Month: October 2007

This was taken last year when my friend got married!
She just celebrated her 1st Anniversary! Happy Anniversary Lisa and Lan!

“Finding JOY in the Morning is giving away the book Emotional Purity: An affair of the Heart. Just for writing about it on your blog and leaving a comment HERE you can be entered in the drawing. Drawing ends October 30th.”

The book Emotional Purity: An Affair of the Heart is one that I have not read, but intend to search out! Teaching our children and grandchildren the value of purity is top priority and much neglected in many homes today.

Thanks Loni for sharing this opportunity with us!

Loni, of “Joy in the Morning”, has chosen the following timely message:

“We women must realize how visual men are, and because of that we should wear modest clothes. Not because we don’t have the right to wear what we want, but for the benefit of the spiritual life of our brothers in Christ.“

~ Heather Arnel Paulsen ~
Emotional Purity:
An Affair of the Heart

This goes with something I hear frequently on the Focus on the Family radio program. I will tell you right up front, I was brought up to dress modestly. My mother made almost everything I wore. But I also learned by example. Coming from a heritage of godly women, I was blessed beyond measure by the examples that were set before me. I am thankful for each of my grandmothers, my mother, as well as her sisters.

It was difficult in bringing up girls to keep them in line with what I believed to be appropriate. Pressure to “show more” than necessary is everywhere you turn. Teaching them that “showing more” tells a lot about the inside of the person. It is apparent to me, that some women seem unaware of the “disturbance” their clothing or rather, lack of, causes. I say that simply because every part of the world is different and hold a different view on such things. I cannot judge their heart. Only God can do that. He can speak to our hearts with such tenderness and mercy that we immediately know “what–and how”. I feel “convicted”, if I can use that term, of shirts or dresses that I feel are too revealing. This “conviction” stems from the way I was raised. I am glad of it though. Every woman has not had that “advantage”.

Girls, we can be cute….and STILL be modest! It may take some searching through the garments on the racks….but it can be done!!

I cannot say anything else that hasn’t already been said….and very well said might I add! Visit each participant from Loni’s site.

We are unusual. Some may even go so far as to say “weird”. I mean how many families do you know that actually “plan” a get-away weekend to purposefully enjoy one another’s company and be with the Lord? But that is exactly what we do. And the Lord blesses the trip! Pictured top left, my mother, my aunt, me, and my two sisters on the steps of the Country Cottage Bed and Breakfast.

When we arrived at the main house, we were greeted with beauty. The owner, Martha, has such a beautiful heart, and her heart goes into every detail.

After a wonderful night of rest….we arrived back at the main house for the most delectible breakfast imaginable! The atomsphere is serene and peaceful. When you walk inside, it feels as though you should take a deep breath and relax. There is a reverant feel to the air. All around the place. Both inside the house and the cabin and even while walking in the woods and down by the creek.

As you can see by the photos, we are surrounded by beauty and grace. Martha is extremely talented, and knows exactly how to make you feel at home.

As we gathered at the table, I prayed the blessing over the food, fellowship, our hostess and yes, even for the Lord to “bless” our shopping! The food was like nothing we prepare at home in our day-to-day lives. It was pretty to look at and absolutely wonderful to eat!

We started off with delicate pieces of fruit served in individual crystal bowls with a light sweet cream sauce on top. (Unfortuantely, in our excitement to begin, I forgot to take a picture of that!) But you can tell the breakfast was fit for a king! Or in our case, daughters of the King!

Martha, our sweet hostess and a precious friend, is a blessing in my life. She and her husband, Tom, started this Christ centered Bed & Breakfast several years ago. Jeff and I have been blessed by their love and fellowship for many years.

We stayed at the cabin—my favorite place in the world! So cozy and delightful. You feel the peace that seems to surround the entire place! It is the peace of God.

I forgot to take detailed pictures of the porch…so this will have to do! The cabin is a very relaxing place to be.

As you can see…..some of the leaves are changing! What beauty the Lord surrounds us with…if we will only take the time to see and enjoy what He has given!

Two years ago, as we traveled to this same bed and breakfast, the Lord gave us a song to sing. We had to call someone else for the words….but she came through! The song is called “I Still Have Joy”. Each one of us had been through some tough times, had a rough year(s). Nevertheless, we had found joy in serving the Lord—even though the traveling at times felt as though it were all up hill.

In the past year and a half—many more battles have been fought with the enemy. Each one of us bear scars as proof of battle. Some took longer to heal, some went deeper. Some are being healed even now. But God continually applies His healing ointment.

This weekend, the song was different. It is strange how I thought we’d sing the same song. I even called my friend to make sure we had the words right before we left. However, God had another song in mind.

I come from a background of music loving women. We sing praises to the Lord in our homes, our cars, our churches and to each other! Many of the women in our family are gifted with the ability to play the piano and sing. Unfortunately, I can only sing….and usually, only sing for the Lord! But I enjoy singing to Him and do so with great gusto (most of the time when I am alone!)

Before we left home (it was pouring rain—but that did not damper our spirits one bit!), we joined hands in the vehicle and prayed. We prayed for safety. We prayed for peace, for restoration of joy in our spirits, for traveling mercy, protection, for a good time, for shopping wisdom and for spiritual growth and healing. Maybe not in that exact order, but God handled every detail of our trip. What a Travel Agent! It was awesome!

As I drove (I always get bus driver duty), we shared what we needed in our lives, we listened to some music and a Beth Moore (introduction of series) teaching session. I remembered a song I wanted my sister, Aimee to hear because I had tried to “sing” it to her while we were waiting for our new niece to be born about a month ago….I was beyond tired….we were in the back of her SUV (the one we were in on this trip) —- and I could NOT remember the TUNE!!! But this time I had the CD. So I popped it in. You will remember the song. I blogged about it because it had stayed in my heart and on my mind for weeks after I heard it. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”.

I don’t have to tell you the Spirit of the Lord absolutely filled every available space inside that vehicle. I don’t have to tell you “that” became the song for the weekend. I am adding the words to the song at the bottom of this post for a time of reflection.

We arrived at our first stop, intending on going into the Antique Mall that we fell in love with last time. But after we ate, we saw a new “Thrift Store”. The next three hours flew by! We found some wonderful bargains! We were all wise shoppers! (That was the only place I spent any money!)

After we completely exhausted ourselves, we drove on to the cabin. It was less than thirty minutes away. We unpacked, looked around, and prepared a scrumptious feast for supper from things we had brought from home. (My mother believes in “bringing” from home—always a good idea!)

After we cleaned up, some took baths then, but we finally all settled into the living room. We began to share with one another our burdens. We unloaded. We shared things we wanted to “see” God do in our lives, and what we had a burden to do for Him. We shared heartaches and prayers that needed answering. My sister Aimee had brought an old “red back Hymnal” (that’s what we call them), full of all the old songs of our youth—and even further back! We sang and then began to pray. As we prayed for one another, the Lord filled that cabin with His Holy Spirit like you could not believe. He bathed us in His presence. We prayed for a long time. When we were finally finished, it was as if no one could move. We had moved back to our seats and the instrumental worship music we had put on for the meal was still playing and I got up and put the CD on with “our song”. It was like God put His finishing touch on our evening.

Before we went to bed, my sister, Wanda had us each share our passion and dream. By that I mean, she first asked, “what is your passion?” Well, I couldn’t really answer that. I was not sure. Then she asked me “what is your dream?” Then she said, “well, that is your passion”. I saw it clearly then. What would I need to do in order to “see” my dream, my passion, become a reality? Well, first much prayer. I am leaving it to God. If my dream is something that He desires for me as well, then it will become a reality.

As I opened my Bible to find a scripture to use here…..this is what I turned to. When I first opened it!

1John 5:13-15 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—-we know that we have what we asked of Him.

James 4:3 reminds us that when we ask and do not receive, we may be asking with wrong motives, for our own pleasure and for “ourselves”. God is not glorified in this. But I believe that when we seek to do God’s will, and seek to glorify God with all our hearts and everything we have and do, He hears us and desires to bless our lives with His best!

What is the song for this season of your life? Listen to the tune of God’s music in your life. See what lyrics He may be trying to write. Most of all, honor Him. Glorify Him. Praise Him. Live for Him. He will bless your life in ways you cannot possibly imagine!

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
by Isaac Watts
When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it Lord that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God,
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head
His hands His feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ere such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul
Demands my soul
Love demands my soul
My life my all….

I am thrilled to be telling you that early in the morning—my mother, sisters, and aunt are off for a wonderful flea market/antique mall adventure. Mix that up with much prayer, lots of fellowship, bible study and don’t forget the “eating”!

I will share and post much when we return! I love each of you!

ON the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. Psalm 138:3 (emphasis mine)

Seven years ago I called out to God for a specific need in my life. The Friday before Mother’s Day is a day I will never forget. I have shared bits of this story before, but, as Paul Harvey says, “now—the rest of the story”.

This particular Friday was set to be uneventful. Well, except for the fact that my baby girl was headed back to school after being out for two weeks with mononucleosis. The doctor had given her specific instruction to be careful, no stressful exercise, no bumping into things, etc. She was “contagious” and had to remain at home. So after two weeks of boredom at home, she begged to go back one day early. Just one day early.

Shortly after three o’clock that afternoon I received a call from my neighbor. Our receptionist came to my office to tell me, rather than use the speaker phone. That should have clued me in. But the next words I heard over the phone line brought the seat of the chair up in lightening speed. Or rather, I collapsed into it.

My teenage baby daughter had been in a car accident. Right in front of my house. The details of the accident are here. But what I want to tell you is this: We are not the giver of life. In our hands, we hold nothing of our own. Job 33:4 says, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” It all belongs to Him.

As I drove from my job, through the country roads that would lead me back home, miracle number one took place. Every day, these little country roads are filled with traffic. The kind of traffic that takes the slow lane of life. Tractors, old trucks, trucks with trailers hauling hay, grandma cars, but the ones you don’t see are those that have “passed” the ones you get stuck behind on the way to work.

On this particular day, as I sped out of town at one of the busiest times of the day, I saw not one single vehicle. Not one in front of me, nor at any intersection, nor any behind me. At the time of my speed praying (I was praying to the top of my lungs as I was speeding down the highway), but later, when the dust settled the Lord reminded of miracle number one.

As I was nearing home, I began to notice a helicopter overhead. When I realized it was heading for my house, my heart could not possibly beat any faster—but I thought it would come out of my chest. When I neared the house I saw I would have to park away and walk (run) because there were so many people along the roadside. When my neighbor and a couple of ladies from our church saw me and (I am certain), my panic stricken face, they ran to me and said “she’s okay. She is up on the hill in the ambulance. The helicopter had landed on the hill and they wanted to assure me that it was not taking her.

The sight of the upside down, “burned” Chevy blazer did absolutely nothing to improve my heart rate. I don’t even remember “seeing” the car my girl was in. I was looking only for her. I took off at a run for the ambulance. It was up the hill, and I had on heels, but what is that to a mom on a mission? When I reached the ambulance, she immediately began reassuring me that she was okay. Her face was covered in blood, her knee was bleeding, her clothes torn. But my child was worried about her mom. That is her nature.

My mother came up quickly, as did Grandbuddy. The EMT’s were getting the girls situated to take them to the hospital. One point here was comical (not then of course, but later). My mother questioned the EMT working on getting my baby strapped in, as to “where” they were taking them. The EMT stated they were taking her to “so & so” hospital. My mother quickly changed their mind. She simply said, “oh, no you are not. You are taking her to “this particular” hospital. No matter who you have to call, that’s where she’s going.” This is when a “bossy” type mom is handy to have around! (YOU know I love you mother!)

The helicopter would life flight her friend to the same hospital. The man driving the vehicle that struck them head on, at a high rate of speed (approximately 70 mph), would be taken to his destination by way of a vehicle without flashing lights. Actually, that probably was not his destination, you can judge a man by their fruits. You see, he was under the influence of alcohol and prescription medication. The evidence of his lifestyle was all over the highway. His lifestyle almost took a precious life of mine.

When we arrived at the hospital, so did miracle number two. There was a line…as always in the emergency room. I had rushed back to see her, but a nurse came and asked me to “please fill out some paperwork”. I don’t need to tell you how anxious I was to be with my baby. But obediently I went to “fill out and answer questions.” As I was just beginning, the assistant to the hospital administrator came and shook my hand, introduced himself and told me to “go on back and be with my daughter. They would take care of the paperwork. That was miracle number two. Have you ever heard of anyone “taking care of hospital paperwork for you?”

Even though I happened to work for someone “with a few connections”, and he had called the hospital, and had them be ready for us,….well, let me just ask you….Who do you think gave me that job in the first place? Do you not think for one instant that God is not aware of every detail of our lives that we will face? Do you not realize that although we only see a few pieces of our life’s puzzle at the time….the Creator of our “life’s puzzle” has the complete picture, and knows full well what steps, what jobs, what schools, what relationships we will need? Enough said.

The emergency room staff transferred calls to the room we were set up in until we left. Her knee was stitched up and the physician worked diligently picking glass from her face. I still had not seen it clearly. Her dad was attending a work conference in Delaware and I had only been able to give him sketchy information. (Her dad was always in charge of “emergency-bleeding situations—not me). Once I was able to see her face, I saw that one side was shredded as if very large fingernails had taken a swipe at my baby’s face. Can I tell you that my girl had no fear. At least if she did, she was not allowing her mom to see it.

Her boyfriend (who is now her beloved husband), and his mom, along with several friends and family members came to the hospital. But the Lord had arrived first. He placed the “surgeon” there, He placed the nurses there, each physician, every assistant to whomever needed assisting, –He, my Lord and Savior, placed them there for such a time as this.

As soon as they were able to get her ready, she had plastic surgery on her face. The physician was wonderful to her. She did not complain much about the pain, this girl is one tough cookie! They let us go home the next day, and I had been given instructions that the dressing on her face had to be changed every two hours. The amount of rest I had already had, was barely nothing. But I didn’t care. I had my baby girl. Her dad still had not been able to get home (the distance from Delaware to Florida is a bit more than “just down the road”). Our pastor’s wife, Rese, came to the hospital and delivered us safely back home. Our church family was wonderful to us throughout the whole ordeal.

When her dad got home, it was like I could breathe a sigh of relief. He was so glad to see his baby and be back home with his family. His heart was broken for her and what she may have to go through (more facial surgery), but he was so proud to have her alive. Jeff completely took over the area of “dressing changing” so I could rest. He set his clock to wake every two hours and slept on the floor (she slept in the “recliner couch” because she couldn’t rest lying flat). I could tell you that miracle number three was Jeff arriving home safe. But I didn’t have any doubts about that.

Miracle number three actually occurred before number one. But I didn’t learn about number three until last. When the officer came to talk to April about the accident, he questioned her about the other car, their car, and asked about the “seat belt”. Well, since she was “only going almost across the road”, she didn’t think to put it on. Mmmmm—-do you see this? Let me show you. The blazer hit the car head on about the mid point of the car. The dash board came in on them (which damaged both girls knees–older car—no airbags). The windshield shattered, but not because either girl hit their head. April’s friend did wear her seat belt….but it broke upon the sharp impact.

The miracle number three (in my opinion), was when the angel of the Lord reached into that car and held that baby girl of mine in that car, keeping her from “going through that windshield”. The shattered glass flew at her face at an intense rate of speed, shredding one side of those precious cheeks.

I am not trying to “pin a badge” on any being except God. His word says, in Psalm 91:11 and Luke 4:10 as well, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” I have no answer for the times we are injured. I have no answer for the times we suffer tragedy or go through hardships. I will only repeat what a precious blogger said over a week ago, “The darkness lasts as long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose.” So, no matter the trial, He is working all things for our good. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.”

When Jeff went down to the auto wreck yard to get whatever belongings may not have already been retrieved, he found her Bible. She took the Word with her daily. But the Word also lived in her heart. April had accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of seven (7), and has followed His leading in every area of her life.

She still does today. To close out this rather lengthy story, on the Sunday following the accident, which was Mother’s Day, I asked my pastor if I could share my miracle. I was about to share miracle number four. On April’s neck, at the location of the carotid artery, was a gash about 2 inches long. It went through the what I call “baby fat”, but stopped right there. It did not go further. Had it gone further, she would have bled to death before the ambulance arrived. We lived about 15 miles from the local hospital. It went that far, but no further. That morning, I praised God for “baby fat”.

We had gone through some fiery trials in our lives up to this point. Trials which had tested my faith to the max. Can I say that again? These trials tested my faith, my heart, my mind to the ultimate degree. I felt like Job in a small way. In Job 1:12 the bible says, “The Lord said to Satan, “All right then. Everything Job has is in your power, but you must not touch Job himself.”(NCV) In my mind I hear this, “okay devil, you can go this far, but no further“. As to the gash on April’s neck, it was “okay, this far but do not penetrate the complete depth of that baby fat!“

The surgeon speculated that April would require additional surgeries. But God does not speculate. April was prayed for by many—many people. She did not require additional surgeries. She has some scars on her face, she has a scar on her neck. She tells people “that’s where the angel of the Lord kissed me”. I am reminded of God’s mercy and goodness everytime I look at her beautiful face. I put my hand on her face and feel the slight ridge of the scar and remember what God has done for me.

Psalm 34:5-7 “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Her face is radiant to me with the glow from the Holy Spirit. She never holds her head down, but is thankful and glad of heart for her Lord heard the cries of her mother.

“You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer.” Job 14:5 NLT

Take every minute you are given and live it wholly for God. The Creator and Giver of life. And Life Eternal.

Thanks Pastor Potter for sharing some scriptures with me!

A new place to visit….is our youth group blog…we are just getting it going, but we are trying!
Renewed Day by Day is based on the scripture found in 2 Corinthians 4:16. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

That is what Christ is doing in our lives. Renewing us. That is my heart’s desire. More of Him and less of me. Head on over there when you have time. Pastor David Long is a poet and didn’t know it! He contributed a poem and it is AWESOME! The other ramblings are mine for now. We hope to add writers—-if they will just come forward and volunteer!!!

On that note, girls, if you have a teen that would be interested in sharing a devotion online with our youth—I welcome you to encourage them!! We would love to hear from other youths from around the world and what God is doing in their lives. Drop me an e-mail!

We are also having the youth share about their lives in Christ. So, stay tuned for more on that!

Blessings to each of you!!!

The Lord has blessed me in so many ways…. Even though I have been having the most horrible “hormone attacks” this week….enough to make me want to “attack!”….(just part of living in the real world!)—I am blessed to have a wonderful life mate—husband—-partner—-best friend—-hero….just to name a few of the things he is to me.

Father, when all other things have passed away, three things will remain; faith, hope, and love. (1Corinthians 13:13)….help me prioritize the things that will always remain.

The weather is gorgeous today! Brisk air…sunshine…(makes me want to hang clothes on the clothes line….if I still had one—need to look into that!—hint Jeff)

I intend to read the rest of the Thankful Thursday posts this weekend….I have 3 new books to read….(YEAH!)
Our ladies group at church has a “book club”—and this is the newest book!
I am set to relax and enjoy! One of the other books I will talk about next week…..