Fashion Statement

I Am Still Alive and Well

2007-01-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

I know that I have many faithful readers and have been hearing from a lot of you. I am sorry if I have let you down by not keeping up with my blog lately. It is certainly not from lack of inspiration and you will never find ME with "nothing to say". My life has been rather hectic lately. It all began in November with Adisyn being born, building a deck cover with James, Christmas Holidays, taking down and putting away all evidence of Christmas, packing for the cruise, the more than busy week BEFORE the cruise, THE cruise, the more than busy week AFTER the cruise, Ezekiel Walter being born while I WAS on the cruise, and so on.

So, here I am begging your forgiveness and asking you to give me a few more days. I promise to keep up the Trisha story, who, by the way, went on the cruise with us. I have so much inspiration in me right now that I just don't know where to begin. I am one of the Facilitators in a Beth Moore Bible Study, Daniel. I cannot believe how awesome it is. It keeps me reading The Word and studying. Beginning in the morning, I will be teaching a Bible Study on the Shepherd's View of the 23rd Psalm in the salon to a few stylists who have asked me to do so. So, as you can see, I am not sitting around doing nothing.

Here's a few pics for you to enjoy and catch you up on where I am.

The Facial

2006-12-17T07:33:00.000-08:00

Part III to Our Journey Began

This entry make take some time for me to write. There are times when it seems as though it was only yesterday. It was more than two years ago. It was such a mighty manifestation of the power of God. It was a moment that would forever change my life. It would change who I was IN God. It elevated me to a level with God I did not know I could obtain. It was never about ME -- it was always about GOD and what GOD wanted to do for Trisha. I just got blessed in the mix. You see, God was about to change Trisha in such a way that hundreds of people's lives would be affected. God uses the simple to confound the wise. I am truly unsure of which category I fell into but I know this, God was about to be the awesome God I knew Him to be. He truly sets the captive free. God truly meets you where you are but He refuses to leave you there.

By this time, Trisha has moved out of the building where I am. She moved to a salon about 2 miles away. I believed she moved into more darkness.

It was an early morning. I do not recall what day of the week it was. It was my routine to go in about an hour earlier than the appointment so I could prepare. It was also my routine to pray for my clients coming in as I readied the room. (I added water to the steamer, made wet towel rolls to put in towel warmer, turned on the stones, lined up all the facial products in order of use, turned on the bed warmer, turned on soft soothing music and prepared the special lighting; praying all the while.)

Trisha was almost always early and she was early this particular morning. I was ready. I thought I was. It was obvious there had been a late night. I welcomed her in and stepped out while she readied herself for her facial. I did not like what I felt. I sat in the hall and prayed. I just wanted her to go away. I tapped on the door, she said she was ready and I entered the room.

I cannot describe what I felt and what I saw. It was as if darkness had just settled into the room and all around Trisha. I knew immediately it was going to be spiritual warfare for me. I began the procedure. All the while God was speaking to me and revealing things to me I did not want to know. I will not reveal them to you. A wise woman (Victoria) once instructed me this way: "God does not reveal things to you for you to talk about them. God reveals them to you for you to intercede and stand in the gap." I began to pray and battle. I stormed the gates of Hell. I never said one thing aloud. I felt the Holy Spirit all around me and spoke something to my spirit and He showed it to me: "The spirit in her will BOW to the spirit in you." I immediately began to feel such a peace and I began to speak peace into Trisha. With every touch I blessed her. The hour was up. I patted her on the side of her face and said, "Wake up, little girl, I am all finished." Trisha roused and said, "Oh, I slept so good. Thank you for praying for me. I felt such peace." I told Trisha that I indeed prayed for her but not aloud. She said, "Yes, you did. I heard you." Then she told me what I prayed. It was accurate. I stepped out of the room so she could get ready. I sat in the hall somewhat bewildered. How could I feel such peace? I was exhausted. I KNOW I said NOTHING out loud. I prayed in my spirit. I knew I did. How did Trisha know? How did Trisha hear? Then I saw it again and I knew what God had done. God had protected ME and began the healing in Trisha. That foul spirit in Trisha bowed to the Holy Spirit IN ME!

I have performed many facials in my career. I have enjoyed the presence of God in many of them. I always prayed for my client and I always prayed they would feel the presence of God. At the beginning of Trisha's facial, I felt the presence of the enemy. I was never afraid. I almost became ill. Comparatively speaking, Trisha's facial is The Facial that changed me forever. I knew in those moments that my God was bigger than any demon and demons truly do flee at the mention of Jesus. Jesus gives peace that surpasses all understanding, simply because He says He will. His name is LIFE. In Him there is liberty and freedom. In Him there is joy.

Today, you too can have peace, joy, life, liberty and freedom. It is all in Jesus.

(There is more to come on Trisha. Next: Part IV - Bible Stories in the Salon).

Shaved My Head

2006-12-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

Part II to Our Journey Begins

Time went on. I did my thing and Trisha was doing hers. I gave her a pedicure and, as she dozed, I prayed for her in my spirit - not aloud. I truly did not know how to pray but God said for me to pray for her and love her. I prayed choppy and simple prayers. Thinking back, to God I must have sounded like a 2 year old learning to put sentences together. I repeated myself and I kept it to myself -- just me and God. I did not want anyone to know about this because I had no clue as to what I was doing and I had no clue as to what God was doing. In my eyes, this girl was crazy and needed more than I had to give her. She needed rehab, not ME. Consequently, I was not the only one that felt so strongly about Trisha. Many people around the salon would comment to me that they could not believe I was going to someone like Trisha to have my hair done. My answer was as God directed, "I love Trisha". See, there are Christians who believe we should only go to Christians to have services done. I had one lady tell me that because I was going to this certain place to have my nails done that I was giving my money to heathens and God would not bless me. I got a bit indignant. See, I was getting bolder and God was showing me, little by little, how to love someone where they are. You know, the way GOD does it. That "heathen" that was and IS doing my nails is a precious child of God. She serves my God. She was PREjudged just because of the country she comes from. Someone witnessed to her before I came along.

Oh, my Father, help me to never judge anyone ever again.

My hair got to looking better and better. Every time Trisha did my hair, I loved it more and I loved HER more. One day I was giving Trisha a facial and I asked her if I could pray for her. She said I could. You see, the more I obeyed God, the more bold I became for Him. It was a simple prayer, no King James vernacular -- just simple things like thanking God for putting Trisha in my life and thanking Him for blessing her business, and the like. Looking back, I've wondered why I did not just come out and ask, "Trisha, do you know my Jesus?" The only answer I have been able to ascertain is I was in direct obedience to God and, in hind sight, I think she may have said "yes" and I would have just dismissed the whole mission God had ordained. See, she DID believe in God. She just did not believe in God as THE God. She saw God as an option. So, "just believing" was not all God had for Trisha -- He wanted all of her and He wanted to be her ALL IN ALL.

I wish I could tell you that prayer included Trisha's salvation. It did not. It was about to get even darker. I was about to be thrown into spiritual warfare I had never been in before. God knew that and God equipped me with His Mighty Word as my weapon. If I had known what was ahead of me I think I would have shaved my head rather than go back to Trisha.

Next:
The Facial that changed MY life. Even after all this time, Trisha has known nothing of the story you are about to read. Until Saturday, December 16, 2006 - - I told her all of it, sitting in her chair, while she did my hair. (I guess that means I never shaved my head).

Our Journey Began

2006-12-17T02:12:00.000-08:00

It is 4:00 AM and I am wide awake. I did not JUST wake up. I have been awake since 1:15. I have counted sheep, I have talked to the Shepherd, I have counted backwards from 100 at least 100 times, I have prayed, I have reflected, I have sang complete songs in my head, I have talked to Lexi, I have prayed more, I have written out all my checks for next week, I have prayed again. How many nights have I done this? I do not want to do anything right now but sleep and yet I am not sleepy. I know I need sleep. My thoughts during these wee hours of the morning keep taking me back to my friend, Trisha.

Trisha is my Hair Stylist and she came into my life just over 4 years ago. I will share the story.

Trisha shared a suite with 2 other girls and they were next door to my suite. Trisha was loud and obnoxious and said things that would just blow my mind. She was crude and obviously lived a very different life than I. She was much younger than me -- maybe 17 or 18 years younger. Not someone that I would pick to have a relationship with. She was in a transition in her life. She was in the process of getting clean from using drugs and abusing alcohol. She was tangled up with someone in Prison for drug possession offenses. She openly bragged about her sexual preferences (basically, she had no preferences -- either was fine). No, this was not someone I would choose for a friend or even a Hair Stylist.

One day I decided (in my spare time) that I would do some color on my hair myself. Well, needless to say, I got in way over my head (pardon the pun). I went out in the hall to find someone to help me and I ran into Trisha. I said, "Hey, would you mind putting this color on my hair for me?" She told me she would be glad to, all the while telling me how she was into witchcraft and Astrology, not to mention her sexual escapades. Somehow I just sat there. I never reacted and I never responded. I simply stated that I believed in God and that I was a Christian. I later went back to my suite where I apologized to God for going to her and allowing her to touch me and said I would never go back to her. My righteous indignation stunk and God let me know it immediately. God said to me, "You WILL go back. You WILL love her and you will pray for her and teach her to love Me." You can only imagine the argument that ensued. "Oh, no, God, she is so full of sin and she is so steeped in junk . . . . . . " And on and on I went. Then that voice saying "No, you will go and you will love her and let her know I love her." "OK, fine, well, I don't have to get my hair colored again for at least 4 weeks so maybe she will just go away." God told me to go to her right then and be friendly and love her where she is. I marched back out in the hall and guess who was out there?! Trisha. Yes, Trisha! At the time I did spa services as well as hair so I asked her if she would like to start doing my hair and I would give her facials and pedicures. She gladly accepted and booked an appointment with me right away. I hugged her. When I took her in my arms I felt her melt.

Our journey began.

Over the next few days I will share with you what has happened during this journey. It is amazing. God is amazing. God is faithful to do everything He says in His Word He will do. Our obedience is all He wants. This story will not be about ME or great things I have done. This story is about God loving someone that seemed (to me) unworthy of love. This story is about God meeting a young woman right where she was -- not where I thought she SHOULD be. This story is about God stripping me of that filthy self righteousness that sickens Him. Stay with me and I promise you God will speak to you through this. There are people in YOUR life needing to be loved right where they are. They need YOU to love them and they need YOU to show them GOD.

Magnetized Rocks

2006-12-14T09:18:00.000-08:00

On our train trip!

Who knew Kyle, Brooke and Mason would have so much fun with a $7 bag of rocks that were magnetized? As you can see, they put them on either sides of their ears and noses. Kyle realized his teeth were mostly metal. Now that is some kind of grill!

They were all doing a little toss up in the air with 2 or 3 and they would all come back down as one. I'm thinking there may be a lesson in there. However, the lessson may be simply thoughtless fun. My mother used to call it "horseplay" and I remember getting in trouble for it a lot. They actually had the attention of many people on the train and we certainly enjoyed watching them all play together and entertain each other.

Kids make life seem so simple. During the Christmas season we get so busy doing "the stuff" that we forget to just have fun! We are starting a new tradition at our house -- just have fun! Play! Laugh! And yes, giggle. Nothing sounds sweeter than hearing children giggle.

Train Ride

2006-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

On December 2, James and I took our grandchildren on our first annual Christmas trip. Ages ranged from almost 12 to almost 2! Baby Adisyn and Baby Ezekiel will be added to the mix next year, giving us 7 wonderful grandchildren (to our credit).

Here's a rundown for you. Kyle (11), Brooke (9), Mason (7), Josiah (3) and Ava Beth (23 months). Cousins who obviously enjoy being together!

We gathered up the kids on Friday evening. Just PawPaw and MiMi -- no parents were allowed. Randy and Lori came bearing dinner! Thank goodness! Soon after they left it was bed time. Mason (and his special pillow and blanket) and Brooke slept in the guest room. Kyle and Josiah (and his guitar, book, blanket and Elmo) slept on an air matress in the living room). This left Ava Beth (a.k.a. Sissy) to sleep with PawPaw and MiMi (and of course Lexi). Ava Beth comes complete with blanket and Baby Elmo. Guess who was the last to close their eyes? Yep! Ava Beth! Actually, she talked so much (and tried her best to snore like PawPaw) that finally Lexi got up and wanted to go outside where she stayed the rest of the night.

We left our house at 6:15 on Saturday morning with all kids dressed, teeth brushed and most of them had their hair combed. We went straight to McDonald's and let them have anything they wanted. We loaded back up after a not so quick bathroom run and headed for Rusk to catch the train. I believe Rusk is where the Texas State Mental Hospital is as well. As we drove along I became a little unsure of our actual destination.

We arrived at the Depot in plenty of time to shop at the gift shop. What was I thinking? Have you ever taken 5 kids to a store and told them to pick something out and given them a limit? Not smart! Josiah and Ava Beth immediately chose "Thomas the Train" toys. The older 3, believe it or not, settled on bags of rocks. They had more fun with those rocks because they bought the magnetized ones -- I'll have to post those pictures another time.

We took so many pictures that Josiah finally said, "MiMi, no more cheeses." We had so much fun and the kids were so good. They played together and they bonded. I first thought of assigning seat arrangements. Kids do that all by themselves. I have to say, my older ones, Kyle and Brooke, amazed me at how good they were with the little ones. They were loving and patient. Mason is still trying to find his place and he is smack dab in the middle. He can hang with the big ones and play with the little ones.

We made so many memories and enjoyed our day so much. We found that all we had to say was "Bubba and Sissy" and they all looked at us. I guess it's a Texas thing -- we have a Bubba and a Sissy in all three of our little families.

Our trip home went very well. We stopped at Wal-Mart and bought a DVD. Josiah fell asleep drumming with one hand and playing his guitar with the other. Ava Beth fell asleep (but not for very long). Kyle enjoyed the movie in peace while Brooke and Mason got a little rowdy in the back.

Next year we will either need to go in 2 cars or charter a bus. Mandi traded cars with us as she has the DVD player and third row seating. I asked for the DVD entertainment package in my new vehicle. James said, "No, when we are with the grandchildren, we want to talk with them and hear them." It was JAMES' idea to stop at Wal-Mart and buy the movie for the ride home. He also bought HIS favorite movie, CARS!

If you do not have grandchildren -- get you some!

You Knew (revised)

2006-11-29T06:17:00.000-08:00

I seem to be falling back into something I went through months ago -- not sleeping good. I guess it's a menopausal thing. I like to sleep and I need to sleep. OK, what is that we tell everyone when they can't sleep? Pray. Spend time with God. God woke you for a reason. Don't count sheep -- talk to the shepherd. Yea, well, that sounds great. It's easy to say that. It can be very hard to do it yourself. When in my sleeplessness, I find myself repeating this one prayer over and over: "Dear Lord, PLEASE let me go back to sleep."

This morning around 2:00 I woke up -- wide awake. I began chanting my prayer, "Dear Lord, PLEASE let me go back to sleep." I began reminiscing over recent events -- mostly about new babies being born into the family: a new grandchild, Adisyn, and a new cousin, Hayden. Two precious little baby girls born to two precious young women.

Now, let's go back to the beginning of the story. This is a true story but I like to begin it this way.

Once upon a time there were two young girls, Helen and Doris. They were cousins as their fathers (Melvin and Cecil) were brothers. Helen and Doris spent a lot of time together as young girls and after both married they ended up in the same town. As a matter of fact, they ended up in the same neighborhood. In this neighborhood they raised they raised their children. Doris's daughter, Sheryl, and Helen's daughter, Karen, were about the same age. They played together and when they learned to drive they began to ride to school together. Sheryl and Karen stayed close and they actually married within months of each other and the couples stayed close. They each had two children that were born 9 months apart. Of those children were Karen's daughter, Mandi, and Sheryl's daughter, Cara. Cara and Mandi saw each other from time to time and mostly at the Family Reunion we have every year on the second weekend of June. Cara and Mandi begin calling each other when it's close to reunion time. Neither of them want to go if the other one is not going. They love to team up and do a very good job of it. In the most recent years they have become the BINGO Nazi Duo.

Well, here we are, Mandi has had two children (Josiah and Ava Beth) with one on the way. Cara just had her little baby girl, Hayden. We were at the baby shower for Ezekiel (Mandi's baby boy due in January) just days ago. I looked at Ava Beth looking over at Adisyn and then at Hayden. It hit me: This is major family ties here.

Cara and Mandi have become very close as they both have children now. They talk on the phone almost everyday. Sheryl and I still talk on the phone and we email back and forth. Sheryl and I live about 2 miles apart.

Let's recap:
Doris and Helen: first cousins
Sheryl and Karen: third cousins
Cara and Mandi: fifth cousins
Hayden and Ava Beth: seventh cousins

Who knew? God knew!

God knew way back when Cecil and Melvin were born that through them would come this awesome family. There is so many more in this family but I think this story is worth telling. God knew how much I would need Sheryl in my life. Sheryl has been a rock for me when I had nothing but sinking sand. Cara and Mandi have been so much fun for each other and have shared so much laughter. Now, they encourage each other and build each other up. They make each other feel good about themselves.

Lord, I thank you for the family I have. I thank you for the Godly heritage we have. It is powerful and it is assuring. Keep close watch over all of us, Doris, Helen, Sheryl, Karen, Cara, Mandi, Ava Beth and little Hayden. This is no accident. This has Your handprint all over it. You have orchestrated a love and bond that comes from what You designed it for: FAMILY. Through all the struggles in our lives and all of the unknowns we have had; YOU KNEW. Amen

Adisyn Is Here!

2006-11-06T08:39:00.000-08:00

Adisyn Renee Livingston came into this world Saturday morning, November 4, at 5:03. She weighed 6 pounds, 2 ounces and was 18 inches long.

PawPaw and MiMi are very proud of this little girl. She is a darling baby and we are going to love her a lot. Her big brother, Mason, is very excited about his little sister. I am sure she is going to rock his little world. He has had his Mom all to himself for 7 years and now Adisyn is going to occupy most of Desiree's time.

Keep Joshua and Desiree in your prayers. May God give them all the knowledge and strength to be the good and Godly parents this precious little baby girl deserves.

We have lots of pictures of Adisyn but this is MY blog so I chose to post the one of PawPaw and MiMi loving on her just minutes after she was born.

My prayer for little Adisyn Renee today is:

Lord, keep her and bless her. Make Your face to shine upon her and be gracious to her. Keep her from evil and keep evil from her. Protect her and give Your angels charge over her. Bless her body and give her perfect health. Give her mommy and daddy wisdom and may they seek after Your will for their lives and the lives of their children. Amen

MamMaw Ritter's Oatmeal

2006-10-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

I am not a cook. I have no special recipes that would come to anyone's mind when my name is mentioned. I did not get that particular gene. My mother only got 1/2 of the gene. My sister got the gene -- totally. It skipped me and went straight to my daughter, Amanda (Mandi). I was telling someone the other day that you will never hear my grandchildren say things like, "Remember how MiMi used to bake us . . . . Or MiMi used to fix us . . . ."

No, my grandchildren will say things like, "Remember how MiMi used to take us to those cool places to eat . . . Or MiMi used to buy us the neatest little snacks . . . "

When I was a little girl (and even as an adult) my MamMaw Ritter used to cook some of the best food. She made delicious lemon ice box pies with graham cracker crust, all from scratch. She made chicken and dumplin's to die for. No one could fry potatoes and onions like MamMaw and oh, my goodness, the salmon croquettes. The one dish MamMaw made that stands out in my mind is her oatmeal. She cooked it on the stove -- none of the instant microwave stuff. She would sweeten it and put butter and milk in it. Sometimes she would make toast and crumble it in the oatmeal. My personal favorite was when she would fry bacon real crisp and crumble it into the oatmeal. She would sit my bowl down in front of me. And, even now, I can smell it and see the steam rising. I loved MamMaw's oatmeal.

Not long ago, my little granddaughter, Brooke, spent the night with us. It was getting late and we needed to eat something so I made dinner. When PawPaw, Brooke and MiMi sat down to eat, Brooke said, "MiMi, this is so good. I have never eaten this before but I really like it. What is it?" I told her it was MiMi's special recipe and when she was older I would teach her how to make it.

It was SPAM with cheese melted on top.

There is one thing I have mastered in the kitchen. It is how to make MamMaw's oatmeal. This is Saturday and I am off work today. James was out working on his next big project - putting a cover over the deck. I finished my third cup of coffee and decided I needed a bowl of MamMaw's oatmeal. I even had my bacon fried just right and I added 1 ingredient MamMaw did not have -- dried cranberries. It was perfect. It tasted just like MamMaw made. I could almost feel her with me. I imagined what it would be like if she were still alive and what sort of conversation we would have over our oatmeal. I brought my bowl into office where I sat down to write about MamMaw's oatmeal. I take a bite and oh, it is so good. My cell phone rings in the kitchen and I go to grab it. I talk for only a brief minute. I head back to my office to finish my oatmeal and write. What I found stopped me in my tracks. Lexi (my dog) was eating MamMaw's oatmeal. Yes, her head was in the bowl. The moment is over. I am just going to make another pot of coffee.

My Breakfast Table

2006-10-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is what I find on my breakfast table EVERY morning. James' Bible, his book, his glasses and his place mat. He gets up at 4:00 every morning. He is very habitual. He gets ready for work, makes MY coffee, eats his breakfast and spends time with the Lord before leaving for the day.

I can't tell you what I felt this morning when I stumbled in for my first cup of coffee. It gives me great peace to know that my kitchen has been saturated in prayer and quality time with God by the man I love the most. There at the table, he prays for me and he prays for our children and grandchildren.

How blessed is our family to have James. He is a Godly man. He listens to God and He obeys God. It hasn't always been easy for the kids with James being the disciplinarian that he is, but everything he has done and said has been to better the children's lives. He can say "I'm sorry, I was wrong." He can cry. He can be tender and he can correct. He lives a life worthy of being watched and chased after.

Lord, I thank You for James today. I thank You that my husband is respected at the city gates. He is honored by his children and his wife. I thank You that James is truly the Priest of my home. I can trust him because I know he trusts YOU. Amen

My Portion

2006-10-17T08:28:00.000-07:00

There is not one of us that do not deal with cares and struggles in life. Some of us feel like we are consumed with fear. I have struggled with fear a lot in my adult life due to past situations in my life where I had no control over what was said or done to me. I have had a situation, actually a person, in my life that controlled me so completely with manipulation and fear, that even today I still deal with it. I have to be so careful to not let my past dictate my future of who I am in Christ Jesus. When you have had people in your life that manipulate and control you, it is very hard to get past it even when that person is gone and out of your life. I think it is because when you feel like someone else is trying to control you or manipulate you, you go back to that time in your life that was so painful.

Today, I stand on God's Word for my life. He has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (see II Timothy 1:7)

I encourage you today to read in Lamentations, chapter 3. It reminds us to recall such times in our lives and be humbled. I am humbled knowing that it was God that delivered me. It is God that sustains me and gives me hope. It is God that picks me up out of the miry clay and sets my feet upon a rock. It is God that gives me sleep and rest. It is God that takes away the spirit of fear. It is God that gives me hope and a future.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Lamentations 3: 22 - 24

Verse 22 says "mercies". That is plural. We are not consumed with the cares of life because of His "mercies". He is compassionate and His compassions fail not and they are NEW EVERY MORNING. Oh, I thank the Lord, that when I wake up, He gives me NEW compassion, new mercies and they cannot fail. I thank the Lord that HE IS MY PORTION. I have hope in HIM.

Thank You, my precious Lord, that You are my Hope. Your mercies are extended to me daily. You are compassionate to me, my Lord. You hear me and You answer me. You give me peace in the midst of every storm. You calm my fears. I cast all my cares on You because You care for me. You are my portion, my deliverer, my strength, my strong tower. I will fear nothing because You are my salvation. Amen

Keep Believing

2006-10-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted BELIEVE. If you have not read it, scroll down and read it first and then come back to this posting.

This morning as I was studying the Word, my mind kept coming back to the scripture I posted yesterday.

Whatsoever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
Matthew 21:22

Why do we have so much unbelief?

There is only one way to overcome unbelief. It is by studying the Word of God. The Bible teaches us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The more we study His Word the more we will understand what His Will is for our lives. The Bible is full of "if you will, I will". This journey is not a free ride. We do have a responsibility to obey the commands God has set before us. However, God has promised us everlasting life with Him IF we do what He has asked of us. Unbelief is simply not having faith that God will do what He said He will do and that God is WHO He said He is.

What are you believing God for today in your life? Have you been praying for it so long that you have unbelief? God is faithful to do what HE said HE would do. Always. It is always a timing thing with God, is it not? We live in a fast paced world where we have come to expect instantaneous responses. God is not fast food, DSL, Satellite, light switches, or any of the other things we expect immediately. God is sovereign. If you are seeking the face of God, you will see the hand of God. You will see the hand of God the very moment God shows you His hand.

Abide in Him and He will abide in you.
Love Him and He will love you.
Trust Him and He will be faithful.

GOD WILL DO FOR ME
EVERYTHING
HE SAID HE WOULD DO.

Keep believing!

BELIEVE

2006-10-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

We all have issues and situations in our lives that need change.

Children that need to draw closer to God and children who need to COME to God. I have a close friend who has just experienced cancer surgery with one of her daughters. Some have children who struggle with submission to authority; children who are ill; children who struggle academically. If every parent reading this stopped to think, you have some sort of issue with a child or children.

How about children who have issues with US -- the parent? No matter how old the child or how old the parent -- there are issues.

There are days when you feel so burdened down with your own situations that you cannot even think about anything else or anyone else. We have all had those days. It may not be children or parents. It could be financial, physical, etc. That is part of life.

I find comfort in this:

Whatsoever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
Matthew 21:22

Notice the "believing". It is set apart by commas. You can pray all day long but you have to BELIEVE.

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I pray today for my readers. Let them know that Your Word is yes and amen! If You said it we can BELIEVE it! You instructed us to raise up our children in Your Way and they will NOT depart from it. You told us to honor our Mothers and Fathers and that You would bless us with a long life if we do. Your Word tells us that You will never leave us and You will never forsake us. You said we are the head and not the tail, we are above only and not beneath, we are blessed in the city and we are blessed in the field, we are blessed coming in and we are blessed going out. By Your stripes we were healed. Your Word teaches us that we may walk in health, wealth, wisdom and love. We are promised everlasting life with You. You are the Lifter of our heads and the Lover of our souls. You give Your angels charge over us. You make a way for us in the wilderness and You direct our paths. Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. You give us peace that surpasses all understanding. Your faithfulness reaches to the heavens. Your love and Your mercy endures forever. The seas and the winds obey Your command -- You are GOD of heaven and earth. Your Word says it and today, Father, we BELIEVE it. We accept Your Word, we obey Your Word and we walk in the fullness of Your Word today. Father, help our unbelief. Help us, today, to BELIEVE. Amen

JOY

2006-09-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

One of the most awesome Pastors I have ever had in my life is a man by the name of Scott Camp. He Pastors Fellowship of Joy in Arlington. He is an awesome speaker and, I believe, a genius. I will never forget what he used as an illustration one Sunday as he spoke on the Joy of the Lord.

Pastor Scott asked everyone in the congregation to do something. For you to have the full effects of it, I'm going to have you do what he asked us to do.

Say "Happy". Where do you feel it?

Now, say "JOY". Where do you feel it?

You feel "happy" just in your mouth and your jaw. Say it again and you will see what I mean. However, when you say the word "JOY" (say it, JOY) you feel it in your stomach, don't you? Hmmm! Our happiness is based on circumstances. Happiness is superficial as it only felt "at the moment".

JOY comes from deep within. JOY comes from spending time with the Lord and knowing Him in His fullness. JOY is what we feel when we have assurance that God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us to save us from our sins. JOY is what we have when everything is falling down around our ankles and our world is upside down.

Nehemiah 8:10 says it like this . . . "the joy of the Lord is your strength".

It only makes sense then if the JOY of the Lord is your strength, JOY will be the FIRST thing the enemy tries to steal from us. If we let the enemy steal our JOY then we have allowed the enemy to go too deep. Remember, JOY is from the depths of you. I refuse to let the enemy steal "MY JOY". Happiness comes and goes -- JOY remains.

I leave you with scriptures that have ministered to me even today.

Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand is pleasures for evermore.

Psalm 30:5
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Psalm 43:4
Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.

Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Let the JOY of the Lord be your strength today. Know that His JOY is from the depth of your innermost being. There is no situation that God cannot handle. And remember, if He's not God of everything then He's not God at all.

God Kept Going

2006-09-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

I am not good at keeping a journal. I have several -- all for different years and none are complete. About 4 years ago God spoke to me about 3 women in my life. Three women that I did not know very well. God told me to begin praying for these women, their husbands and their children. God told me to write it all down in a journal. So, I did. I kept this journal faithfully. I prayed for these women. I called their names out to God. I called out the names of each of their children to God. I called out the names of their husbands to God. I faithfully prayed for them. The more I prayed for them -- the more I loved them. The more I prayed for them -- the more I got to know them. None of the three women knew of this. God told me to keep it to myself. It was MY journal, MY prayers and MY thoughts. Having said that, I will reveal only what I feel necessary to the purpose of this writing.

One of those women became my best friend, Jeri (aka Jbob). She is so special to me. She is like a sister to me. I can tell her anything and fear nothing. I am totally safe with her. About 2 months ago, I gave Jeri the journal. I knew I could. I knew it would be safe with her.

One of the other women in the journal was and is my Pastor's wife, Cindy. She is a precious Godly woman and inspires me. Cindy has the awesome ability to become transparent for women without losing her dignity. She amazes me with her Godly wisdom and her gentle spirit.

The third woman will remain nameless for now and forever. I prayed for her as diligently as I did the other two women. I loved her. I prayed for her husband and I prayed for her children. This woman hurt me. Jbob told me that it hurt me so deeply because I loved her so deeply. I immediately changed things in my life to keep her away from me. I did not want to look at her. I did not want to touch her. She hurt me. Then, I began to feel that sickening feeling that I deserved it. I was not good enough to be loved by her. I deserved to be hurt. I hated feeling all of that so I put even more distance between us. I put the journal up; never writing in it again. Never praying for her again.

I was wrong. God, forgive me. I was wrong. She hurt me. She really did and I was justified to hurt. I was never justified to be in direct disobedience to God. I quit praying. Had I kept praying the pain would have been lesser and I would have "gotten over it". The thing is, she probably has no idea that she hurt me. She never will. It is over. By the grace of God, I am over it.

To this date, the relationship is not restored but I love her and I am praying for her again. I can touch her. I can hug her. I can love her. You see, my prayers were not nullified just because I QUIT praying. Those prayers that I prayed for her all those months, were still between God and I. God says that He hears our prayers.

God did not promise us a life without pain. He actually guarantees we will have pain. He also promises a way of escape when there is temptation of wrong doing (see I Corinthians 10:13). I was wrong (dead wrong) and in complete disobedience to what God had told me to do. I caved! My temptation was not my sin. My reaction to my temptation was sin. Disobedience to God is sin. God still blessed this person because I prayed blessings on her. God told me to. When I stopped -- God kept going!

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much,
James 5:16

Forgiveness

2006-09-13T13:24:00.000-07:00

Today was Lesson III in my Bible Study, "The Power of the Praying Woman" by Stormie Omartian. The lesson was entitled "Praying to be Free of the Past". In our roundtable discussion, the topic that seemed to come up the most was "forgiveness". I always think I have this one covered. I always think I have forgiven everyone and then, Boom!, it hits me in the face again. Our past is always with us. Our past is part of who we are. Why do we have such a hard time breaking free from the past?

Stormie said this today: "Your past is history, it is NOT a prophecy of your future.". Well put! She went on to say that forgiveness does not make someone right, it makes YOU free. Forgiveness releases you to love God more. (Give Stormie another couple of points.)

What does unforgiveness really do? I heard it put this way once: Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Unforgiveness turns to hate. Hate is sin.

How do you forgive? I mean REALLY forgive? Have you ever put a bandaid on something that needed stitches? It will heal without the stitches but the wound will reopen many times before healing happens. Ever heard of "wounds that do not heal"? OK, God, I've got wounds that need stitches.

I learned today that forgiveness is not a one time deal. We are changed from glory to glory, strength to strength. Imagine a wound -- how many layers of skin have to heal for the wound to be truly healed? Ah, then the scar. When you see the scar, THEN you know you are healed.

Just because someone has died does not mean you do not have to forgive them. Death is not forgiving. There was a person in my life that said and did horrible things to me. I was so young. I needed this person to nurture me and to teach me. She was mean instead. She died a couple of years ago. I did not grieve. She died without my forgiveness. She never asked me for it. She did not deserve it. I must forgive her. What can my forgiveness do for her now? Nothing. What can my forgiveness do for me now? Forgiveness will release me to love God more. In the grander scheme of things, forgiveness will cause me to be more pleasing to God.

So, do I revisit the past? Do I go back there? Will it further my healing or will it cause the pain to go even deeper?

On the way to Bible Study this morning, I remember thinking about my Facilitator, Kathy. I kept thinking how she probably would not be able to relate to this lesson very much. She was raised in a Pastor's home. She had loving parents and has a wonderful marriage. She has such a pleasant life and has probably been sheltered from a life of sin and regret. Well, maybe so, but even Kathy has to deal with unforgiveness. She shared a story with us concerning her extended family. It is her story and I will not tell you about it now but I cannot imagine what her family has gone through and how hard it must be to forgive in this situation.

Unforgiveness is a cross we all must bear. Bad stuff happens to good people. Bad stuff even happens to Godly people. Why? I do not know the answer and there is not anyone on earth who can answer that age old question.

Have you ever needed to be forgiven? We deal with unforgiveness with others. What about needing someone to forgive you? There is nothing more empowering than being forgiven.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help me today to break free from my past. Help me to truly forgive those who have hurt me. Reveal to me those things that I need forgiveness in. If I have caused any pain, please forgive me. Order my steps in Your Word that I may be pleasing to You. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be truly acceptable to You, Father. Your Word teaches me to walk in forgiveness. I have been forgiven so I must forgive. Change me from glory to glory, strength to strength. Create in me a clean heart. Let my words be few. Amen.

Giggle

2006-09-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

Webster's definition of GIGGLE
laugh in a silly manner

The word "giggle" itself sounds silly, does it not? There are days when I just need a good giggle. Today must have been one of those days. I had lunch with my best friend, Jeri. We always seem to draw a lot of attention when we are together. Probably because we are totally oblivious to anyone or anything around us. It is all about us and what we are involved in.

Today was Jeri's turn to buy lunch. She was buying so she got to pick the place. I was driving so I'm not sure why I actually drove to the place she wanted to go to. I guess it is true about what they say -- you get what you pay for. The food was terrible and there was no service (that is why I hate buffets), but the company was great. I love spending time with Jeri.

Yesterday I was with Mandi and the kids. We giggled a lot. The kids were giggling at the door when I drove up. Mandi and I giggled with (and at) the kids throughout the day.

Giggling is good for whatever ails ya!

Try some today.

The Blue Bandanna Handkerchief

2006-08-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

This morning I attended my first day of my very first (ever) Bible Study. I was so excited. Finally! A Bible Study on my day off. The Bible Study is The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. It was everything and more I could hope for. I did not count each person but I think there must be close to a 100 women in this video curriculum class. Today was the introduction and I came away so full.

Since the class is so large, we broke into groups and each group has a facilitator. God put me with the perfect woman. I had never seen her before. Her name is Kathy. She has the most wonderful countenance and I was drawn to her from across the room. I knew immediately that she was a powerful woman of God and I just had to get next to her. I just had to touch her. I had to look into her eyes. She is the kind of woman you want to just hold in your arms and squeeze her until some of her rubs off on you. I felt the Holy Spirit all over her and all around her. I could see illumination around her. When she called my name to sit at her table I knew God was doing something awesome for me.

This Bible Study is about praying. From the moment I heard about it, I knew I had to be part of it. I began to meditate on times in my life that prayer was what I knew sustained me and prayer was what changed the situation. The times when I knew I spoke to the mountain and the mountain crumbled.

We sat at our table - a table of 8. Kathy began to talk with us and ask us questions. She asked "Who taught you how to pray? What is something significant about how you learned to pray?". I spoke up.

It was a blue bandanna handkerchief. My first memory of the blue bandanna handkerchief was at the age of maybe 4 or 5. My daddy, who was not living for the Lord and had some difficult situations in his life, was at work. My mother called us 3 little children into the den. She was holding Daddy's blue bandanna handkerchief by one corner. She asked each of us to kneel. She instructed Steve to take one corner, Lisa to take the other corner, and I (the baby) was to take the last corner. That day (and many more followed) my Mother taught me how to pray for my Daddy. We each held a corner and we prayed for Daddy's salvation. We prayed for Daddy's healing. Mother would then take the blue bandanna handkerchief, fold it neatly and replace it in his drawer. The next day, Daddy would take out the blue bandanna handkerchief, put it in his pocket and would go to work at the railroad. Each time he wiped the sweat from his brow, he was wiping with a blue bandanna handkerchief that had been bathed in prayer by the ones he loved the most -- by the ones who loved him most.

I guess God knew that would come up today. Yesterday would have been his 77th birthday. On my way to Bible Study this morning I drove by the cemetery to tell him Happy Birthday and tell him I wish he was still here. I miss him so much.

As I passed the cemetery coming home I thought, prayer really does work. Daddy's grave is there but Daddy's not there. We prayed him into heaven.

I learned something today -- or maybe I already knew it. It is much easier to pray for someone else's needs than your own. As the video portion came to its' conclusion, Stormie Omartian lead us in a prayer that is in our workbook for us to read aloud. I will share it with you. You may be like me, I learned how to pray for my Daddy and for others. I struggle with praying for myself.

Lord, I look to You for everything I need. I put all my expectations in only You. I repent of times when I expected other people and other things to meet my needs. I now look to You. In You I have everything I need. You sent Your Holy Spirit so I could live in power. Help me to do that. Enable me to do what You want me to do. Open the doors that I should walk through. Close the doors that are not Your will for me. Help me to know Your Word and to become powerful in prayer so that I can make a difference in the world around me, so that I can become all that You created me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Whatsoever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.
Matthew 21:22

Solitude

2006-07-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Solitude is not something I am comfortable with. I recommended "solitude", just yesterday, to my friend, Pam. I told her it would be good for her to have some "alone" time. I like solitude every now and then, but it is only when I want it -- not when it is forced on me. I am finding, at this stage of my life, that I am actually getting better at being alone and I use the time wisely.

Today, however, was one of those days when I did not want solitude. I drove to Granbury and took my mother in law to the doctor. She was not feeling well, not talking to me, and did not seem interested in anything I had to say to her. So, I sat quietly. I do not do this well. I have things to say. You may not need to hear it but I need to say it. I took Mom home and she did not ask me to stay (which she normally does). When I told her that I better go she said, "OK, thanks for coming." Got in my car and started the drive back home. I see my cell phone and pick it up to call my brother in law and my husband to tell them about the doctor's visit. Oh no, I have NO service -- I still cannot talk to anyone. So, I sing. I sing until I get to the spot on Hwy 377 where I KNOW I have service. Stewart and James both seemed to be busy so I still did not get to get all my talking in that I needed to do.

I drive on down the road and a hunger pang hits me. It hits me with a vengeance and it tells me exactly what it wants. My stomach seemed to be growling "MEXICAN INN - I want it bad!" I love their chips. They are like big Fritos with extra grease and very warm. I thought about just buying a bag of Fritos and taking them home to put in the Microwave -- not the same, sooooo not the same. I grab the trusty cell phone and call my cousin Sheryl thinking we can have lunch and enjoy some time together. She does not answer her home phone and she does not answer her house phone. By this time, I am sitting in front of Mexican Inn.

I went in alone (thank you very much, Sheryl) because the hunger pangs beat out the whole "solitude" thing. I hate to eat in restaurants alone and I normally REFUSE to go into a Mexican restaurant alone. You see, if you are alone, the waiter knows YOU are the one who ate all the chips. I broke my own rule today. I was seated in a booth near the front where I immediately felt "on display" and of course, chips were immediately brought to me. I placed my order and began to snack on what I had come in there for in the first place. I became absorbed in self justification when suddenly, blasting into my thoughts like Proud Mary coming into the harbor, "Mam, I will get you another bowl of chips and salsa. Your meal will be out shortly." I then bowed my head to pray. OK, so she knows I am the one who at all the chips. There is normally a good turn-over in restaurants and she will probably never see me again. (Just my luck she will show up in my salon tomorrow.)

I am way too weird. I have way too many idiosyncrasies. I leave the restaurant in a very hot car and continue with my own thoughts -- my solitude. Solitude that I did not want but God needed. God needed some time with me today. As I am driving I look down at the temperature. Another day over 100. (Does ANYone know where the degree sign is on the keyboard? I cannot find it anywhere.) I pray for rain. Then, out of nowhere and very randomly, I thought of a song I heard many years ago. I believe it was written by Marsha Stanley. It goes like this.

So many times in prayer
I've wondered if God was there
I felt like a motherless child
Heaven seemed so far away
And it seemed there was
No need to pray
Then I felt those everlasting arms

Forgive if you will my Lord
For doubting your precious word
I feel so ashamed that I failed you
You've been such a precious friend
And the one on whom I could depend
And thanks for those everlasting arms

BENEATH THOSE EVERLASTING ARMS
ARMS THAT HOLD ME
ENFOLD ME
AND KEEP ME FROM ALL HARM
WHEN I'M DOWN AND OUT
THEY LIFT ME OUT
AND I FEEL NO DOUBT WHATEVER
I FEEL SAFE IN THOSE EVERLASTING ARMS

Through the years, the Lord has brought that song to my memory. I was only about 10 years old when I first heard it at Youth Camp in New York, but it has been with me all these years. I do not know where Marsha Stanley is today. Was she/Is she married to Bobby or was it Billy? I do not know if that is even her name now. But, I do know this, if God gave her that song for no other reason, God gave it to her for me. The words of that song have sustained me through the years. I am safe in those everlasting arms. The arms that hold me, enfold me, and keep me from all harm.

So, when you have days of solitude and you even feel it is forced on you, do not despair. God may be wanting to talk to you. God may be wanting to just hold you in His everlasting arms.

Be still, and know that I am God;
Psalm 46:10

Just so you know: I did not eat all of even the first bowl of chips. She took it away and replaced it with another fresh bowl (which I did not finish either. I ate 1 tamale and 1/2 of 1 enchilada but none of the rice and beans or the tortillas she brought -- my rationale was that those were too fattening.) I tipped her rather well because she brought a to-go ice tea without me asking for it. She may never see me again and I may never see her, but I wrote on the receipt, "Have a blessed day!

Thank You, Lord, for this day. Thank You, for speaking to my heart so gently and sweetly. Thank You for reminding me that I am always IN your everlasting arms. You hold me, you enfold me, and you keep me from all harm. Bless my sweet waitress today. Thank You for the solitude you allowed me today -- just to be in Your presence -- shut in with You, in a secret place. Amen

The Difference

2006-07-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

We all know there are differences between man and woman. That goes without saying. That is why we marry each other -- it is our differences that bring about babies. The main difference between man and woman is the brain. Not only are we built entirely different with our own needs exclusively for our gender, our brains are wired totally different with our own individual way of thinking. Women NEVER think like men and men NEVER think like women. God made us this way because God has a sense of humor. Surely He does.

Anyone who knows James and Karen know that we are entirely different. James is methodical, habitual and anal. I, on the other hand, am NOT (sooooo NOT). These are characteristics about James that I admire and love. I strive to be more like him but it does not come natural. It does not bother me one bit to have my shoes (even more than 1 pair) in the living room, under the table or even in the kitchen, while James' shoes are neatly in the closet. His storage building (and I do mean HIS) is so neat. I wish my side of the closet was as neat as his storage building. He puts everything back in its place. I do not even know where the place for most of my stuff is. I do not believe this is a woman/man thing. This is just personality traits and they can be for either gender.

After all these years of marriage, a very funny thing happened Sunday morning. I was running a little late. It takes me just a little longer to do my hair than it takes James to do his. I make up the bed everyday. On his work days, James gets up at least 3 to 4 hours before I do so I HAVE to be the one to make up the bed. This past Sunday morning, James, being ready before me, begins to make up the bed. I had already thought to myself, "that bed is not going to be made up today". I watch from the bathroom in my peripheral vision. It is quite comical. While James is anal about most things, he does not have a clue how to make up a bed. I could not help but crack up laughing. I believe he was offended by the look on his face and he did mention that it was a lot better than what I had intended to do. My very anal husband is not so anal about things that are not his expertise.

As you know, this is MY blog. If James wants to blog, he can do so. Since this is my blog I will show the pictures I want to. Notice, there are no pictures of the closet we share. Also, I should mention, I am slightly A.D.D. James is not. There are few things that I am anal about and the things I am anal about I cannot stay focused on long enough to achieve, which then exploits my other little problem -- panic attacks! When I DO make up the bed I do it right. Though, most mornings I make up the bed while brushing my teeth, watering the flowers, folding clothes (which accounts for the dryer sheets we sometimes find under our pillows) and taking my meds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Above pictures:
The first pic is MY way. The second pic is James' Sunday morning bed.
The funny thing is, if you know us very well, one would think it was quite the opposite.

NOTE TO JAMES: I love you just the way you are. I love your ways and I appreciate you more than you can know. Thank you for always making me laugh. Laughter is one of the things that has made us who we are as a couple. I always appreciate your help. Thank you for accepting and loving me just the way I am. You are a Prince. You have to be a Prince because we all know I am the Princess!

I Saw You

2006-07-12T06:45:00.000-07:00

On May 17, I posted a blog called "The Swing" using the picture at the top of this page. You can scroll down and read the blog again because "The Swing" is the inspiration for "I Saw You".

On the morning of May 17th I went outside on the deck and took a picture of the swing. On the morning of July 12th I went outside on the deck and took a picture of the swing. What a difference a couple of months makes!

I have always been a person who wants what I want right then. I do not want to wait. If I decide I'm going to collect something -- I go buy the collection. I remember one time my best friend, Jeri, and I went to Canton to the big flea market. I had told her I thought I was going to start collecting plates for my kitchen. I wanted to hang a collection of plates above my kitchen cabinets. Well, I bought a $200 collection that day. Birds of a feather must truly flock together because Jeri spent almost that much on iron pieces and crosses for her kitchen. Why can't we just collect? No, we want it now. (Plates are not the only thing I have done this with. Let's see, there were tea pots, picture frames, Dalmatians - let's not go into that one, jewelry, hair accessories, purses, etc. -- Yes, I am a bit impulsive. It runs in the family.)

I love flowers and plants but I have never been good with them. See, why grow something you can BUY already grown? It's that "waiting" thing again. I believe I must be maturing some now because I am finding that I really can wait. I have always had the ability to decorate. One reason is because I can see in my mind what I want and how it will look all put together. When we were looking for houses, James had a hard time with houses that were occupied. I can go into a house fully furnished and totally ignore their furnishings -- I can see MY stuff in that house.

I realize now that seeing into the future does not bring the future to the present. Being able to see ahead sustains us. It gives us hope of what is to come. It gives us something to look forward to. I believe God is teaching me a lesson through all of this. An awesome trait very few of us have is patience. It is such a cool thing though to have patience to see God bring to fruition those things He has promised. How many times do we try to manipulate God and our surroundings to bring about life the way we think it should be? It works so much better if we LET GO AND LET GOD.

My flowers and "The Swing" are such a major accomplishment for me. I have cared for my flowers DAILY. When James and I went out of town, my neighbor watered them for me. When Mandi and I went to see my mother, James watered them for me. They must be cared for and they must have time to grow and mature. It is impossible for their future to come about any other way. It takes time to grow and mature. So it is with me. I cannot have my future NOW and I can never allow my past to dictate my future.

One day I stood on that deck and saw into the future. I saw my flowers growing and I can still see those vines I will have some day. I am learning and I must take it slowly or it will be overwhelming. This morning as I stood on the deck I actually talked to my flowers. Don't laugh -- people talk to their plants all the time. Most of us talk to ourselves. So, I said to my flowers, "I SAW YOU."

Remember the little song in "The Swing"? Well, today I sing it this way.

I saw you in your future
and you looked much better
than you looked right then.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Cousins

2006-07-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have a very large family base. Some of my earliest memories are of my cousins. I have 9 first cousins and many second and even third cousins that I have relationships with as an adult. I am not sure how all the "once removed" and "twice removed" stuff works but I am pretty sure I have some cousins that should be removed (more than once or twice).

My mother is a Davis and we have a Davis Reunion EVERY year on the second weekend in June. You will never have to wonder when the reunion is going to take place. It is a set date and a set place at Lake Palestine. I love going to the family reunion because I get to see all my cousins. (This is where we see some that should be "removed".)

Now 48 years old, grandmother of 5 with 2 on the way, I have found 2 cousins, in particular, to be my best friends. It is so neat how you can go years without talking to them or seeing them and then all of a sudden you are back together again and we are those little girls playing in our bedrooms, sharing dolls and Mr. Potato Head.

I'll begin with my FIRST cousin, Kerri (close family and friends still call her Kerri Jeanne). She is about 2 years younger than me but I think she is brilliant. She always has an answer for my question yet she only gives her opinion if I ask for it. That is one thing I really love about Kerri Jeanne. She is very knowledgeable yet she is not pushy with her wisdom. I lost contact with her for many years and in just the past couple of years have I gotten to know her as an adult. This is amazing to me. Most of my memories of Kerri Jeanne is as small little girls playing with our other siblings and cousins. Her sister, Robin, is just 1 month younger than me but she usually got paired up with my sister, Lisa, when we were playing. I think that is because Lisa and Kerri Jeanne were the stronger willed. Robin and I played along with just about what anyone else wanted to do. Kerri Jeanne and Lisa were the leaders -- they didn't need to play together. Kerri Jeanne would stand up to Lisa (the oldest of all of us) and you just didn't do that. So, Robin and Lisa, Karen and Kerri Jeanne. Then along came Diana, their baby sister who I think may have been a surprise. She was like a doll for all of us to play with. So, even today, it is Karen and Kerri Jeanne. I loved her as a child and I love her even more as an adult. She has a wonderful husband and 2 beautiful daughters that I truly adore. Now, she has added a precious little granddaughter into the mix. Now when we get together we talk about our parents (her dad and my mom are siblings) and then we quickly get into the grandchildren. It is fun having grandchildren together. My time with Kerri Jeanne is priceless. When she leaves me I feel refreshed and I feel loved. She has a soothing spirit about her that I have found most comforting. If she tells me she will pray about something for me, I know she will. She is very busy in her life but she is always good for her word. Kerri Jeanne is a treasure.

Moving along to the next cousin. My THIRD cousin, Sheryl. Sheryl, though a third cousin, has probably been my closest through the years. Sheryl and I literally grew up together, rode to school together, married about the same time, and had our children together. We wore each others clothes, shared baby clothes, and many experiences. We have laughed, we have cried, we have giggled. I was there when her children were born and she was there when mine were born. She had Danny and 9 months later I had Mandi. I had Josh and nine months later she had Cara. Not only are Sheryl and I still very close, our daughters are close. They talk on the phone and email back and forth. They too are having babies together. Mandi and Cara are FIFTH cousins and their children will be SEVENTH cousins. I think that means that they are far enough down the line to marry. Their children could be idiots but it wouldn't be because they married too close in the bloodline.

I spend a lot of time with Sheryl. I love her so much. She always makes me laugh. I can cry with Sheryl and I can be REAL with Sheryl. She knows everything about me. She has known me as a bratty little kid and she knows me as a bratty adult. She builds me up and makes me feel good about myself. Yet, she can correct me with just one of her little looks. She knows how to put me in my place but she does it in love.

Sheryl has two wonderful children, 2 precious grandchildren and another one on the way.

We have been little girls together. Now we are mothers and grandmothers together. The other day I had the pleasure of being with Kerri Jeanne and Sheryl at the same time. How cool that was. I felt like I was surrounded by love and I was. I was with 2 of my most favorite people in the world at the same time. Two women who have fed into my life ALL of my life.

Sheryl and Kerri Jeanne, I love you, I love your husbands, I love your children and I love your grandchildren. I loved growing up with you and I love growing old with you.

Families come in all different types of packages. Love the family you have and be thankful for your family. Reunions are important -- it's the one place you can pick up and it's like you never left off. Cousins can do that -- cousins have so much common ground. Cousins have history. History is our memories and our happy memories are what sustains us on those low times in our lives. I have uncles and aunts that have been there for me in really hard times and I know they would be there for me again. I am so blessed to have my uncles, aunts, cousins and my extended family. I wouldn't take anything for my precious memories and my precious family.

Forgotten Prayers

2006-06-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

This morning I was sitting at my desk going about my daily routine of computer entries for the salon. As is my usual custom, I clicked on one of my favorite Bookmark -- Mandi's blog site: Far More Than Rubies (referenced to the right). Mandi is going through the book of Ephesians with a group of women. Today, they are in the third chapter.

20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think; according to the power that worketh in us,

21. Unto him be glory in the church, by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Mandi had some wonderful thoughts -- be sure to click on her link. This is what came to me.

In the middle of mundane tasks this morning the Holy Spirit reminded me of some prayers I had forgotten about. Does this mean I have matured? Does this mean that I can FINALLY give something to God, let Him keep it, and I am moving on? Does this mean that I am trusting God? I think it does. God reminded me of one particular prayer that I had prayed. In my business I realized God had answered it and did exactly what I asked for.

Refer back to verse 20.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think; according to the power that worketh in us,

I realized that God had done it even better than I could have imagined. I can only "think" so far and "God's thoughts are not my thoughts" so . . .

I like what it says about the power that worketh in us. All this time I had forgotten about my prayer and all the while the power of the Holy Spirit was working in me to accomplish what I had prayed for. God gave ME the ability to do it and I did not even realize it. God is so faithful. He always answers our prayers because God HEARS us and God LISTENS to us.

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for hearing my cries and answering my cry for Your help. You are growing me in Your Word and teaching me Your ways. My steps are ordered by You. Father, I pray for everyone today reading this. I pray a blessing on their lives. I pray that You will give each and every one an insatiable hunger for Your Word. Reveal to them Your might and Your power. Let them see a mighty manifestation of Your power and Your glory in their lives today. Let them see that You truly listen to their cries and You will be faithful. Show them Your everlasting love and forgiveness. Give them peace that only You can give. Amen

God is not a man,

2006-05-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.

Numbers 23:19 & 20

God Or IN God

2006-05-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

While driving the other day, my husband, James, asked me, "Do you believe God? Or, do you believe IN God?" My answer was, "both". He liked my answer and we had a great discussion.

So many of us believe IN God. God is the reason for our very existence and God is ultimate salvation for our souls. Yet, so many of us do not truly believe God. It is hard for some of us to believe God will do what He says He will do. There are cares of life that we must all endure. There are even times when really bad things happen to really Godly people. Death is a part of life. Hmmmm! Why? I do not have the answer, and the most intelligent human being, that lives or ever lived on earth, does not have the answer either. Our ways are not His ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts. God's Word teaches us that He is not a man that He should lie. So, His promises are yes and amen.

Aaaah! So, it's a timing thing. It seems like we are always waiting for God to do something. The thing is, God is waiting for US to do something. God is waiting for our obedience. When our lives are in order and we are walking in the Spirit and living in the Spirit, things still happen that we do not like nor do we understand. Could it be a test? I believe, in most cases, it is.

God's Word is a constant source of assurance and hope for us. God's Word is full of promises and blessings for us. Almost always God includes an "IF you will" before the promise or before the blessing. So, it is always God waiting on us to do what He has asked us to do.

What is it that God is asking You to do? Is God waiting on YOU to be obedient to Him? What is it that You are asking God for? Often times, what we are asking God for HE requires of US.

Here is my prayer today.

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for being my Comforter, my Guide and my Friend. Thank You for loving me when I am unloveable. Help me to believe YOU and believe that what You say You will do for me You will do. I pray that I am quick to obey Your Word and quick to hear Your voice. I know it is OK to question You; just help me to accept Your answer. Your answer is always what is best for me. Your answer is always to better and grow your Kingdom. May I truly have Kingdom vision. I bless Your name, Jesus. Amen.

The Swing

2006-05-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

One pretty afternoon James thought he would go sit out on the deck in our swing. We love our swing and we have enjoyed many evenings sitting in it and we have planned vacations and events while sitting in it. This particular evening James did NOT get to sit very long because the canvas gave way. Yes, the swing had weathered too many hot Texas summers. What do you do with something this big once you are finished with it? James is usually the first one to say things like, "I will cut it up and we will trash it". James is never one to save anything. However, THIS time James made the decision to keep the frame and use it to hang flowering baskets on. Then came the question "Where?". The frame found its new home outside our bedroom window and I, of course, went to Lowes and bought a basket. I do not know much about flowers so I am trying to learn what type of flowers I can have that I will not kill with ignorance, not to mention the hot Texas summer.

I have stood, countless times, staring at this frame. What can I do with it to make it look pretty? I actually can see it my mind. I want it to have flowering vines growing up the sides and all along the top of it. It has to be vines that can live in part to full sun and they have to be in pots, not in the ground.

As I can see my frame in its future, so God sees me in MY future. I feel very much like this frame today. I feel like I am bare. Oh, I may have one little flowering basket, but there is room for so much more. I am sturdy. I have long extensions to hold much more than I am holding. I want to render wonderful baskets of flowers that I can share with others. I want my baskets to overflow. They will because I have a caretaker that is committed to me. God has been so good to me all through my life and God is not finished with me yet.

We sing a little song at our church.

I can see me in the future
and I look much better
than I look right now.

When I look at my frame, I can see it in the future and it looks much better than it looks right now.

I can see ME in the future and I look much better than I look right now.

So whatever it is today that causes you to feel bare, just remember your past cannot dictate your future. You are where you are because of where you have been but you are no where near where you are going to be.

I can see YOU in the future
and YOU look much better
than YOU look right now.

His Grace

2006-05-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday! My day off! Guess what? I am not sitting in the big comfy chair eating Bon-Bons watching my favorite Soap! (And, yes, I do have one Soap.) This is laundry day. I got behind. I hate it when that happens. Most of all, my husband hates it. He gets up at 4:00 AM, dresses (all by himself), has his quiet time with his Bible, eats his breakfast and heads off to perform miracles on his job. Through the years it has become our custom for him to kiss me and tell me he loves me. There is no intelligible conversation with me at this time of the morning (it is still NIGHT to me). So, we talk later in the morning. This morning when he called and asked me,

"Is it was ok to wear a blue shirt with gray slacks?".

I knew it was not going to be a "yes" or "no" answer and I think he did too. Our conversation went like this:

"Oh, Baby, what have you got on? Describe the shirt to me."

"Well, I thought it was black until I saw it in the light in my office."

"Has anyone made fun of you?"

"Not yet. I wore brown shoes, but I made sure I also wore a brown belt and socks. Mandi taught me that."

"Maybe you should come home and change."

"No, I don't have time. I'm on my way to a meeting in Waco and then I have another one in Arlington later today. I will see you at church."

And then my heart fell. Church?!?!?! Now, all MY friends will see him. I pulled myself together.

"Oh, well, maybe you can come home first and we can ride together."

"Are you doing laundry today? That might help things in the morning?"

He said it so sweetly and that's really all he had to say. I AM doing laundry today.

OK, now I know this has happened to all of you. Why is it that we can wash faster than we can dry. I have 2 loads waiting to be dried. I am finished washing but I will be drying all day long. What's up with that? I found myself wishing for 2 dryers. That's what I need -- 2 dryers. I can't imagine how women did laundry years ago with that little ringer job and even before that wonderful state of the art invention came about.

We are never satisfied, are we? We want our food faster? We want our computer to work faster? I am so spoiled to satellite TV where I can pause, rewind, fast forward, stop, record, back up and who knows what else I could do if only I understood the directions. For those of you who have satellite TV, do you find yourself trying to back up the radio in the car? You can't -- it won't happen.

It is these times that I have to stop and remind myself how blessed I really am.
A little scripture keeps playing over and over in my head. It's the one about His grace being sufficient. I want this and I want that. I need this and I need that. I wish for this and I wish for that. But, in actuality, I have everything I need.

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

II Corinthians 12: 8-10

Lord, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. I thank You that on my weakest days, YOU make me strong. When I am sick, YOU make me whole. Your power rests on me. Your grace IS sufficient for me. Amen

Mother's Day

2006-05-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

The day is always hard for me. My mother is living but I never get to be with her on that day. I always call and send my card but it's not the same. As a child, Mother's Day was always a really big day. I remember Daddy going to Snell's Florist on Seminary Drive (in Fort Worth) while we were getting ready for church. He would come back with corsages for all of us. Lisa, my sister, and I were celebrated too. We were not mothers at the time but it's as if Daddy celebrated early that we would be mothers someday. (I wish Daddy were still with us because He would be so proud of us. He would not care how much we had messed up -- he would just be proud of us. And, Daddy would be proud of the children we have had and the children our children have had.) Lisa and I always got a red carnation corsage -- usually 2 flowers. Mother always got a red carnation corsage but it was slightly bigger than mine and Lisa's. Mammaw Ritter and Mammaw Davis got white corsages. Back in those days, it was very important as to the COLOR of your corsage. Red meant your mother was living. White meant she was deceased. I still have my mother and if the tradition was still practiced today, I would proudly wear a red corsage. I am so thankful that at 48 I still have my mother. My mother has changed so much through the years due to a stroke, but I know I still have her. I just found out that a dear friend from years past just lost her mother and will be burying her tomorrow. I cannot be with my mother, but I can call my mother. So, this Mother's Day I will cherish that phone call knowing that I have my mother.

However, this Mother's Day I want to honor 3 very special Mothers in my life. These are the mothers of my precious grandchildren: LORI, MANDI and DESIREE. Each of you are wonderful mothers. Lori and Mandi, I know about your lives and everything that has happened to you and everything that has caused you to be the mothers that you are. Desi, I'm getting to know you and I am loving the journey. None of you know how I have observed you through the months and years. I watch you. I really do. It's in love and admiration. I have observed each of you with your children and I am so proud of each of you. All three of you deserve "Mother of the Year" awards. The Bible teaches us to bring up our children in the way of the Lord and when they are old they will not depart from it. Each of you prove that in your own way. I am proud of you. I love you and I applaud you.

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I bring my girls to you today. Bless them, Oh God, as only You can. Give them strength and Your wisdom to raise their children in Your ways. Give Lori, Mandi and Desi supernatural wisdom and strength to be the mothers You would have them to be. Show them that You love them and You are concerned for them. Inspire them. Love them. Teach them. Correct them. Thank You Lord, for my girls. Help me to be a Godly example to them. Amen

Change -- I Never Like It

2006-05-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday our Pastor was out of town. We had a visiting minister that spoke a powerful word over our congregation. I cannot recall his name but he truly was a mighty man of God and delivered God's Word. His text was in John 5 about the pool of Bethesda. As he read the text I heard it differently than I had ever heard it and it spoke to me in a way I had never experienced. The minister spoke on CHANGE. I stayed with him as best I could but the Holy Spirit was speaking to me so powerfully that I left his sermon for a short while. Take a little journey with me through the Word. You may want to go and get your Bible right now and read these scriptures.

John 5:3&4
In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

I'm going to concentrate on "the moving of the water", "troubled the water", and "stepped in". But, first, let's talk about change for a bit. Change is always hard for us. When a new car model comes out sometimes we say "I don't like what they've done with that." We see it driving down the road and we make negative comments because they changed something we liked. The more we see it the more we adjust to the change and we begin to say, "I kind of like that now." Then, before you know it, we are DRIVING one of them and we are driving it with an attitude because we LIKE it and we are comfortable with it. Keep in mind, there are still those on the same roads saying "I don't like it." See, change is hard for everyone but some of us can actually change. Some of us change at different times about different things. Some NEVER change.

But, I believe change can be redemptive. There have been times in my life when I needed change and did not know how to bring about change in a way that would give glory to God, be OK for me and those around me. I had to wait for the moving of the water. The Bible said that "whosoever then FIRST after the troubling of the water STEPPED IN was made whole. When you pray and you WAIT then quickly step into what God has for you. Troubled waters is not a bad thing -- God sent the angel to stir up the water to bring about change -- healing.

Look in Joshua 3. This is where Joshua is encouraging the children of Israel. They are about to cross over the Jordan (on DRY land). It is a powerful display of the mighty works of God. Check out verse 13. Joshua instructs them that as soon as the soles of the priests' feet are wet -- THEN God will roll back the waters. The priests had to STEP IN the water BEFORE God caused the Jordan to roll back. Get your feet wet. God is always faithful to do what He says in His Word He will do. Verse 15 says that their feet "dipped" in and then in verse 17 it says they stood FIRM on dry ground. Dipping is not hard to do. Try that first -- dip your feet. If you can do that, imagine what God will do if you just go on and "step in".

One of my favorite verses of scripture is Psalm 91. Get your Bible and read this aloud. Walk through the rooms of your home today and speak this over your home and your family. It is powerful. I love that He gives His angels charge over me. I go back to God sending the angel to trouble the water. God always goes ahead of us and prepares the way for us. Change.

Speaking of angels. Read Daniel 10. This is where Daniel was mourning for 3 weeks. He was praying and fasting (by the way, a very powerful combination). An angel of God appeared. My version is this. The Angel of God told Daniel he heard him the FIRST time he cried for help but that he had to take care of some other things for Daniel that Daniel had no idea about. Things that would have destroyed Daniel. But God sent the angel ahead. God ALWAYS hears our cry for help -- our FIRST cry. God knows the plans He has for you and there are things God has to take care of that you may not even be aware of. God wants to prosper you and give you a hope and a future (See Jeremiah 29).

Father, in the name of Jesus, change me. You know me. You know what I have need of. Change my heart. Give me a clean heart. Give me a teachable spirit that You may change me as You will. Change me that I may give You glory and give You honor for the mighty works You have done in my life. Thank You for giving Your angels charge over me. Thank You for going before me and slaying my enemy before I even know about it. Thank You for sparing me. Father, I pray that You give me YOUR strength and Your wisdom as I come to troubled waters. Let me know that it is YOU that troubles the water and with that troubling time my healing is eminent. My deliverance is made known to me. Give me boldness to step into all You have for me. Give me courage to accept those things You are changing in my life -- that they are changes that need to happen and it will be OK. You hear my first cry for You and You are faithful to respond. As my knowledge of You increases so my trust in You increases. Help me to decrease so that You increase. Father, I will step in. I give You freedom to change me, mold me and make me what YOU want me to be. I go willingly into Your arms of love and mercy. You cannot lie. Everything You said You will do for me YOU WILL DO. I commit myself, my home and my family to You, Father. Everything I am is because of You. Everything I have is Yours. You are the lifter of my head and the lover of my soul. I am nothing without You. I praise You and give You glory not for what You do but for WHO YOU ARE. Amen.

The Channel - My Shield

2006-04-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

James and I spent a wonderful week camping in Port Aransas. We have a fifth-wheel trailer so we camp with full facilities. No going without bathing for us. Our vacation was delightful. We enjoyed reading and relaxing. Most of all, we enjoyed not having an agenda.

When I am near the ocean I feel like I am as close to God as I can be. I am amazed at the awesome work of God. I like to get in a place where I can see nothing but water. In one of my favorite old movies, PT 109, Cliff Roberts plays J. F. Kennedy (Jack). They are on a Naval ship out in the ocean. One of the sailors says, "Wow, that's a lot of water out there." Jack says, "Yes, and that's just the top of it." I always think of that when I am at the ocean. So much water and that's just the top of it. Then I begin to marvel at some of what I know is underneath it. It is truly amazing. I am also reminded of a scripture passage in Job 38 where the Lord spoke to Job out of a whirlwind. It is an awesome chapter. God begins to tell Job just who HE is. He reprimands Job first by saying "Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?" God tells Job that HE will demand and Job will answer. God tells Job just how powerful HE is. I love verse 11 where God is speaking about His control over the sea (my ocean).

...Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?

Yes, GOD controls those waves. The tide comes in and goes out the exact same way every time UNLESS GOD commands it otherwise.

Let me now explain the above pictures. One evening, James and I drove down the beach several miles. We came to this jetty and we just had to get out and walk down it. In the first picture, you see big waves. The middle pictures shows the jetty -- waves on the right, calm on the left (as shown in the 3rd picture). Also, in the 3rd picture, you will see ANOTHER jetty that James guessed to be about half of a mile away; thus forming a channel. I asked James to stand in the middle of the jetty and, using his peripheral vision, tell me what he saw to his right and then to his left. His answer with his right hand "waves crashing" and with his left hand "calm". I then asked him what the jetty represented to him. "Shield" he said.

I kept going back to the "channel". I began to focus on what the channel's function is. The channel is smooth "sailing" for ships to come into port. I find that when I am "channeled" I run more smoothly. I enjoy "smooth sailing". It's when I get out of that channel -- cross over that jetty -- that I experience the crashing waves. I find my peace and my calm in the Word of God. His Word tells me that He is in control. He commands. I answer.

James' answer of "shield" was so profound.
Every word of God is pure; he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
Proverbs 30:5

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried away into the midst of the sea; Through the waters thereof roar and be troubles, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Psalm 46:1-3

BE STILL,
AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD . . .
Psalm 46:10

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I place my trust in You and You alone. You are my refuge, my strong tower, my shield and my protector. You calm the raging seas around me and You give me peace. You shelter me from every storm and You bring me into the quiet place. You give Your angels charge over me. You know me by name and You call my name. My name is written in the palm of Your hand. You have called me Your own and You have loved me. You are an awesome and mighty God. Your power amazes me. You are strong and yet You are gentle. You reprimand and yet You encourage. You are mighty in all Your works. You are in control, Father. My steps shall be ordered by You. Your praise shall continually be in my mouth and I will sing of Your love forever. Amen

Mom

2006-04-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

Several years ago my Mother, Mary Helen, suffered a stroke. This stroke took her peripheral vision and she experiences short term memory loss. Needless to say, it has changed Mother a great deal. Phone conversations are sometimes overwhelming to her. When she is trying to say something I try to be very patient and just quietly listen. If I interrupt her it can cause her to completely lose her whole thought process and she becomes very agitated with herself. Then she shuts down completely.

Yesterday I was having a very hard day. I was coming down from a very high place in my life. Josh, Desi and Mason had been here for several days and had gone home; James and I had just come back from a wonderful vacation; James had left early for his first day back to work and I was returning to work myself. I had this sad feeling that everything was over and now what. I went through the motions of the day. I started the day off with my Bible and spent quality time with the Lord. I walked (fast) on the treadmill and listened to awesome Praise and Worship Music as I exercised. I did everything I knew to be happy but deep down I was struggling with despair. I had wonderful clients who made me laugh and I enjoyed my time with them. However, deep down there was this underlying sadness I could not shake.

I needed my Mother to speak into my life as only a Mother can do. Mom is always there to listen to me but she rarely has much to say back to me. I know she prays for me but since her stroke, she has changed and I do not get very much advice from her. I never realized how much I missed it and how much I needed it. I called Mother. There is such a stillness in her voice and sometimes that is all I need to hear -- just her voice -- and I feel like everything is going to be alright. Most of my readers know this -- I am full blown menopausal. No one knows this better than my Mother. She was the very first one to diagnose me. That was one piece of advice I did not want to hear from her. But, as usual, Mother was right. Last night I shared something with Mother that I had never shared with anyone else (and we will just leave it that way). It sounded so silly, even as I said it to her, but she listened. I went on to say, "I know it's not the way it really is, but that's the way I feel." Mother spoke so simply yet she said the most profound words I could have hoped for. Mother said, "Karen, it's those days you have to rely on your knowledge, not your emotions." And then, unlike her, she repeated it as if she needed to hear it as much as I did. I could not help but wonder how much she has really gone through and how awful it must be to not be able to express herself. I truly believe the Holy Spirit was speaking to me through Mother and it was as much for her as it was for me. There is nothing as precious as a spiritual bond between a mother and daughter.

On "those days" when you feel like you cannot hold your head up; when you feel like no one really loves you or cares about you; when you are scared of a doctor's report; when you feel like you do not have a friend that understands you; when you feel like everyone else has it better than you; when you feel your job is more than you can handle; when you FEEL . . . Rely on your knowledge.

It's not what we FEEL -- it's what we KNOW.

Here's what I KNOW.

Blessings will come on me and overtake me. I am blessed in the city. I am blessed in the field. Blessed is the fruit of my body (my children and my grandchildren). I am blessed going in. I am blessed going out. The Lord, my God, will cause my enemies to scatter. The Lord will COMMAND the blessing upon me and all that I set my hand to. I will lend and not borrow. I am the head and not the tail. I am above only and not beneath. I am saved, sanctified and full of the Holy Spirit. I am healed. I am delivered. I am set free. I am LOVED.

My knowledge is in the Word of the Lord. My knowledge is in who I am in Christ Jesus. I am a child of the THE KING. (See, I really AM a Princess.)

(For scripture references, read Deuteronomy 28:1-14)

Gracie's Shoes

2006-04-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

In late 1982 I went to work for the Haggar Apparel Company in Dallas. Shortly after I began working there I met a beautiful woman that I admired greatly. I do not believe I have ever known anyone so appropriately named as this precious woman, Gracie. Gracie had an infectious laugh that could be heard over cubicle walls and it made me want to smile every time I heard it. I wanted to be like Gracie. She had the most awesome skin that was flawless and all she had ever used was Oil of Olay. It wasn't just Gracie's beautiful skin that made me want to be like her. It was Gracie's countenance. Gracie led a very clean and Godly life. She loved her family and she was true to her family and to her God. Gracie never compromised her ethics or her morals.

Gracie had something else I always wanted. It was this special pair of shoes. They were white sling back sandals with a beautiful 2 1/2 inch heal. I remember coveting those shoes. Every time she wore them I told her I loved them. One day Gracie brought me those shoes. I wore them only on very special occasions and each time I wore them I thought of Gracie and how I loved her.

Through the years I have moved several times and I have moved those shoes every move and they are still in their original box though one end is slightly torn. Every time I come across that London Fog box I know there is part of Gracie in there. There have been times I've taken them out of the closet and clutched them to me and said a prayer for Gracie.

It's been 20 plus years and I still have those shoes. Although, this past week I loaned them out with the instructions "DO NOT let anything happen to these shoes. These are Gracie's shoes."

This morning about 10 minutes into our Easter service, standing on the back row of the choir beside my daughter, Mandi, I looked down and there was Gracie's shoes. Mandi couldn't have been more than 7 when Gracie gave me those shoes. But here we were today, Mandi now 30, and she was wearing Gracie's shoes.

Thank you Gracie for sharing something with me. That was a really sad time in my life and you had no idea of the things I was going through at that time. You had no idea that GIVING something to me could make me feel so special. You had no idea how precious those shoes have been to me through the years. I will keep them forever and forever you will be in my heart.

Easter

2006-04-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

I have written this blog many times in my mind on my way to the salon and then again on the way home. I have had so much anticipation for what God would do for me Easter Sunday. My drive to and from the salon are some of my most precious moments with the Lord. It is in those times that I pray and that I do something I'm not very good at -- L I S T E N. God has spoken to me gently during those times and God has spoken to me profoundly during those times.

Yesterday was one such time -- one of those where God spoke very profoundly to me. Now, I do not know how God speaks to you but rarely does He speak in King James vernacular with me. Most often, I hear a slight Texas accent.

I was driving and praying. I was actually praying for Josh. Josh has been here this past week and I have had a lot of time to spend with him. He brought Desiree and Mason home with him for their vacation. I was praying a very simple prayer. Josh had told me they were going to come to church with us on Easter. I simply prayed, "Father, please speak to Josh's heart. I believe that Josh has had an experience with You and I believe he is saved. But, Father, please don't let him go away from me again without me knowing for sure. I need that as his mother." That was it. Then, God said, "I want you to fast and pray for Josh". I said ok to that but God said, "I want you to fast TODAY until you get home from work and I want you to continue in a state of prayer for Josh." I began to ramble off all the reasons I couldn't fast (not even just part of the day). Then here it comes straight from God. "Well, I gave MY son to die for you. Can you not do this for YOUR son?" I obeyed.

This morning Josh sat beside me in church. Our Pastor delivered one of the most awesome messages not just about the Easter story but about salvation. It was powerful. He made it so simple. I believe 20 plus people came to Jesus today. Josh didn't come to Jesus today because he already had. As I left the pew I said, "Thank you, Jesus, you confirmed everything for me. I know my son is one of YOUR sons." God spoke to me, "What's a couple of meals for your son's salvation and your peace of my mind?"

This morning was the most beautiful Easter I could ever hope for. Family is so important and knowing your family is a member of God's family makes it all the more beautiful.

My Friend Kathy

2006-04-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

Today is April 11, 2006 and it is Kathy's birthday. The above picture is Kathy with Josiah. She is letting Josiah play in MiMi's jewelry and it's OK because Josiah is secure in his manhood.

Kathy is a very special friend. I love her very much. She is really more than a friend. Kathy is like family. She is always there when you need her. Kathy is one of the most giving people I have ever known. I have seen Kathy give to people when she didn't have it to give. I believe God will bless Kathy richly for her spirit of giving.

Thank you, Kathy, for being a wonderful friend and for loving me the way you do. Thank you, Kathy, for not only loving me but for loving my family. You love my grandchildren as if they were yours. You are precious to me and I cherish your friendship more than you know.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SPECIAL FRIEND.

I love you.

Family

2006-04-10T17:16:00.000-07:00

(left to right)

Kyle, Josiah, PawPaw w/Ava Beth, Brooke and MiMi w/Mason

This is what it is all about; PawPaw and MiMi surrounded by (and underneath) grandchildren.

Josh, Desi and Mason came to visit us for their vacation. We are all enjoying getting to know Desi and Mason. Desiree is Josh's fiance' and Mason is her son. We have all just fell in love with Desiree and Mason and feel like they are already family.

Sunday was Brooke's 9th birthday. We cannot believe it. It seems like yesterday that she was born. We all got together for Brooke's party on Saturday. She was so excited that her Uncle Josh got to be here for her party. Even at her young age, family is very important to her.

Family IS important. At the end of the day, all you have is God and family. No matter what happens during the day, at the end of it, you've got your loved ones. James and I cherish the time we spend with all of our children and our grandchildren. What means the most is that we can get together and everyone just have fun.

We are a blended family. It was not always easy to blend our children but the grandchildren do not know any difference. As far as they are concerned we have all been together forever. It's amazing how people comment that Kyle and Josiah favor. We ALL think Ava Beth looks like Brooke. They all call each other "cousin" and it's so sweet to hear "Uncle" this and "Aunt" that. Josiah, only 3, began calling Desi "Aunt" before he ever met her. In his little mind, he has Uncle Josh and Desi has to be his aunt. Kids are so good like that. They just take each other in and ask no questions. They all welcomed Mason into their little family. I am proud of all of my children in this regard. They are all grown now and have chosen their mates for life. James and I love Randy and Jeremy as if they were our own. We love Desi the same.

God is like that. He takes us in and asks no questions. We only have one to ask Him: "Will You forgive my sins?" He does and then He takes us in just as we are and calls us His own. There is nothing more precious than being in the family of God. Nothing in life is as important as being called a child of God.

. . . but you have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Romans 8:15

Special Frame

2006-04-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, my friend, Lori, was going through a really tough time in her life. I was listening to her and I knew her heart was broken. God gave me something for Lori. I said, "Lori, God is going to do for you everything He said He would do." I told her to print it out on her computer and post it on her refrigerator. Lori lived in Houston and I lived in Burleson -- miles away from each other. Little did I know that God would bring Lori and I together again. Soon after Lori moved here I was sharing something with her that was breaking my heart. She prayed with me and for me. One morning she came to church and said, "Karen, I'm going to give you something that you gave me." She handed me a small easel and a frame. I looked at the frame and it said, "God is going to do for you everything He said He would do." I had forgotten all about saying that to Lori. I brought the frame home and set it up in a very strategic place in my house that represents what I was praying for (it's very personal).

Every time I see the frame and what it says I am reminded of how God did so much for Lori and that God would do the same for me. Daily I see this, "God is going to do for me everything He said He would do." and I speak it over the situation.

One day while cleaning I dropped the frame and broke the glass. I cried and then I thought, "that's silly, I can replace it." God spoke so sweetly to me, "Karen, don't replace it. Remember that through the brokenness I can heal. I am God. Even through the brokenness I am going to do for you everything I said I would do." So, sitting in its special place is a frame with broken glass that you can see even in the picture and it says,

God is going to do for me
everything He said
He would do!

I am seeing God's promises come to fruition in this area of my life. Someday I may reveal it and I may not. God is so true to His Word. When we pray the Word into our lives and over the situations in our lives, God is faithful to us. What I am asking God for is something He has already promised me -- I'm just waiting to see it come to pass.

Thanks Lori, for always being a Godly woman in my life. Thank you for sharing your heart with me. I love you beyond words.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.
Ephesians 3:20

Stars

2006-04-05T08:10:00.002-07:00

And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
Genesis 1:3

God's very first commandment. He spoke it and there it was:

LIGHT

This is our first introduction to God's power. Have you ever wondered why LIGHT was first? God is God and His ways are not my ways. I am human but I try to think like God sometimes. I quickly find out how limited I am without Him.

When I am in my home and on a mission trying to find something I have lost or misplaced, I walk into a room, whether it is day or night, and the very first thing I do is flip that switch. Yep! I turn on the light. Illumination. Light almost always reveals what I have lost or misplaced.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every many have praise of God.
I Corinthians 4:5

God does the same thing in our hearts. There are things hidden away in our hearts -- good AND bad. God shines his light (He IS the Light) into our hearts and reveals even the most secretive issues we have. He reveals but never exploits. He reveals so that He can change them or heal them.

ARISE, shine; for thy light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

God shines His light through us so that we can bring Him glory and honor.

Ye are the light of the world. . . .
Matthew 5:14

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Our light is to shine NOT to bring glory to us but that man see our good works and glorify God. It's never about us, is it? It always all about Him.

Going back to creation. Look at Genesis 1:16

And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

The two great lights must be the sun and the moon. Sun the greater and moon the lesser. Then the Bible says he made the stars also. It's as if the stars were an afterthought. It is like me saying, "Evangelist So-and-So preached to thousands and hundreds came to Jesus: and he went home and baked cookies."
Souls saved? Cookies? Sun and Moon? STARS? The stars did not seem very important and yet we have spent billions of tax dollars on the research of stars. Astronomers have made millions of dollars telling fortunes and futures based on the alignment of the stars.

I am amazed at the power of God. He spoke and it was! The first chapter of the Bible says:
Verse 3: And God said . . .
Verse 5: And God called . . .
Verse 6: And God said . . .
Verse 9: And God said . . .
Verse 10: And God called . . .
Verse 11: And God said . . .
Verse 14: And God said . . .
Verse 20: And God said . . .
Verse 24: And God said . . .
Verse 26: And God said . . .
Verse 29: And God said . . .

That is 11 times in the first chapter that God spoke or called something into being. God's Word is yes and amen. If He can speak creation into being (read it again and again -- it is powerful) then do you not know that every word of His is true. When He says you are healed, you are healed. When He says you are saved, you are saved. He said your seed is blessed. He said you are above only and not beneath. He said you are blessed going in and blessed going out. He said these blessings will come on you and overtake you. He said you are blessed in the city and you are blessed in the field. (Read Deuteronomy 28 out loud and get it into your spirit.)

Go back to the first chapter of Genesis and look at the very last verse. After all the "God said and God called" verses.

Verse 30: And God SAW . . .

He spoke it -- He saw it!

As I said earlier, millions of dollars have been spent on stars. Stars are a phenomenon to us. They are miracles and yet they were simply an afterthought of God. He just made them.

Oh, but look at Psalm 139:14 (my favorite scripture).

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

He took time with me. He fearfully and wonderfully made me. He fashioned me, He designed me, He molded me. I am a Designer's Original.

Let His light shine through you today. Be a hand extended to those in need. He will meet all your needs according to His riches. You were not an afterthought of God; you were fearfully and wonderfully made. He made you for His purpose and His glory. You are to be a light, a beacon in the darkness.

The Cup

2006-03-31T19:05:00.000-08:00

On February 26, I celebrated my 48th birthday. No biggy! Well, of course, any day ABOVE ground is a good day! Very uneventful birthday though. James and I were installing wood flooring in our home. We went to church, the choir sang "Happy Birthday" to me during practice, grabbed a bite to eat on our way home and began working again.

Two weeks later, my sweet friend, Gina, brought me a gift to church and apologized for not getting it to me earlier. If you know me at all, you will know I do not mind getting gifts late. I HATE getting gifts early. I like surprises and I don't want them early. I'm weird that way. If you gave me something today and told me not to open it until Christmas I wouldn't. I could look at the package every day and still not want to open it. So, Gina, don't ever apologize for being late.

Gina knows me well. She knows that I love coffee and she knows I love Starbucks because every Wednesday night I walk into Choir Practice with a Venti Cinnamon Dolce Latte and no, I do not want to know how many calories are in it. James and I have made it sort of a date. We go to Starbucks every Wednesday evening before my practice and his class. As a matter of fact, for Valentines I bought James a gift card for Starbucks and guess what James bought me? A gift card for Starbucks. We love our Starbucks dates.

I also love the cups and have a small collection of Starbucks cups. Josh sent me two from Seattle. James surprised me with an insulated blue metallic cup. My neighbor bought me the cute pink one with heart and the saucer to go with it. Gina bought me another Starbucks cup for my birthday (pictured above).
The next morning, I washed my new cup and filled it with my home brew. I remember saying out loud, "Gina, I'm drinking from your cup." It came to me so sweetly. I needed to truly drink from Gina's cup. I began to pray for Gina and asked God to let me feel what Gina was feeling on that day. Let me stand in the gap for Gina -- let me drink from Gina's cup.

It was a sweet day for me. I began to walk through my home. I took inventory in my home. I would pick up treasures that had been given to me and I would pray for the person who gave it to me. I picked up a cup and saucer that MamMaw had given me. MamMaw is in heaven but I thanked God for how she had blessed me and loved me all throughout my life. I paused at the wedding portrait of James and I and thanked God for my husband. I paused at the Grandfather clock and remembered how my grandson, Kyle, had written on it in chapstick when he was 2. I prayed for Kyle and I blessed him. The refrigerator. Oh my! There were visions of Kyle, Brooke, Josiah, Ava Beth, Mason. And oh, how I blessed each of them. My grandchildren are so special to me. The ones I have and the ones I will have. I found items each of the children have given me. I was soon crying tears of joy as I spoke out loud the names of our children, Lori, Randy, Mandi, Jeremy, Josh and Desiree. Each of them has given me more than any gift they could have bought. They have given me such joy. Memories of my daddy flooded me as I looked at a picture I have of him. Daddy is with Jesus but I still have my memories.

I found myself holding a doily that my friend, Janet, had crocheted for me. I blessed her and prayed for her. I blessed my friend Kathy as I touched items she had blessed me with (or loaned me). My friends, Jeri, Lori, Joy, Delores and many more. Later in the day I was putting up some laundry and found something I had forgotten. It has been in a drawer for years now but I used to have it sitting out in my "little girl" days. It was a little square block of wood, painted black and had pictures of pretty ladies on it. It was a decoupage made by my cousin, Curtis, and sent to me after he moved to New York. I was only in the second grade. My cousins moved and I was heart broken. I prayed for Curtis and his family.

Some days I need to forget about all that is going on in my life and just stand in the gap for those I love and for those who love me. When you give me something, I keep it and I pray for you. I may not have it sitting out but I have it. I will come across it and I will touch it, hold it, and pray for you. I will bless you.

And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:
Matthew 26:39

What was the cup? Did it represent His cross? Oh, the cross. The weight of all our sins upon Him. It was MY cup.

...This cup is the new testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
I Corinthians 11:25 & 26

Oh Father, in the name of Jesus, give me the heart of an intercessor. Give me a clean heart. Purify me. Help me to stand in the gap for those You have put in my life. Help me to intercede to You on behalf of my children and my grandchildren. Let me "drink from the cup" of those I love and those I will love. Thank You for my precious friends and loved ones. Let me have a compassionate heart and feel the pain they feel. Give me wisdom to impart Your Word into their lives. Father, I want to always remember what You have done for me. You sent Your only Son to die in atonement for my sin. I am reconciled and redeemed because Jesus paid the price for me. Amen

Miss Ruby - revised

2006-03-29T11:38:00.000-08:00

It was actually June 11, 2003 -- almost two years ago, that Miss Ruby came into my life.

Miss Ruby

2006-03-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

On June 11, 2004, Miss Ruby came into my life. Her daughter, Debbie, brought her to my salon for a facial. While she was getting prepared for her facial I looked over the questionnaire that she had previously filled out. I found out she had a pacemaker, used to be a sun lover, was allergic to aspirin, taking Coumadin, had a hip implant, used Dove Soap and Oil of Olay. The questionnaire did not (well, of course not) ask for her weight. However, I guessed Miss Ruby to weigh maybe 80 lbs. Her expectations for her facial were simple: Hydration.

I will never forget this facial. Miss Ruby felt like fragile alabaster in my hands. She was so tiny and frail and I was afraid I would break her. I cleansed, exfoliated and toned. I then applied a hydrating masque. While her masque was setting I massaged Miss Ruby's hands and feet. While my client was relaxing and I was massaging I made it a practice to pray for my client and to bless my client. Miss Ruby was so easy to pray for and to bless. She had such a precious and gentle spirit about her. As I held her tiny hands and arms I remember seeing her bracelet taped to her arm so it would not fall off her tiny little hands. This bracelet let everyone know that Miss Ruby was taking Coumadin. I remember thinking how precious her little hands were. I thought of all Miss Ruby had touched in her life. The meals these hands had cooked for her family, the pats on the heads she had given her children and grandchildren. The times she had reached out to her husband through their years. I prayed that God would bless those little hands and that everything Miss Ruby touched would be blessed as she was. I remember thinking of how I wanted this same spirit she possessed: so gentle, so mild, so peaceful. I then moved to her precious little feet. "How lovely on the mountains are the feet of them who bring good news . . . " This scripture kept coming to me. This precious lady loved the Lord and I knew it just by being in her presence. As I held her tiny feet in my hands I couldn't help but wonder where these feet had traveled in her life. Where had these feet taken Miss Ruby? Oh yes, Miss Ruby was so easy to pray for and bless.

It was time to take Miss Ruby's masque off. I removed her masque and applied a deep hydrating moisturizer, turned on the steam and let the steam and moisturizer do their job. I began to massage her frail little shoulder area and as I massaged I couldn't help but notice her pacemaker. I began to think of her "heart". I wondered how many times her heart had been broken but knew it was a place where Jesus felt comfortable. I prayed for her health and prayed protection over her heart.

That was a beautiful day and I remember it well.

My salon business changed somewhat. I gave up my spa services and began doing hair only. Miss Ruby came to me for her hair. Over the past several months we had her on a schedule of every other Saturday at 1:00.

Debbie called me this past Monday to tell me Miss Ruby would not be at her Saturday appointment. You see, Debbie buried her mother, my precious Miss Ruby, yesterday. Just a simple little service with her close family. Those precious little feet are dancing on streets of gold today. Miss Ruby's precious little hands are uplifted praising her Lord. No more pacemaker, no more Coumadin, no more "taped-on" bracelet, because Miss Ruby was made perfect the moment she saw the face of Jesus. God did not TAKE Miss Ruby, God RECEIVED Miss Ruby.

As I went through my appointment book erasing "Miss Ruby" from her upcoming appointments I couldn't help but cry. Miss Ruby changed my life. She enriched my life. All she asked me to do was "hydrate" her but Miss Ruby, in fact, hydrated ME. She poured a sweet oil over my life. She bathed me in the love of Jesus. She loved me and I knew it. She was a joy and a delight. I will miss my precious Miss Ruby.

Oh, my precious Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask you to comfort this family today. Miss Ruby is with You and may her family rest knowing that. Thank you, Father, for letting me enjoy Miss Ruby. Help me to be more like Miss Ruby and more like You. Amen

We never know who God is putting in our lives and for what reason. Miss Ruby did not speak very much but her life and her very presence spoke volumes. I learned a valuable lesson from this precious soul: I need to "hydrate" those who come into my life. I need to bathe my friends and family in prayer. I need to love people deeply.

Goodbye Miss Ruby. I will miss you.

MiMi

2006-03-15T15:43:00.000-08:00

I love being MiMi!

This week was Spring Break for Brooke. She will be 9 on April 9. Brooke can make her MiMi feel like a million bucks. She is always fun to be with and has a great sense of humor. One thing I really enjoy about spending time with Brooke is that she is so easy going and is happy to do whatever we want to do. She had asked me earlier in the day if I would take her to a movie. I told her I would. We never made it to the movie Monday. We went to the tubes and played with Brooke's little cousins and 2 more of my precious grandchildren, Josiah and Ava Beth. So here's 3 out of 4 with MiMi sandwiched in the middle. There's not a sweeter time in the world than when you have your babies all around you and ON you.

Kyle, Brooke, Josiah and Ava Beth, MiMi loves you more than you know. You are precious to me. Each of you have qualities about you that make you unique. You all make me smile and there is nothing sweeter than hearing you say "MiMi". Ava Beth said "MiMi for the first time this past weekend. I loved it. Josiah and Brooke had no problems saying "MiMi" but Kyle, now you were a different story. It took you a little while, but boy, when you did, I felt like a million bucks!

There is one other thing that makes being MiMi so great -- I have PawPaw.

Appointed

2006-03-15T06:39:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the story about Adam and Eve? My grandson, Josiah, says "Madam and Ebe, God said don eat dat pruit." We should all be familiar with Adam and Eve, especially Eve. It is Eve's fault that we girls go through the things we girls go through. I love Adam's response to God. Today it would sound something like this: "Don't look at me, God. It's that woman You gave me -- she did it." (Refer to Genesis 2:7 through 4:26 for the complete story as told by God.)

The story continues with Cain and Abel, the two sons of Adam and Eve. I'm sure you are familiar with this part of the story as well. Cain killed his own brother, Abel. Can you imagine the horror of that? A man killing his own brother? Can you imagine what Eve, as a mother, felt like? She lost one son because of the other son. Ultimately, Eve lost both her sons on the same day to the same death. Abel is dead and Cain would be forever on the run and dead to her. Talk about a family curse. Talk about disfunction. She must have asked God a million times, "WHY?" "Was it MY sin?" I cannot begin to imagine the grief this mother felt. This mother had no mother of her own. None of us fully understand how God populated the world but it's my understanding that Eve was a woman in a man's world. Eve did not have girlfriends to console her. She had no mother, no grandmother, no aunts, no cousins, no GIRLS! Girls can be the very reason for stress in our lives at times but I'll tell you this, I never want to live in a world without my girlfriends. I need my girlfriends.

And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed to me another seed instead of Abel whom Cain slew. (Genesis 4:25)

Adam slept with Eve; Eve gave birth to another son; Eve named her son Seth. Seth because God had appointed Eve another seed instead of Abel. In those days, the Father almost always was the parent to name the child. In this case Eve named the child. Read the scripture again. Eve did not mention Cain except in a negative sense. The seed to be replaced was Abel NOT Cain. Cain was just as much her son as Abel but I'm sure she felt anger and disgust toward Cain. Cain sure messed up their happy little family, did he not. Of course, we all know Eve is the one that started all of this because of her disobedience to God all those years before. Just think, had Eve not sinned, she and the rest of us could have had our children with NO PAIN.

This is the part of the scripture I like: "For God, said she, hath appointed . . ." Appointed means to name officially. God was the Official and Eve was the Appointee. God NAMED Eve to bare Seth. Eve appropriately named the child, which was important in those days and still important in these days.

You may have grief in your life. You may have lost someone through natural death or otherwise. You may have done things in your life that are not pleasing to God. You have wept and you have grieved the loss of relationships. But you have an "appointment" to bare yet another seed instead of the one you lost. What have you lost? What have you given up? God is going to provide the replacement. You are appointed -- officially named. You see, God knows you by name. He was there in the secret place when you were formed in your mother's womb. He knew you before you had a name. You are His child; His daughter. Eve messed up BAD. All these thousands of years later and we are still talking about that girl. But God officially named Eve to bare Seth -- another seed. He must have forgiven Eve. Hmmmmm (and a heavy sigh). If God forgave Eve, God will forgive YOU. If God used Eve again, God will use YOU again.

Check this out:

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos; then began men to call upon the name of the Lord. Genesis 4:26

This is so powerful. The scripture says, ". . . THEN began men to call upon the name of the Lord." Ultimately God used Eve (even after she had sinned so badly against God) to bring men to call upon the name of the Lord. The curse was reversed! God used Eve. Yes, Eve. The very one that sinned in the first place. God used Eve to bring forth change.

My prayer today:

Father, in the name of Jesus, I lift up my girlfriends to You today. Love on them, Jesus. Show them that You love them and You will forgive them their sins. There is nothing in their past that You will not forgive. There is is no curse that You cannot reverse. Your Word teaches us that what is blessed cannot be cursed. BLESS my girlfriends today, my precious Lord. BLESS them. Change them. Love them. Forgive them. Thank You, God, for using Eve again. Use us again, God. Amen

To conclude, read Genesis 5 in its entirety. You may not like all the "begat" stuff but it is really important. Look at the bloodline of Seth (Eve). There are many names that you have never heard and will never see again in the Bible. Then, you will run across names like Methuselah, Noah, etc. This bloodline ultimately will lead you to Jesus. Imagine that -- from the seed appointed BY God TO Eve --- SETH.

My Will

2006-03-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

In April of 1996, James' job with Union Pacific Railroad transferred us to Houston. Our second grandchild and first granddaughter, Brooke, was just 1 week old. Our emotions were bitter sweet. We had never lived outside the Fort Worth/Dallas area. We were leaving our children and our grandchildren behind. It was just James and me! It seemed very romantic at the time. James and Karen -- empty nesters. I soon found out, empty nesting was difficult. See, our little birds didn't fly out of the nest, WE left the nest. No one felt the emotional roller coaster ride like I did. While I was happy to be all alone with my husband, what I soon found out was that when James was at work, I was truly alone. I had never been so lonely in my life. Just one year prior, my Mammaw Ritter had died. I cared for her for some time before her death. She dies, we move, no children, no grandchildren, James working a lot and traveling a lot, and Karen all alone in a big empty house. I could walk for miles and meet person after person and no one would know my name. I could go to grocery stores and malls and never run into a single person that knew me or that even looked familiar to me. Mammaw no longer needed me. My kids were going on about their lives. What was I supposed to do?

Little did I know that HOUSTON would change my life. Houston was where I got intimate with Jesus. Houston was my "backside of the desert". Houston was my "green pasture he maketh me to lie down in". Houston was exactly where God wanted me and where God ultimately changed me.

Just 4 years ago, Union Pacific transferred James back to Fort Worth. We live in Burleson and we often spend time with our children and grandchildren. Since the Houston days, we have added to our family. We have another son inlaw and 2 more grandchildren. Josh moved to Seattle but has added Desiree and Mason to our family. It seems like we have it all now -- Faith -Family - Friends.

Guess what? There are still times when I wonder "what am I supposed to do?". I have days that I feel lonely. What does God want me to do? What do I want God to do? Many days I find myself standing in front of a poem I framed. I read it and I cry. It was a poem written by a precious lady. She wrote this and presented it to James and I in 1996, 1 week before we were to leave for our new home -- Houston. You probably do not know her. Her writings have not been published. She told James and I that the Holy Spirit awakened her in the night and gave her these words for us. What the Holy Spirit spoke to her that night speaks to me time and time again.

MY WILL -- NOT THINE

The couple checked their luggage
As they prepared to board
The ship of Trust and Faith -
The great ship of our Lord

As she read the checklist
He sorted and replied
"Is the belt of truth there?" she asked
"Yes" he said and put it aside

She checked that off and continued
"Breastplate of righteousness is next"
He held it up to confirm to her
And put her mind to rest

The readiness that comes from the gospel of peace
That will fit upon their feet
"Yes, it's here as well, my Love"
And he folds it nice and neat

Next on the list is the Shield of Faith
This we'll need for sure
For we do not know what lies ahead
And with this, Satan's arrows we'll endure

The Helmet of Salvation
Was held up for her to see
And the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)
Now made their list complete

He neatly tucked them in the bag
All that's needed for their trip
Then they proceeded up the gangway
To board the glorious ship

"Take our things from the luggage
We must wear them says the Lord"
So they began to don each peace
According to His Word

They looked back and waved good-bye
To their friends left on the dock
We're still a part of just one body
That was built upon the rock"

They stood by the rail in total silence
And wondered what lay in store
"Lord, it's so hard to leave our loved ones
We need your peace and much, much more"

The Captain strolled up to them
And put an arm around each one
"Here aboard Ship Trust and Faith
It's not your will, but mine be done"

"Use us, Lord", they whispered
Take us where we'll serve you best
The Captain then smiled upon them
And put all anxieties to rest

God bless you, James and Karen
We will miss you
Words of love
By Cookie Birdsinger

My precious Lord, I want your perfect will for my life. I truly want to be where You will use us best. I want to be used for Your Kingdom with my husband, just as You designed in Your Word. Lord, bless Cookie today. Wrap your arms around her and pour out a blessing on her. Thank You for speaking to Cookie and giving her this word that even today would bring comfort and confirmation to James and I. When we are confused and we wonder, "Where do You want us?" we find comfort in the words You so sweetly spoke to and through Cookie Birdsinger. Amen

Ride of My Life

2006-03-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

In June of last year I hit the bottom of the pit. I woke up one morning and began to cry. It seemed I cried for days. I tried to keep it to myself but it overwhelmed me. I had never experienced such sadness in all my life. I was willing to do most anything to be happy again. I prayed that God would help me.

It was time for my yearly well woman check up so I made my appointment. My family doctor recommended a female gynecologist that he believed I would really like. I went to my appointment. The nurse showed me into my room and said she would like to ask me a few questions. The first question she asked, I burst into tears. It was like a dam had broken and the flood of tears poured out of me. I was embarrassed. The nurse was absolutely awesome. She handed me a tissue and asked me if I needed some time alone. I didn't, I needed her to stay in there with me and tell me what was wrong with me. I couldn't speak. She must have sensed this because she walked over and patted me on the shoulder and said, "It's going to be OK." That was really all I needed her to say, "It's going to be OK." Thank God for compassionate women in our lives. She told me she needed to draw some blood and I was happy for that because nothing gets your mind off your pity party like a needle and a little blood letting. She drew the blood and told me she would be back. She again told me, "It's going to be OK."

It seemed like hours later when she and the doctor came in. Guess what? The blood results explained everything. I will never forget these words, "Sweetheart, you are in menopause!" SWEETHEART?!?!?!?!? I will never be sweet again. I went from unbelievable sadness to full blown crazy at the mention of those two words -- SWEETHEART - MENOPAUSE. Those two words can't even be used in the same sentence. Yes, you are going through "the CHANGE". I don't want to change. I like me like I am. What's wrong with what I've been -- why do I have to change? I don't want to CHANGE!

OK, I know I have younger readers who cannot relate to this. But, please listen to me, I'm trying to prepare you now for what is going to happen to you. As women, we have been dealing with hormones since "the day we became a woman". You remember the day? I was 11 years old, in the 6th grade, just came in from recess, just played an awesome game of dodgeball and I had to come in and "become a woman". Oh no! Call my mom! Don't tell my daddy! Can I walk like this? Can I take a bath? Can I even stand up? My very first (of many to come) panic attacks. OK, here's another panic attack awaiting this 11 year old - - - the very next month, it happened again. I have never understood why my mother didn't tell me it was going to happen again. The third time it happened I asked, "How many times is this going to happen to me?" I did not like the answer.

Well, here I am now - 37 years later - still a woman! This past year has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride for me. Mood swings that I have prayed myself through. Fat days where I have changed clothes 3 or 4 times. Refusal to go into dressing rooms because I hate all those mirrors. Nothing is where it used to be. Nothing looks like it used to look. I am changing -- right before my own eyes. I forget things I KNOW. I lose things I need. Sleeplessness and restlessness. Rambling. Talking to myself. Now, as of the past month -- HOT FLASHES and night sweats. What would it be like to sleep a full night? I wake up almost every two hours -- you could set a clock by my "episodes". I don't know why they call them "flashes" - they seem to last forever. They begin in my core and then travel directly to my face. All those stories of people who "went up" in spontaneous combustion must have been menopausal women. I have heard women say, "They are not hot flashes, they are power surges." I'm not getting the power surge -- I absolutely feel powerless. It can be debilitating and why on earth do I feel the urge to let everyone in the room know and suddenly out of my mouth flies, "I'm about to burst into flames."

How do I pray? God deliver me from my hormones? No, then I would be a MAN! No more shopping! No more bling! I love being a woman. I love being a girlie girl. I was designed and fashioned.

I will praise thee;

for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:

marvellous are thy works;

and THAT my soul knoweth right well.

Psalm 139:14

God designed me so God will sustain me. As far as I know, no one has ever died from menopause. No one has ever died from PMS. (People may have been KILLED because of it.) I like to think of it as a metamorphosis, much like a butterfly. I am changing. I am not changed. It is a process.

My daughter, Amanda, and my friend, Chelsea, sang for our church's last women's retreat. It was a beautiful song that my daughter had given to me as a gift. (We do that in our family -- we give each other songs that connect us and mean something.) It is a Martina McBride song and I have no idea why it never made the #1 list. I believe the name of the song is "Butterfly" or maybe "She's a Butterfly". There is a verse that talks about getting her wings and the colors. During our retreat we focused on the butterfly and what the butterfly had to go through to become beautiful. Ladies/Girls, it's all about changing. We are constantly changing. We change physically. We change emotionally. We change spiritually. God never changes but He changes us. We are changed by the renewing of our minds. Romans 12:2 says it like this:

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.

Amanda has written more than once on "It's a new season". She is not menopausal -- she is far too young. Amanda is experiencing "change" in her spiritual life. It is called maturity. Amanda is becoming a seasoned young woman of God. It is because of her knowledge of the Word that she is growing and changing and experiencing new seasons in her life. It is that maturity in God that will sustain her throughout her life and when she does go through "the change" she will have the Word of God, just as I do, to sustain her in those dark days that (they say) are inevitable. It is the way God created women. We don't understand it but it's a God thing. And it's the one God thing that causes us to act in a fashion that is not so Godly.

Through these days I have learned that I need God more than ever. Maybe that's why God designed us to go through menopause. Maybe He thought we would become too comfortable and not feel a need for Him. There are many things I don't understand and you can be sure that one of the first things on my agenda, after seeing the face of Jesus, is to ask Him, "Why hot flashes?"

But until then, I will continue in His Word. I will continue to pray and metamorphosed into what God wants me to be. I can't go back to that day when I was 11 years old. I don't even want to. I must go forward and see all the new changes God has for me.

Remember ye not the former things,

neither consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing;

now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness,

and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:18&19

Life is a ride we cannot get off.

I choose to buckle up and enjoy the adventure --

it's the ride of my life!

Fruit of the Spirit

2006-03-01T05:58:00.000-08:00

But the fruit of the spirit is

love, joy, peace,

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,

faith, meekness, temperance;

against which there is no law.

Galatians 6:22&23

Most of us can quote this scripture. We learned it in Sunday School. We have heard many sermons about it. I remember teaching it to my Sunday School class of 8 and 9 years old about 10 years ago. We labeled different fruit and they memorized it.

Through the years of my knowledge of this scripture I have thought to myself; I know I have joy and peace, but do I have longsuffering and temperance? Is the fruit of the spirit like the spiritual gifts we read about in I Corinthians 14:13-15? Do you get to pick ONE? Does God give you one or the other? Does your personality lend itself to one or all? The fruit of the spirit is nothing like the spiritual gifts.

When I taught this to my Sunday School class we had 9 fruit and we labeled them, the children held them up and that is how they memorized the verse. While this method worked well for memorization it was not accurate. You see, there are not 9 different fruits, there is ONE fruit. Read the scripture again,

But the fruit of the spirit . . .

We do not get to "pick a fruit". We must have them ALL because all of them together is THE fruit of the spirit. If we walk in the spirit we will have all of these qualities and characteristics. The Holy Spirit is our "comforter". If the Holy Spirit represents "comfort" then as we walk in the spirit we will comfort with . . .

love, joy, peace,

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,

faith, meekness, temperance

Coming Soon

2006-02-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

Many of us have pet peeves, things that drive us crazy. Well I have one I'd like to share. I hate to drive by new construction sites and have no idea what is being constructed. Is it a grocery store? Is it a restaurant? A bank? Another nail place? Why can't they just put up a sign that says, "Coming Soon, blah, blah, blah"? I drive the same way to the salon everyday. One such site is going up. I drove by it for several days and even thought seriously about driving a new way just so I wouldn't have to go crazy trying to figure out what is "coming soon". After taking a couple of days off, I passed by the construction site only to realize what they are building. A new SONIC! Oh man, how did I not see that coming?

I like surprises, I truly do, but only for my birthday, Valentine's Day, Christmas, etc. You know, the surprises that are presents (preferably bling or some other sort of accessory). I do not like to be blindsided by events or construction sites. It just bothers me.

Would it not be nice to have "Coming Soon" signs in our life? Maybe. Maybe not. I believe God protects us during the preparation time for our coming events and circumstances. Say for instance, if I had known Pastor Scott was going to have us canvas the neighborhood on the spur of the moment, I would have volunteered for nursery duty (refer to my past blog, Aquarium Keepers). Can you imagine what would have happened had we walked into church that Sunday and saw a large sign that read "COMING SOON - CANVASSING THE NEIGHBORHOOD"? How about "COMING SOON --- car accident", "COMING SOON --- flu", "COMING SOON --- death of a loved one". No, I believe if we knew too much too soon we would be afraid to drive our cars, go around people and be paranoid that everyone we love is going to die. God protects us while He prepares us. There are circumstances that God reveals to us when He knows we are ready. Life happens. We all know that bad things are going to happen. We just cannot live our lives anticipating tragedy. If we do, we lose out on all the beautiful blessings and awesome people in our lives because we are too concerned about what is "COMING SOON".

I also think (and I may be childlike in my thinking) that God loves to surprise us with little blessings that we are not expecting; things we have prayed about, forgotten, but He didn't. I remember when James and I were living in Houston and we were praying for our children; specific areas in our children's lives. It has just been within the last 6 months or so that we have seen those prayers answered and come to fruition. I wish I would have had a sign that said, "COMING SOON -- prayers for children answered". What about all those times when you have needed a financial blessing, new job, loved one saved, relationship healed or physical healing? "COMING SOON -- (YOU fill in the blank)".

When Mandi and Jeremy lived in Little Elm, they longed for new construction sites. Little Elm is a small community, not far from Frisco, but still, not much in Little Elm. Frisco is a shopaholic's paradise. Not Little Elm. So, when construction began, I know they were excited to see what was "COMING SOON". I remember Mandi telling me that she almost cried when she read a sign that said, "COMING SOON -- Wendys". It was something different. It was something new to the area. Josiah loves their chicken nuggets. It was a place Jeremy could stop on his way home and pick up their dinner on a night Mandi needed a break (especially after Ava Beth came along). That was a good sign -- one that they were happy with and knew they would like the finished product. Everyday I'm sure Mandi and Jeremy drove by that construction site anxiously anticipating the completion of the new construction site in their little community. Just writing about this makes me have an insatiable hunger and for Frosty and Fries. Join me?

I saw a sign the other day, just across the street from the salon, that said, "COMING SOON -- Payless Shoes". I am so excited! Summer is coming and I can have fun little flip flops and summer sandals in all colors. All I will have to do is go across the street.

My life seems like a construction site. God is constantly adding on or removing. Some days I feel like a demolition ball is headed straight for me. Some days I feel like an implosion is inevitable. Some days I feel like we need to add a top floor and have an elevator installed that actually goes all the way to the top. But, what does my sign say? "COMING SOON -- Godly Woman"? "COMING SOON -- Soul Winner"? "COMING SOON -- Godly Mentor"? I so want to be what God wants me to be. Do I have everything needed to be constructed in a Godly fashion? Do I have the right people working with me and for me? Do I have people in my life that are skilled in the areas I need to be built, REbuilt or torn down?

If your life were a construction site, what would your "COMING SOON" sign say? What is it in your life that you are anticipating?

Father, I pray today that you would speak to our hearts. Reveal to us who and what you want us to be. Give us an insatiable hunger for Your Word. Equip us with Your wisdom to be the finished product You desire us to become. Give us teachable spirits to learn from those You have already put in our lives to build us. You, oh Father, are our foundation -- You are the Chief Cornerstone; everything else is secondary to You. Without You, our foundation will crumble. Fashion us, mold us, design us, refine us and raise us up to be bold women of God. Women who keep their homes in order and women who know order. Help us to be submissive to You first, our husbands, and/or Godly men who are in direct leadership in our lives. Father, Your Word teaches us to be submissive. Protect us in our submissiveness. Help us to live in sweet anticipation, not anxiousness, for what You are going to raise us up to do for Your glory and for Your purpose. I thank You, Father, for wonderful people You have put in my life to build me up. Help me always to be gracious. Bless my readers today, Father. In Your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Terminator/Originator

2006-02-15T08:06:00.000-08:00

James used terminology on the telephone with a co-worker several days ago that was new to me. James has been with the railroad for 30 plus years. I've been with him for many of those years. I thought I knew all the lingo and had heard every acronym regarding the railroad. He asked the man on the other end of the phone, "no terminators, then?" Now, you must understand, James conducts his railroad business at all hours of the day and night and I am with him on some of these occasions. I witnessed the rerailing of a couple of engines and a few cars one cold icy night in Dallas and as you know, railroads do not run through the best part of town. I just happened to be in the car with James when the call came. I spent the entire evening in the car watching the railroad action as well as checking all the mirrors for half man/half goat creatures in the night that I imagined watching me. There was no time to take me home and the roads were too icy. So sets the scenario for many a "date night" for James and me. We railroad!

When James got off the phone I asked, "What is a terminator?" He said as only James would, "it terminates." A man of many words, my James. When he saw the all too familiar blank look on my face he went on to explain that it meant the train terminated in the Centennial Yard (that's the train yard in Fort Worth where James works). He said we have "Terminators" and "Originators". I said, "Well, now that's a blog." I had not started blogging yet so he looked at me with HIS all too familiar "there she goes again" look. I have no idea what James said after that because I was already distracted.

I began to think about whether I was a terminator or an originator. Really, either one is good and then neither one is good. That was not great grammar but I think you get the picture. I put it into perspective and broke it down.

TERMINATOR:Do I terminate gossip? Do I terminate stinkin' thinkin' in myself and those under my influence? Do I terminate negative talk (though it be may true, is it edifying the person talked about)?

ORIGINATOR:Do I originate gossip? Do I originate stinkin' thinkin' in myself and those under my influence? Do I originate negative talk (though it may be true, is it edifying the person talked about)?

I want to be a TERMINATOR in the above scenarios. But here is where I want to be an ORIGINATOR. I want to start my day with prayer and thanksgiving and I want to encourage others to do the same. I want to say hello to people BEFORE they say hello to me. I want to show myself friendly and love people as God loves me. I want to speak kind words into people lives even if they do not do the same for me. I want to teach and mentor others in the ways of the Lord. I want the WORD of God to be in my mind and on my lips. I want to encourage others to have the joy of the Lord even on days that are not good days.

In all the TERMINATOR movies Arnold always says, "I'll be back." I now think that makes no sense. Terminate -- stop at this point and don't come back! Originate -- begin at this point and move on!

I'm sure you can all identify with this. What are you?

Terminator?
Originator?
Both?
Neither?

And, oh by the way, James, I DO listen to you (for as long as I can and then I wander off).

Faith

2006-02-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

If you have faith as a mustard seed . . . nothing will be impossible for you . .Matthew 17:20

Faith is a very easy word to SAY, but it is not always easy to live what we say. It is vitally important that we have faith. The Word teaches us in Hebrews 11:6 ". . . without faith it is impossible to please Him . . ." Faith is the opposite of common sense, often mistaken for enthusiasm and narrow-mindedness. Just as common sense and faith are different so is the natural life and the spiritual life. So, when you exercise common sense it is natural and when you exercise faith it is super-natural (or spiritual). Perfect faith becomes reality.

Often God brings us into particular circumstances to educate our faith -- it is how we learn and grow. To those who do not know Jesus, God is only a concept. They cannot have faith in Him because they do not KNOW Him. When we come to know Jesus we immediately have something that is real and our faith is limitless.

II Corinthians 1:24 tells us ". . . because it is by faith you stand firm . . ." Faith is the key to standing firm in the midst of trials that normal everyday life brings. We know that even when a sparrow falls to the ground He is mindful and all the more He is mindful of us, His children. (Refer to Matthew 10:29-31.)

Our salvation is dependent on faith. It is by grace that I have been saved THROUGH faith (Ephesians 2:8). Only God would give us exactly what He requires of us. He requires faith and He gives every man a measure of faith. God has given us so many reasons to trust -- so many reasons to have faith in Him. Our faith should be increasing daily. When God does something good for you, tell someone. It's our confessions of faith that build others' faith (Romans 12:3). A few years ago I exercised my faith in a big way. I chose to have faith that God would heal me of asthma. God DID heal me and I tell you because I want YOU to have faith that God will do everything He said He would do for you - - - salvation, deliverance, healing - - - whatever you have need of. Just because He said He would!

We have a sprinkler system at our house that is set on a timer. The sprinkler system not only waters the grass but it keeps moisture near the foundation to prevent shifting. The Word teaches me to be a good steward of what He has blessed me with. God has blessed us with our home and our yard but we have to maintain it. Common sense tells me that since there is a drought, my yard will die. However, faith tells me that my grass is going to live and not die because God has given me other resources. Faith tells me that God is bigger than any drought and to have faith for rain AND while standing in faith I am to do everything I know to do to care for what I have. So it is with us spiritually. We may go through droughts and feel like we are going to spiritually dry up and die, but faith helps us to stand firm. Remember Romans 12:3, about the MEASURE of faith? How much is a measure? I'm not really sure but I know that a MEASURE can be added to or taken away from. Feed and water your faith just as I feed and water my yard. Take care of the faith you already have and it will not only live, it will grow. Be adventurous. Accept risks and reap the benefits. In Ecclesiastes 11:11, we read ". . . cast your bread upon the water . . . "

There have been times when I have had a situation where I wanted someone to stand in agreement with me. I am very careful about who I ask to pray for me. I pick only those who I believe have FAITH. One of those is my daughter, Amanda (my Mandi). She prays the Word over me and she has faith that the Word will do what it says it will do. I have asked Mandi to pray for my healing. I have asked Mandi to pray for my business. I have even asked Mandi to pray for my menopausal days. I know that I can trust her to have faith for me.
I have seen her prayers answered.

I truly am a woman of faith. God has been so faithful to me. There are things I have prayed for that I've forgotten about but God never has. His answers always come and sometimes they are the answers I WANT. Some situations are life situations and we continue in our faith. For instance, our children. You will NEVER be through praying for your children.

Above I referenced Matthew 17:20 but I also like this one. Matthew 13:31 and 32 says this. "...the Kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof."

See yourself with just a little bit of faith and growing it. See yourself as that huge tree (of faith) that others can come and build their nests in your branches. See yourself with so much faith that others will come to you for your faith. People will be healed because of YOUR faith. Lives will be changed because of YOUR faith. The lost will be saved because of YOUR faith.

God will do for you everything He said He would do! Have FAITH!

See, I call things that are not as though they are because the Word tells me I can. That's why I have FAITH.

Caught Up

2006-02-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

Before reading my blog, "Aquarium Keepers" you may want to read Amanda's blog "Caught Up". Sunday was life changing for her as well and she does a wonderful job telling her readers about it. I am so thankful we experienced such a life changing event as a family. You can go directly to her link referenced on the right side of the page.

http://www.farmorethanrubies.blogspot.com

Aquarium Keepers

2006-02-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a pivotal day in my life. I will be forever changed.

When describing my Pastor to those who do not know him, I always use words like "Bold" and "Passionate". One Sunday I introduced Pastor Scott to a friend of mine that I had invited to church. He shook her hand, said he was glad she came and then (without letting go of her hand) looked her square in the eye and asked her if she knew Jesus. It made me uncomfortable. I thought, "Well, of course she knows Jesus. She's at church after all." I was not offended, neither was she, but it did make me feel uncomfortable. He did nothing wrong. What he did was right but what I FELT was wrong. Oh, and yes, she did know Jesus. Later that day the thought crossed my mind, "What if she had said "NO"?" And I had been with her day in and day out and never led her to the Lord.

Well, as I mentioned earlier, Sunday was a pivotal day in my life. Our Pastor stood before the congregation and challenged us to canvas the neighborhood where our church is. I thought he was going to have a special "visitation" night. But that is not what he had in mind. He had packets prepared for us to go out immediately. Right at that moment -- church clothes and all. He gave us instructions, told us to get in groups of 3, women do not go alone, one can be the "talker" and one can be the "packet carrier", etc.

Now, I grew up in a church that I believe was dependent upon the sale of peanut brittle to pay the bills. I think I was one of the top sales people in our church. I knocked on doors many Saturday mornings in our neighborhood (nice neighborhood where I knew everyone and so did my parents). I had my speech down. I told them where I went to church, sold the peanut brittle, but never once asked any of them if they knew Jesus. I went out many Saturday mornings on visitation with our church bus. We canvassed neighborhoods close to our church. We had puppet shows and we gave out candy. After all, we were trying to break our attendance record. But none of that prepared me for what happened Sunday morning.

Well, we broke one rule. There were 4 of us instead of 3 as Pastor Scott had instructed. Myself, my husband, James, my daughter Amanda (Mandi) and my son inlaw, Jeremy. As we crossed the busy street I said, "I'm the "packet carrier", James, you are the "talker". James asked, "Why me?" I said, "Because you are the Priest of our home, the head of our family." I believe he rolled his eyes at that moment. The first house we visited James stepped up first and was the "talker" and on the next house Jeremy said, "I'll get this one." The next house Mandi said, "This one is mine." One house, in particular, we ALL were the "talker". The gentleman's name was Pedio. He said his wife went to church and he would tell her about our church. Mandi said that we would like for HIM to visit and to come with his family. I told him his little girl (standing behind him) was pretty -- boy, was I anointed or what?James asked him if there was anything he needed help with or was there anything we could pray with him about. He told us he had lost his job. We all stood on his doorstep and James prayed for this man and his family. As we walked away, Mandi sternly said to us, "We should have asked him if he knew Jesus. Pastor Scott would have." I realized that my boldness is only when I'm in my comfort zone -- IN the church.

Everyday this week Pedio has been on my heart and I have prayed for him. I have prayed for everyone on the streets that we visited. They need God. They need US to show them God. They need a church family that will love them into the Kingdom -- not condemn them. Who cares if their English is not good? My Spanish is non-existent. God understands all languages. Tonight before choir practice I will drive down the streets we visited and I will pray for these people. I will pray that God will speak to their hearts. I will pray for boldness to go BACK and visit again. Sunday morning, I'll drive the streets again and I will pray for these people. I will pray that I will have boldness to go BACK and visit again.

Pastor said a couple of things Sunday morning that I have not been able to get out of my mind. He said that in the shadow of our steeple there are lost people who will die and go to hell. He also said that we are to be "fishers of men" and most of us are "AQUARIUM KEEPERS".

Matthew 4:19 says in RED letters "...Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."

Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to help me be bold for You. Take my ministry outside the 4 walls of the church. Let me bring others to You not just take care of the ones who have already come to You. I don't want to be an aquarium keeper. I want to add daily to Your Kingdom. Give me compassion for those who need You. Let the steeple on our church become a beacon of light that the lost are drawn to. Let our church be a place of refuge where the lost are saved and their lives are forever changed. Give the leadership of our church wisdom to minister to those who will come. And, they WILL come. Your Word teaches us to go out and compel them to come in that Your house may be filled. Give us provision that we may provide. Give us instruction that we may instruct. Forgive us that we may forgive. Love us that we may love. Oh, Father, you are enlarging our territory. Help us to call out to You as Jabez did. "Oh that You would bless us indeed, enlarge our territory. Keep Your hand on us and keep evil from us." This is out of my comfort zone, Lord. You are taking me to a place I've never been. I go willingly. Send me. Amen

Designer's Original

2006-02-06T09:30:00.000-08:00

And, behold there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, that art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. Luke 13:11-13

That scripture needs no embellishment. I would like to break that scripture down just a bit. "...in no wise lift up herself..." She seems to be helpless. I wonder if she had been to doctors. Did she have the means to go to doctors? I get the feeling she had done everything she knew to do. She needed Jesus to touch her and she recognized she had a need.

"...when Jesus saw her, he called her to Him..." He KNEW her. He recognized her need for him. He called her out. I wonder if she thought "No, I'm just a an infirmed woman. I can't respond to him. After all, he is Jesus." I wonder if she had heard the Old Testament scripture that we read today in Genesis 1:31, "...and God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good..."

God created YOU and He said, "This is good." He had a purpose for you. He still has a purpose for you.

I'm reminded of Moses' conversation with God when he told God that he (Moses) was to bring up the people but that God had not made it known to Moses who He would send with him. "...Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight." (Exodus 33:12) Hey! He knows YOU by name. I know what you are thinking. "That was Moses and he was a mighty man of God." I guess you have forgotten about the time Moses spent on the "backside of the desert". (See Exodus 3 for a detailed account.) Well, I may not be Moses but I am Karen Pierce and nobody is a better Karen Pierce than me. I'm actually very good at being Karen Pierce. I am a "Designer's Original". I was "fearfully and wonderfully made". I have a name and God knows exactly what my name is. He called me out. God has a divine plan for your life and you are the only one He can use to fulfill His plan for your life. He designed you for His purpose and His glory and He will call you by name. You were fashioned, molded, designed, refined and perfected. Don't try to be anyone else because God needs YOU to be in the starring role. You are exactly what God created you to be.

"...and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God." Praise is essential to an intimate relationship with God. This woman recognized she had an infirmity that she was helpless to change. He called her out, healed her and she praised Him.

About 8 years ago, I went through a rough time in my life. I had just lost my grandmother. We moved to Houston (without the children). I was lonely because I didn't have any friends close by. I would go to Wal-Mart just to have someone to talk to. James didn't understand. He said that I was the only person he knew that could walk into 7-11 and come out with a Diet Coke and a friend. I fell into depression (which later I decided was really OPPRESSION). The doctor put me on anti-depressants. I am not going to talk bad about anti-depressants because there are people who truly need them. That is between you and God. I truly believe God delivered me from that very sad state I had fallen into. I only took the medication for a short period of time. I believe it was God who changed me because of my faith. I am no great name in society. I have never authored a book. I'm just Karen Pierce. But, HE knew my name. He called ME out. He delivered ME. I praise God for my deliverance. God did something for me that medicine could not do. God did something for me that my understanding of the sadness could not do. No one else but God could do what He did for me.

God has already done wonderful things in your life. Start praising Him. "Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Praise should continually be on your lips. A dance should always be in your feet. God created you. God fashioned you. God designed you. You are a Designer's Original. God loves you. God called you out. God knows YOU by name.

Home!

2006-02-02T05:31:00.000-08:00

I love reading in Psalm. Not all of it, but much of it was written by David. Most of it, David actually SANG. I have always enjoyed reading about David and studying his life. My mother told me when I was a little girl that had I been a boy she was going to name me David Keith. Well, instead I am Karen Renee and I am so not a boy. Maybe that is why I was drawn to "David" even as a little girl.

When David wrote the Twenty-Third Psalm he was up in his years -- elderly. David had lived a very colorful life by this time. He had seen tragedies in his own household. He had been "almost" killed several times. He had been to war many times. He had faced many sorrowful events in his life. David always found his way back to God. With all the junk in his past he wrote the Twenty Third Psalm. In my mind I see David taking himself back to the little shepherd boy tending his father's sheep.

He was a shepherd himself. He knew that not one of his little lambs would ever want for anything. He knew how to get the flock to eat and then to make them lie down in green pastures. David knew what it was like to go ahead of the flock and build a dam to make still waters for them to drink. He knew what the sheep feared the most and he knew he had to care for them. He knew that he would have to discipline the sheep and teach them to follow. David understood what it was to nurse and nurture the sheep. He knew that when they came to dark valleys and eminent danger, he would have to be the one to safely lead the flock. David had to be the one to calm their fears. David always knew he would lead them home.

Home! What a wonderful thought. Home!

When James and I go on trips we plan and plan. We look forward to it and we enjoy it. But when the trip is over and we are headed home, the closer we get to home the more excited we get. Home!

The Twenty-Third Psalm builds into a crescendo declaring David's faith. "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Shouldn't that be our declaration? Isn't that what gets us through life? The promise that we do have a future in Christ Jesus. We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. We are not homeless people. We have an eternal home that with faith we look forward to.

David was a King, David was a Psalmist, but most of all, David was a shepherd. He wrote the Twenty-Third Psalm with conviction and was convinced that God felt about him the way he felt about his own flock. How beautiful. I'm sure David recited and sang that Psalm over and over again. He knew the Psalm, he wrote the Psalm. I'm sure you could recite the Psalm yourself. Go ahead, stop reading and recite it.

You know it, don't you? My thought for you today is, it's not enough to know the Psalm. Do you know the Shepherd? Do you know that He cares for you? Do you know that He will never leave you or forsake you? Do you know that He will nurture you and bring about your healing? Do you know that He will lead you beside still waters? Do you understand that you have hope and a future? Do you know that you too can dwell in the house of the Lord forever?

Father God, in the name of Jesus, I ask you to use this to minister to someone today. Draw them to You and show them, as only You can, that You are the Shepherd that cares for them. You will discipline but You will heal and comfort them. Amen

Carry On

2006-02-01T06:05:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have heard someone say, or you have said, "She has baggage." Or, "We ALL have baggage." I suppose we do.

Last August, James and I flew to see our son, Josh, in Seattle. It took me DAYS to get packed. I'm a total freak when it comes to traveling. I'm not one of those who can take one or two pair of shoes that go with all of my outfits. I like choices. I do not want to know what I am wearing each day. I like to surprise myself. I also need jewelry and handbags to coordinate. I don't care if all I'm doing is sight-seeing, I need to be outfitted. I always take far too much and my husband has dealt with it very well. Before we went on our trip to Seattle, he bought all new luggage with rollers.

Something caught my eye as we were standing in the ticket line. It was a little rack that is used as a measuring device for the luggage you are allowed to take onto the plane with you -- your "carry on". I got a little scared. I usually want to take all my baggage with me. That always poses another problem, what do I carry on with me? It's always toiletries, make-up, jewelry, camera, phone, Bible, other reading material, gum for my ears popping, etc. Baggage that is too large to fit in the rack is deemed to large for "carry on" and you must "check it".

In my life, there is baggage that I have checked. I loaded it up and truly checked it. And, I'm done with it. There are some things that I "carry on". I know you are thinking, "Well, she needs to check it."

There are things in my life that I cannot check. There are things in my life, good and bad, that have made me who I am today. I can't check it. I have to "carry on". See, I survived an abusive marriage. I was healed of asthma. I was delivered from depression. I survived poverty. My daddy died too young. My mother had a stroke and has never recovered from the damage. My grandmother died and I still need her. My son has broken my heart many times.

But those are some of the things I carry that make me who I am today. That's where my anointing comes from. That's where I get my sensitivity. Those things drove me directly to God. I was like a little girl running to my daddy, hurt, bleeding and crying. Every time I ran to him, he ran toward me and met me. He picked me up in His loving arms and brushed away my tears, kissed my scrapes and set me up a little higher each time.

There have been times when I've asked God, "Why did I have to be abused? Why did my children have to live in abuse and be abused? Why did you take my daddy? My grandmother? Why has Josh made the mistakes he has made? Why can't you heal Mother's eyes and mind? Why did the children and I have to scrape to get by?"

God speaks only one answer. "Your salvation was free but your anointing cost you everything. Protect it with everything you have." And so, I "carry on". Another answer God recently gave me, "I didn't TAKE your daddy and your grandmother; I RECEIVED them."

There are things in your life, good and bad, that make you who you are today. Let them be your tools of ministry to help others that are hurting. Remember Joseph saying to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." See, the enemy tried to destroy me, but God was with me and He protected me. He had His hand on me and all the while my testimony was being written. I am alive and well today. I am a survivor. There is life after abuse. We don't ever forget it but we can't let it destroy us. Use it to bring God glory.

I pray that as you read this that your life will be changed. Your thinking will be changed. Our past is just that -- past. But, today, in Christ Jesus, you have a future so "carry on."

I Am A Woman -- Designed and Fashioned By God

2006-01-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

I love being a woman. Not because it suits my emotions, nor because it matches my physical characteristics; I love being a woman because I am assured that this was God's choice and design for me.

In the first two chapters of Genesis we read the story of Creation:

First Day: God created light . . .
Second Day: God made the heavens and the dry earth . . .
Third Day: God brought forth vegetation . . .
Fourth Day: God made the sun and moon to govern night and day . . .
Fifth Day: God filled the sea and air with living creatures . . .
Sixty Day: God populated the earth with the beasts . . .

After each, God said, ". . . it was good . . . "

The only negative note in Creation was, "it is not good for man to be alone." God's plan then was to make a helper suitable for him.

The man was not totally alone. God had already created the creatures of the sea, air and ground. But God knew that man should not live with only the companionship of creatures. God could have given him another man for fellowship or an animal for a partner, but neither would have been a "helper suitable for him".

This would have to be a special creation. Man was formed from the dust of the ground, but God took a rib from the man's side and fashioned it into a woman. She came into existence from something already created -- she was an extension of man (Genesis 2:21&22).

In Genesis 1:27 we read that God "created" man, but in Genesis 2:22 we read that God "fashioned" the woman.

Fashion comes from the Hebrew root word meaning "to build" or "to design". But God had a special blueprint and design for woman, so He fashioned her into what He wanted her to be. Could it be that God took extra care in making woman so she could be a fairer sex and a feminine beauty? She was designed to compliment the man, not to replace him.

FINAL THOUGHT:
We are women . . . designed and fashioned by the Master who designed the universe with His divine plan and purpose. He is the Creator with order and purpose. Therefore, I know that as a woman designed by God, I have a definite purpose to follow and fulfill. So do you. What is God's purpose and plan for your life?

Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.