I Will Not Be Moved

 

 

After many years of dealing with the aches and pains associated with back problems, I finally gave in decided it was time do something about my many limitations. 

 It seemed like whenever I would attempt to start exercising to strengthen my back, it always resulted in a set back where I was in more pain.

The feeling of frustration quickly lead to defeat, and then this brutal cycle would start over. I wondered how could I ever get back in shape if I couldn’t even do some basic exercises? I wanted more then anything to be able to enjoy all the things I used to do before I injured those lower discs.

I was determined to find a solution.

Then a few weeks ago I made the decision to try once again.  Only this time, I would have to make some very bold moves behind my declaration.

I joined the local YMCA.

Please join me over at The Cafe to hear what happened next!

Dressed and Ready

Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
Ephesians 6:16

 

Roman soldiers used two kinds of shields in battle. There was a small, round shield used in close-quarter combat, and a large, door-sized shield used when troops were advancing across an open plain. When the enemy fired a barrage of arrows, Roman soldiers linked their shields together and crouched behind them—total protection from the incoming barbs.

It is the latter shield—the large, body-sized one—that Paul says Christians are to take up as part of our spiritual armor. And that shield is a metaphor for faith. It is the Christian’s faith that is our best “full-body” defense against the attacks of Satan. Here’s why: Satan’s primary objective in spiritual warfare is to discredit God in the eyes of believers. If he can make us believe God is not to be trusted, then we become easy prey for his circumstantial attacks against us. Therefore, faith—unshakeable, undeniable, impenetrable faith in the goodness of God—is our number one shield against Satan’s attacks.

If you have any thoughts today about whether God is good and faithful, cast them aside! Take up your shield of faith and protect yourself from the enemy’s attacks.

Our assurance is only as strong as our faith.
R. C. Sproul

(Devotion by David Jeremiah)

 

Please join us over at Lisa’s Extravagant Grace for more WFW.

Three Words To Change Your Life

A video about forgiveness with Mary Karen Read's last words in her journal entry before her death at the Virginia tech shooting.

 

(Please mute my music first)

Father, life many times seems so unfair, so unjust.   The pain of rejection, abuse, disloyalty, and so much more then I can think of.  Lord you are the one who binds and heals the brokenhearted.  Father give us the grace to forgive those who have wronged us.  I purpose now to live a life of forgiveness as you have forgiven us.  With the help of your Holy Spirit we can overcome.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 

The Lord of the Harvest

 

“Let us not become weary in doing good…we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV

The name Corrie ten Boom is widely recognized in Christian circles, but few people know about her nephew Peter who was also instrumental in saving Jews from Nazi persecution.

When Dutch patriots heard SS troops were sending Jewish orphans to concentration camps, they smuggled kids out of orphanages and brought them to the ten Boom house till they could be placed for adoption.

At sixteen, Peter, a committed Christian, defied the Germans by pulling out all the stops on the church organ and playing the Dutch national anthem while the congregation stood up and sang.

He was imprisoned for his defiance.

After World War II he traveled the world with the same message as his aunt – that forgiveness is the only answer to hatred.

On tour in Israel Peter had a heart attack and needed surgery. Talking with him the night before his operation the cardiologist asked, “Are you by any chance related to the ten Booms of Holland?” Peter replied, “Yes, that’s my family.”

The doctor responded, “I’m one of the babies your family saved!” Next day the man whose life had been saved forty years earlier, repaid the debt by saving Peter ten Boom’s life.

The Bible says when you, “Cast your bread upon the waters…after many days you will find it again” (Ecc 11:1 NIV).

What you sow – good or bad – comes back to you. So, “Let us not become weary in doing good…at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Remember, God is no man’s debtor, and no matter how long it takes He will honor His Word.  (By Rick Godwin)

 

Lord I thank you for all the opportunities you give us each day to sow into your kingdom.  Let me used as a vessel that will bring honor and glory to you.  I will proclaim your faithfulness, even when I get weary in the battle.  I bless your holy name.  Amen

 

Please join us today over at the 160 Woods for more Word Filled Wednesday posts!

 

Angels Watch Over us!

 

 

~Joseph on a volcano in Indonesia~

(A recent letter from my world traveler.  It brings me great joy to hear from him!)

 

Last night I went with a friend and his Thai girlfriend to her families house an hour outside of Bangkok.  We had to go down some side streets, then through the jungle on a small trail that led to a large river.  My friend yelped and someone on the other responded and then came over to pick us up in their canoe.  Their entire family lives on the bank of the river.  It’s basically the jungle, with monkeys in the trees, weird fish with leg creatures, and caimans.  I was totally immersed in a traditional rural Thai family environment.

It was an incredible experience, I hung out with like 8 cousins, none of which could speak any English, and yet somehow we got along.  At the end of the night I was told the house I was sleeping in was haunted by their grandma and no one in the family will ever sleep there.  It’s actually the nicest house among them yet no one ever goes in it.  So I slept in it and of course nothing happened.  The next day I hung out with the whole family while I waited for the river to get high enough to cross, which was interesting.  Just thought I’d relay a little scene from one of my most recent expeditions. 

Love ya mama,

Joseph

(I love and miss you Joseph more then you’ll ever know!)

Now, talk about releasing your children to the Lord!   Joseph has caused me to pray and trust God at a level I never imagined possible.  Yet I’m so blessed because I know God’s protection is always there for him, no matter where his travels may lead.  I prayed PS 91 daily  for my oldest son, Jason, while he was deployed in Afghanistan.  I must admit that over the years I have gained a lot of experience to “stand in faith” while raising five sons!

 

Lord, thank you for these precious gifts you’ve given Rick and I.  Thank you for being a refuge and fortress for all of our sons. Encamp your angels around each one daily and deliver them from danger in every circumstance. I release each one to you as I trust you to take care of them.  In Jesus name, Amen.

 

Please join us at Lisa’s Extravagant Grace for more WFW posts!

Friday Funnies

 

 

Buddy and Edna

Buddy and his wife Edna went to the state fair every year,And every year Buddy would say,
'Edna,I'd like to ride in that helicopter'
Edna always replied,
'I know Buddy, but that helicopter ride is fifty bucks,
And fifty bucks is fifty bucks'
One year Buddy and Edna went to the fair, and Buddy said,
'Edna, I'm 85 years old.
If I don't ride that helicopter, I might never get another chance'
To this, Edna replied,
"Buddy that helicopter ride is fifty bucks, and fifty bucks is fifty bucks'
The pilot overheard the couple and said,
'Folks I'll make you a deal. I'll take the both of you for a ride. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and don't say a word I won't charge you a penny!
But if you say one word it's fifty dollars.'
Buddy and Edna agreed and up they went.
The pilot did all kinds of fancy maneuvers, but not a word was heard.
He did his daredevil tricks over and over again,
But still not a word...
When they landed, the pilot turned to Buddy and said,
'By golly, I did everything I could to get you to yell out, but you didn't.
I'm impressed!'
Buddy replied,
'Well, to tell you the truth,
I almost said something when Edna fell out,
But you know,
"Fifty bucks is fifty bucks!'

For more funnies please join Kim over at the Homesteaders Heart.  Have a blessed weekend

A Great Report!

 

 

 

(Pastor Eddie Long was at St. Jude to raise money, Jordan was thrilled to get to meet him!!)

 

We're home! But most importantly, we've brought back a good report as a result of all the testing we had done in Memphis.

Jordan's scans showed, "no evidence of disease progression".  Yeah!!!!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and words of encouragement. God is so good to us, and we are eternally grateful!!!

Going back to St. Jude is like visiting home after you’ve been away for a long time.

It was especially nice to have my hubby with us for this visit. We had the chance to catch-up with many of our old friends, and spend some R&R time away from all the pressures and demands back home.

On Sunday night, we had coffee and dessert with Mark and Mylissa from Habitat for Hope.  We also got to meet some of the new families that they are helping right now as well.

The following night, we had dinner with our friends Dawn and Mason.  There are no words to explain the special bond that we share with these families at St. Jude.

The following day we met two families that we have been praying for all this year, but never had the chance to meet personally.

It was so great to see little Elizabeth and Trevor. Please keep them in your prayers; they are both AML patients who need a miracle.

We are now good for another six months.  We can take some time to relax, live and just give thanks to God for all His wonderful benefits.

Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.  I’ve missed visiting you, I’ll be by real soon.

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no
one can fathom.
Psalm 145:3