Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Jesus


Psalms is one of my favorite prophecy books. Jesus's whole beginning and crucifixion can be found in this book if you have the eyes and ears to envision what is really being depicted. Picture this as a scene; a life played out, unfolding before your eyes. I often have a hard time feeling God out as flesh and bone. He is so majestic and awesome I forget the human side of him. The side that came and lived in a body much like my own. The side that lived, felt, endured and yet conquered our sins in a human, frail, emotional state. As I read this passage of scripture I saw his life lived not in the majesty of God in flesh. But rather God as flesh and bone, with yes, weaknesses, (not sin) but fragile and a voice crying out for help. Read this and see Jesus, See these words as his lived out.


Psalm 22


1 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? ( Jesus spoke these very words )
Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.

3 Yet you are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 Our ancestors trusted in you,
and you rescued them.
5 They cried out to you and were saved.
They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

6 But I am a worm and not a man.
I am scorned and despised by all!
7 Everyone who sees me mocks me.
They sneer and shake their heads, saying,
8 “Is this the one who relies on the Lord?
Then let the Lord save him!
If the Lord loves him so much,
let the Lord rescue him!”

9 Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb
and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast.
10 I was thrust into your arms at my birth. ( do you see the star, the shepherds, the magi, Simeon the priest and Anna praising God saying they have seen the Lord their savior. )
You have been my God from the moment I was born.

11 Do not stay so far from me,
for trouble is near,
and no one else can help me.
12 My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;
fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in!
13 Like lions they open their jaws against me,
roaring and tearing into their prey. ( can you see the whips lashing )
14 My life is poured out like water, ( see his blood spilled for us )
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax,
melting within me.
15 My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
16 My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
an evil gang closes in on me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
17 I can count all my bones.
My enemies stare at me and gloat.
18 They divide my garments among themselves
and throw dice[a] for my clothing.

19 O Lord, do not stay far away!
You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!
20 Save me from the sword; ( he was pierced for our transgressions)
spare my precious life from these dogs.
21 Snatch me from the lion’s jaws
and from the horns of these wild oxen.

(Hear the victory dance in these words of hope and fulfillment!)

22 I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.[b]
I will praise you among your assembled people.
23 Praise the Lord, all you who fear him!
Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!
Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
He has not turned his back on them,
but has listened to their cries for help.

25 I will praise you in the great assembly.
I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied.
All who seek the Lord will praise him.
Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
27 The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him.
All the families of the nations will bow down before him.
28 For royal power belongs to the Lord.
He rules all the nations.

29 Let the rich of the earth feast and worship.
Bow before him, all who are mortal,
all whose lives will end as dust.
30 Our children will also serve him.
Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
31 His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born.
They will hear about everything he has done.


Jesus thank you for living and dying. God thank you for enduring till the end and setting our sins ablaze, setting us free! God Thank you for my eyes that have seen you and your sacrifice more clearly today. Help me to remember how touchable, how real, how very much you do understand all l I am going through and do care for me and all those I know. Thank you God, My Lord, my Majesty, my Big Daddy J.C. but also my dear friend.


John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.




Thursday, November 27, 2008

In Honor of Thankful Day




Quality time with my family growing up was spent many times as we sat around our table to eat. Sitting around the table three times a day was not unusual for my family. I have to say there were moments this tradition seemed old fashion, got taken for granted and even thought of as menial.

Now grown and having a family of my own I have learned to treasure time spent in conversation with my family around the table. Perhaps because it is not an everyday occasion. I'd like to say it is because I have realized how important conversation, relationship, quality time with those you love really are.

These thing are important to God too . If you have a daily walk with Him and are giving your time to know Him, you might have noticed this fact yourself. He talks often about getting together around a table to spend holy quality time with Him breaking bread. You might also have noticed that God likes a party just as much as we do. Scripture says there is a rejoicing party in heaven every time one gives there life back to God! Remember the prodigal son? How his father adored him and gave him his ring claiming him as his own. The son had shown when he left he wanted nothing to do with the family by leaving with his share of the fortune. But even though the son had once disowned his family, his father, the Dad had never given him up for loss. The Father killed his fatted calf that day and had a feast in deed! He celebrated his son home coming!

He talks of throwing us a great feast when we arrive in heaven. A feast prepared for us by himself. I don't know about you but my mouth is watering at not just the food but the joy and laughter around that thanksgiving dinner feast!

Today I decided to study up on two topics in the Bible, Two words to be precise: Table and Feast!

Here are some of the scriptures I found to help me celebrate how wonderful God is!

Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ( we can enjoy a feast, God's love, his presence, joy, right in the middle of our hard times.)

Jeremiah 52:33
So Jehoiachin put aside his prison clothes and for the rest of his life ate regularly at the king's table.
Matthew 26:20
When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.
Luke 24:30
When he was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
Hebrews 9:2
A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand, the table and the consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place.
Deuteronomy 16:10
Then celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God by giving a freewill offering in proportion to the blessings the LORD your God has given you.
Psalm 36:8
They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.
Matthew 8:11
I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 13:29
People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.
John 7:37
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.

May we all be joyful, and thankful as we celebrate our feast this year. Whether it is around a table or not spend, time with those you love . Recline as Jesus did at the table of his hosts and enjoy the presence of your loved ones. Sure we have differences. But no more than there are between you and Jesus the God whom while we were still sinners died for us on a cross.
Love, Laugh, Forgive, And for goodness sakes be Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Love, Love, Love! ( its amore! )



Woman is God's designed gift to man. Imagine Adam at the alter and God bringing Eve up the ile to present Adam with his daughter. Can you see the tears rolling down God's face as he is about to give his only daughter away? Then right in that moment Adam rolls his eyes and says God couldn't you have made her a bit thinner or perhaps with blond hair instead of brown. NO Way he did that!

Think of it, in the bible God showed Adam his need first before presenting him with Eve. He brought all the animals two by two and placed them in front of Adam to name. This one is a buck...this one his doe, this one a bull and his Heifer and so on. In all the animals Adam did not find a mate, a companion for himself. He was incomplete. Thus from Adam God fashioned him a woman.

To the men reading, the Woman God has placed beside you is not an accident but a gift! Ladies Listen up! The man God placed beside you is his gift also to you. No mistakes were made. God has a plan and will complete it in you both as you seek oneness and grow in your companionship. The race you began on the starting line of Marriage was oneness/companionship. It is an on going race that only with God can you be victorious. Only with God can you live in forgiveness and understanding becoming the companions you both desire in one another:)

We were reminded this weekend to do our best to see each other as God's gifts. Especially when we are about to loose our tempers or voice our frustration over the little details that bug us about each other.

Our own faults always seem petty and our spouses large and cumbersome. When we realize each of our own imperfections as the logs in our own eyes we can more compassionately address the spec in our spouses. For God says Truth is only to be spoken in LOVE! Truth by itself is cutting and harsh. But Truth in love brings healing, mending and peace:)

A story: Three old maids live in the same house. One of them is upstairs about to place her foot in the bath tub when she yells down to her sisters "Wait... was I getting in the tub or out of it?" One of the sisters rolls her eyes and starts up the stairs to help her sis out. When she reaches the middle stair she yells out " hey was I going up the stairs or down them? " The third sister sitting at the kitchen table rolls her eyes and knocks her hand on the wooden table saying " for goodness sakes, knock on wood, I am so glad I am not as bad as you two! As soon as I see who is at the door I'll be right up to set you both straight!"


May God's Love Surround You!
My husband and I had a most marvelous "Weekend to Remember." It is a marriage conference everyone should attend. Even those just considering marriage, to know what marriage is really designed to be and is all about. I just wanted to share a tid bit of what we learned over our lovely weekend! Don't be surprised if I keep adding tidbits of Love knowledge here and there over the next few months. We learned so much and writing one blog only about it would be tragic!

A special Thanks to Alicia for giving us the tickets to go for free! Also to my parents whom made going possible by caring for our kids. My husband and I feel like we have the tools needed to make sure nothing, especially the worlds culture can bring our marriage down!

God bless you all, Tabby (nora)

Monday, November 10, 2008

Its the only way I know!


The new family in the neighborhood overslept and their six-year-old daughter missed her school bus.

The father, though late for work himself, had to drive her. Since he did not know the way, he said that she would have to direct him to the school.

They rode several blocks before she told him to turn the first time, several more before she indicated another turn. This went on for 20 minutes - but when they finally reached the school, it proved to be only a short distance from their home.

The father, much annoyed, asked his daughter why she'd led him around in such a circle.

The child explained, "That's the way the school bus goes, Daddy. It's the only way I know."


Isn't that the truth in so many of us? We do, we go, we speak, we live the way we were taught plain and simply because that is the way our parents did things and it is the only way we know? Much of what we learn wrong we pick up by the media from the worlds way of doing things. Other times we say whats good for the goose is good for the gander and do as our friends or acquaintances do, say, act, etc. Man can we take a long time to get a short distance. One would think that right and wrong would be neighbors, living right across the street from one another. Then why in the world does it take us years sometimes just to walk across to the other side?


The Bible is said to also be translated in this way Basic, Instructions, Before, Leaving, Earth. Another phrase I like to use is life's road map to truth, happiness, joy, peace ,and love that never runs out! Thank God that he has given us practical advice all the way from whats right and wrong, to who to hang out with and who not to go along with.


My aunt once told me she thought a major step in cooking a roast was to first cut it in half. Later, after many years of being on her own, she found out her mom only did that cause her pan was too small to fit the roast in whole.


Some things we do are harmless and laughable. But what about the yelling at our children. Trying to mother our spouses or change them into our liking instead of loving them for who they are for better or for worse? What about back stabbing, down talking our husbands when they are not around to hear us, just cause our friends always do? What about always calling your children names because you were always called names growing up? Will they live up to those names instead of the greatness God has in them to be nourished?


These are just thoughts to think about. But I know I want to go the way God has intended for me and not follow a path others have taken just because it is the only one I know!


I am going to be a great mom today! How about you? I am going to be a loving, understanding, patient, person today! How about you? God has placed the potential inside of each of us! Nothing is impossible with HIM!


May God bless you with a sence of victory over another mundane day of following in the worn down path, going the wrong way, or the long way just becasue it is the only one you know!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Laughter is Possible!



























































Job 8:21
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter
and your lips with shouts of joy.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Embracing His Grace



Have you ever felt this way
Like your heart is lead astray

Have you ever felt so empty yet so full at the same time
Fear, stress, anger, selfishness having gotten the better of me and mine

Have you ever had to step out and start again
when life throws a curve, a dead drop, a spin

Have you ever felt completely dry
like a dessert without moisture left to die

There is a message you need to hear
there is only one that dries every tear

There is only one who really can relate
He has felt it all, your every state

He lived his life fighting off both physical and spiritual storms of raging wind and rain
Dying on a cross for us was not enough, he chose to rise up and with us remain

For even though he ascended into heaven his spirit is always there
It is beside us, beneath us, with in us, living hope available everywhere

It does not matter who we are, what we do, how deep a pit we have buried ourselves in
He is still God and our Holy loving father, who over came death to conquer all our sin

So my dear one how ever you feel, how ever awful things around you appear
there is hope, there is peace, there is joy and victory to be found instead of fear

There is healing, there is truth, there is unconditional love, there is grace
Embrace your Jesus as he holds tight to you, hear his voice, see his face

Sunday, October 12, 2008


I just wanted to dedicate my page today to my friend Debbie whom right now is the hands and feet of Jesus to orphans in Africa. She is a nurse and loves her Big Daddy J.C. You can bet Satan would like to get her down and keep her from doing what she does best, Love on others! So I call out to those of you that read my Blog to pray for Debbie and other missionaries like her. Pray for a daily filling of HIM! Pray for her to witness victory everyday over satans plan to destroy the little guys she holds, tickles and ministers to. Pray for her finances to not be a burden and for worries to flee as God is ever present with her during her six month time away from home.

Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.\

Lord help us all be like Debbie. Let us be your hands and feet whether our mission field is in Africa or right in our own back yard having a picnic with the neighbors. Praise you for you are good to us! Amen

Here is my friends blog site http://debinliberia.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

I call out "Sanctuary!"


Psalm 26:8 I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.


Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.

Psalm 20:1-2, 4-5 In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary and strengthen you...
May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Psalm 63:1-3
O God, you are my God,
earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you,
my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land
where there is no water.
I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory.
Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you.

May today be a day we call out "sanctuary sanctuary" as in the days of old. Where one would enter a church and by law be safe from harm. May we be able to cry out and feel His embrace protecting us from harm. May we know the power and security of his strong arms surrounding us. May we know joy in His presence to praise Him and feel the love pouring out upon us from our big daddy J.C. May this day be lived in His sanctuary as we trust in Him and rely on His foot hold beneath our feet. Praise God for this place of rest, peace, renewing, and joy! Thank You God for your sanctuary is a real place we can dwell and remain in you and you in us. For where ever we are there you be:)

amen Jesus name be Praised!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Pledge of Allegiance




'The Pledge of Allegiance' - by Senator John McCain

As you may know, I spent five and one half years as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. In the early years of our imprisonment, the NVA kept us in solitary confinement or two or three to a cell. In 1971 the NVA moved us from these conditions of isolation into large rooms with as many as 30 to 40 men to a room.


This was, as you can imagine, a wonderful change and was a direct result of the efforts of millions of Americans on behalf of a few hundred POWs 10,000 miles from home. One of the men who moved into my room was a young man named Mike Christian.


Mike came from a small town near Selma, Alabama.
He didn't wear a pair of shoes until he was 13 years old. At 17, he enlisted in the US Navy. He later earned a commission by going to Officer Training School, then he became a Naval Flight Officer and was shot down and captured in 1967. Mike had a keen and deep appreciation of the opportunities this country and our military provide for people who want to work and want to succeed.
As part of the change in treatment, the Vietnamese allowed some prisoners to receive packages from home. In some of these packages were handkerchiefs, scarves and other items of clothing.


Mike got himself a bamboo needle. Over a period of a couple of months, he created an American flag and sewed on the inside of his shirt


Every afternoon, before we had a bowl of soup, we would hang Mike's shirt on the wall of the cell and say the Pledge of Allegiance.


I know the Pledge of Allegiance may not seem the most important part of our day now, but I can assure you that in that stark cell it was indeed the most important and meaningful event.

One day the Vietnamese searched our cell, as they did periodically, and discovered Mike's shirt with the flag sewn inside, and removed it.

That evening they returned, opened the door of the cell, and for the benefit of all of us, beat Mike Christian severely for the next couple of hours. Then, they opened the door of the cell and threw him in. We cleaned him up as well as we could.

The cell in which we lived had a concrete slab in the middle on which we slept. A naked light bulb hung in each corner of the room.


As I said, we tried to clean up Mike as well as we could. After the excitement died down, I looked in the corner of the room, and sitting there beneath that dim light bulb with a piece of red cloth, another shirt and his bamboo needle, was my friend, Mike Christian.


He was sitting there with his eyes almost shut from the beating he had received, making another American flag. He was not making the flag because it made Mike Christian feel better. He was making that flag because he knew how important it was to us to be able to Pledge our allegiance to our flag and country.

So the next time you say the Pledge of Allegiance, you must never forget the sacrifice and courage that thousands of Americans have made to build our nation and promote freedom around the world.

You must remember our duty, our honor, and our country

'I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'



Which Presidental nominee are you voting for?


Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Life and Death


John 11:24-26

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"


Martha has just lost her brother to the grave. He has been dead for four days. His body is decaying. If you have ever scene the TV series Bones you know what lies in the tomb is not a pretty site for anyone to behold. Jesus says to roll away the stone and, out walks Lazarus, skin intact, rotting flesh smell and maggots washed away alive as can be. Miraculous! Wow! There is nothing GOD can not do!


But lets back up just a smidgen. Before the first (non zombie/mummy) rising of the really really dead there was a question asked and answered.


The hour has come for the miracle to occur. You have prayed...waited...prayed and waited some more. You're are crying out both in desperation, fear, yet holding on to that strand of hope that there is still time. Nothing is impossible for God! Then the sun goes out and pitch black consumes our sight. The hoped for, the prayed for, denied. Then God shows up and what do you say to him? Do you run to him lecturing him as Martha did.


John 11:21 "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died"

( I just have to state God's love for us is so big and so wide and so deep. He can handle our frustration outcries!)

Is your next statement another complaint or do you step back and realize he still came, gave his life to be at your side.

Martha's hope returns: John 11:22 "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."

History's story continued : John 11:23-27

Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."

Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

(Can you see her looking down as she says this. Her hope again spilling out falling to the ground from the creases in her eyes.)

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

"Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."


Do you believe this? Do you believe God loves you even when your prayers are not answered as you intended? Do you believe he is GOD!?! Do you believe as Martha even now God can do the impossible? Have you said "YES!?!, YES God I Believe!?!"


There is Life found in death.

My dad survived his second open heart surgery yesterday! Our hope was in the balance we sat for hours and hours; two hours of prep before the surgery and then 7 hours of actual on the table everyone holding their breath time. After receiving the good news from the surgeon when it was over I bawled and bawled. My brother laughed and held me saying " thank God it wasn't bad news if this is how you take the good news."


When all there is left in life is either to live or die people seek God and find him. My dad had joy this morning after waking up at 12am for the first time after surgery. My mom said he was laughing trying to buy ice from the nurses. He has been thanking God, non stop praising him and saying "I love you" to us kids too many times to count. We could all learn a thing or two from him if we opened our hearts and saw with our spiritual eyes. Look and see all that God has done, is doing and see his face as it is always right beside us. We have only to stop looking in the mirror at ourselves and look to the side of us and see him reaching down to grab our hand and lead the way.


Our life begins when we say "YES I believe" and start to really believe in our answer!

Lazarus was raised from the dead! My dad is alive and kissing us on the cheek. He is close to his God whom loves him finding Joy in the knowledge of God's many blessings in his life. How much more alive can one be?

God is at constant work resurrecting us. He is ever on patrol slashing the fear monsters that darken our world and consume us, washing the sin away that decays our souls and keeping the fire of love in our heart from being snuffed out!

Paul's statement has brought new meaning to my life:

Philippians 3:10-11

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.


I not only want to know this power, but like Paul, I want to share it!


May the Lord stir in your heart conversations with him. May you choose to answer his question of "DO you Believe?" And may you not have to face death in the face in order to find the joy, the peace that he truly has to give.

Praise be to HIM!

Jesus be known!

Amen

Embracing HIM,

Tabbitha Ruth


Monday, September 1, 2008

Cast all your anxiety on Him for He cares for You!



To be inflicted with a pain unceasing is not anything anyone enjoys nor would ask for.
This is excerpts from a night not so many nights ago. I share not for pity or even attention. I share to encourage and to give praise to my Big Daddy J.C.

Nameless pain strikes me down. In bed I laid most of yesterday. "Today will be better" I claimed. And the day was better. It was even fun. But as I tired what oomf I had dissipated as I fell into bed at 7:30pm to stay. I read my Max Lucado Every day deserves a chance book. What I read struck home like lightning striking the onliest tree in a dessert. I read the story of the man named Jairus who fervently sought out Jesus as his last hope to cure his daughter of her illness. It spoke about how he must have been thinking " Will he care?, Will he be able? , Will he come? He finds Jesus amongst the crowds and Jesus starts to follow him to his home. The man must have been filled with hope. The feeling that everything will be alright must have been present. Then Jesus stops. Jairus keeps walking. But then he notices Jesus is back a ways away from him stopped fear grips his heart once more. Jesus, of course, we all know, is busy having just cured a lady whom touched him and her bleeding ceased after having been flowing from her for 14 years. Just at that moment fear of being too late, watching the commotion and Jesus's non motion toward his home, his worst nightmare comes alive. His servant finds him and says his daughter has passed on. She is no longer. His beloved is dead! But listen to this even though Jesus was not at his side to hear the servant words he knew them. At that moment Jesus looks into Jairus's eyes and says (mark 5:36) Don't be afraid; just believe." Jesus could have just said go home your daughter is alive and well. Jesus could have healed her with a thought. But Jesus at this moment had to show us that yes he cares, Yes he is able and yes he will come! He is after all always with us. He proves that time and time again. Jesus shows up now in control of the situation; doing the leading not the following. He walks in and sends the mourners out on their behinds. He shows up and touches a little girls hand and tells her to arise. A dead little girl lives again and a dad and mom are overwhelmed with joy.

Tears came silently as I spoke to God after reading this message. "I know Lord you are with me, Help me to know!"
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently on him,.....
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind and lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight proverb 3:5-7.
Matthew11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

"Lord I hear you but I still feel heavy, I feel so weak, so .....God where are you?"

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified; Do not be discouraged. The Lord your God will be with you where ever you go. Joshua 1:9

"Lord are you there? Lord do you care? Lord are you Coming?"
Merciless pain streaked through my every joint and I did not know what to do but let the silent tears fall and my silent pleas take up all the space left in my lungs. My husband came and held me and I finally found myself falling esleep.

Clench your fist as tight as you can. Then release it. Joy comes in the morning! One O'clock am I felt my body give way like all my muscles were drawn up tight and then relaxed all at once. The pain was Gone. My God had done it once again. He does care, He is able (duh) He is with me, He came! Today this day Was a great day! Today I give thanks to a God who loves me personally ( all of us in fact) I give thanks to Him who is able, willing, and present! I hope when you are desperate and then you have that glimmer of hope only to have it stripped away, that you are stead fast. Don't be afraid, just Believe! Because God is coming to save your day. He is with you right now in fact. So hold on tight and be ready for the Joy in your morning!

God bless You and have a marvelous Jesus packed day!

Psalm 90:14

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

This is the day!


I cheerfully exploded verbally, questioning my kids this morning. "Do you know what day this is? Come on now don't you know what day this is? This day right now today?" Their eyes brighten and a glance in the direction of the calender is taken. They wonder if by chance months have sped by in the blink of an eye and it is once again time for birthday cake and presents. They are needless to say stumped. They realize it is neither Christmas nor Easter, or any other holiday that they can remember. I simple tell them in my exuberant way " This is the day the Lord has made! This day Right now he made it for you and me! This is the day the Lord has made , let us rejoice and be glad in it! " Singing of course follow this moment. We sang every God song we could remember all the words to including Amazing grace.

Oh to wake up every morning so in love with the Lord. No I am not perfect so don't go putting me on a pedestal. Besides its lonely up there and hard to hug the ones I love dearly as friends:)

I have been reading this book called Everyday Deserves a chance by Max Lucado. It has recalled a tradition of mine that has been put on the side lines. It has reminded me to thank God for my day by saying this verse aloud every morning. I used to wake up the kids singing it:) It changed days from being grumpy frumpy, down right crappy to having them happy, filled with moments of laughter, moments of praising God and thanking him too. Even treasured moments where lights came on and God spoke through me teaching of his love and compassion for them. Wow to be that mom all the time...a goal I must set every morning once again.

The book spoke of This being the day the Lord has made. Not just Christmas, Thanksgiving, our birthdays...etc. But this day right now is the day He made just for us! Then the next part: Let us rejoice and be glad IN it. Not when we get through it or when it is over with. Not let us rejoice at the beginning of it or thank God after it is finished. But Let us rejoice in it. Also something to ponder : We no longer have yesterday nor do we posses tomorrow. So why destroy today with regrets or what ifs? This is the day the Lord has made so isn't it this day the day we should be living in? This book asked me these questions I now ask you : Are you more prone to relive yesterday or fear what might happen tomorrow? What might you have to change in order to start living in this day today? What is the difference between rejoicing (in) something and rejoicing (for) something? The writer does not command us, or say we should rejoice he just says lets rejoice. whats the difference?

Lord God I pray for myself and any of my friends wanting to be included. I pray for you to be a flame with in us. That praising you would come easily, always present, like chap stick on our lips. May we desire your presence in everyday, in every hour, even every moment. May We remember everyday is new and full of your grace and reasons to rejoice! Thank you God for growing this child (Me) up a little more today! Amen


Gratitude lifts our eyes off the things we lack, so we might see the blessings we possess!

1 Thessalonian 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.


Proverbs 4:23 Be careful what you think,
because your thoughts run your life.

Lamentations 3:22-23NCV
"The Lord's love never ends; his mercies never stop.They are new every morning"

Psalm 118:24
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.

--
Your Life is an occasion rise to it!
Smile! You are Loved.
God made you Special and He Loves you very Much!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

A Moment to Cherish! A Life Time to Remember!


I was shopping for groceries a few days ago and had a most trying experience. I just needed some milk and a few little things. Long story short my daughter started climbing up the cart as my back was turned. The next thing I know she is screaming; the cart and groceries are on top of her. A nice grocery clerk and I get her unburied and she refuses to walk. She has a bruise on her hip and her foot seems to be swelling. Mom and daughter cling to each other, talks of a lesson learned are tongue biting moments away from spilling out of me.

I quickly decide we have all we need and head for the check out stand. As I am standing in line holding my daughter the cashier states she is so jealous of me. I take a step back ..what? She says she wishes her daughter would still cling to her like mine was to me. I told her what happened and she said some times the sweetest moments are blessings in disguise, a bad thing turned good. I was, until that moment, thinking what an awful mom I am and how embarrassing it was that I let my daughter get squashed by the cart, as well as a bit of "why can't she just listen and stop climbing on things?"

It took a stranger to show me the blessing of a my daughters squeezing tight hug. It took a stranger to remind me that it is a precious thing to be needed in such a way. To be the one a child turns to for safety and comfort. To be the one she can run to even when she has done something wrong and gotten herself hurt. I can only hope and pray that I, her mom, will always be the kind of person she can turn to and cling to and receiving the comfort and loving support she needs. But as I think this thought I am also struck with the knowing I, one day, will not be enough and she will need to learn to cling to her Jesus even tighter than she clings to her mommy!

I thank God for the trying moments when all seems to be going wrong and nothing seems to be able to help except that strangling tight hug from someone you love and who loves you back enough to squeeze and hold on to you tight!

I thank GOD for giving me kids to show me how much he loves me. That he wants me to run to him, confide in him. He wants me to strangle him with hugs daily. He desires to be there when I have messed up, yet again, to brush me off and lift me up. He is my big daddy Jesus.

That day in the store I was doing all I could to hold my tongue and not take out my frustration on her, telling myself she needs to learn her lesson not to climb. I now realize that the first thing in God's mind is not "did you learn your lesson?" He does not get angry with us when we fall nor is he embarrassed by us. His love is so much deeper and wider than that. His response is more like this "Are you ok, come sit on my lap and be comforted." Lets talk about what we can learn from this so you won't get hurt again." God is love and we can learn so much from him how to parent our children. I know I did that day. I did not hold my tongue out of my desire to be a good parent. It was because God placed people around me to keep me from spilling out what I would have regretted later. The clerk who helped me unbury her, and the cashier whom reminded me of my blessing, my daughter gripping me as her life line!

My daughter was fine once we got home and the swelling I thought I saw was gone. She had two bruises, but would live another day. We talked about how she should never do that again. We hugged and hugged some more and another day of learning how to be the mom God desires me to be was lived.

God bless all mommies out there. Help us Lord to see the big picture. Help us to cherish each hug and giggle. Lord let us not be quick to anger or blame. Let us not take out our frustration with ourselves on our little ones. Please Lord give us the ability to bite our tongues when they desperately need to be bitten. And give us your words and mannerisms when there are things we need to teach our children. That they may learn from us the things that matter. Things like trusting in YOU! Things like patience really is a virtue! Things like Hugs really do make everything feel all better!

Amen in Jesus name

Praise GOD!

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Permanent verses Washable


As a mom I have learned to read the labels on art supplies before I purchase them. I love letting my kids be imaginative and create things on their own. We all know well enough when it is time for fun the mess has just begun. It is so much easier when the mess cleans up with a bit of soap and water. But there are those times when the going outside the lines have become a permanent reminders of the fun once had. Some brands of markers aren't washable on clothing others stick to wood like a new coat of bright strange polka dot stain.

I was thinking on this for a bit and soaked myself in the memory of how Jesus has washed, by his blood, my sins as white as snow. Whether my sins seemed to me permanent or Washable, Nothing is impossible with God.

Our life is like one big art project He watches us try and perfect. When we want help He gives it. God guides us and washes us clean, sending us on our way with a new white sheet of paper every once in a while. He longs for us to trust in him and let his hand guide our brush strokes and does when we allow him to.

He forgives us of our sins and he chooses to forget, yet sometimes that sin just does not seem to want to wash off of us. We seem to have a permanent stain on our brain of what we have done. We go through the process of believing in God's mercy and love and eventually forgive ourselves. But still there is a little mile marker on our lives that pops it's self up to be remembered. I think of these as the permanent marker sins. The ones that though we are forgiven still leave a bit of tarnish on our silver, a smudge on our glass half full called life. Sometimes sins are washed away, no harm done, forgiven and forgotten. Just like those good old water washable markers or paint messes, they clean up fast and all is well back to normal clean as a whistle.

What I have to remember is God does not see as I see things. His ways are not my ways. He does not see sin as little and big, hard to clean verses rinse with water, the forgivable verses the unforgivable. He sees them all the same. And in him we are washed clean. Though we may remember the past we can be thankful it is in the past and can not touch us, or hold us away from God's love, peace, joy... his presence!

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Psalms 103:11-13

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Rest in his forgiveness!
Bask in his loving presence!
God bless! Have a terrific day!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Trust and Obey


Trust in meeeeeeee!
I was laying in bed at 1:30am this morning thinking, praying and my mind came upon this little song from the Disney Jungle Book movie. I started singing this songs tune changing the words a bit for my own worship state of mind. I sang it like this: I trust in you! I am telling you all this because this was the pendulum that smacked all the other balls of thoughts in to motion thus, baddabing: a blog is born.

Something was a miss singing this tune to God in the form of a worship song. Some thing was not right and it was not the fact that it was 1:30 in the morning and I was wide awake trying to stay on key. No back on note, trying to discover what could be the flat in my song unto the Lord I looked back at its origin. There you have it. The tune I was singing originally said "Trust in me!" SO you ask "what is wrong with that... God does want us to trust in him?" God yes, but these words were sung by a snake in the movie. This tune/tone was not a holy whispered on the wind but rather an enticing, look in to my swirling hypnotizing eyes, trust in me long enough for me to wrap my slithering muscle toned body around you, to strangle you, and swallow you whole, sort of tune. Not the song one should probably think of to use as the melody to a worship song.

So along this line of thoughts focused on trust I decided to pause a moment and reflect on some scripture. Come along with me for the ride!

Psalms 9:9-11 (ironic number placement... it brings to mind a date we all had to trust in HIM!)

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalms 19:7-8

The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.


You might be wondering why this blog is titled Trust and Obey? It has to do with the bouncing ball pendulum from the beginning of my story. I started thinking about the reasons trusting in God are important. That ball banged against the thought: can I say that I trust in the Lord honestly? Does my life prove my statement? Do my actions, my walk-a-long random conversations, or things I do just because, prove I am whom I say I am? I say I am, by the way, a lover, believer, trust giver, follower of my super awesome Daddy Savior Jesus!

The next ball on the... yes my thoughts are still banging back and forth, nothing slows down the pendulum. I have always believed whom we serve we choose everyday we rise out of bed. With every decision we make, big or small, gigantore, or puny woony, we either choose to serve God or Satan. Our every word can either be life giving or death spewing. That said , as you can imagine, trusting in the Lord takes on new meaning. It does not mean you just simply believe the scriptures enough to throw them around once in a while in a verbal game of dodge ball. No it means doing what one can do to do whats right during every micro measurable second of your life. Sounds exhausting doesn't it? But this is life and death we are talking about right? Heaven at stake, hell the consequence. ( Not for me just those I spew death upon. I know God forgives and my eternity with him is secured:) By spewing I mean the hurting of others, either with words or actions. This happens every time I selfishly seek for my own self, things I want, and care not about others, including what GOD desires. Sure I can John 1:9 it knowing I am sorry in my heart. But what about the innocent by standers that were just run over by a loose tongue on the rampage? How they choose to think of God by the way I act I can probably never undo.

I have some good news to all this stressful talk. It is time for another stroll through scripture.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Psalm 73:23
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.

Matthew 28:19-20
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

This is good news! We, as we pick up our cross, doing our best to live our lives for our Big Daddy J. C. , are not on our own, out of our own power to do so. As we trust in Him daily, as we choose to listen to his voice and word, as we live and learn from our mistakes He is with us!

Deuteronomy 31:8

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake
you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

But wait there is more! Remember the verse you read that talks about God working all things for the good of those who love him? This is talking not just about the things you done right... pat on the back good job. This verse is talking about ALL THINGS! Those screw up moments, those times we totally drop the ball, the time we spewed death and wished with all our might we could take it back, but just like trying to get excess tooth past back in to the tube, it is just impossible. God says it is possible not by our power but His. Because he is so good, He is willing to work ALL THINGS for the good of those who love him.

Jesus tells us to cast all our cares upon him and take up his Yoke for his yoke is light. He tells us to let Him who is able carry our load... our burdens. So no more living with a woe is me I mess up again syndrome. It is time to live free in Jesus. Daily with him walking in forgiveness and peace and joy. Knowing each step we take we are not alone and when we fall he is right there to make everything right again. It may not seem like every things is all hunky doory. But you can count on his promise he will make good come out of ALL things even our oopsy daisies.

This is the end of my pendulum swinging balls of thoughts. They have knocked on the door of my heart. I hope for you they have done the same.

I leave you with this final note. Trust and Obey willingly, freely, patiently with yourself! For God is a very good God, forever abounding in grace, love and forgiveness. Joyously live as you trust in HIM!

2 Corinthians 7
-8 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Beauty is as Beauty does!


The dictionary says that beautiful is something or someone we look upon and are pleased with what we see.

The Bible tells us in 1Peter 1:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

Romans 10:15
As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Mark 14:3-6
While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, "Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor." And they rebuked her harshly. "Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

Beautiful is the Women spoken of in Proverbs 31 Here are a few exerts from that chapter taken from the message bible:
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
And I add Beauty is as beauty does and such a woman as this is Beautiful indeed!

I write about beauty today to honor all MOM's out there. Mom's are often selfless, serving others with out a thought toward themselves. Mom's are often over looked as the beautiful people they are. Rather they are thought of as the means of nourishment or clean clothes.

I encourage us all to take a look at our moms today and remember the good things they have done for us. Remember the times you were picked up and dusted off. Remember those encouraging words you heard when you were about to give up. Remember the love you felt with every hug and tender look she gave. Remember her as the beauty she is. Give her a call or even better give her a hug in person and tell her so the world can hear "MOM YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!"

Happy Mother's Day all you beauties out there today!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

A Morning Cruise Through Scripture

Job 34:2-4

"Hear my words, you wise men;
listen to me, you men of learning.

For the ear tests words
as the tongue tastes food.

Let us discern for ourselves what is right;
let us learn together what is good.”


"Ye must be born again." John 3:7

To wash and dress a corpse is a far different thing from making it alive: man can do the one, God alone can do the other. If you have then, been "born again," your acknowledgment will be, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who liveth in me." May the Lord enable us to be well assured on this vital point, for to be unregenerate is to be unsaved, unpardoned, without God, and without hope. —from Morning and Evening Devotional


Job35:2-8

“Do you think it is right for you to claim,
‘I am righteous before God’?
For you also ask, ‘What’s in it for me?
What’s the use of living a righteous life?’
“I will answer you
and all your friends, too.
Look up into the sky,
and see the clouds high above you.
If you sin, how does that affect God?
Even if you sin again and again,
what effect will it have on him?
If you are good, is this some great gift to him?
What could you possibly give him?
No, your sins affect only people like yourself,
and your good deeds also affect only humans.

Loving God and loving people is our calling in life. We do not live on some step latter to heaven. Each time we smile right, give the proper amount of tithe or time to God, or do a good deed it does not add up like brownie points earning us our heavenly badges. What we do here on earth effects us and those around us. Whether our lives lead others to Christ or Satan by our action and words is relevant in the here and now and in the time to come. For whom we ourselves choose light or darkness, Jesus or Satan will adjust our living circumstances for all eternity. The way we live effects those around us and their eternal living courters as well. Our Kingdom we long for, our reward for right living is riches we shall adore and cherish. Not gold or silver. What comfort is shiny metals? Can they cushion ones head like a pillow and give rest? Can gold show you mercy or understanding? God's presence so astounding, to be home with our father is reward enough. When the time comes while the streets may be paved with gold as scripture states will not matter. But wait there is more for God's faithful ones there is rewards of splendor. For those who live humbly by Gods mercy and guiding spirit there is comfort beyond compare. For what is more precious than the company of the ones we love? Who can price the quality of laughter and joy found in the good company of friends and family? By our right living other will see and taste that the Lord is good. By our love for others, the love of their father they will come to know, to yearn for and ultimately accept. Loving God and loving people can it be so simple? Yes! Indeed!


Job 40:1-2

Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?
You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?”

Who are we to find fault with God? Who are we that we think our ways are better and make more sense than that of God who formed the earth and clothed her; whom filled the tanks of the oceans, rivers and lakes and taught his fish to swim? We are his Children whom he loves and is patient with. He handles all our bickering, complaining, and shouts of irritation by our lack of information. He quiets our doubt with one breath. By His truth spoken in love we live life! He sustains us and has shown his love for us. God, though so great and mighty, came down and died on a cross for our sin.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.


Job 37:5

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding.


Proverbs3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.


Friday, February 22, 2008

God Sees Me!



Genesis 16
The Birth of Ishmael
1 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal. 3 So Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian servant and gave her to Abram as a wife. (This happened ten years after Abram had settled in the land of Canaan.)

4 So Abram had sexual relations with Hagar, and she became pregnant. But when Hagar knew she was pregnant, she began to treat her mistress, Sarai, with contempt. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “This is all your fault! I put my servant into your arms, but now that she’s pregnant she treats me with contempt. The Lord will show who’s wrong—you or me!”

6 Abram replied, “Look, she is your servant, so deal with her as you see fit.” Then Sarai treated Hagar so harshly that she finally ran away.

7 The angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. 8 The angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

“I’m running away from my mistress, Sarai,” she replied.

9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her authority.” 10 Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.”

11 And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. 12 This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.”

13 Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.”[a] She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” 14 So that well was named Beer-lahai-roi (which means “well of the Living One who sees me”). It can still be found between Kadesh and Bered.

Time to reflect: Sarai took matters into her own hands after God had promised her a child. She thought she could hurry things up a bit by letting her husband sleep with Hagar. After which when Hagar became pregnant Sarai blamed Abram. "It is all your fault now my own slave struts around thinking she is better than I am." Abram said "deal with her as you wish but do not blame me this was your idea not mine."

Okay so now Hagar is being mistreated while pregnant and she runs away. The words that stuck out in my mind reading this passage is that it says God hears Hagar. Then it says that she began calling God by a different name that means "God sees me" It was in this statement I found myself looking up with the overwhelming feeling of being watched. Though we learn since the time we are little God is with us. Seeing the relationship between Hagar and her God "my God Who sees me" really brought the point home. I felt like God was smiling down, even laughing with me at my simple but profound feeling of his presence. Have you ever been around others all day long and felt completely invisible. Sometimes even our best friends we have known for years can look at us and just not get us, just not see us for what, who we are. We long for just one person to understand. God does not just look down upon us. He sees us! God is not only always listening. He hears us for what our hearts cry out not just what words are spoken out loud. I have taken Hagar's name for her Mighty God into my heart. And as I kneel to pray I recognize Him in such a way.

Lord heavenly father, My God who sees Me! I pray for all to know your presence in such a profound way. I pray for everyone to see how precious a gift you have for us all. A relationship of complete understanding, Love , forgiveness, while you guide us and teach us in the way we are meant to live and be. I praise you My God whom sees me, whom sees us all! amen