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: …"

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...

First Day of Summer 2012

http://instagr.am/p/LoQblRmaH0/

Yesterday was Julians last day of school, which makes today feel like a Saturday. I turned on the radio expecting for Kids and Company to come on but of course it did not because today is FRIDAY. So what is planned for today with a 9 1/2 year old? Nothing, absolutely nothing... It has been an absolutely beautiful lazy day.
The weather is lovely and the house is quiet (no preschoolers today). My heart feels good and revived in the LORD... He woke me up this morning with renewed life.

Not because my bank account is full
Not because I'm able to meet our bills
not because my children are serving Christ
Not because my husband has a fantastic job
Not because I'm healthy...

But because I know who I am, who I serve, who I love, and who I once was. God has been at work and many lives have come to know Him because of His mighty acts and the healing He has done. For that I am very thankful... Sometimes I feel completely unworthy of such a merciful God, but I know His love is greater then my failures and faults.
I've realized that the struggles of my life are not from Him but from the prince of this world... He has brought on sickness and pain. Struggles and hurts. Heaviness and burdens...
We need to remember that our God is for us and not against us... He has promised new life and freedom from our burdens and pain. He is a God of goodness and wishes for us to worship and love Him with all our heart, mind and soul. He wouldn't place unsettling burdens on us to distract us from what is really purposed in our lives.

I am persuaded that nothing could separate me from the love of God, nothing.
Be encouraged my friends and trust in the mighty God, Jesus Christ. He will meet those bills, He will save your children, family and friends, He will bless your job or give you something better, He will heal the sick body and help you get through those rough areas in your life. Our God is a God of purpose and not a God of destruction... If He has brought you this far, He will bring you the rest of the way.
In Christ name, Jesus... We are victorious!

The story behind the Birth of Christ and why we celebrate Christmas :)

I know it is a LONG read, but the story in the Bible explains best what happened, how it happened, why it happened and for who it happened. Nothing could ever change or alter this wonderful event in our time of history, the beautiful purpose for our lives, even still today... For you and I and to all our children... God's SALVATION, His greatest gift to us. It was all planned out and fulfilled for the love of Christ for all people.

*Including YOU*

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelled among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

John 1:14

Be blessed as you read and really let it sink in... :)

•  Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel .

• Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

• Matthew 1:18-24

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together , she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example , was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold , the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying , Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done , that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying , Behold , a virgin shall be with child , and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is , God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:

•  Luke 2:9-14

And, lo , the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid . And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying , Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

•  Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a child is born , unto us a son is given : and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor , The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

•  Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed . (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed , every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was , that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered . And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes , and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field , keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo , the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid . And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold , I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying , Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass , as the angels were gone away from them into heaven , the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass , which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste , and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things , and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned , glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen , as it was told unto them.

•  Matthew 2:1-12

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold , there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying , Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled , and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together , he demanded of them where Christ should be born . And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor , that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared . And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said , Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again , that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed ; and, lo , the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was . When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down , and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

•  Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting .

November: Being Thankfull :)

"A Thankful Heart Makes for a Happy Heart"

'Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;'

Ephesians 5:20

Many of my FB friends are making an effort to post daily of what they are thankful toward. Since it is only the second day, everyone has done well to do just that ;) I decided to jump on the 'thankful' band wagon for the next 30 days. And challenge you to do the same :) 

You don't necessarily have to post or blog about it, but in your heart. During your quiet time with the Lord, make your thankfulness known. You will be surprised how truly blessed you are, how God has been there for you, how the people around you really do care...

It's funny when you stop and really count your blessings and give thanks, it gets your mind off all the negative situations, circumstances and just life. Puts you into a 'happy' mood... Id much rather be happy then down and sad.

Let's give praise, glory, honor and thanksgiving  this month, see where it leads us! :)

What GIANT are you afraid of??

"David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee." 1 Samuel 17:37

David has faith that the LORD will bring him through whatever problem comes his way. The faith of a child slay a giant?? Yes, the faith of a child can slay a giant, DID slay a giant and bring down mountains as big as giants!!

We seem to always let the little things get us down or even what we think is a big. But don't you think it is time to renew our childlike faith. Look giants in the eye, with the LORD on our side, and take them on one by one... YES! I think it is high time!!

I have to admit, my faith has wavered some during these transitions in my families life. We have encountered some struggles during the last few months. Putting our faith further out than we have ever done in our entire walk with God. We felt the unction and knew God was speaking to us. He is about to show us (as He's done so many times before *the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear*) one miracle after another.

GIANT, I COME TO YOU IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!!

L♥ved with a Steadfast L♥ve

But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love...

Nehemiah 9:17 [ESV]

 STEADFAST: Literally means fixed in place, strong and firm support that will endure strain.

STRAIN?! Did you say strain?? YES! God can and will endure any strain. His love for us caused Him to withstand the humiliation and the pain of that old rugged cross on Calvary hill, I'm sure He is able to endure much of OUR strain.

We are so easily distracted by our 'stressful strain' our 'strains of hurt' or the 'strains of life' that we tend to forget the wonderful God that we serve. Or do we just serve Him when things are good and things are going our way (or so we think it should)? I for one can get caught up in the cares of this life and start looking at all that is around me to the point of feeling 'strained'.

Sometimes we just worry too much and not put enough faith in the God who holds tomorrow. His amazing 'steadfast' love for us has conquered the sting of death and is so willing and so just to forgive us of all our sins and save us from all our 'strains'!

For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them [daily]. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to to his life?~ Matthew 6:25

Do not worry then, saying, "What will we eat?" or "What will we drink?"' or "What will we wear for clothing?" For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~ Matthew 6:31-33

So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:34

AMEN AND AMEN!! To God be the glory!! His steadfast love for the weak in body. For the troubled soul. For the broken hearted. For the sting of bitterness. For the lonely. For the battered soul.... God's steadfast LOVE will endure all and everyone of our concerns!

Be encouraged my friend to know that our God, the God of Heaven and Earth will watch over you and He knows and understands all our situations and circumstances!

Thank you, Jesus... *HALLELUJAH* for your grace and mercy! FOR YOUR STEADFAST LOVE!! I know that I am indebted to Him for always! Without His love and forgiveness I would completely be lost and undone. And completely burdened with the overwhelming 'strains' of this life.

HandBook for Life ;]]

I found this in my devotion this morning and thought it was pretty neat.
I thought Id share it with you; it's good food for thought. :)

*and post it on my blog, so I wouldn't  forget ;]]*

Your Health:

•Drink plenty of water.

•Eat breakfast like a king; lunch like a prince, and dinner like a beggar.

•Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and less food that's manufactured in plants.

•Live by the THREE E's - Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

•Make time to pray daily

•Play games

•Read more books than you did last year

•Sit in silence beginning with 5 minutes daily

•Sleep for at least 7 hours

•Take a 10 to 30 minute walk 2-3 times a week and smile at strangers

Your Personality:

•Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what they're experiencing in life.

•Don't hold negative thoughts about things you can't control. Rather, utilize your energy toward positive thoughts.

•Excess in anything is not healthy. Limited amounts of anything are better.

•Don't take yourself too seriously. Others probably don't.

•Stay away from gossip, which will get you into trouble.

•Take time to dream a little while you're awake.

•Don't dwell on envy which is a waste of energy. Enjoy what you already have, and the priceless gifts God has given to you.

•Forget things of the past. You can't change what's happened. The best tonic is "forgive and forget".

•You are the only one who can control your happiness. Don't be bitter. Life is way too short.

•Good or bad, life is simply a pool of experiences. Learn from life's lessons. The problems will appear and eventually fade away.

•Smile and laugh more. It's actually good for your health.

•Remember, it's not necessary to attend the invitation to argue

Society:

•Call family members more often

•Daily, do something good to or for others

•This may be tough, but forgive everyone for everything. It's best for your health.

•Spend time with elderly people and young children.

•Make three people smile each day.

•What other people think of you is our of your control and not your concern.

•Stay in touch with friends and loved ones. They are the ones who will care for you when you are sick

Life:

•Always do what's best. Do the right thing.
Eliminate anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.

•Remember, God does heal everything, but it happens on His clock.

•No matter the situation, good or bad, it will eventually change.

•Regardless of how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.

•When you wake up in the morning, thank God for doing so.

•Your Inner Spirit always remains happy. May this be your focus.

•Keep all these thoughts in mind, and the BEST IS YET TO COME!

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

Romans 12:2

A long run with Danny

Danny was given a route of some sorts that would take him away from home for a few days. I cleaned his cab, fixed his bed with clean sheets, and put a few clean shirts in his little closet... readying him for this trip. I wrote out a list of things I needed to do while he was gone; finding a school for Ju, looking for a job, calling important people for other things that had come up.

On Sunday a sister in the church heard about his next job run... she offered to watch Julian so I could go (because of me being unemployed, a nice distraction from unsettling things that took place with my job and school). I was extremely distracted in my soul and felt I had entered another whirlwind, but I knew the Lord had it all under control, i needed to leave it in His hands and let the Lord do what He does best... take care of me =')

But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,

and will be secure, without fear of evil.

Proverbs 1:33

We told her we would think about it... It set the stage in motion in Danny's thought process. He insisted I and Julian go with him on this trip... I did not want to go. Julian was extremely insistent on going with daddy, I could not say, no to Julian... *sigh* I guess, we'll go.

I hesitantly fixed a clothing bag and all the necessities we would need to keep us comfortable on this trip. Tuesday morning, early morning (2am) we were up and heading to the truck. I still didn't want to go. We loaded up the truck with Ju'z and mine belongings, put him in the bunk, sleeping, and I sat myself in the passenger seat thinking about all the things that needed to be done at home.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

Psalm 32:8

God always knows what He is doing. Yes, I put a lot of account in my life as the Lord's leading... he has done so much for me and has brought me so far, I do not underestimate His love and power in my everyday life. I give Him praise for the next breath I breathe and give Him honor for the next step I take. I love Him for the things He brings my way and love Him the more for bringing me through them. So Yes, I put a lot of praise in my life for Him. In everything that comes my way I need to learn to put my trust in Him, for He knows, better than myself, what He is doing.

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.

Proverbs 3:5

Being away for five days, I was not thinking about anything but the wonderful sights i was seeing and the many grounds of miles we were traveling. it was like i was being taken away from all of life's issues. I needed to recap, reset my mindset to God's ways, i read His word, prayed and sang many songs. My husband enjoyed my company and I in turned enjoyed his and Ju'z. It was a wonderful time to think of nothing else but my little family and God. 

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Thank you Jesus for this time with my husband and my little Julian. i know you have our life in your best interest, for that I am grateful. I will do my part and trust in you...

 

~To God Be the Glory!!!~

Our Tesimony♥

Where do I begin??

On Monday, July 18, 2011 I lost my job to unforeseen matters. It was very disturbing and very sad. My husband has been unemployed for 1yr and 6mnths. It has been a trying year. But as God's Word says;

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Phil 4:19

And He has, God has taken very good care of us.

"I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved"

Psalm 16:8 NKJV

 My husband received his last check for temporary disability on the 15th of July, 2011. He received two job leads and began to pursue them with every ounce of energy he had. He knew we were not going to survive on my income alone.

[[before ALL this, in January, he was released from the Dr. care and had begun to look for work. No such luck (if there is such thing)... It was very discouraging and disheartening. We/I tried to stay upbeat, for I knew the Lord would not leave us nor forsake us. But it was really bothering my husband. He didn't lose faith but he became very discouraged.

He stop looking...

Then an infection attacked a sore on the bottom of his foot (he is diabetic) It was ugly, scary and surreal. Was this really happening to us?? No longer a job being the main issue... We needed immediate intervention at this point. This posed one problem, He so thought. We had no medical since he was laid off in July 2010. I was not wavered, I almost forcibly made him go to the hospital ;) then it all became history (read story here) to the Glory of God! Danny was in the hospital for 8 weeks and I was still employed at the school I taught. I don't bring in very much but, like I said before, God was in all of this.]]

This last weekend the day after my husband received his last check and before my unforeseen Monday. I was cleaning his wound (we are still taking care of this under his foot, It's not completely closed as of yet) and it seemed like it was getting bigger, again! Then I began to feel myself crumble from the inside out. I started to cry uncontrollably :( He sat up and grabbed me by my arms and said everything was going to be alright. His foot really needs to see a Dr but when there is no medical you put all your trust in Jesus. You need to see this: if his foot doesn't heal completely and it becomes worse, a job would not be in his future... And my job in no ways could support our family! Which means we could lose our home and so here we go thinking these horrible thoughts. He still continued to pursue these two job leads. 

Well, Monday comes along and our school was abruptly closed, I involuntarily lost my job... [[click this link to see why]] So I have to say, I began to get a little disturbed... I didn't doubt, I know the Lord was in this, I didn't really know how to feel.. I was feeling quite numb. Any crumbling or doubts I had before began to turn to peace... PEACE?? Yes, even my daughter came to us and said, "mommy I'm not worried about you and daddy being unemployed, I think it's going to be alright. I feel good about this"

GLORY!! SO DID WE!!

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging...

The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46:1-3,7

I know this makes no since to the mind, but in God makes all the since in the world. Danny received two phone calls during all this time, one job was 5 states away and the other was 1 state away. The next day, Tuesday, we headed up to Sparks NV. He was only going to accept this job if they could meet our needs (financially) Me, my daughter and our youngest son Julian took the 2.6 hr drive up the mountain. We ended up coming home without my husband, for now he was an employee of Star logistics. God, our mighty God took care of all that mattered, all our needs and continues to work, beyond our understanding... I am prepared to proclaim more of our testimony to the Glory Of Our GOD!!

This is our testimony!

Putting Away 'childish things'

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11

Hear we are with another of Pastor's metaphors. On Sunday night,
 two weeks ago he had a small teddy bear sitting on the pulpit.

He was exclaiming on how people hold on to their sin for comfort as you would do a teddy bear.

He was saying how children have teddy bears for comfort and we need to put away childish things,
our teddy bears, our sins and become men/women of God.

He kept saying that we need to throw away, get rid of,
or put away these teddy bears in our lives in order to make heaven our home,
how can we go there still hanging on to our childish things.

I cannot give it justice to how Pastor preached this, it really and truly was meaningful.

When we got home, Julian slept with this on his mind. Yes, you got it...

the next morning he came to me and said he had packed up all his teddy bears and threw them away.

He was ready and willing to give up his teddy bears to make heaven his home =')

Of course I had to contain my composer and explain to him that Pastor didn't actually mean
'TEDDY BEARS'
but that he was referring to sin... after awhile,
Julian retrieved his teddy bears from the garbage.

Julian was so willing to give up something so precious to him,
he loved his teddy bears. He was so intent to do as his Pastor said and get rid of the teddy bears because he really wants to make heaven his home and be with Jesus...

What a lesson to learn from this child about putting away childish things.

I have to admit, I was completely humbled by this child's actions, let alone his thinking!
What is it in my life that I continue to hold onto for comfort.
What heavy sin is weighing me down that may prevent me to make it
to that glorious place called heaven?
I really had to question myself and search deep within my heart;
"Search me, O God, and know my heart"
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

but in all reality, I didn't really have far to look.
How many of us try to justify our sinful comforts;
our anger, pride, selfishness, lust, unforgiveness... our teddy bears.
I believe that is why the Bible says we need to die daily and carry our cross.
For this alone, making it to heaven I will die daily and carry my cross.
As much as it may hurt me (physically or maybe hurt my pride).
I need to work on putting away childish things,
I need to get out of my comfort zone (rut)
and become a man.. er lol... a woman of God.
I have to make heaven my home.
I not only desire to see my wonderful Savior but I have a mother and a child
I have never seen waiting for me there...
There is no justifying here.. we need to all strive to make heaven our home.
Let us not be distracted to the things of God
or what really matters in our lives or persuad us other wise. 
'O God search our hearts that there be no wicked way in us,
lead us to your everlasting love' help us to
'put away childish things and become that man/woman you wish us to be!' 
*HALLELUJAH* 

Satan is the accuser of the brethern. Don't be his tool.



The Bible describes Satan as the "accuser of the brethren." He is seen as a sort of evil prosecutor who brings accusations against us, but Christ as our defense attorney steps in and pleads our case.

Our case, of course, is that He died for our sins, and they cannot be held against us *HALLELUJAH*.

Since Christ paid the price for them with His own blood, punishing us for them would be a sort of spiritual double-trouble. Now that's a very simplistic explanation of the concept because Satan not only accuses us of our sins, he also tempts us to sin further. It's as though the prosecutor is also your drug dealer.

*Jesus help us*

Not only are we accused before God, we are also accused within our own minds. We struggle with thoughts like, "God could never love you. Not after you did that!" Sometimes even in church, I feel the sting of accusation, "You don't belong among these good people. You aren't worthy or good enough."

There is a point we all need to understand, which I was poorly trying to say in a box that only carries 420 characters earlier today on a different site, accusation is not the same thing as conviction. When we sin, we feel a sense of conviction. This is good because it should lead us to repent and for most of us it has.

Accusation comes AFTER we repent and are forgiven. Accusation is when a sin is brought to memory that even God has forgotten.

The Bible says that God casts our sin in a "sea of forgetfulness." A God who is omniscient chooses to forget the sins we have committed. So who are we to bring them up? God Himself would be more justified to bring them up then anyone of us. But unfortunately we become a tool for Satan and accuse each other. We bring up old sins and hold them against each other. We bring accusations against those who are no longer accountable for their crimes. We have all done some horrible things, and have paid our debt in many ways and sometimes still live with the repercussions. For some people this is not enough, they want to continue to bring this charge against them. I have done horrible things, and Christ has paid my debt. Yet, there are still forces that want to bring these charges against me.
I think it's important that we try to become more Christ like in learning to forgive and forget. If God forgets our sins, we should forget the sins that others commit. We should not allow ourselves to become "tools of the devil" for those who are covered in Christ's blood.

God, help us not to bring accusations against each other, and help those who feel accused to rest in Your tremendous mercy and grace that is given freely on a daily basis, once we have repented.

Do we have any examples of Satan accusing "our brethren before God" (Rev. 12:10)? Yes, we find in Job 1:6-11; 2:1-6. Job was a good man! God said so Himself to this fact. However, it did not matter to Satan. He accused Job anyway. Here we see a true picture of Satan as "the accuser of our brethren." Satan also tempts mankind. Hence, people can become "accusers of our brethren" and share in the devil's work.
We see people carrying out the work of the devil in both testaments. Job's brethren falsely accused him (4:7-9). The Pharisees falsely accused Jesus (Matt. 12:22-24). Among the sins characteristic of the "last days" is that some will be "false accusers" (2 Tim. 3:3). Now these are accusations of innocent people and If people can become false accusers, then we can become false accusers. The sad thing about this is being a partaker in the devil's work.
But what about those that are not so innocent? Let's look at Paul for an example; Paul's persecution among the churches played havoc on their lives. They hid from fear of having this man find them and persecute them harshly to the point of death. But then Paul was struck down by the voice of God and repented of his horrible sins. The apostles accused him of many ghastly things witch affected his ministry to minister to others. Even to the point of mistrust from those that did not even know the 'new' Paul, effecting the church. 

Anyone Can Accuse Anyone of Anything because everyone has past sin in their lives that can be resurrected.

We are doing the work of the devil! What happens when we do this?

1. Such accusations hurt people, innocent people. Job's friends hurt him with their words (Job 16:1-2). Job felt the inward pain that comes to one who is falsely accused as have many brethren today who have faced such accusations.
2. Such accusations hurt people's reputations (those that are not so innocent). Paul's reputation suffered in the eyes of some of his brethren in the church at Corinth because of false accusations made by his enemies there (2 Cor. 10:2, 10). They apparently even turned Paul's refusal of support from the church there into an accusation (cf. 2 Cor. 11:7-9; 12:13). Yes, Paul had done wrong, but he had repented, which gave the apostles no support in accusing his actions.
3. To me the biggest thing about accusations is that such can poison a church. We need only look at Paul's relationship with the Corinthians to see this. Because of the charges made against Paul by his enemies at Corinth, he was not able to continue with his work of building up the church there. Rather, a large part of his second letter to the Corinthians was taken up with explanations of his conduct and answers to enemies (cf. 1:12-2:4; 4:2; 7:2; 12:19; chs. 10-12). We can come to believe the worst about our brothers and sisters simply by hearing and believing accusations, crimes that are no longer held against them for they are under the blood of Christ. We can be motivated by the desire to accuse others (Mark 3:2; John 8:6). Accusations, false or not, can lead to the severing of relationships among the people within the church. Hurting the ministry in severe ways sometimes splitting a church!

Such results has cause me to think soberly before casting off with some charge against my brother or sister.  Believing an accusation made by an-other. Call your brother in question or write them, seek to build bridges, not to destroy them. Remember, anyone can make false accusations about anyone else. God's people should seek what is true and not be led by idle charges or gossip. Love is the key. We need to treat others as they would like to be treated (Matt. 7:12)

and judge others by their fruits, and not by accusations they have heard

(Matt. 7:20; Gal. 2:14).

The devil is "the accuser of our brethren." It is bad enough that he is involved in such activity. But let us, God's people, not be a  part of the devil's work, don't be his tool.

Psalm 103:8-18

The LORD is merciful and gracious,

Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.

He will not always strive with us,

Nor will He keep His anger forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our sins,

Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,

So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;

As far as the east is from the west,

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

As a father pities his children,

So the LORD pities those who fear Him.

For He knows our frame;

He remembers that we are dust.

As for man, his days are like grass;

As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.

For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

And its place remembers it no more.[a]

But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting

On those who fear Him,

And His righteousness to children’s children,

To such as keep His covenant,

And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

What a beautiful set of scriptures. I truly am indebted to our Lord forever,

He has been so gracious to me.
I do not deserve all that He has done for my life...

But He continues to bless us day by day...

*to God be the glory*

We like so many out there have been hit
or have been in very hard times,

But God has been so faithful

*I'm so very thankful*

an overwhelming situation has arose in my employment that I cannot divulge much info. I'm praying for God's leading.

He knows what the future holds and holds it in the palm of His tender,
loving hand. Our God is faithful and I do not know the future as well as HE does ;)

but Ive been thru enough to not underestimate the power of prayer.
We all know who Jesus is and what HE can do in tight circumstances :)
*Praise Be to Jesus*
I want to give HIM all glory and honor for I know he will come thru,
but I have to admit... my stomach is in knots.

*Thank you JESUS for everything*

Let us pray together, for each other... For where two or more agree,
God is in the midst.

Praying for Blessings

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Romans 5:3-5 (King James Version)

♪♫ What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is
a revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy♫♪

“The song shows that we still have more questions than answers,” Laura confesses. “But there’s a decision that I find God is asking us to make: whether we are going to choose to interpret our circumstances based on what we hold to be true about God, or whether we’re going to judge what we hold to be true about God based on our circumstances.”

'Laura Story'

this song has become my heart-song these last few months... One of my 'many' Apostolic friends on FB had this posted on her wall... I had never really heard this song or never really paid attention to it or the words.
Life can bring many troubled situations and circumstances that are completely out of our control. How do we respond to those trials or tragedies?? How do we come before our God about all that is going on around us?? Do we lose faith, do we decide to look for answers in hopeless dreams, do we cry in anger, or shut out Christ, who holds every possible answer we need??

I for one have found myself reaching out to Christ... Sure, many times I wanted to just die, but I never wanted to give up on the one I knew would bring us through it all. No matter what happened, I knew God would not allow me to suffer more than I could bare. I have to say that I knew this because I have brought upon my own self many sufferings that were more than I could bare, through my guilt, shame and sorrow... God has shown me that because of His great love for me, He wouldn't allow anymore then I had done to myself. That has been a comfort to me, because we can be our greatest critic and hurt ourselves more than our loving God would ever want us to go through.

After my husbands close call of loosing his foot to diabetes, two friends and during a sermon in church, God gave me a scripture, Romans 5:3-5 [the one found above].

Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 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.

It was a trying weekend, the time that Danny went into the hospital. It was Mother's Day weekend and I was upset that Danny waited to get his foot checked (an ongoing problem, he kept ignoring) on this particular weekend. I really needed him to be there for me because my mothers passing on Mother's Day , three years passed, always brought me sorrow... Now here was Danny in the hospital and me alone at night on this weekend... But *Praise Be to Jesus* God was in all my suffering and disappointment. Because of Danny being in the hospital it distracted me from the significance of the weekend. He was in there for 8 days and I spent everyday with him in his hospital room... When he was finally released, I was only too happy, that after it was all said and done... Mother's Day was passed with little flare and no tears, I was thankful to be honest... How God worked in our lives.

He brought me comfort through the distraction of my husband in the hospital and He kept the infection out of his foot and brought him home whole. I've been in tears over this, just thinking about it all from beginning to end. How God kept His hand and both of us and our little family. I could of crumbled because of it being  Mother's Day weekend and be completely overwhelmed with the possibility's of my husband losing a foot or toes... I wanted to be devastated, but my hope in God and the love of the Holy Ghost working in me made me realize; His blessings in my life.

I had prayed for God's comfort during the significance of the weekend, for His mighty hand to touch my husbands infected foot, for these trials and disappointments... But God in His Word brought me promise, healing, and comfort... I knew those trials in my life were His mercies in disguise...
Thank You Jesus; for your blessings!!
*I LOVE THIS SONG*

HIS healing mercies

O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.

Psalms 30:2 NKJV

The love and hero of my life
(beside Jesus Christ who has saved me from the grips of hell)
Sharing my lunch time with him at the hospital.



My husband is diabetic and he had a blister on the bottom of his foot that never did heal :( He has neuropathy (a diseased condition of the nervous system) and did not feel or know the wound was under his foot. It soon became an open sore as big as a quarter. Instead of going to a Dr. (which he should of done) he began to treat and care for it at home; washing it, soaking it in healing herbs, bandaging it up, keeping it clean and so forth... He was able to get the hole down to the size of a bean. Then his foot began to swell and his leg began to hurt all the way up to his hip... :( not good!

We got into a heated discussion about him not going to the Dr... Later, realizing he was being selfish and proud asked Cynthia (our daughter) to take him to the emergency that evening. They admitted him and put him on antibiotics and insulin (because his sugar level was over 300) right away. The surgeon came in the next day to talk to him about surgery on his foot to remove the infection, which was causing the pain he was feeling and the swelling. He began to explain that if the infection was deep into the bone we would have to talk about amputation. We were heart stricken :'( Danny was scared... He shed tears and told me how sorry he was about many things because of his selfishness. We began to pray... I asked for prayer on FB, being connected with many prayer warriors and Holy Ghost filled women of God. We also called/txt friends and family and told our church family. Pastor and two other men went to the hospital and prayed for their brother...

Many were praying on his behalf..

I knew God was going to do what He does best and touch the broken hearted and heal the sick and make what was wrong into right :') They had to do an MRI before surgery just to see how deep the infection was... We and many were praying the infection was not in the bone. The next day as we anxiously waited for surgery and the results of the MRI the surgeon came in to Danny's room and began to tell us that there was NO SIGN of infection anywhere in the foot and he would be able to come home soon!!

*PRAISE JESUS*

Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! {2} Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: {3} Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, {4} Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Psalms 103:1-4 NKJV

We were praising Jesus, humbled by his tender mercies, and engulfed by his loving kindness.
After the Dr. left we didn't say anything but held each other for a very long time, thanking Jesus over and over for His goodness and grace. As the tears fell we knew we had just witnessed a miracle from God.

ONLY GOD  

Danny is still in the hospital. His foot has become inflamed and swollen (worse than it looked before we took him in)... Did they look at the results right, did an infection developed over the weekend, what was happening?? Many questions were going through our mind, but we knew God had worked a miracle no matter how things looked on the outside. It looks like he will not be coming home anytime soon :(
A specialist for diabetic wounds, a Dr. and the surgeon came to see the ugly change that was happening to his foot... I began to think they needed to cut his foot and get the infection out quickly before it got to the bone... But there is NO INFECTION! The Dr.s refuse to cut into his foot on account that the results of an MRI and CAT scan both shows there is no infection in the foot. Surgery would only cause more damage because a cut/wound in a diabetics foot cannot heal easy and would be our greatest challenge to get his foot to heal right and without an infection, a very dangerous position for a diabetic to be in. To our human minds it can be very confusing; you're told one thing and you see another thing happening. I'm doing my best to trust in God for what HE has done and what HE is about to do...
All for the Glory of God!
The unknown can take you on a emotional roller coaster, but God can bring peace and comfort during times like these. It's just up to us who and how we will trust for this enormous change in our lives.

I just want to thank God for all who prayed, all who believe in the power of prayer and all who has shown us love and concern during this time. We all know that God, our healer, has done a work and will finish the work he has begun! Be encouraged today for whatever situation, circumstance or trial you may be encountering. The Bible tells us He will not sleep but will let us rest; in the comfort of His mercies.

My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Psalm 121:3 NKJV

Let not your heart be troubled...
John 14:1

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28


HE will get all glory, honor and praise.

*HALLELUJAH*

God's Goodness

I haven't posted in a while and I apologize ,) I haven't forgotten, it just comes so fast that I cannot keep up.. What comes so fast you ask??? The goodness of the Lord. 

He is gracious in all that He does and has consumed my life! How can I write of everything I see or everything I feel... or every tear that falls or every prayer I prayed... 

God's goodness is never ending and In Him is all righteousness! 

So my heart is FULL of God's goodness...

"...The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,"

Exodus 34:6b

 "He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD."

Psalms 33:5

All you have to do is look around you and really see the goodness of the Lord. It is there to be taken and put in the deepest part of our hearts... to feast on, to breath, and lean on. God's goodness is there in abundance!! Seek Him today and allow the goodness of God to fill your lives for seeking good in our everyday lives will profit nothing. He is the one we need to seek... You will lack no good thing if you seek the Lord. He’ll take care of you

 "The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."

Lamentations 3:25

I know I'm rambling, but God has been sooo good to me I have to glorify and praise Him continually, for my life is not my own... He has shown me goodness thru His wonderful mercy and grace... I cannot tell it all!!

 "For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee."

Psalms 86:5

Once you know God is good, it changes everything about your life. Then you realize the responsibility you have in His goodness. What is it you ask?? lol...

It is rejoicing in His goodness wherever you are – in your car, at work, at the grocery store, at the gym, in the midst of difficulty and prosperity.

My friend there is so much to say about the goodness of the Lord, but I need sleep *zzz*

I will be back soon! There is such revival in my life/heart, in our church and in the people of God.

Be blessed in the goodness of the lord, take refuge in HIM and be thankful and praise His name!!

"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."

Psalm 34:8

I have Hope!

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" Romans 15:4

Our God has given us hope far beyond what this world can ever give. something beyond our circumstances or any situation that comes our way... God knew and knows that we needed to be reassured in Him that our life with Him is not in vain. He has given us 'HOPE' through the scriptures of His wonderful Word.

I personally, hang on to every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matt 4:4)
he has sustained me and encouraged me with such wonderful...

♫♪peace... peace... beautiful peace, coming down from the father above... ♪♫ 

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

These are the promises or HOPE in God that I have come to love... "Isn't HE just wonderful?!!

We have HOPE in His resurrection;

"For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord." 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

We have HOPE in His promise;

“Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s." Psalm 103:1-5

We have HOPE in His righteousness;

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:1-4,12

 The blessed hope of His Glorious appearing;
who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:11
"When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." Colossians 3:4

The hope of our salvation;

 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:17

 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:12
(this is one of my husbands favorite scripture ;]])

The hope of eternal life;
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

"Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."
1 Corinthians 15:51-54


His HOPE of peace;
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7

His HOPE of love;
 "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" .Romans 5:8
 "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13


Isn't it wonderful to be called a 'friend of God'! I am EXTREMELY blessed to be called HIS friend! :)
*HALLELUJAH*
"No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15


His HOPE of mercy;
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
"Of  David. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. ..." Psalm 103:1-22
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

"YES! I am in love with the Words that come from this wonderful book...
the BIBLE! It has been real, true, life saving and life changing..."

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

**PRAISE HIS WONDERFUL NAME**

In the valley there is a 'SHADOW'

I was reading some key points about this scripture during my devotion...

And I just had to share! It was so inspiring and uplifting to me.  =) 

SHADOW:  a dark figure or image cast by an object or part of an object upon a surface that would otherwise be illuminated by a light source. A shadow forms when something is standing between the source of light and the object the shadow rest upon.

"Even though I walk through... the valley of the shadow... of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 23:4 (NASB)

What kind of shadows keep us from Christ beautiful light? What kind of trials, fear, doubt, anxiety or maybe an attack from the enemy himself keeping out the light? What is it that creeps into our thoughts or into our lives to question God's Word, feeling as though we are in the valley of death. Is it your finances, family issues, losing a job [which happened to my husband this last year], the list can go on and on creating shadows blocking out the light. Smothering your faith with worry and anxiety, growling and snapping at your every step. Anxiety can sometimes make you feel as though you cannot breath or at any moments time it will send you over the edge because you feel you've lost your mind. You are in the valley of the shadow, so big and consuming... blocking out His beautiful light... making you lose your faith and giving you a horrible feeling of confusion or a sense of being lost.

It's dark; ominous, bleak, foreboding, sinister, somber, joyless... a very uncomfortable place to be.

"I understand this place."

But we need to remember we have and know an awesome God who has not left us in the dark shadow alone... His light is still there, it has never left. Something has just come between us and the light, giving us a shadow. God has not left but is still there reassuring us that everything will be alright.

The darkness [shadow] is not because there is NO LIGHT, but a result of an object or the enemy of our soul standing between us and the light. It/he is attempting to block out the light that gives us such reassuring comfort. If we allow him to we can feel fearful, alone and abandoned.

the rod and the staff are tools for the trade not only to guide but to PROTECT from danger. Our valley can look very scary, but with eyes of faith we can see that we are in the place of His safety. Do not focus on the shadow but walk with Christ, in His marvelous light!

"No matter how dark it may seem to you His light is still there BEYOND the shadow!!"

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?"

Psalm 27:1 NKJV

Do not fear evil, it is only a shadow. Hold to the Lords hand through your valley experience. Trust Him through it all, it is but a shadow blocked by an object that you will begin to move from, it will not be there forever. Once you begin to walk UP hill you will begin to leave the valley with another victorious testimony of rejoicing! Proclaiming God's goodness and faithfulness...

"...just keep your eyes fixed on Him!!"

God in all His mercy will see you through your darkest times. He has done that on so many occasions in my life, I know He can do the same for you!

Don't give up, fall down and stay in the cold, dark shadow, but put ALL your trust in Jesus, continue to walk through and beyond the shadow with Him...

where there will be refreshing, peace, joy and righteousness!!

"The Lord is MY shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;

He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul:

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake"

Psalm 23:2-3 NKJV

*BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD*

I now can say I'm thankful for His marvelous light that is just beyond the shadow... I will not be afraid of the shadow of the valley of death. For I know my God will comfort me, BECAUSE he has never left me... His light is just beyond the shadow... My eyes are fixed on HIM!!

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life;

And I will dwell[a] in the house of the LORD Forever.

Psalm 23 NKJV