What are you holding on to?

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain... Hebrews 6:19

Several years before the cross became a popular Christian symbol, it was the sign of the anchor that the first century Christians scratched on the walls of the catacombs. From antiquity, it had come to be regarded almost universally as a sign of hope; that somewhere there was something that could be trusted in the middle of the storms that characterized their lives then and ours today.

We forget in America that more Christians are dying for their faith in the world today than at any time in the history of the Church. Martyrdom is still a reality. The writer of Hebrews would have us stand with those brothers and sisters, pray for them, weep their tears. Those nameless believers two centuries ago who huddled amidst the corpses in the catacombs, who carved the sign of the anchor into the soft stone walls by the flickering light of candles seemed to know what we must remember, there is only one anchor for our souls; our hope in Christ Jesus.

By Micheal Card

THANKFUL THURSDAY

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, and confusion into clarity. It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melodie Beattie


Happy Thankful Thursday!

I would have to say that this would be one of my very favorite quotes on gratitude. I don't think we will every experience all that God has for us without a heart of gratitude. I do believe gratitude is the key that unlocks the doors of God's glorious riches. It would take me a lifetime to list all the events that seemed like denials, unanswered prayers, problems and failures, yet in the end I came to discover God's mighty hand working in the midst of it all.

One experience that stands out in my mind began when we discovered my son Jordan had a brain tumor. Oh, what a day that was. I remember being in total shock, and a spirit of fear tried to choke the very life right out of me. I felt paralyzed by those words, and it was as if someone threw me off a ship into the middle of a raging sea. There was no lifesaver anywhere in sight for me to grab hold. All I could think was, “Oh God, am I going to loose my son?” I wish my testimony was different. I wish I could say I called upon the name of the Lord and peace came flooding in like a river. In time this indeed did happen, but in the midst of the confusion and chaos, all I felt was a deep sense of desperation.

Looking back now, nearly five years later, I can see the hand of God that literally guided, carried, and comforted me each and every step of the way. I have had the chance to meet some of the most wonderful people along this sometimes difficult journey, but if you would ask if I would change one thing that has happened, I could honestly say NO! I feel so much gratitude and thankfulness toward my heavenly Father. He has taught me great things about who He truly is during these years. Lessons I never could have learned outside of these paths, and I am grateful for how my life has changed. I have held on to many Words over the years, but one that has carried me through countless dark nights is found in James 1:12:

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Thank you sweet Jesus for your Grace that has sustained me, your Love that even now upholds me, and for the Crown of Life that you have promised me when this journey will end. Amen!


If you would to read more great posts on what people are thankful for hop on over to Crystal's site. Thanks so much for hosting this Thankful Thursday Crystal!

Wordless Wednesday

Go Saints Go!

"Liberated Through Submission"

Thank you E-mom for so graciously hosting this Marriage Monday. If you would like to participate or read what others have posted click on to this link. Hope you have a great Marriage Monday today!


When I saw the topic for “Marriage Monday” this week, I had two emotions. The first reaction was, "ouch". I don't know why I still get this feeling when I hear the word submission, but I do. I guess the reason is that I believed the lies of the enemy for so long about this subject. I still must remind myself about the freedom I have actually gained because of it. The second feeling was to take the opportunity to reveal the truth God has taught me from His Word on this subject. So here goes…

I personally believe the resistance and even pain that often comes from dealing with this whole concept of submission originates from a lack of knowledge. In reality, this mental fear of submission is actually a lie that Satan continues to try and deceive women with on a daily basis. The truth of the matter is, once we are able to grasp the concept that God has designed submission as part of His plan for our good, and for our protection, we will gain a lot of ground. God never intended it to hinder us or hold us back. Unfortunately, with all the publicity about women’s liberation, multitudes of women that think they are free are actually bound by trying to live independently of God’s perfect plan for their lives. Submission is not a "dirty word", but a word that can change and revolutionize our lives, if we are willing to trust God and obey His Word.

I was personally blessed several years ago with the privilege of meeting, Bunny Wilson, the author of a book titled, "Liberated Through Submission". In fact, Bunny spoke at a women's retreat that was hosted by our church. God knew what I needed in my life at that time, and graciously caused a deep friendship to form between us. What can I say? How can you be friends and accountable to the author of a book titled “Liberated Through Submission” and NOT SUBMIT? (He He...) God truly used Bunny to mentor me over the years, and I must confess this was an area I needed lots of help in conquering.

I actually found that the more I learned about the meaning of submission, the more I became free. The load of having to feel that I was in control was lifted from my shoulders. I think the enemy would like for us to believe if we can have the “final say” about everything, things in our lives will work out better. In fact, there is nothing further from the truth. I have discovered that “submission” is the willingness to trust God and place ourselves under His authority. Once we learn to do this, it's a whole lot easier to find a place of submission under the leadership of our husbands. I've heard it once said, "Submission is not about logic, it's about love." Amen?

If you have never read Bunny’s powerful book, I highly recommend it to you. I promise you that your life will never be the same. Bunny has written several other great books as well. You can go to her website here and order one today! In addition, while I am on this subject, I would like to take a minute to wish my wonderful friend Bunny Wilson a "Happy Birthday". I love you Bunny! Your love, your friendship, and your impartation into my life have been a blessing I will always treasure.



“For far too long, men and women have been deceived by the myths, incorrect expectations, and lopsided portrayals of submission. As a strong woman married to a strong man, author Bunny Wilson became angry and frustrated when she first heard that submission was the key to a fulfilling marriage.

In this provocative and surprising book, Bunny Wilson shares her clear and thoughtful understanding of the principles that will revolutionize your most important relationships. Using the Bible as a guide, Liberated Through Submission shares the fascinating facts of true, biblical submission and explores how submission applies to every man and every woman - whether married or single. If submission is the last thing you want to do - you need to read Liberated Through Submission.”

Sharing some tea as Bunny and I celebrated our friendship on one of my visits to California.

Why Pray?

“God granted his request.” 1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV

Still pray the prayer of Jabez?

The name Jabez means “a cause of pain,” but it was a label he refused to wear and a prophecy he refused to fulfill. And you should too! Just because someone calls you illegitimate doesn’t make it so. The Bible says that you were in God’s mind before you were in your mother’s womb (See Ps 139:13-15). So who are you going to believe? Jabez wouldn’t let his beginnings dictate his end. He refused to allow his family to keep him down and his borders to keep him in. Listen to his prayer, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm…and God granted his request.” A few years ago we were all praying the prayer of Jabez. What happened? We need to start praying it again. It’s time to break out and become a boundary-crosser! Instead of settling for less, to start believing God for more – more wisdom, more strength, more victory, more character, more favor, more blessing, more______________? (fill in the blank!).

Only twice in the New Testament do we read that Jesus “marveled.” Both times it was over the dogged, determined faith of 2 unnamed, unsung people who asked for, and believed that He could turn things around for them. This is what Paul had in mind when he wrote, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit” (1Co 2:9-10 NIV). God has something He wants to show you concerning your future – so get into His presence and stay there until you see it. By Rick Godwin

The Proverb's 31 Woman

When I saw Amy's post at In Pursuit of Proverbs 31 about starting a Carnival Blog for Proverbs 31, I got all excited. I thought, “hey, I can write something about these awesome passages of scripture that describe a godly woman”. There are so many of these virtues I desire to possess as a wife and mother in my own life. As women, we have so much influence in our family, and because of that in Proverbs 31, the Lord gives us a perfect example of what we should strive to model in our lives.

In the very last verse of Proverbs 31 it says, "Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate" (Proverbs 31:31).

When I read these words, I can not help but think of my precious mother who is now with Jesus - receiving her rewards. There are so many verses in Proverbs 31 that would describe my mother perfectly. However, I would like to choose just one for now, and how her example has had such a profound effect on my life.

In verse 20 it says, "She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.”

My mother was raised in a large family and when she was a young girl, she lost her father. Her mother could no longer afford to raise all 10 children, so in those days, children were placed in orphanages if there were no relatives to help. My mother was one of the children who were placed in several different orphanages. She never forgot those days, and all she learned growing up.

My mother moved from Virginia, where she was born, down south to New Orleans once she was older and found work at Bellsouth. This is where she met my father and raised her six children, a niece, and three nephews and a grandson. My mom had such a huge and generous heart. She had such compassion for the poor and the needy. I watched my mom sacrifice so much so that others could have what they needed. There was never a day she was not blessing someone with food or clothing, and even taking them in and giving them a place to live during hard times in their lives. Our home always had an open door for the needy, and our home was full of love, generosity, and compassion.

In Proverbs 19:17 it says, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

As part of the bride of Christ, we must ask ourselves, “Do we open our arms to the poor and needy?” I am reminded of a woman in the Bible named Dorcus who was that kind of woman. When she died, the whole town came out to mourn her departure; for she was compassionate to every needy person, she met. She was a blessing to her community, and in Acts 9 the Bible tells us that Peter prayed for her and God raised her from the dead. Wow, what a powerful testimony of how God honors those who care for the needy, the hurting, and the downcast. This is the heart of God. When we die, will anyone grieve over us in that manner? Will we be remembered as a person who was full of compassion and mercy with open arms to those in need?

This is what I desire to model in my life, and I have my mother to thank for giving me an example to follow. I hope it is what you also desire for your life. I would like to end with a prayer for all of us.

“Lord, I thank you for loving us with such a perfect love. When we were poor and needy, you opened your arms to us, and poured out your compassion upon us. Now, please teach us to be more like you, so that our lives will be a reflection of your love, your mercy, and your compassion as we reach out to needy you bring across our path everyday. Amen!”

THANKFUL THURSDAY

1 Chronicles 16:8 - "Give thanks to the LORD and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done".

On this Thankful Thursday I want to give God thanks for one of the most amazing gifts he has ever given me next to my salvation. On June 21st I gave my life to Jesus, a day I will never forget. On that night as I knelt by my bed, I prayed a prayer that went something like this, "Dear Lord, thank you for saving me and giving me a new start at life. Thank you for dying for all my sins, and making a way for me to reach you. Father, I don't know a single Christian in this world who loves you with all their heart. Please send me a Christian friend. Let this person know you really well, and help me learn more about you. Amen."

The very next morning I awoke to get ready for work and I put on my favorite rock and roll station. It was very early and I had never heard this particular show before. It was called "The Rock that doesn't Roll" on WRNO. Well, they started the show with a beautiful song called "Stephanie". My sister's name is Stephanie, and I really wanted her to hear this song. Once I arrived at work I begin calling many of the secular record stores in town. I continued to ask if they knew about this song. I didn't know who sang it, only that it was song about a girl named Stephanie. That wasn't very much to go on. So, as you can imagine, I didn't have any success.

When I got home I found a bookstore in the yellowpages that said they sold records, so I decided to try and make one final call. The store was called Logo's Bookstore. I didn't even know what that word meant! The young guy who answered said, "Jesus Loves you, can I help you?" Oh my, I thought, he's just so nice. So I asked him if he had ever heard of a song called Stephanie, and to my amazement he said, "Yes, its a new album by Bob Ayala, and I just heard him in concert last week!" I was so excited, I asked what time the store was going to close, and he told me he was closing in less than an hour. So I said, "could you please hold it open, I'm on the way?" Now, when I get something in my mind, I've just got to have it, so I jumped in the car and headed downtown!

When I arrived at the store I was greeted with a warm welcome and a great big smile that I will never forget. This young guy was ready to help me in any way he could, and I was thrilled to find my first Christian Bookstore. I didn't even know they existed. After finding the album I came for, he helped me pick out my first bible and an arm full of goodies.

This story took place 30 years ago. The Lord answered my prayer and sent me that friend I had asked for the night before. Little did I know he would turn out to be my lifelong partner, the best teacher, lover, and the father of my five wonderful sons. Yes I truly am thankful for you Rick Amato! I love you.

PS. Many years after we were married I was able to meet Bob Ayala and shared with him how his song helped me meet my future husband!

For more Thankful Thursday posts, head over to Crystal's who is so graciously guest-hosting for us!