MY WORD FOR JULY 31ST IS HEAVY!

My word for July 31^st is HEAVY

My heart is heavy today.   We received the news that a friend, who is very ill, may be on the last leg of life.  It saddens me for family and friends.  My heart is aching for the children that will have to experience the next phases of their lives without their mother.   I pray for this family and for others, with whom I don’t even know, that are struggling with letting someone they love go.  Death will ease the pain for the loved one who has been suffering, but the family’s pain is just beginning. 

It is difficult to understand the ways of life and death in certain situations.  Why do young parents have to die?  The separation of a loved one is hard to bear.  It is very painful for those left behind.   We know that death is a part of life, but it is hard to comprehend when it is someone that has many years left.  However, we must not fear death.  Death isn’t the end it is the beginning.  Because of what Christ did for us we will live forever.  We must rejoice in the victory.  He has promised,” I will never leave the, nor forsake thee”.  (Hebrews 13:5)  The key to this scripture is the word never.  As long as we keep our eye on Him He will never desert us.  Remember when Peter took his eyes off of the Lord he began to sink.  Don’t take your eyes off of Him.  When you stay focused on the Lord you will be filled with an unfailing strength. 

At the time of death the Lord has taken the soul to live with Him forever in heaven.  Our family or friend is now an angel, a guardian angel for us.  Hovering over us every minute of everyday, guarding us from danger and loving us from above. 

Matthew 11:28(NIV)

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Dear Lord please help us through difficult times such as death.  We press our hearts close to You when our hearts are heavy.  We understand that after death there is a joyous reunion with You.  Lead us to You to ease our pain and give us rest and strength during our time of sorrow.  During 2012 we will keep our eyes on You.

  http://www.myonlycomfort.org/Scripture/dying.htm

HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU!

MY WORD FOR JULY 30 IS GRATEFUL!

My word for July 30^th is GRATEFUL

This weekend we had a fantastic time.  We haven’t had that much fun in a long time.  Many of us, who had grown up together, gathered this weekend for the purple monkey’s birthday.  After six hours of visiting and tubing everyone was exhausted.  Between twenty something adults and thirty kids we demolished twenty six hamburgers, twenty hotdogs, two chicken strip trays, dips, chips, beans, corn on the cob and of course cake and ice cream.   There were several missing from the crowd this weekend, my other two girls being two of them, but it is a reminder of how blessed we are to have family and friends.  These are the friends you can sit with for five hours and never run out of things to talk about.  These are the people you can count on any day any time.  They are beside you through it all, thick and thin.

I don’t think people become our friends by coincidence.  I feel that God places people in our lives for a reason.  Some may be good for us and some may not be.  Some leave us with a smile on our face and some betray us.  Even though some friendships don’t end well, there are lessons learned from a deceitful friend.  1 Corinthians 15:33 do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”  My dad always would say, “no one ever brings you up, only down”.  Proverbs 13:20 whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.  Lesson learned, choose your friends wisely.   

Just as I wrote yesterday, angels are with us.  My friends are my angels.  They are here to comfort me and protect me.  They lead us down the path of righteousness.  Proverbs 17:17 a friend loves at all times.  Friends love you when you are mad, sad, and even crazy.   Friends share happy times and sad times.  Friends are there beside you crying with you when you are devastated.  Friends are with you through it all, so you can reminisce and say, “remember when”. 

Dear God thank You for friends.  We are grateful for the troublesome friends and the fabulous friends.   We know that we learn lessons from all types of friends.  We thank You for knowing what our needs are and placing people in our lives to strengthen us.  During 2012 remind us how blessed we are to have friends that are angels by our side. 

WHY GOD GAVE US FRIENDS

GOD knew that everyone needs

Companionship and cheer,

He knew that people need someone whose thoughts are always near. 

He knew they need someone kind

To lend a helping hand.

Someone to gladly take the time

To care and understand

God knew that we all need someone

To share each happy day,

To be a source of courage

When troubles come our way.

Someone to be true to us,

Whether near or far apart.

Someone whose love we’ll always

Hold and treasure in our hearts

C.S. Lewis Friendship Quotes

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?

Read about friends in the bible:

Ruth 1:16-17 Ruth and Naomi

Samuel 18:1-3 David and Jonathan

Job 2:11 Job’s friends

2 Kings 2:2 Elijah and Elisha

MY WORD FOR JULY 29 IS ANGEL!

My word for July 29^th is ANGEL

When I think of what the definition of an angel should be, I think of a person or a spirit that has your heart in mind.  In the dictionary it is a messenger, especially of God.  There are angels that walk this earth today and those that are living in heaven.  The Lord chooses who has the qualities of a true angel.  The Lords angels are “ministering spirits” (Hebrews 1:14).  The Lord declared that they were spirits that had no flesh and bones (Luke 24:37-39).  Angels can take bodily forms.  That is how we can entertain “angels unaware” (Hebrews 13:2) Angels are mentioned 108 times in the Old Testament and 165 in the New Testament. 

An angel can be an ordinary person carrying a message (Job 1:14; Luke 7:24; 9:52).  I feel that angels are caring and loving, they are here for us in good times and bad.  They have big shoulders to carry any burden.  You may have your own personal angel.  They may be a friend, a loved one, an acquaintance, or maybe someone you don’t even know.  An angel may be someone who has had a life changing experience.  Some situations alter personalities to make those who have changed become angels.   They walk their life everyday making people feel special. 

 When someone I love dies, I have found comfort in thinking that after death they are angels in heaven.  They are our own personal guardian angels that are here for all of us.  They watch out for us from above.  We can’t physically see them, but we can feel their presence.  We find comfort in knowing that our angels wait for our arrival in heaven. 

We all need angels.  You may ask why do I need an angel?  1 Peter 5:8 is the perfect scripture that explains to us the answer.  We need angels because the devil is always seeking someone with whom he can devour.  The enemy is always present waiting to provoke you into sinful behavior.  Believe in angels, don’t let the devil pounce on you and win. 

Exodus 23:20-23(NIV) God’s Angel to Prepare the Way20 

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. 23 My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out.

Dear Lord thank you for angels watching over us.  Allow them to wrap their wings around us and protect us from the evils that lurk in the shadows.   We understand that many times angels are unknown to us, but you have placed them beside us to guide the way.  During 2012 lead us in praying this guardian angel prayer:

Guardian Angel from heaven so bright,

Watching beside me to lead me aright,

Fold thy wings round me, and guard me with love,

Softly sing songs to me of heaven above.

Amen.

- Prayers Angel

Great article:

http://christiananswers.net/q-acb/acb-t005.html

What does the Bible teach about angels?, Christian answers.net

MY WORD FOR JULY 28TH IS WORRY!

My word for July 28^th is WORRY

Katie is driving back to college this morning after celebrating Tyler’s birthday.  Yes, I worry about the drive.  I am a natural born worrier and I hate it.  I worry about my kids every time they are in their cars driving on the highway.  I worry if I can’t get one of them on the phone.  Lauren always calls me many times a day.  Last night I didn’t hear from her.  I started to panic.  I text her roommate and her boyfriend to see if they knew where she was. Of course she told me I was crazy.  I know I am.  Thank goodness Anna is still at home and I don’t have to worry about her as much.  But soon I know she will be leaving home and I will worry more about her also. 

The word “worry” means ‘anxiety, care, that which divides, distracts the mind and draws a person away from God.  There are several reasons why we shouldn’t worry.  We shouldn’t worry because God says we shouldn’t.  When we worry we are being disobedient.  Worry does us no good at all.  All worrying does is lead to physical and emotional problems.  In Philippians 4:6 The Lord says, “do not worry about one thing, worry about nothing.”  In Matthew 6:25-34 The Lord Jesus gives instructions.  It simple says that worry is disbelief.  Trust and worry cannot live together.  The minute we worry trust and faith have left.   Psalm 14:1 states that if we worry we are saying that there is no God to take care of us.  In Matthew 6:25-26 Jesus illustrates how senseless worry is.  Matthew 6:27 the Lord Jesus is saying worrying does us no good.  Worry never helps anyone. 

Worry about nothing pray about everything. 

1 Peter 5:7(NIV)

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Dear Lord all of us worry, but this doesn’t mean we want to.   We know that with faith comes trust and with trust comes turning everything over to You.  Help us to hand all worries over to You letting You take care of all our worries and anxieties.  When we begin to worry lead us to pray, pray for your help.  During 2012 assist us in handing everything over to You.    

Website where I found scriptures about worry.  This study can be printed and used for Sunday school or Bible Study.  Go visit to read the whole study on worry:

 http://www.middletownbiblechurch.org/worryfea/worry1.htm, Chapter 1 The Problem of Worry,

MY WORD FOR JULY 27 IS MONKEY!

My word for July 27^th is MONKEY

Today is my purple monkeys, Anna’s, birthday.  All I can say is that her life has been a journey of flips through the forest.  Her birth was the one that I probably remember the most.  The girls were so excited about their little sister.  Little did they know that they were going to receive an “Anna-mal”. 

When Anna was little all she wanted to be was a purple monkey.  She even got mad at the photographer at pre-school because he called her a princess.  She was not a princess she was a purple monkey.  You should see her face in that yearbook.  She began flipping, literally at age 1.  She flipped everywhere she was always upside down.  She started life with her legs bowed and her feet turned in.  With much work they straightened out, but this enabled her to run just as fast as her forest friends.  She ripped the end of her middle finger off when she was 16 months old, had to have two surgeries and another surgery when she was 11.  Even that didn’t keep the monkey down.  She went at life with one hand free and one hand bandaged.  She flipped one armed.   Like many animals she doesn’t have fear when it comes to running, jumping, tumbling, or trying new tricks.   When she works with her cheer coaches she is thrown many feet in the air and flips on the way down.  Even surviving the hanging of a rope swing, I think being part monkey helped her with that one.  My little purple monkey is growing up. 

Everyone is different the Lord made us that way.  You may not be a purple monkey flipping all over, but that is ok.  The Lord gave us all strengths and weaknesses.  I found a great poem about how each of us is different and unique.  The author is unknown. 

To Each His Own

I cannot change the way I am, 
I never really try, 
God made me different and unique, 
I never ask him why. 
If I appear peculiar, 
There's nothing I can do, 
You must accept me as I am, 
As I've accepted you. 
God made a casting of each life, 
Then threw the mold away, 
Each child is different from the rest, 
Unlike as night from day. 
So often we will criticize, 
The things that others do, 
But, do you know, they do not think, 
The same as me and you. 
So God in all his wisdom, 
Who knows us all by name, 
He didn't want us to be bored, 
That's why we're not the same.

None of us are 100% alike that is what makes the world a unique place to live.  God made each of us to be special in our own way.  No one is better than the other everyone is extraordinary to God.  He made all of us for a purpose.   Find your strength and go with it.   

Romans 12:6-8(NIV)

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Dear Lord thank You for all the children in the world.  We are blessed with children that were made special in Your eyes.  Thank You for protecting all the children from harm.   We appreciate You and all Your glory.  We may not understand at times why our children go through hardships, but we trust in You to always take care of them no matter what the situation.  During 2012 guide us to those parents that need more patience and understanding with their children so that we can open their eyes to You and Your guidance.   

REACH OUT TO GOD!

MY WORD FOR JULY 24 IS REACH!

My words for July 24^th is REACH

I have been working on the program for the athletic department at our high school.  Letters were sent out in June to all athletes and businesses.  Yesterday I sat down to go through all the business ads and see who had returned their information and who hadn’t.  I found that there are many businesses that we need to contact.  For three hours I called businesses and emailed information.  I realized that I couldn’t do this on my own.  So today I sent out a message to my friends and said, “HELP”. 

We think that we can do everything on our own, but guess what, we can’t. Just as I reached out to my friends, you too can reach out to someone for help.   God wants to help us, but we have to ask.  God hears our calls for help.  He will be here for us.  He cares about everything that we worry about, big or small.  The grace of God is always here for us.  Lean on Him for help.

God loves us and wants to be here for us.  Don’t forget to ask?  If it is what we need, He will answer.  Reach out to Him.

Psalm 18:6(NIV) 

In my distress I called to the Lord; 
    I cried to my God for help.
From his temple he heard my voice; 
    my cry came before him, into his ears.

Dear Lord remind us to always reach out to You for help.  We know that you are here for us and that you will help us when we are in need.  We ask for Your help in guiding us through our days keeping us safe and at peace.  Assist us in living for today not worrying about tomorrow.  During 2012 we will trust in You and reach out to You in everything we do. 

STAY PLUGGED INTO GOD!

MY WORD FOR JULY 23 IS CONNECT

My word for July 23^rd is CONNECTED

Yesterday my husband’s computer was not working properly and the only way to fix it was to hook it up to our Internet connection.  That was fine the only problem was that while his computer was hooked up we couldn’t use the Internet.  I asked last night how long it was going to be until we could resume working on line and he said, “oh about 17 hours”.  This connection problem has gotten me off schedule, thrown me off my usually daily course.  Being not connected has changed my plans for the next few days. 

We can be disconnected during our lifetime.  We can be disconnected from friends, family, and the Lord.  In our lives today it is easy to become disconnected.  We get busy, put other things first, get distracted or simply run out of steam.  How do you feel when you are disconnected?  When I am disconnected my life doesn’t go as planned.  I feel that something is missing.  I am out of sorts.  When I am connected my life runs more smoothly.  This isn’t to say that at times there may be a bump in the road, but when I am connected to the Lord even the bump smoothes out.  As in John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  Without the Lord we can do nothing, it is as simple as that.  So you may be saying, “how do I become reconnected?”  This is very simple.  Recommit to the Lord, praise and worship Him, go to Him in prayer, ask the Lord for help.  When you reconnect with the Lord your connection will grow and become more powerful. 

If you have been disconnected you can reconnect.  You can plug yourself back in to God.  Deepen your connection with Him.  He wants you to be connected.  Whether you have a two prong or three prong with an adapter you can plug back into God’s outlet.  Adapt your life today and plug back in to the Lord.

Dear Lord we know that many times we are disconnect from You.  Help us to reconnect and plug back in to Your world.  With You our lives run smoothly and we are at peace.  Assist us in knowing when we have become disconnected and lead us back to You.  During 2012 guide us to Your outlet of life allowing us to stay plugged in and running on Your power.  

MY WORD FOR JULY 22 IS TRIALS

My word is July 22^nd  TRIAL

One of my friends has been praying that others see Christ in her and her children.  It seems the more she prays the more things happen.  An incident happened the other day with her older child and she just couldn’t figure it out.  Her daughter is doing “right”, taking the high road, letting others see her pray, reassuring the underdog, however others still treat her badly.  My friend was visiting with a woman that defiantly has God’s favor.  She asked her, “What are you praying for?”  My friend told her and she said “The more we try to be Christ like the more the Lord tests us.  He wants to make sure that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing for Him. God wants to make sure that we will trust Him and see the good and keep pressing on for Him even through the tough times.”

My friend is pressing through the tough times.  The past few years she has made many choices in her life that many wouldn’t do.  It hasn’t been easy for her or her family, but she has trusted in the Lord and always asked for His help.  He has made things happen that she couldn’t have done on her own.  But then on the flipside there are have been trials that she and her family have had to face. 

As hard as it is to press on we all must proceed.  The Lord is making sure that we are ready to follow Him with our heart and soul.  The trials in life are there to make us stronger.  God wants us to make positive out of negative.  He wants us to see our cup half full instead of half empty.  All of the events in our lives, good and bad, work together for the will and purpose of the Lord.  God wants us to grow and be more like His son.  The situations that we deal with are helping us reach the goal that God wants us to accomplish. 

Usually when the times get tough the tough get going.  Get going for God.  Let the tough times make you tougher and stronger.  Pray and trust, have faith; the Lord will guide you through all circumstances.  With Him you will press on through trials faithfully and gracefully. 

James 1:12(NIV)

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Dear Lord assist us in understanding that every trial has a purpose.  Even though difficult, we need to somehow take the high road.  We know the only way to make it through difficult situations is by having You with us.  You will help us grow and become the person You want us to be.  During this year strengthen our faith and build our character to be more like Your son. 

Seven Reasons for Trials in Our Lives

1.     Deeper Repentance

2.     Stimulate Spiritual Growth

3.     Teach Obedience from the heart not just the head

4.     Compassion for Others

5.     Strengthen Our Faith and Trust God

6.     Build Godly Character

7.     Prepare us for Ruler-Ship and Service in Gods Kingdom

Found a great article that gave the “SEVEN REASONS FOR TRIALS IN OUR LIVES” Read complete article at http://www.ucg.org/sermon/seven-good-reasons-trials-our-lives/.

Cute story: http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/why-does-god-allow-trials-in-our-lives-izak-shipman-sermon-on-g, Why does God allow trials in our lives? Izak Shipman

http://www.ucg.org/sermon/seven-good-reasons-trials-our-lives/ Seven Good Reasons For Trials In Our Lives, Dennis Luker, September 4, 2004 

MY WORD FOR JULY 21 IS WHY

My word for July 21^st is WHY

There are times in our lives that we all ask the question why?  We are all asking why this young 24 year old would walk into a theater and kill innocent people?  We ask why do young people get diagnosed with cancer?  We may ask why young parents are taken from their children?  Why do our friends hurt us?  Why? Why? Why?  It is difficult to look at all of these situations and realize that there is something positive to come out of something horrific.  It is especially difficult for those that are close to the situation.  Why is a word that is used by young children to find out answers.  The answers are usually simple when asked by a young child.   As we get older we continue to ask the one word question why? For adults the answers are more difficult to give.  Many of the answers we can’t see or we don’t understand.  We may never have an answer. 

Only God has the answers to many of the questions that we ask as an adult.  Only He knows.  So where do we go with the questions why?  We still go to God, but we have to have faith to not know the answer.  We must be satisfied that God will make something positive come from the negative.  We must trust in the Lord.  In the article, “Why does God allow bad things happen to good people?” the author states that no one is actually good, everyone sins.  This is true.  The article was very interesting and it left me with a feeling of “ok I get that.”  The author related this to the story of Job.  Job suffered many hardships in life, but Job still trusted in God.  He knew that God was good.  He knew that God had a reason, a reason that he could never see. 

We may never understand or have the answer to WHY?  All we must do is always trust in the Lord.  He is omniscient, we aren’t.  We can’t see the will of God.  We do know however that God is good and merciful.  Don’t doubt God trust in Him.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 

Dear Lord we know that we won’t have the answer to every why question in our lives.  We know that we must trust You even when we have nothing to rely on but faith.  Guide us to see that something positive will come out of every negative.  During 2012 we know that life isn’t for us to understand, we just need to walk everyday with You. 

http://www.gotquestions.org/bad-things-good-people.html Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?

REASONS MAKE OUR FAITH STRONGER!

MY WORD FOR JULY 19 IS REASON!

My word for July 19^th is Reason

When anyone has ever been knocked backwards at something someone did or said, I always say, “There is a reason.”  Almost everyone does something in his or her life that shocks someone.  Everyone in the world sins and everyone in the world has problems.  Some sins are worse than others and some problems are worse than others.  At times people will hide their problems, sometimes people will share their problems.  If someone is outwardly rude to you, usually the problem doesn’t have anything to do with you.   There is usually a reason and the reason isn’t you. You just happen to be the person in the line of fire when the spark ignites.  To understand a person and “the reason” behind what they do, you would have to know everything about that person.  You would have to know everything that had happened in that person’s life from birth until the present.  Many things affect a person, home life, stress level, diet, health, and genetics.   Everyone has a story and all of the pages are bound together to form the book.  It is hard to rip out a page and complete the story or understand it. 

God wants you to take “the reason” that has changed you and use it for the good.  When dealing with adversity we have the choice to be unhappy and negative or use the lesson in a positive way and learn from it.  God also wants us to help others, encourage others, and have empathy for others.  We may not know “the reason” others are dealing with.  It may be issues that are similar to our’s.   The “reason” can be like a raging sea in our minds that rip away parts of our hearts.  It may be a reason from the past.   When the ghosts of the past resurface we all have a decision to make.  We can choose to let “the reason” defeat and destroy us or we can let “the reason” stimulate us spiritually and help us grow.  You may have had a thorn in your flesh from Satan, but don’t let it puncture you forever.  When we ask God to walk with us helping us to not let “the reason” destroy us, the Lord will help us bear the hurt and pain.  Through the faithfulness of God we will continue to travel through life letting God lead the way. 

Life is a choice.  You may have a reason to be unhappy or negative, but change the negative to a positive and be happy.  Even if you have suffered you still have the choice to have a life walking with God.  Don’t let your reasons of your past destroy your future.  Don’t let “the reason” keep you in bondage.   Choose by faith to be joyful, let the Lord set you free.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10(NIV)

7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Dear Lord help us to press forward past “the reason” for our bondage. We know it is our choice to remove the handcuffs and be free.  All situations in our lives work together for a reason, even the adversity.  We know that “the reasons” are what makes us stronger and help us grow.  During 2012 guide us to press on past “the reason” and enjoy the future without looking in the rearview mirror. 

Great article:

http://www.workingmom.com/sermons/adversity.htm Making Adversity Work for You, Richard Pfell

http://www.upstreamca.org/adversity.html, ADVERISTY, How to handle it from http://intouch.org

DEAR DEVIL.............

MY WORD FOR JULY 18 IS BLOCK!

My word for July 18^th is BLOCK

I love writing this page.  It is what keeps me going in life, besides my family.  I begin every morning with the Lord.  I read scriptures, read bible stories, and listen to the news.  A spark almost always ignites and a writing piece is written.  I love sharing with others and hopefully helping someone who is down and out or having a bad day.  Face book has allowed me to connect with people all over the world.  It has allowed me to share my life and ask for prayers for others.  It gives me a purpose and everyone needs a purpose.  Face book has been my lifesaver.  Probably the best button of all is the block button.  When I began this page I wasn’t going to block anyone.  I said to myself, “The Lord doesn’t want me to block anyone, that would be rude and that isn’t what Jesus would do”.  However, I don’t think Jesus would want me to be bullied either.  I have only had to block one person.  This person accused me of being a copycat and a self-proclaimed apostle.  I will say I am a copycat, but I also have my masters in reading, so therefore I know a little bit about citation.  I always put the reference on the bottom portion of my writing and of course when sharing a picture it shows up where the picture came from.  The other pictures I have taken myself or I have gathered them from Google images, in which I love.  As for being an apostle, I laugh to myself.  I am a diamond in the rough.  I am learning and I love learning.  I am researching and reading everyday God words and God’s stories.  I have gone to church my whole life and have been in bible studies, but now I am really engaged in all of it.  I ask questions about the Bible all the time.  My Bible study teacher gets tired of my phone calls and questions.  I am making connections and understanding things that I never have before.  It is all a blessing. 

Doesn’t God want us to share?  Doesn’t God want us to help others?  As Joyce Meyer said, “Our mess is our message”.  Joyce even has a daily devotion in her daily book called “The Wounded Healer.  Those of us who have suffered are the best people to help those who are suffering.  This is my mission and this is my purpose.  I am here to help others.  To help those who need help pressing on. To give others hope.  To lead others closer to the Lord.  I know with everything I have dealt with that without the Lord I couldn’t have done it.  Without hope, given to me through reading his word, my family would have been crushed.    Without people and their books like Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Beth Moore, and Tannia Winston life wouldn’t make sense.   I would not be where I am today without God, friends, family, and prayer. 

I refuse to deal with peace stealers. I am putting on my heart~shield with God.  So devil, back up buck o!! You get the block button! 

Romans 5:3-5(NIV)

3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Leviticus 19:18 ESV

You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. 

Dear Lord thank you for being here for us in all situations.  Thank You for lifting us up when the devil attacks and tries to push us down.  With You by our side the devil has no chance. It is difficult when people speak negatively with the tongue, but with the Holy Spirit living within us we can turn the negative into a positive.    During 2012 we give You the thumbs up God, while Satan gets the block button. 

New Day, New You:  366 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life, Joyce Meyer, 10/24/2007, FaithWords; First Edition

SELECT YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY!

MY WORD FOR JULY 17 IS WORD!

My word for July 17^th is WORD

There is power in a word.  One word can be said and it affects someone deeply.  Words can be spoken to harm others.  Words can be spoken to help others.  Just a small four-letter word can change someone’s life forever.  When someone speaks words, these words can be spoken for advice and guidance.  Words can be spoken as venting or as intervention.  Words can be spoken out of anger or jealousy.  Words spoken from the tongue can be harsh.  Before you speak words think about it.  Just by changing your tone a word can be taken differently.  Think before you speak.  Just as the three monkeys, see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.

I love the quote I found on face book this morning.

Words give power to your thoughts & those thoughts direct your actions. Spectacular results begin with powerful, positive words. The words you listen to the most are your own, & you generally accept them without question. So make them powerful. Make them positive. Talk to yourself & about yourself with confidence. The positive power in your vocabulary will easily & naturally become a part of your life. — Ralph Marston

God’s word has tremendous power.  The word of God, when spoken in faith, can overcome many obstacles.  God’s word will accomplish His desires and His purposes.  As described in the article, “The Mighty Power of the Word of God”, by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D., he describes the word of God as a hammer.  The hammer can drive home a nail having positive results.  The hammer can also break down obstacles overcoming the negatives.  Speak God’s word, study god’s word, and you will have power and truth. 

Speak Gods word and bring forth astounding results.  Disregard the negative and only speak and listen to the positive. 

Jeremiah 23:28-29 (NIV)

28 Let the prophet who has a dream recount the dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain?” declares the Lord. 29 “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?

Romans 10:8 (NIV)

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,”[a] that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:

Dear God help us to speak no evil, hear no evil, or read no evil.  By reading Your word we will learn how to speak positively and help others to press on.  Guide us in using the correct tone so our words aren’t taken harshly.  During 2012 guide us with the tremendous power of Your word, speaking power and truth to all of those we come in contact with. 

http://www.jimfeeney.org/powerofwordofGod.html The Mighty Power of the Word of God by Pastor Jim Feeney, Ph.D. 

LIVE LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW!

MY WORD FOR JULY 15 IS BORROW!

My word for July 15^th is BORROW

While driving home today I heard the song, “Good To Be Alive” by Jason Gray.  The one word in the song that jumped out at me was "borrow".  We borrow things from people all the time.  We may borrow clothes or shoes or we may borrow dishes for a party or an egg for a cake.   We may borrow a book to read or we may borrow a recipe to bake.  Many times when we borrow something we may forget to return it.  I have done this before and then found the item months later and felt awful.  Maybe it is a good idea to make a list of borrowed items.  Those things that have been borrowed from you and those things that you have borrowed.  Then maybe we won’t forget. 

I read a story while searching the web. (sermon link below) A patient went into the doctor’s office to get the results from a test.  The doctor told the patient he had some good news and some bad news.  The good news is you only have 24 hours to live.  The patient looked at the doctor strangely and said, “that is good news what is the bad news”?  I was supposed to tell you yesterday.  Oh my can you imagine. 

We are here on this earth living on borrowed time.  We aren’t promised tomorrow, but many of us feel that we are invincible.  What if you knew that you only had a week or so to live?  Would you live life differently?  Our whole life is a gift from God.  As in Mark 12:30 ~ “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength.”  Begin everyday with Him.  Never miss an opportunity to thank Him for what you have been blessed with.  Don’t waste your time use your time wisely.  Take time for the Lord; take time for those you love, and take time to enjoy the simple things.  We are so busy in our hustle and bustle of life, like Martha, we overlook that which is important.   Be more like Mary.   Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and listened.  We all need a little bit more of “stop and smell the coffee” times.  Times to just sit and listen. 

Don’t wait until you run out of time.  Don’t wait until the doctors tell you, you only have 24 hours to live.  We live on borrowed time.  Use it wisely.  Don’t end up saying should~a would~a could~a!

James 4:13-14(NIV)

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Dear God help us to slow down and smell the roses.  Open our eyes to see what is important.  Help us to organize our life so we don’t feel stretched.  We want those special people in our lives to know we care.  Many times we feel that we need 26 hours in a day instead of 24.  Assist us in fitting all that we need into the day and getting rid of the trash that doesn’t matter.  During 2012 we know we need to live everyday like there isn’t a tomorrow. 

Read sermon on borrowed time:

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/borrowed-time-howard-parnell-sermon-on-salvation-50592.asp Borrowed Time, James 4:13-14, Howard Parnell

THANK YOU GOD FOR MEMORIES!

MY WORD FOR JULY 13TH IS MEMORIES!

My word for July 13^th is MEMORY

Our whole family is at the lake to watch the girls dance in the Miss Arkansas pageant.  Their dance teacher provides all the chorography, so for the past two years she has had her dancers dance.  My 7-year-old niece danced last night with

Miss Arkansas.  When we got back to the house my niece wanted to sleep with me, so of course I agreed to her wishes.  She would not go to bed; she talked and talked and talked.  She kept saying I am picturing this.  I finally said, “Picture yourself asleep.”  Off to sleep we went.  I was awakened at 2:00 am with my niece pulling my silky blanket out from under me and staring at me in the face.  I then realized that she was sleepwalking, talk about crazy.  She had also wet the bed.  Oh my! Thirty minutes later we had everything cleaned up and back in bed with a pull-up on.  Finally back to sleep.  This morning I was awakened at 7:00am with a baby doll staring me in the face with a little big toothed girl staring back at me.  We all just laughed.  Everything is a memory in the making. 

Memories, all of us have them.  Some may be bad, some may be good, and some may be funny.  No matter what the memory, it changes us somehow someway.  There is a lesson in every memory.  My lesson from last night is never to sleep with a small child without a pull up.  Ha Ha!  Some memories we would love not to remember, we would love to forget, but memories are here for a reason. We need to look at every memory as a learned lesson good or bad. 

In the bible Luke said Mary preserved certain information.  She treasured up everything that was said and done.  Mary wanted to have preserved memories of all happenings.  She treasured up the shephards word about the verification of the wonderful Child’s birth in Bethlehem.  She also had vivid memories of when she and Joseph accidently left Jesus at the age of 12.  When they returned they found Him visiting with priests.  Mary remembered all memories of Jesus. She treasured up all memories in her heart. 

When our minds wander back in time find the memoires that ease you.  Like Mary treasure up those good memories.  Thank God for the wonderful memories that he lets you see.  Allow memories to lift you not bury you. 

Luke 2:19 ESV

But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 

Dear God thank You for giving us experiences that we want to treasure and remember.  Our memories make us the people that we are today.  We know that every memory teaches us something whether good or bad.  During this year of 2012 help us in making wonderful memories.

GOD CAN CALM ANY TURBULENCE!

MY WORD FOR JULY 12 IS TURBULENCE!

MY WORD FOR JULY 12^TH IS TURBULENCE

American Airlines Fight 980 was traveling from Brazil to Miami carrying 136 passengers when it was hit with turbulence.  The turbulence wasn’t just simply a bump in the air it was a large smack.  It caused passengers to fly up in their seats and smash into the ceiling.  The crew was caught by surprise.  Six of the flight attendants were treated by firefighters after landing.  A flying food cart hit one crewmember.  Passengers described the incident as total chaos, a terrible experience, totally scary. 

Turbulence hits us when we least expect it.  The time of confusion disrupts the flow of our lives.  It interrupts the peace that we are living in.  Turbulence agitates us and causes the pressure to change in us.  It is unpredictably what some will do when threatened with turbulence.  When this violent change begins don’t let it have power.  Don’t let the agitation remove your peace.  It is up to you how you resolve and rid yourself of the turbulence. 

When hit with the shift of change due to turbulence go to God.  Ask Him to remove the turbulence or allow you to deal with it.  Ask him to give you peace even during the change.  When we have a personal connection with the Lord He will calm the turbulence.  Go to your quiet place and be at peace until the airflow has become calm again. 

Romans 8:28 NASB

  And we know God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 

Philippians 4; 6 and 7, NASB

 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Dear God when my word is full of turbulence help me find peace.  When fearful chatter is in my mind, guide me not to listen and to only listen to You.  You are the peace in the deepest part of my heart.  Be there for me when I am overwhelmed with difficulties.  During 2012 whisper encouragements in my ears, so that even turbulence will not be able to rock my world. 

LOVE LIKE CRAZY!