I just finished reading several things that were posted on Facebook. This is something I do not often do. Lately, I don't see many posative things, that others are posting. That is very sad to me. Therefore, when I do post something, I make a effort to be posative. Someone who is reading most likely needs a virtual hug for one reason or another. Don't we all need a hug at times? We all have pain and struggles, but our focus is only on that and not the joyful and good things in our lives, we will miss the glimpse of Heaven we would have caught, even in the midst of stress and pain, peace exists. Sometimes we have to look a bit harder for it then others but never does the love of God leave us entirely. At times of great stress when we are at our lowest point, we can be joyful for life, if nothing else. May His love overshadow you, always.
I came home from the dentist a few hours ago. She was suppose to look at my tooth that had been giving me problems, and take an x-ray. The x-ray showed that I had bone loss in the back. My tooth was also very loose. Therefore, she extracted the tooth. The looseness and bone loss was due to a huge cyst under the tooth. So large, in fact that, the dentist had never seen the like, and was surprised I didn't have much more pain. I drink ginger tea often. Fresh ginger root grated into water, with a bit of honey, is a wonderful overall health drink. It helps with pain & inflammation, along with other things. I told my dentist this, also that my doctors said I have a high threshold for pain. This is good, and bad. Pain tells us when something is wrong. It lets us know that our body needs help. It's Gods' way of helping us know when to change something. It will certainly get your attention, if it's severe enough.
Although we do not like pain, it can be helpful. God has used pain in constructive ways to help His children. The Bible speaks of the Apostle Paul asking for a spirit that was buffeting him, to be removed, most likely some kind of physical pain. However, God said His grace was sufficient. Paul was the recipient of vast amounts of spiritual gifts. God was not about to allow him go down the road His most perfect angel, Lucifer, had gone down. Lucifer became prideful and sin was found in him. Therefore Lucifer was thrust out of the presence of God.
Pain makes us cry out to our Heavenly Father and have communication we may not otherwise have had with Him. What is giving you pain? Have you ever thought that it could simply be God's way of getting you to change something that is harmful to you? May it be that God wants to communicate but you are too busy? My dad said many times, "When you are flat on your back, the only place you can look, is UP!" Perhaps looking up is all you need to do, to remove pain.
Anyone who knows me, is well aware that my immediate family does not patronize fast food establishments, with few exceptions. Chic-Fil-A, Subway & Wendy's, because they have food choices that meet my, no MSG, High fructose, trans fat laden, GMO (Genetically Mortified Organism), standards. I feed my family healthy meals from scratch, most of the time. Lately however, I have been horribly bad. I have eaten the McDonalds double cheeseburger and small fries meal deal, because it's only $2.50, for like three days a week, for the last two weeks. Oh the inhumanity, the degradation, the nitrites, MSG, horrible GMO, crap laden........ deliciousness, that is fast food, Yum! I did drink my own filtered water from home, in a glass jar though.
Sarah said today, "We do not go to fast food because it's bad, right mom"! I said, "Well yes, for the most part, except that I have bee eating McDonalds lately". She yelled, "Nooooo, the shame you have brought upon me, and horribleness of that creepy clown"! Then I said in a whisper, "they have forty nine cent ice-cream cones too." I didn't have any of those though. I just wanted to mess with Sarah. She screamed all the more with her hands to her ears, "NOOOOOO MOM, Dairy Queen is better!" I said, "Yeah, cause that's way healthier right? It just costs more, that's all!"
Yes, the simple fact is that the food at most fast food establishments is not nutritious. In a similar way, some people try to make the Bible into fast food, and dine on the Genetically Mortified Organism of the world, then wonder why they aren't spiritually healthy. I have news, my body hates me the last few days, due to my horrible dining choices. Similarly, when we don't read the word, talk to Father God and forsake good Christian counsel, we become spiritually weak. Our inner spirit begins to starve and sometimes we don't even realize this, until something happens to draw our attention to the void. We are all guilty of being spiritually depleted at times. It's nothing that some prayer, quiet time with God and His word, won't cure though. May the inhumanity of a lack of good spiritual food subside, as we once again, dine on God's every word and I begin to juice fresh veggies and fruit.
A song welled up in my spirit today and I began to weep-profusely actually-when I began to ponder it's words. Jesus went to great lengths to ransom and redeem us so that we-as His bride-who now is Life of His Life and Spirit of His Spirit because of the death, burial, resurrection AND ascension having received "a part of Himself" can now carry out His heart and His cause.
We know that darkness cannot over take light. His main modus operandi is to have HIS Light, Life and Love now shine through us. I pray that we can arise to that occasion and accept the challenge more than ever!! My heart is pricked. I Love HIM and being one with Him I now desire wholeheartedly to allow HIS portion of Light in me to shine forth more intentionally! Thank you Lord for your enablement for same. I pray that by your enablement and the equipping of your bride with promise that you would put the necessary words in our mouth to speak forth that as effortlessly as we with gratitude, celebration and joy in candlelight services lean to light the candle of our neighbor that we would lean into you and reach the broken, hurting and lost and be a catalyst for your Spirit to burn brightly in each and every one. AMEN!
Go Light Your World
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
Light his own candle some other way
See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to
Still holds a candle without a flame
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
So let's raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times
Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
Take your candle, and go light your world
This week I was presented with, well, an issue. I am about to explain to my boss that I will not be at work after a certain date, however, I am able to do my job from any place. The issue is that, I am not only doing my job currently, but my coworker's as well. Therefore, they will be loosing two people, in essence.
I have been bothered and upset, worried that everything will go well in my physical absence as I try to do my job remotely and help them with the other job. That is, until I was slapped in the face with the reality that my boss cares more for others that are less deserving, and gives to them, while those that work hard for him, not only myself, have been woefully neglected. That isn't enough though, it was thrown into my face. So, I am very happy to report that my anxiety to tell him of the upcoming changes has departed, along with any unnecessary concern. Especially in light of the fact that I will be giving a notice that is three times longer then most.
You see God knows the heart of everyone. He knows when someone gives good and when some do not give good. When those that have given good and receive bad instead, He rights the wrong and gives peace to the ones harmed. Peace is a gift only God can give. "Give and it will be given to you, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing will men give unto your bosom, says The Lord". Therefore, be careful to give good gifts to all within your power to do so. Thankfully, peace prevails for me. Bless be to God. I am in His hands, not others.
Unless you live under a rock, you probably know that Father's Day is this coming Sunday. Every year I get Paul something, and every year he takes it back. He can't stand to let me spend money on him, weird. I went to one of my favorite stores and purchased shorts to replace his shorts that once again, have holes. Yes, he still wares those shorts after stitching them back together, to the best of his ability. I hate to sew, and have successfully obscured the fact that I am actually quite good at it. I have successfully avoided the purchase of three sewing machines. Two of which were returned because something was wrong with them, Praise God! The afore mentioned new shorts were on sale, yay me! I have figured out a plan, to ensure he will keep his gifts this year. We give Sarah an allowance. I am simply going to give her extra allowance this week & she can get daddy a gift, ha! Rather, she can give him the gifts I got, and we can say she got them with her allowance. It's fool proof......I hope.
I wanted one thing for Mother's day. A new pair of comfy cotton sleep pants, because mine are hanging around my waist by a thread, literally. I could stitch them, but that's not likely to happen. I received a pair of dress pants and capris instead. I took back the horrible printed dress pants but the capris fit, and look nice. Still looking for said sleep ware. Perhaps I should have purchased two pair 15 years ago, when I bought the original ones. I guess I am as bad as Paul, when it comes to dawning worn out items.
Thankfully, in Heaven, nothing will ware out, Ever. There will be no need to stich items back together. I will have successfully avoided said project for eternity. Now that's Heaven for me. Nothing will ware out, and there is no need to sew anything, Ever. Yes, Oh Yes!!! Until Heaven, I will have to employ my excellent avoidance tactics. I'm pathetic. I know this. However, I don't often have to stitch worn out things. Happy Father's Day to me too.
Rusty's story also is in the category of the unexplainable. I was present but unable to crossover into the realm of what was happening but what I was able to see still resonates in my memory .
After leaving critical care I became a Hospice nurse and remained so until May of 2014. Surprisingly I enjoyed this type of nursing. Certainly not because of the diagnosis that connected me to the people but because of other factors.
I had time to sit and really listen and "hear" a patient and their family should they chose to share. I was able, in a lot of instances, to help them live as much as they could while they were dying. I also could, with proper med management, alleviate most if not all of their pain and for the most part their anxieties. But the real nitty gritty stuff was the spiritual component.
Hospice provides chaplain services to all that choose to avail themselves. And sometimes they just talked to their nurse. Spiritual pain cannot be remedied by medicine. Sure I could zonk someone so that they felt nothing but this is not within the scope of nursing practice of Hospice nor would I want that decision on my shoulders.
Anyway-Rusty was mid-30's, had a lovely family and was dying of cancer. They lived in Emmitsburg MD. If you are not familiar with that town it is the "Catholic Capital" of MD as it is the site of Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine, has a Catholic College and a Catholic retirement center and nursing home.
I had ask Rusty if he would like chaplaincy services and he declined. Quite politely and charmingly nice. He was straightforward in just saying "I've never been into religion-I'm ok "
Several weeks passed and the call came "Please come-Rusty's dying." I arrived and assessed him and the wife was right. He was in and out of consciousness and dying. Just then a van pulled up and 4 nuns emerged. I walked to the door and introduced myself and they asked could they pray for Rusty.
I asked the Mrs and she looked to Rusty and whether cognizant or not he nodded his head affirmative.
They prayed a simple prayer "Our Father...who are in heaven ...Hallowed be thy name...and when they finished, Rusty turned towards the wall-leaving us behind as it were, and began to weep profusely but not in an anguished sort of way but in an embracing sort of way saying" I didn't know--Oh God...I really didn't know....I am so sorry " and he died.
As sure as I sit here I know Rusty was communing with Our Father...who art in heaven... and it was a mutual embrace.
In this life people don't always get along with each other, it's human nature. Personalities conflict, or circumstances arise that put a wedge between people that were otherwise close in a relationship with each other. It is sad when this happens.
My thought is, if those that don't get along together here, are both "Christians", and will be in heaven together for all eternity, shouldn't they try to get along together here? I simply think this whole earthly existence is a series of tests and trials. Making us into the image of Christ, or, more like Satan. I could be wrong. However, it just makes sense if you are going to be stuck with someone forever in Heaven, which is a place of joy, rather then tears. Either one of the people are not in fact going to be in heaven, and their memory will forever be gone from the one in heaven, and the person in Hell, will have nothing but their memories, because Hell is a torturous place. Or, they will both be slapped with an "OH, I got it, I'm sorry, I'm an idiot", type thing by God, then hug in Heaven. I kinda think it's the former, rather then the latter. I could be wrong. However Jesus said, if you don't forgive your brother that has wronged you, then my Father in Heaven won't forgive you. That pretty much tells ya, your going to Hell instead, right?
My house is quiet and still at this moment. What do I do with that? To me, quiet is usually boring. However, there are times I long for it, like when I am trying to get something at work accomplished that requires my full attention, but my bosses wife has a need to fill the room with constant chatter, and the phone rings constantly. Heaven help me at those times. Other times I long for stillness because I am watching a movie and Sarah has a need to comment with hand gestures VERY LOUDLY, on almost everything. We rent or stream movies, so that we may back them up, and actually know what is going after said comments.
This week, Sarah is at aunt Lynn & Grandma's home, enjoying time with cousins. I miss her but not so much that I don't enjoy eating, watching and doing what I want without having to compromise because, what I want is so lame to Sarah. I am having a fresh pare and green tea with cinnamon and coconut oil in it. Not farm fresh eggs with nitrite free bacon or fresh ground pork and coffee. I have ruined my child into liking coffee. She just reached over and grabbed my cup of coffee one morning, and took a big sip, then said, "I have to wake up some how mom!"
Since Paul can't work because of his copious injuries, he watches TV till late then sleeps late. I would be useless at work, if I did that. However, today is my day off and I am enjoying quiet stillness, this morning. This brings to mind a verse that God imprinted upon my mind and He brings it to the forefront at times. "Be still, and know that I am God". As if to say, "Stop, be quiet, and don't do anything, God is in charge." At times it's tough to do that because we want to fix or do things ourselves, but we usually mess them up if we do them in our power and our own way. These are the times that quiet stillness, is necessary to put things into perspective. So, when we do have quiet stillness, just enjoy because it won't last forever.
As time ticked away, I had to stop and get myself ready for work. I fully expected to finish up when I got home that evening. Instead the unthinkable happened. The phone call from my shaken husband came from across town complete with its own soundtrack of screaming sirens and crying children. That call embedded itself forever into my memory. I can quote it word for word. I still have nightmares about it.
In short... our house burned down that night. We were instantly homeless. Safe, but devastated.
There is so much that I could write about the details that have transpired over the past 3 and a half months, but that could fill a book. There have been moments of despair and moments of peace. Waves of overwhelming terror and overwhelming provision. Tears of sorrow and tears of relief. Questions of "why" yet believing that God still has His hand on us. Longing for home, but not ever wanting to go back. Craving the familiar, but still feeling unsettled. Tonight, for the first time in months I find myself in a comfortable place....sitting right here at this desk... writing
Sometimes things are just unexplainable. No matter how hard we try, God just does not fit in our box. Some things I just have to file under the song sheet "We will understand it better bye and bye" and then let go.
I 'd like to share two stories from my nursing career. I can't explain either as I was not privy to know the "inner goings on" but I know for a fact in both instances that it was an encounter with man and his Maker.
I was a critical care nurse for the first 20 years of nursing. While I was working at Memorial Hospital in Cumberland, which was regional shock trauma at the time, we received a man status post motorcycle accident. He was critically injured and it became apparent very quickly that he was not going to make it. Life support was just prolonging death not life
.
The strangest thing was-the knowledge of the impending accident must have left an indelible impression on his mind because the look of horror on his face was almost grotesque. Over the course of multiple days NOTHING changed that look.
At that time it took 3 days of Caloric tests for brain death protocol to be established and it had been determined that there was no brain response at all and tomorrow morning they would pull the plug.That night (11-7 shift) he was my patient. Around 5 a.m I went in to give him a bath. As I was bathing him I began to sing "Jesus Loves Me". I cannot recall any other time that I have ever done this before or since but in retrospect I realize I was a conduit for "HIS love reaching."
I had my back to him as I was doing his lower extremities when George, the respiratory therapist, came in the room to do vent checks etc. His immediate reaction was "Oh my goodness-what happened to him" quite emphatically, I might add.
I looked at George and said "What" and he pointed to the patient. The patient had a smile on his now relaxed face. We called the whole unit it to see as we had all been so aware of the emotional pain exhibited on this mans face.He died a couple of hours later, still smiling and relaxed. I honestly believe he was cradled in the arms of Jesus!
Next time we'll hear Rusty's story.
[1Jo 4:4-6 NKJV] 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak [as] of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.
This totally takes the pressure off. If a person you are speaking to won't hear you, then either God is working on them still, or they are of Satan. Either way, you have been a light to them and have done your job by speaking the Word of God. The Word won't return void, scripture says. Most people think this means that anyone who hears the Word will convert. Not necessarily so. If they are from the world, then the purpose of the word in their life, may, be meant to condemn them on the day of judgment. Do not presume to know what God's purpose for His word is with every person. Unless you have a gift from God to do so, you can't see what is in their heart.
We may only be vessels for God to do His work through, the Holy spirit convicts and brings to salvation. It's way cool to be a part of God's plan when we get to reap the harvest though. I have resigned myself to simply speak the Word when prompted to and let God do what He will do. I use to beat myself up if someone didn't ask Jesus into their heart. As if my ability to speak the Word would or would not lead one to Christ. Thankfully, "For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, lest anyone should boast". So take the pressure off of yourself and simply speak the word. Those of God will want to hear more. Don't worry about those that are not interested. He may still be dealing with them, or let them go to their own devices. Either way, it's up to God ultimately, not you. Remember, a person convinced against their will, is of the same opinion still, and if they can be talked into something, they can be talked back out of it as easily.
We all have our story and it is part of the Bigger story..HIS story.Recently I attended a funeral of the husband of one of the back-up singers for the band Longing for Eden. Longing for Eden was doing the music for the funeral.As I listened to the lead female vocalist comment on the song they were about to sing "It is well" relating snippets of things that they had been through this year and yet their stance is "Through it all-Our eyes are on you.. It is well ...with my soul.
My mind began to think of the songs this band had written on their CD "Heaven's Inside Me" and on things I knew to be true about the members. Jeanne, lead female vocalist, had a major health crisis and almost died in the last year, their house burnt almost to the ground, completely gutted and the family is still displaced. And yet the lilt of her voice carried us all to the realization that "HE" makes the difference in every circumstance and we can sing..It is Well--Oh what a Blessed Assurance!!
Gene, her husband, the bass guitarist, suffered his own physical trauma with Dr's stating he would never be able to use his arm again, but he sure can play a mean base. He wrote a song on their CD born from his pain of another set of circumstance's that deeply affected their family, quite simply stating that "Even in This" however hideous that turn of events, we will trust you and draw on your strength.
Eric,male vocalist, sings his story in Long Lost Years and how it affected him and his family and yet today his family is intact and God is opening doors for him. The band leader and guitarist Phil expressing his journey through doubts and fears of finding and laying hold of God's grace in "Heaven's Inside Me." Last fall he lost his father and I know that there are many times he plays and sings while enduring great physical pain.
The drummer and back up singer Kevin and Lydia have opened their hearts, family and home by adopting two siblings and all the rigors and changes and that go with that decision. And I could go on and on....But I'm brought back to the moment.
A now they stand there singing with their hearts broken for their band-mate and dear friend. And what are they singing?
Grander earth has quaked before
Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred
Can be calmed and broken for my regard
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
My eyes are on You
It is well with me
Far be it from me to not believe
Even when my eyes can't see
Will be thrown into the midst of the sea
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You
Through it all, through it all
It is well
So let go my soul and trust in Him
The waves and wind still know His name
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
Through it all, through it all
My eyes are on You Lord
Through it all, through it all
It is well with me.
Read more: Bethel Music - It Is Well Lyrics | MetroLyrics
I went onto Facebook this past weekend. I rarely do that because it's generally depressing and takes a bunch of my time away from other things. However, I saw something from someone that smacked me in the chest. Not literally, but I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest after reading the post.
Bad things happen in life to all of us. The constant things in my life have been God and the Bible. What happens when those things are in question? I have been there. It was simply Hell on earth. That is the only appropriate description I have to give for it.
I grew up knowing that I could always pray to God, that His word was true and correct, and that He loved me. Things happened that turned that all upside down for me. I told God to go away and I didn't want to hear from Him any longer. This distance between us went on for six years. When I had a problem, I didn't pray or read the Bible. I couldn't because I no longer believed.
I knew somewhere in my heart of hearts that God would not take my cousins wife away without a better plan for her. I had prayed that she would wake from her coma based upon the scriptures, "Come boldly to My throne of grace and obtain mercy in your time of need." "Ask and you Will receive that your joy may be full." I mean ya can't get any more plain then that. So why did God, who is all powerful and nothing happens without His approval, take her away from her family? I wasn't asking for something evil or bad. So I told God to go away. At the end of six horrible years of nothing, I finally said, "HELP"! "What ever you do to me has to be better then this!" "I don't want to come back, but I want, to want to come back, please help me!" I began a journey back to God. He showed me why He chose to take her to heaven rather then heal her. He showed me things I had not thought of. At the end He said, "Remember those six years without Me?" I said, "Yes"! He said, "I don't want you to ever forget them and I want you never to go back there again." I was like, no problem, I totally got it God!
So when I see others having issues with God, religion, the Bible or anything surrounding Him, I get it. My heart breaks and I know what it's like. It just sucks! When others go through these things and it SMACKS you, pray! Be thankful that it isn't you, and tell them you love them. Sometimes just knowing they are loved is what they need right then.
There are times God gives an open door to walk right through, but as you walk through it, you wonder, what is on the other side and how are the other details of walking through this door going to be worked out? This is called faith and trust.
We did not receive a neon sign but, Sarah did receive a scholarship to a private Christian school. Not only that, but our friend paid the twenty nine dollar registration fee on our behalf ahead of time, without a request to do so. This scholarship includes all fees, as well as five school shirts. It was not a neon sign, but the door couldn't open any wider. So we took it as a huge YES, this is the door to walk through.
So, we are intrepidly walking through this door. We still don't have a date for Paul's shoulder surgery, know when or if my coworker is coming back to work, how the lawn in WV is going to be kept trim, or if Paul's disability is going to go through. So we trust. When others question as to how all the details will be worked out or weather we are going to get rid of our home in WV, I simply say, "I don't know, I'm not God and He will deal with the details." This is not entirely new for us to trust God, but this level of trust is new. Does is freak us out? Yeah, kinda, some days more then others. However, we know that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Based upon this, we walk through the open door.
Well, I still haven't closed, on the house, that is. Closing date was 5/6 and at the last minute a glitch.Along with ALL the other delays not totally unexpected. This is the VERY reason I have NEVER prayed for patience -HaHa .... Seriously though, for real!
And yet I find that I am discovering little rich treasures and my walk with God is re-aligning or maybe I should say I finally find myself embracing truths re: finances and His guidance in all things and other things that I have not yet labeled and it has become precious to me. Even to the point that I have, now, prayed for patience, I have slowed down and begun to THANK HIM in this phase of the journey and promised, with His enablement, that I will be content. AND I choose and want to learn what He is teaching me.
The day started out fine but took a turn for the worse. I got my monthly visit, and I am detoxing. Not eating any sugar, dairy or simple carbs. This, as I am told, has made me a bit more cranky lately. I went to the computer repair store and parked on the street in the properly designated area. All I had to do was pull up, then back into the space, since there were two open right together, simple right? After leaving the computer repair place, I got into my van and began to drive to the post office. To my shock and amazement, I saw a bright yellow thing on my windshield, while driving. I was like, I know that isn't a ticket! Ah, yeah, it was. For what?!? Parking too far away from the curb, seriously?!? I WAS LIVID!
Thankfully, I went to the wrong station. I showed them the ticket and they explained it was a borough and not a state matter. I went back to work, proceeded to slam doors, make horrible faces and tell my coworkers & boss what a horrible thing was perpetrated upon sweet little me. I called my husband, who told me not to go to the station and yell at them, as I wanted to do, but rather ask how far up on the curb they wanted me to park? I am aggressive, when I am mad. Paul is passive aggressive. He helps put things into perspective so I don't make a complete butt of myself. Praise God for Paul.
I had to wait till later to leave work, by then I had calmed down somewhat. I went into the lobby. Nobody was there. I pushed the button about fifty times over the course of thirty minutes. This did not help my disposition. Finally, a tall dark haired, handsome gentleman, came out and said, "Oh, no body is here? I'm not here either though." I said puzzled, "it looks like you are here to me." He explained that he was off the clock an hour ago. I said, "Oh, well thank you for helping me then." I said, "I got this ticket and wanted to know how far up on the curb I was suppose to park?" He looked puzzled taking the ticket in hand he said, "How far away were you parked? Oh, it says here 25 inches, the state law is 12 but we allow 18 inches." I explained that I had no idea how that could happen because I stepped from my vehicle onto the curb. I wasn't far away enough to step onto the street. He was very nice and professional and explained that if I would like to take the matter up with the officer that assigned the ticket, she would be there on Wednesday. I said "But that would take me past the five day time allowance and I would have to pay $40 instead of $20. He wrote on the ticket and explained that since he was somewhat of a boss around there, I would have more time. The five days was for those they had to track down and I had just received the ticket that day. I was not mean and nasty but my demeanor was stern. I wanted to know what my options were. He again mentioned to come back on Wednesday. I thanked him for his help and said I would do so. Later on, I remembered, as I drove backward, I could have in fact put my back tire out in traffic too far but still have been close enough the curb to step out of my van without realizing the back tire was in violation. I was like, OHHHHH, Opps! I also found out when I went back Wednesday, that I was actually speaking the chief of police. Um wow! I am so glad I wasn't a total raving wench, to him. Also another officer asked if I needed help with the door just before I went back to the computer shop as he saw I had a large computer in my arms. I said, "I think I have it but thank you very much." So once again, God had my back. He didn't let me make a total fool of myself and helped me realize that police aren't mean, they are trying to keep the public safe and our vehicles safe from harm as well. Yes, I was totally wrong. When I went back, I paid the ticket, apologized, and explained how I later realized my error. Unfortunately I was unable to speak to either the chief or the officer but I am fairly certain that the message was relayed as I the lady who took the ticket smiled and said it was O.K.
Today I am simply going to write what is happening and I may not have time to go over this ten to twenty times, in order to make sure punctuation, spelling and grammar are all correct. Therefore, please excuse any mistakes.
Our daughter just got a scholarship to a wonderful Christian school, in Florida. We have two homes, one in Florida and another in West Virginia. Our lawn in WV must be perfectly maintained, because we live in a sea of lawn obsessed retired people, who have nothing better to do, no really. I am employed by a doctor of chiropractic in Pennsylvania, near our home in WV, but I can usually take my work any place to complete, because I have a laptop that can log into my office computer in order to do my work. However, my coworker has just received the news that she has cancer. Therefore I am doing both mine and her job. Paul needs another surgery on his shoulder and his doctors for that are in West Virginia. Also, Paul has a hearing for his disability in July. If that goes well I can quit my job. If not, I will have to work full time.
So do we split up our family over the lawn and healthcare for Paul, while I get a full time job that is flexible enough to allow me to take Sarah to, and pick her up from, school for like two months, so Sarah can have a great education? I don't know. I am asking for prayer in regard to our situation. And thank you for your help in advance. May God bless you and give us direction.
The last couple of weeks have been interesting to say the least. Well, to me that is :)
I have been blessed with a nice home totally unexpected to me to be buying my first home by myself at my age no less. I sensed "to follow HIS lead" and here I am. Now it is a case of hurry up.....wait.......hurry up.....and wait, I said.
The painter is coming. Oh, now he can't come. But he will come soon. The carpet man came and told me how much carpet I need and his price to install. Now we are getting somewhere. But-wait-he cannot install till May 26 & 27th. The fence installer came asap-installation will be at least a month out.OK.
Waiting is not my strong suit. But you know what? I've noticed something. And I am humbled and in awe. Some things that I have prayed for to see in myself for quite a long time now I see, like tiny buds on a tree, that this situation is bringing forth. I AM learning-you Can teach an old dog new tricks! And I am thankful.....exceedingly thankful. All things work together for the good of those who love HIM and are called according to HIS purpose.
My heart brims with thankfulness for this growth spurt.
Did anyone notice, it's Spring time again. If you live in the south, this wasn't such a big deal because the weather has been warm, for over a month. However, in the North, things are beginning to wake up. Flowers are blooming and it's beginning to warm. This means that lawns are being cut and gardens are being slowly planted with root vegetables. People are actually going outside once more.
Is it Spring in your season of time with God? We all go through seasons in life. When we first come to Christ, it's as though we are a flower wake up in Spring time. God is warming us with the Son and we begin to grow. Summer brings blooming in Him and full life. We have to learn how to trust in times of cool fall, and cold harsh winters, and our faith grows. Sometimes winter hits without warning and we feel that God has left us, but then, a glimmer of hope. The Son comes ever so gently to remind us that there is a new season around the corner. It's a change of seasons and learning. It's life, and it's a gift.
I have learned to roll with it, to some degree. Do I still freak out and become upset when bad things happen, sometimes? Yep! I am learning to take things in stride, for the most part, but, I'm still learning. I figure, when I'm done learning, I'll be in Heaven. So here's to learning in every season and looking forward to Heaven.
And lean not on your own understanding;
And He shall direct your paths. Psalm 3:5&6
She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes
She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes
She'll be coming 'round the mountain
She'll be coming 'round the mountain
She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes-Toot toot
This is my theme song for today ....
Why you say? Thanks for asking :)
I feel as if I have been on the backside of the mountain, maybe even down in the mountain for so very long and now I'm chugging my way, via the favor of God and answered prayer, 'round the mountain. I see daylight-yeah God!
I am moving Friday the 10th. My son-in-law asked me last week where I was moving. I told him I would let him know not any later than Thursday the 9th. Because...........I did not know where I was moving. I had looked at several places but none was to be. Then I felt to BUY a place in Cumberland which is where I wanted to be. I have been waiting with baited breath for 3 weeks for an answer on the appraisal so the mortgage plans could move forward. I have known on other occasions that God is neither too early or too late just right on time.
This morning Wednesday the 8th at 8 a.m. my real estate agent called me to tell me I could move in Friday the 10th on a pre-occupation contract and we will close in 2 weeks.
I am so very thankful!! So very....very thankful!!
Addendum: To my FB family and friends-I am not telling Mom of my return to Cumberland till I have my carpets updated and some painting done. I want to surprise her-SSSHHHHH! Thank you!
As one reflects upon life, most realize, that they have wasted time worrying, countless hours of fear. At times we worry about circumstances we could do nothing to change. That is simply pointless. As I reflect and read God's word, I see so many places that God tells us not to worry. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Jos 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 2 Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Take a look in the book of Job, where Job said "The thing I feared has come upon me." Ah, didn't work out great, at first, for him. It was his own stupid fault because he gave Satan legal right to mess with him by fearing in the first place. You give Satan a chance to mess with you when you fear. What happens then, is that the enemy is kicking your butt with paralyzing fear and you are taking part in it. So stop it, right now I say! Yeah, I know. Easier said then done. It's a habit, a crutch, a thing that is a part of you. Then tell God about it. Ask His forgiveness for your arrogance in thinking that you can deal with what ever it is that is causing this worry or fear. Those verses up there are not polite suggestions, they are commands people! So do it! Stop wasting precious time giving the enemy exactly what he wants, which is to mess with you and steal your sound mind from you.
The truth of God's word says that God gave you a sound mind, not the spirit of fear. If you do have a mind that is not currently sound, that is only a fact. Truth can overcome facts. The truth of God's word says to stop fearing, you have a sound mind, end of discussion. So take the word of God and bring fear to the throne of grace to obtain mercy in your time of need. Talk to God. He loves you and He's got this. After He deals with this issue, later as you reflect on your life, perhaps you won't see so much wasted time on worry and fear. May that reflection be a peaceful one.
Today I sing with great gusto and gratitude:
JESUS PAID IT ALL-ALL TO HIM I OWE
SIN HAD LEFT A CRIMSON STAIN-HE WASHED IT WHITE AS SNOW!!!
IT.........IS...........FINISHED!!
Sarah loves to hear and tell stories of people in our family. She especially loves to hear about the stories of when she makes the biggest messes. Before we ever thought of having Sarah, we purchased and installed new, very light tan, almost white, carpet. What were we thinking, I don't know?
When Sarah was capable of walking, or rather running almost every place instead, she would grab anything she could make a mark with. One day she found my red lipstick and decided to test it out. You guessed it, on our carpet. Livid doesn't even come close to describing my mood, when I walked into my living room to find red lipstick on about one forth of the rooms floor. I disciplined Sarah and took the lipstick away, then put her in her room. I found that when she made me the most upset it was best to get away from her for a little while as I calmed down.
Thankfully the lipstick came out of the carpet and all was well. We can laugh about it now. However, I read a story on FaceBook that didn't end so well. A mother came into her bedroom finding her child had used paint on her new bedding. She beat the child into unconscious and her daughter died. Afterwards, she went to her room to find a message, "I love you mom," on the bed. When I read that I cried. I have an awful temper, and children with neurological problems can be particularly trying upon ones patients. As Sarah had ADHD, Autism & Asperger Syndrome earlier in life. I am so unbelievably thankful that God has pulled me away from her and into another room, at times, when Sarah has frustrated me the most in the past.
She still infuriates me on occasion, now that she is a teenager, go figure! However, God is always there, dealing with the messes.
Waiting is NOT my strong suit. And most of the time it seems as if it is God's instrument of choice :)
I am waiting to move. My landlady has given me an extra week till 5/7/15 to move. I have not found a place as yet. I am a w a i t i n g an answer to one place and searching, I should say almost frantically, but to be honest I am at peace and that is a God thing!
I am waiting in several areas of my life so I guess I am slowly but surely growing in several areas of my life. Here's hoping!
Two weeks ago, Philip and I were sent out from our home church with prayers, words of blessing, and a dinner in our honor, to begin our journey back to the Cumberland area for ministry and family. We had been feeling the drawing for more than a year, and felt that the time had come to move full-tilt in that direction. We won't be physically moving until employment is in place, however, we will no longer be running in two different directions on the weekends.
We found it interesting that the very day that we made that leap of faith, we began to make heart connections with broken people in our hometown. My uncle has told us how so many times he has prayed and asked God, "Show me Your goodness," and immediately, someone crossed paths with him who desperately needed to hear the Good News. That has begun to happen to Philip and me as well. We haven't even had to ask. They just show up, and we believe that God is showing up too.
Vaccinations are a hot topic, since recent outbreaks of a disease thought to have been eradicated reemerged. I am well aware that there are strong feelings on both sides of the fence. I have no issues with either side. I know some of you may have fallen off of your chairs at that, but I'm serious.
If a parent wants to vaccinate their child, having researched, calculated the risks, prayed, then come to the conclusion that it is best for their child, and their child is not sick, their choice should be honored. Transversely, if parents, based upon scientific research, and their family history, prayed about it, then decided not to vaccinate, thereby taking upon themselves and their child, all possible risks and exclusions that may apply, this should also be honored.
My question is this. If someone doesn't vaccinate their child, why should those that choose to vaccinate care? The vaccinations are suppose to keep them from the disease, right? So those that vaccinate have nothing to concern themselves about. Why are they freaking out? This makes no logical sense to me.
From the research that I have done, in most cases, vaccinations alone don't cause problems. Yes, pick yourself up from the floor and continue reading, please. God made our bodies wonderfully, to fight disease and sickness. Medical science has made great strides to aid our bodies in the fight against sickness and disease. With that in mind, consider this. If a person is sick and/or has poor gut health, their ability to put up a defense against the dumbed down diseases administered by vaccinations, diminishes considerably. The body doesn't properly make the antibodies needed to help the body guard against those diseases in the future. Why? Because their body is busy healing the other problem already present.
It's not the healthy that have problems with vaccinations usually. However, vaccinations can adversely affect the body of someone who is not entirely healthy. Unfortunately, some conditions are not seen without testing. Also, there are things like MSG and lactose in some vaccinations, that a significant segment of our population are allergic to. It would be a good idea to test all who seek to vaccinate for allergies to the things in vaccinations, and check their gut health. The gut health directly affects the brain because the fluids in the brain come from your gut. Hence the saying, "Your stomach is your second brain". So if it is in poor health when vaccinations are administered, it could cause neurological disorders. A neurologist, Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, has several videos on YouTube that explain the connection in detail far better then I can.
There is a solution to these problems. Pull the vaccines apart instead of putting two or three together, remove the harmful things, and take each vaccination separately, in one month intervals, by those that have been tested and are healthy only. All while helping those that are not healthy become so, before vaccinating.
I'm just a concerned mom that has done about 10 years of research on both the pros and cons of vaccinating. Changing some things, and making what we have better, just makes sense to me. Yeah, you'll have to go back to the doctor a few more times, and the kid will have to endure a little more pain. But, if their body functions properly and is protected from diseases because of these changes, isn't it worth avoiding possible problems? I think so, but I'm just a mom.
I say that "ALL things" (my emphasis) works together for those that love God and are called according to His purpose. Since getting my dog last June (which was a gift from God, that story another day) I have had to kennel her when I go to Mom's as she would not allow me to bring her there afraid she would do something to her dog. Honestly, there were times that I really resented that as it cost me money. Now I find myself in a situation that I cannot find a place that allows dogs.
When I picked "Sweetie" up last week from the kennel I asked the owner to try and help me find a good home for her and I began to cry as I explained to him my need to move and ...PETS...He teared up and left the room after telling me he would check around. He also reiterated to me how much they all love Sweetie.
Wednesday one of the workers from the kennel called me and told me that the owners said that if I provide her food, which I always do, that they will board her for free till I get moved. This will allow me the time to find the place for me AND her :) What a blessing that is and shows that God is concerned about every aspect of our lives. Thank you Jesus for this gift and bless this kennel who has a heart for animals and their owners.
For by grace are you saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, otherwise anyone could boast. That verse just slaps us in the head and says, "If God didn't give you the faith to believe that His Son Jesus is The Christ, you wouldn't believe." So salvation is all about what God does and He chooses who comes to Him, right? Wait, what about the verse in Romans 10:9-10 that says; "If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." So, we have to decide and it's all abut us right? No. The Bible is confusing! Yes, yes it is. Does the Bible contradict itself? No, never! So which is it? Each, and both at the same time. What, Ha? Exactly my thoughts.
All my life I had been taught that you must believe and you make the decision to be saved, it's all about you and your choice. Then I read the Bible, and found the first verse at the top. I became confused. As I was driving home from work one day I frustratingly asked God, "which is it God?" "I see opposite sides of the coin in your word about salvation, what is the deal?" I don't know how to put this so I'm just going to say what happened. I have used it many times to defuse arguments. Because the body of Christ argues about this all the time, pointlessly. You are both correct and both wrong at the same time, no really. Allow me to explain what God Himself did for me and then you may also understand.
God showed me a silver sphere, like a ball. This ball was then jaggedly cracked into two parts from the inside, as cracked, a light came out of it. One part was larger then the other one. The two halves went away from each other as the light became brighter in the center. Then, the two parts quickly came back together and whirled around in all directions so fast that I could barely see it. It slowed down, then stopped. When it stopped, I could not tell where it was cracked into two parts. It was one perfectly cohesive object as before. I understood, in my finite brain, what this meant.
The mystery of Salvation is one miraculous thing with two parts. The larger part is what God does, the smaller part is what we do. Without both parts it would not be complete. No one can tell where one begins and the other ends, and the fullness of the mystery, cannot be understood by our minds here on earth. That was enough for me. I got it. The Holy Spirit must do His part by giving us the faith to believe then we are able and desiring to do our part. God gives everyone the opportunity to come to Him. However, the gospel is foolishness to those that are perishing.
I for one am very thankful that salvation is not entirely up to me. I am not wise enough to choose such a lofty thing, in and of myself. I certainly couldn't do what Christ did on the cross. I did have to count the cost and realize that this wasn't something to enter into lightly as I believed in my heart and confessed Jesus my Lord and Savior. I am so thankful for God's wonderful explanation to me. The Bible is confusing, but God gives understanding. Praise God!
I was driving to western MD Wednesday a 2 hour jaunt for me and was listening to the music on Christian radio as I usually do while in the car. I stopped to run and errand and when I retuned to the car a program was on "Haven Today" and I was about to turn off the radio when I heard Charles Morris say "These are the praise songs song by the 1st church" and went on to describe the "Odes of Solomon."
I had never heard of them before, maybe you have, but he went on to say that theologians have known for centuries about the Odes and a few were found over the years. About 100 years ago a collection of them was found. Dr Charlesworth has studied the odes for years and translated them in getting his PhD and has since collaborated with John Schreiner to put the words to music. Dr James Charlesworth related that such a sense of peace and serenity was almost palpable and he wanted the music to support that.
As I began to listen to some snippets that was played of the Odes I had to pull over as I was sobbing so hard. I was struck by the words as it is words that song writers even today are writing and declaring in their praise. I was literally bowled over by the Pure Vein that has survived the test of time...the rote...and ritual...and all the religious trappings. The songs are STILL representing what God and HIS Spirit is saying and prompting to His people.
Examples:
1-Flow through me, pour out your love in me that I could show mercy....Ode 12
2-My heart was pruned and it's flower appeared -Then grace sprang up in it and my heart produced fruit for the Lord.For the most high has circumcised by heart by His Spirit, then he uncovered my inward being towards Him and filled us with His love-Ode 11
But this next one REALLY got me and the comments Dr Charlesworth shared as to the impact it had on him.
3-Behold, the Lord is our mirror. Open your eyes and see them in Him. And learn the manner of your face, then declare praises to His Spirit. Ode 13
Comments by Charlesworth:Our mirror is the Lord-Look at the Lord and see yourself. The light will dismiss all darkness in me. I then take my identity, my true identity, when I am looking into him. Not an identity that is of my emotion of the day or time frame, but I see who I really am in Him being transformed by His glory I then can understand that HE became like us so that We could become like him. Colossians 3:10 -Being renewed (or re-created) to a TRUE knowledge according to the image of the one who created him.
Now my words-I have heard the scripture quoted many times in my walk that we are "transformed by the renewing of our minds" and this is true. But sitting at the side of the road I "REALLY saw it. That until I (we) know for a fact our true identity in Him in our mind it cannot be grasped by our heart to begin to live out our identity as it will still be subject to how I see my self not who I truly AM in him-reflected in His mirror. As we believe the true knowledge of our identity then His Spirit has free rein to work in us, progressively, to narrow the gap of our inequities to His likeness. This is growing up in HIM.
However, the reason that I celebrate on March 17th, is because the gospel was spread to the land of my heritage by St. Patrick. His is a miraculous story that you may or may not have heard before.
St. Patrick was captured in England by Irish men, who enslaved him and took him back with them to Ireland. He later escaped slavery and went back to England. St. Patrick then joined the monastery where he was converted to Christianity. Only to be later told by God, to go back to Ireland, in order to spread the news of the gospel. I can't even imagine the thoughts that went through his head as he contemplated returning to Ireland.
St. Patrick's day celebrates the wonderful acts of a humble servant of God, whom by the way did not want anyone to celebrate him, and reveals Father God's plan for a savage nation. How God worked and changed a nation rooted in brutality by the obedience of one person.
So when I deal with people who have an Irish bent, like my boss who was born in Dublin Ireland. I totally get their temper, and the steadfast refusal to not back down. God created the Irish, savage as they were. They were always part of His plan to Cary the gospel throughout the world. God designed them with their stubborn ways, for His good. I am very proud of my hard headed Irish heritage. God needs stubborn, hard headed people, who don't bend their knee to Satan. People that will spread the gospel. That includes me!
I work with a group of homeschool moms to create quality history-focused experiences for our kids. Choosing and preparing the literature portion of the day is my job. I laid out twenty authors, and we are nearing the end. Second-to-last is The Interior Castle by St. Teresa of Avila. I have already enjoyed her autobiography and a good modern biography, so I knew this was going to be a soul-stirring business.
