Not a whole lot going on......thus not a whole lot to say

Well, as you can tell from the lack of blogging I haven't had a lot to say lately.
Not that things have been bad.....just don't have anything to say.
I will let you guys know so that you can pray that we will be making a trip to N.C this weekend to see if that is where God wants us. We are praying for Him to open or shut doors. We will return late Tuesday evening.
The pictures below are of my son Michael and the fruit of his overnight labor.
He loves to fish like his Mom....only when he goes he actually catches something. :)
Michael is 5'11 and the beast he is holding is 5'9. Micheal says it weighs about 70 pounds.
It is called an alligator gar. From the pictures below when you look at its teeth you can understand why. Not a pleasant looking fish.
NO......I will not be cleaning it or cooking it. He will pass this pleasure on to one of his friends.
They did catch some nice red fish but I passed those on too.

The following was taken from a Bible Study I am doing on line. It is a little long but if you have time to read it I think you will find it very interesting. And then if you have time let me know what you think.

We desire that you might come to experience Him as did Finney—that great American evangelist and theologian, who wrote these words:

After dinner we [referring to Squire Wright and himself] were engaged in removing our books and furniture to another office. We were very busy in this, and had but little conversation all the afternoon. My mind, however, remained in that profoundly tranquil state. There was a great sweetness and tenderness in my thoughts and feelings. Everything appeared to be going right, and nothing seemed to ruffle or disturb me in the least.

Just before evening the thought took possession of my mind, that as soon as I was left alone in the new office, I would try to pray again—that I was not going to abandon the subject of religion and give it up, at any rate; and therefore, although I no longer had any concern about my soul, still I would continue to pray.

By evening we got the books and furniture adjusted; and I made up, in an open fireplace, a good fire, hoping to spend the evening alone. Just at dark Squire W, seeing that everything was adjusted, bade me goodnight and went to his home. I had accompanied him to the door; and as I closed the door and turned around, my heart seemed to be liquid within me. All my feelings seemed to rise and flow out; and the utterance of my heart was, "I want to pour my whole soul out to God." The rising of my soul was so great that I rushed into the room back of the front office, to pray.

There was no fire, and no light, in the room; nevertheless it appeared to me as if it were perfectly light. As I went in and shut the door after me, it seemed as if I met the Lord Jesus Christ face to face. It did not occur to me then, nor did it for some time afterward, that it was wholly a mental state. On the contrary it seemed to me that I saw Him as I would see any other man. He said nothing, but looked at me in such a manner as to break me right down at his feet. I have always since regarded this as a most remarkable state of mind; for it seemed to me a reality, that He stood before me, and I fell down at his feet and poured out my soul to Him. I wept aloud like a child, and made such confessions as I could with my choked utterance. It seemed to me that I bathed His feet with my tears; and yet I had no distinct impression that I touched Him, that I recollect.

I must have continued in this state for a good while; but my mind was too much absorbed with the interview to recollect anything that I said. But I know, as soon as my mind became calm enough to break off from the interview, I returned to the front office, and found that the fire that I had made of large wood was nearly burned out. But as I turned and was about to take a seat by the fire, I received a mighty baptism of the Holy Ghost. Without any expectation of it, without ever having the thought in my mind that there was any such thing for me, without any recollection that I had ever heard the thing mentioned by any person in the world, the Holy Spirit descended upon me in a manner that seemed to go through me, body and soul. I could feel the impression, like a wave of electricity, going through and through me. Indeed it seemed to come in waves and waves of liquid love, for I could not express it in any other way. It seemed like the very breath of God. I can recollect distinctly that it seemed to fan me, like immense wings.

No words can express the wonderful love that was shed abroad in my heart. I wept aloud with joy and love; and I do not know but I should say, I literally bellowed out the unutterable gushings of my heart. These waves came over me, and over me, and over me, one after the other, until I recollect I cried out, "I shall die if these waves continue to pass over me." I said, "Lord, I cannot bear any more;" yet I had no fear of death. (Finney)

The experience in his own words, of Finney, that great American evangelist.

If you made it this far......what do you think?
I have had some great times with the Holy Spirit that I did not want to end.....but not like this.
I have been so filled with such a tranquil peace and almost timelessness that I did not want to move least I cause the situation to change. It was almost numbing.......but in a good way.
I will say that those times came after time of preparation.
Times of fasting and cleansing.
Kind of like in Exodus when God told the people to wash themselves and get ready because He was coming down to speak to them.

That is it for today.
Going to do my next lesson.

Why Bother? HA!

We have been praying for some really big things lately.
And as time is getting closer to us thinking we need an answer sooner than later--I have begun to wonder what is up.
I know He hears us. I know that He is up to something.
But what?
I love the way Mrs Elliot ends this devotional. If you have a moment to read-please do.

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: Keep A Quiet Heart
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Matthew 7:11

The Weapon of Prayer

News came one day which indicated that a matter I had been praying about had deteriorated rather than improved. "What good are my prayers, anyway?" I was tempted to ask. "Why bother? It's becoming a mere charade." But the words of Jesus occurred in my Bible reading that very morning (and wasn't it a good thing I'd taken time to hear Him?): "If you, bad as you are, know how to give your children what is good for them, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him?" (Matthew 7:11, NEB).

Are you as often tempted as I am to doubt the effectiveness of prayer? But Jesus prayed. He told us to pray. We can be sure that the answer will come, and it will be good. If it is not exactly what we expected, chances are we were not asking for quite the right thing. Our heavenly Father hears the prayer, but wants to give us bread rather than stones.

Prayer is a weapon. Paul speaks of the "weapons we wield" in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. They are "not merely human, but divinely potent to demolish strongholds" (NEB). The source of my doubts about its potency that morning was certainly not the Holy Spirit. It was the unholy spirit, the Destroyer himself, urging me to quit using the weapon he fears so intensely.

"It was the unholy spirit, the Destroyer himself, urging me to quit using the weapon he fears so intensely."

That above is what hit me the most. satan brings doubt and discouragement and we begin to think that we should just give up. After all.....nothing is happening??????
Nothing that we can see with our physical eyes!!

Our enemy is such a liar and he knows how to play us.

He fears............ so he hits us with the fear of the unseen and unknown.
If we will give up he thinks he will win.

Will we let him win?

Thank you for walking through me with this. I am working this thing out in prayer. God is providing the tools to FIGHT..........I will use them.

Are You Starving?

Time between Keith and I has been really sweet lately. I want to thank those of you who have been praying for us. One of the things that I have always desired is to be able to talk about the things of God with my husband. That sounds like something that should easily take place-but it has not because of the difference in our walks. And I have learned to be very careful how
much I share concerning what I am learning. I would never want him to think that I am trying to be his teacher -although in the past he probably thought that when I gushed with excitement over something I was learning.

So this past week when Keith shared this devotional with me from Charles Stanley--we had a nice little discussion. It was sweet. God is moving.

We even had a situation where we had a little disagreement about Julia. I was hurt by somethings said-but I did not react in an ugly way. Keith left for work and I was surprised and hour later when he called to clarify what he had said. He apologized. Something big in our relationship that has just begun to change in the last year or so.

He came home for lunch and after he ate he said, "I think satan got really mad today". Of course I thought something bad had happened. He went on to explain that when he called me back and straightened things out that satan was not happy. He was glad he had called.
It was just a sweet moment.

The following is part of the devotional that Keith shared with me.

For believers to obey the Lord, daily meditation upon Scripture is essential. But, some Christians try to live the will of God while opening the Bible only at church. This practice is similar to playing in a basketball game without attending any practices. It results in a lot of errors and frustration.

The Bible's purpose is to shine a light on God's true nature. It teaches believers His principles and commands. This equips them to make decisions that are pleasing to Him. (Dr. Charles Stanley?) I once skipped reading God's Word for a week so that I would know what non-meditating believers experience. Even in so short a time, I got "rusty". My thinking was clouded. My attitude suffered. I could feel my heart growing cool to God.

Now the thing that got me was the fact the Charles Stanley did not know what people experienced that did not read their Bible and meditate on it.
Did you catch that?
He actually skipped a week just so that he would know what I have been experiencing lately.!!!!!!
Can you imagine living that way all the time? So close to God.
Maybe some of you do---that is awesome.
I have been there before-but lately things have been dry.
Now, everyday I read scripture in something and read about God.
But my time in the word has been scarce. :0
I need to do a reversal of what Charles Stanley did to remind myself of
what I have been missing.
So I can pretty much guarantee that my thinking is clouded, my attitude
is suffering and my heart must be growing cold.
We will be doing about this immediately.

Need A Reason To Praise Him?

Psalm 18:20-24

God made my life complete
When I placed all the pieces before Him.
When I got my act together,
He gave me a fresh start.
Now I'm alert to God's ways;
I don't take God for granted.
Every day I review the ways He works;
try not to miss a trick.
I feel put back together,
and I'm watching my step.
God rewrote the text of my life
when I opened the book of my heart to His eyes.

\o/

Can we praise Him like David for the fresh start
He gives us each Day?
We don't have to live in yesterday.
Today I open my heart to Him because He Loves me.
The real me!
Now how many people could you show the real you
and say they still love you?
And not only does he love us------but He likes us!
He wants to be around us.
He wants to sit with us in silence,
or laugh with us when things are silly.
He just wants us.

Want to feel "put back together"?
Open your heart before Him--
He'll put the pieces back together the way they were meant to be.

Drowning?? Daddy God is coming!

When I was a little girl we lived in New Orleans.
I am not sure when but at some point our parents became friends
with a family that lived across the lake out in the country.
They had a huge beautiful wooden house-the husband was a lawyer in New Orleans--surrounded by lots of property.
It was a magical place to go on the weekends to get away from the city.
There was a huge wood burning fireplace-that is probably where I got my love for fireplaces.
They also had a table that seated their six and our six--now that is a table.
I remember sitting around the table after we ate--everybody talking and enjoying the company.
In my dream home I have a fireplace like that and a table like that.
I would love to see it filled with those in ministry.
A place that would fill their stomachs and refresh their souls.

One of the other things on their property was a huge pond-or it was when I was little-and it had an island in the middle.
We would swim out as far as we could and then swim back.
I don't know who else was present on this particular day but
I think Mom and Dad were the only adults there.
Mom never learned how to swim when she was growing up--although she did learn a little when we were in our teen years.
So Dad was sitting on the side bank with Mom watching me swimming back and forth.
I had gone across and was on my way back when I realized I could go no further.
I remember the panic I felt--I don't remember if I called out before I went down the first time.
But, I do remember coming up and looking at the shore.
I knew that someone was watching and he would come.
The last thing I remember was seeing Dad tossing off his shoes and removing his wallet and then as if by magic ----he was there.
I don't remember much from that point on--but I do remember feeling safe.
In the last few days I have felt like I was drowning.
My strength had carried me and with the events that transpired--that was quickly sapped.
Just like that little girl--I knew my Daddy God saw me going down...and I hoped
He would come to the rescue.
He did.
Tuesday night I picked up the mail and found out that we were being sued.
Keith lost a wheel barrel out of the back of his truck on the way to a job and it has caused an accident. This happened back in March of last year.
The letter from our insurance company told us that we might want to have our own lawyer available in case the amount being asked for was more than our insurance covered. !!!!!
My heart sunk.
Then Wednesday morning I got a collect call from the jail in town from our son.
Every mothers nightmare call. And yes, with the things we have been through with Michael it was a very real fear of mine.
It was not really a serious matter. He had an outstanding ticket that he had gotten for playing his music too loud in his truck. They stopped him for having a light out and when they pulled him up on the computer and saw it--they arrested him.
Many things began to take place where we could see the hand of God working.
He is now out--and yes, he learned some huge lessons that we pray will stick forever in his mind.
We have been trying to get him to enlist in the military-both his Dad and I think this will be good for him. Because of this--he will be enlisting. We consider this an answer to prayer.

This morning I finally got the insurance guy to call me back-after having already talked to our lawyer--and he told me
that what the people are asking is actually less than what our coverage limit is.
Praise God!
And he actually apologized for sending me the form letter he sent me-!!!!!!!!! :0 -and said that he was sorry that it had upset me.
No, I don't know why someone would be upset to get a letter that advised them to get a lawyer because someone was suing them possibly for more than their insurance would cover.
Goodness!
So the contents of the letter were not even totally true--but God was using it in my life.

One thing that I will admit is that both of the above situations have been fears that I have had.
I believe that God allowed both of these things to happen
so that I would have to face the fears that I have always thought would be my undoing.
In my fear and panic--I did think I was going under for the last time.
But, I was never out of my Daddy Gods sight.
He knew exactly what was necessary to make me face those fears--False.Evidence.Appearing.Real---and then show me that
He is my protector and comforter.
The circumstances did not take me under for the last time.
And during this time there were sweet songs placed in my subconscious by Him
to remind me of His love and His presence. The last two morning they were playing loud and clear in my mind when I woke up. I was being serenaded by the Holy Spirit. How cool is that?

God does not resolve things in the thirty minute time slots like on T.V.
But He tells us that He is working on our behalf--
that He is our defender.
That He cares for each of His children tenderly.

I thank Him for the lessons learned. I also thank Him for taking ammunition out of the hands of my enemy. He can no longer hold those things in my face and strike terror in my heart.
I can now say, BEEN THERE, DONE THAT----Not going back!

The Visitor

Someone
came in quietly
while I slept.
He stole through the doors,
Shadows gliding cross old wooden floors.
Making its’ way to my room,
Unseen by eyes in evenings gloom.
Slipping quietly to my bed,
Laying hands upon my head.
I felt no fear, no startled sleep
I only felt such sweet release,
Drifting back to slumber deep.

All night long while I slept
He kept vigil by my bed
As His hand lay gentle on my head.
In the morning when I woke
Something stopped me 'fore I spoke
A dear old hymn filled my head
Replacing what had been my constant stead.
s.b.

“I need thee, oh I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
O bless me now my Savior
I come to Thee.”

On Tuesday evening a series of events began to take place that took my breath away.
They tried to run off the breath of the Spirit.
The next morning I was greeted by a phone call that confronted a fear that had been in my heart for several years. It almost seemed unreal.
Then I took Julia to the doctor and found out that she had pneumonia in both lungs.
All of these events made me feel as if I had been sucker punched in the gut.
Isn't it amazing how when God knows that there are fears lingering in your heart- He will actually let you walk through those fears to remove their power?
He is our hiding place.
He allows us to go to the strangest places
in order to show us the strength of His comfort.
My first gut reaction is to tuck tail and run. And yet I find His hands forming a wall that says, This far-no further.
The past two mornings I have woken to songs of His love playing in my mind.
He is real.
At some point in our lives He will take us to the dry lonely places to teach us that.
No one can learn those lessons for us.
When we begin to lean on anything other than Him---HE WILL SHAKE IT.


It is well with my soul.

GP are ya listening?.......... Feeling a little Kirk Franklin this morning :)

Whenever a message keeps repeating itself--you can better believe that my ears are going to perk up and I am going to stop and listen to what God is saying.
Just Sunday we heard Charles Stanley preaching on Nehemiah
and now on Tuesday I received this devotional.
I want to hear what He is saying.
Are we listening?

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 1:8-9

Satan's Opposition or God's Punishment

Sometimes when we are in trouble we are not sure whether the trouble is the opposition of our enemy Satan or a punishment from God. It may be both, and in any case the thing to do is pray--first, confession of sin which is known; second, asking to be shown sin which has not been acknowledged; third, prayer for deliverance in God's way and in God's time.

When the people of Israel were in great trouble and disgrace and the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down, Nehemiah sat down and wept. Then he mourned and fasted and prayed "for some days" before the God of heaven. The exile of the people and the destruction of the wall were surely the work of evil men, but they were also the means employed by a sovereign God to punish the people. "If you are unfaithful I will scatter you." Nehemiah reminded God in his prayer of this threat, but he also reminded Him of his promise: "If you return and obey...I will gather them" (Neh 1:8, 9 RSV). Nehemiah became the intercessor and the means in the hand of God for their restoration, just as their enemies had, under his sovereignty, been the means of their punishment.

It is not required that we sort out all the possibilities--"Is this God?" or "Is this Satan?"--it is required that we confess our sins and put our whole trust in the God who is in charge.

Are we listening?

Where are the repairers of the wall?

Taking Care Of Business!

It is Meme Monday again.
Please click on the picture above to find out more about Meme Monday from Melanie.
I thought I was not going to have anything to take care of
but Nicki and Mary have given me some business.
First Mary-what a heart- has given her commentors a little gift.
So if you read.........and comment.........I will pass this little sweet gift along to you.
And then you will have the opportunity to pass it along to.
Next, Nicki from My Girly Girls has tagged me for the Seven Random Fact tag.
I don't usually tag so breath easy. ;)
I have done this one before so I hope I can come up with something new.
Here are the rules:

1) Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog
2) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4) Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I wear contacts. I know, how interesting. But, I also wear glasses when the mood strikes me.
Yes, my hubby likes the different appearance my glasses give me.
So, when I want to appear a little something special for my man-I wear my glasses.
See you never knew wearing glasses worked just as well a lingerie. ;)

2. When I got married I did not get any nice dishes. It was just not really important to me at the time. Now I have developed a thing about white plates and dishes.
And thanks to a good friend--I have enough stuff to entertain in style should you ever drop in.
Just let me know before you come. ;)

3. I have a "thang" for pens. A smooth flow and comfortable grip just gets me.

4. Most people who meet me and don't get to know me-- seem to think that I am a pretty unemotional person. This is not true. Sometimes when I hear that people think that-- I am stunned since I feel like a wear my emotions on my sleeve.
But if you truly want to see that emotion come out--ask me about my relationship with God and His love for us.
But, don't do that unless you have awhile to listen. ;)
Then watch out for my hands because the share in the excitement too.
I talk with my hands.

5. When I was 18 God called me into the ministry.
I told Him, no way!
Yes, I repented after trying for a long time to run. And yes, He forgave me. :)
What is that ministry?
A ministry of reconciliation.
God wants His people back!

6. I LOVE dangling earrings. I am partial to silver and I have my ears pierced twice. :0
No, I don't have a belly button ring. LOL!

7. I do have a little wild child in me. Most people who have met me and do not know me -would laugh at the thought of that. But it is true and every once in a while I let her out.
Once or twice I thought about getting a tattoo
just to shock those who think they have me pegged.
But instead...........I just go for a little speed to get my thrills.
How?
Got a go cart and a race tract?
Watch out and stay out of my way!

How To Make The Most Of Listening To The Word

Why do you belong to the Christian world of blogging?

Is it just because you think it is a safe place to go?
Or do you come here looking for women who are where you are-struggling with the same things you are struggling with. Is there something in you that is spurring you on?
Maybe a desire to see how other women are walking this walk out?
I want you to know that the deepest desire of my heart is to walk this thing out in a way that is going to please God and bring glory to His name.
A way that will so please His heart that in the end He will say--
Well done my good and faithful servant.
I believe that the only way to do that is to be immersed in His word.
To hide that word in my heart so that I don't sin against Him.
How often do you read the word and leave it feeling that it was a waste of your time--you got nothing?
I'll be honest--this has been happening often lately.
Why?
Because life has gotten in the way.
Yesterday I caught the most amazing sermon that brought some great things to light.
I don't know if many of you know who Charles Stanley is. But without a doubt I can tell you that He is a tremendous man of God and a great teacher. There is no screaming and yelling--no light shows--just the simple truth of Gods word presented in an orderly easy to understand method.
He is right on.
Today he spoke on getting the most out of the word of God.
It was related to what you get when you come to church but I believe it will also be great to use when we are reading the word at home. Would you admit with me that we all have room to grow in the area of our Bible reading?
I hope your answer was yes.
Do you want the fire of God to burn into those places that need to be changed?
Then we have got to get into the word.
Here is the sermon outline. It has some fantastic points.
If you would like to watch the sermon--it was great--just click on his name below and it will take you to the page for you to watch it.
I hope you enjoy it and then I would love to hear what God has spoken to your heart.
Remember that we will only receive from God what we allow Him to give us.
A open heart and mind is all He needs to change our lives.

Charles Stanley

How to Listen to the Word of God

Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-7, 12-17

I. Introduction: Why is it that some people leave church each week encouraged and full of joy, but others go away empty and burdened? How can we make the most of listening to the Word of God?

II. Message:

A. Scriptural example

1. The Israelites were captives in Babylon, and Jerusalem’s wall was in ruins. Nehemiah asked the Babylonian king for supplies and time off from his duties so he could help rebuild the wall.

2. With God’s help, Nehemiah and other exiles rebuilt the wall in 52 days, despite opposition from their enemies. The people then asked to hear the Word of God.

3. The best sermons are based on the Bible, not on the philosophies of men.

B. You must listen to God’s Word:

1. Eagerly (Neh. 8:1-2). When you come to a worship service, ask God to speak to your heart.

2. Attentively (Neh. 8:3). Your attention span is determined by your desire to know God and His will for your life.

3. Trustingly (Neh. 8:4-5). Our world is unpredictable. We must place our faith in something that gives us assurance—and God’s Word is trustworthy.

4. Expectantly (Neh. 8:5). In Nehemiah’s day, the people couldn’t understand the original languages of the scrolls. But they stood in anticipation of hearing God’s Word.

5. Prayerfully (Neh. 8:6). The people bowed low and worshipped the Lord.

6. Patiently (Neh. 8:7). The people listened for hours as God’s Word was read.

7. Humbly (Neh. 8:6). The people fell on their faces in humility because of their ancestors’ sins, which had caused them to miss the Lord’s blessings.

8. Purposefully (Neh. 8:12-17).They wanted to gain insight into the Law. Each time you come to church, ask God for insight about His character.

9. Happily. There was great joy when the people listened to the Law. You are responsible for your own attitude toward church.

10. Repentantly (Neh. 9:1-3).The people listened with repentant hearts. If the Lord brings something to your attention, don’t blame the preacher. Be honest with God about it.

III. Closing: Write these ten words inside the front cover of your Bible, and read them before next week’s sermon. Then ask God to help you be attentive, and He will speak to you.

Amazing Fragrance

God reminded me of this this morning and I thought it might be something that would touch your heart too.

Each time I read it it reminds me of the power of prayer and the fact
that Jesus intercedes for me continually. I also love the picture of
the angels and the awe and honor they display for their master.
Our prayers release incredible power.
Not our power but the mighty power of our Father.

His Presence

She kneels quietly, her heart neither heavy nor light.
She awaits the presence that will come and inhabit her praise.
To this earth she is silent, as in her heart she lifts her
Worship to the God that is the sum of all glory and might.

Angels nearby stand in attention, anticipating the presence
that will come as their Master keeps His promise.
In hushed honor they fall to their knees covering their faces
as His majesty fills the room. Slowly their glorious ruler sinks
to His knees joining her, their hearts beat as one
their voices rise in perfect harmony. In a burst of light,
the words of praise enter the throne room filling it with the
most amazing fragrance. With one breath God inhales
the request of His son; and in the next with a mighty voice
that fills the earth, the Father says, "€œYes, let
it be done on earth as it is in Heaven".€
Back on earth, fingers full of endless power, the master
touches her heart.Her eyes fill with tears and perfect sweetness
fills her soul. And then she hears Him say,"€œThis day as your praise
took flight,God has spoken, and you must continue the fight.
For you will have victory this very night."€
s.b.

I AM Christ

Every once in a while I do a little blog hopping.
Not often because I really just want to be able to keep up with what is going on with the girls I have gotten to know.
But with the things going on I was just looking for a little something from God.
I found this video on another womans blog-sorry that I can't remember which one.
This video just touched my sore heart this morning.

I am having a hard time with our son Michael.
He is 18 and is not walking with the Lord.
I have been where he is.
Yesterday was a really rough day.
I spent some time with him in order to go and get a part for his truck.
As soon as it gets fixed we have asked him to leave.
Ya'll-he is my baby.
They are the ones you start dreaming the big dreams for. The ones you grow up with.
I know that we made some mistakes with him.
But we love him-more than that, His Daddy God loves him.
I want him to come to the point where he understands the relationship-beyond salvation-that he must have with God in order to survive this life.
Yesterday he said--I know ya'll just want me to leave.
This crushed my heart.
No, we don't want him to leave. But he has refused to follow the rules that we have set in place.
We are enabling him if we keep him here and allow him to lead the life he is living.
We still have such high hopes for him.
I pray that one day he will understand and he will come to love His God the way we do.
I continue to pray that God will protect him and help him to "get it" before it is too late and he makes mistakes that will be felt the rest of his life.
He is my little boy.
I know that other parents-mine included-have been here.
I look forward to the day when he will say-Thank you for loving me with tough love.
Till then- Thank you God that you are with him where ever he goes.
Thank you for watching my baby.

Sore Feet!

This is it!
It was a great day to go to the
state capital. We saw all kinds of great
things--like the hall where Huey Long
was shot........a movie was recently made about this. Also we saw a pencil hanging from the ceiling in the senate..how did it get there? A bomb that went off in the 70's by some unhappy union workers.

We got to go to the top of the capital where Julia and I took some pictures.

The capital is right on the
Mississippi River which is now at flood stage.
The pictures are dreary but it was a beautiful day.
While at the top another Mom and I kept wondering why the elevator was not coming back up to get us and take us down. After about five minutes we realized that neither of us had thought to push the button. Ops!

Next we tore through traffic-
I almost got lost-
and went to visit the Rural
Live museum.
It was really incredible--and FREE!
It was the dream of the Burden family and Windrush Plantation to have a place that people could come to remember what rural life used to be like in Louisiana. The top center picture is the blacksmith shop. I love these places of history although they are somewhat sad because of the slavery that they were built on. The picture to the left is a picture of slave quarters. Each home was fitted with a fireplace and really no other necessities. The walls were made of a mixture of moss and clay that was packed between the wall boards. If you know Louisiana at all you know that our heat and humidity is horrible. I can't even imagine living during these times without air and ice! Ugh! To the right you see what would have been used to get sugar from the sugar cane crop. The first hole would have cooked the cane juice down to reduce it. Then it would have gone to the next section to reduce and make molasses and then further to make sugar. It like the blacksmith shop would have been an unbelievable hot place to work.

The next picture to the right is a rim of a wheel to a wagon. These wheels were huge.
They were taken from wagons that were pulling Cyprus trees out of the swamp.
The wheel shows how large the wagons had to be to pull out the gigantic trees.
Next we went to the kitchen. Now ya'll have to know that I loved this.
The above picture is the stove/oven that was located in a separate building from the house in case of fire. The fireplace would have been lit around 4:00 in the morning so that the coals would be ready for breakfast cooking. To the right is a really cool device for delivering warm food to people in the fields. The hot coals were placed in the bottom and so the above containers would have been heated. We also learned that spices first became popular to enhance the flavor of foods that we would have considered past edible stage. Yuck!
Black pepper would have been the most expensive spice and women would have considered themselves fortunate if they found this in their wedding gifts. Try getting away with that today when you give a bridal gift. :)

Above is the church for the plantation. I don't know that all plantations would have had a church since pastors back then would have probably been circuit riders. Most churches would not have had a pastor every Sunday. I just thought the writing on the pew to the right was interesting.
To the left is Julia and I. There was a HUGE grist mill and we decided to have our picture taken.
This building was attached to a device that would have held at lease 8 mules or horses.
For each turn of the wheel the stone for grinding the corn would have turned 75 times. The stone is right above our heads.

When we first entered the grounds we walked through a building called the barn. It was filled with things that have been donated to the LSU Rural museum.
These of course are for funerals.
They were very elaborate.
To the right is a metal coffin inside the above vehicle. There is a little shadow from me on the glass but can you see that there is a glass opening in the head area of the casket? I would gather that this is for viewing without the smell. Kind of creepy and gross.
Depending on where you lived in Louisiana you might have been buried above ground because we are below water level.

The last thing we saw was the jail.
Now each plantation did not have its own jail. I guess they would have just put a person in stocks. But the guides here were pretty proud that they had this jail. The wall were very thick and nails were placed about 2 inches apart--no escape would have been able anyway unless your were able to get out of the devices to the right. And yes, notice the little potty available? I think it would not have been a very nice place to stay. There was a very small window in the top of the room and a pot belly stove for heating. You would have been guaranteed misery year round.
By the time we got here parents were complaining of sore feet. Yes, me included.
Julia and I rode home together and stopped by a new Bass Pro Shop on the way home.
Yes, we both came home with a new pair of shoes......that we got on sale!
It was a great day. ;)
If you are ever in the area the Rural Life Museum is a great place to go.
It is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

This is Why I Act the Way I Do (TIWIATWID

My Mom and Dad

I am on a field trip today(Thursday) and so I thought I would repost my post from a year ago to the day. Ya'll know you are just dying to get to know me better
and here is your chance.
The first paragraph is a story being retold by Holly of Crown Laid Down-then the rest is me. She gives the intro to my post.
Enjoy!
See ya when I get back-I'll bring pictures. Yes, I know-please
try and contain your excitement.
---------------------------

I was thinking about Beth Moore's story in a Bible study about her dog Beanie. Every time Beanie would do something bad, she would hold up her paw (that had been hurt and had surgery), as if to say, " This is why I act the way I do." Beth's point was that often we do things (or we know people who do things) out of our hurts and pains, as if to say, "This is why I act the way I do." So we think we are JUSTIFIED in our actions.

So I thought of a fun way to play this game, TIWIATWID. I'll keep it light and fun! 'Heaven knows we can think of a host of heavy and serious ones.


1. When I was young our Dad was very much into the health scene. Well, maybe I should just say, He was big time into vitamins and minerals . For years I thought I hated orange juice. When I got a little older I found out that it was not the orange juice I hated but the liquid iron he placed in it. I am still not real fond of orange juice.

2.When I was 5 my parents started teaching at a Christian Businessmens Conference on top of Lookout Mountain in TN. Anybody know Covenant College? That's the place. Every summer I looked forward to leaving our home in New Orleans to head for the mountains. We would start up that mountain in our blue and white van with the thick cobalt blue shag carpet and I would get butterflies in my stomach from the excitement surrounding the fun I knew we would have that week. I still get butterflies to this day each time we head for the mountains.

3.As a little girl just before it was bed time Mom would get my older brother and I and have us get on either side of her as she read some of the great classics. That is why to this day I love to read.

4. A little girl of about 5 or six followed her Mom to an old house where they sat as a group of women to learn about God. She watched as her Mom spoke with outward confidence of the inner confidence she had in her God. She loved to teach. That is why that little girls now grown -gains great pleasure doing the same. That little girl is me!

5. My father had a ministry in the French Quater when I was growing up. I remember hearing valiant stories of people snatchd from the power of Satan by the power of God. Everybody deserves to serve God freely--that is why I fight as a soldier in the army of God today.

Now don't you feel like you know me so much better? :)

Six Word Memoir Meme

Six-Word Memoir Meme

I have been tagged by Denise over at Samaritan Women for the Six-Word Memoir. Now I have been told that I can only give a 6 word memoir--- but I really feel I have to explain what I am planning to write. Cuz if you don't know me by now---I am a thinker. So honestly-I went to the dictionary to look this up and this is what it said to make sure I do it right. ;)

Memoir

1.	a record of events written by a person having intimate knowledge of them and based on personal observation.

2.	Usually, memoirs. a. an account of one's personal life and experiences; autobiography. b. the published record of the proceedings of a group or organization, as of a learned society.

3.	a biography or biographical sketch.

The Rules:

1. Write your own Six-Word Memoir.

2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you want.

3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.

4. Tag at least five more blogs with links.

5. Leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

Sooooo based on the fore mentioned knowledge---here is what I would want my memoir to read.

Pure in heart--she saw God.
Mat 5:8
This is based on my life verse and what I pray will be the memoir I leave behind.


Now I am going to tag--

Do You Weary Like I Do?
Shortybears Place
Free To Fly
Shore Stories
Three Girly Girls

Be a flower!

It was so dark and cold.
She wasn't exactly sure where she was but something did not feel right.
Something made her want to move-to stretch.
A strange yearning deep inside to be free from what held her tight....well
that yearning, it consumed her.
It happened this way.
A tightness, a restlessness and then rest.
One day she realized that it was not so cold.
And in that thawing she realized she was changing.
It was still dark..... so what the difference was-she could not tell for sure.
Oh...and again........... that uncomfortable edgy feeling.
Pushing, stretching and then rest.
There was so much moisture now. She drew it in.
It made her feel so much stronger......firmer.
And just when she was enjoying this new feeling.......oh!.....here we go again!
She pushed and pushed trying to move what was in her way---she needed to be free of the confines.
And then, it happened....................free space!
And light!
It was warm and the breeze danced around her in the most amazing way.
It was lovely to be free!
Soaking in the sun she raised her face to the sky.
It was glorious.
Each day now she was changing.
She used to be weak and gangly but now she was filling out. What exactly she was filling out-
she was not sure--but it was exciting.
And then one day.... she felt that strange sensation again.
That desire to push against what was tying her in. Except this time she felt as if she was almost pushing against herself.
It was unusual and most peculiar.
Dusk was coming and she was so tired--sweet rest always came with the falling of the sun.
She bowed her head and let the dew fall gently on her resting body.
As the sun rose the next morning she lifted her head and stretched.
It was a new sensation.
Almost a popping feeling. Something had given way.
There was more to her somehow.
She looked into the sky with new eyes and smiled softly in joy at the new creation that was her. She was a flower!
With no one else around .....she swayed and waved her thankfulness to her creator.
s.b.
"Walk into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They don't fuss with their appearance-but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the wildflowers, most of them never seen, don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you?
What I'm trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God's giving.
Luke 12:25-29

Biggest loser!

Can a WOMAN do it?

Can a woman be the biggest looser????
Two women in the final three!

Will the guy win?
Kelly didn't beat him.
Now
Ali is getting ready to step on the scale......
commercial break of course......
and the winner is\o/.......

ALI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wahoooo!

You're next Mimi's Toes!

Yes, it is silly to get so excited over someone else loosing weight--- but if you have ever struggled with your weight---you will understand. ;)

Fine Dinning or Meat and Potatoes

Someone asked me the other day how I get quiet before the Lord
and that question triggered this post.

While I was in the restaurant business we were taught that people eat with their eyes.
So finding new ways of presenting a food item was very important. A dinner special became
a sort of art creation. But we also had to find the words to lure the buyers since they could not see our creation. We spent quite a bit of time coming up with the proper wording.
Now if the wait staff used those words was another story.
But here is what one of our specials might have sounded like.

Three peppercorn seared center cut filet topped with jumbo lump crab meat in a smoked fennel beurre blanc served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and bermuda onion crisps

Now this was a long time ago and trends in food have changed somewhat--but this could have been found on any Saturday night special.
I got used to cooking this way and sometimes that training came home with me.
Now the only problem with that is---my man is a plain meat and potato man. Not that he does not enjoy the fancy every once in awhile--but not every day.
Besides, if you ate that way everyday money and weight would become an issue. ;)
So I had to tone it down and learn that fancy fluff- was not always better.

Yesterday I was thinking about how I get quiet before the Lord-- God brought to mind the above. If you are like me you want to make sure you do your quiet time right.
Walk through any Christian book store and you will see all kinds of methods to getting down to the basics with God. A new trend will pop up and everyone will get on the band wagon. And they make it look so appetizing-- that the masses purchase their nicely presented presentations.
And as our bookshelves get full -our spiritual stomachs get bloated.
Or maybe I should say we end up with fat heads.
Now I am not saying that we should avoid all of the books that are being written.
There are some fantastic sources out there.
But..... if we are not careful we forget
that all we really need to do to be fed-- is to pick up our Bible.
The meat and potatoes
without all the fancy and flourish of someone else's opinions and thoughts.
I think that if we could really have a face to face with God-- alone--
He would tell us that is what He would prefer.
Us before Him quiet without any other sources.
Quiet and listening to the voice of the Spirit that was sent to be our teacher.
Imagine that.........we have a teacher that we don't have to pay. And He desires to teach us the secret things of God. He gives it freely!
Free without all the fluff.
Again, I am not saying that I think we should stay away from all outside sources. I love doing a good Beth Moore study. But, this is to come after I have been fed by God first.
He is a jealous God-----don't you think He looks forward to the times you will share when He will tell you about the marvelous things that will stand for eternity?
But........ we must get quiet--away from all the media--so that we hear His voice only.
I hope this makes sense-- it's just something I was thinking about yesterday.

meat and potatoes

Day Two: 30-Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

Day Two:
" . . . through love serve one another." Gal. 5:13b

Today, find some way that your husband is serving you or your family. Does he help around the house? Take care of the car? Fix things that are broken? If your budget allows, give him a new, small tool with a big bow attached. But make sure he doesn't think it's part of a "Honey Do" list!

Maybe your husband's not a handyman, but does he run errands for you? Let you go first? Take care of you when you are sick? Help you make decisions? Praise him for his willingness to serve others. Let him know that you see his unique service as a great strength.

Keith is the handyman in our house. He can do just about anything he puts his hands to---if he does not know how--he will figure it out. I really do appreciate this about him. My Dad is the same way.

I don't think there are any tools that Keith does not have--so I'll have to open my mouth and praise him today for his strengths.I don't know why it is so hard to open my mouth to praise him. But I really must work on this.

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge

30 Day Husband Encouragement Challenge.

I saw recently that Denise over at Shortybears Place has been doing this challenge.
Wonder why they call it a challenge. ;)
With all we have going on in our lives-- I have been really thinking about what is going on in my head and what I am speaking with my body language and mouth.
Body language probably gets me more than my mouth-yes, you know you know what I mean.
A little rolling of the eyes here, furrowed eyebrows and yes, those snorts. Yes, I said snorts.
I know-very lady like. :0

So....... here I am. I probably won't post all thirty days
or I won't have a chance to do any other posts.
Here is the first one. And if you would like to work on this yourself --here is the link to the
Revive Our hearts web page.

Day one--
"The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." Prov. 31:11-12

To refresh your memory . . . here's the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge: for the next 30 days:

• You can't say anything negative about your husband . . . to your husband . . . or to anyone else, about your husband.
• Say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband. . . to your husband . . . and to someone else, about your husband!

To help you get started, have you ever thanked your husband for "choosing you" above all other women? He found you attractive as a person, and appreciated you. Though many circumstances in your marriage may have changed, let your husband know that you are glad God led you together, and that you want to be a blessing to him for the rest of your marriage. Let him know that he can trust you to be in his corner.

One of the best opportunities to express your gratitude is first thing in the morning. How do you greet your husband each morning? Is he confident in your love? Give him a "wake up call" that he'll never forget-a big "I love you" and an "I'm so glad I'm your wife!"

------------------
I don't know that the first thing in the morning is the best time to thank Keith for choosing me.
I wouldn't want him to have one of those--"What was I thinking" moments when he sees me with my hair flying all over the place.
But, sometime today--- I will thank him for choosing me.
I might even remind him how blessed he is. ;) No, just joking.
And, I will think positive, loving thoughts about him today.
He really is a great guy ya'll. He evens me out in so many ways.
And see--I just spoke something positive about him to someone. :)
So here goes!
You know what they say--Where the mind goes the body follows.
Hmmmm, this might just be a good thing.

Taking Care Of Business!

Melanie over at Livin' With Me has started Meme Monday. If you click on the picture above it will give you all of the details. It has been awhile since I participated and I have a few details and goodies to take care of. So no, I did not get all of these this week--but this should
bring me up to date.

Mary over at Mary's Writing Nook tagged me for this MeMe. Now ya'll know I don't tag-- so feel free to read without the "fear" ;)

1. The rules are posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago.
I was still in the restaurant business as a chef and an assistant manager at a local country club. I was pregnant and had almost lost Julia. It was not long after this that I quit to stay home. And I have been home ever since.

2. Five things on my to-do list for today.

I hate to do lists. But, I need to call about insurance. Start doing some packing. Take a nap because I don't feel so well. Pay some bills. Do this Meme Monday.
Exciting huh?

3. Snacks I enjoy.
Right now-- chili lime peanuts and mint tea.

4. Things I would do if I was a billionaire.
Pay off all bills and BUY A HOUSE! ;) Then I would pay off some bills for family.
Tithe of course. Can you imagine the church that got that? And since we don't have a home church at the moment I would probably spread the goodness around between some different ministries.
And last a huge thing that I have had on my heart and would love to be used by God to do---have a place in the mountains where people in ministry could go for free to refuel. We would provide counseling, romance, fun, and of course GOOD FOOD! I so see this place in my mind. Right down to the huge fireplace in the kitchen with BIG leather chairs. The ladies and I could sit around the fireplace to have a morning time just for the girls. This has been on my mind for years.

5. Three bad habits that I have.
Eating when I am stressed or angry. Wearing my feelings on my sleeves. Not exercising. :(

6. Five places I've lived.
New Orleans, La---Covington, La.---Oakton, Virginia----Dayton, Tn

7. Five jobs I've had.
Preschool worker, Nanny, Sous Chef in a fine dinning establishment, Assistant manager at a country club, Chef at a country club.

Now I really have to say I am sorry for not passing this out sooner.
Things got crazy and I got lazy. ;)
So here goes.

This sweet award is from Maria at Free To Fly. If you click on the picture you can see what it stands for and how to pass it on. It is supposed to be passed on to 5 people but since I am sooooo late I am sure you have already been given this. If you have not gotten it--please take it.

This next is from Mary at Mary's Writing Nook. Ya'll she just has such a huge heart and she encourages me. She has such a grandma's heart. She is not old enough to be my grandma--but I would love to be one of her grandkids. :) I just love the look of this little award.
How cool to be called someone's friend.
So all of you who are my friends ;) ----this is for you!

This was from Denise at Shortybears Place
If you don't know her--YOU SHOULD! One of these days on my way through TN I am going to make her meet me. She also has a huge heart and keeps my in box full of good things to keep me on tract. And we all know that I have needed that lately.
I love ya girl! I am sending a big hug out to all of you who need a hug today.
Need a hug?

Don't you love how this next award looks? It came to me by way of Mary also. Many of you got it because she gave it out to all of her readers. Don't you just love the words on the cups. We all need friends who we can trust-ones who will be kind and honest and care for us when we need it most. It would be great to have that living next door--but most of us don't. So here we are.
God promised to supply all of our needs--and so He invented blogdom.
(That was pretty good--you can feel free to quote me ;)
I love all of you. You are my sisters and friends.
I raise my cup to you! Please take one of these sweet awards.

A Recipe For Friendship

(I got this this morning in a devotional and thought it was good.)

Sisters In Christ Friendship Recipe


• Shortening - Provides texture. Our fellowship and friendship with our sisters in the Lord can add much depth and texture to our lives. We blend together in unity as part of the body of Christ.
• Sugar - Adds sweetness. Our fellowship with our sisters adds such a sweet taste to our lives. If we didn't have sugar in our cookies, we'd sure miss it. The same is with our fellowship with our sisters. We can't leave it out of our lives.
• Eggs - Holds ingredients together. Sisters in the Lord are someone to lean on. We are held together by fellowship with them. We are stronger because of them, their prayers, and their love in the Lord. We have a special bond in Christ.
• Vanilla - Adds flavor. Sisters add that flavor we need. They give us that extra sensation. Without friends and fellowship we become kind of bland.
• Flour - Adds substance. We need the substance a sister in the Lord can add. They give us many things by way of mentoring us when we don't even know it. Their shared testimonies and way they live their lives has an impact on us.
• Baking Soda - Leavens. Leavening agents in baking helps to lighten the dough. Friendship with our sisters in Christ lightens our burdens through their prayer and encouragement.
• Salt - Enhances flavor. We know that friendships add flavor and just when we need it, they help improve the tastefulness and quality of our lives. Friends are the type of people that know just what we are going through and are there when we need them.
• Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips - - The kind of chocolate chips we normally add to our cookies is semi sweet. Our sister friends tell us what they feel and think and that's okay. They can be honest and truthful to us. "Iron sharpeneth iron" (Proverbs 27:17).
• Nuts...Optional - Just a little craziness in a sister friend is great! Sometimes a little zaniness in our friends can be just the ingredient we need.

Conclusion:
Friendships take a lot of time and effort to bake up but they are worth it when we sense that sweet aroma and special bond that they bring. Friends that have Jesus in common will have lasting relationships, not just here on earth, but will dwell with Christ together throughout eternity.

"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there
is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24.
I wonder if I'm the type of friend that I should be to others, especially to my sisters in Christ. Am I doing all those things that I should be doing, like lifting burdens, adding flavor, helping hold things together with my prayers, and all those other things? I hope I can improve in this area.

So, is your life a good recipe for friendship?

Julia Bettencourt

From Glory To Glory--originally posted 1-29-07

Picture with me a mountain -its top not visible through the clouds. From far off it would appear that along certain levels of the mountain there are bare spots. But, as you move in for a closer look of this lush green mountain, you begin to realize that these bare spots are actually level areas that separate the steep rocky paths. On each area there are people. The lower levels have quite a few people gathered on each piece of level cleared ground.
Some have just arrived and they are lost in the view, a view they had not been able to see on the level before. The beauty is incredible and they are overwhelmed with feelings of joy. Some are preparing to move on to the next trail excited by what they will encounter. Small groups of people gather here and there discussing the journey and the hardships. Still others, bored now by the view, sit on the rocks basking in the sun. They are no longer interested in what they see and the bushes and trees now block their view.
Those who choose to continue their journey are drawn on by the voices of those on up the path. Stumbling over rocks they stop to help those along the way that have become tired or hurt. Although the path is strenuous they begin to anticipate the view ahead. They hear shouts of joy from those who have arrived at the next landing and they quicken their pace. Rounding the corner they are taken away by the clearness of the blue sky.
As friends meet friends they clasp hands and discuss their different journeys. Soon it is time for some to move on. The temptation is to stay and wait on friends that have newly arrived. Many have failed in their journey because they thought it would be o.k. to stay just until their friend was ready to go. Some, sadly never complete the journey- while others loose sight of their purpose and turn around to go back down the mountain.
Nobody knows exactly how long the journey takes. Some have guessed, but no one who has reached the top has ever come back to tell their story. There is talk that each level is more breath taking than the level before. And that what is waiting at the peak of the mountain is above and beyond what you could ever think or imagine.
Some days on the mountain are wet and dreary. The paths become slippery and many want to stop and wait out the bad weather. And still others are hot and dry with no end in sight. But, most find that if they will find someone on the same path that together they make it through the rain and dry times with just a little encouragement.

Where are you on the mountain?
Are you stuck waiting for someone to catch up?
Have you become caught up in a view from the past?
If you have the opportunity along the way to walk with someone and encourage them--do it.
Let them know of the wonderful things that are ahead.

A modern day parable

Do you know what you know?

Today was a fishing day! Last night Keith went to Walmart to get me a new fishing pole. Last week he threw one together but when I caught a fish the reel came off the rode which made it just a little rough trying to reel in the fish and hold on to the rode. I got all of my stuff together in the truck while looking up at skies that were really heavy. But, I anticipated what was waiting a little down the road............ and hit the road.

Little by little the skies cleared. Yes, I should have brought some sun screen. But, as I sat there on my ice chest I began to think about the subject of faith. Yes, my mind goes there even out in the middle of nature. Actually I thought I would have loved to be soaring with this bird.
Maybe one day in eternity????

This is where we were fishing. Beautiful isn't it? Can you see the fish? No?
They are there because I have seen them, caught them and so have others. I know that there are some things I must do to make contact with them. One, of course I must want to go fishing.
Two, I must have the proper equipment
Three, I must know how to use it.

So I sat on my ice chest with my diet coke and my chili lime peanuts(a favorite of mine right now) and I watched that bobber. Why? Because I was anticipating one of those fish coming by for my minnow. And when that fish took my line--my faith was going to become sight.

So I sat and watched, and watched, and watched some more. Yes, I took a few pictures too. :)
Did I catch a fish today?
NOPE!
Not a one!
Will I stop fishing and start believing that there are no more fish to be caught in this lake?
No, of course not. I will come back. I will come back prepared to catch some fish. Lots of fish.

Fishing is like prayer. If of course you believe that there is a God and you have a relationship with Him......then you may feel free to practice your faith by using prayer. You have the right tools. You have become a Christian. The Holy Spirit lives inside of you and God listens to you when you talk to Him.
When you have a hunger or a desire you should go to God with it. You can go to Him in prayer about anything on your mind and heart. Can you see God? No.
Have you seen evidence of Him.
Yes, or you would not be a believer. Do we know that He answers prayer? Are you saved?
Then He answered your prayer.
Faith grows when you use it. We become bold and willing to persist the more we use it. Sometimes we don't know what to pray and by faith the Holy Spirit will pray for us.
I don't have it down pat. But, I was told to pray without stopping. Sometimes I have prayed and my faith becomes sight right away. Other times I pray and watch, and pray and watch. There are some things that I have been praying for for years. And as long as I know they are in line with Gods will in the Bible---I will keep praying till I see Him face to face.
He is for me and not against me. He loves me and He wants me to walk in the riches of His love.
Will life be perfect and all problems be wrapped up in neat little bows? HA!
But He is in charge. And by Faith I believe that.
Scripture states it is true--so I can stand on that truth.
The following is scripture is truth---and you can stand on it.
Thank you for joining me on my field trip today.
Don't stop fishing! :)

Psalm 91

1-13You who sit down in the High God's presence, spend the night in Shaddai's shadow,
Say this: "God, you're my refuge.
I trust in you and I'm safe!"
That's right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you're perfectly safe;
his arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You'll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because God's your refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can't get close to you,
harm can't get through the door.
He ordered his angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they'll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You'll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.

14-16 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,
"I'll get you out of any trouble.
I'll give you the best of care
if you'll only get to know and trust me.
Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times;
I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.
I'll give you a long life,
give you a long drink of salvation!"

Shadows and messages in them

I think it was on Maria's blog that I recently read that He will answer before we call. That means He knows how I will act and react. He knows what I will think. He knows what will frighten me--and exactly how He will respond.

And so He begins to set things in motion. He prepares events that trigger thoughts and the Holy Spirit whispers deep into our soul. And then some individual writes down what the Holy Spirit tells them. Thousands of years ago that happened and we ended up with the Bible.

I wish I knew when this next piece was written. God in His wisdom knew that the writer and the blogger would be faithful to pass His words on so that those words would not come back void.

A sweet blogger friend of mine passed this on to me last night I believe. Thank you Melanie Joy for being used by God. Love ya girl. This was originally posted on her blog. God brought us together and for that I am greatfull. For reasons that God knows it hit me right away and I found myself picturing what God was teaching me. After the devotional is the picture God gave me. Simple I know--but it spoke to my heart. And, that is a good thing. Here is what Melanie sent me.

'You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.'

Psalm 32:7

When you were a child, did you have a hiding place you would run to when you were afraid or wanted to be alone?

God wants to be your hiding place. And the good news is that you can retreat to this hiding place wherever you are. When you have a conflict at work and don't know what to say or how to deal with it, you can retreat into the secret place of the Most High as you are living in fellowship and communion with God. When you are tied up in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you can abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Have you ever tried to walk in someone's shadow? It can be done, but you really have to stay close. That is the picture given in Psalm 91:1, 'He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.' God says, 'I want you to dwell in Me. I want to be your hiding place. I want you to be so close that you are actually in My very shadow.'

This gives you courage to face life. The Old Testament tells the story of Elijah, who boldly stormed into the court of Ahab, the most wicked king that Israel had ever known. With incredible courage and boldness, he delivered bad news to Ahab and turned and walked out. Though he was in the court of a powerful monarch, Elijah recognized he was also in the presence of an even more powerful Monarch. He was dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.

Here is the mental picture God gave me and what I sent back to Melanie.

-----------------------
Hmmmm......that was good.
So, if I am walking behind or I guess to the side of God-- I must never walk faster than or walk slower than God in order to stay in His shadow.
During times of fellowship I picture myself walking at His side looking up into His face as we walk and talk.
At times when the enemy is growing strong and brazen He places me close behind for protection. See me peaking out around His side? I am a little girl again.
Then during those time of training Daddy God puts me in front. His shadow surrounds me--it gives the illusion to satan that God is the only one coming. During training time I would imagine God might step back a pace or two to see if I notice that I am no longer walking in His shadow. Will I slow my pace or march headlong into the enemy camp all the time yapping at God--not even realizing that He has stopped with His hands on His hips. And then when I finally stop long enough to realize He has not answered my question---I might even get a little spurt of fear thinking that I am on my own. Back to God I run...better to wait for the battle until He knows you are ready and you face it together.
Time for some more side by side time as He patiently teaches me about Himself and His will for my life.

Did you enjoy your peak into the thing called Sharon's mind? ;)

A Vessel For The Master Use

Matthew 7:7-11
7"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

8"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

9"Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone?

10"Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?

11"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

I want you to know that yesterday was one of the most peaceful days I have had in a long time.

Thank you for your prayers.
Please do not stop.

I was going to post something else this morning
but I thought instead that I would share with you
what I have been praying.
Part of the reason I am praying what I am praying is because I grew up with parents
that lived by faith.
My parents were in the ministry and we lived by Faith that God would supply what was needed to pay the bills.
We did not live in an expensive house or have an abundance--but we had what was needed.
How many of us live that way today?
When we needed something--we told God. Mom and Dad would ask God to provide.
One example--Mom had no clothes dryer. She would hang things on the line in the back yard. But with cloth diapers-- I guess it got a little rough keeping up with the laundry of six people. So one time on a trip home Dad told Mom to ask God for a dryer.
And so they asked God for a dryer.
When we got home the lady across the street came over and asked if we needed a dryer.
She had gotten a new one and there was not really anything wrong with the old one.
Answered prayer!
Almost unbelievable?
Why? He said that He is a good Father. He said that He would take care of us. He told us to ask.
There were many stories like this.
Vehicles, vacation times, clothing, on and on.
Because my parents were willing to take Him at His word.

Why did I tell you about this?
Because God has been telling me to take some steps to trust Him.
Have you ever thought you heard something from God and then later wonder-Well, that was just my imagination-how in the world would He do that?
That has been me.

Can you imagine living in a house with no mortgage?
Nothing to tie you down. Extra money to take care of those who are serving Him by faith.
Could it happen?
So I ask you---Does He not already own it all?

Next-What if you make a living doing masonry work.
And all of a sudden the world says we are going into a recession and
building is coming to a grinding halt.
Can He keep you busy and your bills paid even when there is bankruptcy going on all around?

What if you have a piece of property that has a well that man says can not be fixed.
Can the property still sell?
Can God not bring a person to you who wants that piece of property
and is willing to buy it for what it is worth?

Now- I know the way my parents lived while I was growing up is not exactly the way
God calls everyone to live.
But the type of faith they had and have---we are all called to walk in that type of faith.
It is easy to think about--but without His help we can not do it.

So these are the three things that I am asking from God.

One---That God would bring someone to us who wants to buy our piece of property.
Two--That God would bring someone to Keith with work-however that might look.
Three---That God would lead us to the house He has already prepared for us.

Bottom line---MAY HIS WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS BEING DONE IN HEAVEN!

Thank you for your prayers.
Thank you for the gentle smacks to remind me of what is TRUE. ;)
And, I thank you in advance for the smacks that will come when I step where I am not to be stepping. May God bless you abundantly for the way you continually bless me!

Lost.---Joy..........If found please return to-- Sharon

Maybe it is just hormonal. Maybe it is just frustration. Maybe it is God bringing me to the end of my rope. Or maybe I should say to the end of my rind since....... I'm feeling a tad like that
little sour faced critter above.
But then, I hate to say anything because then i'll be like those Israelites that have to make one more trip around the mountain.
Dear God --please not another trip around.
So if I have been a tad on the serious side--I seem to have lost my joy.
This journey had its beginning over two years ago. It will have its ending--I pray--by the end of May when God takes us to the next place we will live. Please God--a house. But if need be, yes, I will move back into the camper.
For those of ya'll who are newer to my blog--we tore our old home down two Christmases ago.
We were planning to rebuild on the same property on the river. Until we ran into some huge problems with an old artesian well that would not be capped.
That is unless we wanted to pay 90,000 dollars.

The above picture was in what was part of my backyard.
Here is the original post if you have the time to read.
So after spending 20,000 getting ready to build--we did not.
The hole was filled in and the property has been sitting right down the road waiting to be sold.
A whole nother story.
We moved into this home--thank you Jesus--and it has been nice.
Now that Paw Paw is gone- it is time for us to move on.
Problem?
We don't know where God wants us.
Keith always said he would never move while his Dad was here.
And he hated to leave his childhood home-the house we tore down.
And we really love our church--we are presently looking for a new one because God said it was time to move on.
Which way do we go, which way do we go.......???????
Honestly...beginning to panic here.
I know God has a plan. I know He is in control.
But, I do wonder if He would let me see myself through His eyes--because I am thinking this rubber band is about to pop.
Dear God help me trust you. I don't want to complain. I want to trust.
Are you speaking to my husband?
Is he hearing You?
My flesh is screaming and I am trying to keep my mouth shut.
Dear God Can You Help?
Please

(I realize that this sounds pretty desperate. I also realize that many of you may think that it is a little overboard. There are many things that I have not shared here. Things that have crushed my spirit and broken by heart. With more events to come.
I write these things because I need some serious prayer warriors to bombard heaven on our account. Honestly I just want to pass this test and let God's will be done.
If we are to move to tim-buc-too--God knows I 'll go. This journey has been long--not 40 years--but long. I don't want someone feel sorry for me. Many have it a lot worse. This is just my road right now. I need some prayer warriors.
I am confessing my sin of fear-yuck!
Just pray for us please. I know that God is up to something incredible but my flesh is weak.
Now this is all I am going to say about this till the glory breaks with the new day.
Thank you~)

Could it be today?

Remember........when you see these signs...........don't be discouraged!!!!
It means that the times are getting close. Look to the sky......
because He is coming for us soon!

At the church we attended yesterday a video presentation talked about our children and their salvation. It said that according to statistics- if a child does not accept the Lord by the time they are 13-- that the "chances" that they will-- drop dramatically.
It made me think.
I know that my family is ready for eternity--but what about the rest of those I know?
Then I got home and someone had sent this to me by email.
No one knows the day or the hour--but I wonder how much time we have left?
Are we living as if it could be any day now?
I grow to love people and I want to make sure they are with me in eternity.
I know of three that I love that have rejected Him.
I still pray for them and I pray that one day before it is too late the veil is removed from their eyes. I have warned them that if masses disappear---He came to get us........
and they still have a chance.
He desires that none would perish.
It is not over till the last breath.
You don't have to wait until then to see if your name is written in the Lambs Book of Life.

Please make sure NOW that you KNOW you will be there too.
He LOVES you so!
He wants you to spend eternity with Him even more than I do.
He gave His son to prove it!

A little sign of His love

There are signs of His love everywhere.
Some may not be noticeable unless we are looking.
Unlike the game of hide n seek--He says, If you look for Me........... I will be found.
Dear God give us the desire to look for You with all our hearts.

Summers best and a question

Who knew that something I love so much was invented by a man!
Um, the capris not the mid drifts. ;)
Way to go Roger!
-----------
I was just wondering-you know how on some blogs the owners comment back on the comments left? Do you go back and check to see if they commented on your comment?
I would love to have more contact with the readers but I wonder how many actually come back to read on an old post.

The Conclusion

This is the fourth time I have started this post.
I would love to be able to sit with you face to face so that you could see the expression on my face as I share the things I have learned about myself.
Things that God has been trying to show me for awhile---somethings I have learned, but in this area I am afraid I have been a slow learner.
I want to let you know that while God was teaching He was also allowing testing to take place. By allowing satan to tempt me to take in things about myself that were not true-He was pushing me to remember what I know to be true.
Does that kind of sound like the situation with Job?
Remember his three friends and their truth that was mixed with blame and lies?
God allowed this.
What about Eve's time of testing and tempting?
She also was given truth mixed with lies.
Was God orchestrating these things from heaven?
When He walked in the garden looking for Adam and Eve--did He really not know what had taken place? Of course He did. He watched the whole thing take place. He allowed it.
I imagine if you sat down to talk with Eve after this she would have probably told you that she tested the things she heard for the rest of her life.
She had been duped--and although she could have resisted--she didn't.
Now, if not careful these times of testing and tempting could have caused Eve to never trust another person. She could have gone through life protecting herself.
She could have even tried to live a Godly life so that she would never have to be corrected by God or man again.
She could have had an outward look of submitting but with an inward resistance.
Understand?
I am going someplace with this so please try and follow my wandering brain. :)
While growing up I went through several things that messed with my brain and heart.
These things involved "Godly" people who knew better. How many times have we heard that?
Lots.
I was watching Joyce Meyers this week and she was speaking with John Bevere on the subject of obedience and submission. And some of the things even though I knew them mentally
really hit my heart this time.
He was saying that obedience was an outward action and submission was a heart action or attitude. Maybe a good example of obedience would be Jesus going to the cross. Submission would be that even after He asked God to take the cup from Him -He was still willing in His heart to go because it was the Fathers will. His heart attitude was the same as His action.
If He had gone to the cross out of obedience with resistance in His heart-that would have been obedience without submission. Rebellion.

Now we are never to obey and authority if they are telling us to do the wrong thing.
Like if you husband is home relaxing and the phone rings and he tells you to tell the person he is not home--sorry, this is a lie and you had better not do it.
But, you can still deal with this in a Godly way.
An authority is a position that has been placed there by God.
If I refuse to obey and submit to those authorities--then I am really not submitting to God.
Think about that before you say--"yeah, yeah I know that".
Remember...... submitting is about heart attitude.
If my husband has asked me to do something and I do it- but grumble on the inside while doing it-then I have given a form of obedience to the position without the submission.
Then there will be consequences in our house- because I am giving way to rebellion.
I may live with a man that does not think or act the way I do. In the worlds eyes he may even seem to be unworthy of respect. But, am I willing to respect the position?
God put our husbands in that position and unless he is asking me to do something that goes against what is taught in the word-I should do it as unto the Lord-with a gracious heart.
That is scriptural right? We should be doing all things as unto the Lord.
Now would be a great place to have a question and answer time.
But since we can not--just remember that the Word and God are the final authority.
And when it comes to us---it is all about what is in the heart. Man looks at the outward appearance but God looks at the heart.
The easiest way for me to see what was in my heart is when it came to my reaction to
male authority figures.
In younger years I was fearful of them and as I got older I became non trusting and resistant. Mostly on the inside but it was also evident on the outside.
Now I do not believe that we should innocently trust every person we meet.
But, I trusted no one until they proved themselves Godly. It was prideful.
And, if you were a spiritual authority figure---you were going to be put through some real testing by me. Not a lovely picture, I know.
I put my last pastor through the ringer. He could not stand me for a long time.
Then I began to learn that even thought he was not perfect-I could respect his heart for God.
I have thanked God for putting him in my life. I needed someone who would not be blown over by me- while God was working on my heart.

These are some of the truths that I have been learning about myself. But while God was busy-so was satan. God teaching truth and freedom-satan was mixing truth with lies.
He has not changed.
And he used what had a form of godliness to try and sow his lies.
How many of you know that there are many wolves in sheep clothing out there?
They strive to catch the sheep unawares and take them down.

So during the revival at our church----satan was oh so busy.
A little truth, an little subtle lie.
The funny thing is that the last time this guy came--he was right on. We tested what he had to say and found it to be true. So it would have been very easy this time to just sit back and relax and take it all in. After all he had already been tested right?
satan will slip in unannounced whenever he can.

I left revival feeling battered and bruised. Truths were spoken that could have been thrown out with the lies. But, I went to God and scripture and because I truly do want to be changed by God He used a Joyce Myers program to back up some truths.

For years I have been obeying authorities without submitting.
For me it was because of hurt that led to rebellious pride-the need to protect myself.

How many times in your heart have you heard your husband say something and rolled your eyes on the inside or maybe even on the outside? But, because you knew it was godly to follow your husbands lead--you said or did what you needed to do?
Boy have I been there. And as I have learned to let God change my life this has gotten better.
But there is a long way to go. The roots of this ran very deep.
These roots were acknowledged and labeled as just my personality.
Understand?
Who will help me submit to those that have been placed in authority?
God.
If you don't submit to the authority that is able to give tickets- what happens?
You have a nice policeman pull you over and you pay the consequences.
If in my home I don't submit (heart action) to the authority God has put there, then what happens? Strife, no oneness, and more than likely we will see the same attitude in our children.
How many of us see children who are unwilling to submit to authority?
Now, I am not saying that we are all to blame for the rebellion of every child.
They will have their own time of testing and temptation and they will have to answer to God for their choices.
But when I look over at my daughter and see her responding to her Dad the same way I have--who taught her? Moi!

This week she and I had a little talk. I told her I needed to talk to her about something-- and her response? "Is it going to be bad?" I told her, "no- it will in the end make life easier".
So we talked about authority and that it was put there by God.
And if we do not obey (action) and submit (heart attitude) then we are in rebellion to God -- and there would be consequences to pay.
Her response--"Mom, I thought you said this was not going to be bad?!" :)
"But it is not bad", I said. "If we learn to do what we are supposed to do with a good attitude then there will be no punishment. No punishment is good."

I know this has been a super long post. If you have made it all the way to the end--thank you.
We all do things to protect ourselves after we have been hurt.
Being my own authority was my way of protecting myself.
But, God is the final authority.
Do I trust Him enough to submit to the authority positions in my life?
Even if the person is not worthy of my respect--the position is.
Will I be tested on this---everyday!
Will I pass every test? Nope! I didn't the other morning. I started to beat myself up and God gently reminded me that I was not perfect and He already knew that.
Also, that years of unknown behavior take awhile to break.

Bottom line----It is God's job to protect me. DO WE BELIEVE THAT?
If I trust Him and the Holy Spirit it will make life so much easier.

This lesson has been learned in bits and pieces over many years.
It may be----- duh! for some, but I believe He will continue to teach me about true submission till the day I die.
There is so much more-but we do have live and laundry needs to be done!
Love ya!

Gone Fishin'-update

:)

\o/............................................\o/ !
Gone Fishing!
Pictures will follow!

And here they are!
I do love to fish-yes, even if I don't catch a thing.
Today we were blessed to catch a few fish and a few trees. :)
But only one tree got to keep my bobber because I went hunting in the bushes for the last one.

Below is the gravel pit--it is peaceful, out in the middle of nowhere, and only has tree potties
but that's o.k.
I went with Linda-my former pastors wife. We are buds and enjoy our fishing. She also enjoys the beach--she was my companion on my little escape to the beach the other day.

She caught the first fish---she usually does.
And then I caught one - she took a picture of me kissing it-don't know what happened to that picture. Funny, she told me to kiss mine for the camera--but she didn't kiss hers. Hmmmm :)

The next is the second fish I caught. Second, and last. :(
But, we still had fun and we set them free so that meant we had no cleaning to do!

The next Linda caught. It is an alligator gar. I tried to get a close up of it's teeth but it would not hold still. Imagine that.....it has a hook going through it's mouth and it was not concerned about my little ole camera. They have a pretty nasty set of sharp teeth.
He ended up getting to keep his life and the hook-we weren't putting our hands near them.
Maybe he'll get it out on his own.


The last is not a picture from today but from our trip over to Mississippi.
Many huge old trees were destroyed during the storm Katrina.
The road we were on was directly on the water and the homes along this road were old elegant homes that will never be able to be replaced.
Instead of cutting down all the trees an artist took the time to turn some of them into art.
In the bottom picture you can clearly see the bird, a dolphin and a fish. On the other side were more animals.
Thought you might enjoy this. See how God can bring beauty after a storm?
Hmmmm.............

Having not achieved perfection----but soon, real soon!

I don't know if I dare say it.......I don't want to send anyone into
a shock induce heart attack--but, I have just got to say it...............
I'm not perfect yet.......gasp!
Go ahead..... sit down.......as you can see from the picture below with all the sprouting gray hairs....Perfection has not arrived--YET-inside or out.
But watch out---
because
one day soon
as they are hauling satan away in his chains to be locked away forever in his pit--
I think in my perfection........cuz ya know I'll be perfect then \o/ !!!!!!
I might just have to gracefully stroll by and introduce him to the one
he tried so hard to destroy.
And then, I think it would be such sweet revenge
if God would let me have the final kick
that pushes him over the edge into his eternal home.
Sounds harsh huh...........he's got it comin'----believe me.

The face to the side belongs to a good buddy that went with me to the beach just to get away.

And the devotional I got today seemed to be very appropriate after what I has been going on-so I thought I'd post it.

And this imperfect girl would like to thank those of ya'll who prayed for me and sent encouraging messages. I read every one and I felt your prayers. I have had my heart crushed and learned some hard things about myself. But, as He promised....it was all for my good even if I can not see it right now.

Love ya'll and missed ya!

Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:49

Man of Dust

"As we have worn the likeness of the man made of dust, so we shall wear the likeness of the heavenly man" (1 Cor 15:49 NEB).

What a word of hope for us when we are discouraged with our own sinfulness! The old Adam is always there, rising in rebellion against the new life which Christ has given us. There is constant struggle, daily reminders that we are yet very unholy, very un-Christlike, very dusty. But a day will come when even I, with all my glaring faults, will wear the likeness of the heavenly Man. This gives me ammunition to fire at the Accuser. I shall be like Christ--just wait! You'll see!