I am searching for a new Blog topic....praying.....asking.....believing.....but all the while just getting all kinds of snippets spinning around in my head. Maybe I'm supposed to write a bunch of short stories!
Like there was one day last week that I decided I wanted to TRY my hand at swinging a golf club, on the driving range, with my guys. I guess a weird sensation overcame me when I actually connected with the ball and convinced me that ALL things really are possible! For the very next day I was convinced I was ready! David and I played 9 holes of golf on a real golf course....and I did better than expected....from both of us! :) I had always believed that I would essentially always be the awesome golf cart driver who did her darn best to read the thoughts of my men golfers and always stop at the EXACT location of hit ball as well as take off with just the right speed giving them the right amount of air breeze to cool them off. (Yes writers have permission to use run-on sentences when needed.) BUT.....there was more....so much more! You have to understand that I have had a firm outlook to the game of golf as being the LESS than fun game and would be right up there with the game of chess. Boring to say the least. Pointless to make it even more descriptive. But then I began to see it with a new set of eyes....a new perspective and it became so much more just as I said! It was something that David and I could find enjoyment in, share an interest in (we have MANY of those) as well as a great tool builder of self confidence! All I needed was some encouragement. My David encouraged me and off we went! I have a ways to go, of course, but I know with my husband's support, love and encouragement...as well as God helping out with maybe just a tad of natural ability (heehee)....we can have a shared hobby that can take us who knows where! A funny sidenote: a man at our church heard that I was now playing golf with David and Levi and said his wife had really been wanting to get into the game as well. He said we will have to get together and find a time to play! All the while I'm giving him one of those "yeeeeeaaaah....thats a nice thought, but not really" head shakes. As I related the story back to David he said "We could have a golf ministry." I told him I had never seen this guy's wife with him at church....hence the golf ministry idea. David dear also said almost in same sentence....."We are solitary golf game players." my sentiments exactly! :)
Some may know and some may not that my Levi has been enroute to Hawaii for the past couple of days. We started out as "Hey Mom...Cody wants me to go to Hawaii on Friday. Is that alright?" and this particular day was already Wednesday.....which turned into hearing no more whatsoever regarding it all day Thursday which would become "Hey Mom...it's on now. I'm going with them." and this being Thursday NIGHT. Friday came and went with no departure....flights looked bad. Saturday at 4 they decided to try again. They're flight to California did actually take off this time landing them that night at 9. And that brings us to today, Sunday, with yet no word of any flight taking them to their much anticipated location of .....Hawaii. I'm sure whatever the situation, they are making the best of it. I know that if God wants them in Hawaii....they'll get there. It will definitely be an experience that is most likely once in a lifetime and one that this Mom doesn't plan on ever making. I told Levi "Remember it all for me!" Me and planes do not have a compatible liking.
Instead of continuing on with my "short" stories and making this Blog longer than necessary I will come to the conclusion. In sharing with you, I sense that God is saying ..... Life is happening all around us and it comes in all kinds of packages. There are surprises- -finding a new interest that you never dreamed having! There is encouragement to help you become a better you - - David giving me the confidence to keep trying no matter how many times I didn't connect with the ball! There is God who wants us to share a life of enjoyment with our spouse and not just live in a mundane everyday existance - - a new shared interest is discovered! There are new opportunities awaiting - - Levi given the chance to go to an island we certainly will never take him to! There are setbacks in life and times of waiting on the unknown - - Levi waiting to see if and when they do make it to Hawaii. There are simply the times of making the best of what is given - - Although Hawaii is absolutely wonderful (or so I've heard), California can be pretty amazing as well!
We see that in any and every circumstance of what life can bring us. . . God is and will always be in control. His blessings are countless. His timing is perfect. He is forming He is shaping each and everyone of us into exactly what He wants us to be. Sometimes we need to have the right perspective to see Him at work in all of life's happenings....for He is surely there.
For Life Is What God Makes It!! :)
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
"Where Are Those Crazy Ducks Going?"
As I have been reading some blogs of friends, I have began to notice that each and every single one of my blogs don't have to be a heartfelt devotion on my part! They can rather sometimes be about simple everyday matters that you want to share with others and do not require great lengthy stories to do so. Haha! :)
OK.....I can do that too.....(I think).
Besides....God can speak out of short stories just as well through loooong ones.
Today I saw a situation that was both sad and pathetic and if not for God's great hand of provision - it could only end up heart wrenching. As David and I were driving to Huntsville for lunch, a mother duck, a daddy duck, and 3 or 4 baby ducks were crossing a very BUSY highway!! As they were, somehow thankfully all staying together, and God sparing any swerving cars, they made it only as far as a middle divider concrete barrier would allow them. It had to be God that got them that far! As we past them, I jumped up and turned around in my seat stretching to see them until I could no more. I mean just the major SHOCK of seeing a sight like that on a highway no less! I began praying for them right away for afterall who doesn't have a heart for God's creation in such dire distress?! The ONLY choice they could make was to turn around and go the same way they had got there.....crossing lanes of busy highway traffic. I do hope they made it safely back with God's gentle hand of guidance.
As I sit here and think of this picture in my mind, I see how it can relate to life so easily. I think of raising kids. We raise our children to think for themselves, to listen for and follow God's guidance, to make right decisions regarding life. I questioned David saying "WHAT were these ducks thinking? Where were they going? Couldn't they see it was a dead-end, no-go situation ahead of time?" His O so knowledgable reply, "Do ducks think??" I had to laugh on that one! :) Well, you most likly see where I'm going with THIS one. Do ducks OR kids think?? My answer 90% of the time....."NO." We, as parents, come to the day and time when we let go and watch our "ducks" blindly go forward all the while telling us they know what they are doing. It is in those times that we wait.....and wait.....and wait somemore for God's guiding hand to put the middle concrete barrier up in their lives. As he does, He turns them around gently leading them back to the safety of "home" - place of His will, His path, His purpose. Sometimes the way back, just as for those ducks out on the highway, can appear treacherous, scary and impossible.....but we know absolutely NOTHING is too impossible for God. "With man this is impossible, but not with God; ALL things are possible with God." Mark 10:27. I believe also that God can and at times does pick them up and literally place them where He wants them just as He could literally pick up these poor ducks and put them back in safety. But, I also have to believe that God, so perfect in His knowledge of what we need in life to mold us and shape us, will allow them to walk that path back home however dangerous it may seem. . . but NEVER alone. Maybe in other words.....we don't often understand the trials and errors our children go through, but we can ALWAYS trust their all loving, all knowing Father to be with them to see them through.
And not just our children apply to this situation!
We ourselves have been there. We blindly and unthinking go forward all the while seeming to believe that this is right. And if we were to come to that "middle barrier" and truly ask ourselves "Am I in the right place? Is this going anywhere good?" Our honest answer would be a very saddened "no." We adults make mistakes too and don't have life all pre-packaged up in a nice little neat bow. . . our kids need to know that. We are real. But just as sure as we are real, we make mistakes, we blindly set out on the wrong path - we have a loving Father who steps in and shows us the right one. :) God is so good! "He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him/her." Psalms 91:15. Also - "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17. And leads us back He does! It is in those times of falling that often we used in an even greater way for Him upon returning as well! So have hope, my friend, God brings beauty from the ashes and blessings from failures. A good verse for anyone who has traveled a wrong path is to seek comfort from this >> "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I AM doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18.
OK....so the word SHORT apparently is not in my vocabulary when it comes to writing, although the word has been applied to my physical stature more than once! Ah well. . . . :)
May God guide those little ducks and us, back to His place of safety and rest.
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OK.....I can do that too.....(I think).
Besides....God can speak out of short stories just as well through loooong ones.
Today I saw a situation that was both sad and pathetic and if not for God's great hand of provision - it could only end up heart wrenching. As David and I were driving to Huntsville for lunch, a mother duck, a daddy duck, and 3 or 4 baby ducks were crossing a very BUSY highway!! As they were, somehow thankfully all staying together, and God sparing any swerving cars, they made it only as far as a middle divider concrete barrier would allow them. It had to be God that got them that far! As we past them, I jumped up and turned around in my seat stretching to see them until I could no more. I mean just the major SHOCK of seeing a sight like that on a highway no less! I began praying for them right away for afterall who doesn't have a heart for God's creation in such dire distress?! The ONLY choice they could make was to turn around and go the same way they had got there.....crossing lanes of busy highway traffic. I do hope they made it safely back with God's gentle hand of guidance.
As I sit here and think of this picture in my mind, I see how it can relate to life so easily. I think of raising kids. We raise our children to think for themselves, to listen for and follow God's guidance, to make right decisions regarding life. I questioned David saying "WHAT were these ducks thinking? Where were they going? Couldn't they see it was a dead-end, no-go situation ahead of time?" His O so knowledgable reply, "Do ducks think??" I had to laugh on that one! :) Well, you most likly see where I'm going with THIS one. Do ducks OR kids think?? My answer 90% of the time....."NO." We, as parents, come to the day and time when we let go and watch our "ducks" blindly go forward all the while telling us they know what they are doing. It is in those times that we wait.....and wait.....and wait somemore for God's guiding hand to put the middle concrete barrier up in their lives. As he does, He turns them around gently leading them back to the safety of "home" - place of His will, His path, His purpose. Sometimes the way back, just as for those ducks out on the highway, can appear treacherous, scary and impossible.....but we know absolutely NOTHING is too impossible for God. "With man this is impossible, but not with God; ALL things are possible with God." Mark 10:27. I believe also that God can and at times does pick them up and literally place them where He wants them just as He could literally pick up these poor ducks and put them back in safety. But, I also have to believe that God, so perfect in His knowledge of what we need in life to mold us and shape us, will allow them to walk that path back home however dangerous it may seem. . . but NEVER alone. Maybe in other words.....we don't often understand the trials and errors our children go through, but we can ALWAYS trust their all loving, all knowing Father to be with them to see them through.
And not just our children apply to this situation!
We ourselves have been there. We blindly and unthinking go forward all the while seeming to believe that this is right. And if we were to come to that "middle barrier" and truly ask ourselves "Am I in the right place? Is this going anywhere good?" Our honest answer would be a very saddened "no." We adults make mistakes too and don't have life all pre-packaged up in a nice little neat bow. . . our kids need to know that. We are real. But just as sure as we are real, we make mistakes, we blindly set out on the wrong path - we have a loving Father who steps in and shows us the right one. :) God is so good! "He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him/her." Psalms 91:15. Also - "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17. And leads us back He does! It is in those times of falling that often we used in an even greater way for Him upon returning as well! So have hope, my friend, God brings beauty from the ashes and blessings from failures. A good verse for anyone who has traveled a wrong path is to seek comfort from this >> "Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I AM doing a new thing!" Isaiah 43:18.
OK....so the word SHORT apparently is not in my vocabulary when it comes to writing, although the word has been applied to my physical stature more than once! Ah well. . . . :)
May God guide those little ducks and us, back to His place of safety and rest.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
"Do you remember your first love?"
One evening this past week, David and I sat down and watched a very special video representing a very wonderful time in our life. . . . our wedding! A very dear friend came upon their copy of this VHS video that was made almost 24 years ago. They transferred it to a DVD and mailed it to us. I excitedly awaited it's arrival! My excitement didn't appear to carry over into my children though. As Levi stated the night David and I were watching, "That looks like the most BORING thing ever to watch." Ah well....who cares.... Probably would be to a teenage boy. But to me. . . even with it's flaws and poor quality compared to today's technology. . . it was priceless!
As we sat there and shared laughs over just how MUCH we and others have changed through the years. . . time has a way of doing that - we also noticed that there was a sentimentalness to it for 5 very SPECIAL people we loved dearly were past from this life to the next. I'm sure there were others out in the crowd that have past as well, but these 5 were a part of us and who we were in a sense. Kinda makes you realize the shortness of life as well. One man was absent that day. A man I have grown only to know through countless stories I have been told. A man that was admired, respected and loved. A man that one day I will get to meet for the very first time. A man that I'm sure I would have loved while he lived upon the earth, and hoped that he would have loved me in return just as much. My father in law.
< A toss in > So glad that my lovely husband discarded the giant glasses, higher pitched voice, hillbilly talk and has become the suave and ultra-magnificient-cool man he is of today!! :))
In sharing about our time of viewing a special memory, I also tell you that as wonderful as it was to see so many faces of those in past days as well as seeing the memory of how we looked ourselves. . . it was the memory of our first love that I would like to think was the most captivating. And so it is that I write this Blog.
As I decided upon a topic to write about after prayer and much thought, I went with this one. As I begin to write I remembered words from our dear friend who sent the video to us. She simply said "watch it and always remember that first love that you two shared." Hopefully in me remembering her words, once I got started, was the assurance from God that this was indeed what I was supposed to write about! :)
I will share with you that David was/is/will be always and forever my first love. I am most thankful that God didn't see fit to take me through numerous relationships while growing up. Although, while growing up you don't realize the beauty of that blessing! But, in looking back you most certainly do! I will also share with you that there was one other boy that will hold a forever special place in my heart as well. Many of you know him, but for lack of embarrassment to him I will with hold his name. ; ) He would one day introduce me to my husband and very lovingly and graciously bow out for he saw the happiness that would come. I thank him with all my heart for the wonderful boyfriend as well as friend that he was to both me and David. I hope he reads this and truly knows what a special person I know him to be!
I can also tell you that just as SURE as I know that David is my one and only true love both then and now. . . I also know that that love has grown immeasurably in great ways through times of testing, mistakes, errors, heartaches. And not only through those, but also through just the simple and pure enjoyment of finding happiness in being together as the very best of best friends. God has truly blessed us with being able to spend very much of our lives together. The beauty of that blessing. . . we never tire of being together and I mean that in the very most literal sense of the word - never. I read and hear how that others can't stand to be together for very great lengths of time with their spouse and it makes me wonder WHY then are you married? I know too though that people need their individualness and that can come across in different ways than I am not accustom to.
As I look back at this video, I can see and remember that "first love" in my eyes. But, I don't have to just look back and remember. Today I can still see and know that I have that same "first love" in my eyes, in my heart and in my actions. I can tell you that David carries that "first love" as well. He shows me everyday what it means to him through his loving actions. I am blessed above and beyond deserving.
Just as important for us to look back and remember that "first love" we have for our spouses, I believe God is telling us to also not forget nor dismiss that "first love" He has for us. God's love for us never ceases, never dims, never grows stale. In fact He not only loves you, but He DELIGHTS in you as well!! There may be some that have never felt "delighted" in so it would seem foreign to them to hear this. God delights in you simply and for no other reason. . . because you are His. His delight doesn't result from what you have done, what you haven't done or even what you can show for all your strivings. His delight is in you for you and exactly you. "How precious concerning me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them they would outnumber the grains of sand." God's delight is in you, my friend. Do you recall a time in your life when you made Jesus your first love? Do you recall a time of trusting in Jesus as God's provision for the salvation of your eternal soul? There is no other in which you can be saved by. Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6. If you haven't experienced that "first love" with the very ONE that loves you most - you can today, right now, right here!
Are you ready?
If unsure, know that you can KNOW!
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!
If you have received that "first love" and know it's realness, but through the years and passage of time it has grown weak. . . know that God's love is always strong, secure and present. That love awaits your return. Just as I have shared the plan of salvation countless times in my Blogs, I also have shared that God can and DOES make new out of not just fresh born again believers, but old believers as well! I'm living proof!! :)
So won't you take a moment out of your busy day and not only remember that "first love" with the very One Who saved your soul, but also ask Him to make it refreshed too? "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." Psalms 51:12.
As I end my Blog, I leave with you another great verse of God's great love and delight in you!
"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17.
As we sat there and shared laughs over just how MUCH we and others have changed through the years. . . time has a way of doing that - we also noticed that there was a sentimentalness to it for 5 very SPECIAL people we loved dearly were past from this life to the next. I'm sure there were others out in the crowd that have past as well, but these 5 were a part of us and who we were in a sense. Kinda makes you realize the shortness of life as well. One man was absent that day. A man I have grown only to know through countless stories I have been told. A man that was admired, respected and loved. A man that one day I will get to meet for the very first time. A man that I'm sure I would have loved while he lived upon the earth, and hoped that he would have loved me in return just as much. My father in law.
< A toss in > So glad that my lovely husband discarded the giant glasses, higher pitched voice, hillbilly talk and has become the suave and ultra-magnificient-cool man he is of today!! :))
In sharing about our time of viewing a special memory, I also tell you that as wonderful as it was to see so many faces of those in past days as well as seeing the memory of how we looked ourselves. . . it was the memory of our first love that I would like to think was the most captivating. And so it is that I write this Blog.
As I decided upon a topic to write about after prayer and much thought, I went with this one. As I begin to write I remembered words from our dear friend who sent the video to us. She simply said "watch it and always remember that first love that you two shared." Hopefully in me remembering her words, once I got started, was the assurance from God that this was indeed what I was supposed to write about! :)
I will share with you that David was/is/will be always and forever my first love. I am most thankful that God didn't see fit to take me through numerous relationships while growing up. Although, while growing up you don't realize the beauty of that blessing! But, in looking back you most certainly do! I will also share with you that there was one other boy that will hold a forever special place in my heart as well. Many of you know him, but for lack of embarrassment to him I will with hold his name. ; ) He would one day introduce me to my husband and very lovingly and graciously bow out for he saw the happiness that would come. I thank him with all my heart for the wonderful boyfriend as well as friend that he was to both me and David. I hope he reads this and truly knows what a special person I know him to be!
I can also tell you that just as SURE as I know that David is my one and only true love both then and now. . . I also know that that love has grown immeasurably in great ways through times of testing, mistakes, errors, heartaches. And not only through those, but also through just the simple and pure enjoyment of finding happiness in being together as the very best of best friends. God has truly blessed us with being able to spend very much of our lives together. The beauty of that blessing. . . we never tire of being together and I mean that in the very most literal sense of the word - never. I read and hear how that others can't stand to be together for very great lengths of time with their spouse and it makes me wonder WHY then are you married? I know too though that people need their individualness and that can come across in different ways than I am not accustom to.
As I look back at this video, I can see and remember that "first love" in my eyes. But, I don't have to just look back and remember. Today I can still see and know that I have that same "first love" in my eyes, in my heart and in my actions. I can tell you that David carries that "first love" as well. He shows me everyday what it means to him through his loving actions. I am blessed above and beyond deserving.
Just as important for us to look back and remember that "first love" we have for our spouses, I believe God is telling us to also not forget nor dismiss that "first love" He has for us. God's love for us never ceases, never dims, never grows stale. In fact He not only loves you, but He DELIGHTS in you as well!! There may be some that have never felt "delighted" in so it would seem foreign to them to hear this. God delights in you simply and for no other reason. . . because you are His. His delight doesn't result from what you have done, what you haven't done or even what you can show for all your strivings. His delight is in you for you and exactly you. "How precious concerning me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them they would outnumber the grains of sand." God's delight is in you, my friend. Do you recall a time in your life when you made Jesus your first love? Do you recall a time of trusting in Jesus as God's provision for the salvation of your eternal soul? There is no other in which you can be saved by. Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me." John 14:6. If you haven't experienced that "first love" with the very ONE that loves you most - you can today, right now, right here!
Are you ready?
If unsure, know that you can KNOW!
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!
If you have received that "first love" and know it's realness, but through the years and passage of time it has grown weak. . . know that God's love is always strong, secure and present. That love awaits your return. Just as I have shared the plan of salvation countless times in my Blogs, I also have shared that God can and DOES make new out of not just fresh born again believers, but old believers as well! I'm living proof!! :)
So won't you take a moment out of your busy day and not only remember that "first love" with the very One Who saved your soul, but also ask Him to make it refreshed too? "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me." Psalms 51:12.
As I end my Blog, I leave with you another great verse of God's great love and delight in you!
"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
"The Past, The Present, The Future. . . It All Happens!!"
This past week David and I decided to take a drive to Galveston. We had no intentions of where we were going. Much of our weekends consist of pure spontaneous living with no regards to plan making. Apparently we fit right in with today's generation as they seldom if ever know what they are doing in advance. I think it makes life more exciting! :)
As we were driving around, I came up with the idea to go and revisit a place from our long ago past. Nearly 24 years ago this August we stayed in a very nice hotel called The San Luis to celebrate our wedding Honeymoon. It is located on the Sea Wall and still stands as eloquently today as it did 24 years ago. We parked and went inside. As we walked around looking for some recognizable memories of our stay, we realized 24 years is a long time! Needless to say, only bits and pieces were present in our minds. We walked all around clearly noticing that we did not belong with the crowd of people that were milling around. Seems there was a retirement party going on for an older gentleman and it would appear he was very MUCH thought of as the number of people increased. We took the elevator up to the guests floors attempting to jog that old memory once again. Although 24 years is a mere drop in the bucket for some, it can be considered a great number of years to others. As we stopped on 2 different floors, I noticed each floor looked EXACTLY the same. I'm talking same artwork hanging in same place by same couches with the same color situatated in the same sequence leading into the same hallways! I was amazed at all the sameness! David then made the very brillant remark of "Deb, don't you think all hotel floors look the very same on each level? What did you expect?" Who knows what I expected.....maybe they could change the artwork on each floor! Ha! As I thought about it, clearly the man knew what he was talking about .... as he always does.
We sat down on the couch of the level I had guessed was ours. As we talked, I wandered off in thought for a moment imagining stepping back in time, and seeing two young newly married very happy people entering a lifetime of love, memories, and all the stuff that makes up life. I wondered what were the thoughts in our heads way back then? What was our concerns.....our goals...... our fears......our determination? Did we have a clue of what married life is really all about? Could we have imagined what God had in store for us in so many different ways? In answer to those quesitons I could probably be honest in saying: Yes, we did have a clue what married life was about, afterall we were both raised in God centered homes where our parents loved God first and one another second. As for what thoughts did we have going on probably the normal ordinary thoughts that all newly married couples have....I'm not gonna lie! ;) And our goals have always been to honor, to seek, to love and to obey God in all ways, as well as to raise a family that is devoted to knowing, serving and loving Him.
But....could we have known or simply imagined all the things God had in store for us in years to come? A very simple but yet definite answer of......NO not in the least. . . but then who can?!
God decided to start our "family" off by most standards......as early. So early that my own Mother In Law and Sister In Law had definite doubts of what we told them in weeks to come. Yes....we were pregnant! God didn't seek to waste anytime.....He had a set date for this child to come into the world and she was gonna be on God's time ready or not! Our Heather was a conceived Honeymoon baby.....TMI for some, but facts are facts! :) So, you could say "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby sitting in the baby carriage" certainly held true for us! Next, I became pregnant and we were blessed with our second beautiful daughter, Savannah. This took place during a time when David was laid off from his job and was without work for a good 10 months or more. Not to worry though as my rock solid husband's faith that God would provide AND see us through came to be true. In time, God provided a job that would require my David to be taken away from me and our two very small children for a period of 3-4 months. He was sent to live in OKC while he studied to become an Air Traffic Controller. This was a very DIFFICULT time for us! I can remember many hard days longing desperately to be with my husband as well as have his help to care for our girls. I became so sick that I couldnt take care of the girls alone, so my parents packed us into their home for the remaining of the time so that they could help. Still it wasn't the same.....David was everything to me and his return was greatly needed. But yet....we made it through.....as God was faithful. In time we would leave everything and everyone we knew to pack up and move to Houston. We adapted and trusted in God to see us through. In time it was home and home it is! In time we also became pregnant once again....this time a SON! As in a previous posting on my Blogs I related the story of what a tremedous ordeal that was! If you wish to read more about it I believe it's titled "I Have a Son!" Simply put (if there is a simple way) God let us experience a very BIG scare in every sense of the word....only to show us that once again ..... He was STILL in charge and would see us through.
As our famly grew up through time there would be heartaches from wrong choices made by our children, walls that seemed to be built, seemingly endless times of wondering when God would or will step in and change directions that seem only to lead to foolishness and emptiness by our children. And just as we do not have all the answers now.....we do have as we have had in times past......the belief that God does and God will see us through......no matter what we face. At times we understand that HIS timing just requires that we wait a little longer as He is laying out His plans.
I do not choose to place all negative emphasis on our children as we ourselves have faced our own definite mistakes in our married life. No married life is perfect as in even in the case of Adam and Eve. But in all the imperfectness that we have experienced, I can truly, honestly and most wholeheartedly tell you ..... it has been for the better of the two of us. Although who wouldn't want to overstep or undo any and all mistakes made - I know for a fact they were allowed and made for a reason - A reason to bring two people undeniably CLOSER, with more affection, more honesty, more forgivness, and just more intense appreciation than could be imagined. I know, I believe, and I stand on the truth that ALL THINGS, and yes even the bad, happen for the GOOD to them that love God! All things. We can't imagine it at the time of hurt and pain, but God gently restores us and makes us better than even before....through His great mercy and love that He gives us so undeservingly.
So as we took a step back in time this week and reminisce......I believe we also took a step forward in seeing that although we didn't have life all figured out by any means those 24 years ago, God has chosen to gently lead us through our journey......through the ups ...... and through the downs...... all for His glory.....and to show two people just how very much He does love them in many ways. To God be ALL glory, praise, worship.....and thanks.
As you look back through your life, may you see the great and gentle hand of God carrying you through your journey! : )
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PS: You can click on pics to view larger. :)
As we were driving around, I came up with the idea to go and revisit a place from our long ago past. Nearly 24 years ago this August we stayed in a very nice hotel called The San Luis to celebrate our wedding Honeymoon. It is located on the Sea Wall and still stands as eloquently today as it did 24 years ago. We parked and went inside. As we walked around looking for some recognizable memories of our stay, we realized 24 years is a long time! Needless to say, only bits and pieces were present in our minds. We walked all around clearly noticing that we did not belong with the crowd of people that were milling around. Seems there was a retirement party going on for an older gentleman and it would appear he was very MUCH thought of as the number of people increased. We took the elevator up to the guests floors attempting to jog that old memory once again. Although 24 years is a mere drop in the bucket for some, it can be considered a great number of years to others. As we stopped on 2 different floors, I noticed each floor looked EXACTLY the same. I'm talking same artwork hanging in same place by same couches with the same color situatated in the same sequence leading into the same hallways! I was amazed at all the sameness! David then made the very brillant remark of "Deb, don't you think all hotel floors look the very same on each level? What did you expect?" Who knows what I expected.....maybe they could change the artwork on each floor! Ha! As I thought about it, clearly the man knew what he was talking about .... as he always does.
We sat down on the couch of the level I had guessed was ours. As we talked, I wandered off in thought for a moment imagining stepping back in time, and seeing two young newly married very happy people entering a lifetime of love, memories, and all the stuff that makes up life. I wondered what were the thoughts in our heads way back then? What was our concerns.....our goals...... our fears......our determination? Did we have a clue of what married life is really all about? Could we have imagined what God had in store for us in so many different ways? In answer to those quesitons I could probably be honest in saying: Yes, we did have a clue what married life was about, afterall we were both raised in God centered homes where our parents loved God first and one another second. As for what thoughts did we have going on probably the normal ordinary thoughts that all newly married couples have....I'm not gonna lie! ;) And our goals have always been to honor, to seek, to love and to obey God in all ways, as well as to raise a family that is devoted to knowing, serving and loving Him.
But....could we have known or simply imagined all the things God had in store for us in years to come? A very simple but yet definite answer of......NO not in the least. . . but then who can?!
God decided to start our "family" off by most standards......as early. So early that my own Mother In Law and Sister In Law had definite doubts of what we told them in weeks to come. Yes....we were pregnant! God didn't seek to waste anytime.....He had a set date for this child to come into the world and she was gonna be on God's time ready or not! Our Heather was a conceived Honeymoon baby.....TMI for some, but facts are facts! :) So, you could say "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby sitting in the baby carriage" certainly held true for us! Next, I became pregnant and we were blessed with our second beautiful daughter, Savannah. This took place during a time when David was laid off from his job and was without work for a good 10 months or more. Not to worry though as my rock solid husband's faith that God would provide AND see us through came to be true. In time, God provided a job that would require my David to be taken away from me and our two very small children for a period of 3-4 months. He was sent to live in OKC while he studied to become an Air Traffic Controller. This was a very DIFFICULT time for us! I can remember many hard days longing desperately to be with my husband as well as have his help to care for our girls. I became so sick that I couldnt take care of the girls alone, so my parents packed us into their home for the remaining of the time so that they could help. Still it wasn't the same.....David was everything to me and his return was greatly needed. But yet....we made it through.....as God was faithful. In time we would leave everything and everyone we knew to pack up and move to Houston. We adapted and trusted in God to see us through. In time it was home and home it is! In time we also became pregnant once again....this time a SON! As in a previous posting on my Blogs I related the story of what a tremedous ordeal that was! If you wish to read more about it I believe it's titled "I Have a Son!" Simply put (if there is a simple way) God let us experience a very BIG scare in every sense of the word....only to show us that once again ..... He was STILL in charge and would see us through.
As our famly grew up through time there would be heartaches from wrong choices made by our children, walls that seemed to be built, seemingly endless times of wondering when God would or will step in and change directions that seem only to lead to foolishness and emptiness by our children. And just as we do not have all the answers now.....we do have as we have had in times past......the belief that God does and God will see us through......no matter what we face. At times we understand that HIS timing just requires that we wait a little longer as He is laying out His plans.
I do not choose to place all negative emphasis on our children as we ourselves have faced our own definite mistakes in our married life. No married life is perfect as in even in the case of Adam and Eve. But in all the imperfectness that we have experienced, I can truly, honestly and most wholeheartedly tell you ..... it has been for the better of the two of us. Although who wouldn't want to overstep or undo any and all mistakes made - I know for a fact they were allowed and made for a reason - A reason to bring two people undeniably CLOSER, with more affection, more honesty, more forgivness, and just more intense appreciation than could be imagined. I know, I believe, and I stand on the truth that ALL THINGS, and yes even the bad, happen for the GOOD to them that love God! All things. We can't imagine it at the time of hurt and pain, but God gently restores us and makes us better than even before....through His great mercy and love that He gives us so undeservingly.
So as we took a step back in time this week and reminisce......I believe we also took a step forward in seeing that although we didn't have life all figured out by any means those 24 years ago, God has chosen to gently lead us through our journey......through the ups ...... and through the downs...... all for His glory.....and to show two people just how very much He does love them in many ways. To God be ALL glory, praise, worship.....and thanks.
As you look back through your life, may you see the great and gentle hand of God carrying you through your journey! : )
PS: You can click on pics to view larger. :)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
"A Perfect Father???"
First of all. . . . a very HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to all my Dad friends and family! You are loved, respected, admired and needed in many great ways!! Thank you for leading, loving and protecting what God has given you. May God bless each and everyone of you! :)
Now....on with the show!
I have thought really HARD and prayed really HARD about what this next Blog would be about. I guess the obvious would be to write about Father's Day being though it is. Honestly, I have struggled some with that concept...not really knowing what direction to approach it, dive into it, and tie it up in a nice neat little package. So not really knowing how this will turn out....I'll go with it and pray that God speaks to you in whatever way YOU may need.
Why did God give us Dads?
I believe that could be answered by saying - to be a reflection of Him. Who is God in our lives? Protector, Comforter, Provider, Guide, Authority, Forgiver, Faithful and most importantly..... Love. God has placed these very qualities, virtues, characteristics in the heart of every Dad ..... at times though not every Dad chooses to exhibit those very things as God would like. Dads are not God, therefore they are human....making them susceptible to error, mistakes and failures.
I have a Dad and I know this Dad reads ALL of my Blogs too. I would love to sit and tell you that I have always had a perfectly perfect relationship with this Dad as well. In all honesty though....it isn't just perfectly perfect. Without bringing into light all the things that could be negative in regards to this father God has given me.....I will simply say - - I love him, I thank God for him, I know he loves me and most importantly he has been an example of God's true love to me as a child that grew into an adult. I can truly say that my earthly father HAS chosen to exhibit all those characteristics, mentioned above, and I know it is God who I thank for him doing so. My dad has had his faults - I have had my faults - but as imperfect as we are we still forgive, love and receive one another. In thinking of forgiveness.... I think of my FB status that says "
Now....on with the show!
I have thought really HARD and prayed really HARD about what this next Blog would be about. I guess the obvious would be to write about Father's Day being though it is. Honestly, I have struggled some with that concept...not really knowing what direction to approach it, dive into it, and tie it up in a nice neat little package. So not really knowing how this will turn out....I'll go with it and pray that God speaks to you in whatever way YOU may need.
Why did God give us Dads?
I believe that could be answered by saying - to be a reflection of Him. Who is God in our lives? Protector, Comforter, Provider, Guide, Authority, Forgiver, Faithful and most importantly..... Love. God has placed these very qualities, virtues, characteristics in the heart of every Dad ..... at times though not every Dad chooses to exhibit those very things as God would like. Dads are not God, therefore they are human....making them susceptible to error, mistakes and failures.
I have a Dad and I know this Dad reads ALL of my Blogs too. I would love to sit and tell you that I have always had a perfectly perfect relationship with this Dad as well. In all honesty though....it isn't just perfectly perfect. Without bringing into light all the things that could be negative in regards to this father God has given me.....I will simply say - - I love him, I thank God for him, I know he loves me and most importantly he has been an example of God's true love to me as a child that grew into an adult. I can truly say that my earthly father HAS chosen to exhibit all those characteristics, mentioned above, and I know it is God who I thank for him doing so. My dad has had his faults - I have had my faults - but as imperfect as we are we still forgive, love and receive one another. In thinking of forgiveness.... I think of my FB status that says "
Sunday, May 29, 2011
"Brakes = Stop. . . Gas = Go!"
I didn't get to Blog, as normally would have, last weekend due to the fact of one sick husband. That and the fact that I need an empty house or a silent house to write in both of which I did NOT have. :) So here I am this weekend instead and I want SO very much to bring an encouraging, inspirational, motivating and a "real me" story to share with you and I'm just not sure where God is leading me to write at this point. Ah well.
For any new readers I may have simply know that I am NOT a dogmatic religious preacher type of some sorts. Although alot of my Blogs have to do with spirtual matters and concerns and are mostly about God's sovereign control, His great love for us no matter what and His ability to see us through anything....I am a real person with real stories to share as well. :) I am me who wants to encourage YOU! And anything I may have felt, experienced, or lived through to help you just makes it all the more better.
As I sit here and think of which to write about. . . two things come to mind. . . . The end of the world as some believed would happen and God's protection.
I can certainly sum up the first in a brief account! Matthew 24:36 "NO ONE knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." vs 42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." vs 44 "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."
Are you ready?
If unsure, know that you can KNOW!
A= Accept that you are a sinner in need of a Saviour!For any new readers I may have simply know that I am NOT a dogmatic religious preacher type of some sorts. Although alot of my Blogs have to do with spirtual matters and concerns and are mostly about God's sovereign control, His great love for us no matter what and His ability to see us through anything....I am a real person with real stories to share as well. :) I am me who wants to encourage YOU! And anything I may have felt, experienced, or lived through to help you just makes it all the more better.
As I sit here and think of which to write about. . . two things come to mind. . . . The end of the world as some believed would happen and God's protection.
I can certainly sum up the first in a brief account! Matthew 24:36 "NO ONE knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." vs 42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." vs 44 "So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."
Are you ready?
If unsure, know that you can KNOW!
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!
As for God's protection. . .who of us hasn't seen that all around us at certain times?!
I'm sure that God's protection in our lives shows up in all different ways. . .even unseen ways that we were never even aware of. The number of "things" we have been protected from throughout our life will never really be fully known. We most likely would be absolutely astonished, to say the least, should we know!
Everyday as parents we must trust in that protecting hand of God to lead our children safely through this world. There isn't a day goes by that I'm not relying on Him to protect my children from all the evilness of this world.....and yet there are times He allows what I do not understand.....but yet I trust Him. Please know that it isn't MY trust that allows me to do this, but HIS trust He places in me to trust Him. A circle of life I would call it....we seek it, He gives it, so that we can put it back in Him. Sometimes we call out for more trust, but yet He gives simply what is needed, when is needed. There are SO many stories throughout my life I could try to recall and share of God's protection, as well you. But I will choose to share 2 today.
Recently Savannah told David and I about a park that was great for walking and running. By the way, anyone living in Kingwood and doesn't know about East End Park on Kingwood Dr needs to find out about it!! It's absolutely GORGEOUS and YES great for walking, running or even sitting! <Sidenote> :)
She started running there with a friend, but soon was going alone in the mornings and sometimes in the evenings. David and I went there to check it out, and as BEAUTIFUL as it was, I also noticed how secluded it could be as well for a young, good looking girl, running alone. I voiced my concerns about it to David and he, being the man I admire so much with his rock solid faith, simply said "She's fine. No, we don't need to tell her to stop running alone. Wherever God is she is safe and God is everywhere." Now that may not sit well with some of my readers, but that's ok. I choose to live a life of faith - not always seeing, but knowing God IS in control and there is NOTHING I face that He is not with me.
Back to my story - as I choose to accept his words I resolve to not worry about her. Later, as Savannah is talking with me, I learn some encouraging news! First, I must tell you that this had to be God leading her to share this with me because otherwise....it wouldn't have been shared. She told me as she was running that morning a lady with her dog was running also. Savannah and the lady kept leap frogging each other throughout the trails. At one point the lady had passed her only to now be coming back in the opposite direction. She had taken her ear phones off and was making a noticable attempt to talk to Savannah. As she did she said "Run with me." As they continued on down the trail, the lady told her that there was a strange man out there that day and was not recognizing him. Once they had gone so far together the lady then tells Savannah "Ok...you can go now. I was just more concerned about you."
SEE! God's protection right there!! An angel....maybe.....but evenso most likely not....HE places whom He will in our lives to SHOW that protection at any given time! It didn't require Mom to say "Absolutely NOT! You are NOT going alone out in those woods to run and risk yourself to who knows what!!" No....it just took a quiet resolve to say "Yes, alright God....I trust you once again to take care of what I cannot." And He does.
Another incident of God's protection would be when my sweet son had what would be his first wreck....in my car. Yes, even before we got to the part of him actually acquiring the much coveted license, he encountered what Mom says his first and last wreck. I'm praying this boy does not follow in his sister's footsteps of driving MISSHAPS and capabilities!! O me. Without going into too many humiliating details, I will tell you if you've ever heard of someone forgetting, at a moments time, which is the brake and which is the gas....it DOES indeed happen. Let me stop and brag on this boy who has done amazingly well at the fine art of driving! He drives us around town, out of town, night driving, you name it and does an exceptional job. But on this certain occassion .... he slipped. As we were turning into a parking space, he hit the GAS instead of the brakes causing us to go right up and over a curb, through some bushes that we literally plowed down, and onto a water line causing it to break into and sending LARGE amounts up and over our car. It was one of those situations where even Dad sitting in the front seat with him couldn't react quick enough to pull the emergency brake. We just kept going and going. At this point we are unsure if his foot actually ever left the gas pedal. We were all fine, just shook up ..... and stuck. The car had high centered onto the curb and grass....in other words we weren't going anywhere for a bit. My poor son felt downright awful and was visibly sorry as well as shaken up. I couldn't help but feel badly for him. Who cares if my car has two cracks on it now....I'll wear them with a smile of remembering how God protected us from what could have been so much worse! I say that because this could have happened at an intersection, at home going through a garage door, a pedestrian walking in front of our car.....any number of situations that could have resulted with so much greater consequence. I will also tell you that God sent 2 very KIND hearted men from 2 different cars to come and help us in our dilemma. One such man even had the knowledge of how to redirect the water line back into the ground somehow so that it wouldn't be spewing wildly over the parking spaces and drive. He and his wife even went the extra mile of getting us a phone number for the water dept to report it and made sure all was well before they left. God not only sends His protection, but sometimes He even adds over and above with it too!
There are countless verses of God's protection throughout the Bible. There are two that I have recently posted on my status' that I find fitting.
"The Lord Himself goes before you & will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help & our shield."
My favorite verse in the entire Bible also talks about it "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenghten you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." And lastly I leave these verses with you - "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber..... The Lord watches over you- the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Psalms 121: 2-8
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God....for He is protecting us through it as we go!
I truly hope that I have followed God's leading here in sharing with you today. I am trusting Him to use it however He sees fit.
Be encouraged my friend and know that God cares.....and so do I ! :)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
"I Blog Because. . . "
Why do I Blog?
1. To share with others, in a way not possible otherwise, the real me - who I am on the inside. 2. To Encourage : to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident. To inspire with courage, spirit, or to spur on. 3. To give hope! 4. And lastly. . . because I love to write.
God has given me such a STRONG desire to encourage others even to the point that when I seem to have no encouraging words left (because I've said them all) it can be disheartening. I try not to repeat myself too much, but can't help but wonder if there are new readers that need encouragement as well. People need encouragement every single day of their lives . . . I know I do! I pray ALWAYS that God can use something in my words to reach another....whether it's through giving them hope, a new outlook/perspective, a new life through salvation.....or just to see that it's alright to be real and have flaws (meaning myself). I want to be the encouragement and hope that I'm looking for from day to day and maybe say things that people dare not talk about because they want everyone to "believe" their life is together and going well. I want to be the realness factor that God can use to show others that life doesn't have to be perfectly perfect. . . you can have flaws, your kids can have flaws, your husband can have flaws (although mine doesn't.....) < teasing > , that we fall down - and God alone picks us back up.
Just today I was listening to a Mom give a little bit of her heart in SS class referring to her daughter whom she has a strained relationship with. She talked about what a hard job she has ahead of her as this daughter has came back home to live with her. I know she must have seemed overwhelmed by the very thought of it. As I listened though, I wanted to tell her "It's ok! Your job is done! It isn't up to you to change the very heart of this child and get her to see the rights and wrongs of her life. We as parents have done the job God gave us to raise them to know and love Him and when they have reached this age....we let go and let God. He's in control....He always has been.....He has the plan for her life. Those plans don't have to look right, acceptable, and good to us. He allows difficult times into their (our child) lives to improve them, restore them, love them and also for a higher and greater purpose than we are even aware of at the time." I don't just say all that casually and effortlessly - I say it because I know the pain she feels, the yearning for God to intervene and move in her daughter's life. In other words, I'm there as well with my own children. But I've learned that letting go, as hard as it may seem, is always for the best. God has His own timetable of when, where and how He is going to wake these children of ours up and direct their lives in a way such as He has planned. But of course the best way for me to express any of that to anyone hurting, discouraged or overwhelmed is through .....writing. So therefore..... I write.....hoping, praying, yearning to reach out and help another.
I also literally yearn to be a light to a dark and lost world who needs God as their salvation. I want people to know the truth. I want God to open their eyes, ears and hearts to what He has done for them. Jesus is their one and only true provision from God to God Himself. There are absolutely NO good works, no good heritage, not enough money given, not enough wrong avoided, no church attendance and by NO other being by which you can be redeemed/saved. God and simply God alone. I will never tire of sharing that receiving God's provision for your very soul is 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!
I will be honest with you as well and say that it encourages me more than you realize when God allows YOU to share with me how that something I shared touched/inspired/enlightened/blessed you in a special way! I have to be careful in this area because humanly speaking I love to know that God is using me in some small or special way to fulfill His purpose. But....then on the other hand I strive not to be discouraged when I see nothing as well....for I know God can and still does use me regardless if my eyes see it or not. So if God allows me to know that He is using me in some way to help you. . . I give Him the praise. . . and should He not have that information given. . . . I praise Him still. . . . for He is worthy. Pray that I not let jealousy and disappointment creep in as it is easy for those two things to show themselves to a person who wants so desperately to encourage others and they see that happening on other's FB pages. Remember. . . I'm real. :)
So. . . I Blog for God. . . for you. . . and to share me!
Thank you for ALL your encouragement to me as I do. May God bring just the right amount of love, blessings, comfort and encouragement that you may be seeking however He chooses, my friend. :)
1. To share with others, in a way not possible otherwise, the real me - who I am on the inside. 2. To Encourage : to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident. To inspire with courage, spirit, or to spur on. 3. To give hope! 4. And lastly. . . because I love to write.
God has given me such a STRONG desire to encourage others even to the point that when I seem to have no encouraging words left (because I've said them all) it can be disheartening. I try not to repeat myself too much, but can't help but wonder if there are new readers that need encouragement as well. People need encouragement every single day of their lives . . . I know I do! I pray ALWAYS that God can use something in my words to reach another....whether it's through giving them hope, a new outlook/perspective, a new life through salvation.....or just to see that it's alright to be real and have flaws (meaning myself). I want to be the encouragement and hope that I'm looking for from day to day and maybe say things that people dare not talk about because they want everyone to "believe" their life is together and going well. I want to be the realness factor that God can use to show others that life doesn't have to be perfectly perfect. . . you can have flaws, your kids can have flaws, your husband can have flaws (although mine doesn't.....) < teasing > , that we fall down - and God alone picks us back up.
Just today I was listening to a Mom give a little bit of her heart in SS class referring to her daughter whom she has a strained relationship with. She talked about what a hard job she has ahead of her as this daughter has came back home to live with her. I know she must have seemed overwhelmed by the very thought of it. As I listened though, I wanted to tell her "It's ok! Your job is done! It isn't up to you to change the very heart of this child and get her to see the rights and wrongs of her life. We as parents have done the job God gave us to raise them to know and love Him and when they have reached this age....we let go and let God. He's in control....He always has been.....He has the plan for her life. Those plans don't have to look right, acceptable, and good to us. He allows difficult times into their (our child) lives to improve them, restore them, love them and also for a higher and greater purpose than we are even aware of at the time." I don't just say all that casually and effortlessly - I say it because I know the pain she feels, the yearning for God to intervene and move in her daughter's life. In other words, I'm there as well with my own children. But I've learned that letting go, as hard as it may seem, is always for the best. God has His own timetable of when, where and how He is going to wake these children of ours up and direct their lives in a way such as He has planned. But of course the best way for me to express any of that to anyone hurting, discouraged or overwhelmed is through .....writing. So therefore..... I write.....hoping, praying, yearning to reach out and help another.
I also literally yearn to be a light to a dark and lost world who needs God as their salvation. I want people to know the truth. I want God to open their eyes, ears and hearts to what He has done for them. Jesus is their one and only true provision from God to God Himself. There are absolutely NO good works, no good heritage, not enough money given, not enough wrong avoided, no church attendance and by NO other being by which you can be redeemed/saved. God and simply God alone. I will never tire of sharing that receiving God's provision for your very soul is 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!
I will be honest with you as well and say that it encourages me more than you realize when God allows YOU to share with me how that something I shared touched/inspired/enlightened/blessed you in a special way! I have to be careful in this area because humanly speaking I love to know that God is using me in some small or special way to fulfill His purpose. But....then on the other hand I strive not to be discouraged when I see nothing as well....for I know God can and still does use me regardless if my eyes see it or not. So if God allows me to know that He is using me in some way to help you. . . I give Him the praise. . . and should He not have that information given. . . . I praise Him still. . . . for He is worthy. Pray that I not let jealousy and disappointment creep in as it is easy for those two things to show themselves to a person who wants so desperately to encourage others and they see that happening on other's FB pages. Remember. . . I'm real. :)
So. . . I Blog for God. . . for you. . . and to share me!
Thank you for ALL your encouragement to me as I do. May God bring just the right amount of love, blessings, comfort and encouragement that you may be seeking however He chooses, my friend. :)
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