"Miracle Number 3!"

Three significant miracles have taken place, in our family, over the last 2 weeks. . . and yesterday was one of them! All three of our children not only came to church with us, but they even rode with us in the same car. . .my little Dodge Neon no less! I wish someone could have taken a picture of us all packed in the "little yellow car that could".

Going as a family to church may sound trivial and something to be taken for granted, but NOT in this family. It rather is, as stated, something no less than a miracle!! I know that God needs absolutely NO help from me, but this Mom stuck to her guns and didn't back down when setbacks that tried to step in. There was no setbacks going to happen - - we were going to church together. . . period.

I was so thankful that I even documented the miracle with picture taking too!





I pray daily for these three gifts in my life. They have each been raised in a solid christian atmosphere where God was/is leader of our home. They have attended church during their growing years, but somewhere at some point got mixed up. Moreso my girls. Now church is a place where people judge you, people are hypocrits, people don't accept you as you are, people are unfriendly, and people are boring. I know very well that God can remove this thinking and open their blinded eyes and softened their hardened hearts. I truly believe....no question about it. And in His timing - - He will. 

I say those very personal thoughts to share with you an incident that occurred during our Sunday morning miracle.

I share this incident with limitations, for I do not wish to show anger or rudeness. . . because it could turn that way. Rather I give an account of something we all need to be aware of and careful with. While the service progressed, Savannah had a slight cough. As she coughed, I began noticing a lady seated in front of her. The lady was beginnng to seem agitated. Let me say here that Savannah's cough was in no way loud, she wasn't leaning forward when she coughed, nor was it constant. She would cough just every now and then. At one point, the lady in front of her turns herself completely around, sitting on the edge of her chair, gives a look that said "Did your really just cough?!?!?" and turns herself around. My daughters found it amusing and rude. As time went on, I saw the lady close her Bible with a little added force, grab her coat and her purse. . . and continue to sit there. I knew she was on the verge of leaving by now....rather obvious. Well, as you guessed it.....Savannah coughed once more as time passed by. Lady jumps up, sitting on the 3rd row from the front of church, says to her friends with a look of disdain "I can't take the coughing anymore."...... and leaves.

As a protecting mother, I was mad << best word to use. But as a positive mother, I chose to tell my kids that this lady was looking for a way out beforehand and she found one. She must have felt uncomfortable, out of place and needed an escape plan.....Savannah became her ticket out. My kids, of course, didn't see it that way. As I related the incident to my Mom later, she said something about praying for the lady and going on. I told her right away "I didn't pray for her!" This was an example of someone living out in the flesh exactly what I had been trying to guard my kids from seeing.....making what they think of christians today and churches all around.....the truth!! How could she?! But as time passed and I thought about what my all so wise Mother told me, I decided I WOULD pray for this lady.....for only God knew of any pain she may have been feeling, what fears she may have been experiencing, what problems she may have been facing.

As I did pray, my thoughts changed to a more positive thinking. I know because of this incident my kids are not damaged and in time will return to church again. I also know that I canNOT nor have I ever been able to guard them from really anything in this world. What I can do is to keep praying for each of them to have their eyes opened, their ears opened, their desires to be God's, and their fellowship- with a God that loves them more than I do- to be R E A L.

So please the next time you may feel the need to be annoyed by something, don't like the way someone is dressed, tempted to say an unkind word, don't approve because they aren't like YOU.....take a moment and realize that this someone may be needing God and a closer walk with Him and your disapproving may be the thing that steps in and hinders that from happening.

In the front of my Bible I have written these very true words: God is infinitely more concerned over my children than I ever could be. He IS abundantly able to care for them in any and every situation.  The same applies for your children {no matter the age} as well, my friend! :)

As always.....thanks for letting me share!

"My Gift to Me and How We Met!"

As the Christmas season is in full swing, we eagerly await the big day when we can share our love through gifts with those we cherish. If your family is like my family EVERYONE but the baby is the hardest to buy for! Nonetheless....we attempt to please and hope that it will be the thought, love and time put into our endeavor that wins them over. :)

I want to share with you what my biggest and BEST gift is this year and every year. . . simply put. . . .my David. For all of you who may want to say "Not another my David bragging story!" go right ahead. I don't mind in the least. You see my David is everything to me apart from God Himself! In fact, if truth be told, David is the highest example of God to me in my life. Don't get confused....I'm not calling David - God! What I am saying is that David is love to me, forgives me, forgets my wrongs, believes the best in me, encourages me, strengthens me, gives hope to me, accepts me as I am, and is solid FAITH to me. I pray with all my heart that someday God WILL bring a man such as David into my daughter's lives!! I will smile with the biggest SMILE and thank Him always when He does! :)

I always LOVE to hear how couples met! So maybe you would like as well for me to share how my David and I came to be. . .

Hope I remember the details right!
Way back in March of '85, I was invited to go and watch a co-ed church softball game by my then boyfriend , Jim Allred. It was then that I was introduced to David Moore. David Moore - the guy you would've never guessed today was the HYPER guy who never sat down, never even stood still at a game. He was either swinging his arms wildly coaxing the players around the bases or jumping up and down in one spot because he had so much ENERGY! He ran so FAST that no one wanted to be batting in front of him. He was lightning fast as I called it! Watching him run was so graceful and exciting!! haha!

Jim and David were good friends. . . David once said "If I had a friend at that time, I guess I would call him Jim." {That's a compliment, Jim, if you're reading this!} He never was much on having a so-called main friend in his life. Mike Webster and Jim are about the only 2 ever mentioned in fact. In time, David took a liking to MY friend, Tammy Sparks Glover. And thus began the 4sum dating....Jim and Debby, David and Tammy. We had some really great times together!

Jim was a absolute wonderful first real boyfriend. I believe I loved him with a sincere different kind of love apart from the "I want to be with you forever" love. He was kind, gentle, loving, caring and he would be probably the first to notice that someone was beginning to come into a clearer picture in my mind. I will forever and always hold a special and dear place in my heart for this boy who as he says "set me free to see if I would come back and when I didn't ..... knew that I was not his to have." He would even be the one to encourage David to ask me out for he knew what his heart probably didn't want to tell him.

Tammy was the fun loving friend that we knew and loved too. She would go away to college that Fall. She would soon meet her future husband there as well. As Tammy was in college, time was moving on, and things between Jim and I were thinning out. I think it was on Labor Day that the official end to our realtionship between Jim and I would end. And as you can guess, David and Debby would come to be as well as Ron and Tammy too. November 23, 1985 I drove my car down David's street. I had my brother, who is 7 years younger, with me. When I saw David I told Dan to duck down....I tried ducking too! LOL! It was a small neighborhood street and I felt very noticable! I took Dan home and told my Mom "David is outside...he's outside!!" She said "Well, go see him!" So I drove my car right back to his street and parked myself right in front of his house! He was out still (thankfully). He came over seemingly happy to see me, we talked for awhile, he invited me inside his house. Continued talking. . . . His mom later cooked tacos for us and afterwards we would go out on our first official date that has not stopped 26 years later!

Sidenote: After my Mom told me to go see David that day, she would not see me return until after 2am that following morning after my Dad was sent to retrieve me. Haha! Hey she just told me to go see him....she didn't say when to return!! :)

It was a bit awkward at first being as though Jim and David attended the same church. Previously I would go with Jim to church as a couple....and now it would be David and I. The intial shock and reality of it set in for Jim one Sunday when David had to come and say to him "Hey guess who I'm dating now?" I know it hurt. . . and I did not want to see him hurt. But in time, with this being God's plan, Jim would accept it being the sweet friend he was to us both. . . and I thank him for it. He remained our faithful friend throughout time as well Tammy did too....we are blessed with their friendship!

David and I were best friends from the start. The only time we were ever apart from that November day was he or I went on family vacations. We have never tired of spending each and every hour possible together. I would rather be with no one else on the face of this planet than my David. That is why I find it so weirdly ODD when couples speak of needing breaks, day offs , etc...from one another! With as much time as we already do spend together, I look forward with great anitcipation to the day when he retires and not even something called work will separate us!! :) We got engaged in February of '87. I remember this well. We had already talked about marrying, even went and picked out the rings together. So I knew it would happen soon....just wasn't sure when! One night he invited me to a very NICE restaurant ....it was fancy....SOMETHING was about to happen! :)) Years later we would go back and I would take a picture of the very seat (I guessed) we sat in as my sweet David proposed to me! After the proposal, my family and I were going on a skiing trip with our church. My Mom always said it was a bad idea from the start to take that girl away from the man who just proposed and gave her a ring! He was all I though about and when I was able to finally reach him on the resort's phone (no cells back in the dino days) it was pure heaven to me! As our bus returned back home, following the forever loooong week, he would be the first I would see waiting in the parking lot for me! I was overJOYED!

As we prepared for our wedding, I remember taking David WITH me and my Mom to pick the wedding dress. We chose a store, found the dress and I went to try it on. The saleslady found out that David was the fiancee and told us in no uncertain terms that he was not supposed to be there! I quickly handed the dress back to her and said "If you don't want him here you don't want me here! Goodbye!" She quickly changed her mind and stood back. WHO was this dress for afterall??? It wasn't for anyone in the world except my David...he should be the one to pick it out!! :)

The beautiful day arrived on August 15, 1987! We were the first family from my home church to be married in our new location and sanctuary! My favorite, very much loved pastor and friend, would marry us. Pastor Rodger Phillips and his beautiful wife, Martha will forever be remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved them....which are many of my FB friends. There will never be another.
And remember that first boyfriend I told you about - Jim? He was right there in our wedding with us! :)

Fast forward to April 29, 1988 and that day would make the union of two people become that much more stronger and sweeter as we welcomed our first baby girl into our world and forever in our hearts! Heather Marie.

That is how God brought two people together and blossomed a lifetime of love . . . forever.

(This is an awesome video of describing what a wonderful GIFT my David is to me. Please watch it!!)

"And You Thought It Was Impossible!!"

My Blog is unbelievably short this time....short and to the point..... and it only has ONE point!!

1. Our God can conquer ANYTHING in YOU!!!!

Fear. Doubt. Worry. Anxiousness.

{and the list goes on. . .}

Is anything too hard for the very Creator of our lives and the world as we know it??

No - for He is Sovereign and He is God. "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" Jeremiah 32:27.

God and God alone has the power to do that which we cannot for ourselves! We are not consumed by these negative things for they hold no power over us. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fail. They are new every morning great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23. When we fully understand that we are not alone in our desire to be healthy and strong, and that the Lord is our strength, we begin to trust in His faithfulness.

When we seek Him and swing wide the doors of our heart to Him - it is then that His life changing power enters in and does for us that which we cannot do for ourselves. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you." Matthew 6:33. Then step by step, moment by moment He begins a good work in us. Things we do not need in our lives {fear, doubt, worry, anxiousness} are cut out. Discipline is applied where needed. Priorities are rearranged. In some areas He works quickly. In others, painfully slooooow. But His timing is PERFECT! "I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." Lamentations 3: 24-26.

So take heart, my friend, for there is HOPE! If you struggle with these area{s} then seek God and His power to remove them from your life. And remember. . .  in some areas He works quickly. . . and in other areas He works slooooow. Nevertheless trust Him and His perfect timing! "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped." Psalm 28:6-7. "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27: 14.

"Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security." Jeremiah 33:6.

YOU are no challenge for almighty God!!



"Sharing Twice. . . One Year Ago. . . ."

I shared this Blog one year ago and I felt led to share it again. Hopefully God will lead new readers to share in it as well.

In the hustle and bustle of  the holiday season do you ever stop and ask yourself  "What is this all about? What does it all really mean?" I believe that Thanksgiving as well as Christmas are totally a time to see God in everything. We see Him in the time of Thanksgiving being totally the reason we are so very thankful for how He has blessed our year throughout with His provisions of grace, mercy, forgiveness, blessings and love. And we see Him in the time of Christmas, of course, because it is centered on Him coming in the form of a baby to save us all. It also reflects on the gifts of sharing our love with those we love because He loves.

But, this Blog isn't really about what I think of Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's about knowing the Maker of  Thanksgiving and Christmas in a personal relationship. I will say that most likely all my FB friends know Him in a personal relationship....but there may be just that one who isn't sure or doesn't know Him that way....and for that one I share the following.

Have you ever heard the question asked "If you were to die today and went to Heaven and God stopped you and said 'Why should I let you into my kingdom?' what would you say?"  Many people have what they feel are genuinely perfect answers for this and many consist of them being simply good enough to earn their way in. Or. . .  Church membership. Baptized. Family heritage. Giving enough money. Others may believe that a loving God could never send anyONE to such a horrible place as hell and therefore make their way in as well. Well, sadly...none of this thinking is right. There is only ONE way and ONE way only....and that being through the perfect blood that Jesus shed on the cross for our salvation. Through His sacrifice for our sins, we receive the grace that He freely gives. We receive it through faith and faith itself is also given to us by and through God.

I could really draw this blog out with more lengthy discussions. But I believe that salvation is simple and therefore should be presented in a simple manner. That statement reminds me of a very special Christian kindergarten teacher I had a long time ago. I had asked Jesus into my heart at the age of 5 (also being the time of attending her class). She had ran into my Mom years later and had heard that I was struggling with doubts of my salvation. She replied to my Mom "Tell her to quit making it so HARD." Salvation is not a complicated thing...but sometimes we as humans tend to make it hard.

First, know that we ALL have sinned. If you have broken just one commandment...and we all have....then you are guilty of sin.
Romans 3:10 - "As it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one."
Romans 3:23 - "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 5:12 - "Therefore just as sin entered the world through one man (Adam) and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because ALL sinned."

Second, the price has been paid!
Romans 6:23- "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
Romans 5:8- "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Third, how we receive our gift!
Romans 10:9-10 - "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."

It's as simple as ABC!
A= Accept that you are a sinner in need of a Saviour!
B= Believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead!
C= Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and call upon Him to save YOU!

Lastly, we know that when we call - He hears!
Romans 10:13 - "For EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will BE saved!"
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that NOT of yourself, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no man can boast." If it were by works anyway...someone would ALWAYS be better than you. . . and whose to say where the line would be drawn?? Side tidbit there. :)


There are many more proofs of God's love, His forgiveness, His grace and His salvation in the Bible. If you have a question regarding this topic, I would gladly TRY and seek an answer and get back with you. So ask! I don't have them....but I know WHO does! :)

Thanks for letting me share something SO very important with you!

And remember.....you are never too far gone, too bad, too unforgivable for God to pick up, dust off and say "Welcome my son/daughter!" He loves you that MUCH!



"A Mother's Heart....Shared With You."

To my daughter, Savannah Ann, whom I love more than you even begin to know.

You entered our world on the day of June 14, 1991 and we were blessed. God wanted to take a little extra loving care and time to mold and make you into the beautiful baby you became. I carried you 41 weeks instead of the normal 40 weeks. Maybe it was because God knew I would need that extra 1 week to hold you as close to my heart as I ever would. Unlike the first C-section surgery I had with your sister, Heather, I would feel this one in great intensity. But the pain was worth it....and you became ours to hold and love now with our arms and not just our hearts.

Your sister took sole responsibility for you even at the very young age of just 3 years old. There are several pictures of this little "mother" taking care of her "baby". She loved you then.....and she loves you now....even when you don't believe it.

We chose your name, Savannah, the very day before having you. We were strolling around the mall and stopped by JC Pennys. They had a furniture collection by the name of Savannah on it and thus became your name. The name Savannah would not become popular until 13 years later therefore allowing you to be that unique beauty you always have been.

At 3 months of age you were dedicated to our Lord Jesus by Mom and Dad along with Pastor Dale Williams at Southgate Chapel in Irving, Tx. You had a very dirty diaper at the time and Pastor Dale handled you and the dedication service with such love.  Dale if you're reading this....know that as I have told you before....there has NEVER been another Dedication Service for both of my baby girls that you gave them that was more sweet, caring, genuine, heart-felt and sincere. Thank you for that!!
Later, you would go to Cubbies for Awanas at the age of 3 at Spring Memorial in Spring, Tx. You received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, at the tender age of 5, at this same church. And you would later be baptized, at the age of 5, at Lakeland Baptist by Bro. Gary. I write these into this letter because I count them of great importance. For you see - all of life is centered around what Jesus has done for you in your life!

                                                   

I still remeber those long, beautiful ringlets of hair you had. If I remember correctly, you would later put or get gum stuck all in that beautiful hair too! I tried my best to get it out, but ended up cutting alot more of your hair than I wanted. So it was at 6 years old that you would receive the biggest haircut ever taking several inches off. Some people told me it would come back even curlier.....and although you still had a wave and body in your hair....your sweet baby ringlets were now gone.

As time moved on, you grew to be the you that God would create you to be. You was a child that loved the human touch of skin to skin. Your great grandmother, Mama Rea, would in fact be the one to figure this out very early on. You cried and cried one night shortly after bringing you home from the hospital and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what was wrong. Exhausted I let Mama Rea take over and she knew just the thing....place you skin to skin alongside of her. . . calming you right down. It would continue to be that way throughout the years. As a baby, seems you only wanted to sleep when I was holding you, as a toddler you always, always requested being rocked before going to sleep, and as a child you were often found sliding in bed with your sister with your entire body draped across her. As well there were many nights you ask that I lay down beside you letting you fall asleep before I go. I would always know to wait for that special twitching of your body that would signal you were now fast asleep. As much as I thought I was SO tired and just wanted to go to bed in my bed.....I now know those days were few and they are missed.

I also will always and forever remember our special prayer time each night that we had together. They were special times AND funny times. As we would talk about the prayer request to pray for somewhere at some point silly times would slip itself in. As you would start to pray you would get the giggles....and just as sure as you would get those giggles....Mom would also get them! I can remember having to get a pillow and hold it up to my face with one hand while the other hand is holding yours just so you couldn't see my smile. That's all it took....just seeing Mom smile made you giggle all the more HARDER! At times I thought we would NEVER get through those prayers!! :) I'm sure God must have enjoyed listening to all the laughter shared between a giggly precious child and the Mother who shared right along with her. As soon as the prayers were finished, the hug would begin. My dear child.....you cannot even begin to understand just how much I miss those hugs. If I let myself I will soon begin to start crying....and then I won't be able to type. Those hugs were worth more than you can imagine. I didn't realize just how much at that time. You would reach up and pull me down to you, while laying on your bed, and all the while just hold me close.....heart to heart, cheek to cheek, ear to ear. Sometimes you were still giggling and others you just seemed to never want to let go. If I could go back in time ..... it would be to those nights..... and I would never let you go.
OK....now I am crying.
There have been times I have wondered, that as you and your sister got older and she began experiencing more things in life and would call me into her room to talk about them....that I was rushing yours and my time together to go and talk with her. You often would teasingly get onto me for how much time I would spend in Heather's room compared to yours. In fact you would time me giving me the exact number of minutes I spent in her room verses yours!  I was excited to hear about all the new things in life Heather was experiencing and may have seemed anxious to get in there. But you was always on my mind too.....I never ever wanted to make you feel second best. And if I did that or have done that, Savannah, for that I am truly sorry in the most sincerest way.

And time marches on. . . . .

And here you are today. . . .my always beautiful Savannah Ann.

Somewhere, somehow along the way you quit believing in our love. Somewhere you quit receiving and giving the many forms of love. . . hugs, smiles, sharing time together, kind words. This all seem to become foreign to you....and for the life of me and your Dad we have never once figured out why. You would even one day just basically pack up and leave our home to live in another. This hurt more than you know. It would seem another family would become your family. And as any Mother knows you will always fight for what's yours. But just as sure as I knew you were mine and I loved you dearly.....I also knew that I had to believe God had a plan in all of this....for absolutely NOTHING happens in our life without God allowing it and having a reason, a plan, and a purpose in sight. So.....I let you go.....physically....but never internally....for you are mine and always will be. I hold no grudges regarding the family you went to be with....although it was very hard harder than you know....they were there for you to be whatever God wanted them to be in your life.

Through time though, as you have went away to college and are now once again back in our home, I see changes that God has brought. I am forever grateful as well!! So grateful that I wrote a Blog about it! Read it sometime....it's all about you! :) It's titled "When God Brings a Distant Child Home".

Savannah, God loves you more than I do, and even though you may not see that as much.....please know that it is. I know that words can just be pretty words and sound good, but please know that my words I offer to you are so much more than pretty words with empty meaning. They are from my heart....the truest, most sincerest place of any person living. Above all.....share a relationship with God. Put Him first. Live your days for Him. Talk with Him. Seek all that you need in Him. Wait on Him. And trust in Him. This world has nothing even on it's best days to give you. It's empty and will leave you empty. But in and with God ....is everything! I pray that God will give you the eyes, that comes with maturity, to see and understand this.

And it is with this purpose that I write this to you my child. . . . to know that I love you, I am proud of you, I thank God for you, I believe in you. For we are never guranteed tomorrow. . . .



"Struggles?"

   

Yesterday was Blogger Sunday as my children so "lovingly" say, but Blogger Sunday slipped by and has now turned into Blogger Monday. I love to see what God will bring me to write about each weekend, but I was just a little unsure as to where He wanted me to go on Blogger Sunday..... and thus we come to today!

Maybe I had no real direction yesterday because God was waiting to show me at the very end. David came home and we sat on the couch watching his DVR'd football game. I fell asleep as usual and awoke to David saying "ok lets go to bed". As he took the game off, our TV switched channels and on it comes.....the reason I'm writing this Blog. :)

A man's voice was coming over the airwaves. He was casting off a whole LIST of things we will have rest from if we will only put God first in our life. I stuck my fingers in my ears like a little kid and told David "I DON'T wanna hear him! Turn him OFF!!" David did so and wouldn't you know it he was blaring upstairs in my son's bedroom on his Tv.....with Levi asleep. David opens the door and I told him "I SAID TURN HIM OFF!"

This left me feeling mad and anxious! ! ! My David who usually is there to calm me down, wanted nothing but to go to sleep ...... it was way past his working bedtime. So I was basically left to sort things out myself.  As I lay there and  feeling anxious of things, I began thinking. You see I know that I put God first in my life in all areas.....He is who I live for. But do I have struggles, worries, fears, doubts, concerns?? YES SIR I DO!! I even struggle with the fact of hearing some guy's voice and it leading me to question IF I'm doing what I'm supposed to in my life to be right with God! That's where I have to learn to turn him/she/they O F F!

But in my Bible, God's Holy Word, it says "In this world you WILL have TROUBLE. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Also, it says "A righteous man may have MANY troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all." Psalm 34:19. We see too that David, a man after God's own heart, wrestled with his thoughts and had sorrow in his heart, and had enemies triumphing over him in Psalm 13....but a few verses down we see that he STILL trusts in God's unfailing love and he rejoices remembering how that God has been good to him. And later in Psalm 55 he is seen crying out to God once again in DISTRESS and knows that God will hear him even delivering his from the BATTLES waged against him. (Sorry for all the capital words....just attempting to prove a point a little more vocally.)

So if I'm reading God's Word correctly then it is telling me that yes we will have troubles, we will have fears, we will have battles, we will have struggles! And it is NOT a matter of putting God first in your life or not.

 

Just as sure as I know that we do still have struggles, I also know that just as the verses stated above.....God does deliver and He has made promises of it! But sometimes we must wait. Waiting teaches us far more than we probably ever perceive. For God is always seeking to teach us and train us in the faith life. When we have made our request for God to remove our burden, or give us rest from it shall we say, and He does not do it....what are we to think.....that we have not put God in His rightful place in our life?? NO, rather keep believing God's promise...stand firm on it and never be moved away by what you see or feel. He has promised to deliver the righteous from his troubles and that means ALL. God cannot lie and in Hebrews 6:18 we are assured of that! "God often delays on purpose and the delay is just as much an answer to our prayer as in the fulfillment when it comes." "The fact of looking at the apparent contradiction as to God's Word and being unmoved from your position of faith makes you stronger on every other line." "When God has spoken of his purpose to do, and yet the days go on and He does not do it, that truly is hard; but it is a discipline of faith that will bring us into a knowledge of God which would be otherwise impossible." Psalm 27:14 reminds us to "Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." And along the same lines of christians having distress in their lives we see that Paul, the great and mighty missionary for God, suffered as well. Do you think he was putting God FIRST in his life? I do!! But just as sure as he expresses his despair of even life itself in 2 Cor. 1:8-10....he assures us that God did, God does, and God will deliver. (vs.10) And even sometimes our struggles that we encounter are so that "We might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." (vs.9)

So my friends, take heart when you have struggles for it does NOT mean that your life is out of wack with God....it simply means you are human, God loves you, and He will see you through.

 

Just as the ocean is not always calm....so is life! But we have hope and we have trust in a God who knows and He is in control!

 

"Being My Mother"

There is a lady in my life that has a special place in my heart that no other human being has and I call her. . . my Mother. And it is with that opening that I dedicate this Blog simply to her.



My Mother became my Mother on the very first day of May in the year of 1966. She was 26. . . I was 0. She loved me, cared for me, nurtured me just as any loving Mother would. She had many previous jobs before I entered her world. But she would give that all up and not return to work until I was 12 years old. And even then it was as if she was still right there with me, for she would become a teacher teaching at the very same private school I attended. Yes, it just so happens that she would become MY teacher as well. So, she was never far from me.

As I was a young girl I self titled myself as a "Daddy's girl" and rightly so I was. But who would so gently lead me in the prayer of salvation at the tender age of 5. . . my Mother. Who would be there to come and talk my way out of each and every problem I ever had. . . my Mother. Who would discipline me when it was needed . . . my Mother. Who would wrap their arms of love around me and squeeze me each and every morning. . . my Mother. Who would encourage me to be the best God had made me to be. . . .my Mother. Who has and to this day still makes SURE that I know I'm loved, forgiven, needed, cherished, enjoyed. . . my Mother. And who, to this day, is my 2nd very best friend who is always and forever there to help me, guide me, encourage me and love me. . . my Mother.

You see my Mother loves me unconditionally. . . she always has and I know she always will. That kind of love comes from God Himself and I am so thankful. As much as some may think, I was not a perfect child!  Nor have I been a perfect adult. But through the heartaches, the tears, the frustrations her loves keeps shining and her heart keeps smiling. . . and I honestly couldn't imagine life any other way. I know that I am deeply and graciously blessed for not all others have this love in their lives.

I sincerely thank God for the time that He has given my Mother to be here on this earth and I DO pray with utmost sincerity that He continues to extend it. When I think about living on this earth without my sweet Mother on it and knowing that she is just a phone call away, a text away, a drive away, it brings real sadness and literal tears run down my face if I let them. I have a very dear friend on FB who has lost not only her Mom, but also her Dad . I know there is sadness and a place in her heart that longs for them. My heart goes out to her. She is such a strong and positive lady. I pray that if and when that day should ever come (though I've often, growing up, just told God He could wait and just come get us all at once: Rapture) that God would give me the strength and positive heart to keep keepin on. I know without a doubt that God meets our EVERY need, so I will trust in Him.

As an adult, my Mother has been right there every single step of the way as I raise my own children. She feels every hurt, every frustration, every concern. She is there to cheer me on to keep loving my children even when they are simply UN-lovable. She encourages me to know that this too shall P A S S. It is so true that when you become a mother yourself you realize so much of what your own Mother went through and how very grateful she stood by you all through the years!! My Mother believes the best, hopes for the best and sees the best for her grandchildren. She never, never gives up. For her faith and her hope in God and God alone. He is able to do that which is impossible. . . and she knows it!

I thank God for the godly Mother He has placed in my life. Her wisdom is priceless. Her love is rich. Her character is noble. Her heart is here to give itself away.

I have often wanted and prayed to have the wisdom that my Mother has when it comes to dealing with my own children. She has always seemed to have the right words when needed. But as few, as futile,and as uneffective as my words seem. . . I know that God can take them and use them still.

I know that there may come a day when I can no longer reach out and express my GREAT love and appreciation to you my Mother. . . so it is with these words that I give my heart in saying. . . I love YOU. You have made me proud to call you - - - my Mother. :)

I find my Mother in these verses: "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:28-29

And for all you who may be reading this and were in my Mother's Home-Ec class. . . who can possibly forget this verse! "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." :)) Proverbs 31: 30




My Mother. <3





"No Time For Worry!!"

As I sit here and wonder what to share with you today, I feel God may be leading me to this subject. . . Worry.

My friend, simply put,  life is far too SHORT for such a word as this in our life! We are never guaranteed tomorrow. In that thinking. . . do you want to spend your last moments here on earth worrying? A sweet friend sent me an email and near the end it stated "Don't waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be." And to that I add - "or what was".  Our life is but a vapor here on earth and we were made for SO much more!

God gives us freedom, hope, deliverance! God gives us promises: He forgives, He never leaves us, He is sovereign, He guides, He protects, He rescues, and He is more powerful than worry in our lives! This topic normally would be a hard one to share with you. . . for I have felt it's stronghold in my life. I have even worried that I worry as crazy as that sounds. Afterall, isn't it written down in the by-laws of being a "Christian" that you don't worry because all peace and faith abounds to you?? I'm here to tell you in my words......un-true > for Christians do indeed tend to be pulled towards the very human characteristic of worry throughout their life. It's what they DO with the worry that separates them from the world, I believe. As children of God we have hope and we have trust. . . 2 things that we can turn to in our time of need. When we worry we know that we can turn to God and ask with hope that He would help us through this worry, giving it to Him, and trusting Him to see us through. Sometimes we, as humans, need to come more than once..twice...or more seeking this from God and giving it to Him.....it doesn't mean YOU can't get it right.....just means you are HUMAN and are not perfectly perfect.

I read a quote on FB that went something like this: "to beat the darkness out there, you must first beat the darkness inside yourself!" You know what???? God doesn't ask us to be the strong man/woman and "beat" things inside ourselves!! There are things like WORRY that creep up to steal our joy away and at the very darndest best we try ourselves to dispel it and rid it out of our lives and we find we just CAN'T!
THAT my friend, is when God says I AM able!! There is nothing, including worry, that God cannot take care of in your life. 2 Cor. 9:8 says "And God is ABLE to make all grace abound to you, so that in ALL things at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you will abound in every good work." If our need is to be free from worry and God says that you will have ALL that you need.....than you can trust Him to take care of that. It doesn't rest on on our shoulders, my friend. Let God take care of that which you cannot! Philippians 4:19 says "And my God will meet ALL your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Mark 10:27 even assures us that "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God ALL things are possible."

Just as sure as we know God can and does take care of that which we cannot - sometimes it requires time. Time to heal, time to learn more of trusting Him, time to simply just ....wait. But just as sure as He is God we can trust that He does know that need and will take care of it! Trust Him!

Christians like to talk alot about the word "peace" too! And I truly sometimes get stuck on that word!! I wonder "If I'm a Christian....then why don't I fill peace?" Ah-hah!! as I stop myself and remember because peace is NOT a feeling, but it is a knowing....a knowing that no matter what I may feel or what I may not feel....God is in complete control!!! That is the difference I believe between what the world has and what we have as born again believers......a knowledge that no matter what we are facing God will see us through!! That is why I can believe that although I do not see with my physical eyes, that which I hope for, I know that with my Heavenly Father taking care of it ....it is well. That is peace! And disappointment is NOT the lack of peace......what it is is a normal human response to our limited view.....nothing more.
So don't let this whole peace thing get you down and confused!!

A very good worry verse is 2 Cor. 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Don't get caught up in what you do see for God is working behind the scenes and very well could be preparing your life for something really GREAT! I must remind myself of this when looking at my life and my childrens' lives!!

In our weakness (worry) God says "My grace is sufficient for YOU, my power is made perfect in weakness." Christ's power rests on you when you are weak! What else could we possibly ask for?? His all surpassing power rests on us and we need not muster up our own pathetic strength to conquer that which we cannot!

I have heard the term worry is symbolized like this: Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere. So, my friend, if you have worry in your life and don't know what to do . . .Give it to God. Let Him do for you that which you cannot. Trust in His sovereignty. Wait on Him. And in the meantime - - go rejoicing and shining for Him - no matter what. :)

I leave you with this! 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast ALL your anxiety/worry on Him because He cares for YOU."



"It Did Happen. . . 20 Years Ago!"

This past week marked a significant time that dates back 20 years ago. The people involved were me, David, Heather and Savannah. Of course there was no Levi yet. It was a difficult time and a sad time unlike any other I had experienced previously. . . But it was a necessary time.

You see. . .  it was a time when my David left us.

Now take your hand and use it to push your gaping mouth shut.

For this was a time of separation that would end permanently in approximately three months. Though it was only three, they would seem forever and undendingly LONG. In fact, I gratefully respect all women who are left to be without their husbands for whatever reasons for it is something I wish never to revisit. Anyone who knows me well knows that David and I were created to walk the face of this earth. . . . together. . . no other way. Now for all of you who may be wondering what in the world could have happened to cause this separation, I will tell you. Simply put - David joined the astute world of Air Traffic Control. This in turn would require him to pack up and leave his family for the measure of said three months. He would live in an apartment, supplemented by the FAA, in Oklahoma City. It was clearly put that no family whatsoever was to join him and evenso was highly recommended that family not visit as well. To which I say is RIDICULOUS, but no one asked me, so I go on with my story. . . .

I am sharing a very special picture with you. It is one that has become a favorite for in all it's pathetic looking ways it's one of a young mother, with her babies, uncertain of the days ahead but yet trusting God to see her through.

(This was taken the day of or week of David's departure. We are patiently waiting Grandma and Grandpa to come and visit us for some company. They pulled up and this was the sight they saw sitting on the driveway.)

This past week I texted Heather and told her what this time represented 20 years ago to which she lovingly replies "Wow your weird." Not quite the words I was seeking, but then again, that's my Heather. Can't say that I blame her much though, afterall. . . she was only 3 years old. Savannah had just turned 4 months if you were wondering too. 

Today I look back and try to remember just HOW did I make it during that time?!?! I feel like I do good today just to busy myself enough to make it through the short time David is at work now! I know that it is always the same answer that I find in looking back and wondering how we endured each circumstance of what God would bring our way and that is. . . . God Himself . I believe, for the most part, God helped me to just take one day at a time. . . even when I would look at the clock on the wall and see it saying just 6:00 in the evening wondering to myself will this day ever end?? And .... it did.

It was a time of growing up too. Although I'm NOT nearly as young as I look in that picture, I'm sure I still needed God to show me the independence I must have learned at some point in time. You see, I went straight from my parent's home at 21 to my married home. There was no college life, single life, living on my own kinda stuff in this girl's life. So this part of life was very well ALL new. I will proudly tell you that I lived on my own with my 2 girls for a grand total of 5 weeks. . . and then I became sick. To me those 5 weeks were an accomplishment in every way. . . even through the tears when my Heather was so sick that she wouldn't eat or drink and as my parents came over to check on her I just sat and cried my heart out telling them I wasn't made to do this without my David. At 5 weeks though my sickness was too much for me to handle while trying to take care of 2 babies. I was running alot of fever, so my Dad graciously drove from the town of Irving to Arlington so that I could have their help. I was very sick and this was be a burden lifted indeed. I would live with them for approximately 4 weeks. As anyone knows, it's never easy going back home nor is it easy receiving your child along with her 2 children as well. But, they were my God sent and together. . . we would make it through.

Another God sent was my Mother In Law and Sister In Law who would take me to see my David, along with our 2 girls, on one such weekend. And YES we went.....no amount of "suggested and recommended" rules was going to keep me away any longer!! In fact, I remember now. . .during the latter part of his time there we were "allowed" to come and even stay there for 3 weeks. I was feeling WHOLE again. . . . I do know that!! My David was by my side. . . when he could be that is.

I'm sure trust, as mentioned above regarding the picture, was something that increased not only in our spiritual lives, but in our physical ones too. God was faithful. . . yes.. . and He would see us through. . . just as He had seen us through our second pregnancy with Savannah. David got laid off from work a total of 10 months during that unknowing time. We just always knew God would provide. But we would also have to learn to trust in the faithfulness of one another being so very far apart. It wasn't easy sometimes, but yet again, God was there to help us. 

After our time of endurement was up, we would learn the next news that would forever change our world. It was then that I received a phone call from my husband asking me simply the question, "What do you think about Houston?" I'm sure I must of conceived it as some kind of joke, but nonetheless.....it wasn't. So, once again we would take that step of faith as God would choose to move us forever away from all that we would know - family, friends, and our hometown. For all who know, leaving all that you know and love is never easy. And all those who don't know what a BLESSING you have to live near your family I will be the first to tell you.....YOU are blessed!! I seriously doubt we will ever live by our family again - but God has His reasons though not always understandable ones. Now Mother put a smile back on your face while you're reading this. . . . count your blessings!! There's a plenty! :)  

God brought us on our journey and He never once left our side. Houston as we know it is home. As I look back and try to think back through the sum total of 20 years I realize two things. 1. It's a loooong time, but goes by Oooo so quickly in the reality of life. 2. We would never in a million years dream up some of the things God has allowed and taken us through!! And this simple story is very small in comparison to which I'm talking about. But in all this stuff we call living. . . . we have, we do, and we will continue to learn of God's faithfulness and His trustworthiness through it ALL.

And guess what?? We survived!!

Twenty years later....and here we are!! :)



"When God Brings a Distant Child Back to Your Life!"



Last night I re-read my status from FB and. . . I am grateful. When I was searching for inspiration to share on FB, I had no idea it would connect with the blessings that I am shairng with you. But now I see it does and that makes me happy! Happy that God turns it around and shows me a blessing from the words I carefully seek to share with my FB friends! The status I speak of is this: Believe God IS working in your life. . . even when you don't feel it or see it! Sometimes it's one small step at a time, a gradual improvement, a gradual change. God's timetable is rarely the same as ours. Remember that God is never in a hurry, BUT He is always on time. Be patient . . . don't get discouraged! Remember how far you've come. . not just how far you have to go! You may not be where you wanna be, but neither are you where you used to be!! :)

Without going into a long drawn out and full detailed story. . . I will tell you that we have had a distant child in our family and God is bringing her back to us in HIS time! The distance has not been made up in miles, but rather in relationships with each of us. Somewhere . . . sometime. . . walls must have been placed. . . . barriers that none of us seemed to be able to penetrate. Love seemed to be no longer received or given, touch was prohibited and communication was very little when and if given. In fact this child chose to stop living in our home sometime during her high school years. It felt and appeared as if another family became her family as she chose to do everything with them. These times were HARD....they HURT.....I wanted desperately to reach out to my child, to hold her, hug her, love her and be the mother that I once had been to her. But just as it was hard. . . . I knew I had to do only what I could do. WAIT. Love her unconditionally. Pray. TRUST in a God that changes hearts, wills and desires. And be here for her . . . . always.

This child went away to college in another town. Upon leaving she packed all of her stuff all by herself and loaded it by herself. . . leaving by herself......for this was the way she wanted it. None of the normal stuff which would be taking your child to college, making sure she is settled in, tearful goodbyes, promises of phone calls every week.....just bye and she was - - gone. We did get a visit or two sometimes when she would come back to see friends and we would unexpectedly find out she was now in town. We even went there ourselves to visit a time or two and things would be civil, but never close.

At some point this child stopped attending college. We would later learn of it. She was fearful of our reactions to her news. God gave David and I both the love in our hearts to welcome her back home with open arms. . . that would be met with no hugs. I know that ALL things happen for a reason. For those who are God's, they happen for a GOOD reason. . . even when we don't see it, feel it, think it. . . He IS working -hence the FB status. For it has been during this time of her choosing to live, once again under the same roof, with the family that loves her, that God is working and we are seeing! I will share with you that it has NOT been a bump-less road. No, if anything, BIG bumps have been there. But, as I stop and observe through this time. . . .God is working His miracles of softening hearts. . . and it feels O-SO good!!!

There are more blessings of laughter and smiles to name one such miracle!! Laughter with sisters....laughter with brother.....laughter with Dad (Yeah, I know...everyone thinks DAD is funny), and laughter with Mom. Laughter and smiles with Mom is priceless, for I cannot even begin to describe to you what that means to this mother. There are no words to explain....even for a wordy person like me.

There is communication to name another miracle!! Times of enjoyed and wanted communication makes this Mom sit here and shake her head at the very awesomeness of it all! Communication with sisters, communication with brother, communication with Dad (although DAD is a limited communicator), and communication with Mom. You have to know that Mom and this child have had very limited communication, in years gone by, for it has had it's strain upon it making it very difficult. So when I say communication with MOM....I'm talking BIG "Thank ya Jesus!!" moments.

There are moments of this child telling me little things about myself through the years that I have forgotten about or thought nothing of. Little things such as how I do things, did things. This tells me she has watched me, thought about me, letting little things about her mother make a memory in her heart. And all this time I thought I was regarded as someone, in her mind, not to even give the time to think about. Maybe....just maybe....I have meant more to her than both she and I realized. :)

For the most part the responsibilty parts are falling into place as well. Details un-needed here.

Another miracle?? Yes!!
God has moved her to another job location allowing her to be OFF on Sundays!! She dropped out of going to any church whatsoever sometime ago. This concerned me greatly, but at the same time, I knew there was nothing I could do in and of myself. God knew. God would take care of it. Although she has not worked for some Sundays now and had her excuses, she told me this past one "I didn't know what time church started...and you didn't wake me up like you used to do." Thank ya Jesus! So even though she has not made the actual presence of attending church again, I believe it will happen....just as I believe that God is and will work in her heart to draw her closer to Him.

So as I reflect once again on my FB status, I see just how much we all fit in this. Believe God IS working in your life. . . even when you don't feel it or see it! Sometimes it's one small step at a time, a gradual improvement, a gradual change. God's timetable is rarely the same as ours. Remember that God is never in a hurry, BUT He is always on time. Be patient . . . don't get discouraged! Remember how far you've come. . not just how far you have to go! You may not be where you wanna be, but neither are you where you used to be!! :)  Although we haven't arrived yet and have yet farther to go.....and yes hugs are still "gross".....we know WHO holds us together and thank the Lord.....we aren't where we used to be!!!

"When God wants to make a mushroom, He does it overnight, but when He wants to make a giant oak tree, He takes a hundred years. Great souls are grown through struggles and storms and seasons of suffering. We can be patient through the process. Overtime, a slow, steady stream of water will erode the hardest rock and turn giant boulders into pebbles. And overtime, a little sprout can turn into a giant redwood tree towering 350 feet tall!"

Have HOPE my friend.....for God surely IS working.....even when we can't see it, feel it, or hear it. Wait on Him. :)

"Got Weeds?"

Did you know that weeds can be harder to pull out of the ground than nice green grass? We have a weed in our flower garden that has literally turned into a small tree! Last Saturday, I mowed and cleaned up our backyard. By the way. . . I have a new appreciation for my son now. Nothing like doing some yardwork to show you how out of shape you have gotten. . . that's a J O B! As I was de-weeding and blowing out the garden, I saw this weed that stood tall and strong as if saying "Go ahead. . . just try and pull me up from this ground!" I had noticed it for several weeks and figured when the time came. . . I would just pull it up. I was O SO wrong. I heaved and hoed and gave it the best pull with all my strength. It didn't budge one bit. As a matter of fact one week later. . . and it's still standing in same spot.

Now before you exit this Blog and say "Yeah Debby. . .that's a real nice story about a weed in your garden that you couldn't pull up. But I have too many other things to think about and do. Sooo...catch ya next time."  Give me just a few more mins of your time.

Thanks!

When I look at that weed I see our life, our children's life, other's life. Let me try and explain what I'm saying.
We all know that weeds are so much easier to remove when they are noticed early on and pulled up. Many times though we become uncaring or lazy telling ourselves "I'll take care of it later." Later comes. . . later goes. . . weed still there. Only as time goes by this weed begins to grow and can take over places if allowed. It's a mystery how weeds can be so healthy and spread so quickly . . . EVEN in a drought such as we are having.

Sin is much like a weed I believe. They both start out small and innocent. They grow as a result of our laziness choosing not to remove it. If left unchecked - they both take over places we never intended. And they both can appear to be impossible to remove with time.

Anyone can have weeds in their yards, just as anyone can have un-checked sin in their life. Weeds don't pick and choose whom they will visit, neither does sin only visit the heathens of this world. The rich, the beautiful, the faithful, the diligent, the God fearing, the christian as well as the poor, the lost, the beggar, the dirty, the unsaved ALL have sin in their lives and when left un-checked turns into something bigger and stronger than they ever imagined. And once given time to grow it becomes seemingly impossible to remove.

This is where I believe God steps in and becomes that tender loving Gardener of our "gardens". He knows how weak we are. We are nothing but dust to begin with. Genesis 2:7 tells us that. Though we are weak, God also warns us to beware!! As I mentioned above, sin starts out small and innocent. Just as a weed never comes up out of the ground as a full grown plant, sin never comes into our lives as a monster. We must be alert! Sin enters in, over time, as something that gradually just becomes easier and easier to accept. I won't go naming catagories and names of sins in our lives for I believe the Holy Spirit can show you where and what those "weeds of sins" are. As He shows you, will you be willing to agree with Him that Yes, Lord these are "weeds" that need to be removed and I'm willing to make the necessary changes in my life to let you do that ?

Sometimes those "weeds" in our life have become so deeply rooted that only God Himself can uproot them. We can try all we want. . . but the truth is. . .  God and God alone is greater, able, and mighty to save us from ourselves! His power, His love, His grace, His sovereignty steps in and makes new! There are times when God must do this through a process and not all at once as we had hoped. Just as it has taken time for that "weed" to grow in your life, it can take God time to uproot and change things in our lives. Don't get me wrong though. Whenever God chooses, He also can take that "weed" right out of our life and we become all the better for it then and there! Trust Him for He knows what steps we need and He never makes a mistake with His timing and His ways.

As well we can see those darn ole "weeds" in others we love and care about. We want so very much to step in and say "Can't you see this?!? It's not going to take you anywhere good!! Get rid of it!!" I believe as parents we can be an example to our children, we can pray, we can guide, we can love - but ultimately it is up to our loving God to remove and set them free from those "weeds" we see present in their lives. Don't ever give up, Mom and Dad, for God is mighty to save, His timing is perfect, and He is able!

So go outside today and take a look around. See any tiny weeds budding out of the ground? Better seize them before they seize your yard!! :) Or else you could have an odd looking minature TREE growing in your flower garden that really just doesn't belong. And let's not forget . . . to beware in our own lives for those unwanted "weeds" of sin that start out so small and innocently. Romans 12:9 "Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."



"Don't Touch Me Mom!"

Out of the 40 something Blogs I've shared I've probably written about or touched on this subject somewhat before. That's alright. . . I can repeat myself. . . I'm at that age that allows it. : )

I will tell you that I REALLY really wanted to be inspired to write something this past weekend and I kept coming up with blanks mostly but not entirely. I told my Mother that I was having a hard time finding just the right story to share. I pray always before I write and I sit and wait after that. I had in fact started going in a direction but didn't finish. That's when my ever present, always willing to help Mother texted me this morning with the simple words of "A Mother's Touch". . . and thus begins my Blog. . . .

Yesterday, while leaving church, I was walking out with David and Levi. While still in the building I happen to reach over and just lovingly pat my son on the back. He immediately jerked away and made quite a mad face. He said "Why did you have to do that?!?" to which I replied "Because I'm your Mother and I didn't know I wasn't supposed to." When we got to the car, he still seemed pretty mad about it. He said "I just don't see why she had to do that." David spoke up at this time and said "Because she's your Mother, she loves you and she wants to touch you." He still didn't get it of course. . . and David ends the conversation with "Someday...... you will."

A Mother's touch is so important throughout our lives. I can remember every single day that I lived in my parent's home that I always came and hugged my Mother before starting my day. It's just what I needed. Today, when I visit,  I still hug her as well. There is something comforting and securing in that hug. I believe, that in those days of growing up, it gave me the strength I needed and to know that I was loved. . . always. Today I have my own children to love. . . and love them I do! But I will tell you . . . they each are different. Although I love each of them with great amount, they each respond differently to it. I have a child who comes often to give and receive a hug of love and comfort. . . but it must be of her decision because when I come to give it myself it doesn't hold the same meaning it would seem. This child loves to hug with great aggression due to her personality. She will hug me anytime and anyplace. I have another child who has not let me even so much as reach out and touch in her anyway whatsoever for a very long time . . . and this hurts. Not even on a birthday or holiday. Through time I have come to accept it and know that God's great ways of overcoming things in our lives are always able and present. . . . I choose to wait on Him. And then, of course, there's my "sweet" son. No, really he is my sweet son and for the very most part he allows me to hug him, play with him and I even sneak in a kiss on his cheek when we are wrestling. I understand too though that he is growing up and doesn't need a "Mother's touch" out where he can be seen by others. : ) Sidenote: Although I didn't find it TOO noticeable when we are walking through a crowded room of people all with the mindset of finding their family and leaving! Haha! Ah well. . .

So as much as I love my children I also accept the fact that they all respond differently to my touch.

How about when we think of God's touch in our life? How does God touch our life?

I will be honest with you and tell you that I get really put off when I read stories of how people have just felt that "overcoming sense of God putting His arms around me and hugging me tight and everything just became better". I know God very well CAN do that. . . but just the same I don't think He's ever chosen to do that in my life and believe me when I say I've needed it! There's is kind of a funny situation here as I think about this. . . .I was upset no make that VERY upset. . . I was crying and praying and just really needing God to be close to me. While being like this, I started feeling very WARM all along the back of me. I was sitting and praying out my prayer window. As this warmness came upon me it started making me feel sick. I told God through tears "Ok God....you're standing too close and it's making me feel sick!" :) Heehee!

Although God may not choose to physically reach out and touch/hug me, I most certainly believe He does still touch us in many ways! There are touches through other people God places in our life! Our family members (I am SO blessed with the family members who give me God's touch often), there are friends (many of you have given me God's touch through your encouragement), there are godly leaders God gives us, even strangers can be used by God to touch us! It can be something simple like a song on the radio, a song at worship, words spoken through devotions/messages, books, ...... you name it! And one very important way is through God's Word....the Bible. Any and every part of life we live (yes, in this day) is covered in His Word. But don't forget. . . God does also speak to our hearts and you will know it.

How will you respond to all the many ways God is reaching out to touch you today? I hope and pray that you will willingly and gladly accept each and every single one of them! For He happily gives them! Will you accept them, draw strength from them and be renewed from them? Or will you turn away from them, going your own way and drawing from your own strength? The choice is yours my friend!

I hope that you will choose to be touched by God today and be on the lookout for all His many ways! I know I have been through, a distant in miles though near in heart, Mother's touch of a text leading me to share this Blog with you. I love you Mother! :) 



"Results or no results!"

Sometimes. . .  I think I'm the only one.

And then I stop and realize just how selfish is that?!

The father of lies wants us to be discouraged and decieved. When he succeeds he knows we aren't being our best for God. So what's the remedy? Don't listen!!

Let me explain myself. . .
Most know that I'm relatively a quiet person by nature. I'm not the center of attention . . . although oddly at times I like to be, I'm not loud and outgoing, but I am friendly, I don't have a big circle of friends, I'm not all involved and caught up in "Ladies ministries" at church, I don't have a job outside the home, my kids are human and have far to go,  my very BEST friend is my husband, and my ministry/gift is encouraging others, and.....I feel like I can do that best through writing.

My job as a mother is nearing it's end . . . .I know I know "Once a mother always a mother". . . but your influence can seem weak when 2 "adult" children live in your home. And all throughout our child rearing days I have turned to the leader of our home both spiritually and physcially to guide us through.....my David....so he makes many of the decisions. Yes indeed I know WHO leads him and I pray daily for that in his life!

So maybe you can see a little bit of me and understand when I say I don't always feel like I have a whole lot of influence, purpose and outreach in this world. Ya know....I have found it very easy to get on FB and get discouraged. You can get caught up in thinking everyone else's life  has lots of friends, lots of purpose, lots of good kids, lots of involvement, and this list goes on. . . .  But that really isn't the whole truth. There must be others, who like me, don't always feel as far reaching and purposeful as they would like to be.

As I said earlier. . . my gift (although I don't like referring to it as such because I feel like I'm lifting myself up) is encourager. My God given ability is writing. When God puts the two together I know that's how I can reach out to others hopefully to inspire, to strengthen, to lift up. I would love to write a book, but God hasn't put that into plan as of yet. I would love to have a story entered into the Guideposts inspirational magazines, but God hasn't put that into plans as well. I would love to write and encourage ANYWHERE God wants me to be . . .  and for now it is here with you through Blogs and status updates. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE Blogging and am so very thankful for a very sweet friend who opened this world up to me! It has given me a chance to share me with you in ways that I wouldn't be able to otherwise. :) I sincerely hope and pray that with each Blog or status I share that you, my friend, find something to encourage you or even just make you smile.

The deception comes when I start thinking I'm reaching no one. . .  based on the lack of Comments/Likes . . or very few. And I will tell you that those who have shared their Comments/Likes regarding statuses and Blogs have been a great encouragement to me! I realize that I should not rely on this method to know that I'm reaching out to others and it is selfish of me to do so. The real me will tell you that I have another sweet friend (mentioned above) that is also an encourager through writing statuses and Blogs and it is at times of selfishness that I fall into the trap of listening to the deceiver say "SEE .... look at how many people she is influencing, helping, and encourging!" I know this is wrong. Michele, if you are reading this know that you are a wonderful friend, woman of God, encourager, and faithful servant. Blessings to you! Keep shining for HIM! And to you my readers. . . I'm sorry for my selfishness for I know that it is NOT based on the comments/likes or the lack thereof that tells me if I'm reaching out to others for God. There are those that do and those that don't.....and I thank God for both! Whether or not you are touched, inspired, encouraged, lifted up, or just made to smile.....I do it all for God and He is the One to receive glory and honor! :)

Just the other day, my Mom shared a very SPECIAL blessing with me! She has a circle of sweet ladies that are her friends and they call themselves the FIT group. As she went to their lunch outing, she told me how that my name was mentioned several times in regards to the Blogs I share and such. I will tell you wonderful ladies that may be reading this  - YOU each blessed this girl's heart and I am so very thankful for everyone of you! You brightened my day when my Mom called and told me!! :)  In saying that, I know that there are those that God has allowed me to reach out to and many times I'm not even aware of it! Thank you God!

So. . .  although I'm not a person with alot of friends, or an out-going and aggressively friendly person - God can and does use us quiet people too! I'm not the one with all the comments/likes, but I'm still reaching out to people others in ways I don't always see! I'm not busy and all caught up in other things like many are, but I am serving God through a mission led by our church! I don't have a job outside the home, but I do have lots of absolutely wonderful fun times with a husband who has work hours to do this! My kids aren't as good as yours sometimes, but they are my gifts from and by our God who is molding, shaping and leading them to be what He wants them to be! My influence may seem weak at times as a mother, but I'm gonna keep loving, praying for and being the best Mom I can be! And although I may not have many visible outlets to share a ministry through writing, I'm gonna keep writing and praying that God uses what I can offer to do His will!
(Results or no results.....for they are all in His hands. )

Don't get discouraged, my friend, when you physical eyes may not see and your physical ears may not hear for "We never know how far reaching something we may say or do today will effect the... lives of millions tomorrow." And never compare your blessings to the blessings of others for they are given to you by our God who loves you and knows you best!

Above all. . .  know that each of our purposes is to have a relationship with Jesus our Lord and our Savior as well as to bring Him glory, praise, worship and thanksgiving to Him alone. For there is no other greater purpose!

Thanks for letting me.....be me. :)