Giving Thanks in ALL things...

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corth 15:57

On this Thankful Thursday I want to give thanks for:

♥ The new bible study group I started yesterday, Breaking Free! This in-depth study with Beth Moore is such a challenge and takes great deal of discipline to keep up with the reading and homework. I'm so excited to see what God has in store for us. I love when Beth Moore declared; “Victory is the RULE, not the exception” in our lives! Yes Lord...

♥ For God's protection as we begin preparations for Hurricane Gustav. I'm praying the Lord will spare our city. We are still recovering from Katrina which hit three years ago this week on Aug. 29. Please keep us in prayer for the days ahead!!!

♥ God's grace as He continues to sustain Rick and me during this time that we are apart while he is working in Iowa. I'm missing my hubby BIG time, and it's been way too long. Hopefully his job will be wrapping up very soon.

♥ For my Pastor, his wife and our wonderful church family. It's such an honor to sit under such an anointing each week.

♥ For my wonderful blogging buddies. Thanks for being such a source of joy and encouragement in life everyday.

♥ And Finally, for my salvation, my health, and for the wonderful family God has blessed me with. How could I ever thank God enough?

Please join many other thankful hearts over at Sting My Heart today.

Making Our Lives Count

It seems to be a tendency 0f many to desire a "noble calling, some wondrous task". Often as we see others being mightily used by God, we also wish that God would use our talents and abilities in a more a visible way. Most everyone wants to be recognized and appreciated for the work they do. We all want our lives to count, and our mission to a noble one.

When Paul spoke to the Colossian church, he relayed a message to a brother named Archippus: "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." We were not told what his specific ministry was, but we do know that Paul wanted him to understand the importance of fulfilling that assignment.

So, what is God calling you to do today?

Is it the ministry of motherhood as you tenderly shape the lives of your young children? Are you a nurse, a teacher, a secretary? Are you a Sunday school teacher, youth group assistant, or a missionary? Whatever your job or career may be, please remember that God has placed a gifting to complement that specific calling.

We all have a ministry and a destiny from God to fulfill. You may preach to thousand’s or share your faith with one lost soul at work, but to God both are equally important. We are all a part of the Body of Christ, and no matter how noble, or seemingly insignificant in the eyes of man, our calling is a vital part of the plan of God.

Paul wrote in I Cor. 12: 22-23

“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don't need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don't need you!’ On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.”

Neither can any man judge your gifts and calling. Like Archippus, be a faithful follower of Christ. Peter also instucted us when he wrote,

“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” ( 2 Peter 1:10-11)

So, whatever our position may be in the Body of Christ, from the greatest to the least, each one of us can equally bring great joy and glory to our Father as we faithfully fulfill our destiny in the Kingdom of God!

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might! (Ecc. 9:10)

Please join us over at Mama's Little Treasures today as Nina hosts this wonderful quote!

Inside Out

He's Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, which was and is, and is to come. He was there in the beginning and he shall be there in the end. From everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Romans 8:35-39

Many years ago during a difficult transition in my life, I was given a copy of the book "Inside Out" by Larry Crabb to read. I thought this would not be difficult to do. Soon after I began to read the book I realized there was no fluff, and it was not an easy read! In the book Dr. Crabb makes a bold statement, "Only Christians have the capacity to never pretend". In this book I learned how the hurts of my past had led me to self-protection. As a result of this discovery it was clear I was setting up boundaries that eventually became barriers.

I recently heard this amazing song by Hillsong called “Inside Out”. The song reminded of how God’s mercy and grace never fails. I’m still amazed that when we stumble and fail, God’s love draws us back. Being a Christian is not so much about how appear on the outside, but rather how greatly He has transformed us within. As we learn to surrender control of our lives to Him , God is able to do a deep abiding work in our heart.

There is so much joy and freedom in living a genuine life for Christ. I hope you enjoy this song today, and the many other ones over at Signs Miracles and Wonders.

(Please remember to mute my music player first!)

A Worthy Walk

Order my steps, in Your word

Order my tongue, in Your word

Guide my feet, in Your word

Wash my heart, in Your word

Show me how to walk, in Your word

Show me how to talk, in Your word.

(refrain)

I want to walk worthy, my calling to fulfill

Please order my steps, Lord, and I’ll do Your blessed will

The world is ever changing, but You are still the same

If You order my steps, I’ll praise Your name.

~A hymn by Glen Burleigh~


Of all the possessions I own, I would say without question that my bible is the most valuable. In all the words ever written by man, there are none more powerful then the Word of God! What earthly treasure could we compare to the riches contained in the Bible? There is no standard, concept, philosophy, or wisdom of man that can measures up to the life giving and transforming power of the God’s Word.

Oh what a great treasure we have been given by our God. To begin to know the love of our Father, and to discover the depths of His great wisdom, would take a hundred lifetimes.

The Word of God is alive, and it is powerful. It changes lives, sets the captives free, and is a lamp unto the path of those who put their trust in it.

Do you need healing, hope, understanding, direction, or peace in your life? It’s all there for you, and yes even more. The Word is a well-spring in a dry and weary land, and if you seek for truth, and search for it with all of your heart, you will find it.

“Lord, I’m thankful for the great treasure of your Word. Please cause me to be hungry for more of You each day. Reveal Yourself to me as I meditate on Your Word each day. It is life and it is power to all who find it.”

What a beautiful hymn this is Lori, thanks so much for sharing it with us this week! Please join us over at All You Have to Give today!

All Things New!

On a recent trip to Charleston, North Carolina my husband and I celebrated our 30th anniversary. We had some friends who recently visited that area and came back so thrilled to tell us about the wonderful time they had, so we decided to go ourselves. It really is a beautiful and very historic town. After getting settled in our hotel, we immediately went to the concierge to begin planning our schedule for the week. We were anxious to make the most of our time, and try and see as many of the wonderful sites Charleston has to offer. On our first tour we rode in a horse drawn carriage through the narrow cobblestone streets. There we saw mansion after mansion, and so many churches. It felt like we had traveled back in time and was reliving history as we viewed and visited these stunning places.

Please join me today at the Cafe to see what God showed me during our visit there!!!

Bearing the burden

On Monday August 18th Tammy at My Heart…His Words has asked if we would join with her family in a “Jericho March” that has been planned for her son Nick and a precious little girl named Natalie. Both Nick and Natalie are battling brain cancer, and these children really need a miracle in their lives.

Tammy wrote:

“The apostle Paul said, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:3–5).

We are organizing a Jericho March for Nick and Natalie and their families to intercede to God on their behalf and to wage spiritual war on the enemy who will use lies to discourage and defeat everyone who is praying with and for the Nischans and Yokeleys. There is a website that explains this – how one woman studied and prayed over 2 Scriptures – Joshua 1-6 and Ephesians 6:10-18 – and prayed God’s will over a situation. She was led in prayer by the Holy Spirit.

The site is: http://www.navpress.com/EPubs/DisplayArticle/2/2.41.7.1.html

We can actively enter into this fight with Nick and Natalie and their families by committing to a Jericho March where we each commit to walk around our own neighborhood blocks once a day for 6 days praying against the enemy’s attempts to rob, defeat and destroy the faith and trust we have in God’s power.

On the 7th day, we will walk the same route SEVEN times singing, praising God, and declaring the mighty works of the Lord over Nick and Natalie. In one week’s time we believe and we EXPECT that we will be reading of tremendous breakthroughs and gains! We can invade the enemy’s camp and take back what he has stolen. This is Biblical; this is pro-active. We invite everyone to join in and commit to this Jericho March for Nick and Natalie.”

I plan on doing this walk for these precious children and would greatly appreciate if you join in with us. If you can’t take the actual walk each day, please remember to whisper a prayer on their behalf. Truly this would mean so much to them.

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Gal.6:2

A Full Heart

On this thankful Thursday I have so much to be thankful for! There isn't an hour in the day that God doesn't remind me in some way of his faithfulness, and His unconditional love towards me. We serve a mighty God. We serve a God who is good, even when we don't understand why certain things happen in our lives. Even in those times we can look up and give thanks.

How I love to meditate on His amazing goodness toward those who love Him.

Now, for my list.

♥ I'm so thankful that my son Jordan returned safely home, (yeah...I missed him so much!) after having a wonderful time in Phoenix.

♥I'm so thankful that the Lord continues to watch over my family daily, even as my husband is away for work.

♥I'm thankful for a great start of the new school year for my son Joel who is now a senior. He has made some really nice friends since we have moved, and that means so much to us. I enjoy having his buddies over at the house. They are always so polite and respectful.

♥ I'm so thankful for 2 bible studies that I'll be starting in the next few weeks. One is Anonymous by Alicia Chole, and the other is Breaking Free by Beth Moore. God truly is filling my cup to over-flowing! I know the things I learn in these studies will give me more opportunities to bless and encourage others.

♥ I'm thankful for my first grandson who will be arriving on September 16th! Can you tell I'm getting really excited? I’ve already done some shopping for him.

♥ I'm thankful for all the wonderful friends God has placed in my life. Last weekend, Cyndy came over and we had a little slumber party. It was so much fun catching up, eating out, shopping, watching a movie, and just enjoying each other's company. Don't you just love girlfriends in Christ?

♥ I'm thankful for great customer service. Those beautiful roses my husband sent me had completely bloomed in just one day! I called the florist to inquire why this happened so fast and the lady was so kind to listen to my concern. She told me yellow roses tend to open faster than pink or red, and because of the summer heat we have down south. Amazingly, she asked if I would like another dozen in a different color to make up for them. I was so impressed!!

♥ Finally, I'm thankful for all you who have taken the time to read this, and for all of the comments you leave. God has been so gracious to allow me to meet so many sweet sisters in the Lord through this blog. I pray for the Lord to bless you, watch over you, and to keep you daily.

Please join many other thankful hearts over at Sting My Heart today!

A New Friend for Kayla

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14

On this Word-filled Wednesday, I'd like share a neat little story about how God reminded me about His great love for all of us.

Oh, to be a child again I thought, as I watched my granddaughter’s reaction when she walked into my office this weekend.

My daughter in law, Kristin, was dropping Kayla off to spend the night with us. While we were talking Kayla ran into the office all excited and said, “Who is in the other room Grammy? It’s not my sister Karli.”

Then she came carrying my childhood doll, which is about the height of her younger sister.

“She won't shut her eyes Grammy!” She actually thought the doll was a real live person.

My heart melted as I realized how captivated Kayla was by this special doll that also seemed so real to me many years ago. Oh, what a precious time I had this weekend watching Kayla play and pretend with my doll she named Mary.

She became her very best friend!

Oh to have her childlike faith and trust; to believe and not question; to love without reserve; to give without the guarantee of receiving back. These are the lessons I learned about true faith from the eyes of a child. God desires for us to become just like that.

Surely the kingdom of God belongs to those who understand this child-like faith.

Lord give me the kind of faith that brings you the same joy as I felt when I was watching Kayla play with her new doll-friend. Father, let me be sensitive to you and to those who need more of your love. In Jesus name, Amen.

Please join us today over at The 160 Acre Woods.

Still Crazy After All These Years!

Thirty years ago today, my husband Rick and I stood before God and a crowd of witnesses as we shared vows to live together…

In sickness or in health,
For richer or poorer,
In strength or in weakness
In Good times and in misfortune
Until death we do part.

And thankfully today we can still stand and say we have honored those vows, and have remained faithful to them. I'm so grateful for that blessed day which now seems like yesterday in so many ways. I'm more crazy in love with you today Rick, then I was when we first took those vows. I am looking forward to the years that still lay ahead.

The symbol used for a 30th anniversary is a pearl or a diamond. Both very rare and highly valued. A marriage designed and empowered by God is also something very and rare and of great worth. I’m so privileged to know that God has allowed me to share my life with such a wonderful and godly man.

Thank you Rick for being so much more then I could have ever imagined. Please hurry home; I'm really missing you!!


If any of you reading this have not seen our 25th Anniversary Celebration video, please stop by today. We'd love for you to take a glimpse at some of the highlights of that wonderful night.

Thanks sweetie, I just received these beautiful roses!! I Love you♥

Putting it in Words

As always, I look forward to this wonderful day of the week we have all set aside to declare how wonderful and faithful our God is!

This Thursday I’d like to give thanks for:

♥ My son’s trip to Arizona. He’s been looking forward to this for some time now, and he safely arrived yesterday afternoon. I love you Jordan.

♥The wonderful opportunity I had to attend the Beth Moore live simulcast conference this past Friday and Saturday. As always Beth delivered a very passionate word, and my life was challenged once more. If you would like to read the highlights of this event, Tracy at My Cup Runneth Over did an excellent job sharing her notes with everyone. Check it out; you will be glad you did.

♥I am grateful for a wonderful summer and now for the beginning of my “baby’s” senior year in High School! Where has the time gone?

♥I already thanking God for my 4th grandchild (a boy this time) who we will get to meet on September 16th, 2008. (Please agree with me for an uneventful delivery and for mom to have a speedy recuperation.)

♥For all of my wonderful blogging buddies that God has so richly blessed me with. This week I’ve had the opportunity to get to know some of them even more. Oh, it’s been so wonderful getting to discover how special these women truly are, and what an impact they are having on my life!

♥Finally, I’m thankful for cell-phones, text messaging and emails. These are my only three links to my sweet hubby who is far away in Iowa for his job. I miss him like crazy and it hasn’t even been one week. Praise God for these wonderful means of communication! I'm sending lots of love your way Rick, ♥ please hurry home!

Join us over at Iris’ Sting My Heart to see what other grateful hearts are thanking God for this week.

A Transformed Life

“I do not know that the prodigal saw his father, but his father saw him. The eyes of mercy are quicker than the eyes of repentance. Even the eyes of our faith is dim compared with the eye of God’s love. He sees a sinner long before a sinner sees Him.”
C.H. Spurgeon(from sermon based upon the Prodigal Son)

Of all the many examples of God's unconditional love for us, this story truly touches the deepest part of my heart. We serve a God who longs to share His love and will run to us to lavish his grace and mercy upon us.

Just to think of this kind of love is overwhelming!

I'll never forget the Father's passionate pursuit of me. His compassions never failed as he crossed my numerous barriers. I'm so grateful he found me and for His mercy
and truth that transformed my life.

We serve a God who eagerly seeks to show us His compassion, a God who never grows weary as He waits for us.

The prodigal came slowly, like so many of us do. But the Father patiently waited with expectancy. Because of shame, many of us had feelings of guilt and unworthiness. We try to resist God’s pursuit, yet it is what our hearts truly need and long for. Oh, how this must grieve our loving Father.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together,and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-6

Father, I marvel at your love and willingness to forgive. I am amazed at your eagerness to restore us even though we do not deserve it. Lord, you truly look past our own sense of righteousness. Your love reaches beyond judgment and draws us to repentance. Help us to reach for your love and to know that you are willing to show mercy rather than judgment.In Jesus' name, I humbly pray. Amen.

Please join us today over at Heather's Mumblings of A Mommy Monk to see what others have written today.

Radiant

Jesus' first three decades of life were mostly hidden. However, with his life (and with ours), it is critical that we not mistake unseen for unimportant.

Hidden years are unapplauded but not unproductive. They are sacred spaces, to be rested in not rushed through and most definitely never to be regretted.

In this personal, reflective book, Alicia helps us recognize the riches that God grows in us during uncelebrated seasons of our lives.

Two weeks ago our church sponsored a powerful Women's Conference called “Radiant”. I was really excited about attending the event and I'm so blessed to share with you how God met me there. I went with a very dear friend of mine from back home. It started on a Thursday night and ended on Saturday afternoon. There were over 800 women in attendance.

When I saw the list of guest speakers, I realized that I was not familiar with them. Then one day as I was visiting Elaine over at Peace for the Journey, I noticed the name, Alicia Chole, on her sidebar. I immediately clicked over to the link for her website and it didn't take long for me to know that we were in for a major blessing at the conference! When I told Elaine she urged me not to walk, but run to this meeting, and said that my life would be changed forever. Well, it has.

On the first night Alicia shared a little of her testimony and then challenged us with 8 destiny shaping questions. She asked us to write them down, pray about them, and ask God to search our hearts. As she read each question, she wanted us to stand if it pertained to us. When she asked, "Have you taken an alliance with fear", I immediately knew this was something God had been dealing with me about for some time. I stood up and prayed for freedom, and for the remainder of the conference I continued to seek God for deliverance.

Well I’m excited to report that since that step of faith, I've begun to experienced tremendous breakthroughs that I never would have imagined possible! I’ll share more on that in another post.

In a few weeks my ladies’ group will start a new bible study based on Alicia's book Anonymous. If you would like to know more about this study and Alicia's writing please click over to Peace for the Journey. Elaine has written such a beautiful review of this incredible book, and graciously is hosting a “give-a-way” of the book for all those who post a comment!

I now can promise you what Elaine promised me, “Your life will never be the same after you embrace the incredible ministry of Alicia Chole.”

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:15