Abba's Girl

2010 - A year which brought many blessings and joy with a few bumps along the way. A year in which friends and family endured illness and deaths. A year in which we welcomed babies. A year in which my heart healed after dad's death. A year in which my priest left our parish and began an exciting new ministry. A year in which my husband and I celebrated our 25th year of marriage. A year in which old friendships were strengthened and new friends were made. A year in which my faith increased and I drew closer to the Lord. I look to 2011 with expectancy and hope. Happy New Year!

I have publicly stated many times - I am NOT a morning person. I get up at least 2 hours prior to my husband so I can be nice when he awakes all cheery, happy and ready to go. (I didn't know that about him before we married!) This morning we were getting up around the same time because he was leaving the house very early. I started his pot of coffee 1st, I then made my 2 cups of coffee with my small coffee press. As the caffeine raced through my system, I thought I've forgotten something. A few minutes later, I noticed his coffee overflowing on the counter and down the cabinets. I could not understand why this happened, and then it dawned on me...I never washed the pot and there may have been 1 or 2 cups of coffee left in it. Then I realized I had served a cup of this coffee to my husband already. I told him to dump it and I would begin again. He said it was fine and drank it. (YUCK) By this time I was awake! The incident gave me an illustration as to how occasionally I ...

I love the Christmas season. I remember as a child we decorated the day school was dismissed for the holidays and saved a gift to open on Epiphany to celebrate the wise men arriving in Bethlehem. The decorations came down January 6th. It's too bad we rush to shop, decorate, celebrate, worship and then so many of us pack Christmas away December 26th. In 2008 I decided to leave the decorations up until Epiphany, I took 1/2 down and planned to finish the rest when I had to rush my father to the ER which began the year from you know where with the 11 1/2 months he was hospitalized. I then thought, this is 2009 - I am leaving the decorations up until Epiphany this year. I then rushed my father to the hospital and he died at the end of the month. I have not decided if I will leave my decorations up until Epiphany this year; but I will celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas and savor the time we celebrate the birth of Christ the Lord. Merry Christmas! For to us a child is born, to...

I am going to sow at least 24 Scriptures into my heart in 2011. After prayer, I think they will all come from the Gospels. I am looking forward to seeing which verses other Siestas choose. I need the accountability of the roll call, I didn't commit many Scriptures to heart in 2010. How about you? Will you join the Siestas once again in 2011? In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in ...

I am saddened today by the necessity of a "Line of Love" at Elizabeth Edwards' funeral. Her children are dealing with the death of their mother and a protest group wants to make their day much worse. I saw pictures of the protesters a couple of days ago. They were carrying signs some of which read: God Bless Breast Cancer. Their reasoning - She was hell bound because her son died and she had cancer. (I wonder if they think her's estranged husband's adultery is also her fault?) How do they think this demonstrates loving their neighbor as Jesus commanded us to do? I pray their hateful words and curses are shut down. I pray the people in the Line of Love reflect Christ's love and in no way come down to the protesters level of Phariseeism (I know - no such word) and hate. As for the protesters, we must pray for them to be transformed by the love of Christ, for their hearts of stone to become hearts of flesh and we must do so because Christ also commands us: ...

Some of the greatest gifts I've received in my life have been friends the Lord placed in my life. I met Kay when I was 9 years old. We took ballet at the same studio. Our teacher called us Mutt and Jeff because she was tiny and I was tall. She was brunette and I was blonde. (We still claim our original hair colour!) We spent many a night at one another's homes laughing, practicing difficult steps, and dreaming of marriage (We might not have had a real understanding of marriage back then!). We've both experienced a lot of life since we met in the early 1970's. We met for dinner Friday night, such a wonderful time of fellowship. I am so thankful through Christ Jesus our love and friendship have endured the seasons of life. I am thankful for the sisters I've made in the blogging (many of you walked with me during my father's illness and death) world and the friends I've made via Facebook who met me as I was grieving dad's death. I ask the Lord to bles...

It's the beginning of the new year according to liturgical calenders. The 1st Sunday of Advent has come and gone. The season has begun for us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. Though, I don't observe all things liturgical, I observe Advent. (I could use prayers to locate the Advent Wreath Annette G gave me, I have to candles but not the wreath. I stored it separately from the Christmas decorations last year which apparently was not the smart thing to do.) The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival" from the Latin Adventus. The focus of the season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. During Advent, as Christmas music and retail ads swirl...I try to devote extra time to journaling and spending time in the Word. Many people fast during Advent. Many people spend more time in prayer. If you observe Advent, do you add time in prayer, the...

I wonder how many times in my life I have said I need a word from the Lord or I do not seem to being hearing the Lord? Usually when I make those type of statements, I have let the cares of life come between me and time in prayer and the Word. I read I Samuel chapter 3 and thought about the Lord calling Samuel and Samuel running to Eli because he did not recognize God's voice. The 3rd time Eli realized it was God calling Samuel and told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if He calls you, say,'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." I am willing to bet I have whined I needed a word from the Lord many more times thanI've said Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening We miss so much when we are too busy talking and not listening. We miss the Lord when we let the cares of life steal our time in time in the Word and prayer. I want to be a servant who says, "Speak, Lord, I am listening."

I was thinking about Zacchaeus and how desperate he was to see Jesus. He was short, not welcomed by the people of Jericho due to his job, and there was no way he could push his way to the front of the crowd, so he climbed a tree. Can you imagine climbing a Sycamore tree? We had 1 in the front yard of my parents' first home. It was tall and a great tree to climb, but I cannot imagine climbing it as an adult for a host of reasons (especially gravity). However Zacchaeus scrambled right up the tree to see Jesus. Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and we...

A friend called me Saturday night, she was distraught over a tough situation in her life. It's a hard season with no end in sight. A loved one is ill, refuses to admit she is ill, and does not follow any of the doctor's orders. The loved one is also loving conditionally, which makes it tough. My friend said maybe God is doing this because of the evil things I used to do. I said hold on, I'm going to switch gears from listening to talking; God does not work that way! If He did, we would have been wiped out like Pharaoh's army in 7th grade. I asked her if she had truly repented from the sins she thought were unforgivable. She said yes and I know she meant it. I said God forgave you. He knew you were going to commit everyone of those sins before the foundation of the world. We cannot save ourselves, we cannot earn a trip to heaven, that is why He provided the Atoning Lamb Jesus Christ the Righteous One for us. When Jesus' body was broken on the Cross, when His bloo...

A few weeks ago as I waited my turn to check out at the grocery store, I suddenly became a judgmental woman. It was not pretty. The customer in front of my separated his groceries and used food stamps to buy a portion of them, then opened his wallet (I could not help but see it.) filled with 100 dollar bills and paid for beer, cigarettes and other items not covered by food stamps. Suddenly, I was judging him. My 1st evil thought was: Maybe if you didn't spend so much money on your tattoo sleeves, tattoos on your neck, tattoos on your legs you could pay cash for all your groceries. Seriously his tattoos and spending habits are not my business. God did not make me the food or tattoo police. I don't know his story. For all I know he's recently lost his job. His wife or child might be ill. He could be on disability due to an injury. I have no idea. I don't need to have an idea. I need to have godly thoughts. I am not the Ancient of Days. I climbed off God's thro...

Yesterday my friend Annette posted Testify to Love on her blog as her Sunday Song. I posted Amazing Love. The Bible has much to say about love. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. I frequently blog about love. I certainly hope I live it out and treat people in a loving way at all times. (Though there is a post coming soon about me fuming over someone using food stamps for part of their groceries and cash for other items. It will fall in the Judgment category.) I come across people of many religions - Hindu, Moslem, Wiccan, etc. One thing that many of these people have in common (besides not being Christian) is being treated very poorly by Christians. They've been spat on, told they are going to hell, reminded witches used to be burned at the stake and so on. In Scripture, Jesus tells us to love, love, love. Love our enemy, pray for those who persecute us, Legalistic , self-righteous words and arguments have never advanced the K...

Most people in southeast Texas look forward to fall which visually is not much different from summer, but brings an exciting drop in temperatures. My living room and dining room are adorned with pumpkins and fall foliage. I am in a season of intercession for a church I want to leave. I was sitting in the pew one Sunday several weeks ago whining (I wish I could honestly call it praying, but I cannot.) to the Lord about cell phones ringing, women sitting behind me carrying on a conversation and children misbehaving during the service. I said when can I leave this place and join another church!!! Suddenly I felt deep in my heart what the Lord feels for this congregation. Since then I have prayed over the sanctuary and church campus as well as the people attending the services. I have no idea if the season is long or short, but I will be obedient to the Lord. Some seasons are short, some are long, some are hard, some are sweet. Remember whatever season you are in will not last foreve...

So many of my friends are in hard seasons now. One is recovering from cancer, one is about to begin treatment for cancer, one lost her mother and one has lost a child. It's so tiring as we endure a long, hard season, but thankfully we know they end. God is faithful and true. His word tells us: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Thankfully through Christ Jesus we have peace in the mid...

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. As Christians, I believe most of us are acquainted with Psalm 19:4, we endeavor to speak godly words and not words that do harm such as gossip and harsh words. Many times however, we should not speak, we should listen. I've noticed a listening problem lately. The following statements were made by mature Christians to seriously ill people: Well Norma, your head has a nice shape to it. (She was recovering from cancer and bald at the time.) I hope you will not have surgery to remove the tumor, drink this juice it will cure you. Don't go to doctors for _____ fill in the blank. Just pray. I was sicker with cancer than you are now. (Spoken by a cancer survivor to someone who died of cancer a few weeks later.) Joe, I understand your heart is failing, well let me tell you about _____, fill in the blank. We've all said things we should not say in a mu...

So many ads tell us we need to focus on ourselves, have our guilty pleasure, they tell us it's OK to be selfish as well as other things which feed our souls and not our spirits. Yes, we should care for ourselves and having time to ourselves and vacations are not a bad thing. Focus entirely on self is a bad thing. After all it is really all about Jesus Christ our Savior, Who God the Father sacrificed in our place to reconcile us to Him. I pray we learn to find our refreshment in Jesus. His word tells us: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." So many times when we are weary, we look for refreshment everywhere except spending time with our Lord, whether it be in praise, meditating on Scripture or sitting quietly waiting on Him.

I suppose every generation has a day on which they remember exactly what they were doing when the news of tragedy reached their ears. I was running late to work, my husband chased me down the drive way to tell me to come inside and watch a traffic report from New York City. I thought I am late, my boss is going to have a cow and you want me to watch a traffic report which has nothing to do with the Southwest Freeway!!! As a result of going inside to look at the TV for a minute, I saw the 2nd plane hit the 2nd tower. I realized America was under attack on our shores for the 1st time since Pearl Harbor. I numbly drove to work and slammed on my breaks when the DJ interrupted a song to announce more tragic news. I noticed almost everyone on Highway 59 hit their brakes when I did. That morning my father closed the office and sent us home for the day. I cried, I stared at the TV for hours and hours. I prayed. I kept wondering if any of our allies would be attacked that day as well. I won...

My mother, Anna Marie and I are going to Creede, CO for the Labor Day weekend. I cannot tell you what anticipation I feel as I think of the drive from Colorado Springs to Creede. Once we arrive in the San Luis Valley - the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests, the Rio Grande River are just a part of the dazzling beauty our Creator chose to display. When I am in the Creede - South Fork area of Colorado I feel very close to God for several reasons: cell phone service is still sketchy; it's not 100 degrees and humid; there is little traffic noise; I rarely watch TV up there - as a result I am quiet and spending time in prayer and the Word as I sit outdoors. I watch elk, deer, and other animals, I gaze at the mountains, I hear the wind rushing through the aspen leaves and I want to just cry over the shear beauty. I am so overcome by the greatness of God. I see His splendor in every day life too, but up there is bowls me over. Friends have told me...

I married the man of my dreams who caused a few nightmares along the way. I am sure he would say the same thing about me as well. We've endured many situations life has thrown at us, including: Love, Joy, Tears, Faith, Death, Die to Self, Live for Self, Love, Sickness, Better and Worse, Hope, Grief, Love, Laughter, Hard Financial Times, Family Feuds, Love; we always come back to love. (Not to say there were a few shouts and curse words in between in our early years.) We are not perfect, but we are perfect for one another. Marriage is not a sprint, it's not a 5K, it's not even a marathon, it's an endurance race until the finish line. I look forward to the next 25 years with my man next to me and my focus on Christ Jesus. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It al...

One of the dearest Christian men I know, a man filled with godly wisdom and love had part of his lung removed due to cancer about a month ago. Yesterday after walking quite a bit and eating lunch, having a really great day Ennis was rushed to the hospital with a collapsed lung which may have a tear it it. Since the phone call learning of his condition, I received other phone calls telling me Phillip could not begin chemo yesterday for the stage IV lung cancer discovered 2 weeks ago, his wife Bobbie is in the hospital as well with a drug resistant infection, another sister in Christ has esophageal cancer which has spread, a friend's son was diagnosed with cancer which has spread all over his body...might I just say part of me wanted to say I can't take another phone call today, the other part of me said yes I can because I am not to operate under my own strength. (The phone rang again, Mrs. Graves had a stroke, she is a beloved school teacher I had in high school.) Part of me w...

I had so much fun last weekend. I met Karen, Anna Marie and Katie in Hallettsville, TX Friday night because we were participating in a 5K race on Saturday benefiting Young Life. Saturday Karen and Anna Marie came to my house after the race and spent the night. We went to dinner and a movie and to church on Sunday morning. They went 45 minutes early with me to prayer walk the campus, and pray inside the gym (our temporary sanctuary). Don and Jeannine joined us for prayer. We prayed for many things to be accomplished - most especially people enter and worship with a reverent heart, knowing though we are in a gym - this is a sanctuary which is holy ground. The prayers were answered in a mighty way. The band began practicing a song called I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light. That particular song was Anna Marie and Jack's youngest son's favorite song. It was the last song sang at his funeral. No matter where Anna Marie attends church the nearest weekend to the anniversary of hi...

I was asked to be an intercessor during a Christian Educators meeting last Saturday as well as say a few words. Saturday morning arrived and I thought Lord - I have nothing to say (Don't let my husband know he missed a speechless moment!) to the people attending today's conference. I was supposed to arrive at 7:30am to begin praying, the conference would begin an hour later and end at 1:30pm. It was 7:15am and I had nothing from the Lord, no message from Him for these people. I began to prayer walk the campus as the sun was shining brightly in the sky. As I rounded the corner a heavy fog descended out of nowhere and the street lights came on and people had to use their headlights as they drove down the street. I said, "Lord what is this?" He said, "This is the fog enveloping my students, teachers and administrators. They are shrouded with fatigue, defeat and hopelessness. The sun came back out and burned through the fog. The Lord said, "My Son burns throug...

I so value my sisters in Christ. At one point in my life I either knew my sisters in Christ in person or figuratively as members of the Body of Christ, then a new category was born - my blogging sisters in Christ. I keep up with a few of you on the Net (and I've met 2 of you in person - Annette & Ang) via your blogs. I really appreciate knowing your hearts through your posts. One sweet sister is Wendy, I've read her posts pouring out her heart concerning her husband and his fight with COPD. David passed away earlier this month. I ask you to lift Wendy up in prayer as well as her family. So many of you are hurting for 1 reason or another. Know we are here to pray with you and for you. We are to carry one another in prayer just as the friends carried their friend the paralytic to Jesus. A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the...

I blog about love frequently, I hope I will always have a fresh perspective on love and never take God's love, my husband's love, my family's love or my friend's love for granted. I chose Kelly Minter's Loss, Legacy, & Love for the women's Bible Study group which meets at my house on Monday nights. Much to our surprise Beth Moore chose it for the Siesta Summer Study as well. We have so enjoyed the study and been reduced to tears a couple of times too. Sometimes, I think as Christians we don't think about love being being a central theme in the Old Testament which is highly inaccurate. The Old Testament is filled with stories of love, the following are but a few: God's love for His people revealed through out through out the Old Testament Abram's love for Lot Joseph's love for his father and family David's love for God Ruth's love for Naomi Ruth left her home, her family and set off for Israel with Naomi. They were widowed,...

Yesterday, my friend had surgery to remove cancer from his lung. He and his wife are believers and are standing in faith but have had a little trouble with fear. They booked their vacation months ago for last week. The doctor told them to take it, so they did; some of their family joined them. They stayed at a marvelous resort on a beach with pools and many amenities. During the vacation, the diamond fell out of my friend's ring. They searched for it to no avail. The next day, their grandson was swimming in 1 of the resort's gigantic pools with numerous other guests and stepped on something. He picked it up to see what it was. It was his grandmother's diamond. I believe that was a sign reminding them God never forsakes us, He never ever leaves us, and He is ever faithful. Once again, we must not only believe in Him, we must believe Him and to believe Him requires knowing what He promises us in His word. This is a small sampling of His promises to us: Jeremiah 29:11 ...

In our culture we frequently see articles in magazines with the word Compromise listed in the title; especially in articles pertaining to marriage and relationships. (Of course we see many other articles with phrases such as: Be Selfish) In the Bible, the Israelites compromised every so often and it never worked out for them. Take a look at Solomon who at one point wanted nothing more than wisdom from the Lord. 1 Kings 11 1 King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh's daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. 2 They were from nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, "You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods." Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray. 4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devote...

2 years ago, I wrote about the Asparagus Fern in my flower bed, people still comment on the post. I updated the post over the weekend for a friend's newsletter. Following is the updated version: In 2008 my father was very ill and began the year in the hospital where he remained for 5 1/2 months. As a result of the hospitalization, I did not get to the big spring lawn clean up that year. All the shrubs needed pruning, weeds needed pulling, and summer annuals needed planting. An asparagus fern had popped up in one of my flower beds. It had to go, it was taking up valuable space which had a Black Eyed Susan's name all over it. I'd left it alone during the winter because birds could eat the red berries on it, but it was Memorial weekend and the thing was going to pulled up by the roots and discarded. I trimmed it back, dug the ground around it, and began to pull but could not remove all of it. The asparagus fern was established. In desparation I drove to a local hardware ...

A few weeks ago, I asked a small group of women to pray for someone having knee replacement surgery. Our prayers were answered, the patient recovered in record time and was back home with her family soon after surgery and rehab. Her rehab time was cut from 4 weeks to 10 days. Thank you Lord. I am still praying for her as well as her husband to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior. A few days ago, I sent an emergency prayer request for a woman who had a plan, said goodbye, and picked a date to kill herself. I was contacted yesterday, she did not do it and is in a hospital. I continue to pray for her spiritual and emotional healing. I call her Daughter of the King for prayer purposes as I cannot put her name on the Internet. I am so thankful for those of you who prayed with me over these situations. I am so thankful the Lord moved in a mighty way on behalf of these precious people. Bless the Lord O my soul...let me not forget His benefits!!!

I turned 49 yesterday. I can remember when I thought that was ancient, almost fossilhood. I guess it's time for me to buy into the "it's the new 30 thing", though I think I'll just buy industrial strength spot remover (think Clinique) and moisturizer and keep smiling.I mean it could always be worse, I could be 49 in dog years. I rarely think about my age, though I do miss the physical energy of my youth. I certainly appreciate being more mellow with age, more compassionate with age, and way more patient with age. I have an 85 year old in my Bible Study group who is mentally and physically going strong, she is a true testimony to the sustaining power of God as is her husband of 66 years. Scripture is filled with senior citizens living active lives. Think Abraham and Sarah, St. John the Divine. So in a culture which says I should fight aging like the Israelites fought the Philistines, I say - HA, I am going to serve the Lord and my family, work hard, have some...

I must confess as I've watched the almost non stop news coverage of the BP mess in the Gulf of Mexico, I've said some pretty sinful things. BP = Broken Promises, BP's motto is drill and kill, to name of couple of things I said. As oil is spewing in the Gulf, many people - Christians and unbelievers - are spewing evil words about BP, the govt, etc... The Lord convicted me to spend more time in prayer over the situation and no time dissing BP or the govt. I am now praying for a solution to be found if resolution does not come by the hand of the Almighty God Himself. I am praying about all the chemicals being spewed into the air. I am praying for the people whose livelihood has been jeopardized. I am praying for the economy of the areas involved. I am praying concerning the wildlife and ecosystems. Since I quit bashing/spewing evil about BP, I do not feel so out of sorts. The Bible has much to say about the words of my mouth. Following are just a few Scriptures: Pro...

I cannot go into details because I do not want to announce another person's private information on the Internet, but I spent several hours in the hospital where my father died earlier this week. I was shocked at how quickly the chair in the various waiting rooms became uncomfortable and how quickly I became tired. When dad was sick, it took several days before I was this tired. Starting two days in a row at 4:15am and staying up until 11:00pm took it out of me. I then had to work until 9:00pm Thursday night and worked late Friday night. I didn't think I was capable of a coherent thought Friday night when a friend came over because they wanted me to pray with them over a situation. I knew then it was a Matthew 11:28-29 moment. (Every moment should be, but I sometimes try to operate under my own steam and strength.) Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will fi...

My friend Valerie and I have been in a season of treading water, for very different reasons but with the same results. We cannot move forward. Occasionally the feeling of treading water is comfortable, we've both been at it for 2 years. Mostly, it's a feeling of being stuck but knowing the Lord is present in our situations. We are both waiting for the swim forward season to arrive. I will say if I have to choose, I prefer treading water to a wilderness experience. Done that one too, it was miserable. Most Christians told me it was a wonderful thing; well this Christian did not think so. If you are stuck, stagnant, flailing, or drowning - Please know the Lord is right there with you. Sometimes these seasons are results of our own actions or inactions, sometimes it's due to a situation with a loved one, but we must remember the Lord knew all of this before the foundation of the world. He knew we needed our Savior. He knows the number of hairs on our head. Hang on tight,...

What happened to May? Is it my imagination or did this month fly by at warp speed? I chose a Bible Study for the small group which meets in my home, we'll begin in a couple of weeks. Turns out Beth Moore and many Siestas will be doing the same study of Ruth by Kelly Minter. Have you chosen a summer study? If you have, please leave me a comment and tell me what it is. I am looking forward to a quick trip to the beach Friday afternoon and watching the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. I hope to attend in person next year. Join me in feasting on Ps 19:1-3 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Enjoy your week and stay in the Word!

I've been reading a blogging sister's journey with her husband as his condition worsens due to COPD. He is now receiving palliative care. Her words are so touching as she describes letting go. Her post from a few days ago reminds me of my last serious conversation with my father 2 weeks before he died. I think (not realizing it that day) the topic of conversation in a sense gave my father permission to leave this home for his real home in heaven and I was letting go. Americans frequently say I've learned to let _____________ go, whether it's a person or a situation. Many times however, we want to or justify holding on to something such as anger, a grudge, bitterness and or unforgiveness. When we hold on to those things, we are no longer living in spiritual freedom. Most of us learned the Lord's Prayer as youngsters and may say it in each church service we attend. Do we really think about what the words say: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who tre...

The other day I thanked the Lord for the friends He put in my life even the friends who ultimately betrayed me. Being betrayed is no fun, but it can be a time to grow in the Lord. Jesus had big mouth friends- Peter; high maintenance friends (I think James and John might have been a little bit on the high maintenance side.); friends who listened - John & Mary; busy friends - Martha; and we all know He had at least 1 friend who betrayed Him - Judas. I went steady with a dear boy off and on through high school. His parents and sister were very dear to me. When I married he became friends with my husband and when he married my husband and I became friends with his wife. The 4 of us did a lot together over the years. He was diagnosed with 2 forms of cancer late in 1998; we were devastated. His wife had carte blanche to call any time of the day or night. I could tell something was going on with her, but I wrote it off to her husband's illness and juggling 2 young children and t...

We know God is in the details, we also know He promises us much in His word, for example: Jer 29:11-12 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you Many of you know I have been battling an upper respiratory infection for 2 months. Until last week, I felt bad and worked from bed many days, slept at lunch and slept from 5pm to 8pm or so and went back to bed at 10pm until 8am the next day. I am proud to say I am much, MUCH better and I now can comprehend what I read in His word again. One Saturday when I felt my worst, I had to launder the sheets and blankets. It was cold, raining, and very damp so I washed the flannel sheets and fleece blankets which were on the bed. I loaded the sheets in the washer, started the washer and went back into the bedroom to sleep on top of the blankets. I woke up and decided to ...

Today is Maundy Thursday on the liturgical calendar. One of my favorite days, a day which really touches me. I am going to get out of bed and go to church tonight. I've had an upper respiratory infection for 6 weeks, it let up a little 2 weeks ago, I got excited and went to the rodeo 3 times, dumb idea. Should have remained in bed and prayer. If you own stock in Vicks Vapor rub, allergy medications and or Kleenex, I have increased your income a lot! I've been able to pray a lot, but have no idea what I read a few minutes after I read it, therefore no blogging. Anyway - ENOUGH whining and back to Maundy Thurs. Today we celebrate the first Communion. Luke 22: 14When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." 17After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ...

How can it be March 1st already??? It's cold and raining today, but spring is about to burst on the scene. Our plum trees are blooming. Azaleas should bloom soon and then Texas will be bathed in wildflowers...our beloved bluebonnets are just around the corner. The 2010 Winter Olympics have come to a close, the rodeo is about to begin and time marches on from one season to another. (I am not so much a summer person but I know my sisters up north are really ready for winter to close and soooo ready for spring and summer.) I chose another verse from Psalm 119 as my memory verse: Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. We are so fortunate to have God's Word at our disposal. In America, we can buy a Bible at the grocery store, we can attend Bible study, we can freely attend church. Let us be thankful for this and never take it for granted. Leave me a comment with your memory verses. I love knowing which verses you are hiding in your heart. Stay in the W...

I have been battling an upper respiratory infection for almost a week, it has drained my energy in a big way. At least the Olympics are on now, I would rather watch them (though I slept through the men's ice skating) than most of the drivel offered on TV. I stayed in bed from 2:00pm Friday through 8:00am today. So much work poured in this morning, it's like it was before the economy tanked. Please join me in praising the Lord for this and also pray for me to completely shake this thing. Thanks and Love, Annette

Can anyone else identify with Numbers 11:10 Moses heard the whining, all those families whining in front of their tents. God's anger blazed up. Moses saw that things were in a bad way. 11 -15 Moses said to God, "Why are you treating me this way? What did I ever do to you to deserve this ? Did I conceive them? Was I their mother? So why dump the responsibility of this people on me? Why tell me to carry them around like a nursing mother, carry them all the way to the land you promised to their ancestors? Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people who are whining to me, 'Give us meat; we want meat.' I can't do this by myself—it's too much, all these people. If this is how you intend to treat me, do me a favor and kill me . I've seen enough; I've had enough. Let me out of here." If you've experienced similar emotions at one time or another, was it caused by family (spouse, a 2 year old, teens, a MOTHER IN LAW) or coworkers/boss? Sometim...

This time of year takes me down memory lane to hand made Valentines cards - doilies were key to most of my endeavors along with red and white construction paper and crayons. Occasionally I would be quite artistic - really stretch as an artist and use light pink paper, white doilies and a magenta crayon. I would also address a little Valentine card for each member of my class and place them in the individually hand decorated white lunch bags at the back of the classroom. Each year my father bought my mother a card and chocolates, he bought me a card and a box of Red Hots. (I'm allergic to chocolate, but eat it anyway.) I looked forward to the little hearts stamped with Be Mine, etc. I loved the way the hearts looked but didn't really care for the taste. As I grew older, I expected the flame of the moment to buy me a card and maybe spring for a meal at the Pizza Hut or Sonic. I met my husband in 1981, I had higher expectations by then jewelry was nice as were roses and a ni...

Today is Annette's (of Annie's Eyes Blog) birthday. We 1st met through Beth Moore's blog a couple years ago. We then did what we tell children not to do - we met in person over lunch and she came to my annual coffee (I gave her my address and phone number.). Since the day we met in person, we've had the privledge to worship together a few times and of course shared a couple more meals. I am so thankful the Lord put Annette in my life. I pray 2010 is truly a year of Jubilee for you - my precious Sister in Christ. Happy Birthday! I love you.

Today's readings in the chronological year through the Bible are Lev. 22 and 23, a book which many people use to illustrate their point the Bible is no longer relevant. (You hear it all in denominational church, many say Paul was not a disciple, his stuff is no good.) Lev 22:32-33, "Don't desecrate my name. I insist on being treated with holy reverence among the People of Israel. I am God who makes you holy and brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am God." As New Covenant Girls, we are spiritually delivered from the bondage of Egypt. By living for God and dying to self, by repenting and confessing our sins we remain free. In the words of my friend Norma Dearing, keep your accounts short, confess and repent immediately, don't wait until later. When we forget or refuse to confess and turn away from our sins we are heading right back to Egypt. I want to live spiritually in the Promised Land not in Egypt which spiritually is a land of bondage and a desert...if...

Seriously, how can we be on our 3rd verse of the year!!! It seems it was just Thanksgiving. And if the truth be told, I still don't really know my 2nd verse. I chose Psalm 119:105 because it means so much to me and like everything else in the Bible - it is TRUE...Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I plan on camping out in Psalm 119 the next few weeks using The Message, NIV and Amplified versions of the Bible. Psalm 119 refers to God's word quite a bit. We must be careful not to analyze His word so much we fill our heads with it instead of our hearts. I want to truly live out His word, I want 2010 to be a year in which I continue to die to self and grow in Christ. Feast on these words from Psalm 119: 33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36 Turn my heart...

About this time one year ago, I drove my father to the hospital, he died that afternoon. I am still sorry I was not there because I returned to work for an hour, but I am glad my last words to him were, "I love you." So many of you prayed for him, my mother, and me for 2 years. I am so thankful for the prayers. I am not sad today secure in the knowledge of where he is... Remember Earth is our temporary home, we are going to live in a place with no tears, no sickness, no disease, no war, no poverty and no sin! And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for ...

Please leave a comment with your favorite (if there is such a thing) verse and or a verse/verses you have used to stand during a situation or a verse you are currently using as you face life...I gathered verses 2 years ago friends sent to me; the Holy Spirit led me to write a prayer with them. We'll see what happens this year.

Saturday I met Angie in person...it was such a joy and delight...I have read her blog for nearly 2 years. I caught the end of the final praise and worship at the Beth Moore Siesta Weekend in Houston, the presence of the Lord almost knocked me over when I entered the room. Annette G (Annie's Eyes Blog), Ang and I went to lunch. I still cannot believe I have met 2 of my blogging sisters in person. Gives me hope, I will meet more of you before we are dancing together on streets of gold. I spent a lot of time in the yard planting flowers yesterday, 120 of them, 40 more to go...can I just tell you I need aspirin and Ben Gay! Just as I plant flowers in the yard, I am going to plant God's word in my heart this year, though it will probably be 12-20 verses this year, Have a blessed week and stay in the Word! Have a blessed week!

The Houston Marathon is this weekend, maybe that's why I have a picture of running. My new memory verse is: Hebrews 12: 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Sometimes I think we treat life like a sprint, a walk, a trot, or a dash- but in reality our life on earth is a marathon. Some of the marathon is like running on a smooth, flat surface. Some of it is like running uphill on a severely rutted road filled with pot holes. The good news is Jesus is with us all the way. He is with us on the flat surface, He is with us running up the rutted road and right along side us as we run downhill. We forget He even carries us. We don't know when we'll cross the finish line, but God the Father Almighty does. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, pressing onward - knowing we will spend eternity in heaven!

Lisa had more tests conducted on her pancreas, the spot was still there. Then she had the MRI and the spot was gone. She does NOT have cancer of the pancreas. Thank You Lord!!! We praise You and thank You and give You all the glory!

The Bible has a few examples of people looking back instead of looking forward, pressing toward the finish line with their eyes on the promised Messiah. Lot drug his feet and really did not want to leave town, his wife looked back...some of the most famous words in the Bible are found in Gen. 19: 26 But Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. She looked back, let's face it their life was not so great in their former home. Sin abounded, Lot offered his daughters to the depraved men who were trying to break into his house. To me the most astounding story of looking back is the story of the Israelites thinking this is the pits, let's go back to being slaves in Egypt. Numbers 20:2 Now there was no water for the community, and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. 3 They quarreled with Moses and said, "If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD! 4 Why did you bring the LORD's community into this desert, that we...

My friend Lisa had extensive medical tests last week so her endicrinologist can figure out what is going on with her. A spot which may be a shadow was discovered on her pancreas which has caused Lisa great fear. I am praying for a completely healthy pancreas and for her to be spiritually whole in Christ Jesus and to have a fresh revelation of God's love for her. I pray she knows He really REALLY loves her, in fact that He's crazy about her. This is a situation in which having Scripture hidden in our heart is a bonus, the enemy loves to attack our thought life as we lie in bed at night trying to sleep while waiting on test results. He whispers - it's cancer, you'll probably die. When we know Scripture we can combat these lies with the Living Word of God which is sharper than a double edged sword. Is Lisa's situation serious, it might be, it might be nothing at all. Great I Am is bigger than any foe we have. Our God, Our Shield, the Great I Am is bigger than any...

A new year, a new decade, magazines with advice on everything from how to declutter to walk off 40 lbs in the new year, television shows and news segments on how to keep your resolutions. One problem with resolutions is they are usually focused on self which is not necessarily a good thing. A resolution may seem like a wonderful idea but it may not get down to the root of the problem you want to correct. I prefer goals. I have 3 goals this year, they are (you knew I would share): To Grow in Christ Jesus To Live out His Word To become physically and spiritually fit At the end of August I went on a diet, I have knocked off 31 lbs, have another 30 to go. I gained 35 lbs the 1st six weeks dad was in the hospital in 2008. My doctor told me part of my problem (besides eating too much during this time, eating junk all of 2008 when he was in the hospital for so long), not exercising enough, some of this was stress induced, my adrenal glands were shot, my thyroid is not low, but is at...