When we let our light go out, our song die, we lose hope; we open the door to the enemy. It is an open invitation to come take over and cause trouble. We then become more frustrated, distracted, make mistakes and the list goes on.
If we continue on this path, not relighting that flame, putting that song back in our hearts, times get worse. Our dark moments become even darker. Sinking further and further into that sense of hopelessness and/or wrecklessness.
What brings me to this subject. The past two days have seemed rather distant between hubby and I and I became frustrated. I tried talking to him and he stated that nothing was wrong. Now I know we are going to have our moments, but because of past history, I let that dark side creep in.
Going to Black Friday only added to the frustration with lack of sleep. Tried to sleep last night, but couldn't. Had maybe a total of a half hour of sleep, but felt good. Once I got home and sat down, fatigue set in, but I fought it knowing I had a lot to take care of. So I pressed on. Hubby seemed fairly cranky which brought on more frustration. Then we started to snap at one another.
I instantly went into panic mode thinking of the past and became angry. The reason being, I was letting the light go out. I was losing my song. The door was opening wider and wider inviting the enemy to take over. Finally when taking a shower tonight--gotta love those shower moments--it came to me what was happening. Then I heard, I want you to share this revelation with others. So here I am.
The best part; hubby and I are joking around with one another and talking to one another again. So when you feel the flame starting to go out, you are losing that song in your heart, you are feeling hopeless, grab hold of the Lord, pray, talk to Him, get in the Word and keep that light lit. Once I put that song back in, listened to the Lord tell me why it all was happening, I grabbed hold of Him, listened, put the song back in my heart, and low and behold that light is shining again. Praise God!!!
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom should I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom should I be afraid?
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of darkness, a light has dawned.
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
May you all revel in the blessings of the Lord!
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thankful Thursday: Thanksgiving
Psalm 95:2
Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout triumphantly to Him in song.
Psalm 100:4
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
Psalm 116:17
I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving and will worship the Lord.
Phillipians 4:6-7
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Today is a day to reflect on all that we are thankful for. It's not just about what we are going to eat. It's not about preparing for "Black Friday." Rather it is to show and be thankful for all that we have.
I'm thankful for so many things that it would make a huge list, so I will hit the major things I am so thankful for.
First and foremost, I'm thankful that I'm blessed with the presence of the Lord. I'm thankful that some of my family is walking with Him as well and we are walking together.
I'm thankful for having such a strong, good church family. For our Senior Pastor and his family, as they are filled with the Holy Spirit and lead our family. For all the pastors and their families for always being there and helping us through our dark times and to fill us with the Word.
I'm thankful for having a loving, godly husband. He is a good leader and provider for our family. The works of the Lord in Him just astounds me each and every day. My husband has done a complete 360 degree turn around in his life through Christ Jesus. Thank You Lord! I couldn't ask for a better husband. You always provide!
I'm thankful for family and friends. Without each other, life would really be tough and boring. Family brings such joy. Watching your children grow to become adults and then have families of their own, often giving us grandchildren. Grandchildren bring such joy, watching them learn, grow, and bring much laughter. Could not imagine life with out children.
I'm thankful for all the gifts the Lord has provided us. A roof over our heads, food on the table, transportation, a good job for hubby, clothes on our backs, our health, and loving hearts.
We all go through our dark moments, and that's okay, as He is working on us, drawing us nearer to Him during our weakest moments. It's this time that we need to listen. It's this time that we should be grateful for His great works. "Bring the Rain" song; everytime I sing it with conviction, He brings the rain, and I wonder, "what in the world was I thinking;" forgetting the whole reason for that rainy season. Then the miracle forms and I'm thankful. If only we can learn to be thankful when He does "bring the rain."
I'm thankful for this day, reflecting on the first Thanksgiving. The Pilgrams and Indians coming together. What a beautiful picture that is. Let's all come together, be thankful, and pour our thanksgiving on our Creator and Savior.
Father, Thank You for all your great treasures you bestow upon us. For family and friends. For providing this time for family to come together. For the bountiful meal that is about to be set before us today. Father, I pray that you provide happiness, love and provide for those without on this beautiful day that You have provided for us. Draw those that are lost and wandering to You Father, that they might come to know of Your grace and mercy. For You are a wonderful, loving Father, always providing, teaching, and drawing us to You. I Love You Daddy! Happy Thanskgiving. In Jesus sweet and holy name, Amen.
Be blessed everyone. Have a wonderful day and pour your love onto your family and friends as He does with us. Shine with His love, grace, and mercy. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU! <3
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Phil 4:13
Received this through an e-mail. Have heard of something like this before. Amazing!
Phil. 4 : 13
This will give you chills......
No matter how religious you may or may not be,
this can give you chills.
Phil. 4:13 states:
'I can do all things through Christ
which strengthen me..'
Here's the story:
A young man who had been raised as an atheist
was training to be an Olympic diver.
The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken
Christian friend.
The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's
sermons,
but he heard them often.
One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he
attended.
The lights were all off,
but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright,
there was plenty of light to practice by.
The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he
turned
his back to the pool on
the edge of the board and extended his arms out,
he saw his shadow on the wall.
The shadow of his body,
was in the shape of a cross..
The man felt a strange feeling,
like someone was speaking to him.
Instead of diving,
he knelt down and
finally asked God to come into his life.
As the young man stood,
a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on.
The pool had been drained ! for repairs.
Remember this story and send it to a friend.
Yes, I do Love Jesus.
He is my source of existence and Savior..
He keeps me functioning each and everyday.
'Without Him, I will be nothing.
Without him, I am nothing
but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens
me...'
Phil 4: 13.
THE LORD WORKS IN AMAZING WAYS TO GET OUR ATTENTION! He's always on time!!!!!!!
Phil. 4 : 13
This will give you chills......
No matter how religious you may or may not be,
this can give you chills.
Phil. 4:13 states:
'I can do all things through Christ
which strengthen me..'
Here's the story:
A young man who had been raised as an atheist
was training to be an Olympic diver.
The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken
Christian friend.
The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's
sermons,
but he heard them often.
One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he
attended.
The lights were all off,
but as the pool had big skylights and the moon was bright,
there was plenty of light to practice by.
The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he
turned
his back to the pool on
the edge of the board and extended his arms out,
he saw his shadow on the wall.
The shadow of his body,
was in the shape of a cross..
The man felt a strange feeling,
like someone was speaking to him.
Instead of diving,
he knelt down and
finally asked God to come into his life.
As the young man stood,
a maintenance man walked in and turned the lights on.
The pool had been drained ! for repairs.
Remember this story and send it to a friend.
Yes, I do Love Jesus.
He is my source of existence and Savior..
He keeps me functioning each and everyday.
'Without Him, I will be nothing.
Without him, I am nothing
but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens
me...'
Phil 4: 13.
THE LORD WORKS IN AMAZING WAYS TO GET OUR ATTENTION! He's always on time!!!!!!!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sharing God's Love
I’ve been going to write this post for about a week now and finally have the right words for it all. Its funny how we are lead on our paths and wait until the right moment. We often wonder why at times we wait and put things off. It’s not always procrastination, but rather our Father telling us to wait until He has given us the exact tools we need to carry on.
Tonight I received word that my best friend from H.S. mother passed away. Her dad is seriously ill battling cancer. I’ve lost contact with her since she married around 1983-84 there about. I’ve often thought of her and wondered how she is doing. I’ve missed her and reminisce all the great times we had together.
Tonight hit me hard. It was an awakening. At first it was hard to breathe. I just wanted to bawl, but only allowed a few tears. I had so many emotions flowing through me; I didn’t know how to feel. I decided to work on more organizing of the house. That wasn’t helping. So I thought I would go straighten up my desk. I looked at all the inspirational books we have and thought I need to read that one…not that one…oh wait a minute, that’s the one I really need to read. Then I came to Charles Stanley’s Life Principle Bible and was going to work on it…then I thought, no, I need to listen to a pod cast. I haven’t done that in ages.
Well, that’s what I needed and then it hit me as I’m listening to the end of one I had started months ago. The words…the exact words I needed to fit in with what I’m going to write about. By now you are probably thinking, “You just wrote several paragraphs now. You have a story to tell yet?” Yes indeed. It’s a story I pray will stir the hearts of those that need it and strengthen those that already know. So here goes.
It all started over a week ago. I went to pick up the kids to take them all to school as usual. The oldest girl was in a foul mood and was not happy. I tried to keep my cool until she started taking it out on the van. I snapped at her; and then reminded myself that anger on top of anger gets one nowhere, so I gained control. We were all loaded up and on our way, and the grumbling with the children continued. I reached down and grabbed a worship CD. The first one, “God is Good!” They grumbled a little more and I started to pray. I kept on praying asking for peace and restoration. It got quiet. The next thing I knew, they were singing, well all but one, but the grumbling subsided. By the time we dropped the first boy off at his bus stop, everyone was giggling and happy. Thank you Lord!
The next song they like to hear each morning, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” then “I Can Only Imagine.” This part of the story shows how God’s Love for us can be so calming. We only need to let Him in and learn to love as well.
Okay, that’s just the beginning. At first I thought, ugh, this day is starting out just great, then He showed me, don’t be so negative. Put on that positive attitude, be a builder and bring peace. Obey, and good things come of it.
Later that day I got an excited call from my husband. He had been going through problem after problem on one of the buildings they had plans for. He prayed on the way to work that morning and said, “Father, I need you to do something about this today. We need to get these problems solved so that this project is no longer delayed.” He no more than got into the office before he even had a chance to take his coat off, and the phone rang. It was one of the people working on solving the problems to tell him that “all” the problems had been solved. The project was moving forward!” Praise God.
And it just keeps getting better. He’s been praying for more work to come in since taking over the company completely. Each time he prays and asks for help, He shows up. The problems are solved, the money comes in. He’s been flabbergasted and stated he doesn’t know what is going on and that he doesn’t know how much more he can handle.
I reminded him to be careful with what he says. The answers came to us in church a week ago this past Sunday. “Tithing;” yes you read right; tithing. It’s right in the Bible that we are to give 10% of our goods to the Lord. I kept feeling empty when we would not give our full amount. Now mind you, we are in a church where they do not keep track of what we give. Our Pastor knows that’s between the Father and us.
Well I knew we were not doing the right thing and kept telling hubby my feelings on this. Then without my knowing it, he started giving 10% sometimes more. He’s been faithfully tithing for some time, and giving more when needed or prompted to do so. He knew it was right and knew that was what he was supposed to be doing.
Then came the picture at the “Men at the Cross,” that he was instructed to buy. He knew he was supposed to do it for the church, and it happened. It was money I didn’t think we had, then the Lord reminded me, “do not worry child, I will take care of you.” You know what? He has done just that.
We have learned to be faithful to our Father, our Lord and Savior. Jesus gave His all for us. We are asked to do a small thing for Him. I mean seriously, it is small when you compare it to giving your life for everyone! My husband has faithfully been giving what we are suppose to for several months now, and wow, the blessings keep coming.
He asked some of the pastors and myself if it was bragging to tell people about this. We all told him that the Lord wants us to share the good news, just not in a boastful manner. This is why I’ve waited. I wanted to make sure I wrote this with the right words.
Two things to share with you that drove me to write this. One is from words we heard from Oral Roberts at church this past Sun: “If you don’t give a harvest, why do you plant a seed?” Those are some powerful words.
Then last but not least from Charles Stanley:
“If you hunger more for worldly riches than for the treasures of knowing God; then you’re climbing the wrong ladder of success. Genuine eternal blessing is more than it’s measured in relationship with Jesus, not monetary accumulation. Make Christ your top priority and chief joy, and you will experience true prosperity.”
Wow! How true that is. We need to really grasp hold of this message that He is sending us. We were talking with some of the pastors and they have seen others experiencing similar testimony’s. We were struggling, worried where the money was going to come from, business was slow and low and behold, faith kicked in and He’s answered every call. Other’s have had the same experience. Faith! Plant the seed! We talked of how many are struggling and afraid to take the plunge. All I can say is do it with your heart in it! Have faith! Be true to Him and He will bless you beyond your wildest imaginations. Don’t do it wanting and expecting, but do it in faith, with Love and a giving heart. He’ll know if you are doing it for personal gain or not.
Long story short: Ever since hubby started planting the seed faithfully, life has improved. Ever since I grabbed hold of all that was happening and got back to the Bible, life has improved more. We have become builders with the grand children and joy has surrounded us. We find it much easier to handle difficult situations. When the enemy strikes, we say NO! We pray and life returns to normal. We still go through out dark times, but they are much easier to walk through now. When one of us starts to stray, the other grabs hold and reels us back in. I can't begin to describe the way life has become other than it is so much more of a positive atmosphere, and we feel His presence. It's beautiful! It's beyond beautiful. There are no words to describe it; you just have to experience it yourself. Don't give up! He never does with us.
Be blessed everyone. Walk in the light of the Lord. Believe in Him. Trust in Him. Have faith in Him to walk you through. And remember, we come closer to Him in our weakest and darkest moments. He’s molding us and preparing us. Love and blessings to you all!
Tonight I received word that my best friend from H.S. mother passed away. Her dad is seriously ill battling cancer. I’ve lost contact with her since she married around 1983-84 there about. I’ve often thought of her and wondered how she is doing. I’ve missed her and reminisce all the great times we had together.
Tonight hit me hard. It was an awakening. At first it was hard to breathe. I just wanted to bawl, but only allowed a few tears. I had so many emotions flowing through me; I didn’t know how to feel. I decided to work on more organizing of the house. That wasn’t helping. So I thought I would go straighten up my desk. I looked at all the inspirational books we have and thought I need to read that one…not that one…oh wait a minute, that’s the one I really need to read. Then I came to Charles Stanley’s Life Principle Bible and was going to work on it…then I thought, no, I need to listen to a pod cast. I haven’t done that in ages.
Well, that’s what I needed and then it hit me as I’m listening to the end of one I had started months ago. The words…the exact words I needed to fit in with what I’m going to write about. By now you are probably thinking, “You just wrote several paragraphs now. You have a story to tell yet?” Yes indeed. It’s a story I pray will stir the hearts of those that need it and strengthen those that already know. So here goes.
It all started over a week ago. I went to pick up the kids to take them all to school as usual. The oldest girl was in a foul mood and was not happy. I tried to keep my cool until she started taking it out on the van. I snapped at her; and then reminded myself that anger on top of anger gets one nowhere, so I gained control. We were all loaded up and on our way, and the grumbling with the children continued. I reached down and grabbed a worship CD. The first one, “God is Good!” They grumbled a little more and I started to pray. I kept on praying asking for peace and restoration. It got quiet. The next thing I knew, they were singing, well all but one, but the grumbling subsided. By the time we dropped the first boy off at his bus stop, everyone was giggling and happy. Thank you Lord!
The next song they like to hear each morning, “Jesus Take the Wheel,” then “I Can Only Imagine.” This part of the story shows how God’s Love for us can be so calming. We only need to let Him in and learn to love as well.
Okay, that’s just the beginning. At first I thought, ugh, this day is starting out just great, then He showed me, don’t be so negative. Put on that positive attitude, be a builder and bring peace. Obey, and good things come of it.
Later that day I got an excited call from my husband. He had been going through problem after problem on one of the buildings they had plans for. He prayed on the way to work that morning and said, “Father, I need you to do something about this today. We need to get these problems solved so that this project is no longer delayed.” He no more than got into the office before he even had a chance to take his coat off, and the phone rang. It was one of the people working on solving the problems to tell him that “all” the problems had been solved. The project was moving forward!” Praise God.
And it just keeps getting better. He’s been praying for more work to come in since taking over the company completely. Each time he prays and asks for help, He shows up. The problems are solved, the money comes in. He’s been flabbergasted and stated he doesn’t know what is going on and that he doesn’t know how much more he can handle.
I reminded him to be careful with what he says. The answers came to us in church a week ago this past Sunday. “Tithing;” yes you read right; tithing. It’s right in the Bible that we are to give 10% of our goods to the Lord. I kept feeling empty when we would not give our full amount. Now mind you, we are in a church where they do not keep track of what we give. Our Pastor knows that’s between the Father and us.
Well I knew we were not doing the right thing and kept telling hubby my feelings on this. Then without my knowing it, he started giving 10% sometimes more. He’s been faithfully tithing for some time, and giving more when needed or prompted to do so. He knew it was right and knew that was what he was supposed to be doing.
Then came the picture at the “Men at the Cross,” that he was instructed to buy. He knew he was supposed to do it for the church, and it happened. It was money I didn’t think we had, then the Lord reminded me, “do not worry child, I will take care of you.” You know what? He has done just that.
We have learned to be faithful to our Father, our Lord and Savior. Jesus gave His all for us. We are asked to do a small thing for Him. I mean seriously, it is small when you compare it to giving your life for everyone! My husband has faithfully been giving what we are suppose to for several months now, and wow, the blessings keep coming.
He asked some of the pastors and myself if it was bragging to tell people about this. We all told him that the Lord wants us to share the good news, just not in a boastful manner. This is why I’ve waited. I wanted to make sure I wrote this with the right words.
Two things to share with you that drove me to write this. One is from words we heard from Oral Roberts at church this past Sun: “If you don’t give a harvest, why do you plant a seed?” Those are some powerful words.
Then last but not least from Charles Stanley:
“If you hunger more for worldly riches than for the treasures of knowing God; then you’re climbing the wrong ladder of success. Genuine eternal blessing is more than it’s measured in relationship with Jesus, not monetary accumulation. Make Christ your top priority and chief joy, and you will experience true prosperity.”
Wow! How true that is. We need to really grasp hold of this message that He is sending us. We were talking with some of the pastors and they have seen others experiencing similar testimony’s. We were struggling, worried where the money was going to come from, business was slow and low and behold, faith kicked in and He’s answered every call. Other’s have had the same experience. Faith! Plant the seed! We talked of how many are struggling and afraid to take the plunge. All I can say is do it with your heart in it! Have faith! Be true to Him and He will bless you beyond your wildest imaginations. Don’t do it wanting and expecting, but do it in faith, with Love and a giving heart. He’ll know if you are doing it for personal gain or not.
Long story short: Ever since hubby started planting the seed faithfully, life has improved. Ever since I grabbed hold of all that was happening and got back to the Bible, life has improved more. We have become builders with the grand children and joy has surrounded us. We find it much easier to handle difficult situations. When the enemy strikes, we say NO! We pray and life returns to normal. We still go through out dark times, but they are much easier to walk through now. When one of us starts to stray, the other grabs hold and reels us back in. I can't begin to describe the way life has become other than it is so much more of a positive atmosphere, and we feel His presence. It's beautiful! It's beyond beautiful. There are no words to describe it; you just have to experience it yourself. Don't give up! He never does with us.
Be blessed everyone. Walk in the light of the Lord. Believe in Him. Trust in Him. Have faith in Him to walk you through. And remember, we come closer to Him in our weakest and darkest moments. He’s molding us and preparing us. Love and blessings to you all!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Been Away Far Too Long
I have been away from blogging for far too long. I finally received my nudge to come back home to here. I've missed blogging. I got too wrapped up in Face Book. :( What an addiction that was. I am going to keep the account, but mainly for keeping in touch with friends and spreading the word. I am coming back to here to do what the Lord has planned for me. I only wish I had listened a long time ago. I hope you will accept me back and am looking forward to catching up.
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