The Right Thing

Did you ever know that you were doing the right thing. REALLY KNOW it?

I have a little story.....Several years ago, I had the honor of being part of an incredible worship team. Our worship pastor was gifted in playing the acoustic guitar and has written hundreds of songs and recorded several CDs. The Lord brought together all kinds of musicians ....a keyboardist, a flutist, a trumpet player, an awesome drummer and four incredible vocalists whose voices blended "just like the angels" (or so we were told). I loved being a part of that team.

However, there came a time during that period, when the Lord told me that I had to step down from my position because there were some things that He needed to "work" in me and I could not be in a position of leadership while He was doing the work. I resisted. But finally, after my pastor gave me a "gentle" nudge, I resigned from the team.

Several weeks later, I attended a Women's Aglow meeting and the speaker there prophesied over me --told me that she saw rivers of worship flowing from my belly and that I was created to worship. She said that the Lord was going to use me mightily in the area of worship. I was thrilled, yet broken in spirit, knowing that at that time, I had been removed from my position on the worship team by the Lord. The woman who prophesied over me had no idea that I could even sing, and she couldn't have possibly known of my deep desire to be involved with worship.

Several years went by. I married and moved to another town. When we began attending the church where we are now, I was sitting behind the pastor one Sunday morning and he turned around after worship and said to me. "You need to be up front." I looked at the "team" which was on the platform. The "team" consisted of one person, Jim. Jim did a great job at leading worship but you can imagine my disappointment when I knew that there would be a lot of "building" of our team --and that it was going to take a lot of time. Not to mention the fact that one of my biggest faults is always comparing things to other things. In my mind, this team could never measure up to the team that I had left behind at my other church.

After a year, I began to really get discouraged. Our team consisted of three vocalists. Period. No musicians. We sang all of our songs using accompaniment tracks and I believed that method was limiting the "flow" of the Holy Spirit. But, we had no choice. We had no musicians. Eventually, I dropped off the team.

Six months later, Dawna showed up. She has a beautiful voice. A few weeks later, her Aunt Janet approached me and said that Dawna would like for me to sing with the team but didn't feel she knew me well enough to talk to me about it. Janet and I spoke at length and by the end of the conversation, I was finally beginning to listen to the Holy Spirit as He was telling me that I needed to be on the team again. But still, made no move to volunteer. A few weeks later, my pastor actually said from the pulpit in a Wednesday service, "Deb, I'm going to say it...You need to be up here singing!" Okay Lord. I give.

The next week I showed up at worship practice. We still have only three vocalists. And we still sing using accompaniment tapes. But, the Lord is using us. There is not a week that goes by when someone doesn't come up to me after a service telling me what a blessing it is to them that I am singing again. Each week at practice, we pray that the Lord will increase our number and bring in musicians. Each week we pray that the people of our congregation will worship --truly worship.

We have developed a great friendship, the three of us - and our "sound guy", Dave, (Who just happens to be Dawna's husband.) I am grateful for the relationship we all have formed. Grateful for how the Lord has melded our hearts together. Grateful for what each of us brings to the team. We balance each other in our preferred styles of music and in our personalities. We go from “super organized – Pre-A” type (Dawna) to “way laid back ‘Z’ type” (Jim) to somewhere in between (me). And Dave, bless his heart, puts up with all of us!

All day today, a hymn was running through my head –and I sang it over and over again “…all that thrills my soul is Jesus…” I said to my husband before I left for worship practice that I was going to mention to Jim that we should sing that hymn sometime soon. When I got to practice, I couldn’t for the life of me, remember the song, but I said that there was a song that I had been singing all day and as soon as I could remember it, I would tell them. Then, I looked down at the page in the hymnal –one of the songs that we will be singing on Sunday…..you guessed it….”…all that thrills my soul is Jesus…”
Awesome. It’s incredible how the Lord had prepared my heart today and got me “on the same page” as our worship leader.

Dawna said, “Isn’t it neat how the Lord confirmed that you’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing?!” Yes, it is. My prayer is that the Lord will grow our worship team –in His time –in His way. May we seek to lead the congregation in true worship –getting back to the heart of worship –worshipping in Spirit and in Truth. And may lives be changed for eternity through our ministry.

One more thing....It is really because of Janet that I am singing on the team. Janet has since gone Home to be with the Lord. I am thankful for Janet's gentle nudge --and look forward to worshipping by her side when I join her one day in that Glorious Place that the Lord has prepared for those who love Him!

It's a post already!

okay --no time because we have to leave for church in two minutes.

a few things...Margie don't feel guilty because I DO think that Sara stole her post idea from me --but you'll never hear me SAY that!!

second....Cheryl --email me about Ebay

Dawna ---see you in a few! --I'll get posting soon-- promise

and yes, to all who inquired --a mini getaway vacation at the inlaws in New York.
Fun time.

gotta run!
more later!

Random Things

Some Random Things About Me:

One of my favorite breakfasts is oatmeal with raisins, but I only eat it about once a month.

I have at least fifty collapsed Priority Mail Boxes in my garage –just in case I need to send a Priority Mail Package. (Actually, it’s fallout from my Ebay powerseller days.)

Oh…I was once an Ebay Powerseller.

Stamps. I love them. I buy them by the dozens –and always a large variety.

I talk to myself –all the time.

I enjoy watching dust float around when the sun shines through a window. Then I think about how we breathe in all that dust and pretty much get grossed out.

One thing I want to do before I die is ride in a hot air balloon.

I hate weeding flower beds and prefer to let things grow wild. Every weed is a wildflower waiting to bloom.

I am not a sports fan, however, if I must, I will RUSH through worship practice so that our sound guy can RUSH home in time for the Steelers’ kickoff. (Have I told you recently how much I appreciate you Dave?!)

My favorite fruit is a nectarine.

I am allergic to cats.

Books. I own hundreds. Enough to start my own library, I think. But I still keep buying them and borrowing them from the library and from friends. It’s a disease.

Wow Wow Wubbzy is Olivia’s new favorite show. Oh wait, that’s a random thought about her, not me. Strike that from the record.

Art – my passion – followed closely by singing, my second passion.

I once painted “Damas” and “Caballeros” on the bathroom doors of a small school in the Dominican Republic.

I love all food –with the exception of liver and onions.

I love to cut the grass –as long as I can use the zero-turn riding mower.

The zero-turn riding mower is currently stuck in the mud –no grass cutting today.

I don’t do diet pop or diet anything. If Im going to all the trouble of eating it –it’s going to be REAL.

I enjoy blogging as a creative outlet.

I trade Artist Trading Cards with artists from all over the world.

I regret that I didn’t take piano lessons longer when I was a child and I plan on allowing my daughter to learn piano (if she wants to) so that I can “live vicariously” through her playing.

My first piano recital piece was The Happy Sailor –I can still hum the tune.

One of the meanest things I’ve ever done was once putting chocolate ex-lax in my college roommate’s chocolate jello dessert. I feel badly about it to this day.

I use the term “loser” way too often, especially in reference to my pastor –who is NOT a loser (most of the time!) (Pastor Bill –luv ya man!)

I don’t have a favorite color ---it all depends upon my mood at the time.

I do have a favorite number. It is the number 4.

My favorite punchline to my favorite joke is: “only when pancakes grow on doghouses in July.”

I love my husband –with all my heart.

Are You Ready?

A friend sent me this video. I think it's one of the most powerful videos produced regarding the rapture of the church --the time when the Lord returns to take to Heaven all of those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior of their lives. If you're not sure you're ready for this event, if you think you may be one of the ones left behind, I encourage you to pray and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. You may click here to read more.

Please --don't put this off. It is the most important decision you will EVER make in your life!

Another of Olivia's Antics

Literally 40 minutes before we had to be out the door to go to church, Olivia came running up the stairs after playing in Daddy's office...Laughing...."MOMMY! MOMMY! LOOK! This is WAY funny, isn't it?! I turned my arm blue!!"

Yes, Olivia...waayyyyy funny....

By the way...there is no soap on this planet that will remove Sharpie Permanent Marker from the arm of a four-year old!

School Days

I thought it might be fun during this "back to school" season, to enjoy some school humor. Following are actual sentences from essays written by our nation's high school students. Geniuses --every one??

Enjoy!

1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.

2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse, without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli, and he was room temperature Canadian beef.

5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.

6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.

7. He was as tall as a six-foot, three-inch tree.

8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM machine.

9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.

10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.

11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.

12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.

13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.

14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.

15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.

16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.

17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the East River.

18. Even in his last years, Granddad had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.

19. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.

20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work .

21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.

22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.

23. The ballerina rose gracefully en Pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.

24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.

25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

One Word

It’s interesting how one word can make all the difference in the world. I read a testimony today about someone’s weight loss journey. It was worded this way: “She has released over thirty pounds and has a goal of releasing an additional twenty to thirty pounds.”

Most of us, when we want to shed pounds, talk in terms of “losing” weight. I began to think about the term “release” in relation to weight. Here are my thoughts: The dictionary definition of “lose” is “to come to be without (something in one's possession or care).” If we think about something that we’ve lost –an object or some money or a favorite item –we usually spend a considerable amount of time and energy searching to find it again.

The dictionary definition of “release” is “to free from confinement, bondage, obligation, pain, etc.; let go. Liberation from anything that restrains or fastens.” Aha! I think I’m going to choose to RELEASE weight rather than lose it! Releasing it means that I’m FREE from the bondage and pain which I carry with me when I carry the extra weight! There’s a whole new set of emotions that go with “releasing” weight!

Something to think about huh?

His Plans

Jeremiah 29:11 is a popular verse from the Bible. It is emblazoned on refrigerator magnets and wallhangings. It's often printed on the front of church bulletins. I have it sewn into a throw which sits on the back of our sofa. Because of that, I read it several times a day. This morning, in my Bible study, this verse came up. My study said to read the verse and replace "you" with my name and then pray for a new revelation as to what God may be saying to me. So I did.

The Amplified Bible says this: (I've inserted my name where appropriate)

For I know the thoughts and plans
that I have for you, Deb, says the Lord,
thoughts and plans for welfare and peace
and not for evil to give you, Deb,
hope in your final outcome.
- Jeremiah 29:11

As I prayed, the Lord so clearly spoke to me... As a parent, I have so many thoughts and plans for Olivia. Obviously, I want what is best for her. I have a lot of grandiose ideas of what she may grow up to be and how she will be successful as she grows. However, I'm not the one who is going to be making the choices for my daughter. Olivia will make her own choices about her life. Certainly, I pray that she looks to the Lord and to her father and I for guidance - but she will make the ultimate decisions when she is old enough to do so. My desire is for her to make the BEST choices so that she will prosper in all areas of her life.

That is no different than my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Just as my Heavenly Father has thoughts and plans for me, I will not prosper, and in fact, may do harm to myself physically, emotionally, or spiritually based on the choices that I make each day. I need to make the right choices. The right choices in my thinking, my speaking and my actions.

The right choices in my eating. As I struggle with my weight, I will never win this battle if I don't choose carefully. Choosing to eat only when I'm physically hungry - and then choosing healthy foods.

Father, I thank You for this new revelation regarding Your Word today and ask for Your help in making right choices. May every morsel of food that I ingest today be to sustain my life and not to feed my fleshly desire to eat for the sake of eating because the food is good - or it's my favorite snack - or I'm bored - or sad - or happy - or celebrating - or whatever other excuse I come up with for eating when I'm not physically hungry. I trust You for Your help as today I choose to die to self in the area of food. Thank You for trusting me to make right choices -- and providing the guidance I need to do so. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

New BLOG Alert!

Everyone! Please welcome my friend Dawna to Blogland! Go visit her
blog and tell her that I sent you! She more than likely has read your blog --she's been "lurking" for months!!

For Janet

In Loving Memory of my friend, Janet
who went Home to be with Jesus earlier today,
August 25, 2006

She suffers no longer
She's dancing with Jesus

Janet, we will miss you
But look forward to the day
When we meet again
In that Glorious Place
Worshipping our Savior together
For all of eternity!

A Song for Janet

Chocolate --the New Health Food

Okay –here’s what I know.
I love chocolate.
Since I love chocolate, I’m assuming that God created me to love chocolate.
Therefore, chocolate must be good for me.
Sounds reasonable to me...

A study at the University of California has found eating chocolate increases levels of several classes of flavanoid which are thought to protect blood vessels. Matched molecule for molecule, chocolate flavanoids are more powerful than vitamins such as ascorbic acid in limiting the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol (that's the BAD cholesterol). Arteriosclerosis studies have suggested that oxidation of these lipoproteins is an essential step in the creation of artery-clogging plaque and therefore (here's the best part) chocolate can prevent arteries clogging up!

Cocoa also contains a wealth of phytochemicals and polyphenols which have significant antioxidant properties and may help to reduce the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.

In fact, tests have shown that cocoa powder has equivalent or greater antioxidant activities than many fruit and vegetables and even red wine. A 40-gram serving of dark chocolate typically contains around 800 milligrams of antioxidants, about twice the quantity in a glass of red wine.

If you love me and want to help me maintain a healthy heart....send me bags of Hershey's Dark Chocolate Kisses!

Bring on the Chocolate!!!

Today's Theme: WORDS

There is a recurring theme on the blogs today --WORDS.

I just read a friend’s blog where she took some time to state that she is going to be a "motivational speaker" --and speak positive things.

I say BRAVO!

This morning, I received a telephone call from our church prayer chain asking me to pray for a woman who was said to be "going downhill fast". I prayed --and I called others on the chain to pray. I listened to others pray "whatever happens, let God's will be done"....now, there's nothing wrong with praying in alignment with God's will. In fact, that's exactly how God instructs us to pray. The problem came about when everyone sort of had this attitude of 'oh well, she's doing badly so we might as well give up and give in'. I say HOGWASH! This woman had expressed to me several weeks ago that she wants to get better so that she can be busy doing God's work. Well, guess what? Satan doesn't want her doing God's work. He is going to do all he can to prevent that from happening --including causing her to "go downhill fast".

I believe as Christians that we have the RIGHT to pray with AUTHORITY! To speak LIFE - to speak POSITIVELY. To command the enemy to leave!! To bind up any negative thoughts and speech --to take them captive. God's Word tells us that Jesus paid the price for our healing. Okay! Let's grab ahold of that and pray accordingly!

Now, I also realize that there are times when we have all the faith in the world and we pray and the outcome is different from what we expect. I don't have the answers. I don't know why young people die from injuries in ATV accidents. I don't know why children suffer with cancer. But I do know that as a Christian, it is my duty and responsibility to speak positively and continue to trust that God knows best because He sees the big picture.

Hebrews, chapter 11 speaks of faith --in faith, by faith, through faith - Abraham, Moses, Enoch...in faith, by faith, through faith...and then at the end of the chapter it says, what more can I say? In other words, are you 'getting it'?! By Faith. The Bible says: The just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4) The Lord has given us all a measure of faith --His Word says that He has done that. Pray that your faith will increase!

My friend says that she has a lot of power --power to SPEAK life - to speak words of encouragement --to speak positively. We have the power of life and death in our tongues. (Proverbs 18:21). Let's SPEAK LIFE!!

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. --James 5:15

And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. --Exodus 23:25

Beyond the Veil - The Holy of Holies

Beyond the Veil - The Holy of Holies, originally uploaded by beyondhope.

Many of you have requested to see more of my art. Recently, I read someone's blog post regarding The Holy of Holies. It prompted me to take a photograph of this painting which I did as the cover art for a worship CD entitled, Beyond the Veil.

We are so privileged as Christians. God's Word tells us that the moment Jesus died at Calvary, the veil of the temple was torn in two. The temple veil was a large, very thick (8 inches thick, I believe) fabric which separated the place where the common people were allowed to be and the place where only once a year the priest went into the Holy of Holies to offer a sacrifice to God for the atonement of the peoples' sin.

When Jesus died, the torn veil was a sign from the Lord that now anyone could approach His throne --not just the priest. Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. No other sacrifice is necessary. Because of the great price He paid with His life, we all, as Christians, have the privilege, honor and authority to come to the Lord with our offerings of praise and thanksgiving and our petitions and requests. God hears us all --no matter our social or economic status --no matter our position in the church --no matter our age or our race. He looks beyond our background and our 'baggage'. He hears us. When we come to Him with a humble heart of repentence and offer Him our hearts, He hears us. When we ask Him to be the Lord of our life, he saves us from a life of devastation and lifts us to a place of honor. In His eyes we are considered a "royal priesthood". We are washed clean before Him. He doesn't see our sin. He doesn't see our mistakes. He doesn't see our failure. He sees us with pure hearts --white as snow --clean. Just as if we had never sinned.

God is awesome, isn't He?

Why not spend a few moments today in His presence--In the Holy of Holies? Thank Him for all He has done. Give Him praise for all the countless blessings He gives. Honor Him with your presence. He desires more than anything that you spend time with Him. Don't miss out on something that will be life-changing...because every time we spend time in His presence, we are changed for eternity!

Prayers for Rebekah

Attention all Christians!

Rebekah needs our prayer!

You may read all the details on her blog

As Christians, we are called to be overcomers. We don't need to allow Satan, or the circumstances of life to keep us from God's amazing promises. In His Word, God says that Jesus paid the price for our healing. Won't you stand in agreement with me today, on behalf of Rebekah - believing for a miracle --praying with authority --knowing that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think?!!! Several weeks ago, Rebekah's scans were "clear". I believe that it is the Lord's intention that they remain CLEAR! Pray Warriors Pray!!

Random Thoughts --and Art

Since my blog is titled: "Deb's Random Thoughts...and ART!", I thought I'd blog some of my random thoughts (and Art!). (whacko blogger problems won't allow me to post more than one photo---so check back for edits later!)

Random thought #1: This morning in church a gentleman sang a song about eternity - and how he was going to be sitting at the feet of Jesus....the lyrics said not to look for him by the walls of jasper or on the streets of gold, but to look for him at Jesus' feet. Here's what I'm thinking... Jesus must have some pretty big feet! I mean, think about it, every Christian that I know wants to sit at Jesus' feet when they get to heaven. How is that going to happen? What if everyone wants a turn at the same time? There are going to be MILLIONS of Christians in heaven. Will we have to take a number like we do at the Stuff-Mart Deli? I hope not, because today, after church, we stopped at Stuff-Mart and went to the deli, and took a number. Guess what?! The deli worker lady skipped my number?! What is up with that? We had to wait until the next deli worker lady called the next number and tell her that we had a number that should have been called two numbers ago.... When I get to heaven, I don't want to wait to sit at Jesus' feet. And I'm thinking that since His Word says that He will give us the desires of our heart...He must be gonna have some big feet --enough for LOTS and LOTS of people to sit around!

Random Thought #2: Today at Stuff-Mart, I bought some ORANGE Cauliflower. On the plastic surrounding this odd-looking vegetable, are the words, "Contains 25% more Vitamin A than regular Cauliflower - same great taste!". So, how do they make it orange? Is Vitamin A orange...and they just water the plants with vast amounts of liquid vitamin A? You remember how when you were a kid and you put food coloring in some water and then stuck a stalk of celery in the water and it turned red or blue or whatever color you had put in the water? White Carnations will do the same thing. So...is that how they get Orange Cauliflower?

Random Thought #3: If I capture bugs and take them outside my house and release them (instead of killing them), does that make me a monk? Someone asked me this morning if I was a monk because I trap bugs and take them outside and release them. I said, "no, I just don't want squished bug guts all over my walls."

Random Thought #4: On a more serious note... I am grateful for Christian friends. Those who will pray with you and lift you before the throne of grace --when you don't have the energy or the will to pray for yourself. God is good. And I am blessed --with friends who love and care about me.

Random Thought (and Art) #5: Do you think this woman SHOULD be wearing a two-piece bathing suit to the beach? And what is up with that bathing cap?!!

God's Word

The Bible.

God's Word.

His love letter to us.

Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.

Have you opened it today?

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." --2 Tim. 2:15

Feeling the Pressure

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Tonight is Life Group.

I have no Bible Study prepared. I have been praying as to what direction the Lord wants us to go this evening and I'm hearing - nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch.
I am not typically a spontaneous person - especially when it comes to leading a Bible study. I expect to have everything planned and rehearsed, with three pages of accompanying notes and revelations. When it doesn't happen. I panic.

And besides the pressure of not knowing what will happen at Life Group, I have several blog buddies who have indicated that they expect something creative on my blog on a daily basis. No drivel. Talk about pressure! Others are writing creative posts about their relationships (with the pizza guy). Another is tackling crime (I think donut stealing might be a felony). Another is lecturing about the privilege and blessing we have in this country to work and collect a paycheck (she's just way too serious today). There have been comments made that it's just not good blog etiquette to post that I went to Krogers and purchased carrots. Good thing we don't have a Krogers in my home town - or BOY would I be in trouble! I did however send my husband out to pick up a couple of two liter bottles of Pepsi for tonight's Life Group. (never Coke!)

AND THEN...to top it all off ---the photo that I've chosen for this post (because it is the PERFECT photo) has that goofy copyright watermark thingy running right through the center.) I'm sure I'm breaking some kind of law by using it in this blog. ...that would be a case for the donut police.

Sorry. That's all I got.

Blog on!

Today

Today I will:

spend time with my Lord

hug my daughter

laugh when she laughs

paint

eat one chocolate chip cookie (who am I kidding? no one can stop at one... well, I can't.)

...eat at LEAST one chocolate chip cookie

talk with Mom on the telephone

visit with some friends

kiss my husband

pet my dog

email my friends

what are you doing today?

Illustration Friday: Play

Raggedy Ann, originally uploaded by beyondhope.

....getting back into the art thing for a moment....this has been posted before, but I thought it was appropriate for this week's Illustration Friday theme: Play

Pencil Drawing - size 2.5"x3.5" Artist Trading Card

To Do List

I was making a mental "to do" list in my head this morning. The very concept is funny, because I make a mental list and literally two minutes later I've forgotten what is on the list. "Why don't you write it down?", you ask. Ha. Been There. Done That. Lost the list. -every time. So, I've pretty much given up on lists. My day is spent by wandering around my house and seeing what needs done and then doing it. (some of the time.) Or perhaps I wander around and think about doing something and then am distracted by something or someone else (usually my daughter) and I never do get back to doing what it was I set out to do.

At one point this morning, I set out to clean off the surface of my coffee table. It is ALWAYS cluttered with stuff. As quickly as I clean it off, I quickly set more things down. My laptop was on the coffee table - so of course, I had to check my email and read a few of my favorite blogs. As bloggers know...one blog typically leads to another and another and it can be very easy to use up a lot of time reading blogs. Blogging can be a great thing --especially when you come across great posts!


I found this entry this morning and I've hereby dubbed it my favorite post of the day! Forget about your "to do" list --and spend some time at the Lord's feet. Put it at the TOP of your list. You'll be glad you did!

Soapbox of the Day

Why are we Christians (and I include myself in this) so eager to "brush aside" premarital sex? God says no. Yet we (and I include myself in this too) are so eager to point fingers at who may be going on vacation in Vegas or who may be smoking, or who may be chewing gum in the sanctuary?! What is up with us that we so easily dismiss premarital sex but will judge someone who is wearing jeans to church?

Is that "piece of paper" - the Marriage License important? --or is it just important that we have "made vows before God"? ---what about the legal system? As Christians, are we supposed to excuse that? We are supposed to obey the laws of the land, no? ---I'm just trying to understand why we so easily dismiss this whole issue. Is is because in our society we are so inundated with the message of sex --it's everywhere we look --television, radio, movies. Premarital sex is the "norm" rather than the "exception". We have become "numb" and don't hardly notice or think twice when we hear that people are living together outside of marriage, or having babies out of wedlock.

So, see ---I am a prude ---by the world's standards for sure -by the Lord's?...I'm not so sure. But admitedly, I don't often share this opinion because there are so many Christians who would accuse me of being "holier than thou". aargh.

All of us have sin in our lives. And I am in NO way judging those who make the choice to engage in premarital sex --because the Lord knows that I have PLENTY of areas in my life which need to change. The bottom line is that we are such imperfect people ---trudging through ---trying to do the right thing---and screwing up royally ---and God keeps on loving us --UNCONDITIONALLY. He is amazing. We take Him for granted.

Thoughts anyone?

65

SIXTY-FIVE --the magic number.

The total amount of weight that I need to lose to be considered "normal" weight for my height - determined by using a body mass calculator.

I have lost over 100 pounds....now still 65 to go and some days it seems like 6500 lbs and is way out of reach.

Like just now --it's 1am and my husband offered me a dish of Breyer's Snicker's Ice Cream. Was I hungry? no. Did I need to eat the ice cream? no. So much for losing a pound this week....especially considering 30 minutes before the ice cream I ate the last three Chips Ahoy cookies that I found while cleaning the pantry today. Did I blow it? yep. Big time.

I am of the "school" that I can eat whatever I want to eat --as long as I'm PHYSICALLY hungry. That method worked for me to help me lose 135 pounds....Then I got married and had a baby and promptly gained back 35 of those pounds because I was eating all the time --when I WASN'T hungry.

Now I'm finding that I'm "stuffing" again --don't know why --but for the past four days I can't eat enough to satisfy me. ugh.

I need help --from the only One who can help me get through and beyond this --Jesus.
So ---my prayer today is that I'll be able to stop eating when I'm satisfied and not overeat. May I turn to the Lord for my comfort --instead of the FOOD!

All you Bible-believing, prayin' Christians reading this --I covet your prayers!

Urgent Prayer for Rebekah

Attention all Prayer Warriors!

Rebekah needs our prayers!

You may read Scott and Frances' post here: Rebekah's Page

For those of you who are new to my blog --we have been praying for this precious child for over a year. We have seen the Lord do some marvelous things during this time and we're trusting that "He who has begun a good work will be faithful to complete it!" We rejoiced at the news several months ago that all Rebekah's scans came back negative and she was cancer-free! Ewing's Sarcoma - the type of cancer she had has a high incidence of recurrance and in the past few days they have seen "something" on her scan. They have scheduled more definitive testing and we are going to stand our ground and lift Rebekah up in prayer! We choose to not believe the report of the doctors --but believe the report of our Savior who says that by His stripes we are healed!!

Please continue to pray for Rebekah and her family and check her blog often for updates. You may also leave encouraging comments for the family.

Thanks for your prayers and God bless you all!

Just for Fun

Today tastes like boot polish and linty socks. The weather is a cool damp sheet hanging on the line. When you can’t think of anything to say, but know you should say something --surf the web for inspiration.

So you’ll just have to imagine the posts I was gonna write about... the walk around the pond where I talk about the hordes of colorful dragonflies flitting and fluttering and buzzing about...or the green agae which is taking over one section of the pond (we've got to do something about that!) or the brightly colored fields of wildflowers --Russian Thistle blooming mellow pallid violet among the grey-green leaves or the fireworks of blue Asters, red Poppies and yellow Black-eyed Susans popping color from the green in the bright sunshine! But --since I don't feel inspired today --I'm going to do a meme theme here. (but you have to admit that "Russian Thistle blooming mellow pallid violet among the grey-green leaves" is good writing! --too bad I plagiarized!)) Here's the Meme Theme. (Meme? Look it up on www.dictionary.com)


1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and current street name)
Scottie Riley (and no, I'm not Scottish)

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on mother's side first name, favorite sweet)
Amelia Chocolate

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your last name)
Ders (hmm, I guess that's better than Duhs!)

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, name of high school mascot)
Elephant Hurricane (ah yes ---very stable in high winds!)

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Louise Indiana (no relation to Indiana Jones...and yes, Indiana is a town in PA --not just a state!)

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)
Ersl'lacha (ok, I just had to put a glottal stop in the middle of that mess. Wow.)

7. JEDI NAME: (middle name spelled backwards, your mom's maiden name spelled backwards)
Esiuol Allevrac (yes...I'm a Jedi Warrior!)

8. TELEVISION STAR NAME: (middle name, street you lived on)
Louise Riley

9. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, last product advertised that you remember on TV (or favorite)
The Burgundy Cleveland Clinic (oh, yeah. that's a superhero name if I ever heard one!) (??)

10. AUTHOR PEN NAME: (First name will be the last three letters of your last name with the first three letters of your first born child's name - if you don't have a child --use the first three letters of your city. The last name is your father's middle name.)
Ineoli Alan (watch for my new book!)

So...what are your new names??
That's all --Have a FUN day!!

Worship

I have the wonderful privilege to be a part of our church worship team. Each Sunday, I am able to stand and sing and lead our congregation in worship. There's only one problem....we're leading....the people aren't following. Our team as been frustrated with the sea of stone faces we see each week. People looking out the window, chatting with their friends, kids standing on the backs of the pews while adults encourage them to do so, expressionless, emotionless, heartless.... It's all so very sad and all so very frustrating.

God has SO MUCH for us! If only we would realize that --the power that we could tap into! Another team member said so eloquently earlier this evening...we're so quick to be in the first row at the circus or the ball game --yet take a back seat in church ---not at all eager to worship or hear what the Lord has laid on the Pastor's heart. Why is this? Why are we so apathetic to worship? Where's the zeal? Where's the excitement? If Jesus were there (and He is) ..but you know what I mean...if we were PHYSICALLY ABLE to SEE Him in the flesh --standing in the aisle of the church --or sitting amongst us....how would our worship change?!

I challenge every Christian who is reading this post ---worship the Lord with your WHOLE heart. He requires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth. Let's do it.

We Will Worship the Lamb of Glory --by Dennis Jernigan

We will worship the Lamb of glory
We will worship the King of kings
We will worship the Lamb of glory
We will worship the King

And with our hands lifted high,
We come before You and sing
With our hands lifted high,
We come before You rejoicing.
With our hands lifted high
To the sky
And the world wonders why

We'll just tell them we're loving the King...Oh
We'll just tell them we're loving the King

my shadow

the shadow on the wall
looks so small
in the dim light

the darkness that surrounds
my soul this night
cannot be lit

or can it?

the Love breaks through
through all the dark
through all the pain
through all the heartache
through all that remains

His love
can change all
can make the shadow tall
can make the shadow not a shadow
but a reflection
of the Love
that shines
from the Light

so when people see
they don't see me
they don't see my shadow
they instead see Him
as my shadow becomes His

Ready for Battle

Here's what I know: Satan loves to mess with our thoughts. He has no problem placing a thought in our brains and enjoying watching us take that thought and blow it all out of proportion and twist it and turn it and turn it from a molehill to a mountain. At that point --it becomes a stronghold. He has an "in". And we've allowed him to do it.

Here's what else I know: God is more powerful than Satan. When we are Christians, we can be victorious over the enemy. Victory is ours for the taking. It's a choice. We have all we need to fight and win the battle. We're told to "put on" and "take up" the whole armor of God:

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18

We can choose to not put on God's armor. That would mean we are ill-prepared to fight the battles that we encounter each day. If we're not prepared for battle --all we can do is run....and if you read the above passage again, you will see that the Lord affords no protection for our backs....running away isn't an option if we want to be victorious Christians.

Today --I choose to fight. I choose to stand. Every thought which the enemy plants in my brain, I will take captive. He loses. I choose to win!

Using my gifts

Several years ago, I had the awesome opportunity to go on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic. The purpose of the trip was to rebuild churches which had been lost to a hurricane.

At the time, weighing over 100 pounds more than I do today - and living with Multiple Sclerosis....my team thought it best to put me on the "paint crew". So, instead of pouring cement and framing walls, I was put to work painting roof trusses (before they were hoisted skyward!).

The paint crew consisted of six members -- all there for a reason. Either we were overweight, old, frail or uncoordinated. Either way ---we were deemed unable to swing a hammer. Initially, I was a little bit disappointed. After all, I went there to WORK --I wanted to BUILD churches. I failed to see how slopping a coat of weatherproofing paint on a roof truss was doing much for the Kingdom.

We were stationed in a yard outside a small Christian school which was run by one of the Assemblia de Dios churches (translation: Assembly of God) Every day, I had the pleasure of watching all the little children come to school. Dressed in their navy blue polyester uniforms....in that consistently over 100 degree heat...they ran joyfully each morning to the school yard --eager to learn.

Over time, we got to know the children and when we ran out of trusses to paint, the school director asked us if we would mind painting the walls of the school rooms. They desperately needed painting. Of course, we agreed. And we spent the remaining days painting walls. After discovering that I was an artist, one of the teachers asked if I could paint "Damas" and "Caballeros" on the bathroom doors. (Translation: "Girls" and "Boys"). Of course --I'd be happy to do so. The only problem was that I had only one brush to work with ---three inches wide with bristles all sticking out every which way. Not exactly the tool of an artist who tends to be a perfectionist. But --I was determined to paint the names on the doors. I looked at the doors --spaced out the letters in my head and began to paint. The teachers "oohed" and "awed" at my ability to paint such straight, uniform letters - centered and not a splotch of paint out of place. I shrugged my shoulders and said that I had God's help.

Then I thought back to a time when I was sixteen. For Christmas one year, I wrapped up a gift for the Lord. Inside was a piece of paper on which I had written "My Art Ability". For Christmas, I gave back to Him what He had given me --my ability to be creative and draw and paint. I promised to always use my art to glorify Him. Now, all these years later --who would have thought that glorifying God with my art would mean painting "Boys" and "Girls" on the bathroom doors of a tiny Christian school in the heart of The Dominican Republic.

Of all the tasks completed on that trip --that is my most memorable. And really, the reason that I believe I was sent there -- so the Lord could remind me of my calling --to use my artistic ability for His glory. There is no task too small or too humble when you're doing it for the Lord.

God spoke to Moses: "See what I've done; I've personally chosen Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. I've filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him skill and know-how and expertise in every kind of craft to create designs and work in gold, silver, and bronze; to cut and set gemstones; to carve wood—he's an all-around craftsman. --Exodus 31:1

This post is inspired by the team of young people who are currently in Thailand on a missions trip. May the Lord go before you and open hearts to receive you. May He keep you safe and may He comfort the family members who remain at home....just a little anxious that their children are so far away. I pray a hedge of protection around the team and a "housecoat" of peace around the Moms and the Misters who remain at home. In Jesus' precious name! Amen!

Good News and Bad News

The good news is that I was FINALLY able to get in our pool today --for the FIRST time since we opened it for the season.

---

---

The bad news is that I plucked a GREY hair out of my nose!!!

Freedom

My fingernails were long.

Now they're not.

Do you have any idea
the kind of freedom that comes
from typing on a computer keyboard
with short fingernails?

What a relief!

Art

Art
is a collaboration
between God and the artist...
and the less the artist does
the better.
--unknown


This week - one of my goals is to create some art.
With God's help - of course!

Art is like therapy for me.

I've decided that I need therapy.

Steadfast

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
I Corinthians 15:58

This week, I'm reminded that 'working for the Lord' can be something as simple as helping my husband to move his (newly replaced hip) leg off of the footstool.

May we each be faithful - steadfast and immovable in EVERYTHING that we do for the Lord. One of the greatest tricks of Satan is to cause us to lose our focus. Let's purpose in our hearts to focus on the Lord - rather than our circumstances! Don't let the enemy get the upper hand. Remind him that he has lost the war! With God on our side --we are ALWAYS victorious!! And all things work together for good to those who are called according to His purpose!! ...all in His time! (not ours!)

Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jig

We got the discharge papers this morning --Randy is home from the hospital. Albeit in a very drug-induced stupor!

We're thankful that the Lord brought him through this ordeal --and trusting Him to complete the healing that He started via a total hip replacement.

I'm glad he's home and happy that I won't be spending long hours at the hospital each day. Happy that Randy is back in his "element" --albeit in a drug-induced stupor!

Olivia went to Grandma's for a few days and Mommy is having a MAJOR withdrawal from my baby girl! I've decided that being away from Olivia is as painful as watching my husband suffer.

I'll be glad when life is back to normal!

Thanks to all who are praying!!

Surgery

Tomorrow, my husband goes into the hospital to have hip replacement surgery. Up until this point - I have been very calm, cool and collected about the whole process, but have to admit that this morning I awoke with anxiety.

I know that this is just a trick of the enemy to get me thinking about all the things that could go wrong. In fact, just last night, I sent a "kick-the-devil-in-the-butt" email to a friend who has been going through some tough times. I had NO problem reminding her where her heart and her attitude need to be. So, why is it, whenever I'm so quick to give encouragement to my friends, I have a problem "practicing what I preach?!"

This morning ---I'm just going to repeat this verse from God's Word and determine in my heart to grab hold of it and not let go!

Peace I leave with you,
my peace I give unto you:
not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled,
neither let it be afraid.
--John 14:27


I covet your prayers for Randy as he has surgery tomorrow!

A Woman

I received this in an email this morning and thought it was worth repeating!

This is written in the Hebrew Talmud - It says:

"Be very careful if you make a woman
cry, because God counts her tears. The woman
came out of a man's rib. Not from his feet to be
walked on. Not from his head to be superior, but
from the side to be equal. Under the arm to be
protected, and next to the heart to be loved."

A Big Hug

Early this morning, I was awakened by my husband who said to me, "I really hate to wake you up but there's something I want you to see." My first thought, after having been awake most of the night with Olivia who was suffering with an earache, was, "This better be good."

Randy pointed out the window toward TEN Great Blue Herons across the pond. There were five more resting in the nearby trees and four more fishing near our bedroom door. Nineteen herons at once! More than we've ever seen gathered together on our property. We suspect that there were more, we just couldn't see all of them.


(Click on photo for larger view.)

Located within several hundred feet of our property is the 2nd largest Great Blue Heron Rookery in the state. The first night we moved into our home we were lying peacefully in bed after a looonnnggg day of moving boxes and furniture. We had the french doors in our bedroom open to the balcony which overlooks our pond. The full moon was shining on the water, the bullfrogs were croaking and it was such a beautiful night. We had just finished thanking the Lord for the beautiful home with which He had blessed us when all of a sudden we heard this horrendous screeching which to us sounded like a flock of baby pteradactyls crying! (Not that either of us had ever witnessed a baby pteradactyl crying --but we imagined that the sound we heard was JUST like their cry!) "Oh no, what have we done? What kind of a house is this? What have we gotten ourselves into?!"

The next day, our neighbors assured us that we were not being invaded by alien dinosaurs from another space-time continuum, but had actually heard the cries of baby Great Blue Herons calling for their mothers. What a cacophonous racket!!!

Since then, we actually look forward to the raucous noise they produce. It's sort of like a "comfort" sound for us!

What a nice "Hug" from the Lord this morning!

Independence Day

On this day of Independence, I am reminded, not only of the wonderful freedoms we enjoy in our great nation, but I'm reminded of the freedom that I enjoy in Christ.

Freedom from bondage - freedom from guilt - freedom from my past. Jesus gave His life for you and I - paid a debt He did not owe. He was sinless - yet took on our sin in order to redeem us from an eternal life without God.

So, on this Independence Day - I not only am thankful for those who are representing our nation - fighting for our freedom - But I am grateful for Jesus --The King who left all the splendor of Heaven behind, humbled Himself and came to this earth to give His life for mine.

My prayer is that each of you will experience the freedom that only comes from knowing Jesus as your personal Savior.

Happy Independence Day!

In New York Harbor stands a lady,
With a torch raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for
Liberty for you and me.

I'm so proud to be called an American,
To be named with the brave and the free;
I will honor our flag and our trust in God,
And the Statue of Liberty.


On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who kneel there live forever
As all the saved can testify.

I'm so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the ransomed and whole;
As the statue liberates the citizen,
So the cross liberates the soul.

Oh the cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free;
Unashamed I'll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty!

Written by Neil Enloe former member of The Couriers

Where is your treasure?

A discussion came up in our Sunday School class yesterday which I found to be interesting. Somehow, the subject was brought up concerning churches who have large savings accounts. Accounts where perhaps the money isn't earmarked for any particular purpose, but is just existing in the account, drawing interest.
There were quite a few opinions regarding this issue. Some of those who voiced opinions stated with great conviction that they believed these congregations shouldn't "hoard" money, but should be using it to further the Kingdom of God. It was pointed out that there are some churches in the area who are unable to pay their pastors while these other larger churches sat on big bank accounts.

I didn't say anything - but sat and listened. I thought about my home and all of our 'stuff'. We are blessed to live in a nice home on a nice sized parcel of land in the country. And - we have a lot of 'stuff'. Most of which we could never use in this lifetime. Over the years, between collecting for my Ebay selling business and my tendency to 'never throw anything away because I never know when I may need it'...I've accumulated a lot. And it is what it is --just stuff.

There are those living in our community --in fact, those in our own church who don't have anywhere near the amount of 'stuff' that we do. I pray that the Lord will provide for their every need and know that they are blessed --but still can't help but wonder if they struggle wondering where the money for the next bag of groceries is going to come from. My point to all this rambling is that giving has to start with me --with us --with those whom the Lord has blessed with an abundance of 'stuff'. Perhaps there's a woman in my church who would enjoy owning one of the dozens of antique glass paperweights that I have packed in a box because I don't have room enough to display them. Sure, they'll bring a few dollars on Ebay --but where is the joy in that? I get a few dollars - which I'll use to buy an outfit for my daughter or an extra cube of Sierra Mist or another 'dust collector' to sit on a shelf somewhere.

Yes, we are faithful to give our tithes and offerings --but the Lord is leading me to do more. May I not be guilty of laying up my treasures in places where they'll rot. ...I think I'm going to go package up one of those paperweights --I know just the person who would be blessed by receiving a package in the mail....


“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

After all...We are all the same

We are all the same, originally uploaded by beyondhope.

Today is the day I've been waiting for -- for several weeks. Today was the culmination of much hard work, sorting through DOZENS of boxes in our garage (a.k.a. THE WAREHOUSE), preparing for today --THE YARD SALE!

Have I mentioned how much I dislike yard sales? Shopping at yard sales is one thing. I'm an expert at that and it's one of my favorite activities. However, HOSTING a yard sale is quite another story. I hate hosting yard sales. It seems that after weeks of unpacking, sorting, arranging and pricing we should have received a lot more fiscal compensation than we did. Compared to working a full-time job and receiving a paycheck...well, there's just no comparison. Yard sales are a lot of physical work and I'm exhausted. Have I mentioned how much I dislike yard sales?

Something happened at the yard sale today which was very upsetting. I was selling our wares, minding my own business, when a car pulled up and two women and a child got out of the car. Immediately upon seeing these individuals, (who happened to be Muslim in traditional dress), two other customers commented to me that I needed to really watch these people because they've been known to "five-finger discount" items and probably they had deep pockets in their clothing which would enable them to steal many items. I was a bit shocked at hearing these comments and marveled that someone would have the audacity to judge someone simply based on their appearance or ethnic group.

What was more upsetting to me was that I found myself watching these women much more closely than I did any of the other customers present at the sale. Of course, they did not steal anything, in fact were very friendly and polite. And the little girl who was with them was absolutely beautiful with a head of dark, curly hair, a beautiful smile and a pair of the biggest brown eyes that I've ever seen on a child. So why did I find myself watching their every move? Had I not been told by the previous customers that I should "look out" for them, I never would've given them another thought. Instead, I would've spent more time noticing how beautiful the little girl was instead of wondering what they may try to steal.

After all --we are all created in God's image. We're all the same. We all have the opportunity to become His children. We all put our pants on one leg at a time... (I hadn't thought that I had a problem in the area of knowing that we're all the same, but there seems to be a central theme in what the Lord has been teaching me lately. Refer to my previous post.

Oh...the power of the tongue. God's Word tells us that we have the power of life and death in our tongue. How true that is. In terms of spiritual anatomy, the tongue is directly wed to the heart, and it is the heart that motivates and manipulates the tongue for good or evil, to bless or curse.

Jesus understood this very well. In Matthew 12:35-37, He said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

My prayer today is that I may always think before I speak. May my words not be used to bring condemnation on another for no good reason.

Do not accuse a man for no reason
when he has done you no harm.

--Proverbs 3:30

Lost in the Music

Have you ever noticed how a piece of music can transport you to a place far inside yourself and you can get totally lost?

Earlier tonight at Worship Team practice, we sang a song that I haven't sung in probably five years or more - I Will Sing, by Don Moen.

As the notes began to play - I was immediately transported to a point in my past when I had just walked away from a 17-year lesbian relationship. I knew it was the right thing to do --but I was hurting --more than I think I've ever hurt in my life. During my time of healing and restoration - the Lord used my love for music to minister to me and this song was one that I found, time and again, to be in a prostrate position before Him worshipping -- pouring out myself to Him --not knowing what the future held for me --trusting Him to restore the years that the enemy had stolen.

God was faithful to restore to me what was taken. I am now happily married with a beautiful four-year-old daughter ---never imagining in that moment when I was feeling so lost and alone that the Lord would bless me beyond belief. Not knowing or understanding the plans He had for me --not knowing if I was even going to hold it together to get through to the next day.

As we sang the song in practice, I found myself weeping --as I remembered the place I was in and realized how far He's brought me. God is so full of mercy - so full of grace. When we run to His sheltering arms, He is there to be our heart's refuge. He rescues us and sets us apart. He hides us in His love. He is our hope and our serenity. I am so grateful for His unconditional love --the love that never ends --the love that forgives - and forgets.

Here are the words to I Will Sing:

Lord You seem so far away. A million miles or more it feels today.
And though I haven't lost my faith,
I must confess right now that it's hard for me to pray.
But I don't know what to say and I don't know where to start.
But as you give the grace with all that's in my heart.

I will sing.
I will praise even in my darkest hour
through the sorrow and the pain.
I will sing. I will praise.
Lift my hands to honor You
because Your word is true. I will sing.

Lord it's hard for me to see
All the thoughts and plans You have for me
But I will put my trust in You
Knowing that You died to set me free
But I don't know what to say
And I don't know where to start
But as You give grace
With all that's in my heart

I will sing.
I will praise even in my darkest hour
through the sorrow and the pain.
I will sing. I will praise.
Lift my hands to honor You
because Your word is true.
I will sing.

My prayer for you today is that you too, will be able to sing - to praise your Savior - in the midst of any sorrow and pain you may be experiencing. This life is but a vapor --and as my dear Mother frequently reminds me - "This too shall pass". One day, all our sorrow and pain will be a distant memory --for there will be no tears in heaven! With Jesus - you can face ANYTHING and be victorious! Trust me - been there - done that!

...living in the moment...preparing for the future...longing to be home...

Leave it all behind...

In Genesis --chapter 12, verse 1:

Now the LORD had said to Abram:

Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father's house,
To a land that I will show you.

Abram was told by God to LEAVE everything --his country - what was familiar to him, his family - his support system, his home --his refuge and go to where?... to a land that the Lord would show him --eventually --after he made the move to leave. Talk about stepping out of your comfort zone! What an incredible thing the Lord was asking of Abram. He was asked to trust completely.

How did he respond? We read his response in the New Testament --Hebrews 11:8 :

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Abraham obeyed --- in faith.

And as a result, his descendents outnumber the stars in the sky.

He trusted the Lord, not only with his past and present --but with his future as well. So often, we easily give the Lord our past sin --trust Him to cleanse and forgive us. We are even able to trust Him in the moment. But do we trust Him with our futures...not knowing what they hold --trying to plan, contrive and control our lives and then asking Him to bless what we've planned, contrived and controlled. All the while perhaps not walking in His will.

May we be able to trust Him completely with every aspect of our lives ---even if it means being obedient if He asks us to step out of our comfort zone.

But I am like an olive tree
flourishing in the house of God;
I trust in God's unfailing love
for ever and ever.

Psalm 52:8

In the Image of my God

tribe, originally uploaded by beyondhope.

Recently, I have been dealing with someone in my life who is rubbing me the wrong way. It seems like any communication I have with this person turns to conflict and turmoil and it's really been bothering me to the point that I'm thinking of breaking off contact altogether. But then today I listened to one of my CDs by Nichole Nordeman. On it was a song, entitled Wide Eyed.

When I met him on a sidewalk
He was preaching to a mailbox
Down on 16th Avenue
And he told me he was Jesus
Sent from Jupiter to free us
With a bottle of tequila and one shoe
He raged about repentance
He finished every sentence
With a promise that the end was close at hand
I didn't even try to understand
He left me wide eyed in disbelief and disillusion
I was tongue tied, drawn by my conclusions
So I turned and walked away
And laughed at what he had to say
Then casually dismissed him as a fraud
I forgot he was created in the image of my God

When I met her in a bookstore
She was browsing on the first floor
Through a yoga magazine
And she told me in her past life
She was some plantation slave's wife
She had to figure out what that might mean
She believes the healing powers of her crystals
Can bring balance and new purpose to her life
Sounds nice

She left me wide eyed in disbelief and disillusion
I was tongue tied, drawn by my conclusions
So I turned and walked away
And laughed at what she had to say
Then casually dismissed her as a fraud
I forgot she was created in the image of my God

Not so long ago, a man from Galilee
Fed thousands with His bread and His theology
And the truth He spoke
Quickly became the joke
Of educated, self-inflated Pharisees like me

And they were wide eyed in disbelief and disillusion
They were tongue tied, drawn by their conclusions
Would I have turned and walked away
And laughed at what He had to say
And casually dismissed Him as a fraud
Unaware that I was staring at the image of my God

Those lyrics speak volumes, don't they? After I listened to the song, the Lord very gently reminded me that this person with whom I'm in conflict was created in His image. ...busted.

As Christians, it is so important to remember that no matter what situation we are involved with in dealing with other human beings on this planet that God created us ALL in His image. He loves us all equally. The same. No favorites. Who am I to think that I may be better than someone else? I'm not. My prayer today is that God will change my heart --to make it more like His so that I may view everyone through His eyes with His heart and His compassion. May I ever be mindful of my attitude toward others and strive to be Christlike in all my dealings with others.

May everyone see Jesus in me and may I search to find the good in others --even if there is much to sort through to get there.

Olivia's 'Bike' Face

Olivia's 'Bike' Face, originally uploaded by beyondhope.

This is the priceless look on Olivia's face when we wheeled her new Dora bicycle into the living room on her fourth birthday.

'Happy Birthday to You,
A Happy Birthday to You.
May you feel Jesus near
Every day of the year.
A Happy Birthday to you
A Happy Birthday to you.
And the best year you've ever had!

Today is Olivia's Birthday

Today, my baby girl turned four. Where have the last four years gone? It seems like only yesterday that we discovered I was pregnant, and only moments ago that Olivia was born.

I know that all children are God's gift to their parents, but as a parent I can't help but think that Olivia is somehow special....that God has something awesome in store for her. She was born 2 1/2 months premature and weighed only 2lb 7oz, 15 inches long. I was in critical condition and wasn't even able to see her until she was three days hold --and didn't hold her until she was two weeks old. Throughout her two month hospitalization, there were times when the neonatologists told us that she may not pull through.

But God.

So many people were praying for her --all over the world. The physicians told us when she was released from the hospital that it would be age 6 before she 'caught up' to other children her age and they would follow her progress every three months until age six. At age 18 months, the developmental specialists told us that they never wanted to see us again, because not only had she 'caught up', but she had surpassed other 'normal' children her age. God is good. All the time.

The entire time she was in the hospital, I would sit for hours next to her incubator singing this song by Gloria Gaither (changing the lyrics from "I am" to "You are":

"You are a promise
You are a possibility
You are a promise
with a capital 'P'
You are a great big bundle of
Potentiality.
And you are learnin'
To hear God's voice
and you are tryin'
to make the right choices,
You're a promise to be
Everything God wants you to be...."

"I Am a Promise" is one of Olivia's favorite songs and she will gladly sing it for you at the top of her lungs if you make a request!

I know that she is indeed a great big bundle of potentiality and I can't wait to see what exciting things the Lord has in store for her. So far she has proven to be a great intercessor --she prays for everyone --with such childlike faith and oftentimes puts me to shame! And, she is the first to point out if you're not "saying the right words"....recently, she asked me to pray for her bellyache. I was in a hurry, and just took her hand, bowed my head and prayed, "Dear Jesus, please help Olivia's belly to feel all better. In Jesus' Name, Amen." She very quickly and loudly declared, "NO, NO, NO!!! Those aren't the right words! You forgot to thank Him for the beautiful day and you forgot to thank Him for being our God! Now please pray again and use the right words!"

Busted, By a four-year old!

It's a 'God Thing'

My husband is a mortgage broker --which translates into, 'there ain't no paycheck unless he closes a loan'. Talk about relying on God! Many times, as I've looked at our checkbook balance, wondering where the money is going to come from to pay our mortgage....I find myself saying (Again), "okay Lord. You know our need. You clothe the sparrows and the lilies of the field....I'm trusting You." Then I close the checkbook and trust.

Two days later, I open the checkbook and find myself wondering (Again) where the money is going to come from to pay the mortgage. Once again...that still small voice..."I thought You were going to trust Me." Oh, yeah, that's right. He takes care of the sparrows. I can trust Him. So I trust...again.

Two days later, I open the checkbook....you know the rest.

Why is it that I have absolutely NO problem encouraging friends and reminding them that the Lord will take care of their every need but when it comes to TOTALLY trusting Him with our finances, I balk every time?

God has NEVER failed us. He is always on time. The money always comes from somewhere. Yet I continue to stare at that checkbook balance and fret about from where the money is going to come.

The other day Randy came home from the office and told me about something which had happened that day. I had been praying for the Lord to bring in more business --from unexpected sources. He and his business partner had both picked up the phone at the same time to call someone. Upon hearing that the other was dialing, they both hung up the phone. Several minutes later, the phone rang. A person on the other end said that Randy's office number had appeared on her caller ID moments before and she wondered why he was calling her. It turned out that her number had been random --a combination of the two numbers that Randy and Angie had dialed together when they both were using the phone at the same time.

Randy asked her if by chance she needed a mortgage. Turns out she does. He now has a new client from a totally unexpected source!

It's a 'God Thing'!

Too Busy Building

Olivia commented that she had asked Jesus to make her sore toe feel all better, but it was still sore. She said, "Mommy, I don't think Jesus is listening to me." I reminded her that He always listens to us but perhaps sometimes He answers us in a slightly different way than we expect. Her reply, "Well, I think He's too busy building my house in heaven and He just doesn't have time to pay attention to me." The next words out of her mouth... "Dear Jesus, Thank You for the beautiful day and all the sunshine and the birds and the rain for the trees. I think when you take a break from building my house, then you can make my toe feel all better. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"

....out of the mouths of babes....

The Secret Place

Today has been tough.

All I can say is that I run to My Rock.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

-Psalm 91:1,2

Illustration Friday - Theme: Jungle

Well --it's after midnight in my time zone which means there will be a new theme for illustration friday moments from now.

I thought I better hurry and post my "jungle" illustration before the opportunity slips away.

Here's my gorilla --although I don't think anyone's apt to run into a character quite like him in the real jungle --but then again, you never know!

Thus Far....

It's 12:30pm and so far today I've managed to find a lot of ways to put off cleaning my house....

I plucked a bunch of grey hairs from my head

I clipped my toenails

I've sent three emails

I talked to one friend on the phone (but to my credit - she called me!)

I packaged an ebay sale and got it ready to mail

I've played several games with Olivia

I'm typing in my blog

Can you tell I HATE housecleaning?! As I mentioned in a previous post --we're hosting a Home Group for our church on Friday and I HAVE to have at least a path through the living room...I really need to get busy and clean!

Oh look, right outside my window are the birdfeeders. Presently there is a Red Wing Blackbird, a Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, Two Yellow Goldfinches, a Chickadee and a Sparrow eyeing me because the feeders are empty....hhmmmm....vaccuum the carpet? feed the birds? --It's a no brainer! I'm outta here to feed the birds!!

It's all about the Tractor....

Today my husband was told by his orthopedic doctor that he needs to have his hip replaced. Even though I expected it, (even with my untrained eye, I could see that his hip x-ray shows bone on bone) it was still a bit shocking. I don't want to see Randy go through the surgery --and the pain --and the recovery. But, I know that it's necessary in order for him to have relief from the excruciating pain he has been experiencing for months now.

When I began talking with him about the recovery procedure --the fact that he won't be able to sit in his favorite chair because it will be too low for him to get out of --the fact that it may be a few weeks before he will be able to drive --the fact that he won't be able to put on his own shoes and socks --the fact that he won't be able to (Wait! Hold your breath!) DRIVE HIS TRACTOR!!! ARRGGGHHH! It was then that he began to reconsider. What will he ever do without his John Deere?

As for me, I got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach when told that Randy was going to have to have surgery. I hate to have to see someone I love so much go through that ordeal. But I know that God is faithful and will be taking care of Randy through every step of the process.

So...I give it all to Jesus....
the surgery....and the tractor!

Procrastination and Meatballs

Meatballs, originally uploaded by beyondhope.

Today I'm procrastinating. What else is new? We just returned from vacation and already my house is a mess. How did one small child ever accumulate so many toys? Toys strewn all over the place --every surface covered. But it's not just the toys...my art supplies have spilled out into the living room...and into the dining room...and into the kitchen. And I see a pair of Randy's socks next to the chair in the living room.

We're hosting a small group meeting or cell group or home group or whatever you want to call it on Friday evening. Which means, I can no longer put it off any longer --I have to clean my house. Thus far today, I've managed to telephone three people from my past --for very good reasons. One was to find the name of a book which a friend needs to use as a reference. The other was to find out if the number stored in my telephone was indeed their correct number and the third and most important was to call a friend from my former church home group to ask her for one of my favorite recipes.

Darlene used to serve these meatballs frequently at home group meetings. They are simple and easy. I thought I'd share the recipe with you all because that will require me to spend more time typing and less time cleaning my house!!

Darlene's Meatballs:

1 12 oz. jar of chili sauce (any favorite brand)
1 10 oz. jar of grape jelly (again, any favorite brand)
2 lbs ground chuck.

Mix the jelly and chili sauce together - bring to a boil.
Make walnut size meatballs --place in the jelly/chili mixture and simmer until the meatballs are done.

Then you can put the whole shabang in a crock pot to keep them hot for serving on your buffet. Provide toothpicks so your guests can 'pierce' the meatballs and place them on their plates --and NEVER, EVER serve these on PAPER PLATES! Darlene always used her best dishes, china and crystal for us. I remember we would tease her weekly --telling her she needed to serve us on paper plates so that there were less dishes to do and less work for Steve! ;) But each week, we'd show up and she'd have a lavish table spread with all kinds of wonderful food. She spent alot of time and put a lot of love into her preparations. She always insisted that it was no trouble but we all knew that she worked hard all afternoon to prepare for the evening group.

At the end of the evening you could usually find Steve, sporting his favorite pair of Foghorn Leghorn slippers, busy loading the dishwasher. And often, at the end of the evening - Darlene would send us home with the leftovers -- perhaps a piece of her famous chocolate crazy dump cake --so moist and delicious --or a plate of my favorite cookies - Snicker Doodles.

We had some great times in that home group and those times are some of my fondest memories. The people in my group were like my second family. It's been probably five years since I've seen them --the last time being my wedding day. We are living in another town now and haven't had the opportunity to travel back. One of these days I will have to make the trip and visit.

But today - I have to clean my house to prepare for hosting my new group. I'm praying that the Lord will knit our hearts and lives together - much in the same way he did my previous group. I trust He will. He is faithful. All the time. Of that, I'm sure!

Thanks Darlene - for the recipe - and the memories - and your love! I miss you my friend!

Okay --no more procrastinating...."Olivia, let's have some fun and clean the house!"

Back from Vacation

We returned yesterday from a wonderfully, relaxing week spent in Dubois, PA at at resort on Treasure Lake. During the week, there were two events that particularly touched my heart. The first was while we were on a Geocaching Adventure. Our "mission" on this particular cache wasn't to find a physical cache container, but to view the inscription on the grave marker at the given coordinates and email the message back to the originator of the cache. This particular virtual cache was "placed" by the son of a cacher who has gone on to his eternal home. The inscription on the tombstone read, "Jesus Saves. Believe in Him and we will see you later." Wow. As I read that, I stood and wept as I realized that this man was continuing to tell people about the Lord --even after his life on this earth has ended. What a testimony! And what an encouragement to me to keep on sharing God's Good News! --I'm going to be happy to meet this person one day in heaven and tell him how encouraged I was to read the inscription on his grave. And it will be fun to compare cache stories as well!

The second event which was such a blessing to me was the opportunity to meet a wonderful couple, Van and Jacilyn. Van is a pastor and while vacationing, received a call from his superiors informing him that he would be relocating to a church in a town several hours from where he currently pastors. Having been established in this church for some time, obviously they've formed relationships and were quite saddened to learn that they would be moving on to another task to which the Lord has called them. We were able to spend a brief time with Van and Jacilyn, encouraging them and praying with them. As Jacilyn said, the Lord didn't allow our paths to cross by accident. And she's right. God's Word says that the steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord. Each day, I pray that the Lord will use me in some way to minister to someone else and I was so blessed and honored that he brought this couple into my life --even for the brief encounter that we had. I know that we'll be able to keep in touch via email and phone conversations and am looking forward to getting to know Jacilyn, especially, in the months to come. God is so faithful --with blessings on every turn. May we always be open and willing to be used of Him. We receive so much more in return when we give of ourselves to someone else.

So Jacilyn and Van --this post is for you --here's to our blossoming friendship --may the Lord bless our relationship together --may we always encourage and admonish and exhort one another --and may we always strive to live to further His Kingdom! I'm praying for you!

Variable Weather Conditions

Tonight, after suffering through several days of hot, humid weather, my husband walked in the door with a new air conditioner. It's one of those new units that sits on the floor which you can move from room to room. I was excited, as my physical wellness depends largely on whether or not I'm cool. In the heat - my disease process doesn't allow me to function normally. We've had a window unit turned on for several days but the house just didn't seem to be cooling down the way we had hoped or remembered from our experience in this house last season. While installing the window 'connection' for this new unit, Randy said to me, "Why is there heat coming from the baseboard?"....as it turned out --our FURNACE had been running for TWO days --at the same time the A/C was running. ...uh...duh...turn off the 'heat' setting on the thermostat....what is up with that? Temperatures above 90 degrees and we're running our furnace. Yep. We're right on top of things. So....who wants in the pool ---how much propane did we use to fuel the furnace to help cool the house?! ugh. Sometimes --our brains --fried.