Patience

I grew up in a small, west Texas farming town. All around the town were cotton fields. Each spring the farmers plowed the fields and planted the seeds. Then throughout the spring and summer, huge sprinklers watered the fields. Later, the barren brown furrows were covered with green plants. After some more time passed, white sprouts of cotton dotted the green plants. As the green plants started to die off in the fall, the white cotton bulbs are ready for harvest. I remember all the hard work the parents of my farming friends and family put into bringing in the harvest, but also, farming takes a lot of faith and patience.

Galatians 5:22-13 NIV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

I’ve been told not to pray for patience because I’ll be tested in that area. I think perhaps the tests come without asking. Since patience is one of the parts of the fruit of the Spirit, then perhaps I need to ask for the Lord to develop it in me in the circumstances I face anyhow.

I’ve raised petitions to the Lord wanting the answer that very moment or at least the very next day. I wanted the results immediately. I have learned that God is not a genie in a bottle that will grant my request as I demand. God works things out in His timing and in HIS way.

Genesis 8:22 NIV

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."

God promised that for the rest of the time the earth remains, we shall have seedtime and harvest. We have seasons to plant and seasons to reap.

When a farmer plants seed to grow a crop, he doesn’t expect the harvest the next day. He waits, waters, waits, waters, fertilize, wait and waters. Then after some time the harvest comes which he expected.

That’s how it is with my petitions before the Lord. I sow or plant the seed. The seed is the Word of God. (Mark 4:14) I must apply what God’s Word says to the situation. Pray His Word for His Word shall not return void. (Is. 55:11) Like the farmer, I must wait for the proper time. Then the harvest shall come in.

However, if I become impatient and sow seeds of distrust, contempt, discord, or jealousy, that is what I’ll harvest in my circumstances. Working from my fleshly desires circumstances will get worse and not better.

Galatians 6:7-9 NIV

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

As I write this, I’m at an area in my life where I must choose to trust God’s Word and sow HIS word and pray HIS word into these circumstances. I have peace inside me that He will bring about HIS will in HIS timing. Just like the farmer who plants the seed, he waters and waits for the harvest to come. I must not get weary in doing the right thing for at the right time, the harvest shall come.

Dear Lord, I give You praise for this day that You have made. I thank You for Your Word is alive and active. Lord, You know the circumstances in my life and in the lives of my fellow sisters. Lord, I pray that as we sow Your Word and trust You to do Your mighty works in our lives, that we shall not grow weary. I pray that You will strengthen us each day by Your sovereign ways. I pray that You guide and direct our steps. I pray that as we wait and hope on You we will soar on wings like eagles, we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not faint (Is. 40:31)

Blessings in Christ--

Grace

OH how I praise my Lord & Savior Jesus Christ that I am under grace!

Romans 6:14

14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

I just finished reading Leviticus participating in Bev’s Cover to Cover Chronological Reading of the Bible this year. . Leviticus is a book full of details from our Holy God on how to live a holy life. There is no way I can remember all the details.

But here are a few things that got my mind to rolling. God created man and woman. He knows what is best for each person while living on this earth. Now I’m going into the dietary laws here as that is where I am—on a diet [probably will be my whole life].

From Noah, He told us what animals are clean and which ones are unclean. Then the Lord emphasizes in Leviticus 11 what meat to eat and what meat not to eat. I find it interesting that scientific research is showing unhealthy, even carcinogenic effects of some of the unclean meats that are in our diets.

Road kill—no problem here either as it is unclean. Damaged meat.

Leviticus 11:22 22 Of these you may eat any kind of locust, katydid, cricket or grasshopper. I will admit, I’ve seen my oldest son eat crickets. But I guess God said it is okay. I didn’t think so, but who am I to say no if God said yes.

Leviticus 11:29-30

29 " 'Of the animals that move about on the ground, these are unclean for you: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, 30 the gecko, the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink and the chameleon. 31 Of all those that move along the ground, these are unclean for you.

Those animals are detestable to me alive, so I definitely wouldn’t want to cook and eat a dead one.

Leviticus 17 tells us it is forbidden to eat the blood of the animals. I remember as a child my mother put poultry in a bowl of salt water. For years and years, I thought that’s how one thaws out the meat. I later learned salt water draws out the blood. Then being married to a game hunter, when I prepared wild game, I soaked the meat in salt water to draw out the blood so the meat wont taste “wild.” Then I learned that the beef we purchase in stores is usually pumped up with hormones, so I also soak it in salt water prior to cooking to draw out the blood that is full of hormones. Meat just tastes much better to me that way.

So much in Leviticus that I’d never be able to remember. God taught His people how to stay clean. As a woman, I’m thankful to live in the days of disposable sanitary napkins. To be considered unclean for seven days [or more] and not to be touched by anyone or they’d be unclean. I’d feel so isolated. Besides everyone would know when it was that time of the month. No discretion in that situation.

Leviticus 18:19

" 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

Jesus quoted this and recorded in Matthew 22:37-40, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'^[b] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'^[c] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." He knew His scriptures and of course obeyed them all.

He summed up the Law. Jesus came and fulfilled the law.

Matthew 5:17

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

The law was given so we’d recognize our sin and a need for a Savior. (Romans 3:19-20) I certainly recognize a need for Jesus as my Savior and grace I need in my life after reading Leviticus.

Galatians 2:15-16

15"We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' 16know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

Does this mean that because we have faith in Jesus Christ that we can go on sinning?

No way!

Galatians 2:17-20

17"If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! 18If I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove that I am a lawbreaker. 19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 20I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"

Let’s live for Christ! If we allow HIM, He will lead us by the Holy Spirit to live a life that pleases HIM and brings HIM glory!

Blessings in Christ--

The Tree

As I prepared my cup to pour in coffee this morning, I saw a cat chase a squirrel up a tree in the neighbor’s back yard. I watched fascinated at the squirrel went up higher on the barren branches that swayed in the breeze. The cat tried to go higher, but backed down as the weaker limbs would not support its weight. The squirrel flicked its tail and would go back down the branch just to the point it seemed to know that the cat could not pass and tease the cat. The cat twisted around on the branch and tried to ascend up the branch again to no avail. Finally after being teased several times and several failed attempts to ascend, the cat jumped out of the tree and out of view. I watched the squirrel jump to another tree and then to the alley fence. Off he went about his day.

I thought about that scenario and how it related to my experience this past week. I could relate to the squirrel. I felt like I was chased by the enemy who wanted to torment me and eat me up.

Some circumstance came up that chased me up that tree. As I went up higher, I swayed in the wind, frightened. Though none of the circumstances were devastating, just the repetitions over time finally got to me to a point of burning frustration. I came to a place where I was on top of that limb and felt like all hope was gone.

I entertained thoughts that were ungodly. The Word of God is very clear to take captive of thoughts that do not line up with the His Word. (2 Cor. 10:5) I allowed fear to over take my mind and became anxious. In this, I grieved the Holy Spirit and I felt like I was left alone. (I know God promises to never leave me or forsake me and for that I’m thankful.)

During this time, I felt separated from God. I felt alone. In Genesis, Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Because of their sin they were separated from God. God placed cherubim with a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. The human race was separated from God by sin.

In my sin this past week, I was separated from God and I felt the sheer terror of it. In my terror, I questioned my salvation. I questioned if I could be used by God. Like Elijah after he was used by God to defeat the prophets of Baal. Jezabel threatened to kill him and he felt weary and weak. He said, "I have had enough, LORD, Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." (1 Kings 19:4 NIV)

In this terror, I felt so frightened; it was worse than the scariest horror movie. Just the short time of separation my Lord, horrified me and I realized I’d never want that for an eternity. Thank God He never left me. Then the Lord woke me up and said, “Get up and eat.” (1 Kings 19:5) I got up and took in His word which gave me strength to confess my sins and repent of my wicked thoughts.

I laid down again and then again, I felt the Lord nudge me as He did Elijah. "Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you." (1 Kings 19:7 NIV) The Lord has plans for me, a journey. I need to eat from His word for my strength. My strength is in HIM.

God’s wisdom is a tree of life.

Proverbs 3:18 NIV

She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

Like that squirrel, I shall embrace the tree—the tree of life. Jesus Christ who is the vine. He came so that I might have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10) As I submitted myself to the Lord, resisted the enemy, he fled. (James 4:7) Like that cat, he jumped out of the tree and left the squirrel alone.

God’s word from Genesis to Revelation is all about redemption. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. He promised, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7 NIV)

We are more than conquerors and nothing shall separate us from His love for us! What a wonderful promise and hope we have in HIM!!

Romans 8:31-39 NIV

31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written:
"For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Blessings in Christ--

O Sun Stand Still

Is it just me, or is time spinning faster than I can keep up with it?

I imagined as I was speeding down the road to turn on my street what I’d say to the officer the reason I was speeding. I imagined saying, “I’m trying to catch up with the time. It’s going faster than I can.” I’m glad I didn’t get pulled over and I decided to slow down.

I feel like I can’t get enough done. When I do, I feel like it wasn’t enough.

I asked the Lord today if I prayed like Joshua did, if He’d stop the sun for me just for a couple of hours so I can get caught up on a few things.

Joshua 10:12-14

12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel:
"O sun, stand still over Gibeon,
O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon."

13 So the sun stood still,
and the moon stopped,
till the nation avenged itself on ^[b] its enemies,
as it is written in the Book of Jashar.
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel!

I shared my thoughts and prayers with my friend next door and she said she didn’t need anymore time and refused to stand in agreement with my petition. Well I went and read the scripture above and it says, “There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man.”

So I suppose that means for me to become a better steward of the time allotted to me.

Therefore, I better get back to taking the laundry out, give a spelling test, take the cat to the vet, pick up some things from the store for the weekend, and get ready to cook dinner.

Ya’ll have a good weekend!

BTW--If you notice the sun out longer today, remember I prayed! LOL!!

Blessings in Christ--

Raw & Unedited

I am in the process of a spiritual makeover. I am thankful to my Father through Jesus Christ that He does not want to leave me as I was, but to make me a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17)

I know I am well loved as God disciplines those He loves. (Hebrews 12:7-11)

Did you ever work very hard on a paper in college or high school and thought it was the best work ever? That when you turned it in you just knew you were getting an A on it? Boy was it good and all the hard work with the reading, late hours, writing it all out. Perfect in your own eyes. Then the day the instructor or teacher returned the paper to you and it had a big “F” on it! Big disappointment! What went wrong?

Pride comes before a fall and God humbles the proud. Lord, keep me humble.

That’s what has happened to me in my spiritual walk. I’m going through the motions; doing the good things; saying the good things; acting the good Christian part. But I saw my grade – “F” this past week.

I’ve struggled and wrestled, but I have finally submitted and accepted my responsibility that I’m not doing what I’ve been instructed to do.

I plan to share briefly what I felt led by the Lord to do. Then as I am led by the Lord, I will post more specifically in each area.

I trust and believe God He is preparing me to go into the promise land He has promised me. However, there are still parts of Egypt that I need to be delivered out of me.

First is my struggle with food addictions. For years I have used food as a source of comfort. When I’m mad, I eat. When I’m sad, I eat. Depressed, I eat. Angry, I eat. Happy, I eat. Celebration, I eat. Nothing is wrong with eating as we all need to eat to get the nutrients and energy we need to function. But I have put food in a place where I value it more that my loving God. It has been an idol for me. I think of food and how I’m going to eat. I worry about when and how I’ll eat. I don’t live a depraved life, but have a depravation mentality. God’s word says not to worry about what to eat or drink or wear. (Matt. 6:33)

The other part of the food addiction problem is that specifically sugar changes my personality and affects my moods just as much as alcohol, nicotine or drugs. I want to feel a little high, I eat cake. I want to crash, I’ll eat more. It puts my blood sugar processes in overdrive. I’m torturing myself for the sake of feelings.

I have felt a clear prompting for years and years (thank God He is patient with me and gracious) but now is the time to be set free from this. I have to allow the power of Christ to work in me in this and be set free from food. For me to do this, I need to go through a cleansing season of eating lean meats, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit. Eat potatoes (starchy veggies), whole wheat/grain bread, brown rice, or whole wheat pasta only once a day. That’s the plan the Lord has laid out for me. I know it. It sounds simple. But without the power of Christ, it will be impossible for me.

Second, is the area of selfishness. I have to live for others more than myself. As a mother, the Lord has shown me that I’m selfish in the area of discipline with my children. It has been easier for me to avoid discipline as it inconveniences me. Disciplining my children is a mandate from the Lord. I confess I get tired. Being a parent is the most demanding and difficult thing I believe the Lord has called me to do. Boot camp, working in office full of cat fighting women, long hours and demanding jobs were easier than the job of mother. I call this part of my life “Character Development 101.”

I also have to learn to live unselfishly as a wife. The only thing that is predictable with my loving husband is life with him is unpredictable. I enjoy routine and security. Life is not routine with him. Schedules fluctuate and I’m continually having to adapt; lovingly of course. Actually that’s the part I’m working on. I call what I have the “rain man syndrome.” Based on the movie Rain Man with Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise where Dustin’s character is an autistic savant and has to do things at a particular time and if he didn’t get to do his routine, he freaked out. Any changes scared him to death. That’s me! (Not quite as extreme, but close.)

Third, I believe at some time in my life in the future the Lord will call me into full time ministry. I have no idea when or how. I am the least qualified. But part of me has issues with it as there are things in the past I believed and trusted that the Lord called me to do yet when I stepped out, I felt like the rug was yanked right from underneath me and I fell flat on my tush. Part of me has doubts and fears of ever stepping in faith to do things ever again and part of me is excited with anticipation of the uncertain.

In preparation for this possible future calling, I have books on my heart to write. However, I rationalize by saying to myself, “Who will ever read what I write? Who am I to think others will read anything I write?” Then the other part of me tells myself, “If the Lord tells you to do, then just do it. It doesn’t matter who reads it. It doesn’t matter if it is stored on the computer til it crashes.” I believe the first book is to be based on my testimony (which you can read here.)

Therefore, I need to walk in obedience in these areas (there’s others, but these are ones I feel led to work on now).

1 Samuel 15:22-23 NLT

22 But Samuel replied,

“What is more pleasing to the Lord:
your burnt offerings and sacrifices
or your obedience to his voice?
Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft,
and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.
So because you have rejected the command of the Lord,
he has rejected you as king.”

I ask for your prayers as I step into the walk of doing as the Lord commanded. Prayers that I will live obedient to Him, to put Him above food, to love as God is love, to be unselfish with my husband and children and others in my life, and to trust that He holds my future. Thank you for these prayers.

Blessings in Christ--

Take God at His Word

I never dreamed of having such a wonderful fellowship of Christian blogger friends. I’ve been blessed in more ways than I could imagine (Eph. 3:26) and I’ve been challenged too (Proverbs 27:17).

Karen asked me to fill in for her weekly “Sabbath Reflections” which she writes on her blog each weekend. Karen will be on convalescent leave for the birth of her baby. Karen’s baby girl was born last Tuesday. Yet, the baby has been in the hospital for almost two weeks being treated for a collapsed lung. Last I heard, she was to come home with the baby today. Karen I hope you’re home! I pray all is well with you and baby. I hope to hear from you soon! [Ya’ll please pray for Karen and the baby. Please go visit her at her blog and let her know you’re praying for her.] Below is what I wrote for Karen’s “Sabbath Reflections.”

I’ve had many struggles this week. Each trial seems to come before I have another under control. Tornadoes are predicted in our weather forecast for this Friday night in my part of Texas, but I feel like I’ve already been caught in a tornado in my emotions. But I presume I should expect such trials after having such a wonderful time at the Women of Faith conference last weekend.

I heard Luci Swindoll share a testimony about her friend, Ney Bailey. I will attempt to share my paraphrase of that story with you.

Ney worked with Campus Crusade for Christ for 47 years. While serving in Poland, Ney boarded a train to depart for another country. While she waved good-bye, the folder that contained her passport, tickets and other necessary documents was stolen from her. She knew that she would be trapped for a while without those documents. She said a specific prayer asking the Lord to take charge of those documents and that the folder will be found abandoned on the ground. The authorities told her that it is very rare that these types of documents show back up. Ney chose by her will to believe in the goodness of her Lord. When she arrived at the next station, the authorities were surprised and informed her that her folder had been found on the ground just as she prayed. The folder would be returned to her the next day (minus the cash of course) but with all the necessary documents and travelers checks.

Luci then said she asked Ney what got her through that test to which Ney replied these six statements:

First, she did not put her hope in finding the folder.

Second, she talked to God about how she felt.

Third, she did not edit her prayers but poured it all out to God.

Fourth, she was totally honest.

Fifth, she believed God would provide a way even if the folder was not found.

And lastly, she claimed God’s peace (Psalm 62:8)

Those things I want to reflect on as I enter this weekend. I pray I put my trust in the Lord and not in the circumstances or how I desire the circumstances to be. I pray I believe the Lord will work for the good of me who loves HIM and have been called according to HIS purpose. (Romans 8:28).

While researching Ney Bailey I found this article based on her book Faith is Not a Feeling. This article provides more information on which to reflect. Especially on the point she shares her definition of faith—that is taking God at His word.

Lord, I pray that as I enter into your Sabbath I will meditate on Your word. I pray that I won’t be a hearer only, but a doer. Lord, You know the things that I face in the days to come. I pray that I put my trust in You and take You at Your Word which You said will never pass away. Lord, I pray that I wont put my trust in the circumstances or how I want the circumstances to unfold, but that I put my trust in You to work things out for my good. I shall trust in You at all times; pour my heart out to You and You will be my refuge. (Ps. 62:8) In Jesus name-Amen.

Blessings in Christ--

True Love

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NLT

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

I witnessed an act of true love last night. A truly unselfish love. A love that released. My first time to witness this type of love.

At 10 pm the lady across the street franticly rang the doorbell and banged on the door. My husband hurried across with her, while I slipped my shoes on. When I walked in, Eldon was taking the vital signs of her husband who was barely conscious.

Lisa showed Eldon her husband’s living will which very clearly stated not to call 911 and not to resuscitate. He has been terminally ill with COPD for many months. I grieved and mumbled prayers under my breath seeking guidance. After her husband passed away, Eldon asked Lisa, “What do you want me to do? Shall I start CPR?” She said sure to try to keep what little if any life still in him. Just trying to keep that little glimmer of hope of what she dreaded would not come to pass.

Eldon started CPR. Meanwhile, I called her priest to come and notified the authorities. Eldon tired -- yet he couldn’t stop (once you start CPR you must not stop until someone can relieve you). I retrieved another neighbor whom I knew would know CPR. They both worked on him until the police and EMS arrived.

EMS determined Lisa’s husband had no pulse and was not breathing. They asked her what they wanted her to do. His documents clearly stated that he preferred to die at home. She inhaled and exhaled then unselfishly stated to let him go.

She let her true love of 51 years go into his eternity last night.

While I sat with Lisa waiting with her for the coroners to arrive, she shared with me many wonderful memories she has of her life with her husband.

Please pray for Lisa.

Two of her eight adult children have arrived this morning. The others will arrive tomorrow.

Lisa, in just a matter of moments, has gone from wife to widow. Pray that as ambassadors of Christ in our neighborhood that we’ll show her His love. (James 1:27)

Lisa has not been involved in the community or church the two years she has lived here due to her husband’s illness and her devotion to tending to his needs. The neighborhood is rallying around her during this time.

I pray that all of us shall cherish our loved ones today and everyday as our lives are but a vapor. (James 4:14)

Blessings in Christ--

Women of Faith Pictures

Here are a few pictures from the Women of Faith Conference.



Mark Schultz blessed my socks off with his music. I'll be downloading his tunes from iTunes.

Anita Renfroe performed her MommySense song right away. She has a new one that she performed that will be out later this year called "Before I Eat" done to Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats." I rolled out of my chair on that one and I'll be getting that DVD when released.

Patsy Clairmont! What can I say? She's such a hip lady. I want to be more like her--her laughter, light-heartedness, and cool clothes!

On the concourse with my friend Tiffany, me, and Marina. We had a hoot of a time between the shows!

Mandisa! She shared her testimony of the trials with American Idol and her food addiction. I could so relate to her issues with food as I have the same problems. I'm glad I had the opportunity to have my picture taken with her.

Thelma Wells! I just wish I could hug her!! I would love to adopt her as my grandma. She told her escort to stop and let me take this picture. Thank you Thelma! You're so sweet!

There's so much...but if I posted it all it would take me three days to write it and you three days to read it. To summarize:

I received encouragement from the Women of Faith conference. I didnt know what to expect. This conference was a lot of entertainment--comedy, drama, singing and very professionally done. Fabulous men and women of God spreading the gospel through their talents. After Max Lucado, it was reported that 640 people gave their lives to the Lord!!

I'm glad I had this experience. I want to thank the Lord, for He opened so many doors for me to attend and paid the way for many of the expenses that made it possible for me to go. Thank You my Lord!

Hop on over to Marina's blog. She's posted lots more pictures of us at the conference.

Blessings in Christ--

High Heels, High Hopes, High Calling

Oh the joy and excitement I'm feeling. And I must declare the praises of the the Lord who made this opportunity possible!!

Today, I'm going to San Antonio with a friend and we'll meet up with Patsy Clairmont, Mary Graham, Nicole Johnson, Marilyn Meberg, Sandi Patty, Anita Renfroe, Lucy Swindoll, Sheila Walsh, Thelma Wells. Mandisa, Max Lucado and more!! My new friends!

This will be my first time to experience a women's conference. Did I tell you I'm excited!!

I'll also be meeting up with my blogging friend, Marina!! Cant wait to see you girl!!

I'll be glad to share my experience when I return.

Blessings in Christ--

To God Be the Glory--Getting Over Me

I have had a hindrance in my life. This obstacle has kept me from seeing my good, gracious, loving Father.

The obstacle in my life is ME.

Why do I have to be my own worst enemy? Life is not about me (contrary to a popular country song).

God works through His Word. I’ve been reading in Genesis and Exodus through an online Bible chronological reading group. (For more info on this or to join us please visit Bev.)

Like Joseph, I’ve been given dreams. I have dreams in my heart that I believe the Lord gave me. There have been dreams that were my own and the Lord has removed them.

Like Joseph I’ve shared those dreams and I’ve been laughed at. Like Joseph, I was arrogant in the way I shared.

Like Joseph, I feel like I’ve been sold into slavery (figuratively) by my brothers and sisters (in Christ). I’ve been on a journey that I would not have expected. Traded from house to house and in a prison (in my mind, not literally).

Like Joseph, I’ve had opportunities to serve, make a difference and help others while enslaved.

Like Joseph, I feel like I have been forgotten.

That’s where I’m at in my life. Feeling forgotten.

In my self-pity & sorrow, the Lord showed me through this reading of His Word that there is more at stake than myself. He has the big picture. God is in control! He is working in and through all these circumstances in my life. When He is ready—when it is His time things will work out for HIS glory.

I have to get over me.

1 Corinthians 15:31 NKJV

I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

I must die each day so that Christ can live in me. God gets the glory!

Then I pray that at the end of my chapter I can say as Joseph said to his brothers:

"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don't be afraid. I will provide for you and your children." And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:19-21 NIV)

Lord, let Your Word speak to me! Lord please forgive me for selfishness. Thank you Lord!

Blessings in Christ--

The Wind

The wind blows hard in south Texas. Yesterday gusts were clocked at 50 mph in our area. The gates on our fence blew open and the dogs escaped. We have two heeler dogs and they made their great escape. Chase ran out the front door to go call for them and as the wind caught the glass door, the window popped out. Thankfully, it didn’t fall all the way out and break!

Chase & I embarked on our white horse (aka Yukon) with my pony tail flapping around in the wind as we called out hoping the wind would carry our voices to the dogs ears. Once around the subdivision, nothing. Stephen called me and told me they were in the alley. They had quite a journey around the streets to the alley from the gate that blew open.

As I turned down the next street to turn on our street, low and behold, more dogs. This was the day of the great dog escape. Gates blew open all around the neighborhood. Made calls from the cell phone, called in some partners and we gathered the other loose dogs and got them home in their yards.

Besides letting the dogs loose, the wind seemed to stir up other things. Commotion with siblings. Convalescent leave for my husband's unexpected injury. Turbulent emotions blowing rampant in me.

The wind blows again today. Where are you Lord? Is He in the wind?

1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV

11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

Lord, I wait for You to pass me by after this storm. I long to hear Your gentle whisper!

Will there be peace here today? Where is the peace?

Mark 4:38-40 NIV

38Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"

39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

40He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

Lord, I ask You to quiet the winds in my life. I pray it be still. I want to have faith, Lord.

Jesus said to His disciples (and to me), “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:25-27)

Lord, I praise You for Your Word. I praise You for Your Son, Jesus. I’d be lost without HIM and hopeless. Holy Spirit come and teach me and remind me what I have learned. Lord, with You I have hope for Your peace. Your peace that You give, not as the world gives. Let not my heart be troubled. I will not be afraid. All things are in Your control. I long to hear Your whisper. In Jesus name, Amen.