Sunday, March 30, 2008

Friday, March 28, 2008

Muddy Rain

I have been asked about the Muddy Rain mentioned above my husband's picture. Nearly 2 weeks ago most of Texas had a torrential rain storm which had collided with a dust storm in West Texas. As a result of the 2 storms blending into 1 storm, it rained mud all over Texas. (We have unusual weather in Texas upon occasion.)

At work today we all mentioned we hope it will rain and wash the oak pollen off of everything. Our cars and trucks are yellow-green. The sidewalks are yellow-green. The streets are yellow-green. It's not a pretty colour. Most of us are sneezing and coughing and I have bags under my eyes the size of I don't know what.

You think of rain as clean and cleansing, but we had muddy rain, that left everything grimey and splotched. I started thinking about it, our vision is muddy unless we use our spiritual eyes and see people and things the way God sees them. He is what makes our vision clear.

Remember how Jesus saw the woman at the well in John 4:

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?"(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."
"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."
He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

Jesus saw her with His perfect vision. He revealed Himself to her...a woman who could have been stoned under the law at the time, a woman who could not come to draw water at the well with the other women because she was shunned. He saw her as a broken, wounded woman who needed the Messiah. Read the rest of the chapter. Her life was forever changed. Pray to see people with the eyes of Christ. You never know who will be changed by your Christ like love and vision.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Spic n Span

Way back in Jan. 1986 my husband and I were throwing a Super Bowl party. We had been married about 5 months. I was cleaning the day before the party and preparing what food I could the day before.

My husband walked in and asked if there was anything he could do to help me. I said yes, clean your bathroom. I handed him a sponge, paper towels, Windex and a brand new container of Spic n Span. In my mind, cleaning the bathroom meant:
Cleaning the Counters
Cleaning the Sink (he would say lavatory because he is a plumber) and Fixtures
Cleaning the Mirror
Cleaning the Toilet & Tub
Mopping the Floor

I went into the bathroom about 45 minutes later to get the Spic n Span, to my horror the container was almost empty and the bathroom was a disaster, it looked like it did earlier that morning. He had taken the lid off the toilet tank to clean it which he did and then decided to clean the inside of the tank. To this day, I think why!!!!! I blew a gasket, said unkind things (I was in my backslidden phase, I said horrible things), and cleaned the bathroom myself. He was bewildered. Looking back, I realize his mother never made him pick up or clean (oh joy) and he really didn't know what I meant. I should have communicated what I meant.

Fortunately for us, the Lord communicates exactly what He wants from us and for us through His Word and time in prayer. He gives us His discernment, wisdom, and clarity. He gives us confirmation when we need it.

Spend time with Him. He loves you.

I must confess I still smile when I buy Spic n Span.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Jesus said, "You are my friends if you do what I command."

Do you remember as a young child coming home from school very excited because you had a new friend? I say young child, because in 5th or 6th grade I began to dislike school, by 7th grade I had determined it cut into my telephone time and time in the ballet studio...homework when I could be practicing grande jetes...please...

I had several good friends in the neighborhood - Kim, Cari, Jenise & Allison, many of us walked to and from Andy Anderson Elementary together...this was before my parents felt the need for me to attend a Christian school and I was enrolled in St Thomas' Episcopal School. I met Lori at ballet when we were three, I was so excited that she was in my kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes. Sandy lived across the street, she is 5 or 6 years older than me, I looked to her as the model way to dress and behave. Even her Barbie dolls were better attired than mine. I have mentioned before, Sandy taught me many things, because she loved things, I loved them, pepperoni pizza, red velvet cake, O Jay's Beauty Lotion, Go Go boots and Sweet Tarts. I remember we both wanted a tiara, sadly they went out of style, so I had to settle for crowns and headpieces to wear on stage. (At least I had my long, blonde fall!)

At some point there would be an argument between Kim and I or Cari and Jenise, it was inevitable...so we would not "be friends" with someone for a day or 2.

Then the next phase of life comes, jr high and high school. We could be so mean to each other during those years. Lots of gossip, lots of judgment, lots of ungodly behavior.

Friendships have high and low points, sometimes it's because of a season of life, ill parents, a sick child, a sick marriage, all kinds of reasons. But I am glad to say, we have one friendship which will never fail. Our friendship with Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord and Savior, He is our friend, He declares it in John 15: 14-15

You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Read His word, you will then know what He commands. Jesus says -Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. He loves you, He calls you His friend.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Odd Day

I had a very odd day yesterday. I had planned on taking my friend Denise and meeting my friend Valerie and her husband Jay at the rodeo yesterday for the championship. Valerie called and told me she could not attend due to a family emergency. Denise called and said she was ill and had to stay home. I thought well, I will stay home and finish the house then go to Patty's jewelry party.

I thought about it and decided to go to the rodeo anyway. My husband was out of town, my house was 1/2 way clean, I had spent a lot of time in the Gospels that morning and had already decided to skip church. I am not a fan of Episcopalian Easter Vigil services, the church is dark, I have a hard time trying to read the prayer book by candle light these days. I took a flashlight last year and thought I am not doing this anymore. (And I am not Episcopalian any more though I love Father Frankie and the people of Calvary Episcopal Church.)

As I travelled up Beechnut to Buffalo Speedway, a woman was on the sidewalk riding her bike, suddenly she fell over into the road. The driver ahead of me stopped in time and seemed more shaken then the biker.

I parked my car, primo spot -I pray for parking places Ephs says: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. - 3rd row, 1st car...I walked over the sky bridge was walking down the stairs to cross another lot and a woman almost fell down the stairs, scared her and me very badly...proceeded to my seat looked out at the arena floor, someone had collapsed, EMT's worked on the person and then took them off the floor on a gurney, the rodeo began and a woman in the grand entry was bucked off her horse. It seemed to shake her up, I know it shook up the crowd around me.

I prayed for all these people, as the biker fell - I was praying for her, as the woman began to fall down the stairs - I prayed for her to remain upright, I prayed for the person on the arena floor and I prayed for the woman who was bucked off her horse. Again, I refer to Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.


Jordan is my 15 year old spiritual niece, she said I can always make any situation a story...I thought what kind of story is my weird day...is it a story pertaining to keeping our eyes open, there are opportunities to pray for people all the time or is it a story about no matter how many times we may stumble and fall, He is always there to catch us? What do you think? Is it both stories?

I know what some of you thought when you saw the words sky bridge...you thought another hilarious hair story...it was sunny and nice yesterday, my hair was in a French twist sort of do (there are no pics of it either, Karen) and was not wet and blown by tropical storm strength winds and no hair spray re-petrified...

One nice thing to report, I made it through the 2008 rodeo without eating any junk food, no Dipping Dots Ice Creme, no yummy Go Tejano Diner food or Bum Phillips Hamburgers...maybe that's my Easter miracle, just kidding. I saved a lot of money, calories, and fat grams that's for sure.

Hopefully next weekend, I will have the time to go up to Brenham, Industry, Bleiberville and the surrounding area to look at bluebonnets and take some pictures. (I bet my neighbors hope I stay home and weed the flower beds!)

Alleluia, He is Risen

Mark 16
The Resurrection 1When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him.
2Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
3They were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?"
4Looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away, although it was extremely large.
5Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they )were amazed.
6And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him.

He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Good Friday

I grew up in and attended a liturgical church for almost all 46.9 years of my life. There are 2 things I love about my former denomination.
1) Celebrating Communion almost every time the door opens for worship
2) The Liturgical Calendar
The Liturgical Calendar really emphasizes Jesus' last week on earth during Holy Week.

Jesus made a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, people were shouting Hosanna and praising Him, He cleared the temple, cursed the fig tree, celebrated Communion, prayed in the garden, and prayed some more then healed a man's ear in the garden as He was arrested.

Our Lord was arrested like a common criminal, put on trial, a mockery of a trial if there ever was one, beaten, cursed, and mocked. His friends deserted Him like rats leaving a sinking ship. The key testimony against Jesus is found in the Gospels, Matthew 26:60-61 states:
Finally two came forward and declared, "This fellow said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.' "

Pretty ironic, because He could destroy & rebuild the temple and so much more, He still gives people miracles every day, He still prays for us, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Someone needs to know that, I feel it in my spirit. He loves you, He loves me, He endured all this for every person who has ever lived, is living, and will live.

Our Lord is found guilty, stripped naked, and nailed to the Cross. He takes on every sin ever committed and every sin that will be committed, He takes on every disease that people suffered and will suffer. Because He became sin, He would bear the Father’s full wrath for all human iniquity. And second, because holy God cannot look upon sin, Jesus would be separated from His Father for the 1st and last time through out all time.

As Jesus is on the cross, he said My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? I sob as I read these words. He didn't deserve to be judged for our sin, but He was obedient to His Father's will unto death. I am so grateful He took the cup and died for me and for you and for all those we pray for because they have not received the free gift of salvation.

Matthew 27:
45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."
48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."
50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
54When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"

Maundy Thursday

Jesus serves Communion to the Disciples and talks about the New Covenant. The New Covenant, let that sink in for a moment...it's extraordinary, we do not have to live under the Law...the precious Blood and Broken Body of our Lord Jesus Christ makes the New Covenant possible, we are reconciled to our Father.

Jesus was active in planning the Last Supper. He was active at dinner serving the Disciples, He then washed their feet. Jesus served, He took, He blessed, He broke, He gave. Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday and will be tomorrow.

He still serves. The Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, Eucharist for you Episcopalians out there, had to say it as I was an Episcopalian for nearly 43 years, is a Sacrament, it is a gift not a sacrifice.

Expect healing and all kinds of miracles when you receive Communion. Don't look at it as gloom and doom, do not partake because it's tradition, take and receive because you will be dining with our Triumphant King, our Risen Lord, our Savior.

His body was broken for you, His blood was shed for you, take the Cup eat the Bread in thanksgiving....

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Without the Cross

Without the cross, without the new birth, without Christ I am destined to be a failure, unworthy, and every other negative thing the world and hell has to throw at me. But because of the cross, because Jesus is my Lord and Savior, because the Holy Spirit of God lives in me, I am not a failure. God did not create me or you to be a failure. He did not put His Son through the agony of Calvary for us to remain nothings, unworthy or failures. His Son redeemed us from these things.

Romans 8:37 says No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Even a thief on a cross became something, he became a born again, heaven bound believer, an heir of Abraham. If you have not made Jesus the Lord of your life do so now and call someone, tell them. Let them join heaven in celebrating the addition of a new brother or sister in Christ.

Smith Wigglesworth was a powerful man of prayer. Below is one of his prayers I love very much:

In You, O Christ,
I am not a failure.
Your cross won my victory.
Your new birth renewed my personality. Your righteousness purchased my salvation.
Your indwelling made me a new creation.
Through Your capacity I have veracity.
Through Your control I can captain my soul.
In You, O Christ,
I put every evil under my feet,
I conquer every devil I meet;
I master the flesh;
I uncover every sin to confess.
I receive Your healing;
I feel what You are feeling.
In You, O Christ, I am more than a conqueror. Amen.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Holy Week - Tuesday

Last night as I walked on the sky bridge over Kirby to the Reliant Stadium parking lot, it was very windy. A couple of gusts almost knocked me over, my friend Valerie paused a moment to catch her balance. (It wasn't raining, so there is no hair story here.) We were staggered by the wind going down the stairs into the parking lot as well.

I think the disciples were staggered when they saw the fig tree Jesus had cursed. Mark11:20-25 states:

20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
22"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

Literally I staggered last night, but sometimes situations in life feel like a kick in the teeth and we are spiritually staggered. Jesus gives us the solution for life's situations: Faith

His word says - pray, believe you have received it, and it will be yours. There is an important detail here, one which many people refuse to acknowledge - if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

I prayed with a lady several times a few years ago, as a prayer minister my job is not to counsel, it is to listen, love, and pray. The Lord gave me a word of knowledge, He said she had to forgive her sister. I mentioned this, she said I will never forgive her, and the Lord knows I am right and He would never ask me to forgive that witch. I happen to know the prayer recipient mentally and physically declined so much that year, at a young age she was in a nursing home. The unforgiveness was like a barrel of toxic waste inside and one day the barrel leaked and she was poisoned so to speak.

When we forgive, we are cleansed...and the person or people who were forgiven no longer have power over us. The chains linking us to them are broken and we are free. Jesus did not endure the beating, the mocking, the spitting , the physical pain of crucifiction for us to live in bondage and defeat. He endured this because He loves us so much. He wants us to triumph over evil!

Monday, March 17, 2008

The Final Week of Jesus - Monday

On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" There are huckters in God's House. As we can see they were in his house when Jesus lived on earth. In the Middle Ages, the poorest of the poor struggled to buy alms and indulgences on behalf of their sick or dead loved ones, in recent history we have seen Jim Jones and David Koresh and the resulting tragedies. The Bible warns us of false teachers:2 Peter 2:1But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.A denomination in America chose a leader who does not believe Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (she is quoted in print saying she doesn't want to put God in a box). She in fact has prayed to Mother Jesus. A few weeks ago it was suggested instead of celebrating the Stations of the Cross this year, we use a new liturgy, 8 stations of the millennial development goals...the UN development goals. There are many denominations in pitiful shape. They decided somewhere along the way the Word of God is not alive, not active, not sharper than a double edged sword. They deny the power of the Blood of Jesus. And meanwhile, they are leading people to hell with a watered down, powerless, message.Beware, those in leadership may be the furthest thing from the Lord in church. Stay grounded in the Word. Pray. Let the Holy Spirit lead you, don't run ahead of Him.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Palm Sunday - Update

I was a prayer minister at Mission Bend United Methodist Church on Sat & Sun. They invited Jack & Anna Marie Sheffield, Deep River Ministries to teach the 4 ways God heals and how to effectively pray for people on Saturday and Jack preached at 2 of their services today. We ended the day with a healing service. About 75 people stayed for the healing service and prayer.

It is such a honour to pray with people. You really have to trust the prayer ministers. We can NEVER discuss with anyone what we pray about. At my former home church, people would walk up and try to hear what we were praying about or ask me in the parking lot - what kind of pray did Susie Q need, I only want to know because I am their friend. Today we had a couple pf problems with people trying to intrude on prayer. The funny thing is, few people see who disrespectful to the Lord this is. It is like women tiptoeing out the door when Beth Moore prays at the end of her Bible Study....they are still being disrespectful, though by tiptoeing the do not see it that way at all. We need to be mindful of others as they receive prayer and we do not want to grieve the Holy Spirit.

Saturday God showed up and rocked the house. Many people were healed in their emotions...and many received physical healing. One precious woman asked for Jack to pray that she receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. He prayed she started wiggling and he said what are you feeling, are you ok...she was so excited, her spine was healed. She had arthritis and was on a morphine pump. The pump had stopped working during the meeting. We prayed for many people bound by fear. We prayed for many people with bi-polar disorder and an autistic boy. People were so touched today, they left the church knowing God wants them to live in victory not in defeat. Palm Sunday is not doom and gloom.....Jesus made a triumphant entry.

Check out Jesus' last week...He wanted His house to be a house of prayer. Check out Mark or John. Meditate on His last week....

The Lord's mercy is never ending. His love never fails. His entry was triumphant just as His resurrection was triumphant...just as His return will be.

Seek the Healer, not the healing...seek Jesus this week.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

The Walk Part 4 - Just Kidding

Rodeo Houston features a concert after each rodeo, primarily country music. We have a Black Heritage Day and a Hispanic Heritage Day which features African American artists and Latino/Latina artists...and to many children's delight and parent's horror, the last 2 years Hannah Montana has been a featured act. Last night the singer was John Fogerty.

I laughed because as you looked around, it was easy to discern (church word) the rodeo patron from the I'm here because John Fogerty is singing tonight patron. As the rodeo progressed the 1st time rodeo patrons really got into the rodeo and were clapping and cheering. (There was a lot of tie dye attire last night and men with really long ponytails.)

I started thinking does our clothing make us recognizable as Christians when we are out and about our daily lives at work, school, the store....are we clothed modestly, or are our bodies so exposed because our clothing is so skimpy, people would be clueless to our faith in Jesus Christ. Are we so underclothed, we lead people into lust and temptation? We can be cute (if 'we" are younger than me) without being immodest.

And just as important if not more important...what spiritual clothing are we wearing. Ephesians 6 tells us to wear our armor. The Bible has a lot to say about clothing, here are just a few verses:

Colossians 3:13-14
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Isaiah 61:3
and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Psalm 103:4 Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

James 1:2
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Psalm 30-10
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy

Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Faith Pledge/Creed

OK..many of you sent Bible verses which mean a lot to you, if you want to send more or have not e-mailed them to me, send them, I can add to this. Originally my idea was to turn this into a prayer for all of us. Instead...it seems I have come up with a creed, or a faith pledge. I know times in my life I have written verses on a card and read them out loud every day. I will send the pledge as an attachment in case you want to print it. Thanks for all your imput. I appreciate it very much! Our Creed:

Heavenly Father,

I know You are not the source of pain because that would be contrary to Who You are. You provide comfort and solace to those Who seek you during times of trial and suffering. Your Word says to call on You, Yaweh in my distress and You will answer me. You are my fortress and refuge, my strength. You will save me from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
I stand in the Name of Jesus on Your promises:
I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, " He plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. I will call upon Him and come and pray to Him, and He will listen to me. I will seek God and find Him when I seek Him with all my heart
When I grieve you provide a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
I submit myself to you Lord God, I resist the devil, and he must flee from me,I join heaven rejoicing the devil’s time is short.
I will not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present my requests to You Abba Father. And Your peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind. Through You I can do everything. You are my source of strength.
You gift us and anoint us by the power of the Holy Spirit,
I also rejoice in my suffering, because I know that suffering produces perseverance;
I trust in the LORD with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways I will acknowledge my Heavenly Father and my Lord Jesus Christ. He will make my paths straight.
I know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I came into this world with nothing and I will leave with nothing. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
I humble myself therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift me up in due time. I cast all my anxiety on Him because He cares for me.
And the God of all grace, who called me to his eternal glory in Christ, after I have suffered a little while, will Himself restore me and make me strong, firm and steadfast.
Jesus, You are the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through You, I thank You for Your obedience to do Your Father’s Will. I thank You for the gift of salvation. Thank You for forgiving all my sins, healing all my diseases, You redeemed my life from the pit and crowned me with loving kindness and compassion.

In Jesus’ Name I stand on my covenant promises, I rely on Him, I stand in faith.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

The Walk part 3

Glory to God, I walked from my car to the Livestock Show yesterday, no rain, no wind, the sun was shining. Saw a blazer I had to have, it's black with few rhinestones around the collar.

I then attended the rodeo with my friend Valerie. We met in 5th grade when my parents enrolled me in St Thomas' Episcopal School. Valerie and I spent a little time out in the hallway kneeling, I am not sure if she was sent to the headmaster Mr Walters as often as I was. We saw my sis in law Diane and my niece Randi. They were going to the Livestock show after the calf scramble. Wonder what Randi had to have?

The rodeo was great. Some team ropers and bull doggers had problems, a few bull riders were bucked off in a couple of seconds, but all in all it was a good rodeo.

As one bull dogger leapt from his horse (which was travelling 30 mph or so) to grab the steer's horns, he realized as he hit the dirt he had over shot the steer. The steer kinda pranced his way down the arena to the coral. How often do we hear the Lord and then think we know what He wants us to do, but we begin before the time is right. If we do not wait on the Lord's perfect timing we miss the mark and at the very least hit the dirt.

We need to recognize our Lord's voice by staying in His word and in prayer, tune out the noise of the world...In John 10 Jesus said:

1"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." 6Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Comforting Scriptures

I asked several of you to send verses which comfort you in good times and bad. Here they are in no particular order:

My friend Camille, a great woman of God sent the following verses which have meant much to her over the years:

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” Jer. 29:11
“and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” Isaiah 61:3
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28 – Wonder how many people will send this one to you?

Jordan, my 15 year old "spiritual niece" stands on these Scriptures:

They weren't in love with themselves; they were willing to die for Christ. So rejoice, O Heavens, and all who live there, but doom to earth and sea, For the Devil's come down on you with both feet; he's had a great fall; He's wild and raging with anger; he hasn't much time and he knows it.- Revelation 12:12 (The Message)

So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet. – James 4:7 (The Message)

Kay - a friend I met at ballet in 1971 or so, who never misbehaved sent this one:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Wendy (Jordan's mother- I wonder if we are spiritual sisters in law or sisters in Christ?) sent:

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil. 4:13

We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you. 2 chronicles 20:12

My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness 1 Corinthians 12:9

My little cousin Julie, who used to "style my hair" when she was 2, then her mother spent 2 hours combing out the teasing Julie had worked so hard to create sent:

Romans 5:3

And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Norma Dearing my petite sister in Christ sent Pro 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

Stephanie - a former ballet student of mine, my favorite brat when she was a teen - so much talent, I loved her so back then and I love her so now sent:

Romans 8:28 listed above
James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds
Jeremiah 29:11-13You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Job 1:21-22Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. [a] The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised."
22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

I received these verses from Kathleen, she was my classroom assistant when I was 9, 10, 11, and 12 at the dance studio, she thought I was a brat (think reaping and sowing...I then taught Stephanie...), then I made it into the advanced class with Kathleen and she still thought I was a brat, not sure if she thought I had talent, she did think I could teach as I worked for her for years:

1 Peter 5:6,7 Humble yourselves, therefore,under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Here are a few of the verses which I have stood on in faith over the years:

Ps 120: 1 I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.

Psalm 91 & Psalm 103, please look them up and read them out loud.

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

My old rafting/jeep riding Colorado buddy sent something she stood on when her mother was ill for so long:

Lisa's words: I had a good friend tell me when my mom was in the hospital and I was giving up all hope and losing my faith these words. I still have them taped on my PC and they really helped bring me back to the Lord and stay focused. Although Momma passed away - my prayers were answered over those 5 months in ways I would never have imagined.

"Never give up. If you give up, then you are saying that you don't have faith in God. You're feeling this way because you don't see things happening the way you want them to. Remember, even when things seem to be going wrong in all directions, it is still going according to God's plan for our lives and those around us. Keep praying and again, when you don't know what to pray for, just call on the name of Jesus. He will give you the strength to endure. What a marvelous testimony you will have once HE has brought you through the storm. How can you have a TESTimony without a TEST?"

I hope you are edified as you read the Words of the Lord which have comforted us in good times and bad, balm to our hurting hearts, healing and strength to our spirits, Truth in the midst of the world. Of course if any of you participated in Beth Moore's Believing God study, you must stand and say:

God is who He says he is
God can do what He says He can do
I am who God says I am
I can do all things through Christ
God's word is alive and active in me
I'm Believing God (hand motion required)

Friday, March 7, 2008

The Walk - Part Deux

Last night was cold, wet, and windy...anyone in Southeast Texas can describe the awful commute time at 5pm. At the Livestock Show entrance as well as the entrance to Reliant Stadium for the rodeo, trashcans were full of umbrellas that had been blown inside out from powerful wind gusts. (I think my biceps received quite a workout as I gripped my umbrella w/ all the strength I possessed, I didn't notice the walk as being far only because I was so desperately trying to remain upright.) Dipping Dots were not a temptation last night...but shopping for a long coat and hat was a great temptation!

My port side was sopping wet. I cannot even begin to describe my hair. I had put a lot of hairspray in it, I was concerned about causing another hole in the ozone due to all the hairspray. My hair got wet, it was blown around, and then it dried and the hairspray re-petrified. All the time I took to straighten it, and it was a wavy, curly mess which became a petrified wavy, curly mess. (There are no pictures of this do, though many women last night shared the wet rat look w/ me.)

The rodeo was great, though attendance was sparse. I am sure the low attendance was weather related. I was trying to think of Scriptures to include in the blog...Psalm 77:18 mentions a whirlwind, but does not seem to teach on petrified hair: Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

Oh....and something which is very wonderful to me, my father is home today, 60 days after I took him to the St Luke's ER. We are so grateful to the Lord. So I will end the post with Psalm 150 and ask you to join my family as we praise the Lord:

Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Comfort

The Lord has recently put a former student of mine back in my life. It is a joy to see the adult woman of God she has become. A wonderful wife, mother, and minister.

She recently suffered a tremendous loss which led me to think about losses I have experienced in my almost 47 years on this planet as well as losses good friends have experienced. I know many times when I tried to verbalize my feelings, I was interupted by people who either told me how to solve my problem with grief (stay busy, don't dwell on it) or told me about their worse loss and I should count myself lucky.

As Christians we should listen, offer advice when asked, and stay in prayer for the person who is hurting. People usually don't want you to fix it for them, they want someone to listen. I have a dear person in my life who rarely lets me finish a sentence and does not realize what I am about to say, she assumes she knows what I will say and jumps in telling me what to do. I love this person, but cannot really have in depth conversations with her any longer.

The Bible tells that God wants to comfort us. There are many verses which confirm this. I chose a few for the post:

Ps 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.

Isa 49:13 Shout for joy, O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.

Matt 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

II Cor 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort

Our Father pours out His comfort. He restores our joy. He revives our soul. Turn to Him. Let Him lavish His love on you.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

The Walk

I made it from my car to Reliant Stadium last night, was it ever windy. One of those Southeast Texas days that is so typical in late February and early March. 72 degrees at lunch, a cold front arrives with rain and wind, and the temperature plummets 35 degrees in an hour.

As I walked into the north wind, I really think it was blowing 25 to 30 mph, I thought about how we really need to be spiritually fit as well as physically fit. I decided to skip all the fun rodeo food, (Dipping Dot ice cream was not a temptation due to the cold weather.) I didn't eat a Bum Phillips hamburger or buy dinner from the Go Tejano diner. Between the round trip walk to the car and eating a healthy meal at home, it's a start...getting in physical shape.

At least I am in good spiritual shape, we must renew our minds by staying in the Word, it's the equivalent of a "spiritual work out". We must stay in prayer. Ephesians 6 is vital to life here on earth:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

March1

It's March 1, 2008...I cannot believe it's already March and the azaleas are blooming in Southeast Texas. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo begins on Monday...and I have not accomplished much of what I wanted to accomplish in Jan. & Feb. 01/01/08 I began a program to read the Bible in a year. I began lifting weights the last week of Dec. and was supposed to be walking 2.5 miles a day at least 5 days a week by the end of Jan.

My father was hospitalized 01/08...I quit lifting weights, I read the Bible but could not keep up with the daily readings to read the entire Bible in 2008, and have not been walking unless you count walking to the Coke machine in the waiting room.

But I did press in and rely on my Heavenly Father, I do read the Bible, my prayer time is growing daily again, and I am filled with peace. I am going for a walk today. Monday, I will hike from my car to Reliant Stadium to the 1st rodeo of the season. (I may need oxygen by the time I reach my seat. Just kidding.)

I receive new mercy and grace each day. The Holy Spirit dwells in me, leads me, guides me, protects me. I have an Advocate in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My Heavenly Father loves me so much, He sacrificed His own Son to save me and you. I can freely read His Word and woship in safety. These are just a few blessings I receive daily.

This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it!