I have been sssiiiccckkk…..yuk!
We will return to your regular programing momentarily….(well, maybe not momentarily, but for sure before the week is out!)
Don’t forget!
Consider this your invitation to join ‘the sisters’, our mother, Valeria, Darnelle (who won the book in the give-away), mama doodle, Gloria, our dear friend, Janice, along with many others that have e-mailed me with their interest and desire to join us, as we embark on this journey of 90 days with Jesus through the pages of the personal reflections series book by Beth Moore.
I would love to add your name to the list!If you want to join I am giving you plenty of time to locate a book. They can be purchased through LifeWay Christian Supply, Christian Book Distributors, or perhaps your local Christian Book Store.
We plan to begin this study in September.We had first planned to begin in July, but with so many people vacationing and otherwise committed throughout the summer, we decided it might be best to wait until school is back into full swing and everyone that would like to join has the opportunity to purchase their books! (Right now it is on sale with both LifeWay and Christian Book Distributors.)
The benefits of this study?~Time alone with the Lord…learning about HIM! Conversations with Him as we study, learn and pour ourselves out as He pours His Holy Spirit in.~We can do this study at our own pace each week.~We can study in our Jammie’s, no make-up, late at night — or first thing in the morning…you choose!~We will gain spiritual strength and muscle~~ much needed for the the battles ahead as this world changes daily.
So ladies, if you want to join us, put a note on your desk, refrigerator, or set a reminder on your phone…but pick up the book, sharpen your pencil, get a fresh notebook to write what He says to YOU during this time. We will be posting a few more reminders in the next couple of months.
We are looking forward to this time together as we each share with you our hearts from His word. Drop us an e-mail that you are joining us in September!
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 (Emphasis mine)
Keeping the Faith,
The Sisters
Is it Thursday yet??
A favorite phrase of my oldest grandson as we are driving down the road is ….you guessed it, “Are we there yet”?
Not long ago, this very same grandson, who is now 6 1/2, could not talk. Oh, he could grunt, point and said a few things, that after a while we learned to interpret for a word of some sort, but he could not communicate well. Besides having mild cerebral palsy, he was diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder.
It was as frustrating to him as it was to us.
But our “Grandbuddy” (my awesome stepdad—which is to me–a real dad), felt compelled to fast and pray for him to begin speaking. I have blogged about this before, feel the need (for someone) to share this again.
By the end of the first week, he had begun to speak more understandably. Shortly thereafter, a complete sentence tumbled from his lips, surprising us all. With great joy and some tears, I called mother and asked her to share this with Grandbuddy. I wanted to tell him myself, but he was out at the time.
Prayer and fasting. Something that is not spoken of much these days. There have only been a couple of times in my life that I felt “truly” compelled to fast and pray over a particular matter. As things in each of our lives change daily, some for the good and some for the “not-so-good”…you may feel you are up against a wall—or that your prayers go no higher than the ceiling…ask the Lord what He would have you do….ask Him what He requires of you.
That is a scary thought. Or, at least to me. For when you are ready to lay it all out—every.single.thing—completely and wholeheartedly out for Jesus—holding nothing back—He can work. And girlfriend…you better hold on for the ride…because when you lay everything out for Him…mmmm—He shows up big time in your life.
Mark 9:29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.
There are some things in my life that need to “go out”. To be cast far from me. Things in my heart/mind/and yes, things that even spout from my mouth —yup! No, I don’t cuss and carry on….but I have complained…whined…gotten an attitude with a CAPITAL “A”. Can I get a witness? And to the ears of the Father—well, what do you think? So, yes. I have things that need to go. I know that in this reference of scripture–it is talking about demonic forces. But I think it could refer to anything in our lives that is NOT Christ-like. What about you?
Now, Thankful Thursday is the highlight of our “bloggity” week. So—IRIS….I am thankful for the FREEDOM to read my Bible (as you said)—pray out loud in restaurants—which I do…and MOST all the time—I take my sweet time in thanking HIM for EVERYTHING I need to. And I don’t get arrested for doing so. THAT is a BIG thank you LORD!!
I am thankful for family time, faithful friends who pray—continually if necessary. I am thankful for my sweet man–and our sweet years of marriage—our children and grandchildren!
I am thankful for each faithful blogger that pursues Christ and encourages others to do the same!
I am thankful for our church and it’s leaders! I am thankful for YOU. The reader. The one who comments and the one who just reads. YOU are important. A comment is not necessary. I will write what God lays on my heart regardless.
I love each of you—and PRAY a happy Fourth of July to all! Visit Iris for more thankful hearts of freedom!
She Speaks—She Writes–She Contemplates!
A couple of weeks ago…my sister, Aimee and I attended our very FIRST conference together!
Way up in North Carolina (okay, so I know that’s not “way up”, but for us…it was 🙂 )
Can I just tell you how NERVOUS we were? Can I tell you how the enemy has plagued my soul??? Can I tell you how much sleep we lost?
But can I tell you how good God is??
I really wish we could have recorded our trip on video…we could have won the $10,000 prize for the funniest video! We were quite a pair. From our first sip of that “iced coffee” when we left, to getting turned around in Columbus, GA, to pluggin’ through Atlanta…to me getting my bag hung in the elevator when we were leaving for home—it was a blast!
But for today….I need to give you something from the archives of my devotionals… There is something stewing…in my brain. A second chance the Lord gave me—just last week. But since it is still in the “cooking stages” of my thoughts—I remembered this and it “sort of” goes along with it…
Here ya go…..
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We have all heard or used the saying, “famous last words”….either just before or immediately following something wild, crazy or maybe just some unusual circumstances.
During some thoughtful days a few weeks ago, some words from my favorite Sunday School teacher came back to my mind. George said, “you should always treat and talk to your loved ones better than you would strangers”. He immediately recounted a family story of when he and his wife were traveling somewhere (sorry George, I can’t remember where you were going), and they had been having a loud family discussion (maybe it wasn’t loud, maybe it wasn’t a discussion—but you get the picture) in the car. Now if you’ve ever traveled anywhere, whether it be to Church, Wal-mart or on vacation with children, you know that no matter how short the journey, sometimes children can make a 5 mile trip feel like 500 miles. Sometimes you can’t help but raise your voice (okay, maybe yell). Anyway, while on this little driving jaunt, a car pulled along side George’s car and with the window rolled down the driver from the other car asked for directions. Well George, in his sweet caring voice, gave them wonderful directions and then wanting to make certain these individuals arrived safely at their destination, he proceeded to tell them to just follow him, it was not out of his way.
George, I hope I am telling this correctly [if you are reading this], but immediately when he rolled back up his window, he felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit. (His sweet wife also may have nudged him) He had spoken with more love and compassion to those total strangers than he had just moments prior to that scene than with his own family. What was up with that?
What if that were his last words to his family. What if that were the last scene of his life?
I know many times I have allowed our girls to leave the house for school, or get out of the car after some particularly harsh “growing up words”. You know, you have probably had them yourself….”you are old enough to know better!”…”I have told you and told you!”….”Come on, clean up this pig sty!”…What if that were the last words you left this life with? What if that were the last things your loved one heard you say?
This has been on my mind a lot lately. A few months ago, a dear friend of my mother had an aneurysm on the brain. After surgery, they did not give the family much hope of recovery. But little by little the Lord is bringing her back. The very morning it had happened, she and my mother had their normal morning walk. They talked of the usual things, their church, family, life routines. What were her conversations with her sweet family members? I have no idea. Knowing Jackie as I do, they were caring words. She is a caring person. She is trying to converse again, although with the tracheotomy, it is more difficult. But she proceeds with the trying! She is a fighter! She has been a school teacher most of my life. A teacher of the Bible at church as well, for almost all ages! Her circumstances have given me much to ponder though. If I were to leave this world today, or become incapacitated, unable to communicate ever again, what would be the last conversations my loved ones remember?
I hope my daughter Tiffany would remember that I told her I loved her. I hope she would remember that I told her that our whole family loved her and cared for her. I hope that she would cherish the hug I gave her. I hope that she would “write down” the prayers her children pray before they sleep. That is a priceless treasure.
I hope that my daughter April would remember what she is to me. I hope she would remember that I thanked her for taking the time out of her day to come and clean for me. I hope that she would hold tight to her heart the hug I gave her. I hope that she would continue to be the bright light and compassionate individual for Christ she is.
I hope that my dear husband would remember the feel of my arms as I held him for our morning “hug”. I hope he would remember the tenderness I feel as I told him I loved him. I hope he would remember what he saw in my eyes. I hope he remembers that I promised I would love him from now to eternity and then forever….
I hope that my friends and loved ones could each say that they caught sight of Jesus at work in my life….these are just a few of my hopes.
In doing a search of “famous last words” online, I found a couple I want to share….
Cleveland, Steven Grover (1837-1908) Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. “I have tried so hard to do right.”
Edison, Thomas A. (1847-1931) “It’s very beautiful over there.” In the Spring of 1929, Thomas Edison traveled from his home and laboratory at Menlo Park, New Jersey, to Dearborn, Michigan, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his invention of the electric light as well as the opening of both the Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. After being introduced by President Hoover, Edison delivered a brief banquet speech and then collapsed. The president’s physician quickly rushed to Edison’s aid and determined that he was suffering from severe pneumonia. Edison returned to Menlo Park but never fully recovered. He collapsed again in August, 1931, and was bedridden for the last two months of his life. He sank into semi-consciousness, and his second wife, Mina, remained by his side. On Edison’s last day, she leaned close and asked, “Are you suffering?” to which he replied, “No, just waiting.” Edison then looked out of his bedroom window and softly spoke his last words.
This has not meant to be a gloomy post, but one for reflection. When my youngest daughter, April was saved from the jaws of death in a tragic automobile accident (the driver at fault was killed—drinking—no insurance), the frailty of life hit me like a ton of bricks. It became very clear, like never before clear, that God and only GOD controlled the breath we take for granted. She was saved from death, although, not without the scars for a reminder of how uncertain life can be.
The uncertainty of our future should give each of us cause to pause, not only where we will spend eternity, but how we leave our loved ones. When the Lord chooses to call me home, I want to leave knowing I have done my best for Christ. As my uncle once said, “to hear Him say “Well done, thy good and faithful servant“, you will have to do well.”
In reflecting back on Wanda’s last words…the Lord has given me sweet reminders in the past few days…reminders that only HE would have known about, from some of His sweet obedient children (Iris and Lori). That is another post—but coming soon!
Whether my last words ever make it to the pages of a book is of no importance, I choose rather to be remembered by my proclamation that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life!
Information on Thomas Edison: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison
90 Days with Jesus
Consider this your invitation to join my sister, Aimee, our mother, Valeria, my friend Darnelle (who won the book in the give-away), my mama doodle, Gloria, and our dear friend, Janice as we embark on this journey of 90 days with Jesus through the pages of the personal reflections series book by Beth Moore. I would love to add your name to the list!
If you want to join I am giving you plenty of time to locate a book. They can be purchased through LifeWay Christian Supply, Christian Book Distributors, or perhaps your local Christian Book Store. We plan to begin this study in September.
We had first planned to begin in July, but with so many people vacationing and otherwise committed throughout the summer, Aimee and I decided it might be best to wait until school is back into full swing and everyone that would like to join has the opportunity to purchase their books! (Right now it is on sale with both LifeWay and Christian Book Distributors.)
The benefits of this study?
~Time alone with the Lord…learning about HIM! Conversations with Him as we study, learn and pour ourselves out as He pours His Holy Spirit in.
~We can do this study at our own pace each week.
~We can study in our Jammie’s, no make-up, late at night — or first thing in the morning…you choose!
~We will gain spiritual strength and muscle~~ much needed for the the battles ahead as this world changes daily.
So ladies, if you want to join us, put a note on your desk, refrigerator, or set a reminder on your phone…but pick up the book, sharpen your pencil, get a fresh notebook to write what He says to YOU during this time. I will be posting a few more reminders in the next couple of months. Aimee and I are looking forward to this time together as we each share with you our hearts from His word.
Drop me an e-mail that you are joining us in September!
You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11 (Emphasis mine)
Twenty-Six Years….
Some decisions are made in hast….some after a long soul searching time….
The best decision I ever made (with the exception of asking the Lord Jesus Christ to live in my heart—and rule my life)….was to become your one and only….For you are my one and only.
“Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” Franklin P. Jones
This ride has definitely been worthwhile. Even though it contained many potholes. At least I was blessed to have you along as the driver of the vehicle—so that when the potholes were hit…I could hear you say….”Mercy!”….and when you ran off the road…you’d say “keep your side on the road”….and when you left the blinker on long after the turn was made….well, you 
know.
Happy 26th Anniversary “Sweet Man”. I am more in love with you today than 26 years ago! (Wait, is that even possible?)
The POWER in HIS Name!
Luann Prater, speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries shared her heart with us on Saturday at the “She Speaks Conference”. I urge you to go to the site and purchase the CD of the session, “Preparing for the Battlefield Through Prayer”. I promise you will be blessed.
I won’t go into all the session, for I want you to visit the site —
But please allow me to share this….
When Luann concluded the session, she reminded everyone to go by the “Prayer Room” and find “your name”. So, immediately I made a bee line for the prayer room. I mean, I wanted to know where my name was… 
I was already weepy-eyed from the session, but when I entered the prayer room, a feeling of utmost holiness came over me. I had the immediate urge to remove my sandals. I did so quickly and put them against the wall with my bag. Now, I didn’t check the feet of the other women in the room to see if they felt the same urgency, but I knew God had a message for me and I was on ground that had been prayed over and into with the mightiest of fervency.
As Luann had said,the “Names of God” were on both tables, along with 
little slips of paper scattered randomly all around. As I looked at the first Name of God, it was, El Olam, the Eternal God, the Everlasting God. The next line said: “He is the beginning & the End, The One who works His purpose throughout the ages. He gives strength to the weary.” As I read that, I said to myself and to the Lord, “I am weary”. As I searched the table, peering at all the names, I realized my name was laying directly on that page. As tears began to fall down my face, I realized this was the Lord’s love note to me.
Read Genesis 21:33; Psalm 90:1-2; Romans 1:20. I will share Isaiah 41:28-29 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
I cannot express fully the impact of the feeling of that room. If you can imagine standing at the entrance of the cave where Jesus had just been resurrected …the feeling of expectancy, the urgent 
desire to “seek Him”. That is exactly what everyone began to do as they entered the room. There were benches for kneeling, chairs placed in circles for group praying, and there were pillows on the floor to fall on your face before the Almighty. There was music playing softly…and I think I could detect the swooshing of the wings of angels as the carried the prayers and praise up to the Father in Heaven.
I knew that I needed to find Aimee as quickly as possible—to show her “her name”! As I began to make my way back to my shoes, I wondered, “how will I find her in this crowd of 
women”, for by now all the classes had dismissed and there were women everywhere! But when I opened the door, with her back to me stood Aimee, directly in front of me at one of the many book tables. I hurried over and told her “you have got to come find your name!” She looked at my face, tear streaked and puffy-eyed, and I am sure wondered what I had just seen.
As we walked into the room, I slipped my shoes back off and she did likewise, we walked over to the first table, as she began to read, I told her to look for her name as she read the Names of God. I already knew where her name was, but didn’t tell her right away. When she found her name, after she read the page nearest her name, she too began to weep. The Name of God was, “Jehovah-Nissi”—the Lord is my Banner! 
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She explained that the Lord had given her that very scripture when her son had gone missing for a few days last year. As the family sought God, in His love and mercy, He whispered into her heart that He was her Banner! The scripture verses listed was the VERY VERSES that He had given her through those hard days of living.
The name of each woman at the conference was on those tables. Laid out before the Lord, we are vessels for His use. As lives were changed this weekend, the Lord is preparing us to seek Him more, work in His fields, prepare His harvest, doing what He calls us to do, as we live our lives each day. In the world, but not of the world.
Sitting in groups as we were, around the large tables, with the noise of chatter on everyside, I had to “scoot” my chair up close to those around me to hear what they were saying. Ladies, scoot your chair up close to the Father so that you can hear Him as He speaks to your hearts everyday. He does you know. He loves it when we share our hearts with Him.
Have a BLESSED day! I love you all! (I think I surprised all my new found friends when I hugged them, I told them I loved them—for girls…I truly do.)
Life Changing
If I could capsule the Conference for you in two words it would be “Life Changing”. I don’t think I will go home the same person. Oh, my face may look the same…same smile lines, same worry lines, same shell…but not the same person on the inside. I have hugged the necks of some amazing women that I blog with daily. I peek into their lives and they mine, as we share Jesus over a cup of coffe, tea or diet coke—all while living in different time zones! Is that neat or what! Whatever the case may be, we share a common bond and a common goal. Christ is the bond, sharing His love is the goal.
This next slide show will give you a few shots of some awesome ladies, Lynn of “Spiritually Unequal Marriage”, Joanne of “Blessed”, Elaine of “Peace for the Journey”, and Robin of “Robinznest”—I thought I had a picture of Kathy–my snow buddy (Blessed Builder)—but I couldn’t find it! I will look for her again tomorrow and get one!Girls, you have my heart! I love you all!
I wish that everyone could have come to this place of spiritual renewal.
I took a couple of pictures with my camera in the “Prayer Room”—girls, what I saw there and learned before entering will blow you AWAY. But, for the thrill of anticipation, I am saving that blog until I get home. It will ROCK your world. I promise.
As I sat listening to Luann Prater give her talk on “Preparing for the Battlefield Through Prayer”…well, I was a puddle of tears. Then when I went into the prayer room, well, let’s just say I had to go find Aimee quick because we had different classes and I told her—“YOU have GOT to SEE this!”. So,…have I got you interested???
Tonight, Renee Swope gave us a dynamic message on “The Shadow of Doubt”. I told Aimee as we returned to our room, tired but yet with such emotions overwhelming us, “that I felt like I had lived so many years in that shadow”…and as Renee said, it’s time to live in the shadow of the CROSS. It was an amazing presentation with some drama at the conclusion. A tremendous blessing.
Let me just encourage you girls, whether you are interested in speaking, writing, becoming a Women’s Leader, or just a better Sunday School Teacher, it is worth your time and effort to leave off a few “extra” wants this year and save your money to be a part of this dynamic group! Sell some furniture (I did), change a lifestyle, eat out less, what ever you need to do if finances are like ours are continually…pray for God to MAKE A WAY. But do your part. Plan to attend next year. YOU will be more than blessed!
We have our final session tomorrow. Then Aimee and I will journey back to Florida. PRAY—ladies PRAY! When we unpack…I will pull out my notes and give you the titles and speakers for the ones we heard. They were all amazing! You can purchase the CD’s of each session online through Proverbs 31 Ministries. I added the link to my title, so click on it! (I bought some new books too….ssshhhh—don’t tell Jeff—he thinks I have enough—but now really, can you actually have too many books? I ask you! It’s like shoes….you need one for EVERYTHING!!
I love you all—miss you all—and can’t wait to share with you about the “Prayer Room”.
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Amazing
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Amazed is the word that comes most readily to my mind tonight as I sit here thinking back on the events of the day. From start to finish…from neck hug of, what seems like “old friends”, the bloggers that I visit with, to meeting new precious women that have such a heart following Christ…with all their might! Amazed at where the Lord has brought us to.
If you look at the pictures in the slide you will see some “amazing women”. Sharing, speaking, writing and we are learning things that we will take away from this place to help build the body of Christ—simply amazing.
I want to share a little story behind the lavender shawl that is around both myself and Aimee. As we were preparing for this conference, a very dear friend of mine e-mailed me and asked me what Wanda’s favorite color was. I responded–all shades of purple. Arriving in my mailbox just a few weeks later, was the most beautiful Pashmina shawl. Lavender. The softest, most luxurious feeling when I wrapped it around my shoulders—but then when I received the e-mail relaying the message as to the why….well, girls I was a puddle of tears.
One Pashmina shawl for me…and one for Aimee, April Powell sent us these precious gifts to represent a “hug” from Wanda. So, with one end wrapped around Aimee, and the other end wrapped around me, we received our hug from Wanda. In a color that she would have chosen if she would have bought them herself, we were loved. We were hugged. Thank you dear sweet April.
Now, ladies—(and if my sweet man is reading)–tomorrow is back-to-back meetings! So, it is off to bed we go! We are two tired chicks! (Aimee is serenading me one of the old Lawrence Welk songs—“Good Night, Sleep Tight…pleasant dreams and all that jazz)…LOVE YOU ALL!!!
North Carolina Bound!
Well ya’ll, as Aimee would say, “We have arrived!” Made it through Atlanta unscathed…
Jeff took our picture this morning…we were a “giggly pair”. Couldn’t help it. I had slept about 3 maybe 4 hours due to finishing up our work, and then couldn’t fall right to sleep. So it was with bleary eyes that I finished my packing—and waited for the sweet girl to arrive! We are wearing matching shirts that I purchased from Denise at Samaritan Woman and matching necklaces that I got just for this “project of faith” from Chris from California! (I will post links tomorrow—I am about to head to sleep!)
Next, our big stop at 7:00 this morning was McDonald’s for breakfast on the go! The kind lady at McDonald’s took our picture to mark our journey. Of course all this silliness soon ended. What happened? ….Well….Aimee drove us through Atlanta! More to come! Much love to you all!—Pray girls…pray!Beverly—thank you dear life long—best friend/cousin/bus ridin’ pal of mine!
Jeff & Angie 
