Through a kiss, a mothers arms, a Doctors patience and his stillness

"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me." Psalm 16:8

Today is another one of those days when I woke up went through my morning routine except in a different town, different home and with a hospital bound destination.

Though my scenery is quite different, my mind set of routine mode is the same.

Drive to the hospital, wait, test, wait, fill out paperwork, wait, see the doctor, discuss everything ALL over again, wait, listen, check out, go home!

Then it happened...

We pull up and Jesus completely rearranges this routine mind set I am in.

I glance out the window to see two beautifully bald little girls wearing the cutest as can be masks to prevent breathing in any sickness floating around, and my heart fills with two emotions that overwhelms me to tears.

Gratefulness and brokenness!

Routine-numb routine might just be the very thing those parents are in as well, and all to mask their pain, fear, weariness, anger and frustration.

So from the parking lot to lab, to now the waiting room, we have yet to be put back into a normal everyday mindful routine (If that even makes sense)

To be honest I type, look up and cry! It is a vicious cycle. One that has grown more over this last year due to our own battle with Dax.

Though the severity of Dax's disease is not life threatening, it is still our battle. But one we are ever so grateful for, even as weird as that might sound.

I need to be shaken from routine. To much routine makes me become complacent and closed off from seeing Jesus around me, and boy is Jesus' presence around in this place.

There are 13 floors and we have covered four of them and amazingly Jesus has been on each floor.

Right now on the ninth floor I sit across from a young man, his mom and dad as they wait to see the Neurologist. He is unable to talk but can sign and make noises. As I sneak a peek due to the sound of mama coming from his mouth, I watch as she wheels him around and gently encourages him to tell her what he needs, when, sigh, he leans in and gives her a kiss on the lips and forehead!

Hmmmmmmm.... More tears..

Oh, merciful Jesus in the midst of sickness, stress, routine, and even frustration, You continue to be ever so present in our lives and all around us. Even in those who refuse and ignore You. You sit by our sides and give us grace, peace and an unfathomable amount of fight and strength to do so.

You do it all through love and it comes in ways that catch us off guard. Thank You for showing Yourself through the sweetest kiss, the comfort of a mothers arms, the patience of doctors and the stillness of Dax as he finally drifts off for a much needed nap.

Jesus I know You are always with us, for that we will not be shaken, because You are right beside us.

Jesus I pray that all these parents and even doctors will be aware of Your presence in the good, bad, scary, frustrating and stressful times. Amen

I feel…

"Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and knows everything." 1 John 3:20

What was your last reaction to a comment someone made to you, whether good or bad?

Did you pause and allow the Holy Spirit to step in and take charge OR were your feelings SO strong in that moment that you went with them?

Oh, mercy me have I been in both positions. Praise God for being greater than my feelings because He and I both know they can be OUT OF CONTROL.

It is so fitting that a year or two ago I spoke on feelings and not living our lives on them but on what we know-God’s word. Never free from the conflict, brethren, just hopefully becoming wiser in the process.

So let’s throw out a few feelings and see how they fair to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I made a checklist for myself and then asked the Lord to reveal to me the ones that He saw and that displeased Him. So NOT fun, but very, very NEEDED.   

The list below is feelings I deal and have dealt with through out my life. It is not the checklist I made-you can find that list in Galatians 5:19-21. I am putting myself out there brethren!

Let’s just say I have become a little too comfortable acting and reacting off of my feelings a little too much and the Lord has brought it to my attention-thank You Jesus.

I feel...                                                                                  

Inadequate

Not good enough

Incompetent

Angry

Bitter

Selfish ambition

Jealous

Quarrelsome

Out bursts of anger

Not good at anything

Of little importance

Not valued

Like a bad mother/wife

Like I am to sinful

To worldly

Ashamed

These are FEELINGS that I live in conflict with, sometimes daily and other times on occasion, but for the most part it is a BATTLE every SINGLE day.

So what happens when those feelings arise within me? Well lately I have given into them. Okay so maybe I have given into them a TON over the last 21 years of my life. However, I have also over the last 21 years of my life let the Holy Spirit control me.

The more I study the works of the Holy Spirit the more I am able to discern the difference between the two. I know when I begin to feel grumpy, or angry, or self-consumed I need to stop and let God’s word remind me that those feelings are not from Him.

I know when those moments happen I better make the CHOICE to listen and push through the urge to sit in those nasty feelings and let the Holy Spirit take charge. I need not to lash out, but be gentle. I need not to focus on the “ME” and focus on others. I need not to feel shame, incompetent, not good enough, angry, bitter, jealous, etc. Instead I need to claim forgiveness and believe I am capable, I am good enough, I am of value, I am blessed, I am who I am and loved for it, because of Christ Jesus.

I need you to know, it is SO very hard to do it, but we are very CAPABLE and we have the choice of which to choose.

We can love the friend who hurt us instead of sit and wailer in our hurt feelings

We can forgive the one who mistreated us instead of sit and roast in the feeling of anger.

We can put others before us instead of sit and let our feelings demand to be first.

We can claim God’s love for us instead of sit in the feeling of shame.

We can CHOOSE self-control instead of letting our feelings make us act OUT OF CONTROL.

Those choices are choices that represent the leading and control of the Holy Spirit. Christ gives us the choice to choose. We can either choose the path of feelings which lead to regret or we can choose the path of the Holy Spirit which leads to wisdom and peace.

Jesus I don’t always make the wisest choice when it comes to my feelings. But I am so thankful that You sent the Holy Spirit to control me, help me, and guide me in making the choice that pleases You and reflects You. Thank You for not leaving me to fight this battle alone. Amen

“The Million Dollar Question”

I am blessed to have Ryan Burchett be my featured writer today. He and his family are very precious to me! His passion for the word is exciting and the way the Lord speaks through him is amazing. He will be joining us more often, which thrills me to no end. Also, coming soon will be his sermons for you to watch right here on Godly Gossip! Awe, the joy of spreading God's word...it just doesn't better or more exciting!

I’m sure we’ve all seen at some point the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”  Back at its peak of performance, when Regis Philbin was the host (sorry Ms. Vierra), it was the talk of the town.  Everyone tuned in to watch who would win the big bucks.  Shortly after the TV show became a hit, it hit the internet with a free online gaming version, and then hand-held versions quickly followed.  The vast majority of America was consumed with ‘Millionaire Mania.’ 

I still remember the one episode, possibly the most well-known episode to date, where the gentlemen on the ‘hot seat’ had made his way through the entire list of progressively difficult questions with relative ease….without using a single ‘Life Line.’  When he came upon the final question, the Million Dollar riddle, he paused and stated to Mr. Philbin that he had to ‘phone a friend.’  America waited with bated breath as the dial tone picked up.  When the voice on the other end said “Hello..”, the gentlemen, very casually, proceeded to greet the ‘phone-a-friend’ as his father and then with a sly smirk said the phrase America will never forget “I don’t need your help or anything, I just wanted to let you know that I’m about to win a million dollars.” 

The studio audience went nuts!  There were cheers of laughter, amazement, and shock.  He answered the question correctly and went home a millionaire. 

                As we go through this life, we have instances where we seem to have “Million Dollar” questions arise.  Sometimes the solutions are simple, but often times they are perplexing and frustrating.  One of those questions deals with eternal security of a believer.  Denominations throughout the world that read, teach, and study from the same Word of God have been divided over this issue for centuries.  Some say one’s salvation can be lost by unbelief.  Some say it can be lost by a lack of repentance.  Still others say it’s God’s call whether or not you are ‘safe’ and so you have to have your good works outweigh the bad and hope for the best.  Others claim salvation is eternal.  Who is right?  Is anyone right?  Can anyone truly know?  What does the Bible have to say?  This is one of those “Million Dollar” questions.

                There are some passages, one of which I will look at briefly with you, used more often than any other passages of Scripture by individuals who make the argument that salvation can indeed be lost.  The one we will look at today that is used most often is Hebrews 6:4-6.

“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting Him to public disgrace.”

                Keeping this in context, this is indeed written to saved people.  These are people who have been born again.  So, it is true that one can lose their salvation if they “fall away?”  NO. 

                The key word in this passage that often gets overlooked is the word REPENTANCE.  If someone who has truly experienced the work of Christ, the work of the Spirit, and the goodness of God’s Word, should all of a sudden fall away and claim to not believe anymore….it is impossible for them to be brought back to that repentance, to that changing of mind and deed.  Why is that?  Because they’d be crucifying Jesus all over again.  In other words, a person who was a known believer, made it known that all this Jesus stuff was a bunch of bologna, then sometime later realized their error and came back proclaiming the name of Jesus all over again as true and just, they’d be bringing shame upon the cross and their witness would more than likely steer believers/unbelievers alike away from the Christ altogether.  This is why we are urged throughout the New Testament to ‘hold fast and stand firm in the faith’, because if we do not, more harm is done than good.  (The term used quite often for this is ‘hypocrite’….ouch) 

                So, the answer to the million dollar question – can you lose your salvation?  No.  However, a true believer, one who is fully convinced, will not depart from Christ.  A true believer can always be brought back to repentance. 

Until next time, GO SERVE YOUR KING.

Never free from conflict BUT...I determine the choices

These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict." Galatians 5:17

How does the Holy Spirit motivate you?

How do your feelings motivate you?

When you find yourself making decisions do you go off of your feelings or the Holy Spirit?

If you are like me, you would love to say the Holy Spirit 100% of the time, but that would not be true. I am not sure I could even say it was 50/50.

I have been studying Galatians 5 a little more in depth lately and this one particular passage has jumped off the page, into my heart, and is swirling around in my mind, getting my thoughts all tangled up. In a good way!

"The old sinful nature loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants.  And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict." Galatians 5:17


For me the war I am in consists of "Feelings" which is all about the "Me" VS the Holy Spirit. Both are motivators and have been for a long time. So, what is it that I love about our passage? It is that though my choices are never free from this conflict, they are still CHOICES. Choices that I determine.

And I determine whether to choose the Truth of the Holy Spirit that leads to a closer relationship and understanding of Jesus, which then leads to His reflection in me and out of me, verse, the choice of acting off of my feelings, which, as we all know, are fickle, crazy, emotional, a roller coaster, and based off of the "Me" (flesh).

Now, I do believe feelings have their benefits, but there is a fine line between the Holy Spirit's leading and the leading of our feelings.

Discernment brethren, one of the most important necessities!

In short of  all that rambling, we have to be careful about what we let motivate us. We must be certain each decision, each goal, each thought, action, and spoken word is motivated by the Holy Spirit and the Word itself.

We will decipher the two more in detail later. It's good, real good!

Jesus You are my greatest motivator, may I listen, hear, and be mindful of Your voice and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Amen


Hey, by the way sweet reader- I ADORE YOU!

He is with us even in the valleys.

Today I am excited to introduce you to a featured writer for Godly Gossip. Ms. Ashleigh Duncan. She is a precious college student whom I absolutely love and adore. I know you will be as blessed by the words the Lord speaks through her as I have been.

Psalm 22-Please take a moment to read.

Oh, does this psalm ever describe me this week!! I'm having so many troubles with school and trying to find a job for at least the summer and all at the same time, working to study for and do well on my finals...overall, I know this isn't that big of a deal in most people's eyes but for me, I'm super stressed and wanting everything to fall into place now so that I can rest easy. I'm working to focus on the positive and keeping in mind that God is on my side so no one can win over me but it's something I'm struggling with about every few minutes. It seems we all do this from time to time. Things get tough, we hit those valleys and we think the shadows of the mountains hide us from view of God but this isn't true at all!! He has a reason for the valleys and He always uses them for good and as long as we lean on Him, we come out stronger and more in the shape of Christ than we were before. Looking back on our troubles, we see that maybe they weren't so bad after all, we understand why God put them in our paths. So, maybe you (and I) can't see why we're here now, but God will make it clear to us in His time. Lean on Him, let Him carry you, and the end will be here soon. I hope you all have a blessed day! Love you!!

In Christ,
Bridget Ashleigh

Today I am thankful for the support of my family and friends when I get into problematic issues, it's really nice to have people to hug me and then push me to make it through and to remind me that God is ever-present and has a plan.

The Royal Wedding

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready." Revelation 19:7

As I watched the Royal Wedding, I honestly could not stop thinking about what our Royal Wedding will be like when Christ Jesus returns.

 It is going to be marvelous and more beautiful than I could ever imagine. We will be wearing the prettiest white gowns made possible by the blood of the Lamb. It is going to be the most joyful day. I can assure you, and instead of all the eyes being on the bride, they will be on the groom-Christ Himself.

And ladies He is a sight to see I am sure! His arrival will be known by all, as the trumpet sounds, and the clouds roll back He will make His entrance. What a royal wedding it will be!

Brethren, we have some preparation to do and time is valuable. 

Jesus I can't wait for the day of our wedding. I look forward to spending eternity with You. Amen

He will be your strength-Let Him!

“Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

The desperation for healing floods her soul. She will go to any length to rewind the last 24 hours to when everything was okay. As she stands beside his bed broken, afraid and at the lowest point in her life, she cries out for His mercy. Mercy not for her, but for her baby who just hours earlier was not even breathing.

The fear of every mother has now become her reality and biggest nightmare. Every second that passes by she knows is one more second he is alive and with her. Though they say the odds are not good, somewhere deep down in the most vulnerable place that exists within her, is hope, is an understanding of His control, His presence and it sustains her, calms her, and allows her to just keep breathing.

There are no human words; there is no human touch that can comfort her breaking heart. Only One is capable of doing such a thing-Jesus.

Sweet Brandy He is ever so present and ever so aware of what each second is like for you, your family and Mason. He has not left your side nor will He ever leave your side. Grab a hold of Him sweet girl and hold on tight.

Let Him into the most fragile and broken part of you. Cling to His promises and trust that His will for baby Mason and you is nothing but the absolute best. Let Him quite the noise within you and reassure You of His love. Give Him your thoughts, cry out to Him your whys, how’s, what’s, and let Him whisper words to you that only He can.

Claim His healing power over baby Mason; we are doing that as well. I pray you know His healing power in whatever way, shape or form that it comes in, is better than what any of us could ever ask or hope for, even in moments like this when we just don’t get it or understand.

 Sweet girl every inch of that baby is covered in prayer. As you slip your hand on top of his, I pray you feel the hand of Christ on top of yours. He is your strength.

Jesus You are the Great Physician and today baby Mason needs Your healing touch to fall afresh on him. Let it fall all over him, Brandy and her family. As the hours pass by Lord the weariness sets in, grab a hold of them and pull them under Your wings. Give the internal rest they need Lord so they may be of sound mind standing guard against the attacks Satan will throw at them. Lift their heads and open their eyes so they can see Your face. Jesus I ask that You make Yourself known and present within their room and where Mason is right now. Let Your power be known. In Jesus name, Amen

From Dax

  

Mommy and daddy say you pray for me. I like that ALOT because I really don't like doctors. They poke me alot! I don't always feel good but I still like to play and do things I am not suppose to. Mommy gets frustrated with me, but I just like to explore and challenge her.

The doctor told me I was really smart and awesome and then he gave me stickers. I have gotten LOTS of stickers and suckers this last year. So when I go and they poke me I say to them, "You give me sticker and sucker?" 

This time the pokes really hurt and I tell them, "No more, all done!" Daddy says he wants to get my pokes for me. I want him to but they won't let him. I don't like that!

Even though the doctors know that my mutation is a disease (mild) they don't know what it is but I have a secret...

Jesus does and I really like Jesus, He tells me I am going to be okay, and He says to keep praying because He likes that too.

Oh, and mommy says I need to tell you thank you, because it means alot to have so many people love me. 

Dax's prayer: Dear Jesus thank You for wheldon, mommy, daddy, avery, ryry, hildoary, baby tyce, whive in my heart and make me feel better. Amen

Yes Weldon he said you before us! 

Give or take

“Since God did not spare even his own Son but GAVE him up for us all, won’t God, who GAVE us Christ, also GIVE us everything else? Romans 8:32

Do you find yourself giving or taking more? This is the question the Lord asked me this morning that has haunted me. In a good and bad way, the good way is I asked Him to search me. The bad way, my eyes have been opened to the tough reality of what He has found, and that is, there is much needed change to take place. It’s a hard change too that comes with some tough questions.

Am I taking more from my marriage than I am giving?

Am I taking more from my job than I am giving?

 Am I taking more from my boys than I am giving?

Do I take more from my friendships than I give?

The toughest question-am I taking more from the Lord than I am giving?

That question alone leaves me broken, do I want the blessings, the fire insurance, the capability of using Him to better me ,  the help when needed, all while giving nothing in return?

We do that you know, you and I. We do it without even realizing how bad we do it. We take and even at times demand more from Him than we are even willing to give.

We get caught up in the rush of our days, making excuses for the little time we have, yet when we need something we stop not to give Him more but to ask more from Him.

Because I am guilty of doing that, I have found how much I do it in other areas of my life.  I don’t want my life to consist of; well if I do this I will GET this. Instead I want it to be, if I GIVE this, Jesus will receive this. It all comes down to remembering what Christ GAVE for me.

His life!

Not only did He give His life for me, but He took my shame and my sin upon Him, knowing full well that once it was placed on Him, His Father would not be able to look at Him. He took that period of separation from His Father all for ME and YOU. But before all of that, He left His Father in Heaven, He left His home, to come down here to earth to walk and die for me and for you.

 He deserves my life, my everything, I must put aside self, pick up my cross and give.

Oh, Father I asked for You to search me, it is just so hard to take at times the reality of what You see, but Lord no hindrances that is our deal, we want no hindrances to separate us, because the intimacy You and I have is just too good to miss. I know that You are doing Your part and I thank You for that, help me do mine. Forgive me for taking more than I give. Forgive me for even demanding it at times. I never want to take more from You than what I give in return. I want to give You all that You ask, my heart, soul, mind, and strength. You deserve that love! This is not about what I get when I do give; it is about giving because YOU GAVE! It is hard Father, putting aside the nagging of my needs that are relentless and giving anyway. I am just not capable of doing it alone. Holy Spirit help me, change me and transform me to become more of a giver! Jesus I know that when my eyes are set on You and my mind and heart is set on giving to You, that it will be displayed through what I give in my marriage, in the lives of my boys, my friendships, and my job. Doing those things is not for my satisfaction but for Yours. It is about what You get when I do out of love and not what I will receive for doing it. I lose sight of that way too quickly. Rescue me Jesus from “me” the me is a taker, but the You in me is a giver, make me like You today. Amen

Are You a giver or a taker?

It’s not my position to play

“She will not hinder him but help him all her life.” Proverbs 31:12

I examine the playing field to see what formation the defense is in. It is a tough team I am up against. They are quick off the ball and fast to tackle you. They are good at catching you off guard. They call themselves Feelings.

I have been studying them for a while so I know what to expect. The problem in this game is that I have been less prepared for their scheme.

I glance over to examine the chains. It is 3rd and 25, and I have a L-O-N-G way to go to get the 1^st down. In my mind I know once I get there I will be that much closer to the end zone. For me this game consists of being a helper and team player and not an individual trying to do it all on her own.

Throughout this entire game I have almost joined the opposing team, by going against the plays my Coach (Jesus) has called.

I have feed into their defense like I was just handing them the ball. My O-Line (God’s word) has done a GREAT job at saving me.

I look at the Coach signal the play, I yell it out, SHE WILL NOT HINDER HIM BUT HELP HIM ALL HER LIFE, set hut hut.

I shuffle back, ball in hand, look to see who is open and there he is-Garrett standing past first down. He is open and waving for the ball when I realize the best defender is coming after me-bitterness-do I let him sack me and keep me down or do I pass to my teammate in life who is open. When out of the corner of my eye I see the center (Holy Spirit) plow bitterness over-and the next thing I know Garrett has caught the ball.

1^st down!

Why all the bitterness? It is because I have tried to re-spell the word team, we have both tried to re-spell the word team-but no matter how many places you put the “I” it just doesn’t work.  Nor does trying to both be the MVP.  

It takes the whole team to be successful. Jesus chose us for His team and placed us in the positions we play the best. For me I play helper and encourager, but I have been trying to play quarterback.

That is Garrett’s position and the only reason I have been trying to play there is because of the attention I have been desperate to receive from him. As the helper we don’t always receive the ball and it gets old after a while. But if we remember that our role on the team is important and that it only matters what the coach (Jesus) thinks than we will become joyful, content and willing to be the best helper on the field. I am still learning that!

Sometimes I have found it easier to help the opposing team (others) than my own team.

But I have also found that with each game won and played as a team the victory is so sweet. I love the Quarterback of my team! So with that I know for him and me to be successful as a team I must be willing to play the position of helper whether I get the ball or attention I desire because it is what matters to the coach (Jesus). He is the one that decides how much playing time I get and whether I start or not.

If I want to be able to play a different position then I must first prove I can play the one I am in and have been given to play.

Hey QB we will get through this and with a lot more practice, give, effort, and a whole lot of TEAMWORK I think we will come out winners.

Jesus we need some wisdom from You the “Great” head coach. We are tired and in desperate need of a time out to catch our breath and come up with a new game plan. There is no greater coach than You. Thank You for choosing us to be a part of Your team. Forgive us for failing to work together we are learning there can be no “I“  in team no matter how hard we try. It is about working together, help us do that well. Amen

We are lovin' our Risen Savior

Happy Resurrection Day

"All honor to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is by his boundless mercy that God has given us the privilege of being born again. Now we live with a wonderful expectation because Jesus Christ rose again from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3

The fruits of His word

"She will not hinder him (them) but help him (them) all her life." Proverbs 31:12

Dax and I were going across the street to see our uncle Ryry when Dax took off in the street and I yelled for him to come back. He turned around ran back to me, I picked him up and he says, "Mommy I have Jesus in my heart, I be okay, no car hit me."

My boys have really been opening my eyes to see how much Jesus is working in them. 

The other night Avery had gotten my Bible and notebook put it on the bed and when I walked in there he said, "Look mommy I got our Bibles and papers so we can study together. You want to mommy? You want to study?"

So together we studied, he wrote, I wrote, then we visited. It was probably one of my favorite moments.

"Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to your hands as a reminder, and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9

If the fruit is produced in them it will also be produced through them. 

Jesus let all my labor produce Your fruit in Avery and Dax. Thank You for the interest, hunger and love that is growing in the hearts of our boys. I love watching the seed begin to sprout into beautiful fruit. Thank You Jesus! Amen

He's not there!

"Then Jesus told him, You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway." John 20:29

He walked on the same earth we walk on today. He was seen by people just like you and me. Men and women just like us got to walk side by side with Jesus in flesh. There is just something about that thought that leaves me in awe.

These people heard Him speak; they felt His actual touch and presence. They got to sit at a table and eat with Him, laugh with Him, learn directly from Him. 

And, oh wait it gets better, they not only got to see and be a part of all that, but they saw His death, they saw Him buried, and the greatest of all they saw Him raised from the dead. Do you know how much of Jesus time they got? Goodness me-What my eyes would do to see that. One day they will see Jesus and what a glorious day that will be.

Jesus' resurrection fulfilled Scripture-it was proof that He was who He said He was, the Son of God, and that He would do what He said He would-rise from the dead. "For I, the Son of Man, must suffer many terrible things, he said,. I will be rejected by the leaders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. I will be killed, but three days later I will be raised from the dead." Luke 9: 22

And indeed He rose! And He proved it by appearing before many.

The Son of God is ALIVE-Jesus has RISEN-hurry go and tell everyone-the tomb is EMPTY. 

You have risen, You have risen, and You reign forevermore. You are among us, in us, and all around us. Hallelujah our God reigns. Praise You Father, Praise You for overcoming death so we may have life. Amen

Hungry to learn

"My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those who want to learn.” Proverbs 8:9

It is so unbelievable to me how much wiser our children are then we think, spiritually speaking. What is more amazing is how hungry Avery has become for the word of God. He wants to learn and I LOVE IT!!!! 

This week the boys and I have been reading through the Gospels and studying the significance of Easter and Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. It has been so amazing to me to see just how much they really do understand God's word. 

For example just last night we finished up reading John 20 and I began asking them why it was important for Jesus to rise from the dead, and Avery says, "So he can live in our hearts mommy, duh."

SIGH...

If I do nothing else in this life, to know my boys love God and His word is enough for me.

Jesus it is amazing what Your word does even in the lives of children. Thank You for allowing us the opportunity and ability to share the word of God with these precious babies who will one day be able to share Your word with others, even their own. Continue to fill Avery and Dax with wisdom beyond their years. May they truly grasp the meaning of Your death, burial, and resurrection. May we all grasp the meaning and significance of it. Jesus make us all hungry to learn. Amen

Love will prevail

"She will not hinder him but help him all her life." Proverbs 31:12

How do u get past the point of exhaustion to meet the needs he has without wanting your own needs to be seen, heard, and tended to?

Ladies, this is where we get at times, this is where i get and to deny that is lying to ourselves, to God, and others. 

The woman spoken of in 1 Peter 3 was a woman who went past her feelings and helped. She went past focusing on herself and focused on his needs. 

She did it because her focus was on something better than what was before her-yes there is something and someone better-Jesus!

If my eyes are not focused on Christ but on this man standing before me I can't see past the exhaustion and beckoning of my needs to help him. 

Those two things are too loud and too big that they block my vision and drowned out the sound of the Holy Spirit encouraging me, guiding me and speaking words of wisdom within me.

This is where I am ladies! I am seeking to be a helper who inspires her hubby to want more of Jesus-but right now I am dealing with these two giants before me-exhaustion and the hunger pains coming from my needs.

Love reaches past those giants; it destroys them leaving them for dead so that it can prevail. 

Sincere, genuine love gets you past the hindering and aids in helping. So I must stay in check with that love to make sure it is sincere and genuine for Christ and not for me or for him.

Jesus went beyond exhaustion and the beckoning of His needs for me. I see that especially this week as we study His death, burial, and resurrection.

He went past it and so can I, so can you. 

Love prevailed! 

Jesus You set the perfect example and how amazing it was. Thank You for making life possible, marriage possible, healing possible. Amen

I can do this...we can do this!

"She will not hinder him but help him all her life." Proverbs 31:12

A sick baby, a new job, a new time consuming job, a move, and two very tired individuals is just enough ammo for Satan to use to cause havoc. 

We are fighting, yes with each other but also together to overcome this TRIAL. 

I know there is victory awaiting, I know there is something GREAT awaiting us at the end of all this and I am ready.

But right now the "knows" are just not enough, I am needing more Lord. 

I am needing deliverance, help, strength, and reassurance. Help me not doubt Lord. Jesus I am weak, but You are strong.

Just bring us on the other side of this stronger and wiser Lord. As bad as all this is I love You and want nothing more than to grow wiser and closer to You. So at the end I know it is worth it, and so very temporary.

This is not His design

“She will not hinder him but help him all her life.” Proverbs 31:12

What is an ideal marriage? I am not sure, but I am sure God did not design a marriage to be lived with unhappiness. I don’t think He designed women to be the helpers but never be helped.

 I wonder today what Adam and Eve’s marriage was like after their eyes were opened. What did she do all day, what hours did he work. What was their relationship really like? Did they fight? Did they have more good days than bad? What was their marriage like when Cain killed Abel?

Did it bring stress to their marriage? Did they ever go to bed angry? What was dinner time like? Did they have their priorities lined up?

I wonder if during arguments Adam brought up Eve eating the forbidden fruit? Did she say, “Well so did you?”

Was there ever a moment when one of them thought, “I just don’t want to do this marriage thing anymore?”

None of those questions to me would result in an ideal marriage, but more like a normal marriage today? Unfortunately!

God, the loving, kind, merciful God He is, did not design marriage to be full of bickering, frustration, stress, loneliness, angry, or helplessness.

The problem is we have created that type of marriage for ourselves. It is when two “SELVES” collide

.

I am trying to avoid that for my own marriage, but lately it seems impossible. If I am truly honest before the Lord, myself and you, I would admit that today I don’t want to be the helper, but the Holy Spirit inside reminds me differently. He gives me the strength to push through the stress, the frustration, the anger, and He reminds me of the love of Jesus. He is my very need, yet inside, I long for more than the thought.

I want more understanding of how a marriage is to be according to His word, His law. He wants more from us, from me.Then again, I know it comes down to love, love for others. It cannot work if the love is always directed inward. Is it okay to want more out of my marriage than the norm, if this is even the norm?

Oh, merciful Lord, Your helper is weary, tired, frustrated, and helpless, even helped-out. Show us Lord how You designed marriage to be.  Then guide us, change us, and help us conform to Your design. Because I know it is way better than the one we have designed for ourselves. Amen

Serving HIM by helping him

"She will not hinder him but help him all her life." Proverbs 31:12

The craziest thing entered my mind today. I decided to print off the list of questions I asked the ladies Friday and give to my husband.

I did it hoping to walk away with a better understanding of how he feels, thinks, and what he sees so I could know how to better meet his needs.

Here is the funny part...I am too scared to give it to him!

Why? Fear of facing the truth. Fear of coming up way short. Fear of failing. I even fear becoming defensive or needing to argue my point.

BUT

I want to know the truth, I want to know how I can become better, better for Jesus, better for him, and better for my boys. I don't want this to be a temporary goal of mine. I want it to be a life-long goal.

For me being a better helper is crucial. Everything I do is an example to my boys; how I treat Garrett, how I speak to Garrett, how I encourage Garrett, how I help Garrett, how I submit to Garrett, how I show respect to Garrett etc. They see, watch, and learn from my behavior. It even goes so far as to what they will desire in their future wives and marriage.

Being the helper God designed me to be begins with Garrett and extends to my boys. I have a huge role here, and it is to take care of what God has given me that is most important-my family. It is not about having my needs and desires met, it is about producing a love for Jesus in their individuals lives and in the home by what? By my actions, my speech, and by being the helper God has called me to be. That is my purpose.

So it is time to move past the fear and become a better helper. Let the answers be revealed.

I am looking and praying for a group of women who would be interested in praying for one another and encouraging one another each week as we strive to fulfill Proverbs 31:12.

Jesus would You minister to the heart of every woman today. Help us become the helper You designed us to be for our husbands and children. Bring together a group of us women who will encourage, pray, and support one another as we strive to fulfill Proverbs 31:12. Jesus we desire to be helpers not hinderer's. Amen

Dax Update

"This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other equally. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. Now all of you together are Christ's body, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it" 1 Corinthians 12:25-27

First of all I have to say how taken back I am by the emails I receive from each of you that you are praying and thinking of Dax. It is amazing to know how loved that precious little thing is. It is even more amazing to know just how many of you are lifting him up in prayer to our Savior. We have truly seen 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 lived out by each of you.

THANK YOU!

Okay, here it goes.

Two months ago Dax was tested for Cystic Fibrosis and last Friday we received the results. Every time the phone rings and it is the Doctor I think both of our hearts skip a beat. He has been a PHENOMNAL DOCTOR and has really taken Dax under his wing, which we are so thankful for. So to hear the actual doctor himself and not the nurse is always bittersweet.

The last several times he has called us it is because they have found something. The cyst on his brain, the nasty bacteria that was growing in his face and now…

Well now we have found out that Dax’s test results show that he is a carrier of C.F. plus he has an uncommon mutation that is found in only 2% of people.

So what does all of this mean? Well it means some more tests for our little Dax Master, plus some symptoms that might, okay will appear later on in life for him.

And although I would like to share some of those things with you, I am going to just leave it at that for right now. We have decided as a family that it would be better for Dax and us if we kept them private. At least until we hear more from the Doctor and are sure of what will be ahead of us as far as his health.

But please keep praying. Your prayers are what get us through this and what is getting our little man through every poke, test, procedure, etc.

It is wild because just the other day I was talking to my dad and for some crazy reason it really just hit me that our baby is only 2.

Oh, how thankful I am to serve such a Mighty, Loving God and to be surrounded by all of you. We know God will heal Dax and we are standing firm in that promise.

Jesus thank You for surrounding us with brothers and sisters that we know and don’t know that are praying for Dax. Bless each one of them, You know them by name. Amen

Come on Sisters, help this sister out!

“Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. They will be won over by watching your pure, godly behavior.” 1 Peter 3:1-2

Okay ladies, I am looking for some feedback from you! So, let me hear ya. If you don't want to leave it in the comments, email me at godlygossip@gmail.com

What is your role as a helper to your mate? If you are not married what is your role as a helper to the Lord and to your future husband?

Do you find yourself being more than the helper?

How do you handle your God-given role as a wife?

Do you find yourself becoming overwhelmed with all your responsibilities?

Do you find yourself looking through your husband to Christ and serving Him, or do you just see your husband?

Are you strong in areas he is weak? How do you help him in those areas?

Do you find yourself being a controlling helper?

Do you find joy in your role as a helper?

Do you find yourself depleted of joy as his helper?

What keeps you going?

What motivates you to keep being His helper?

What is your goal as his helper?

What are some things you have found to be helpful for you that you could share with your sisters in Christ?

Has there been anything that God has taught or shown you to become a better helper? PLEASE SHARE

What has God done in your marriage that has made a difference?

And…

How are you applying and living out 1 Peter 3:1-6-

“In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands, even those who refuse to accept the Good News. Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words. They will be won over by watching your pure, godly behavior. Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. That is the way the holy women of old made themselves beautiful. They trusted God and accepted the authority of their husbands. For instance, Sarah obeyed her husband, Abraham, when she called him her master. You are her daughters when you do what is right without fear of what your husbands might do.” 1 Peter 3:1-6

Jesus help us become better helpers. Change our vision to see past our husbands straight to You. May we always remember it is You we are helping and serving. Help us find joy in our role as a wife. When times get tough and the demands of our roles become overwhelming and too heavy to bear, would You lift us up beneath the load, and remind us that we are not doing this alone-You are with us. Amen