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.

Rare. Why?

"But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord." Romans 16:19

It's not very often that you have someone come up to you and say, "I see how faithful you are to Jesus. It shows through your actions and obedience to Him."

To be honest that would be the most unbelievable compliment ever. But those compliments are rare.

Why?

?

"Let me say first of all that your faith in God is becoming known throughout the world." Romans 1:8

Is our faith as an ENTIRE body of Christ spreading and becoming known throughout the world? Is the body of Christ growing and functioning together as one, or are others seeing a body that is trying to function as different parts?

You Have Been Chosen

"This letter is from Paul, Jesus Christ's slave, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News." Romans 1:1

Yesterday we talked about being a slave for Christ, today I want to talk about the latter part of this passage.

chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach His Good News.

Do you remember when you were in school either at recess or P.E. and you all got in a line and waited for the two captains to pick their teams?

You had to be "Chosen".

Do you remember how you felt waiting to hear your name called? Even now, the thought of that brings butterflies to my stomach. Especially now as a parent of two boys, the thought and feelings that rush in when I think of them standing there hoping they will be "Chosen" and sooner rather than later.

From the world perspective to be "Chosen" is a HUGE deal. We have turned it into something that we believe determines whether or not we are good enough, qualified enough, pretty enough, smart enough, fast enough, strong enough, successful enough, rich enough.

But to Jesus none of those things matter. Nor should they matter or define us.

Everything we have comes from the Lord. Therefore the only thing that should matter is the fact the we, who are in Christ, have been "Chosen."

Brethren, Jesus chose you and me. He chose to die for you and me. He chose to go before us and prepare a place for us. He chose to give us life. He chose us just the way we are.

The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, our Master, chose us to be His very own. Is there any sweeter feeling than that? Is there any greater honor or privilege than to be chosen by the Creator?

To Jesus the only thing that matters is our realtionship with Him. He wants us on His team. He chose us before we even existed.  Paul found that to be so humbling. Do we or do we pass it off like it's no big deal?

That my friend is a wonderful thing.

So what do we do now that we have been chosen, we go out and share the Good News with all who come our way.

Jesus may I live a life everyday that reflects a girl who has been chosen by the Great I Am. Thank You, may I use my ever talent and oppurtunity given to share the Good News. Amen

Master and Slave

"This letter is from Paul, Jesus Christ's slave, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News." Romans 1:1

What is the first thing that pops in your head when you hear the word slave?

Do you automatically think of yourself?

The truth be known we are all a slave to something, whether it be an addiction, money, our jobs, a spouse, even self.

This was a hard thing for me to grasp when the Lord was teaching me, but the more I listened to Him the more I realized how I have allowed there to be more Master's in my life than just Jesus.

Paul new who His real, one and only Master was, Jesus, and he was proud to be His slave. I have never really looked at being Jesus' slave until God sat me down and taught me more about this passage.

The word slave has such a negative response to it, but in this case it is something that is postive and good. Why?

Because Jesus is the most amazing Master there is. He is a Master that is loving, kind, gentle, patient, understanding, forgiving and merciful.

Even His discipline is done in complete love for us. He has our best interest at heart, He knows what is best for us and what is harmful to us. He can see things in a bigger picture than we can, and He always goes ahead of us making sure we are safe.

Like Paul, we should desire and want to be Christ's slave, and we should look at it as a great and wonderful thing. Because to be honest these other Master's we have allowed to creep into our lives, well they don't have our best "Eternal" interest at heart. They are the right now.

The biggest issue we will have to deal with is whether or not we want and are willing to relinquish all control and serve Christ.

As a slave for Christ, we have been given freedom, freedom to love and serve Him. See how it goes back to Him, our Master.

If Christ is not within us this is a very hard thing to wrap our minds around. Especially when slave and Master are used.

This all comes down to our love and desire for our Master, Jesus Christ. Do we, like Paul, live and want to live in COMPLETE obedience to Christ? Do we find it an honor and privilege to call Jesus our Master and ourselves His slaves.

I do, and I know I need to do better about living it out.

Jesus what You have done for me shows me the kind of Master You are. You are a Master who layed down Your life for me, Your slave, so that I might have everlasting life. Help me to remove any other Master so that You can be the One and Only ruler of my life. Amen

A Place to Belong

"You are among those who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ..." Romans 1:6

Are you looking for a place to belong? If so look to Jesus, He has a place for you. It's a place where love and mercy flows. A place where you can be the you He created. A place where understanding is found and forgiveness is offered.

Don't worry about all your baggage, leave it at the door, Jesus will take care of it. Because in this place it is fully furnished with all you will ever need.

I hope you find Jesus' home soon. If you ever need help finding it, just let me know, I would love to point out the way.

Jesus help all those who are searching for a place to belong. May they be pointed in Your direction. Amen

Altar Sunday

"Abraham placed the wood of the burnt offering on Isaac's shoulders, while he himself carried the knife and the fire. As the two of them went on together, Isaac said, 'Father?' 'Yes, my son,' Abraham replied. 'We have the wood and the fire,' said the boy, 'but where is the lamb for the sacrifice?' 'God will provide a lamb, my son,' Abraham answered. And they both went on together. When they arrived at the place where God had told Abraham to go, he built an altar and placed the wood on it. Then he tied Isaac up and laid him on the altar over the wood. And Abraham took the knife and lifted it up to kill his son as a sacrifice to the Lord. At that moment the angel of the Lord shouted to him from heaven. 'Abraham! Abraham!'
'Yes,' he answered. 'I'm listening.' 'Lay down the knife,' the angel said. 'Do not hurt the boy in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld even your beloved son from me.' Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a bush. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering on the altar in place of his son.' Genesis 22:6-13

Abraham loved the Lord so much he didn't even withhold his own son from Him. This act of faithfulness and obedience spared the life of Isaac, and the ram became the substitute. Jesus did the same thing for us. He gave His life so ours would be spared.

From the altar to the Cross.

Starting Point

"God loves you dearly, and he has called you to be his very own people." Romans 1:7

I wonder if our inability to fully know and become like Christ is due to our lack of knowledge in who He is?

This inability to really know Him is not because He failed to show us, it's rather quite the opposite. It's our lack of spending time getting to know Him, don't you think?

The Holy Spirit, our Counselor, has been given to us by Christ. He is the key to knowing Christ and living like Christ. Without Him we have no hope.

As the Lord reveals these things to me, my eyes are exposed to knew things about Him, His Word, and the way I am living and searching for Him. 

And the truth is, if I really desire to know Him and become more like Him, then there needs to be some changes made within me; changes that only Christ in me can do. 

And I desperately want those changes to be made, because...God loves me dearly and He has called me to be His very own.

And well, I want to reciprocate that love in return the best that this mortal body can.

So where does one begin in doing so? I believe by getting in the Word (With no distractions) everyday, accepting that I am sinner saved by grace, confessing my sinfulness, repenting, and allowing God's love to consume me and set me free from any lawful living I might be doing, along with focusing on the joys of heaven rather than the problems here on earth.

It might be easy to type and read even hard to do, but brethren with Christ we can do it because all things are possible with Christ.

Jesus You have shown me where to begin in knowing You more and becoming more like You and less like "ME". So as I begin I pray for the strength to persevere, the faith to not doubt or question, the endurance to keep on going, the obedience to be faithful, the vision that sees only You, and the mindset that focuses on Your ability and power. Amen

Look No Farther

"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him." Ephesians 1:19

What is it that you search for, need, desire, long for, want?

Is it love?
Is it hope?
Is it forgiveness?
Is it freedom?
Is it healing?
Is it joy?
Is is companionship?
Is it understanding?
Is it peace?
Is it comfort?
Is it success?
Is it attention?
Is it wealth?

Whatever you are searching for, needing, desiring, or wanting, Jesus is the only one who can fulfill and give you what you TRULY need.

Therefore you can stop looking to man and worldly materials to fulfill and satisfy you.

Jesus You are all we need. What You offer and give has everlasting value. Amen

Overcome

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Tonight I was visiting with the Lord and we were talking about battles, battles that we fight on a day to day basis; battles such as addictions, sins, habits, etc. I recalled a battle that I had fought and praised the Lord for delivering me from that battle. 

And then I said something that He replayed over and over in my head. 

"Father it often seems like once we overcome one battle we still have another battle right in front of us to overcome. I know this is because we live in a fallen world, but it becomes wearisome and frustrating."

And then He spoke, "Yes, you live in a fallen world. But these battles you don't fight alone. If you will put on your full armor I will protect you from these and together we will overcome them. But it is one battle at a time, and remember with each battle comes growth.  But remember there is something greater, Me, I died for You, I took all these battles that entail sin and placed them upon Me. They are forgiven, every single one of them. So though these battles will come, take courage, because I have overcome the world.”

There is no battle that is greater than our God. Take courage brethren, for this battle you are facing can be overcome in Jesus name!

First Impression

"For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me." John 12:45

When you meet someone for the first time, what is their first impression of you? Are they seeing a genuine you or a deceiving you?

Do they see Jesus immediately?

Do you think it's possible for a stranger to sense something different about you?

This is not only my prayer for myself but for my family, especially my boys. As school approaches I pray that every new friend and teacher my boys meet will sense Jesus in them.

I pray Avery and Dax will be able to discern between those who have a love for Jesus and those who don't. I pray their love for all will be great, but that their desire will be to surround themselves with friends who encourage them to be the best for the Lord they can be.

And if your wondering, YES I believe without a doubt that at age 6 and 3 God can and will give them the discernment they need.

First impressions are huge, especially as a follower of Christ.

Jesus may we leave a lasting first impression on those we meet. Shine through us in such a way that people walk away wanting to know what makes us so different. For then we can share You and Your love with them. Amen

From Young to Old

"Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, "The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is nothing but goodness in him!" Psalm 92:14-15

This new role God has called my husband and I into has been quite different. We have gone from working with and praying for high school students to working and praying with and for the elderly. 

Both of these are great things, but very different. In this new calling we are now ministering to men and women who have enjoyed a very full and long life.  

Getting older is inevitable. It's a part of life. It's a part of God's plan. Times will be hard, but this God-given life can be as good as we choose to make it. 

For G and I we have been blessed by these precious men and women who walk into our clinics every day and share their stories with us. 

And do you know one of the greatest things about this new profession? Is that a majority of these patients know and love the Lord and absolutely LOVE to share what Jesus has done for them. 

Since we have started this new calling we have had the opportunity to see joy brought back into the lives of many of these patients when they begin to hear things they have missed for so long. There are many tears shed, lots of laughter, and the most beautiful smiles. 

These precious men and women know what life really is. They are full of knowledge and wisdom, and can bless you so much if you take the time to listen. 

I will admit brethren, it has been quite an adjustment for us, but each day gets better and better and God blesses us more and more and  He continues to reveal Himself to us through the lives of every patient we see. 

Enjoying life is a choice. You either choose to be happy and serve the Lord with joy or you choose to make life hard and spend it joyless. 

For G and I we are getting to see that even though we face difficult times, some even really hard, God will always bring us through it. 

And we have these precious patients that are living proof of God's hand of protection and love. 

Jesus thank You for teaching us and showing Yourself to us through the lives of these patients. Bless them as they continue to live a life that is pleasing to You. Thank You for allowing us the opportunity to serve them. Amen

How Do We?

"You have accomplished this great victory by the strength of your servant. Must I now die of thirst and fall into the hands of these pagan people? Judges 15:18

Just like Samson we often take our eyes off of the Lord and place them on ourselves. How often does this happen? Probably more than any of us care to share.

What is it that makes our eyes go from Christ to self? Do we realize when our vision has changed? Do we immediately try to correct it or do we allow our eyes to stay on ourselves?

How do we focus on God more than we focus on ourselves?

Altar Sunday

Do you have a lot of stress in your life? If so the perfect place to become stress free is the Altar. Jesus will be there to take the load.

You

"Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah." Romans 1:4-7

The world might make you feel like you are a nobody, but to God...

YOU ARE A SOMEBODY! You are His, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. You are the child of the Great I Am and you have a PURPOSE.

A God given PURPOSE!

You have meaning and REASON!

Your identity is NOT in the world, it IS in the ONE who CREATED YOU!

Your identity is in JESUS CHRIST!