Let It Resonate

 

 

 

Father I pray that someone reading Your Word today will experience Your love for them in a way they they never have before.

 

I pray they will realize how rich in kindness You are.

 

I pray they will understand that You purchased their freedom through the blood of Your Son and that today their sins are FORGIVEN. (Ephesians 1:7)

 

 

Amen

 

Altar Sunday

Do you know someone in great need? If so, would you approach the Throne Room on their behalf.

What greater gift is there?

Jesus there are so many in greater need than I am. May I use all my energies on serving and praying for them, rather than focusing on myself.

Finish what You Started

"I strain to reach the end of the race and recieve the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Philippians 3:14


I bounce around in my time with the Lord. But lately the Lord has been pulling me back. Stay here Kristi. Don't move from this chapter. I have things for You to learn right here.

Stay focused and finish what I asked you to start. No matter how hard it seems, no matter how frustrated or defeated things might get. Stay here. I have things right here for you to do for My glory.

This is teaching me real comittment, which is something I struggle with. No, not when it comes to my time with the Lord, more so in things that are to hard for me, or things that I feel set me up for failure.

Things that overwhelm me, or stress me out cause me to want to give up easily. Though I never do, my heart and words would tell you differently.

This often leads to a negative attitude. Anyone ever been there before?

Well if so I get it! So does the Lord and He calls us to perserve, to stay focused, comitted, faithful, and to trust in His will for our lives.

I am so thankful He has never given up on me. I am so thankful He was comitted to completing what God called Him to do here on earth. I am thankful for His love and faithfulness that carried Him all the way to the Cross. 

Jesus finished what He started and I want to do the same.

Jesus thank You for finishing what You started. You have shown me the importance of comittment no matter how hard it is. Help me to stay focused and finish what You have started in me. Change my heart and my mind to be just like Yours. Remove any negativity or thoughts of giving up. You have called us here for a time such as this and You have placed me in Ephesians for a reason. Help me to see and understand what You are teaching me in this wonderful book. Amen

Trust Issues

'For the word of the Lord holds true, and everything he does is worthy of our trust. He loves whatever is just and good and his unfailing love fills the earth." Psalm 33:4-5

Do you struggle with trust issues? Maybe there is a reason why you do. If so does it affect your relationship with the Lord?

Do you find it hard to trust Him?

There are so many times in all of our lives when things happen that we don't understand why. Maybe we trusted God in a certain area for it to turn out differently than what we expected and that left us doubting Him.

And brethren I believe that in those times, when the Lord looks at our hearts, He understands our stuggle, our trust issue.

So do you know what He does? He reveals Himself to us through something we least expected. He shows us that His plans, His ways are better.

He uses His Word to speak to our doubtful hearts. He says, "My Word holds true, and everything I do is worthy of your trust. I love whatever is just and good and my unfailing love fills the earth."

There is really not a better place to go if you struggle with trust issues than the Word of God.

His Word is true friend, believe in His promises. He is faithful and His Word brings life and hope.

He is worthy of all of our trust.

Remember His ways are better than ours, so if some things turned out differently than you expected, it's okay. God is with you. He loves you. He has your best interest in mind at all times.

Let Him deliver you from your doubts.

Jesus You indeed our worthy of our trust. You are exactly who You say You are. Your every Word holds true. Help us not to doubt. Amen

The Need to Know More

"He is Jesus Christ, the Word of life." 1 John 1:1

In this mind boggling thought that I am loved by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords leaves me a little...speechless.

As I spend more time getting to know Jesus, it is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that He loves me unconditionally and desires to have a realtionship with me, a sinner.

What undeserved mercy!

I have spent a lot of time reading His Word to get out of it what I wanted and in doing that I have missed out on getting to know more about the One who desires to have a realitionship with me.

I don't know, maybe my lack of really getting to know Christ the way my heart desires is because of the shame I feel.

How sad to allow that to hinder my realtionship with Christ.

Jesus, the One who loves me, is not only loving, but He is patient (extremely patient) kind, Good, Just and Fair. He is the Word of Life, the Lamb of God. He is the light that penetrates every dark area in me. He is the One who knows what is best for me and my family. He is the One who has a plan for me, us. He is the One who went all the way to the cross to die for me.

The more I spend time with Him the more I realize how much He knows about me. Do I seek to know Him like He knows me? Am I nailing my sin and self to the cross so I can walk with Him in the newness of life He so eagerly desires to give me?

There is only greatness that comes from knowing and serving Christ. I will say, the more you seek Him the more you realize just how holy He is. So much that it makes you feel as though you should be face down.

Even then you don't feel low enough.

There is no greater thing than knowing Jesus. There is no greater thing than allowing Him to take control of your life and reveal to you things about Himself that will leave you amazed.

I want and need more of Him. How about you?

Jesus I want the most of You that this weak mortal body can contain. I want to experience Your love in the deepest most real way possible. Amen

The Only Words I Have

There are no words that would even come close to sufficing for the pain and suffering you are going through. I know I tell you often that I love you and it's only because love seems to cover a mulitude of all things.

Love is strong, because it's His love. I want you to know you are loved, your family is loved. And honestly Dana I can't get out any other words. The knot in my throat and the tears, they won't let anything else come out.

But besides that, I know with every ounce of Jesus that is in me, you my precious sister will be healed. I believe that and cling to that.

I hate cancer and I use the word hate very strongly.

But I love Jesus, I love His Word and those two things are beautiful, lovely, and forever. So I am spending time with Him, on my face for you. I am covering every part  of your body with His Word, because it is the only medicine there is that works.

There is hope in Him, there is comfort found in His Word. There is peace found in Him.

Hold on to Him Dana, He will hold you up. He will supply your every need for the day. He will show You His love.

Jesus as we seek Your face we ask that Dana feels Your constant presence. We pray protection for her and her family from any arrows Satan tries to shoot at them. I pray they will cling to You and remain faithful no matter the circumstances. Oh Father I pray that for all of us. Jesus there is no one that comforts, heals, or provides for us better than You. Jesus please relieve Dana's pain. Give her strength to continue to fight. Boost her immune system in her body. But most of all Father, reach down and remove ALL of the cancer from her body. Amen

Open Your Bible

"May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to know Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better." 2 Peter 1:2

Our desire for peace, love, comfort, hope, and healing is big. We do all that we can to ensure our lives are filled with them. So much that a lot of our prayers are, Lord please do this, let this happen, etc. And those arent' bad prayers.

But how can we constantly ask the Lord to bless me with this, bless them with that, bless, bless, bless...when we are not even taking the time to get to know Him better? Better yet, how can we expect our lives to change, or to become more like Him, if we are not spending time with Him, reading His Word?

Paul says, May God bless you with his special favor and wonderful peace as you come to KNOW Jesus, our God and Lord, better and better.

Wow, brethren Paul is telling us that if we want the special favor of God, then we are going to have to spend time getting to know Him. We are going to have to get in the Word and allow Him to teach us about who He is. Prayer is great, but in order to really know God we have to open our Bibles.

Then and only then will we begin to receive His special favor.

Before we begin to ask God for this and that, lets spend some time getting to know Him, through His Word.

Jesus You go on in 2 Peter and tell us that as we get to KNOW You better, Your divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. Help us to remember that knowing You is the most important thing. And in order to know You we have to spend time with You. Amen

For Dana

Today brethren would you approach the altar for my precious friend Dana. She found out that the cancer is getting worse.

This is devastating news. I know they would appreciate as many people flooding the throne room for her.

My prayer today is that the altars are covered with brothers and sisters everywhere praying for Dana.

Please Pray for Dana

My sweet friend Dana received devastating news this week and I am asking that you please pray for her and her family.

Her cancer is getting worse and honestly I am so saddened that I have very few words. It stinks, I hate this awful disease.

Oh merciful Lord please place Your hands upon Dana and heal her. Jesus please wrap Your arms around Dana. Squeeze her so tight she feels Your presence. Today we ask for comfort for her. Ease the pain she is feeling and hold together her broken heart. Oh Jesus please heal Dana. Amen

A Rare and Amazing Woman...whom I call mommy!

I am laying in bed sick with the crud listening to my precious mom unpack my boxes and put things up. I can't tell you one, how horrible I feel knowing she is doing that alone while I lay in this bed.

But two, not only have they both gone above and beyond in helping us move, but they took my sick hiney to the doctor this morning, went in with me, then went with me to take the boys to school. Then my daddy stayed here and tended to house stuff and Daxie, while my sweet mama loaded up with me and drove to Big Spring to see a gazillion patients. On top of that we get home and they help us witth Dax, who busted his head open and had to get stitches. SO...for her to come home and do all that she is doing, well...it brings tears to my eyes and makes my heart literally burst because of their love.

And with every complaint that flows from my mouth her words are the exact opposite.  She has not complained onece, actually she has smiled and made me feel like she was thrilled to be doing this. My daddy has been the same way!!

It's in this moment right now that I think of how much she really does hold so many character qualities of the Proverbs 31 Woman.

I am so thankful for her and my dad! They have stopped everything else to come help us through all of this craziness we have going on.

I know that the Lord is pleased with them. Oh, brethren I desire to have these type of qualities. Qualities that reflect the Lord. I desire to have actions that paint the perfect picture of Jesus' love and servants heart.

My deepest prayer tonight is that Christ will bless them for all the work they do for Him.

^10-31 A good woman is hard to find,    and worth far more than diamonds.Her husband trusts her without reserve,    and never has reason to regret it.Never spiteful, she treats him generously    all her life long.She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,    and enjoys knitting and sewing.She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places    and brings back exotic surprises.She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast    for her family and organizing her day.She looks over a field and buys it,    then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,    rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.She senses the worth of her work,    is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,    diligent in homemaking.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 makes her own clothing,    and dresses in colorful linens and silks.Her husband is greatly respected    when he deliberates with the city fathers.She designs gowns and sells them,    brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.Her clothes are well-made and elegant,    and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,    and she always says it kindly.She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,    and keeps them all busy and productive.Her children respect and bless her;    her husband joins in with words of praise:“Many women have done wonderful things,    but you’ve outclassed them all!”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! Proverbs 31

Parents- Earthly and Heavenly

"Old people are distinguished by grandparents; children take pride in their parents." Proverbs 17:6

The Lord has blessed me with the most amazing parents.

I talk about them often and it's because they are so awesome.

I want to be like them. Their actions and lifestyles have reflected Christ and hearts of servants. Both of which I desire to reflect.

Can I tell you something? Growing up I struggled with the fact that Jesus was and is better than my parents.

I am thankful that He showed me differently. My dad always says, "Baby we will fail you but the Lord will never fail you."

Oh how I know that today and I am thankful and blessed beyond comprehension.

How have your parents been a blessing to you?

Jesus thank You first of all for being the ultimate parent!  You displaye the greatest love when You died on the cross for me. Thank You! Thank You for the most amazing, loving, kind, gentle, merciful an forgiving earthly parents I could ever had. Bless them beyond what they could ever dare to hope for plus that. Amen

Are You a Citizen of Heaven?

"But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives."  Philippians 3:20

If you have ever filled out an application you have had to answer the question of whether or not you are a U.S Citizen.

But what if you were asked if you were a citizen of heaven? What would your answer be?

Maybe we should ask this question more. I mean being a U. S Citizen is amazing and a blessing, but being a citizen of heaven...well it surpasses them all!!

Jesus... More than Just a Name

"There is salvation in no one else!  There is no other name in all of  heaven for people to call on to save them." Acts 4:12

Only in the name of Jesus!

Laying the Foundation

"For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything." Hebrews 3:4

The day the frames went up, we walked in with markers and Bible in hand and away we went, covering our home in the Word of God. 

There was not a greater feeling than knowing that every door frame, and at least one portion of every room was covered in prayer and God's Word. 

Each one of us, of course two who had help, were able to write something from the Word that meant something to us.

I can't tell you how precious those moments were with Avery and Dax. For them to know that God is the builder and cornerstone of our home was so important to G and me. 

This has always been important to me.  In each home G and I have lived in I have always prayed that God's presence would be felt. With every move I prayed that whomever the Lord brought in to take over, would know that God was the center of the home. I would leave written Scripture in certain places in each home, because I knew that no other welcoming gift would be greater than God's Word. (There is no better foundation to lay in a home than the foundation of God’s Word.)

Once we finished we gathered in the soon to be living room and prayed as one.

Though we have had our ups and downs in this process, God has been in control. His presence has been hovering over our home and I pray His presence will remain until He is ready for us to move elsewhere.

For me, it is my prayer that Jesus will fill this new home, with an abundance of His love and mercy. I pray He will add joy and laughter, growth and knowledge. I pray that tongues will be held and that love will be spoken.

I pray that God's Word will be the centerpiece, just as Jesus is the Cornerstone. I pray that all who enter will leave knowing more about Jesus than they did before they walked in. I pray it will be the home where lives are saved but most of all where mercy, grace and love are found.

So what are some prayers for your home? Also I was wondering if you have made Jesus the center of your home, what are some of the things He has added or filled your home with?

Jesus we are blessed and I pray You remain the center of our home. I pray Your presence is felt by all who enter. Thank You for allowing us to first cover the foundation in Your Word, for Your Word is the solid rock on which we stand. Thank You! May You remind us daily if we ever move You from the center of our home. Amen

Love at the Altar

Maybe today you are in search of love. Love that will fill you and pour out of you. If so, Jesus is at the altar waiting.

How Do You Know?

"All they knew was that people were saying, "The one who used to persecute us now preaches the very faith he tried to destroy! And they gave glory to God because of me." 

We read all throughout Paul's writings about the "New Life" found in Christ Jesus. Paul teaches us the changes that are made within one who is filled with Christ. 

“So I advise you to live according to your new life in the Holy Spirit. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." Galatians 5: 16

"Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit." Romans 8:5

So let me ask you this...

How do you know if you have experienced the transformation?

Would you agree with me that your attitude, thoughts, life-style etc would be completely transformed?

Paul had a huge transformation take place within him. It was evident and real. In fact it was so life changing it left him blind for several days.

I often wonder what those days were like for Paul. Did he immediately know or did it take him awhile to process all that had happened.

The Lord truly changed Paul's life. It was evident to everyone in Bible times and it is evident to all of us today. 

We see these life transformations in others; do we see the transformation in ourselves?

Jesus sometimes I wonder if I have fully given You all the control of my life. Have I surrendered to my old ways of living? I  know I am Yours and that You are in me, so help me step aside so that You can complete the transformation process within me. Amen

A Very Random and Personal Post

"In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:6

Goodness how our lives have changed. For the past however many years Friday's consisted of football for our family. 

But now... well, let me just tell you what our new Friday's consist of. 

This morning I woke up to my precious husband and two boys next to me. We snuggled and giggled and then all got up and got ready for the day. We ate breakfast together and then with my husband next to me we took both of our boys to school. 

We went to work together, shot a quick commercial and then went and had lunch just the three of us. We picked Daxie up early and took him with us. 

After a late lunch we went and picked Avery up and came home just in time for G to pack his bags and head out to New Orleans. 

I can't tell you how different this has felt for both of us. Last weekend football kicked off, and it was a time I honestly dreaded and worried about for G. 

Would he miss it? Would today be a sad day for him? These are some of the thoughts that ran through my head over and over.

But to my surprise, he was GREAT. Yes he loves football and always will, but he also loves the freedom this new ministry has brought. 

Last weekend he was able to go spend Labor Day weekend helping his parents. This weekend he gets to go on a boy’s trip with his dad and younger brother to New Orleans, to go fishing, see his older brother Chris and then go watch the Redskins play the Saints. 

Football never really allowed G to spend much time with his family, so it is a huge blessing that the Lord has given him this precious time now. 

The Lord has revealed to me that what I thought would be a gigantic change has really been a small change with unbelievable benefits. 

Every day we get to minister to the lives of our patients and that is the greatest thing ever. We get to spend time getting to know one another and how we each do things. 

We get to pick our boys up from school, sit down at the dinner table as a family, and now we will get to take Sunday naps together and watch football.

Oh, how blessed we are brethren. We have been blessed in both ministries, but this one has been amazing.

To be honest we don't know how to handle all this time we get together, so I am glad he is getting to go spend time with his brothers and dad this weekend. Guys just need time like that.

When you give Christ your life, He has a great way of pulling you outside of your comfort zone. Football was definitely our comfort zone. So when G surrendered to the Lord's calling to step away from it, that my friend was years of the Lord working in G and ahead of G preparing this mission field for him.

It is my deepest prayer that we will continue to honor and serve the Lord in this new ministry he has called us in. I pray that all we say and do will honor and glorify Him. 

Though there are so many great things about our new Friday's our greatest job is to put Christ first, serve Him and share His name with as many people as we can. 

I pray that we will grow and be strengthened as a family and that we will use our new time to serve others. 

I pray we stay humble and focused on Christ. I pray God will continue to use us clear to the very end. 

I am thankful for new opportunities and look forward to the future. We know God has a reason and purpose for all things, so no matter what lies ahead; it is our prayer that we do everything for the glory of the Lord with faith, love, and mercy.

Jesus thank You for the blessings You have poured upon us. May we never take them for granted, but use them to bless others in return. We love You. Continue to work in our lives. We want to finish this life having used every ounce of our talents for Your glory. Amen

Actions that Reflect A Life of True Faith

"Dear brothers and sisters, what's the use of saying you have faith if you don't prove it by your actions?" James 2:14

I know Your purpose for us is greater than the purpose we have set for ourselves.

I know Your mercy is greater than the mercy we extend to others.

I know Your love is stronger and more genuine than the love we have for ourselves, others, and even You.

I know Your Word is the greatest and only source of hope, help, love, encouragement, and guidance than any human book ever could be.

I know faith is a must, but a personal relationship is crucial and vital.

I know time is fleeting and fragile and that it only takes a second for our lives to change.

I know that You see farther and bigger than our human eyes and minds could ever comprehend.

I know the power in Your name alone, and no human name or title could ever compare. 

I know the greatest gift to ever be given was Your Son Jesus Christ and nothing will or can ever compare to the life that is given from that gift.

I know that all this knowing means nothing if I am not living it out in my everyday life. 

Living out God's Word...shows a life filled with love for Christ.

Jesus I want my actions, thoughts, and speech to be a reflection of my faith and trust in You. Amen

Words and Reins

"The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt." Proverbs 10:32

Do the words I speak represent You Jesus?

Do the words I speak encourage others?

Are the words I speak helpful?

Take control of what I say O' Lord keep my lips sealed.

Does corruption flow from my tongue?

Do my words bring sorrow and pain?

Place Your hand over my mouth O' Lord keeping me from uttering anything unwholesome.

Do my words build others up?

Or do they tear others down?

Do my words reflect a heart that is full of You O Lord?

Or do they reflect a heart full of self and the world?

Do my words show my trust in You?

Or do they show I am doubtful?

Do my words reflect a heart that is content?

Or a heart that is unsatisfied?

Disable my ability to speak any lies

Put reins on my tongue that only You can guide!

Special, Rare and Unique

"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of the others." Philippians 2:1-4

I love many things about my husband’s side of the family, but the one thing I truly love the most is hearing and listening to Garrett and his brother’s laugh, and the close relationship they have.  If I could explain this rare laugh to you I would, but it's just something you have to hear for yourself.

When I tell you I have never seen siblings as close as these three, I mean it! Now I am close to my sisters, but I can honestly say it does not even come close to those three's relationship.

It's special. Garrett's mom and dad have done such a wonderful job raising them. Their love for one another is so rare, so real, so unique, so amazing. It's genuine and selfless. You rarely EVER hear bickering, negativity, or ugliness spoken from Garrett, Ryan or Chris. 

The more I see the interaction between these three, the more I realize that their relationship is exactly the type of relationship we should have with our family and the Body of Christ.

Our love for one another should be so strong that all we want to do is encourage one another, support one another, laugh until our stomachs hurt, comfort one another, and be completely selfless. 

This is the perfect example of Christ's love in 1 Corinthians 13. It has taken me a while to see just how wonderful these three's relationship truly is. To be honest, I was jealous of G's relationship with his brothers, because I wanted to have that same type of relationship with him.  

But I have learned that relationships are all different and I am okay with that, now. I love and am blessed that G has such a close knit family that loves each other as much as they do. And because he does, I know my boys will be raised to love one another the same way. That is very important to me. 

I want my boys to be as close as G and his brothers are. I want them to have a rare, unique, and genuine, will fight, defend, protect, support, encourage, pray for you, be selfless, and hold you accountable, type of relationship. 

Not only do I want that for my family, but I want that for all of us who are in Christ Jesus. 

I want all of the Body of Christ to love one another just as Christ has called us to. I want our relationship to be so unique, special, rare, real, encouraging, comforting, fun, helpful, and selfless that anyone who is living without Christ will desire to become a part of our family. 

May our relationships strengthen in Christ Jesus!

Jesus thank You for showing me through G and his family the importance of relationships. May we seek to honor You in every relationship. Amen

Extended Family

“But those who won’t care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” 1 Timothy5:8

I was thinking a lot today about my extended family and the sad reality that I don't talk to them very much. When this hit me I told G that it seems as though we spend more time with friends and our own immediate family and fail to remember or visit with them.

And then G said something that bothered me a great deal today. He said, "We spend more time with strangers."

I need to make sure that while I am investing in strangers I am also investing in my family, both immediate and extended. Life is so short to put it off. You think I would be better about that especially after losing both grandma's and a grandpa. 

Yes many of my extended family lives miles and miles away, okay states away, but that should not stop me from calling them and letting them know they are loved and thought of. 

I have an amazing extended family on both sides of me and the thing that gets me is that I should be praying more for them, sharing God's Word with them, and letting them know they are important to me.

In Bible times many of the people are surrounded by lots and lots of family, immediate and extended. 

Family was the second thing God established and it is something He speaks about often.

I pray God will help me be more conscious of my time, and will open up doors for me to minister and share God's love and Word with my extended family who doesn't know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. 

I want to know without a doubt that they will all be in heaven with me forever. I also want to extend Jesus' love to them, the same way Jesus extends His love to me.

I don't know what type of relationship you have with your extended family, but I know that whether it is good or bad Jesus wants and can use you to be the light and love for His glory. Make yourself available and useful for Him to use. I know I want too.

Jesus use us to be Your light and love to our families near and far. May we not waste any more time in reaching out to our extended families. Time is so short and fleeting and I don't want to wait until a funeral to let those I love know it. Help me do better for You and for them. Amen

Altar Sunday

Let the Lord make His place in your heart. Once He is there you don't have to wait for Sunday to go to the altar. You can meet Jesus right where you are.

It's possible with thankfulness

"No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

It's possible to be happier, more joy filled than before. How? By spending more time thanking Jesus for the things you have, rather than the things you don't.

Joy is possible...

It's a gift God is extending to you through His Son, Jesus.