You’re probably like, “Angie, you have told me SO much, I’m not sure which story you are talking about! 🙂
When I heard about you and what’s going on in your life, I felt like there were some nuggets from my own story that might help you this morning (or evening-whenever you find yourself reading this).
Sometimes I find myself holding back — well, being transparent, I do hold back at times. But this morning, I wanted to share it all. I only like good surprises. If I know what I’m up against, I can be better prepared to handle what’s coming. Well, life doesn’t work like that. Only God holds our story. Only He knows what’s in the book. From the day you and I were born until the day we draw our last breath–He knows ALL the stuff in between. So trust me when I say…there is nothing He can’t handle. And He will walk you through ALL the things you would rather be delivered out of. Sometimes He will do it like that…and then other times, He’s like, “Hey, I’ve got some people down the road who will need to know your story–and How you trusted Me to get you to the goal…are you willing?” Well, when You put it like that….(To read the rest, go here.)
By now, most of our friends and all of our family know what happened in our lives on July 4. The unknowns that morning were scary. But after the hospital and initial doctor visits we had more answers.
Jeff fell from scaffolding. Not as high as his fall in Bolivia–but this was onto concrete. His head and right shoulder took the brunt. He had a pretty bad concussion, broken and dislocated collarbone, broken rib, and fracture in the third vertebra. The extent of the fracture was unknown then. But I can promise you MUCH prayer ensued. And I believe God made that unknown fracture so insignificant that the final ex-ray and MRI showed a different picture than the initial one. It was more “like a “shin-splint” in the neck”, according to Dr. Lee (spine specialist). I believe that was the result of the prayers prayed by people here and in Bolivia.
The collarbone, dislocated forward rather than inward, which was “good”, meaning no surgery required. But they said he would always have a knot….well you know what I believe???? Yes. If you know me at all–you know I believe God can absolutely resolve the knot. Will HE? I don’t know what He will do.
Sometimes, like in Paul’s life, He chooses to leave certain things so that our weaknesses become a place in our lives where HIS strength shines. I may not know what He will do, but regardless of what He does, I know He can do ANYTHING….and sometimes, that “anything” results in using what we see as a weakness, to show us that through HIS strength we can accomplish whatever He puts in front of us.
He’s done it too many times before me–for me not to know this today.
Because of the concussion and his memory loss, Jeff repeatedly asked the same questions. “What happened? How did I get here? What was I doing?” With great patience, we each answered these questions with the same response: “You fell from scaffolding. Juno brought you. You were fixing one last board on the side of his house.” For several hours this went on. He doesn’t remember any of that…but he now remembers all his other lost memories (ALL Praise to GOD!!).
This morning in my prayer time, these questions came back to me. Many times in our lives we wind up in places we had no intention of ever being.
Our circumstances were the result of our actions–or many times, our “inaction”. The teen-mom never intended to be a mom at the age of 15. The young man never intended to destroy his mind with the alcohol and drugs. The couple never intended to end up in divorce court…
What happened? How did I get here? Most likely–guards were let down. Armor was not worn (spiritual armor). Our minds become distracted with everything going on in the world–and there is some bad things happening everywhere–yesterday’s (as$@ssination) attempt was a prime example of the ugly.
If we are not careful, our words, actions or inactions–and our attitudes can wreck our own lives and the ones we love. That’s what the devil wants. Wreckage piling up like an interstate traffic pile up. Once there–it’s mighty hard to get out.
Jeff’s accident was the result of some not-so-fancy footwork. But again, God had His mighty hand on him because just as in Bolivia, it could have been MUCH worse. We could be attending a funeral instead of church this morning.
I just want to pause in the “devotion-lesson” today and say a huge thank you to our Evangel Church family and our church in Bolivia, Centro Familiar de Adoración all our family and friends, both here and there–thank you. Your prayers have made a difference! We are believing for MORE! 🙂 We know NOTHING is impossible with God!
I will take this back up later–but I feel like someone needs to be reminded right now, pay attention to where you are and what you are doing. One misstep can land you where you don’t want to be. One word spoke in anger can do more damage than you can imagine.
I don’t want to find you asking the same question of “what happened?…. in your own life.
Our oldest grandson has some favorite things: Wrestling, Marvel Movies, family, and a good banana split. Almost in that order. With him being autistic, I’ve had to learn a new approach on many things in our lives, but especially change when it comes to him. We stick to a routine as much as possible for his sake.
This past Saturday we watched a Marvel Movie: Captain America: The Winter Soldier. When something is said that catches my ear–I pay attention and generally pause the movie and write it down. I did so last….. (To read the REST of the story, run over to my personal blog)
In my quiet time this morning, I had one of those thoughts that came flying through. Not a bad thought-but a very clear “picture thought”.
The phrase, “cover me-I’m going in” did a fly by in my brain.
I have said it before, I enjoy a good western movie. Mostly the older ones though. I don’t think they make a western movie any more that doesn’t have a barn full of cussing and clothing issues….if you get my drift. So, I generally stick with the old black and white programs when I want to watch a good western.
It’s a shame though. A true shame that we have become so word ignorant that we have to rely on bad language to sell a movie. You can see real quick I could go off on a rant right here if I’m not careful. So I’ll stop and thank God that we actually have had some good movies in the past few years.
Back to the fly-by. “Cover me–I’m going in”, has been said in countless westerns, cop shows, murder mysteries, etc. What they were needing was back up. Someone to watch out for them. Warn them of … [Click here to read the rest on my personal blog]
How many times growing up did you hear that phrase? “Close the door!” If it involved a screen door it might be, “don’t slam the door”.
In the early hours of Saturday morning I woke up praying. Has that ever happened to you? I’ve had it happen a few times–and it always involved a dream where prayer, urgent prayer was needed-immediately. It was 2:04 AM. When I woke, I was actually praying in the Spirit and the need was critical. I’ll explain in a minute.
I got up and came to the living room–knowing there was someone I needed to pray for but didn’t know who. On my knees I called out to our Father in Heaven. I don’t always kneel–sometimes I sit–but this feeling that I had–I felt I needed to kneel–like we did as grandchildren growing up when we stayed summers with Mama and Paw-Paw. On my knees it’s easier to block out other things.
I don’t remember how long I prayed–but when I finished I took my notebook and began writing all that I could recall of the dream. I don’t feel impressed to share all the details this time–but I do feel you need to know the message that I felt the Holy Spirit was impressing on my heart to share with you.
To read the rest of the blog devotion please visit my personal blog.
Yesterday, when I sat down to write and pray, I did what I always do: write the date. August 1, 2023. I knew immediately what Wednesday, August 2, 2023 would represent. Seven years since the diagnosis of breast cancer marched into my ears, as if it was going to take up permanent residence. It was not.
There are some things that chemotherapy snatched away from my memories–but that day feels as if it is grounded in concrete with rebar. After my physician, ….to read the rest, head over to my personal journey blog.
“…Raise your hand if you thought you could only serve God in ministry as a pastor, youth pastor or missionary. I think when God places a call on our lives to serve Him, that’s immediately where we first go to in our minds. We become a stammering, stuttering Moses, trying to talk God out of it….”
The topic of “purpose”–your purpose, my purpose, it’s purpose (as in circumstances) is often discussed in Christian circles. We all want to know ours. What we’re here for, and we want to know now.
I don’t believe finding your purpose is completely like declaring you are going to medical school so that you will become a doctor–or law school to become a lawyer. I believe deep in each one of us, our purpose was a planted seed as God created us…in our mother’s womb. For some, it IS to be a doctor–or lawyer–an educator, etc. The point is, we all have a purpose. The biggest one: To be light in a dark world.
Of course there’s more to it than that.
At the end of the first chapter of Luke, he describes John’s purpose:
“… to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit usto shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 1:77-79 HCSB
These words came directly from the Holy Spirit, through the voice of Zechariah when he was no longer silent. John’s daddy declared his purpose to the world on the day he was born. He shared what had been given to him by the angel, Gabriel–that well known passage when we learned ‘ole Zechariah had some doubt about what God could do. I mean, didn’t he remember Abraham and Sarah? For real! God did an all out miracle there. But instead, his focus was on his inabilities, not God’s abilities.
But the day of declaration came and I like to believe he was LOUD with it! I believe by the time he wrote “his name is John”, I believe he cleared the cobwebs from his unused vocal cords and his voice rang out like he had a lapel mic attached to his robe. The Bible says he instantly began praising God… and after that, you just can’t praise quietly.
The last sentence of this chapter caught my attention this morning–and in truth, it’s the very reason I started typing this morning:
The child grew up and became spiritually strong, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
Luke 1:80 HCSB
The main part that grabbed me were these: “and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance”. Another translation says “he lived in lonely places until….”
The bottom line is- that place where you and I have been–or maybe still are? That place that feels like a wilderness–that loneliness you feel even when surrounded by people? The only way out is to stay faithful to seeking His Presence and His Word. It might FEEL like a wilderness…but in fact, I believe it’s the preparation ground for what God is about to reveal–and do in and through your life. The things you are experiencing and learning through those dark days will undoubtedly be used by God to help another. I heard a minister once say that God never wastes suffering. I believe every smidgen of what we walk through, the good and the bad is able to be used by God.
So, your purpose? Declare love of Jesus Christ to those who don’t know… sometimes those who DO know–need reminders of His faithfulness. And hold on honey. If you don’t know yet—it’s coming (your purpose). Because HE is coming soon—and HE is going to use YOU!
And friend, I am ready for the revival that is on the horizon—and I want it to begin in US!
I woke this morning with a different feeling inside. It started with the unusual dream. Oh how I praise God for that dream! Because I am reminded of His love for the world. Humanity.
I woke up praying in a brand new prayer language. That did something to me-in my heart. My mind.
Yesterday I reflected on how much He wants to spend time with us me, yet we I continually put Him off. We I do this- we I work on that- we I go here and we I go there….putting Him on hold until we I can find time to “sit down”…and then we I forget.
I had to go back and cross out the “we” and show you that it’s me. It is “I” who stays busy~
Last night I had worked on a picture that I had taken at my mothers, adding a verse. It’s a sweet spot in her yard for prayer, conversations with children or grandchildren. It’s a teaching place. A swing positioned right in front of their garden plot. Hanging from a huge oak tree, beside a drooping fenced pasture and scupplin’ vine*, an old swing waits.
Then my computer went blitzy and it locked up and lost it. I couldn’t remember if I had hit “save”…I got aggravated and shut it down and put it away. I had found just the “right verse”.
It’s a wonderful thing about God’s word. It’s alive. Passages I memorized have been coming to my mind frequently–that is The Holy Spirit at work in my busy state of “being”. Reminding me…
To me, my mother’s house is the place where peace is found and felt and relished. It’s hard to explain. I remember my friend Connie Haile and also +Susan K Baldwin, both at different times spending the night with me during a “house sitting” event while they were on a mission trip, or lengthy visit to relatives, and they both said the same thing: “I feel peace here.”
That’s where we rest. In the place of peace. But too often we continue working. Rushing. Spending time doing the deal–we forget His desire to be with us.
Tomorrow is Sunday. If you are in ministry–it’s your busiest day. Don’t neglect the time needed to rest. To just “B”. (As my friend +Betty Shoopman would say.)
God is faithful and HE will meet you in that place…of peace. Rest. Breathe. I can’t tell you how important it is. Even if you can only grab a snippet of time. Take it.
Find that “lost” peace that’s missing from your life. Just like I turned on my computer this morning and opened my pictures in search of another one to work on, there sat the one I made last night…waiting to be used.
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. Genesis 12:1 NLT
First steps are critical. First steps are applauded. They are remembered. Just as a parent watches with joy, the first steps her toddler takes, so God, watches each of us as we embark on the unknown journey’s of our lives. One step at a time. Obedience. Step-step. One foot out, here comes the other… Without hesitation or forethought of where it might lead. That’s what Abram did. The Bible states in verse 4, “So Abram departed…” When God speaks to us–often we take a practical approach. The human understanding approach. The common sense approach. We make a list. While lists are not bad… in the process of making the list, we can often turn aside to our own devices. We sort through what God said as if we were sorting through the mail–and we take the parts that make most sense…and then…we consult the accountant…or the neighbor… or the friend. I’m not against “consulting”. I am actually all for it. So is the Bible. But too often I think we consult those who may not understand–and therefore they give us the idea that — “maybe we heard wrong–or, maybe we are acting in haste”… I’m very careful on who I consult with regarding my “God journey’s”. I learned the hard way. There are those who “get it”…and those who don’t. If you have a dream–or a vision that you believe God is directing you to, the first thing (in my opinion), just say “yes”. Then allow God to walk you through the process. Consult those who can lead you in the right direction–in taking the steps necessary to get you from point A to point B….and go with God. There is an exciting journey ahead. Along the way–you may become discouraged–even think you didn’t hear correctly. TRUST the Voice you heard. Obedience is key–God will grow you, mold you, re-make you all along the way. Take note of all the things you learn. Keep a journal. There is significance in every step.
Jeff & Angie 