Continue to Pray

This morning I read 2 Chronicles 15:1-19. This is the story of Asa, one of the kings of Judah ...
From Stormie:
When we live a lifestyle of praise and worship, we keep out heart fresh and open to the working of the Holy Spirit in us. Spending time in prayerful worship keeps us in the right attitude to hear from God and be guided by Him. It positions Him as first priority in our lives and helps us stay dependent upon Him, whether things in our lives are going well or not.
When the Spirit of God cam upon the prophet Azariah, he told King Asa, "The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you" (2Chronicles 15:2) It can't get any clearer than that. If God is with us as long as we're with Him, that should increase our motivation to be with Him.
So what does it mean to be "with God"? We understand it pretty clearly in the bad times. We come to God desperate for help. What about when things are going well? The best advise when you are in a season of peace and rest is to use that time to build and fortify yourself in the Lord. Study His Word. Communicate with Him in prayer. Spend time in His presence in worship and praise. Get closer. Stay with Him. Use that time to fall in love with Jesus all over again.
King Asa did not always do everything right, but in the end he was described as a king who had a heart fully committed to the Lord. Even when you don't act perfectly, you can show God that your heart is perfectly in love with Him by the praise you give Him every day.

prayer: :Lord, I earnestly seek you - come close today. Help me to be a light that shines with your love and glory. Help me to become your obedient servant - always. Thank you for this peaceful time that allows me to draw you in. Strengthen my heart and mind in you. In Jesus precious name. AMEN.

I have to include From God Calling:
Be calm, be true, be quiet. I watch over you.
Rest in My Love. Joy in the very Beauty of Holiness. You are Mine. Deliverance is here for your, but Thankfulness and Joy open the gates.
Try in all things to be very glad, very happy, very thankful. It is not to quiet resignation I give My blessings, but to joyful acceptance and anticipation.
Laughter is the outward expression of joy. That is why I urge upon Love and Laughter.

GRACE AND PEACE!

we are here!

We arrived on North Captiva Island Saturday @ 9:30am ... it was overcast when we loaded the boat and full sun when we docked. We had a very smooth drive to Florida - uneventful, which is a certain blessing. All 3 cars cars met and slept in Macon,GA ... 2 cars arrived around 9:30 and the final car arrived 12:30. Everyone was up for breakfast at 7am - it was fun to see everyone, then we all headed out in 30 min increments to head to Ft Myers for Friday Night. Everyone arrived by 6pm.
Aaron and I got to meet up with my friend that lives in Cape Coral - that was great! :)

Today, Sunday morning we have overcast skies and it is stormy - it should all pass by noon. Which is perfect for our skin! WE all got just a little crispy yesterday. The house is perfect, I look forward to posting pictures when we return ... it is great to be in such a remote area.

On to my morning Joel .... it is completely refreshing to know continually how awesome our God is.

Free From Bondage
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
“…I will free you from their bondage and I will rescue you with an outstretched arm…” (Exodus 6:6, AMP).
TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria
No matter what’s going on in your life, no matter how somebody is treating you, God has a plan to free you from everything that would try to hold you back. He wants to rescue you and show you His mighty hand of favor and blessing. One translation says “with special and vigorous action.” What does that mean? That means, if you will stay in faith even in the difficult times, God is going to show up with explosive blessings. He is going to bring supernatural turnaround, supernatural breakthroughs, supernatural promotion, and supernatural deliverance. God is saying, “I’m going to free you from the bondage of poverty and lack. I’m going to free you from the burden of depression and discouragement. I’m going to free you from every addiction, every bad habit.” You don’t have to live in bondage to anything any longer! God’s arm of deliverance is outstretched toward you. He is setting you free from every bondage so that you can live the life of victory He has in store for you!
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father in heaven, thank You for delivering me from every fear, every concern, every obstacle, every form of bondage. I declare today that no weapon formed against me shall prosper because You are my deliverer. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

preparing to leave

We are heading out in about 2 hours ... are we ready - as ready as we can be:) 

Last night Aaron shared that he dropped off his computer to have some work done while we are gone - so I do not think I will be posting while on vacation. Unless I can figure out how to use my sisters iPhone to post ... ? we will see. Otherwise, we will all be on vacation RIGHT! :) Which coincides with this part of my morning devotion:

So leave your foolish fears and follow Me, your Guide, and determinedly refuse to consider the  problems of tomorrow. My message to you is, trust and wait.

Trust and Wait ...  a reoccurring theme. I am looking on expectantly to be able to un plug, and listen for the still small voice of the Lord .... I smile thinking about what might be revealed. 

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Pslam 27:14

GRACE AND PEACE!

So True!

thanks DURHAM FAMILY - I was blown away this morning:)

from God Calling:

I am with you. Do not fear never doubt My Love and Power. Your heights of success will be won by the daily persistent doing of what I have said. 

Daily, steady persistence. Like the wearing away of a stone by steady drops of water, so will your daily persistence wear away all the difficulties and gain success for you, and secure your help for others. 

Never falter, go forward so boldly, so unafraid. I am beside you to help and strengthen you. Wonders have unfolded. More still will unfold, beyond your dreams, beyond your hopes. 

Say, "All is well" to everything. All is well.

after reading, I went to "my sisters verse" ... 

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful man, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ... 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those how have been trained by it. 12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Hebrews 12

PRAYER: Lord, you are simply amazing. I do not know how to thank you for all the blessings that have been poured out and continue to pour. I thank you for the future that you have planned. Continue to mold me into the woman you desire. Thank you for holding me close, for caring about me and loving me. Even when I am full of doubt and questions. Thank you for your living word and allowing it to move and speak to me. I wait expectantly for all you have prepared.  Continue to guide my steps on this LEVEL path, providing discernment along the way. Help my eyes to stay focused on you and your will for me. Thank you for the strength provided when life gets rocky. Thank you for providing STEADY persistence as we move forward into all you have desired. In the name of your precious son, Jesus. AMEN

GRACE AND PEACE!

wow!

from God Calling: 

I am here. Seek not to know the future. Mercifully I veil it from you. Faith is too priceless a possession to be sacrificed in order to purchase knowledge. But Faith itself is based on a knowledge of ME. So remember that this evening time is not to learn the future, not to receive revelation of the Unseen, BUT to gain an intimate knowledge of ME which will teach you all things and be the very foundation of your faith.

WOW - this was my daily reading for today, i never read ahead ... but I marvel how two days ago I was longing to know the future and understand ... this was waiting for me. All I can do is shake my head and chuckle. God is so good. HE continues to strengthen my faith in Him - and continues to build this precious relationship with Jesus, simply amazing! 

Looking ahead, the fam heads south Thursday. We are not technically car-a-van-ing ... but we are traveling on the same route, just various departing times. We will meet up Friday after 4pm in Cape Coral, FL. (North FT Myers) Which is SUPER great, one of my dear friends lives there now (we started teaching together 12 years ago and in 2002 she moved to Florida) I am looking forward to hanging out Friday with her:) Our boat to the Island, North Captiva leaves at 9am. We placed our grocery order today, they will be packed and picked up for us Sat early ... then we will be on our way to relaxation. We will actually be on the island Sat to Sat. I am looking forward to a the beach, the ocean and the sun. TOTAL rejuvenation!

Thank you for continued prayers.

GRACE AND PEACE!

outstretched

So yesterday was a day that I was upset, angry and questioning. I know there are no answers that my simple mind can even begin to comprehend the grandness that God has planned - and that is the reason for my feelings. Therefore when I read Joel this morning, it reminded me that the Lord has a plan - who am I to try and change that plan. It is the same scripture I looked at one week ago - amazing how in one week I can forget something so profound. 

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

 “For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who can annul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back”
 (Isaiah 14:27, AMP).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

As believers, you and I have an advantage. We don’t have to go through life just depending on our own talent, our own ability, our own strength. The Scripture talks about how God’s hand is outstretched toward His people. That means there is a supernatural power behind every believer. God’s outstretched hand will help you accomplish dreams that you thought were impossible. His outstretched hand will cause you to get well even when the medical report says there is no way. The outstretched hand of God will help us to prosper even when the economy is down.

Let this sink down into your heart today. All through the day, imagine God’s hand outstretched toward you. It is a hand of healing, a hand of favor, a hand of restoration. No matter what you may be facing, you have to realize there is a force for you that is greater than any force that will ever be against you. You’re attitude should be, “I am not settling where I am. I know I have an advantage. As a child of the Most High, I know God’s hand is outstretched toward me.”

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, thank You for Your outstretched hand of protection and provision for me. I choose to lay aside every fear and every concern knowing that You will make a way for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

From my journal: 

Lord,I pray that you will help to subside these feelings. Fill me with love, strength and your glory. Continue to lift the veil covering my eyes that I may begin to recognize how you will use me in the Kingdom in a powerful way. Father, do not let me become paralyzed by fear or anger. Allow those feeling to run their course then move on. Strengthen me in faith and trust that you DO answer prayers all according to your will and perfect timing. I am ever thankful that you make all things new. Spring is coming - How I look forward to what this new growth will bring. How glorious is YOUR SON. I thank you for holding me close. I thank you for not turning away from me, but drawing near. I turn to you Lord, I pray to be obedient and strong in you. My soul is anchored in You. Praise be to you Lord, in the name of your precious son, Jesus. AMEN.

GRACE AND PEACE!

just need to cry

today has been one of those days that tears stream down my face. i am sad, angry and hurt. i do not want to talk about it, i just want to cry. to get it out. i have not cried over jeremy for a while. i just want to cry. so i am crying.

driving into church this morning, doing our regular routine - i read aarons message to him. i finished and looked out the window and wept. aaron asked if i was okay - i said i will be fine but could not to talk with him about it right then.  through out the morning i continued to cry. it stops then starts again. i know that this is just part of it. it will be okay. i just need to cry.

today i will cry - tomorrow will be better, HE is near. 

the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. psalm 34:18a

GRACE AND PEACE!

Hijacked

Wheew - today I realized how things can get very out of control on the web! I have a Gmail account I use for my Beads. Just recently with the new computer I have been using it more, as it is easy to access.  I received a message from "The GMAIL TEAM" and replied. It looked legit - but then few hours later I was flooded with text msg and calls from people that received an "Strange" email from me ... my account had been hijacked. The password was changed and the email was in regards to me being stuck in England, with no id, passport or money. There was a request for money, but no place to send the money ... 

anyway, I was on my way to my sisters and got on her computer and reported it right away. It was fixed very quick and I was able to update my account. 

SO BEWARE! 

people are out there that like to cause trouble for those of us minding our own business.

GRACE AND PEACE!

love this

I love it when my readings line up ... I am going to post in the order I studied this morning.

from God Calling:

Courage

I am here. Fear not. Can you really trust Me? 

I am a God of Power, as well as a Man of Love, so human, yet so divine. Just trust. I cannot, and will not, fail you. All is well. Courage. Many are praying for you both.

TRUST - COURAGE ... they work together, hand in hand. Knowing that God will bring me through everything -  like a warm cozy blanket. My bible reading also touched heavy on trusting that God can provide ...

The Widows Oil

The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, "Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that he revered the Lord. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves." 

Elisha replied to her, "How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house?" 

"Your servant has nothing there at all," she said, "except a little oil."

Elisha said, "Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few. Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side." 

She left him and afterward shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her ans she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, "Bring me another one."

But her replied, "There is not a jar left." Then the oil stopped flowing.

She went and told the man of God, and he said, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left."  2 Kings 4:1-7

As I read the scripture this morning I was again reminded that God will take what you have and multiply it to meet your needs as well.  But how well are we able to contain all God has for us? Is my faith enough to embrace the big things God wants to do in my life?  

MY PRAYER: Lord, enlarge my heart to contain all You have for me. I ask for you to give me a big faith that will help me turn away from all doubt. Thank you Lord for the many ways you continue to fill my life. Build in me trust and courage to listen and obey your will for me. I look on expectantly to all that is yet to be revealed. AMEN!

GRACE AND PEACE!

big days

The past two days have been big - relating to volleyball. 

1: last night I had dinner with the 2009 seniors, the three returning varsity letter winners that are currently juniors - but for my purposes are seniors:) Aaron and I spent a few hours catching up with them and talking about the upcoming season ... their likes/dislikes, hopes and dreams. As Aaron noted, there is a strong level of trust. They did not hold back with their hopes for the season and were not afraid of me saying no or yes. It was good. I miss them, and I am so very thankful for the relationships that have developed over the last three years. I can remember each of them as freshmen  ... now they can all drive! I started having this special dinner 2 years ago with my first seniors that had been freshmen my first year - I really love this tradition. And that Aaron is a part of it:) 

2: My friend and former assistant coach had her little girl yesterday! This is a child of blessing. She thought there was NO chance she would ever have children. I am so excited for her ... I plan to visit Thursday or Friday - I can not wait to meet her:)

3: I had my first outside my school speaking engagement! I was asked by a local perish to speak at their end of season volleyball banquet. While it is very unlikely any of the players will go to NC, it is still exciting to see so many girls that enjoy playing volleyball! I was nervous about what I would talk about - and the Holy Spirit took over. I had been asked to talk about how volleyball/sport has impacted my life - what high school volleyball coached look for in players ... the door was very open. Last week I wrote down some thoughts and Ideas ... but today as I was driving the inspiration hit me - Volleyball is my Vehicle! So I shared how volleyball had taken me into different areas of my life - it surprised me that I had a story to share. And I felt good about it. The tables of girls and parents were great - they maintained excellent eye contact and the head nods were encouraging ... along with the thank you's at the end. So although the players are not likely to attend North Central - I hope they continue to play the sport, and say hi from across the net:) 

The last two days have been super full - and such a blessing to me. As I have been looking for some fire and passion in areas of my life, God showed up and brought to my mind all that the sport of volleyball has done  - and even how He has always been there, of course just part of His plan. What an amazing ministry volleyball has become. I pray that I can be intentional with showing the Love of Jesus Christ in my interactions because of volleyball. 

finally this morning from God Calling: 

Listen, listen, I am your Lord. Before me there is none other. Just trust ME in everything. Help is here all the time. The difficult way is nearly over, but you have learnt in it lessons you could learn in no other way. "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." Wrest from ME, by firm and simple trust and persistent prayer, the treasures of My Kingdom. Such wonderful things are coming to you, Joy - Peace - Assurance - Secure - Health - Happiness - Laughter. Claim big, really big, things now. Remember, nothing is too big. Satisfy the longing of My Heart to give. Blessing, abundant blessing, on you both now and always. Peace. 

GRACE AND PEACE!

some scripture

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:8

For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out and who can turn it back? Isaiah 14:27

Again, I face the day with a searching heart. I  have to confess I want it all figured out - I daily must submit myself to the unfolding of the Lords plan for me. There are a number of folds in this plan -  I actually picture  a patch work quilt. Something that all the pieces alone are confusing and make no sense. Only when they are sewn together do these pieces begin to make sense and create something whole. What I need to submit to, my quilt is not complete and that is hard. 

But like David, in the Psalm ... the Lord will fulfill his purpose - and he will not abandon me. (or you!) The plans the Lord has for me are good - I am working to be willing to hear his call and direction. I pray to have a willing heart to follow and walk faithfully in the manner he desires. 

Then looking at Isaiah - the promise that the Lord has already set about completing this plan ... NO ONE can throw him off.  

prayer: Lord, help me to be strong and obey you regardless of how much I may be enticed to do otherwise. I look on with expecting and joyful eyes at the beautiful quilt you are creating with my life. As your word declares, no eye has seen, no ear has heard, all that YOU can do. AMEN.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Ecclesiastes

This week I have been bit by the spring cleaning bug - so has Aaron. This is great. We have a new best friend - the label maker. We seem to accumulate a large amount of paper, we have stacks and stacks that come in the mail. Some things we can toss - others we need to keep. But until this week we have both been at a loss for the best way to keep those items. Aaron asked me to get a label maker earlier this week, so I did. It is so cool. The result, an organized filing system. All papers have been tossed or filed away. Our office room is becoming less and less cluttered. I have been taking books to 1/2 price books and selling them. (do not take more then one bag of books at a time ... I get the same price each time I drop off 1 bag or 2) Aaron has also acquired a number of books for ministry - I am considering the dewey decimal system ...? As we organize there is a feeling of control. I still have my beads to get under control - but that I am looking forward to. I also plan to work on organizing Jeremy's things. I need to decide what items to keep out and put away for safe keeping - that will still be easily accessible.
So what does Ecclesiastes have to do with this? One of the days this week I was listening to Francis Chan (wrote Crazy Love / pastor in Cali) I enjoy the messages he shares. He is bold in the word and speaks with the authority of God and never ending love of Jesus. Anyway ... in this particular message he read the entire book of Ecclesiastes - 12 chapters. He stopped between each with reflections and selected various people in the church to read.
This book was written by King Solomon, to all those searching for the meaning of life. A topic that over the past months I have wrestled with.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a tie for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has placed on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. I know everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

Once again, I am reminded that I do not need to unfold the meaning of life - how would that help me. The Lord already has a good and perfect plan - and TIME for everything. My little mind cannot even begin to understand or fathom what God has done. I am daily thankful for the continued developing relationship in Christ. Because of that relationship, I do not need to question - I must trust and walk in faith. Not always easy ... but I will never be perfect in this relationship - thank you Lord that you do not expect me to.
Lord, continue to surround me with your strength and love. I pray to be willing and obedient to your plan. In your sons name, Jesus. AMEN.

GRACE AND PEACE!

:)

It is Friday again, and looking over the week, it has been good. I am sure the anticipation of SPRING is a major influence on my outlook each day. Last Sunday the family gathered to create the grocery list for our trip to North Captive. Because we are going to an island, we get there by a boat - there will not be an opportunity to just spontaneously go to the store. Hard to begin to imagine all the food needed for 8 adults, and 6 kids (2 of which eat like adults!) What an adventure!

encouragement from Joel, even when the days are good ... it helps to know that HE is always working for us behind the scenes working for us - and he does amazing and wonderful things. 

There's Nothing too Hard for Him

Today's Scripture

"Is any thing too hard for the LORD?..." (Genesis 18:14, KJV).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

In Genesis, God promised Sarah that she was going to have a child. At first she didn’t believe it. She thought she was too old. She thought her time had passed. But do you know what God said to her? He simply asked, “Sarah, is there anything too hard for the Lord?” I believe God is saying the same thing to us today. “Is there anything too hard for Me?”

Do you think your dreams are too big for God to bring to pass? Do you think that a relationship is too far gone for God to restore it? Do you think you have to just live with sickness the rest of your life? Get a new vision today because there is nothing too hard for God! God is saying today, “I am all-powerful. I can turn any situation around.” It doesn’t matter what things look like in the natural, we serve a supernatural God. The Amplified version puts it this way, “Is there anything too wonderful for the Lord?” The next time you think, “That’s just too good to be true,” remember, God wants to bless you beyond your wildest dreams. Take the limits off and dare to believe that He has wonderful things in store for you!

A Prayer for Today

Heavenly Father, I choose to trust You with my whole heart. I know there is nothing too hard for You. Help me to stand strong in faith and keep me close to You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

the Room

before you see the room ... check out Charlie "protecting" Jameson:) 

I have had a few requests to see what painting has been done for the twins. Last summer Sarah and I creating wall art (they are posted way back) for the girls room - and it will be hung in this room too .... right now the room is empty so you can see the walls. When the girls walked in they both exclaimed "I love it"

Can You See the Difference?

Can you tell I am working on a new computer? I can - it feels so extravagant - and comfortable. I actually feel "at home" with the new computer. Sunday after Aaron printed his Sunday sermon, the computer went black. We tried to restart ... many times. The screen would stay up for 10-15 seconds. SO after a year of knowing this day would come - we were prepared - and I knew what our next computer purchase should be ... iMAC. LOVE IT! I have been teaching for 12 years, this is the type of computer I know. It is like coming home. :) I know, a bit on the silly side - but sometimes something light is just what is needed. We have a plan that includes weekly one-on-one sessions to learn about all this guy can do, we plan to move beyond writing documents and surfing the net. Anyway I am sure you can not tell ... but I CAN! 

The past few days in my devotions have dwelt in Joy. 

from March 10: As ripples caused by a flung stone stir the surface of a whole pond,so your joy-making shall spread in ever-widening circles, beyond all your knowledge, all anticipation. Joy in Me. Such Joy is eternal. Centuries after, it is still bearing Joy's precious Fruit.

This spoke volumes to me, as I strive to walk more like Jesus - to have a mind and heart that more closely resembles His.  I think of each interaction I have through a day, each encounter is a stone being thrown in the pond. I can determine what type of stone is tossed in the pond. My stones - stones of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Of course we always have two choices, and I work hard to choose the path that will be most pleasing to the Lord. 

from March 11 Look for Beauty and Joy in the world around. Look at a flower until its beauty becomes part of your very soul. It will be given back to the world again by you in the form of a smile or a loving word. Listen to a bird. Take the song as a message from My Father. Let it sink into your soul. That too will be given back to the world in ways I have said. Laugh more, laugh often. Love more. I am with you. I am your Lord.

First, if you know me you know birds scare me to the core - but hearing them does not mean they are in close proximity ... none the less - they are animals crated by the Lord, so we can exist together I will just never have one in my home and it is great if we just stay away from one another. ANYWAY ... this devotion tied right back to the pond - and how when we take time to look and "see" the beauty of the Lord in all the things around us - how can that not then become part of us that we share with all we encounter. AMAZING. Even without being intentional about how we interact and rub off on others we do. I plan to become more intentional in how I rub off, or toss my stones around.  

Striving to be more like Jesus - everyday.

PRAYER:LORD, continue to build in me a heart that is pleasing to you. You shower down so many blessings and I deeply thank you. As you pour into me, I ask that I can pour into those around me in a manner most pleasing to you. Help me create stones that bring Joy, glory and praise to you as they are spread through the world and your kingdom. In your sons precious name, Jesus, Amen. 

GRACE AND PEACE!

His Plan

Once again, as I continue to take new steps everyday I am reminded that the Lord has the perfect plan for me. I have recognized that I am in a season of change and through this time of change I will continue to trust in the Lord that he has the plan for me. How I would love to see the layout, the agenda the outline of this plan - but I will simply trust and follow in faith that He will direct and lead me. And I will be satisfied with the glimpses I receive - what a blessing!

LOVE the verse from Joel - and as usual the timing is PERFECT....

Choose His Plan
Today's Scripture
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
What are you planning for this year? Are you planning this year according to the news reports, or are you planning this year according to the Word of God? It’s good to be informed about what’s happening in the world, but remember, God is not limited by what we see in the natural. You may be planning to have an ordinary year, but God is planning for you to have an extraordinary year. You may be planning on just barely getting by, but God is planning on a year of abundance for you.
Why don’t you choose His plan for you this year? He has a good plan for you, to prosper you and give you hope for your future. In other words, He wants to do supernatural things in your life. He wants you to be an example of His goodness. Start declaring that this year is going to be a supernatural year. Start declaring that this is the year you will see your dreams come to pass; a year when you will discover new talents and become stronger and healthier. As you put Him first in everything you do, you’ll move forward into the supernatural blessings He has in store for you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for the good plan You have for me. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. I lift up my eyes from the natural realm into the spiritual realm. Help me see the blessings You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Spring is Coming!

Last night/this morning we set our clocks ahead one hour ... we "sprung" forward in observation of Day Light Savings Time. My spring break is 3 weeks away; we will be heading to FLORIDA, North Captiva to be exact. You can only get there by boat ... and I am looking forward to the warm sun. I do enjoy getting tan - I know not a good thing for my skin and I do actually use sunscreen now. I say now, because growing up I NEVER NEVER used sunscreen. But I still like my skin to have color. It is looking rather transparent these days. Aaron, while he does not bask in the sun with me - enjoys the warm weather, going fishing, riding bikes and have quite areas for reflection. It is a true win win! Sometime he will sit next to me on the beach ... me in the sun and he is in the shade. :) It is a sight.

I added a new video/song over on the left - one of my favorites. We sang it last night and I had to go find it as we head into spring. Heading into spring, reminds me that God makes all things new. The song is a WONDERFUL song of worship! I hope you all enjoy it too.

My devotion this morning from GOD CALLING:

Heaven-Life

The Joy of the Spring shall be yours in full measure. Revel in the earth's joy. Do not you think the Nature is weary too, of her long months of travail? There will come back a wonderful joy, if you share in her joy now. Nature is the embodied Spirit of My Thoughts of beauty for this world. Treat her as such - as truly My servant and messenger, as any saint who has ever lived. To realize this will bring to you both new life-joy. Share her joys and travails, and great blessings will be yours. This is all-important, because it is not only believing certain things about Me that helps and heals, but knowing Me, sensing My Presence in a flower, My message in its beauty and perfume. You can truly live a life not of Earth - a heaven-life here and now. JOY-JOY-JOY!

SPRING - what a time of SHEER BLESSINGS!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Saturday Again!

This week went fast - I can not believe that it is already Saturday. The week was very busy!

My sister is in the process of moving, they closed on the new house in February and will close on the old house in 2 weeks. (They sold their house in 10 days. Pretty amazing I know!) The house my sister is moving into happens to be the house her husband grew up in ... this is a house that they plan to stay in for MANY MANY years, just as her husbands parents spent 30 years in as well. This opportunity is not something that was imagined ever, but due to the too early passing of my sisters mother in law 2 years ago, her father in law recognized it was too much space for just him. So the move for all is bittersweet. This is the start of a new chapter in all their lives.
This week, I helped my sister paint the twins room. Pink and Purple ... I will post pictures soon. The house for the past 30 years has only seen boys ... 3 boys grow up. I can only imagine how different it will be with girls. My sisters son will grow up in his fathers old room - that is cool! My sister and her husband will be taking down wall paper and working over the next week to make the house "theirs". My sisters mother in law had great decorating sense, but they want the house to represent them, not their parents. That means I will be over helping with wall paper, trim and more paint. I love being able to help them ... and I enjoy being able to use my creativity and art background to inspire my sister :)

My reading the past few days has been very interesting - dealing with FEAR ...
from GOD CALLING:
Have no fear. Fear is evil and "perfect Love casts out fear." There is not room for fear in the heart in which I dwell. Fear destroys Hope. It cannot exist where Love is, or where Faith is. Fear is the curse of the world. Man is afraid - afraid of poverty, afraid of loneliness, afraid of unemployment, afraid of sickness. Many, many are man's fears. Nation is afraid of nation. Fear, fear, fear, everywhere. Fight fear as you would a plague. Turn it out of your lives and home. Fight it singly. Fight it together. Never inspire fear. It is an evil ally. Fear of punishment, fear of blame. No work that employs this enemy of Mine is work for me. Banish it. There must be another and better way. Ask ME, and I will show it to you.

This week I faced a fear head on. I took hold of the promises that God never leaves us and knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work in me - so when the situation arrived I was filled with the Joy of the Lord and my fears were gone. I am anchored in the Lord - and refuse to be carried away by fear and storms that threaten. The day after I faced this situation, I read the above devotion and it created a clear vision for me to recognize what had taken place. The Lord is so utterly amazing! His perfect love casts out all fear. The next day I read about Gods love for us, He covers us with perfect love. The deeper we press in for the Lord, the more of His perfect love we experience ... and the less fear we will have.

prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for your good and perfect love. You continue to fill me up with your joy and love - thank you for the many times you have poured your blessings on me, aaron, my family and friends. Thank you for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you for crating me a spirit of strength in you and casting out all fear. Through you I am strong when I start to feel weak. Lord you are amazing -thank you thank you! In your sons precious name, Jesus - AMEN.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Rejoice

Today is Jeremy's 2 month birthday. I smile when I think of him today - such a great pregnancy, wonderful delivery, and a beautiful sweet precious face. When I opened Joel today, I was very pleased to see the start of the verse my Nephews read during Jeremy's service - and I am reminded to REJOICE IN THE LORD - ALWAYS! :)

Rejoice in the Lord
Today's Scripture
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NKJ)
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
When was the last time you had so much joy that you couldn’t contain yourself? Maybe your favorite football team won the big game. Or maybe you received some unexpected, good news. There are many reasons to rejoice in this life, but the scripture tells us to rejoice in the Lord.To rejoice simply means to express great joy. There are many ways to express your joy in the Lord. You can sing, shout, clap, and one biblical definition is to literally spin around! Notice these are all action words. That means we can choose to take action no matter what our emotions are telling us. We can choose to rejoice in the Lord no matter what’s going on around us. And keep in mind, when you make the choice to rejoice even when you don’t feel like it, you are giving God a sacrifice of praise. That’s something that pleases the Lord. That’s something that opens the door for Him to move on your behalf. When you take a step of faith and choose to rejoice, before long, your feelings will get in line. You’ll feel His joy bubbling out of you like rivers of living water, refreshing you and giving you strength to live in victory in every area of your life.
A Prayer for Today
Father in Heaven, I choose to rejoice in You. I set my mind, heart, and emotions on You today knowing that You are faithful! I will sing of Your mercies and goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Ruth

How I pray to be obedient and faithful like Ruth.
Yesterday I read the book of Ruth. What a special little jem. A book of hope, faith and trust - and a demonstration of the perfect will of God. The book starts with tragedy and ends with the birth of Obed, the father of Jesse, who is the father of David ... the line of Jesus!
How easy it is for us to read the story beggining to end and see how wonderful God truly is. Without the pain, heartache and trials - Ruth would not have been in Boaz' fields. To then marry him and give birth the Obed! Ruth is a model of faithfulness and the blessing that comes from devotion to God and His ways. God rescues those that continue to seek Him. GLORY!!!!

I continue to daily take refuge in the Lord, He is the one that I seek for fullness and love. He fills me up. In my weaknesses, He is made strong, I am so thankful for the strength of the Lord and that through Him, all is well.
prayer: Lord, I thank you that You will redeem all my difficult situations and use them for Your purpose and glory!

GRACE AND PEACE!

8 weeks

Looking back, over the past week - it was a tough week. I found myself very emotional ... today I realized 8 weeks ago today we met Jeremy.
Friday, Kate and I were talking about Jeremy - we do that often. In the car the "blessed be your name" came on - Kate called out this is from Jeremy's service. Kate said " remember we were all clapping and singing ... and you were crying. Why where you crying?" So I did the best I could to explain, through my teary eyes again, that I was missing my son. Then she asked if I still loved Jeremy - and I replied, Forever I will love him.. Kate just smiled and began singing again. :) She is too sweet, and I am thankful that she likes to talk about Jeremy.

So perfect today:
From Stormies Heart
Trusting God with Your Future
God has so much for us. We have no idea. We look for crumbs under the table; He has prepared a feast for us in the royal banquet hall. We wonder if He remembers who we are; He has been calling our name. WE wait for Him to notice our plight; He waits for us to take His hand. WE see ourselves in the dark because we've done something wrong; HE sees us in the light because we've done something right. WE don't recognize the answers to our own prayers; He moves powerfully at our request. WE have trouble trusting Him fully with our future; He has a future for us better than the one we dream of for ourselves. "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9)
We worry so about our future because we can never be completely certain about it. A single event can change our lives. For the better, we hope. For the worse, we fear. When we ask Him about it, He sometimes reveals specifics. But most of the time He doesn't give us anything more then assurance that our future is secure in His hands. He shows us that we have a future, and this simple knowledge must be enough for us.
You have a great future ahead, and it will be reached as you move out of your past and walk step-by-step with God as He reveals Himself to you in the present.
Just as you should not live in the past, resist the urge to live in the future also. Put your future in God's hands, trusting that he will never withhold anything good from you, and then stop worrying about it. This doesn't mean a trumpet will sound announcing that you are spiritually immature if you find yourself concerned about the future. God is not asking you to be perfect. He is asking you to allow Him to be perfect in you. God is not asking you to have your whole future figured out. He is asking you to trust that He has your future planned. Thinking too much about the future can keep you from fully living the life God has given you now.
This doesn't mean you can't have goals, but some people have goals that are so strong they sacrifice everything to achieve them, even their family and God. Instead of allowing the goal to come from God, the goal itself becomes God.
Simply follow Him every day on that narrow pathway and you will be free. Free to trust Him for every step. Free to be all He made you to be. Free to do what He called you to do. Free to enjoy all He has for you. You'll walk in a depth of love, peace, fulfillment, and joy you never thought possible.
You don't have to have your life all figured out; you only have to take one step at a time walking with God. And every time you put your hand in God's hand, you'll know you've got a solid hold on your future.

This past week, I was once again trying to figure out all the details of what comes next. Trying to find that passion and fire to lead me where to go - that passion and fire just needs to be for God the rest will work out. God has already prepared the perfect plan and path for me - I must remind myself to continue to submit, trust and walk faithfully in his light.

GRACE AND PEACE!