Wednesday, July 3, 2013

A work in progress

I'm blogging today to share a beautiful work God has begun in me/us to complete and perfect until the day of His coming. (Philipians 1:6)
Last fall a situation came up that was out of our control and the only way to bring it to some normalcy was to face it full throttle with righteous vengeance. I know that may sound funny, but, as a pastor once said... Radical reality is living radically for Christ.
Maybe you'll understand this... There are times in our lives when things are completely out of our control. To the point of suffocation, loss of hope, deep confusion and helplessness. It's a sad time but the reality of it all is God knows, cares and understands all about it. He is the reality of the turmoil that has invaded our once so beautiful, happy, contented, life we were so custom too... The good life we had hoped and worked so hard to attain. That was my life.... I knew I was going to either allow this to kill, destroy, disfigure and bring me to the lowest pit of my life  Or I had to radically face it with vengeance.. I began to call on the Lord and proclaim His word...
Romans 12:19 (KJV)
"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I WILL REPAY, saith the Lord."
It was such a radical change it made many wonder what had happened to me!?! But when desperate situations and circumstances arise... It calls for desperate measures... Righteous actions of course... His ways, not mine... His timing, not mine... His leading, not mine.
And have we been on an amazing path... One I have never traveled before. One I've had to completely put my trust in... One I had no control over... Scary? Yes! Confusing? At times! Uncertainty? Sure... Im only human. But as the scripture says in the beginning of my post
Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
These changes made us seek help, accept responsibility, re-evaluate, begin a change that would have never been faced within, unless the once so beautiful life hadn't crumbled all around us. And God in His amazing mercy and tender love and care has brought us to a place of perfect praise and perfect worship.... Has brought us to a new level, a new living, a new life. New perspective, new attitude, a grateful heart full of forgiveness and love.
Yes, a work in progress and a perfect life in Christ. I have witnessed the glorious hand of the Lord perform good works in us, in it, in this time. He is not finished and it has not been comfortable but it has definitely been a beautiful transformation. Tears upon tears have been shed and many more will fall Im sure. But to God be the glory... It is His perfect will to bring about a work... A vessel/s of honor...
1 Peter 1:6-8 (KJV)
"Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: …"


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Touched...

 
 
 
It has been over 9 months since I have last posted...
I could not post anything more beautiful then the good news of my youngest son receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost at old fashioned altar in an amazing Apostolic service.
It was the day before my 46th birthday, April 7, 2013, on a Sunday night. My son, Julian, was apprehensive at first but decided to worship down front with me. It was just another Sunday night, with great preaching, wonderful music and amazing worship. He quietly raised his hands as I began to pray behind him. There were many people around us doing the same thing. I stood behind him as the tears began to fall, at that moment I realized I was not the only one praying for my son. His father, men of God, young people, older people... If he wanted to stop now, there was no way out of praising and worshiping God with so many praying in encouragement and in unison for one purpose... For Ju to be filled with God's spirit.
It was amazing to watch this young child pray fervently for the touch of his Savior. Ministers layed hands on him, prayed with him and spoke to him... Julian didn't even realized what was happening until he felt the power of the Holy Ghost... I was pulled to move in front of him so I could see what was happening... As the tears began to fall, Julian realized the touch he had been praying for was finally here... Being filled with Gods wonderful spirit,  the power of the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues.
I have to say... I am one happy mommy and he was one happy little guy; after three years of seeking, he was deeply 'TOUCHED' and blessed beyond measure.
 
 

 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

3 John 1:4

 
 



Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Standing on the Promises

Standing on the Promises
1. Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
through eternal ages let his praises ring;
glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of Christ my Savior;
standing, standing,
I'm standing on the promises of God.

2. Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
by the living Word of God I shall prevail,
standing on the promises of God.

3. Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
bound to him eternally by Love's strong cord,
overcoming daily with the Spirit's sword,
standing on the promises of God.

4. Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
listening every moment to the Spirit's call,
resting in my Savior as my all in all,
standing on the promises of God.
 
I haven't heard this hymn [song] in quite some time.. I wonder if churches still sing the old song. This particular song speaks of God's promises... His Word... The Bible... What better place to find words of encouragement or wisdom during life's storms of doubt and fear... But the Bible... God's Word.
God's Word is His promises to us for any situation or circumstance we may face. His Word is true and stands for all eternity:
"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless... 2 Samuel 22:31a
God promises a way of escape when we feel there is no way out:
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23
His word is powerful to save a lost and dying world. It can change a life and bring deliverance to the fallen soul:
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10 [1 John 2:1]

His Word is more real then a rabbit you may pull out of a hat hoping to find good words for the day...Then signs in the clouds or wisdom from a friend with good intentions.
Yes, I'm singing this song to remind me that my rest comes in the Words of God's truth; the Bible... the anointed scriptures... the beautiful love letters written just for us. Something tangible to grasp knowing it will not change with the winds of time.
When I'm seeking for answers I'm looking for something that is unmovable, constant, rooted and stable. Something that is steadfast, uncompromising and unwavering. I don't have the energy to be on some emotional roller-coaster, wondering if my zodiac sign or quote of the day will suffice for what I need!!
I need Jesus! I need His words of love to sooth a broken heart or a wounded spirit or to give me hope for tomorrow... I need His words... His words of truth.

'For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.' Jeremiah 29:11
'And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:19
'No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:37-39

Worries of tomorrow... Life, our life, my life may be rough, at times, but we have peace in God that He cares and will meet our needs, however they will come. His promise of a future and hope NOT disaster. I know in His word he will take care of my every need no matter how overwhelming life circumstance can be, victory is ours, saith the LORD!! We just read it in the scriptures above... how can we not believe? Yes, I believe! I believe in the Word of God! It is for me, for you and all those that believe. God's promises will NEVER fail... His love is NEVER ending... His mercy is great EVERY morning... I'm truly thankful for His word today... His words of promise, overcoming daily with His word.

I'm standing on the promises of God!!
His word alone... tangible, strong, unshakable and fixed...

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Sassy's Last Day...



Sunday, June 15th, was a very stressful, emotional, and exhausting day. Our little mutt, Ms. Sassy had to be put to sleep, she had been with us for 17 years. She had been ill for quite some time and we knew her time was getting close. It had only been in the last couple months that she seemed to have been getting worse. With our financial hardships we were unable to do the test (that would cost us an enormous amount of money) to 'dignose' the issues going on in her feeble body.
We babied her and tried to make her comfortable in the last stages of her life, but when is was evident that life was just seeping out of your little body, I had to take her in....
If you have never had to put a dog down, it is the most horrible and heart breaking thing to do... This was our second time doing it (we had a chocolate Lab, 10 years ago, that was 12 1/2 years old we put down) and it didn't make it any easier. I was such a mess I couldn't even speak to the vet over the phone about bringing her in... I called my husband who had just left to work and emotionally fell apart. He was horribly saddened he was not and could not be with us to do this very thing.
Once I gained some composer I made my son, Sean, come with me and Julian came along as well. As soon as we walked in the people at the vet were extremely kind to us and very comforting... they put us in a room and we loved on Sassy... She would just look at us and not move her little body... Julian was a mess.
I knew it probably wasn't a good idea to have my 9 year old in the room with us, but I was torn whether to have him experience this in his life or be sheltered from it. In the end he stayed with us and was emotionally frazzled... The Dr. examined her and told us, it was time... she lived a long good life, I was in tears. I knew Sassy was suffering and this was the kindest thing could do for her, but it still was so hard for me. My heart broke into a million pieces, Julian's little heart was shattered and Sean couldn't keep the tears from falling. We were all heart-sick...
As soon as Sassy was no longer with us, we just held each other and cried big sobs of tears... I wished my husband was with us and I was sad Cynthia was at work and not able to be with us as well. :((( So, so sad indeed.


After we said our good-byes we came home to two beautiful girls waiting for us... They wagged their tails and came to our feet with all the loyalty and love dogs have for their owners. I am thankful they were here to soften our broken hearts but I really think they knew something was different. Julian couldn't get over the fact that the dogs knew we left with Sassy and came home without her... he made himself sick over this. 
We really had a hard time the rest of the day... Our emotions were over the top and we couldn't stop crying.. It was draining and exhausting. I knew in my mind once everyone got a good nights rest, everyone would feel better. And as the days go by our two girls have made our days better and easier.

I'm thankful for my little family and the bond we have created within our little core. I count this as a blessing from the LORD; another manifestation of God's wonderful mercy and grace working in our lives.