Side note....

Last Sunday my pastor asked me to play bass for our 11 am service.

Soooooo cool to play for Jesus!!!!!!!!!!

Let Go and Let God

This has been the hardest Christian lesson to learn.

I think that as you've walked with God, you begin to be more demanding and authoritive than you should be.

Maybe that's why He states in 1st Peter 3 that wives of unbelieving husbands should remain quiet, so that the unbelieving husband will become believers by the demonstration of the Christian walk of the wife.

It comes down to the 'I' thing. I want, I need, I believe, I desire.

If we truly would like to see things change in our lives, we just have to wait upon God.

Express the problem. Ask God to do His Will in the problem and see what happens. Things are amazing!

It's only been since April 15th that my husband re-dedicated himself to the Lord and the Lord has worked miracles.

His excuse for not being able to attend church on Sunday....he shattered this weekend. He felt it was more important to see his parents during church hours. He would go out and entertain them for a couple of hours with his brother playing guitars.

Now, he's changed the schedule so that he goes to church and then we go out in the afternoon. His mom is not happy about the change and she's made him feel bad about it. How soon your family will begin to hate your belief!

I haven't been saying anything to him about reading the Bible unless he asks me a question about it. Then I just get it and show him the answer. I left one by his chair so that if he wanted, he could pick it up and use it.

Last night he just sat down and read 5 chapters in Genesis and 1 or 2 in John.

Isn't God great! How rich He has made me feel, that I'm the most blessed of all women!

Glory to God in the Hightest! He REIGNS!

So just let go and let God. He will move mountains for you, if you just let Him have His way. God bless your day.

When 2 Hearts Unite

My husband and I have been married for 35 years (36 in June). We've been through many trials, tribulations, jubulations and joy. Love is not perfect, here on earth, but it sure has been an adventure.

Our concept of marriage and love is marred by the commercialism of the world. Love never changes but listening to the media, it's easy to alter it.

I believe that love has many facets. It's not just one thing but a compilation of many emotions that all blended together becomes something we call love.

You can hate some of his habits, but you love the way his skin smells. Just funny, quirky things that when you think about it makes your head spin.

Now, that I'm free to God-talk with my husband I've found that I need to adjust my brain and tongue to let loose the things I need to say. I also need to learn how to communicate better so that we have even greater understanding of each other.

The vessels are now on a semi-even keel and to avoid strife and miscommunication is more important than ever.

With this testing, I'm leaning more on my Savior's shoulders to change me. I feel as if I'm a 'babe' in Christ all over again.

We're both going to work at the Franklin Graham Festival in June. He's decided to be a counselor on the floor, as well as an usher. I'm just amazed at how receptive he is to God's prompting. I feel like I may be left in the dust if I don't step up to the plate.

Also, I've felt the need to study the book of James. Wow! Such fires we start with the tongue.

Ok. Time to Stretch those Spiritual muscles. I need to exercise.

UPDATE

Hello All!

Sorry that I've been lax on posting.

Update on my husband: 1. It's hard turning your mind around and realizing that you can share God things with him. 2. It's hard to change into an obedient wife. I thought I was unless it had to do with spiritual things, like doing what I wanted when it came time for church. Now, I have to consider his wishes more than my flesh wants to. 3. It's wonderful sitting in church with him when he can get there. 4. Yesterday he was accepted into the church membership. Hallelujah!
5. Usually when I want to stay, he wants to leave. 6. Maybe that's a good thing, so that I don't get burned out overworking. 7. How can you overwork for the Lord? 8. Tonight's our last night of the Christian Life and Witness Course that we're attending together. 9. I'm going to get him his own Bible today. 10. I'm painting at the new building today, since it's my day off. 11. We're starting a Branch of our church once a month at our home. Kind of like a 'home cell' group but not with the wrong connotations. It will be fellowship time and prayer. We're going to incorporate music because we have the studio. Once we get it going, I think it'll be fun. After all, what's the sense in having what the Lord gives you if you don't share it with others?

That's it for now. Got to get to work.

God bless all of you and I hope the Lord grants every good and perfect gift to all.

Take It Easy...

Remember the oldie - "Well, I'm running down the road, tryin' to loosen my load. Got a world of trouble on my mind"?

Here's the chorus line"
"Take It easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own wheels
drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
don't even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand
and take it easy"

It just keeps running through my mind today because of what the Lord has done.

Since my husband has confessed his salvation, I keep waiting for the Glory of God to fall and anoint him with His Holy Spirit.

I haven't yet experienced the euphoria of emotion because of his salvation. I thought bells, whistles and jumping for joy would accompany his testimony. Nope.

My husband is a very quiet man, a man of a few words. Why would I think that God would change his personality? He's the way God made him.

Salvation doesn't change the man, it changes the way the man is.

The Franklin Graham Festival is coming here in June. We have been preparing for this for a year and a half. There are so many training and educational opportunities before this event takes place, that I had a dilemna on how to be able to participate within the event without ruining my marriage.

Now, that Mike is saved, he has been so understanding (another prayer answered).

FG had an upcoming Christian Life and Witness Program starting last night. So I just prayed and left it in God's hands, that I would like to go with Mike. When he came home last night, he asked me what the evening would hold and I told him that I wanted to go and asked if he did too.

Of course, he said no. Said he didn't need it to witness to people. So it started a whole conversation on witnessing. I told him that I hadn't had 'formal' training on witnessing and that I wanted to be able to KNOW the truth so that when I see someone witnessing in the wrong way, I could say that I KNOW the right way.

He didn't say much about that but said that he was happy and had no worries so why go at all.

I said then, what will you say to people who ask you, why are you happy? What is the reason for the hope that you have? He couldn't answer. So I left it at that.

I just got in the shower and left it in God's hands. Next thing I know, he comes in and says "I think I'll go with you. I don't like staying home alone anymore and I'll go and see what it's like."

See, we have to 'take it easy' with our loved ones and leave it in God's Hands. He knows the desires of our hearts and He's blessed me so much that I'm complacent to let Him do it.

For all of you 'unsaved' spouses, take hope and encouragement. Don't expect fireworks when your spouse gets saved. Expect God to do it in His timing and perfectness.

Expect God. Expect Him to save AS HE HAS PROMISED IN HIS WORD.

He won't let you down.

P.S. I hate the term 'unequally yoked'. Everyone is, because no one is on the same level. I love the feeling of being married to a believer, though. I feel like I finally fit in, even though, I already did.

P.P.S.S. Always look at your unsaved loved one as ALREADY SAVED. God does. He knows the ending from the beginning. So must you.

Salvation is Here!

For all of those spouses with unsaved spouses, there is hope!

My husband committed himself to the Lord yesterday, April 15th.

We'll be married 36 years this June. I feel like a newlywed again.

God is faithful to keep His promises. Promises of household salvation. Promise that if we are persistant and persevere He will honor that. He stored up all my tears of supplication and standing in the gap for my Mike and granted His salvation in a beautiful simple moment.

It's taking me awhile to soak it in. I didn't hear any fanfare or even cry when I heard.

I expected.

I waited for God's response. I told God that this was the year. I wanted Mike's salvation proven, once and for all.

Please don't give up on your lost loved ones. Seek and seek and seek. Knock and knock and knock. Ask and ask and ask. Expect, expect, expect, expect...

You will see the deliverance of God's hand in your life. The timing will be perfect. The results to the Glory of God.

Hallelujah! Salvation has come to my house. Truly I can say "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Shoes In Church

I showered and shaved...............
I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat..............
In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer.........
As I closed my eyes.

I saw the shoe of the man next to me.....
Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side......
I thought, "Why must our soles Touch?"

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine...
But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began: "Our Father".........
I thought, "This man with the shoes.. Has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched Even
worse, there are holes on the side!"

"Thank You for blessings,"
the prayer went on.

The shoe man said.........
A quiet "Amen."

I tried to focus on the prayer.......
But my thoughts were on his shoes Again

Aren't we supposed to look our best..
When walking through that door?

"Well, this certainly isn't it,"
I thought, Glancing toward the floor.

Then the prayer was ended............
And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud. ........
Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters.........
His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear..........
The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering.........
And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached....
Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out............
What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft "clink".
As when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me..........
To tears, and that' s no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man.....
For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service........
As is the custom here

We must greet new visitors..........
And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow.............
And wanted to meet the shoe man

So after the closing prayer..........
I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark....
And his hair was truly a mess

But I thanked him for coming.........
For being our guest.

He said, "My names' Charlie ............
I'm glad to meet you, my friend."

There were tears in his eyes.........
But he had a large, wide grin

"Let me explain," he said...........
Wiping tears from his eyes.

"I've been coming here for months....
And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"

"I know that my appearance.........
Is not like all the rest"

"But I really do try.................
To always look my best."

"I always clean and polish my shoes..
Before my very long walk."

"But by the time I get here...........
They're dirty and dusty,like chalk."

My heart filled with pain............
And I swallowed to hide my tears

As he continued to apologize.........
For daring to sit so near.

He said, "When I get here...........
I know I must look a sight."

"But I thought if I could touch you..
Then maybe our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment............
Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison...
I spoke from my heart, not my head.

"Oh, you've touched me," I said......
"And taught me, in part;"

"That the best of any man.....
Is what is found in his heart."

The rest, I thought.................
This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am...
That his dirty old shoe touched my Soul.

You are Special to me and you have made a
difference in my life.

TODAY'S THE DAY!!!!!

We will finally close on our 'new' church building today. Hooray!

Now, the work begins. Fun stuff of decorating and re-designing.

Tons of work and tons of rewards to come. New neighborhood and new opportunities to disciple those seeking.

Can't wait.

What's Happening?

Well,
1. Water heater at my job broke.
2. Furnace thermocoupler went at work.
3. Computer died at work.
4. My brakes are making noises on my car.

Hmmm. I've been so busy working for the Lord that everything else is breaking down.

Connection?

Busy, Busy, Busy

I haven't been lost...just busy in the Lord!

Last Thursday we had a special prayer meeting for the Franklin Graham Festival that is coming on June 8, 9, & 10. What an awesome, Spirit-filled time we had!

Then on Friday night we watched 'Facing the Giants' at a movie presentation at church. Great movie for those who haven't seen it. Very predictable Christian message but the humor and acting were the best I've seen in this type of movie. Loved it!


Sunday Service was filled with God. Worship and Praise and Preaching certainly hit the mark.

Then.................................Sunday evening, a group of us went to Rochester to the First Annual "Night to Honor Israel" event at Bethel Church. The unity and admission of our sins against the Jews was very cleansing. The Rabbis that spoke were overwhelmed with the love that was shown to them.

Night to Honor Israel

If you've never sung the Hebrew names of God, you're missing a blessing. We didn't return home till after midnight and I still couldn't sleep well. I felt very humble and blessed.



It's wonderful to bask in the Lord. I can't wait to see what this week brings.

Come Lord Jesus, come!!!!!

This Good Day

With God's love, how can we ever think it's a bad day?

He consumes us with His love. It overpowers the greatest threat that could ever come against us.

His joy conquers all doubt and pain. His mercy overwhelms us as we realize how far we've come.

His grace...phenomenal.

When I focus on the enormity of the cross, all else fades into indistinct emptiness.

He, alone, is faithful.

Peace, beyond measure, floods my soul.

I want a fat soul. I want fat on my soul bones. His Word is the food of life.

The Best Medicine

Prescribed by the Great Physician

The next time you feel like GOD can't use you, just remember...
Noah was a drunk
Abraham was too old
Isaac was a daydreamer
Jacob was a liar
Leah was ugly
Joseph was abused
Moses had a stuttering problem
Gideon was afraid
Samson had long hair and was a womanizer
Rahab was a prostitute
Jeremiah and Timothy were too young
David had an affair and was a murderer
Elijah was suicidal
Isaiah preached naked
Jonah ran from God
Naomi was a widow
Job went bankrupt
Peter denied Christ
The Disciples fell asleep while praying
Martha worried about everything
The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once
Zaccheus was too small
Paul was too religious
Timothy had an ulcer... AND
Lazarus was dead!

Now! No more excuses!
God can use you to your full potential..
Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
And one more thing...
Share this with a friend or two...
In the Circle of God's love, God's waiting to use your
full potential.



1. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

2. Dear God, I have a problem, it's Me.

3. Growing old is inevitable .. growing UP is optional.

4. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

5. Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted.

6. Do the math ... count your blessings.

7. Faith is the ability to not panic.

8. Laugh every day, it's like inner jogging.

9. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.

10. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home everyday.

11. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.

12. The most important things in your house are the people.

13. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.
God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15 He who dies with the most toys is still dead.


Have a great day!!! The SON is shining and he
can certainly use you!


"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8

My Favorite Commercials

I found the one that I talked about in my previous post. So if you liked to see it go to this link: Dairy Queen Flame Thrower

It still makes my sides hurt.

My other favorites of all time are the Jimmy Dean Sausage Commercials

Thank God there are companies that promote family values.

And no, they weren't my cats in the previous post but I liked the picture.

Wow!

Last night I saw a commercial on TV. I was laughing so hard that I couldn't even see it all. It was something about not being able to exhale while they were eating these flame-broiled burgers. So they were only talking while breathing in. That's what caught my attention...the raspy voices. All of a sudden one of them exhaled and fire shot out of his mouth and the others were so surprised that they exhaled and fire was shooting out all over.

I laughed so hard that my sides hurt, I couldn't talk to my husband AND I had to go change my clothes after I picked myself up off the floor.

Must have been just an oddity. Couldn't have been that funny, eh?

The Watcher by Mark Andrew Olsen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



MARK ANDREW OLSEN whose novel The Assignment was a Christy Award finalist, also collaborated on bestsellers Hadassah (now the major motion picture: One Night With the King), The Hadassah Covenant, and Rescued. The son of missionaries to France, Mark is a graduate of Baylor University. He and his wife, Connie, live in Colorado Springs with their three children.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Just below the surface among the family of God lives another family tree--one traced in spirit, invisible and ageless, known as the Watchers. For two thousand years they've seen beyond the veil separating this world from the next, passing on their gift through a lineage mostly overlooked. Throughout history they've scouted the borders of the supernatural frontier, but now their survival hangs by a thread. And their fate lies in the hands of a young woman, her would-be killer, and a mystery they must solve....



"Congratulations. You just reached my own little corner of cyberspace.

Who am I?

Abby Sherman, that's who.

Who are you? And why are you checking me out?

Drop me a few pixels, and let's find out!"


With that innocent invitation, Abby Sherman unwittingly steps in the crosshairs of history, and thus begins her harrowing tale--taking her from ocean-front Malibu to the streets of London, the jungles in West Africa, the Temple Mount, Jerusalem, and to the very gates of heaven itself!

A sneak preview of eternity becomes her one-way ticket to danger--and discovery….

Two lives collide in a globe-circling adventure involving both peril and discovery: Abby, a young woman whose visions of heaven turn her into a Web-celebrity; and Dylan, a troubled young man sent by an ancient foe to silence her. From California beachfronts to Nigerian rain forests to Jerusalem and back again, THE WATCHERS is high-octane blends of action, mystery, and spiritual battle spanning centuries.



A woman's awe-inspiring vision launches her on a quest through distant lands and ancient history, face-to-face with eternity and into the arms of a family line on the brink of annihilation...

A man who is hired to exterminate her discovers the folly of blind loyalty, then learns how to wage war in a realm he never believed had existed...

An extraordinary saga of the unseen war against evil, the reality of the supernatural, and the transforming power of forgiveness.
ENDORSEMENT:

"A writer who can take your breath away with a single sentence. A welcome, fresh voice that must be read!"--Ted Dekker

YAHOOO!!!!!!

Most of me is baaaaack, thanks to bonnie.

She LOOOOOOVES MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Now, I just need to figure out how to get pictures into my post, since google won't upload the images.

She's a master blogger (or is it madame?).

Need help...ask BONNIE!

Uh Oh

As you can see I've updated my blog template.

Now I've lost all my friends. :(

Please respond and let me know where you are.

I can't find anybody....

Oh me, Oh my...blogger said goodbye....

Bless This Chick

This was so cool. I visited Sit with Me Awhile and she had the neatest picture she designed at Bless This Chick.

I think the likeness is quite remarkable for me. What cha think?

Have fun with it yourself.

Tricia's Newest Book

Tricia Goyer

Amazon Books


ABOUT THE BOOK:

We are pleased to be able to review her exciting Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War, A Valley Of Betrayal

For reasons beyond her control, Sophie finds herself alone in the war-torn Spanish countryside, searching for her beloved Michael. His work as a news photographer has taken him deep into the country wracked by civil war. What was once a thriving paradise has become a battleground for Nazi-backed Franco fascist soldiers and Spanish patriots. She is caught up in the escalating events when the route to safety is blocked and fighting surrounds her.

Secrets abound in the ruined Spain. Michael is loving but elusive, especially about beautiful maria. The American who helped Sophie sneak into Spain turns up in odd places. Michael's friend Jose knows more than he tells. When reports of Michael's dissappearance reach her, Sophie is devastaed. What are her feelings for Philip, an American soldier who comes to her rescue?

Sophie must sift truth from lies as she becomes more embroiled in the war that threatens her life and breaks her heart. On her darkest night, Sophie takes refuge with a brigade of international compatriots. Among these volunteers, she pledges to make the plight of the Spanish people known around the world through the power of art.

Acclaimed author Tricia Goyer creates a riviting cast of characters against the backdrop of pre-WWII spain. Love, loss, pain, and beauty abound in A Valley Of Betrayal, the first book in her new series, Chronicles of the Spanish Civil War.

Hey You All!

Sorry I haven't been on but I forgot my new password. I couldn't respond to posts or others postings on their blogs. So here it is - I'M SORRY!

Here's something that I wanted to post but IT DOES NOT PERTAIN TO MY NEW JOB! Maybe my old jobs....

Things You'd Love to Say at Work, but Can't

• How about never? Is never good for you?
• I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
• I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
• Ahhh... I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again...
• I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid.
• I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don't care.
• I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
• Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
• The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
• I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
• And your crybaby whiny-butt opinion would be...?
• Do I look like a people person?
• Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
• If I throw a stick, will you leave?
• I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
• Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
• Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
• Chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done.
• How do I set a laser printer to stun?
• I thought I wanted a career, turns out I just wanted paycheck

New Book

John Aubrey Anderson

OOh OOh!

It got this from Dan Miller - 48 Days to a new Job Dan Miller . He has wonderful insight on how to find your soul in your work. I highly recommend his email newsletter, too. He has inspirational ideas and loves HIS JOB! What a concept!

Sarah was the church gossip and self-appointed supervisor of the church's morals. She kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several residents were unappreciative of her activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence.

She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his pickup truck parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She commented to George and others that everyone seeing it there would know that he was an alcoholic.

George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just walked away. He said nothing.

Later that evening, George, quietly parked his pickup in front of Sarah's house............... AND he left it there all night.

Spring is just around the corner....

Here's our view after the Valentine's Day snowstorm.

There was such a peace and serenity from the blanketing snow.

It subdued all humans and forced us to stay inside for awhile.

Soon, though we will see the new birth rising out of the earth.

Thank you God for the change of seasons.

There is an appointed time for everything.

And there is a time for every event under heaven--

A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.
A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.
a time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear apart and time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:3-8 NASB

Hmmm...

A 45 year old woman had a heart attack and was taken to the hospital.

While on the operating table she had a near death experience. Seeing God she asked "Is my time up?"

God said, "No, you have another 43 years, 2 months and 8 days to live."

Upon recovery, the woman decided to stay in the hospital and have a face-lift, liposuction, breast implants and a tummy tuck. She even had someone come in and change her hair color and brighten her teeth! Since she had so much more time to live, she figured she might as well make the most of it.

After her last operation, she was released from the hospital. While crossing the street on her way home, she was killed by an ambulance.

Arriving in front of God, she demanded, "I thought you said I had another 43 years? Why didn't you pull me from out of the path of the ambulance?"

God replied: "I didn't recognize you."

EEEEEEEEEEEGADS - What's Wrong With Congress!

Can't you just tell that it's getting closer to a Presidential Election year.

All the potential candidates are sniping at each other and they haven't even won the nomination.

Everyone's agenda, at the moment, is to denounce the war in Iraq and bring shame upon President Bush. The shame is filtering down all through our military ranks.

Where has the respect for our servicemen gone? Now, Congress is threatening to stop funding the war. Oh my, doesn't that show our military that we support them no matter what.

I'm just a little pea in the large pot of soup, but thanks to this forum I can say what I want to say.

STOP!

That's right. Stop it! Stop the cat calling, name calling, bad mouthing, childlike behavior from our elected representatives. We voted for you to serve US, not yourselves. Stop working for your own agenda and start standing up with solutions on how to solve things.

We will not overcome anything without UNITY!

Yes, times are a'changing but not for the better. Congress has allowed things to take place that are denegrating America's society.

Let's start by supporting our troops here and overseas. They have VOLUNTEERED for duty to their Country. Let's make them glad that they are fighting for FREEDOM and the right to express our freedoms.

BTW, the evening news is history. Grow up. We know that the headlines are not what's really going on over in Iraq. Quit trying to be the sensation of the day and spread some GOOD news around.

If you want to keep a secret, don't tell a politician or a news reporter. BECAUSE they'll stretch the truth to meet their own needs. Or they'll invent a story out of nothing. An exception is FOX NEWS (most of the time).

Write your Congressman. Tell them that WE KNOW they are listening to big corporation, lobbyists and their own vanity. GROW UP and do your job as we elected you to do.

Democrats - watch out. You're hanging on a limb and it's getting weaker every moment you talk.

Sally E. Stuart Strikes Again!

Stuart Market


If you haven't purchased the new Christian Writers' Market Guide for 2007, you're missing something great. Any old ones are obsolete.

Included in this book is the entire contents on a cd. Install it in your computer and you'll have all the information at your fingertips.

I've found new publishers and editors that will help me to narrow the submissions. Pick it up and you have a valuable resource.

Just Call...

I have been reading a lot of posts lately and was struck by the

timeliness of this verse:

I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love
of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
-- Romans 15:30

So many times we're afraid to ask for prayer or help from our brothers and sisters. Some say that you should only rely on God and pray for yourself.

But here is Paul requesting prayer to help him get through to the end of his situation.

So to ALL who are out there struggling with something...anything...we're here to pray for each other. Just ask.

New Book - The Longing Season by Christine Schaub

Christine Schaub



All of the books in the MUSIC OF THE HEART series are based on a hymns and their histories. The Longing Season is about one of the greatest redemption stories of all time: John Newton and his song, Amazing Grace.


Nature conspires against him, tossing the ship like a toy. Directionless--just like his life.
It seems his odyssey will end here, in the cold Atlantic.
Grief and terror grip his heart, but he will not surrender...not yet.
She reads the sentence again and again.
The first day I saw you I began to love you.
He'd written the words, sealed and posted them, then vanished.


She has a choice--turn toward the future, or wait, waiting and hoping.

And so begins her season of longing.

The book link is: The Longing Season

Fresh Manna

This verse came to me via an email devotional. I'm sure I've read this a few times but sometimes when it's all by itself, a verse will hit like a brick.

You are to help your brothers until the LORD gives them rest, as
he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of
the land that the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may
go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the
LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.
-- Joshua 1:14-15

Have I been helping others to find their Promised Land?

I feel as if I've been very self-centered focused upon my own goals, even the ones I believe God has for me. I am very complacent in my new job and I understand the reason for where I am but I also need to make sure that I help others attain their goals. It may be ministry or just supportive prayers to get them on their way to the mission that God has planned for them.

I certainly want to enter God's rest but how can I rest when others are discontent and searching? The only direction is through God and His Wisdom.

Seek God for what He wants. Line up with the Cross. Get plenty of advice from Godly people. Listen for His heartbeat for He'll place it inside of your heart.

When the two beat together as one, you will know where, when, how and why to go. He's already chosen the who...it's you!

Oh God! You're So Big!

Can you believe that some people still question the fact that there is a God?

I think it takes more faith to believe in the "THEORY" of evolution than to believe in the Divine Creator who made this very complicated world of ours. If you just study your fingernail, you'll realize that Someone had a design in mind.

Another thing...

Where is our value system? I was listening to the news this morning and someone was arrested with 4 ounces of cocaine in their possession. Now, they said it was worth about $6,000. ?????

I'm thinking 'I have the Word of God in my possession. It cost me $29.95 at the book store.'

The world values confuse the wisest of men. Here we are buying a pleasurable experience for almost everything we own, when our soul is seeking its Maker and the cost is next to nothing except living like His Son.



There is no balance to this life without Jesus in your heart, mind, body and soul. Everything else fades away and becomes like dust blowing in the wind.

Search for true value. It can only be found in Jesus.

It may cost you your present life but you will gain life ever after.

And the Survey Says.....!

Bethany House would like your opinion on a book cover for an upcoming novel.

Click on the link below and answer the questions:

http://faithinfiction.com/phpsurveyor/index.php?sid=8

All data is private.

New Book - If the Shoe Fits by Marilynn Griffith

Rhythms of Grace
Successful shoe designer Rochelle Gardner is having foot problems and man trouble. Three men are vying for her attention---but which one has God intended for her? When she can't decide, she gets a little help from her friends in the Sassy Sistahood. Filled with faith, fun, and laughter, Griffith's engaging read will keep you turning the pages!

How Do You Add Numbers?

In the Iraq war, over a period of 3 years, the US has lost 2,434 military personnel.

In 2003, the city of New York lost 84,903 children to abortion.



The military are fighting for us to keep our rights of freedom.

Is abortion a worthy cause for our men to die?

Don't you think it's time to declare war on abortion and make our military proud to serve a country that honors and preserves life?

At least our soldiers are volunteer and have the choice of life.

A fetus doesn't. The choice of abortion is death.

Arms of Deliverance by Tricia Goyer

The fourth and final novel in this exhilarating series capturing the tales of men and women swept into World War II.

EUROPE, 1944

Katrine, a Czech Jew, is so successful in her attempt to pass as an Aryan that she finds herself dating a Nazi officer. Having convinced him of her genetic purity, the officer sends her to stay at a Lebensborn home--a Nazi breeding program in which children are raised and indoctrinated by the state.

Meanwhile, two friends, Mary and Lee, one a socialite, the other a working class girl, land similar reporting jobs at the New York Tribune on the eve of the war’s outbreak. Now rivals with assignments on the frontlines of war-torn Europe, Lee joins troops sailing for Normandy, while Mary's destiny lies in the cramped quarters of a B-17 bearing down on Berlin. Before the presses roll, their lives will be indelibly marked by a caring American navigator, brave French resistors, and a maniacal Nazi officer. Arms of Deliverance is a story of unexpected redemption.


Amazon

Tricia's Blog

Fresh Cross, Fresh Sin

I went to a prayer vigil last night for a woman who disappeared a year ago January 11th.

She just walked out of the house and never returned. How does one do that?

My pastor told a story about a little boy who made a small boat. He played on the beach with that boat and set it in the water. One day a large wave came along and swept the vessel out beyond his reach. The boat was lost.

One day a passerby found a washed up toy boat along the beach and took it into the local pawn shop where he sold it. The dealer put the boat in the window for sale.

As the little boy passed by the shop one day, he saw the boat. He went in and said to the owner, 'That's my boat'. 'Well, that may be' said the owner, 'But, it will cost you to get it.'

The little boy didn't have enough money, so he went home. He mowed, pruned, swept, raked, ran errands, anything at all to make the money to retrieve his prized boat. Eventually he earned enough money and went to the store to buy back his own boat.

When he returned home and with work blistered hands, he repaired and restored his beloved boat to its original new condition.

'There' he said. 'I made you and then I had to buy you back. That makes you twice mine.'

So it is with Jesus. He made me and then he had to buy me back because I sinned.

When you get fresh revelation of the cost of Jesus' sacrifice, you're also faced with fresh remembrance of the sin that put Him on the cross.

As David, the psalmist, said 'My sin is ever before me', so is mine. At the moment as fresh as the day I said "Forgive me, Lord, for I have sinned."

New Book - Tangerine by Marilynn Griffith

Rhythm of Grace



To order on Amazon

New Parenting Book

Generation NeXt Parenting is unlike any other book on the market and represents a new adventure in parenting. Written by Tricia Goyer, a Gen X mom herself, it takes readers on a walk down memory lane to learn what defines them as a generation and how they can parlay their own insecurities, hopes, and dreams into bright futures for their children. With its easy-to-read, conversational style, fun pop culture references, practical tips, and real-life examples from families who harbor the same doubts, questions, and concerns, Generation NeXt Parenting strips away external distractions to focus on what it takes to raise kids into productive citizens and servants for God.

“As a Gen Xer who graduated from high school in 1989, the way I parent is different from the generations who’ve gone before me,” says Goyer. “I want to do it all—find God’s purpose in my life, impact my community, support my spouse, and provide my children every opportunity available to them. My generation is serious about parenting—just look at all we expect from our children and ourselves! This book offers solutions to our unique questions and confirms that we can ‘parent right’—even if it looks nothing like the way our own parents did it. More importantly, this book focuses on seeking God’s Word and wisdom for answers to growing a new generation of God-seekers.”

Generation NeXt Parenting is an insightful new book that helps readers balance kids, ministry, work, and service, teaching them how to be better parents for God’s glory. More than just another parenting book filled with unrealistic expectations for raising “perfect” children, Generation NeXt Parenting offers real advice, next steps, and biblical references than can easily be applied to everyday living situations. A powerful resource, it is positioned to spawn a whole new breed of parents readily equipped to make a positive difference, not only in the lives of their children, but for generations to come.










For more information go to http://www.triciagoyer.com/

or http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/

This I Pray For You

REJOICE!

Season Reasoning

Did you know that you cannot reason with evil? Maybe that's why it's so hard to understand the vehemency of people who are so anti-Christmas. But maybe that's just their make-up...anti-everything. They would probably disagree about most things. Maybe they think they could change God's mind about evil. Or maybe they try to twist evil into looking like good. Only God is good, none else.

It's really a shame. They're missing the most important decision for themselves that will depend upon where they spend eternity. Because they will spend it somewhere.

I believe that if I'm wrong believing in Jesus Christ to bring me to live with Him in eternity, then the hope that I have seen with my eyes was false and that doesn't make sense. I HAVE seen Him work in me and in others. I HAVE seen miraculous healings, deliverances, and provision. I'm a living testimony as to His power.

Luck and coincidence cannot account for the things I've experienced. It could only have been the hand of God. He is my strength, salvation. He is my past, present and future. The only God. The only Savior in Jesus Christ. God bless and may the Holy Spirit soften your heart to understanding.

Reasoning with Evil
"Most people are convinced that if they could only gather around the bargaining table, everything could be resolved. It seems they quickly forget that evil cannot be reasoned with."

"God cannot be tempted by evil..." James 1:13

Enjoy the following information on the Candy Cane.

The Candy Cane Story
A candymaker in Indiana wanted to make a candy that would remind people of the true meaning of Christmas; so he made the candy cane to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ. He began with a stick of pure white, hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and the firmness of the promises of God.
The candymaker then shaped his cane into the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to the earth as Savior. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down to to reclaim the fallen lambs who, like sheep, have gone astray.
Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

This New Day

Do you remember my previous post about a new job? I wrote that God knew the desire of my heart and hoped that it lined up with His. Well, this week He gave me that desire.

I am now the New Assistant to the Pastor (or secretary) at my church! I'm so excited I can't sleep AND we're in the middle of purchasing a larger building! God has moved so simply and fast!

When the things you are thinking about line up with God's plans, the things happen. Especially in ways that amaze you. As a Christian of 29 years, He is more astounding than I ever knew. My heart is just too small to hold the wonderfulness of Him...but I'm gonna' try!

I Just Had To Do It...

Subject: Politics

For My Democrat Friends: "Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere, and without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preferance.

For My Republican Friends: Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

NEW BIRD!

I watched as the buck-bird 'swooped' in on my squirrel-proof feeder. Thankfully he had a long tongue and he wasn't as aggressive as 'Boo Boo' the bear.

Not many birds have horns...I don't even think any do.

At least he was peaceful and left when he had his fill.

Express Yourself!

In case anyone doesn't understand what I believe...this is it! Christ is the only reason to celebrate Christmas.

New Book by Sue Dent

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1599580179

http://www.neverceese.com/

Dare to Share

This verse really spoke to me today, especially the part

"He will come in and go out and find pasture".

I never saw that part before.

There are 3 things that require our action:

1. Entering - His Salvation
2. Going - His Direction
3. Finding - His Peace, Protection & Power

There is a pasture that God has for each of us. It is where the perfect will
of God can be found and where we will find the best that He has for us.

VERSE:
Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate
for the sheep. ... whoever enters through me will be saved. He will
come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal
and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have
it the full."
-- John 10:7,9-10

Amazing Photographs From Hubble Telescope

Ever wonder what is beyond our eyesight? Check out these photographs just released.

Click Here