by hell.Consider: With our own words we can enter the spirit of heaven or the agonies of hell! It is hell, with its punishments, torments and misery, that controls the life of the grumbler and complainer! Paul expands this thought in 1 Corinthians 10:10, where he reminds us of the Jews who "grumble[d] and were destroyed by the destroyer."

The fact is, every time we open up to grumbling and complaining, the quality of our life is reduced proportionally--a destroyer is bringing our life to ruin!

People often ask me, "What is the ruling demon over our church or city?" They expect me to answer with the ancient Aramaic or Phoenician name of a fallen angel. What I usually tell them is a lot more practical: One of the most pervasive evil influences over our nation is ingratitude!

Do not minimize the strength and cunning of this enemy! Paul said that the Jews who grumbled and complained during their difficult circumstances were "destroyed by the destroyer." Who was this destroyer?

If you insist on discerning an ancient world ruler, one of the most powerful spirits mentioned in the Bible is Abaddon, whose Greek name is Apollyon. It means "destroyer" (Rev. 9:11). Paul said the Jews were destroyed by this spirit. In other words, when we are complaining or unthankful, we open the door to the destroyer, Abaddon, the demon-king over the abyss of hell!

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Multitudes in our nation have become specialists in the "science of misery." They are experts--moral accountants--who can, in a moment, tally all the wrongs society has ever done to them or their group. I have never talked with one of these people who was happy, blessed or content about anything. They expect an imperfect world to treat them perfectly.

Truly, there are people in this wounded country of ours who need special attention. However, most of us simply need to repent of ingratitude, for it is ingratitude itself which is keeping wounds alive! We simply need to forgive the wrongs of the past and become thankful for what we have in the present.

The moment we become grateful, we actually begin to ascend spiritually into the presence of God. The psalmist wrote, "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. EnterHis gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him;bless His name. For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and Hisfaithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:2, 4-5

It does not matter what your circumstances are, the instant you begin to thank God, even though your situation has not changed, you begin to change. The key which unlocks the gates of heaven is a thankful heart; entrance into the courts of God comes as you simply begin to praise the Lord.

Blessed Lord, forgive me for being a complainer. Help me to offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving in all things. Lord, I come this day to covenant with You. By Your grace, I will be thankful regardless of what my life seems to be. Oh God, remember Your covenant pledge and gather me near to Your heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

First step, get out of the big comfy chair . . . Living beyond what was once just a dream

Sometimes dreams seem too big to tackle, sometimes they just lack the ability to see the first steps. This little video below, by Banning Liebscher, turned on a bunch of lights for me this morning to see those first steps of visions and dreams I have. They are simple steps, and those dreams we have, dont' have to start out as giant, overwhelming mountains, that seem impossile. Take your dreams, and just go! Maybe it's the journey thats more important than actually getting there.

I am encouraged today and wanted to share.


Sunday, April 6, 2008

We are a people awaking to follow their dreams . . .

Yes, I know, it's a Superchick song, but hey, I kinda love it.

"Here's to the ones who don't give up
Here's to anyone who never quit when things got hard
You'll never let them say "You'll never get that far."

I want to shout it out to all (9) of my kids (it's not just a girl song). . . So here's a shout out (and the prayer and cry of my heart for all of you). . . you are the one's who don't give up . . . KEEP GOING! Keep holding the hand of Jesus, and letting Him tell you who you are and where you should go! Don't let go of His hand, even when it's hard, even when there is bruises and bleeding, stay strong, don't give up!

You are amazing and you are beautiful!


Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Find me there . . .

Somedays seem seem like playful fun in the fountain of life. Other days seem like a mad dash for the shade of His wings. Either way, it is where life, true life, is found, and that is where you will find me. Though they are very different days, I will praise God for either of them, because in Him alone, can I live and see and breath. Thank you God for everyday that you give me.

Psalm 36:5- "Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord. How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of Your wings. You feed them from the abundance of Your own house, letting them drink from Your river of delights. For You are the fountain of life, the light by which we see."

Monday, March 17, 2008

You were there all the time . . .

Today I am thankful that we have a mighty God, who loves us, and is faithful. Today I praise Him, and thank Him, and freshly trust Him again.
________________________________

God of Our Yesterdays
by Matt Redman


We were in the darkest night,
And wondered if our eyes would ever see the light,
You were there, Lord,
We were in the storm again,
And wondered if we’d ever live in peace again,
You were there, Lord,
You were there is the struggle,
You were there in the fire,
You were there all the time.

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.

So whatever lies ahead,
Whatever roads our grateful hearts will come to tread,
You’ll be there, Lord,
And we will fix our eyes on you,
And know that there is grace enough to see us through,
You’ll be there, Lord,
You’ll be there is the struggle,
You’ll be there in the fight,
You’ll be there all the time.

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.

We thank you for grace in our yesterdays,
We thank you for peace in our hearts today,
And thank you, our Joy, as tomorrow comes,
We will trust you, God.
You’re always closer than we know,
Always more involved and in control,
We will trust our lives to you,
The One who was, and is, and is to come!

Praise you, the God of our yesterdays,
Praise you, the God who is here today,
Praise you, our God, as tomorrow comes.
We thank you for grace in our yesterdays,
We thank you for peace in our hearts today,
And thank you, our Joy, as tomorrow comes,
We will trust you, God.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Even though . . .

Even though I am sick, and life dictates I should be well, You are still God and I trust You.

Even though I forgot to do some things and life dictates I should have, You are still God and I trust You.

Even though I think I know so much and life indicates I know very little, You are still God and I trust You.

Even though my heart feels one way and life dictates my actions in another, You are still God and I trust You.

Even though at my very best efforts I fail and life confirms it, You are still God, and I trust You.

Even though You are still God and I trust You, and the world indicates You are not, You ARE still God, and do I ever trust You!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Oh Praise Him . . .

Joshua 23:9-11 "The Lord has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you. One of you routs a thousand, because the Lord your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the Lord your God."


Today, we saw a miracle. The judge granted us PERMANENT GUARDIANSHIP. He is ours forever. No more court - we will raise him as one of our own, which he has already found that place in our hearts 8 months ago when he was a week old.

When we showed up in court today, we found out he had been assigned a lawyer. A very good one at that. And not only had this man been assigned to the case, he knew exactly every detail of the case. He talked to us in a small room before court and he was the first person in this whole process that had read the entire file, from our petition and questionnaire, to the CPS reports, and hospital reports. I was truly truly in shock and amazed all at the same time. FINALLY, a person who knew. Not only did he know, but he made the petition, today, no more wasted time and petitioned the judge to grant us permanent guardianship today. And the judge did. We were truly in awe. We felt like God sent an angel dressed like a lawyer, into the courtroom today, and it was quick, fast, right, and is now DONE! This case is closed, and he is ours.

Thank you all for walking with us in this journey - we thank God for each one of you.


O Praise Him
Turn your ear
To Heaven and hear
The noise inside
The sound of angels awe
The sound of angels songs
And all this for a King
We could join and sing '
All for Christ our King!'

How constant How divine
This song of ours will rise
Oh, how constant How divine
This love of ours will rise Will rise...

CHORUS:

Ohh praise Him!
Ohh praise Him!
He is Holy!
He is Holy!

Turn your gaze
To Heaven and raise
A joyous noise
Oh the sound of salvation come
The sound of rescued ones
And all this for a king
Angels join to sing '
All for Christ our King!'

How infinite and sweet
This love so rescuing
Oh how infinitely sweet
This great love that has redeemed
As one, we sing...

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
He is Holy, He is Holy

Friday, January 25, 2008

Living . . . really living!

I read this today, and it encouraged me. Some have said I am a private person, but I do not see it that way at all. I simply feel that not ALL things need to be said out loud. The One I love knows my heart and He hears it all. And loves me, and guides me.

I know the truth, who He says I am, and nothing else really matters.

Here is a list so we can all be reminded -

Who I Am In Christ

I am accepted...
John 1:12 I am God's child.
John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant...
John 15:5 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

"The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ,
the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!"
(From Victory Over the Darkness , by Dr. Neil Anderson)

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

My quote for this day . . .


"Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice." Amos 5:14-15


Why do I fear my destiny, what you have laid out for my life? Jesus I trust YOU, You are my helper! Forgive me when I fear . . . I know You are always in control.
"One who denies his destiny can bring about as much pain and suffering as your greatest enemy." Joseph Willowbrook, Talisman, Season 3 Smallville

Sunday, December 2, 2007

A lonely heart . . .

Lately, I have felt so alone. But yet, to look with my eyes, I am never alone. I have many, many happy moments of my life, that are full of people and surrounded by much love. Yet, this nagging, gnawing feeling kept creeping up on me, calling me, to a place of loneliness. I hated it, I rebuked it. It was so not true. Yet, even as I smiled and laughed, I could feel the fringes of this terrible feeling hanging on to every smile, and every warm relational moment. God, I can't believe this is true, what is going on. I sat in silence and listened. Then, I knew. I was lonely for the One that could only fill this place in my heart. The place that no person could fill. God was calling me to a deeper place of knowing Him, and loving Him, and letting Him be the only one that filled that place. It was made for Him, that place in my heart. So as I have listen and prayed and read this morning, I am experiencing a new place of depth with the One who loves me like no other. The fringes of loneliness have been removed by the only One who could remove them. How great and awesome is the love of God, how wonderful He is. I read this passage from the Message and it cut straight to the core of my own frailty and need for God:

"God, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I'm an open book to You; even from a distance, You know what I'm thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I'm never out of your sight. You know everything I'm going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and You're there, then up ahead and You're there, too — your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can't take it all in! Is there anyplace I can go to avoid Your Spirit? to be out of Your sight? If I climb to the sky, You're there! If I go underground, You're there! If I flew on morning's wings to the far western horizon, You'd find me in a minute— You're already there waiting! Then I said to myself, "Oh, He even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to You; night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to You." Psalm 139:1-12

There is so much much more to God than I will ever understand.
I am so glad He knows me intimately, like no one can.
Today, I long to know Him in ways I never have.

He is the answer to every question I have, every worry, every fear, every lonely place . . . He is the love of my life!

How He Loves by John Mark McMillan

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

Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.
Yeah, He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves us
Woah, how He loves.

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

Well, I thought about You the day Stephen died
and You met me between my breaking
I know that I still love You, God, despite the agony
...they want to tell me You're cruel
But if Stephen could sing, he'd say it's not true,
cause...[voice breaks]... Cause He loves us

Sunday, October 7, 2007

God knew . . .

Just when I thought I had God's plan for my life all figured out, or at least pretty close to it, He goes and proves to us that He is still so wonderful and still God. He planned for us in ways so unimaginable and yet, so wonderful too. Our little miracle was born just 24 hours after I poured out my heart to God in a poem here on this blog, dated May 31, 2007. He is four months old now . . . what we did not conceive, God did. We never saw it coming, but we are so grateful that God did, and knew the plans He had for all of us. Love abounds in our hearts in the newest ways ever . . .




"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him . . . " 1 Corinthians 2:9