Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

On this past Thankful Thursday the theme was Dancing. The scripture Iris used was:

“Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.” ~ Psalm 149:2-4

There is nothing I enjoy more then praising God with all my heart, soul and body!

This video is taken from a youth event at our church last year. Each year thousands of teens from all over the country come to our annual Deluge Conference to get drenched in God’s word and in His presence. We have some really radical on fire youth and adults as well! (Remember to turn off my music player before starting the video)







I love the freedom we have in Christ! We can get excited at sports events, concerts, and then come to church and feel like we need to be still. David was a radical worshipper, the word says:

“And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment” 2 Samuel 6:14



For more posts on "Then Sings My Soul Saturdays" check out Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

I'm Thankful...no matter what!

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” 1 Thes. 5:16-18

On this Thankful Thursday I want to make a confession. Are you ready?

Well…I haven’t been too thankful these last few days for being a woman. It looks like my change of life is hitting pretty hard, and this is what I look like most days:

Hot/cold, hot/cold, headaches, forgetfulness, moody, tired…well, I think you’re getting the picture.

So, I decided to start doing some research and I found some interesting facts about this time in a woman’s life. After completing an in debt analysis of the data, my conclusion is official – I have all of these symptoms!

SEVEN WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU ARE HAVING - "ESTROGEN ISSUES"

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says "How's my driving?”
6. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
7. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you just bought it yesterday.

SEVEN SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT BE EXPERIENCING MENOPAUSE

1. Hot flashes: You sell your home heating system at the garage sale.
2. Night sweats: Your husband starts to complain about snow piling up on the bed.
3. Mood swings: Your husband jokes that instead of buying more fire wood, he is going to use you to heat the family room this winter. Rather than just saying you are not amused, you throw a log at him.
4. Memory loss: You write post-it notes with your kid's names on them.
5. Incontinence: You change your underwear after every sneeze.
6. Sudden weight gain: You need the Jaws of Life to help you get out of the car after dinner at an Italian restaurant.
7. Hormone deficiency: You take a sudden interest in Wrestlemania and NFL Football.

OK, back to being Thankful. Yes, I really am thankful that God is going to get me through this time in my life. It’s the rest of the family I’m worried about. But no matter how crazy it gets, I can never forget that it was this body that God used to bring forth all five of these handsome young men standing around me.

Now talk about hormones. Can you imagine what I know about testosterone? I could write the book!

Thanks for stopping by today, and if you remember, please whisper a quick prayer for me! Well, I’ve got to go…”Somebody please turn on the air-conditioner...I’m burning up”.

Please join us over at Sting My Heart and see what other grateful hearts are saying today.

Word-Filled Wednesday

Would you like to be made whole?

“Afterward Jesus returned to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish holy days. Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to be made whole?” (John 5: 1-6)

I don't believe there is a person alive who at some point in their life has not lost their spiritual sight, their hope, or have in some way been paralyzed by the effects of sin. I know all those words could have described me several years ago as a young mother of four, who had recently lost her mother after a long battle with emphysema. My husband and I had just begun the work of pioneering a new church after resigning from a prestigious job on the East Coast and moving back to Louisiana. We were ready to lay down our lives for the sake of the call. However, in the natural, the timing could not have been worse, or so it seemed at the time.

We had prayed, fasted, stood on the word, and just knew somehow my mom was going to be healed. We felt God would reward our obedience as we “left all” and came back home, having counted the cost and never once looking back. Our plans for the future seemed so bright, so full of faith, and brimming over with hope. We knew God was up to something great.

"Throughout the history of God's people as given to us in the Bible, we see that life is a test. We have before us the option to trust God "no matter what," or to walk away from Him. To walk away from God is to leave the fragments of our dreams in pieces on the floor, but to trust Him is to let God pick up the pieces and make us whole again. When we choose to let Him make us whole again, he will make our lives more beautiful than before." What I Learned from God While Quilting by Ruth McHaney Danner & Cristine Bolley



Back to the story in Bethesda , “I can’t, sir,” the sick man said to Jesus....” (John 5:7)

When it seemed my whole world came crashing down, I said those very same words to God, “I can't”. I felt like I could not go on without my mother. I can't be a pastor's wife and meet the needs and demands of a young and growing church. I can't meet all the needs of four young children under the age of seven. I can’t fulfill the expectations that seemed to face me at every turn. I had such valid reasons why I could not go on. Surely God would not, could not, should not, expect me to press on and be an instrument of healing and hope to others when I needed

so much to be healed myself.

Pool of BETHES'DA (house of Grace)

It was then, like the man at the pool of Bethesda, that I was beckoned to experience Jesus in a brand new way when He asked me, “Susan, would you like to be made whole?” I will never forget those piercing words. I had read them many times before, but this time, it was as if God spoke them audibly to me. They seemed to jump right off the page. How many more excuses could I give? How much further away could I run? Where could I hide from His presence? All of my "feeling sorry for myself" didn’t carry any weight with God. All I could do was respond, “Yes Lord, I want to be healed!”

Thank you Nina for this awesome quote to think about today. Yes, life is a test, and not just one. It is a series of events that we get to say, “YES”, to God over and over again. I wish I could say I have yielded to the Spirit every time I was faced with trials in my life. If that were the case the rest of the story would be grand.

The truth is that I've lost several other loved ones along the way. I've been betrayed and let down. I've grieved over a decision to lay down our ministry, which meant the world to me. I’ve struggled through a season of raising my teenage sons who desperately needed so much of my attention and direction. Loss after loss, test upon test, and yet, I have found in the end that God has been there, right along side of me, the whole way. Faithfully guiding as He poured in the Balm of Gilead to heal my wounded heart.

I have learned that we can't get stuck or set up camp at any one place in our walk with the Lord. He is always calling us to be ready to move when He moves, come up higher, and go further than we have ever ventured before! In the book of Ecclesiastes King Solomon describes the many seasons of our lives. We will at some point experience all of them. But most of all, I love the promise at the end of this passage when the Bible says:

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecc. 3:11

Yes, all things do work together for good in our lives. Yet it is true that we can’t always see the end from where we stand at the moment. However, if we are willing, God is just a prayer away to help pick up those broken pieces of our lives and make us whole again. I am still learning; I am still growing; and my hope is that I will always be ready to say, “Yes”, when the voice of God says to me, “do you want to be made whole?"

Please join us at Nina's Waiting For Grace and see what other's are sharing today.

Easter 2008

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays

I'm so excited to be a part of this "Then Sings My Soul Saturday". A great big thanks goes out to Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders.

Today I have choosen one of my all time favorite songs. I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing these precious words, and the hope they bring.

Jesus didn’t have to die, He chose to! He told his captors, “I could ask my Father for thousands of angels…and he would send them instantly…But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what is happening now?” Max Lucado writes,

“The force behind the hammer wasn’t an angry mob…the hand squeezing the handle wasn’t a Roman infantryman…the verdict…wasn’t decided by jealous Jews. Jesus himself chose the nails…Had the soldier hesitated Jesus himself would have swung the mallet.” That’s how much He loves you.

Happy Easter!

Please remember to pause my music player below before you start the video. For more on this topic visit Amy at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders.

Beyond The Cross

On this Thankful Thursday I want to thank God for:

♥ The Cross

Before Christ's resurrection the Roman cross was known only as an instrument of pain, suffering, judgment, and ultimately a horrible death. However, today we know it to be a symbol of LIFE, HOPE, VICTORY, and a constant reminder of God's unconditional LOVE for the whole world!

♥ The Tomb

Before Christ’s resurrection the grave was known as the final chapter, the end of life, the end of everything. But because of the price that was paid on Calvary, we can now rejoice to know that beyond the grave is where LIFE that will never end really BEGINS. And we can say with Paul, “Oh grave where is your sting, Oh grave where is your Victory?”

♥ The Hope

What a God of Hope we serve! "Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven – and the future starts now!" (1 Peter 1:3-4 – The Message)

Wishing you all a blessed Easter Week as we celebrate the victory of our RISEN Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ!

Jesus, thank you for giving your life so we may truly be able to live. Thank you for the love you gave the world as you willing paid the price for us to have full access to the Father. Nothing now can separate us from your love, your grace, and your eternal mercy.

Join us over at Sting My Heart as we give thanks for all God has done for us!

Time With Dad...

Wow, what a powerful and truthful statement this is ! Thank you Michelle for choosing this. I know I have been guilty many times of trying so hard to find someone to understand things I was going through, only to find I was misunderstood, or the person could not identify with me...

I remember once reading a quote by Corrie Ten Boom that said:

“Concentrate only on yourself and you’ll be depressed; concentrate only on others and you’ll be distressed; concentrate on Jesus and you’ll be at rest.”

While having friends, prayer partners, or a group of people you can count on are very beneficial, but there are times God desires to draw us aside just to be with Him.

I think this quote that was chosen during Easter week is so timely in light of the fact that we are about to celebrate the greatest single event in history. A time most of the world remembers the life, the death, and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Throughout the gospels we read how Jesus often left the multitudes to pray and be alone with His Father. If Jesus needed this time alone, how much more do we need to call upon God in our time of deepest need?

In my life, the times that I have earnestly cried out to God and sought after Him, is when I have felt His presence and His compassion the most. These were times when no other answers or advice would satisfy.

When it’s time for house cleaning, it is only the Holy Spirit that can shine the light on the areas that God truly wants to deal with. A time being alone will only work. However, we must be willing to yield every part of our heart and life to Him. Thank God we can know with assurance that He will be there, and will never leave us or forsake us.

Psalm 86:7 “In the day of my trouble I will call upon You, For You will answer me.”

Father, I pray I will always run to you in times of need. Give me ears to hear what you want to speak to me. Continue to mold me into the woman you have desired for me to be, and help me to always point others to You. I now pray for any woman who is reading these words that is struggling to find answers or hope in their lives. Please lead them to you where hope can be found again. Comfort them and surround them with your love. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Please join us at Michelle's site, at Because I Love You. You will be so blessed and encouraged by her powerful testimony!

A Friendship Award

“As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another.”Proverbs 27:17


I’d like to thank E-Mom for the honor of sharing in a very special Friendship Award that I received this weekend. I cannot begin to thank the many women of excellence who have inspired and challenged me in my daily walk with Jesus since becoming a part of awesome group of women.

I’d now like to pass this honor on to a few of the women who have really made a powerful impact in my life here in blogland. There is no order to this list, and trust me, it could be much longer then I’ll be able to make it on this post.


1. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t visit to see what’s up at E-mom’s blog - Chrysalis, so here’s the award, right back to YOU!

2. Tiffany, I just love stopping by your blog at Tea With Tiffany. I’m so excited to know about all that God is doing in your life.

3. Kelly at Aroma of Joy has been such a blessing to me. I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your awesome family.

4. Then there is Lelia’s site at Write From the Heart. Lelia that is exactly what you do! I’m always so touched and encouraged by your posts.

5. Mumblings of A Mommy Monk. Heather, you have become someone I greatly admire. Your writings not only inspire, but also really challenge me to keep going higher and reaching for more. Thanks for using your gift so wisely and effectively.

6. I will take it Lord, All You have to Give. Lori, you are such a source of JOY for me. I love your witty personality. You are someone I’d love to hang out with!

7. Finally, I want to send out my appreciation to Kim at Season’s of My Heart. Your love, boldness, honesty, and passion for Jesus are really contagious.

Oh, this was so very hard. There are so many other wonderful women and sites out there, which are letting their voices be heard loud and clear for Jesus.

Thanks so much for stopping by today and allowing me to share some of my favorite sites with you. I hope you will be as blessed I am by these wonderful women of faith.

Gratitude for Ungrateful Days...

On this this Thankful Thursday, I'd like to share a really neat devotional by Max Lucado. I pray it touches your heart like it did mine. I know God loves a grateful heart, here's a beautiful illustration. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

“Always be joyful. Pray continually, and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus”

(I Thessalonians 5:16-18 NCV).

Look at the totality of those terms. Always be joyful. Pray continually. Give thanks whatever happens. Learn a lesson from Sidney Connell. When her brand-new bicycle was stolen, she called her dad with the bad news. He expected his daughter to be upset. But Sidney wasn’t crying. She was honored. “Dad,” she boasted, “out of all the bikes they could have taken, they took mine.”

Make gratitude your default emotion, and you’ll find yourself giving thanks for the problems of life. Need spice in your day? Thank God for every problem that comes down the pike.

Is any situation so dire that gratitude is eliminated? Some of the ladies at the Women of Faith Conference thought it was. This great organization fills arenas with women, and women with hope. The president, Mary Graham, told me about one particular weekend in which a shortage of space tested everyone’s patience.

The floor had 150 fewer seats than needed. The arena staff tried to solve the problem by using narrow chairs. As a result, every woman had a place to sit, but everyone was crowded.

Complaints contaminated like feedlot fragrance. Mary asked Joni Eareckson Tada, a speaker for the evening, if she could calm the crowd. Joni was perfectly qualified to do so. A childhood diving accident has left her wheelchair-bound. The attendants rolled her onto the platform, and Joni addressed the unhappy crowd. “I understand some of you don’t like the chair in which you are sitting. Neither do I. But I have about a thousand handicapped friends who would gladly trade places with you in an instant.”

The grumbling ceased.

Yours can too.

Impossible, you say? How do you know? How do you know until you give every day a chance?

If you would like to see what other grateful hearts are saying stop by Sting My Heart today.

My Ultimate Purpose

Lists
Lists
Lists

Are you a list maker? Gosh, I keep them all over my house, in my purse, and sometimes even in my car! I'll put a coat or jacket on and find them in my pockets, weeks or months later. I don't think I could function without my "lists". However, no matter how hard I try, it sometimes seems like trying to get all of those things done is just impossible! You would think 24 hours in one day was enough time, but most days it's just not. Something must be wrong, but what is it?

All of us have to play multiple roles in our lives, and wear many different hats. It can get easy to become overwhelmed by all of the demands that life can bring. Sometimes I fear if I stop juggling, all the balls will come crashing down. Whew, I'm just blessed that God doesn't demand for me to complete every one of the items on my “to do lists” everyday. He knows our frame, our strengths, and our weaknesses. He is there to come along side with us. He really wants us to learn the secret of how to lean more on Him. That is when He can help us the most to bear all the burdens of life.

Thanks Lori for sharing this awesome quote in this week’s “In Other Words”. Yes, there is hope!

"We leave something incomplete everyday, whether it's an area of housework, school, work, friendship, ministry ~ because we are finite."
Taken from The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer.

I find when I get my priorities straight, I can get more accomplished each day. I once read a great analogy about keeping your life in balance. Someone once said, it's like having a jar you are filling up with rocks of various sizes. If you put the biggest rock in first, you can fill the remaining space with the little rocks. However, if you attempt to put the little rocks in first, the big rock will never fit in that jar. What is the biggest ROCK in your jar?

If we put God, (spending time in prayer and in the Word) on our schedules first, then our family, our careers, our ministry, and so on, will manage to work themselves out. God first, then everything thing else will get in line after God.

I know one list I want to complete, and that is what God has purposed and called for me to do for Him. At the end of it all, I want to be able to say I have lived well, run a good race, and finished my course. Then when we finally get the chance to stand before him face to face and hear those words every child of God longs to hear:

"Well done, good and faithful servant".

Some of those other things will just have to go undone because after all I am just finite.
OK, I think I'll go and put that on the top of my list ...that is if I can find it!

Please join us today at my precious friend Lori's blog All You Have to Give as she host's;

It's A Party!

Come on in...

Hi ladies, thanks so much for dropping by today. I’m looking forward to getting the chance to meet you. What an awesome idea 5 Minutes for Mom had to host such an awesome party! Please join this week and we get to meet new bloggers~

I’m relatively new to the blogging world, and oh what fun it has been to meet so many wonderful women who share such a passion for the Lord and their families. This has been a major blessing for me.

I just posted my 100th post, so if you have some time, check it out. If not, let me tell you a little bit about myself.

My name is Susan and I live in Baton Rouge, La. (our state capitol). I was born and raised in New Orleans, and I'm sure most of you know about my hometown. Thanks to all of you that have prayed for our city since Hurricane Katrina. We are coming back, slowly, but surely.

I’ve been married to an amazing man for nearly 30 years now. Let me tell you, it only gets better with time. I'm the mother of 5 handsome sons, and Grammy to three of the most beautiful granddaughters you will ever see. I even have another one on the way, and yes, being a grandmother is wonderful. You can brag, brag, brag, and it seems no one ever gets tired of hearing about them.

My second to youngest son was diagnosed with a brain tumor 6 years ago. I have a web-page for him that I have used to keep our friends and family up on this difficult, yet amazing journey. He is now in remission (Praise God) and doing very well thanks to countless prayers and the wonderful doctors at St. Jude Hospital. I would not trade one single day for all that I have learned during this time, and for all the families we met along the way. God has been so good to us.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and hey, feel free to look around. I'll return the visit.

Here's a thought for you:

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. Circumstances and situations do color life, but you have been given the mind to choose what the color shall be." (John Homer Miller)

Come Join other's at this awesome Party!

A Priceless Treasure

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:7-11

On this Thankful Thursday I want to thank God for His WORD. What a priceless treasure He has given to us. A book of promises, of which, none will fail. No matter what I’m going through in my life, I have His precious, pure, and perfect Word to comfort, guide, and teach me.

Where would I be without it? Where would anyone be without it? God’s Word has the power to renew our lives, rearrange our lives, and restore our lives. It is a doorway to the impossible, and a pathway to TRUTH.

Charles Swindoll once said:
“News articles may inform us. Novels may inspire us. Poetry may enrapture us. But only the living and active Word of God can transform us.”

If you would like to see what other grateful hearts are thanking God for please stop by Sting My Heart, you will be glad you did!

My 100th Post!

Wow, it's hard to believe. When I first start blogging I could not think of anything to write! Hmm, looks like I have not been lacking for "words". Hope you enjoy this fun post. No preaching I promise. I want to thank each and every one of you who have been so kind to stop by. I appreciate all the many encouraging words, you'll never know how much they mean to me. I feel so honored to get to know so many wonderful, talented women who are on FIRE for the Lord! Blessings to you my wonderful friends out there in blogland~



1. Was born February 9th, (still 29).
2. Reborn June 20th, 1977.
3. One of 6 children.
4. Attended 7 different schools before college. (no my parents were not in the Military!)
5. I played the flute from 4th grade until I graduated.
6. Went to LSU. “Geaux Tigers”!
7. Was proposed to on my 2nd date, on July 4th under the fireworks show.
8. Married one year later.
9. Was the mom of 4 children under the age of seven (how did I do that?).
10. Five years later give birth to my 5th son.
11. My son’s names are all J’s…
12. Jason Mark.
13. Justin Michael.
14. Joseph Matthew.
15. Jordan Marchal.
16. Joel David.
17. I have only lived in Louisiana, and…
18. Maryland.
19. I have taken mission trips to…
20. Russia (3x’s).
21. Haiti, and…
22. Amsterdam.
23. My favorites foods are…
24. Desserts!
25. I'll eat anything that is chocolate.
26. Cake.
27. Cookies.
28. Pralines.
29. And when I must, I also eat…
30. Chicken
31. Red beans (New Orleans style).
32. White beans (my style).
33. Cabbage.
34. Broccoli.
35. Steak.
36. Sweet potatoes.
37. Spaghetti and…
38. Hamburgers.
39. Some hobbies I enjoy are…
40. Scrapbooking.
41. Reading.
42. Shopping.
43. Shopping, and…
44. Shopping!
45. I also used to Sew…
46. Cross-stitch.
47. Quilt, and do
48. Calligraphy.
49. I have a cat name Caesar (who rules the house).
50. I had a dog named Jedi for 15 years (that I still miss).
51. I've always wanted to…
52. Sing.
53. Play in the symphony.
54. Draw, and…
55. Exercise.
56. Still making excuses...
57. People that have inspired me are…
58. Jesus.
59. My parents.
60. My husband.
61. Beth Moore.
62. Corrie Ten Boon.
63. Helen Keller.
64. Bunny Wilson.
65. Nancy Guthrie.
66. Kay Arthur.
67. Heather Duckworth
68. Susan Pauxtis.
69. Charles Spurgeon.
70. Dr. Ben Carson.
71. Dr. Loice Swisher.
72. Tonya Nason.
73. My Russian spiritual daughter, Jane.
74. Some places I'd still love to visit…
75. Israel.
76. England.
77. France.
78. Australia.
79. I support…
80. St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
81. Habitat for Hope (love you Mark and Mylissa).
82. Relay for Life.
83. American Brain Tumor Society.
84. New Missions.
85. My three granddaughters are…
86. Grace Kelly Amato
87. Kayla Michelle Amato, and
88. Karli Madison Amato
89. They are the most beautiful bundles of love.
90. I'll be a Grammy again in September 2008.
91. I enjoy…
92. Spending time with my husband.
93. My children (most of the time).
94. My grand daughters (all of the time).
95. Going to church.
96. Listening to music.
97. Hanging out with friends.
98. Encouraging people.
99. Praying, and you guessed it…
100. Blogging!



I did it, you did it. Thanks for taking the time to sit and read through my 100th post as I celebrate today!

Following The Light

“Mrs. Amato, could you please read over these papers carefully and sign them before we take your son, Jordan, back for his surgery.”

I’ll never forget reading that frightful paper 6 years ago. Because of the location of my son’s brain tumor there was a great risk of damaging his optic nerve during surgery. There were other severe risks associated with going into this area of his brain, but I just could not get past the fact my son could come out of that operating room blind. I remembered pleading with God not only to let my son live, but asking Him to please let him see!

I guess we don’t think about our vision until there is a threat of losing it. That probably goes for almost anything in life. Jordan went through the surgery, and although they could not remove his tumor, I’m so grateful that God heard my cry and my son’s vision remained intact.

Is there anything worse then losing our physical sight? I would have to agree with what Helen Keller when said wrote this compelling statement:

"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision."~ Helen Keller

So how is it that some can see, but have no vision? I think Paul answers this question when he penned these words in 2 Corth. 4:4

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God”.

Before we met Christ, how many of us were blind and unable to see the God’s truth? Actually, we all were. We walked around in total darkness unable to see and understand God's love, holiness, forgiveness, and the countless other things that God purposed for all mankind to know.

Unlike Jordan, most of us will never ever experience the threat of losing our physical vision. Yet, how many people are content to live their entire lives blinded from the truth and never able to see and know the only true light of this world, Jesus Christ?

One of my favorite lines from the well-known hymn Amazing Grace says it so perfectly. What believer who ever received the miracle of having their spiritual blindness healed by Jesus, cannot identify with the words of this song?

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

But to answer Helen Keller’s question; Yes, there really is something worse then being blind, and that is being unable to see God.

I’m so grateful for the vision Jesus has given me. A vision to know what is the hope of His calling. A vision to be able to see the desperate needs of this lost and hurting world, and a vision to know that one day, when I leave this world, I will be in His presence for all eternity.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Please join us at Heather's site today for:

Marriage Monday

Is Divorce Ever Right for Christians? (today's topic at Marriage Monday)

I recently read this quote on marriage by John Piper. I think he brings the point home that we cannot loose sight that marriage is not just a legal contract, but also a solemn life long covenant between a man and a woman instituted by God, never to be broken.

“When God stands as witness to the covenant promises of a marriage it becomes more than a merely human agreement. God is not a passive bystander at a wedding ceremony. In effect he says, ‘I have seen this; I confirm it and I record it in heaven. And I bestow upon this covenant by My presence and My purpose the dignity of being an image of My own covenant with My wife, the church’”. John Piper


This truth establishes the foundation why Jesus said that God hates divorce. God wants us to be happy, but even more He wants us to be HOLY. Sadly, today divorce and remarriage are widespread realities even in the body of Christ. Somehow we have lost sight of the sanctity and holiness of marriage. Whatever marriage means to us, it means more to God. Our ideas and concepts about this sacred institution must be formed not by our happiness alone, but even more by His Holiness. We can never change that eternal fact.

I believe we can divorce-proof our marriages if both partners will live according to God’s original purpose. As we put Jesus first, and as we both move together closer to Him, we will be pulled closer together. And God will give us a wonderful marriage that is founded upon the rock that cannot be moved.

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Lord I pray for all of those women that have been touched by divorce. Heal the wounds that were caused, either from their parents or in their own marriages. Restore to them the years that were lost. Thank you Father for loving us unconditionally~