Thunder, Lightning, Rain

As I type, I hear the sound of rain falling mixed with thunder and see vivid flashes of lighting. I want to return to bed while I sip coffee but that would wake the man up about an hour early and we don't want that.

Much of Texas is experiencing a drought which began in 2010 and continues today. My area has received a little rain over the last few weeks after a summer of no rain and record breaking heat. "Experts" say the drought will last for years. The Farmer's Almanac says we will have a mild, wet winter. Since 660 million trees in the greater Houston area died and more are dying, I continue to pray for rain and wonder if the Farmer's Almanac is accurate.

When we skip time in the Word and or prayer, we become like a tree in a drought. Our roots are deep and will sustain us for a while, but we need time in the Word and prayer to keep us healthy and growing in the Lord.

If you feel overwhelmed by the demands of the Christmas season, take a little time, breath and open your Bible and spend time with the Lord.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Merry Christmas...

entre le boeuf et l'âne gris

Memories of Christmases Past

Funny how something from long ago pops into our heads out of the clear and the blue. I was reading the Houston Chronicle when suddenly from nowhere a French Christmas Carol popped into my head. I learned it in 5th grade which was a very LONG time ago.

Entre le boeuf et l'ane gris,
Dort, dort, dort le petit fils,
Mille anges divins, mille séraphins,
Volent alentour de ce grand Dieu d'amour

Between the ox and the gray ass, Sleeps, sleeps, sleeps the small son, Thousand divine angels, thousand seraphim , Fly around this great God of love...(I think I translated correctly.)

I am thankful most of my memories from Christmases past are about family, fellowship, and music. I remember receiving wonderful gifts along the way, but the memories of Crissy Dolls, Creepy Crawlers, and bicycles pale in comparison to time spent in laughter with loved ones, sharing meals with extended family and singing Christmas Carols.

I am thankful for Christmas memories to come. I pray your Christmas is filled with peace, joy, and love.

Car un enfant nous est né, un fils nous est donné, Et la domination reposera sur son épaule; On l'appellera Admirable, Conseiller, Dieu puissant, Père éternel, Prince de la paix.

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Egypt: Chariots or Cars?

Thanksgiving is over and done! Black Friday arrived and I went to the King Tut exhibit (OK, who still thinks of Steve Martin when they hear or read the words King Tut?) at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. It is a wonderful exhibit by the way.

A young boy asked his grandmother if there were still Egyptians, she replied yes there are and explained Egypt is a modern country. He then asked if Egyptians still had chariots or had made it to cars yet. She assured him there were cars and trucks in Egypt. It was nice seeing grandmother and grandson enjoy their time together; his curiosity - her wisdom, young and old hand in hand.

Thinking of the young boy reminds me of Jesus' words from Mark 10:13-15

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

As Christians we want to remember we are God's children and we need God's wisdom.

I hope your holiday season is filled with child like wonder and you receive wisdom from heaven.

Thanksgiving & Advent

I have not blogged in a while for various reasons, one being I was knee deep in the Book of Ephesians for 8 weeks. It seems as if a myriad of seasons have passed since my last blog post. At least in my area the season of extreme heat is gone and we are experiencing traces of fall here and there.

I am astounded Thanksgiving is day after tomorrow and Advent begins Sunday. I certainly hope the turkey thaws in time, I forgot to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator last night.

I am so thankful for many things this year which has been a hard year in many ways but filled with so many God moments and answered prayers.

I pray your Thanksgiving is a wonderful day and we remain focused on our Heavenly Father and the gift of His Son as opposed to the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.

Paying Attention

When I was young I knew my mother and father paid attention to me, they listened to me, they scolded me, they disciplined me, they loved me. As I entered my teen years, I sooooooo wanted them to pay MUCH less attention to what I was doing.

I watch people walking through parking lots, sitting at restaurant tables, standing in line talking on cell phones. They are not giving their family members their attention but 9 out of 10 times say something similar to: I am spending time with my daughter today, we are eating lunch at our favorite restaurant, yet they do not end the conversation and give their daughter attention.

How like that we can be on our walk with God. He answers prayers, He blesses us, we see Him or hear Him in numerous ways through out the day, but we may be distracted, busy or on auto-pilot and miss Him.

How often He must want to say: Pay Attention, I love you, I want to bless you, I want to protect you...We have to be still and know He is God...as well as abide and rest in Him.

Jesus, said,"Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Heart of Stone

Why is it I feel compassion for some people who struggle with addiction and others I don't? At times I look at a couple of people who are high maintenance due to addiction issues and I think wow, I have compassion and pray regularly for person A, but I am apathetic and rarely pray for person B and go so far as to avoid her telephone calls, seeing her in person and hope she never gets on Facebook.

My heart is stone towards her which is wrong on many levels. I don't understand why I am judging her so harshly, why there is no love left in my heart for her, why I don't care about her and why I do not pray for her. (She is a relative.)

I should be on my knees asking the Lord to forgive me and asking Him to fill my heart with love for her as well as deliver her and heal the wounds which let addiction take over her life.

Do any you struggle with simply loving a person as Christ has called us to do?

I should pray this verse over myself daily: I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. I should also remember not to judge and to love.

I know Christ's grace is sufficient to accomplish what He says it can. I ask you to pray for me, that my heart will be filled with love for person B; that I would see her with the eyes of Christ.

Thank you.

David Crowder*Band - O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing

Summer

I remember when I loved the summer; couldn't wait for it to begin and was sad when Labor Day came and went because school began the Wed. after Labor Day. I feel for today's students, their summer is short and rushed.

Our culture seems to be caught in a warp speed mode. Do young people today ever experience the lazy days of summer? Chasing the Snow Cone man, listening to cicadas, watching the clouds.

I don't care much for summer these days. I am too old to get sunburned, too fat to chase the Snow Cone man but I still love to sit outside in the evening and listen to cicadas and at this time of year watch hummingbirds as they rest in our area before they migrate south for the winter.

I look forward to fall with great anticipation and thank the Lord for the hummingbirds which is an outward sign, fall is coming...(Unless Jesus returns first!)

Blah

I have felt so blah the last 3 weeks, I realize it coincides with gaining a new account for my business. I need the new account and am so blessed to have it. I lost an account I had since 1999 because I would not do something for them which pertained to labor laws and potential law suits. It was a matter for which they needed to be responsible, not a 3rd party.

My new account requires me to be out of the office in the field 1-2 hours a day. So as I am hoofing it across parking lots and up and down the stairs entering and exiting the Fort Bend County Justice Center - I am HOT! (And I don't mean my looks, though I probably look as if I am wilting in the heat.)

It dawned on me I can used this time to praise and pray. I noticed I was tired Friday at 5:30pm, but didn't feel so blah. So here's to Monday when I walking to and from my car, no phone ringing, no e-mail, I will pray and praise.

I've prayed for an increase in business. Glory to God the Father in the Name of Jesus Christ, I've gotten new business and a promising lead on a new contract in conjunction with a long time client.

Stunned

After I heard the Casey Anthony verdict I was stunned to the point I could feel despair knocking at my door. I know the jury didn't see everything we saw on TV, but they did see quite a bit of evidence. I really thought at the very least, she would be found guilty of Manslaughter.

Now the Anthony family is left to pick up the pieces of their lives and try to live life again as a family. Much healing needs to occur. No matter what I think, the Ancient of Days knows the truth. He is just and He will judge the guilty party or parties in the end.

I ask you to pray for the Anthony family to heal emotionally and spiritually and know there is hope in Christ Jesus. I pray their faith deepens and they can find refuge in God and with their brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray the media leaves them alone.

I hope Casey is whole in Christ Jesus and spends the rest of her days serving Him. I pray she will speak the truth from now on and leave lies behind her.

I pray there is forgiveness between all of them.

I am thankful there will be justice for Caylee.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Year of Jubilee

I celebrated my 50th birthday last Saturday. I choose to look at is as my year of jubilee and not think oh my WORD, I AM 50 which is way older than my parents were when I decided they were fossils!!!

I received birthday cards in the mail, birthday greetings on Facebook and breakfast in bed and a nice dinner at Carrabbas that night.

In 50 years I have learned much but still have much to learn; I've mellowed some what and I promise I don't look a day over 49.

What's next? I don't know. But I do know I want to serve the Lord (with gladness and singleness of heart for you Episcopalians/Anglicans out there) with the right heart motives. I want to know Him more through His word and prayer and spending time with Him.

I want to hear the words well done when I cross the finish line.

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Rain

Some parts of the country have received too much rain in the last few months, other parts have received little rain for months. Texas is experiencing the worst drought in 75 years. Today it has been raining in my area for several hours. Not hard, but a nice steady rainfall. I hope the cracks in the ground (and my skin) fade or disappear (miracles happen) entirely. Of course, more rain is needed, but today I feel joy in the atmosphere as I am out and about on office errands. People joking about not knowing where their umbrellas are. I am not making this up, the grass is already greener than it was earlier today and growing before my very eyes. I am sure the firefighters battling brush and forest fires around Houston, Huntsville and Madisonville are elated.

I hope you have joy in your life today.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture

The Father's Song (Matt Redman)

Siesta Memory Verse John 15:7

My current verse is John 15:7 (NIV) If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

The Amplified Version: If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.

I've heard the prosperity Gospel applied to this verse, however I personally believe as we grow in Christ and abide in Him, the things we desire are heavenly minded and therefore what we ask is too. Think how far you've come in your prayer life. I can remember praying this at 16: Dear Lord, I will miss curfew if I have to stop for any red lights. Please keep them green all the way home or I'll be grounded. (Implying it would be His fault.) I will say the lights remained green and I arrived with seconds to spare.

I laugh when I think back to that prayer, I hope He does too.

Called Forth from the Tomb

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said.“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

So many of my friends and family are presently facing serious circumstances in their lives. We all do at one time or another. The Lord never promised us a walk in the tulip patch but He did promise never to leave us or forsake us.

Hebrews 13:8 tell us: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever; which means since He called a dead man from a tomb over 2000 years ago, He healed lepers, He brought new life to us by His death and resurrection, He can turn your circumstances around today.

He can bring a dead marriage out of the tomb. Both parties need to love, forgive, and die to self, but our Lord can breathe new life into the marriage.

He can renew our minds and heal our emotions, it does not mean we were not abused, tortured or suffered trauma, it means He can heal us and we can sleep without nightmares, we can be filled with joy and peace and experience a little heaven on earth. We get a foretaste of heaven through salvation.

However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him...We cannot imagine what He has prepared for us.

Stand firm on our covenant promises, ask friends and family to lift you up in prayer, stay in the Word!

Siesta Verse - June 1st

Seriously (I know I say this often!) - how can it be June 1st!!!

I am continuing memorizing Scripture from John 15, today I begin with verse 6: If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

Last week a friend and I prayed for a couple hours after church for teachers, the administration and students in our area districts. The Lord showed me so many times we want to remain in Him and we walk away as we enter the work place. I don't know if that resonates with anyone, but I've been that person in more than 1 season of my life.

He also showed me many of the people I was praying for (most of whom are unknown to me) keep their eyes on Jesus in the dark of night, but avert their gaze by the light of day.

It can be so hard sometimes to live out His plan, but we know He would not call us to do so if His grace and mercy were not sufficient.

Let us remain in Him with our focus on Him and be vibrant branches filled with His life and love for our brothers and sisters, especially the ones the world considers unlovable.

The Fallen

My town like many is decked with American Flags this weekend. I am fortunate, of all the men in my family who served our country during war time came home to their families. I personally know 1 person who died serving our country. I was 4 years old when my dear neighbors' son Tony was killed in Viet Nam. He was such a nice young man. He let me "help" wash his car and played Fish and Battle with me while our parents prepared dinners on the patio during the summer. I can't really see his face anymore, just his smile and his hands dealing cards.

I ask you to remember the families who've lost loved ones defending our freedom in your prayers. Freedom is not free - men and women make the ultimate sacrifice daily just as our Father in Heaven did when He gave His Son as a sacrifice to save us.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Memory Verses

It's so odd how I can memorize some memory verses so easily and struggle to memorize others. I still mess up a verse from March 1.

My current verse is John 5:4
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

I've seen in my life and ministry the lack of fruit at certain times because I had wondered away from God and could not even reach the vine much less discern God's will for me. I think it's a common problem for Christians upon occasion.

If you feel you cannot reach the Vine, remember Jesus has His arm extended to you and wants you to grab hold of His hand. If you are not sure how to find your way back, Revelation tells us: Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.

Remember the joy you experienced when 1st saved? Return to the things you did back then. Get back into the Word, spend time in prayer and praise. Before you know it - you will know you are abiding in Him and you are a branch on the Vine.

War on Terror

While I do not celebrate the death of anyone, Bin Laden's death brings a certain sense of relief. I am glad he was buried at sea and his grave will not become a shrine to fanatics. I was shocked how quickly the jokes about Saddam welcoming him to hell began. No matter what, hell is no joke in my opinion.

I am thankful for the CIA and our SEALS for doing an extraordinary job, but the War on Terror is not over by a long shot. I hope Christians continue to pray for the safety of the US, our allies and Israel. I hope Christians continue to pray protection over our military. It can be easy to slack off a bit when we breath a sigh of relief over a situation when in fact we need to step up prayers because the enemy will retaliate.

Lord God, I ask You to protect the USA and our allies from all terror attacks. I ask You to thwart the evil plans of our enemies. I ask You to protect our military and our allies' military personnel as well.

Lord God, I pray for you to reveal Yourself as the Great I Am to the terrorists. Please reveal Your love for them, remove the blinding scales of deception from their eyes. I pray they come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

I pray for the US Govt to make decisions which are righteous in Your sight and I pray we return to our Christian roots. I pray this in the Mighty Name of Jesus.

Selah - There is a Fountain

Royal Wedding

Millions of people, possibly 2 billion watched the royal wedding and were amazed by the pomp and circumstance. Due to insomnia, I was awake at 4:15am, I gave in and tuned in myself.

As I watched the ceremony, I prayed for the couple, I prayed people watching the wedding would be touched by the Word of God to the very depths of their souls.

What viewers and guests saw is paltry compared to the royal wedding that is to come.

One day the Bridegroom is coming for His Bride - the Church.

Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

He is Risen - Alleluia

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" asked the men. "He is not here, but He has been resurrected!

Hosanna, Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord

The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,
“Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Jesus entered Jerusalem on the ancient version of a red carpet. The mood was jubilant, many people though their version of the Messiah had arrived, they thought Jesus would overthrow Rome and take Israel back to the glory days of David and Solomon. The mood would turn in a matter of days, Judas and the religious leaders were already plotting against Jesus. People who loved Jesus and knew he was the Christ would abandon Him...many times we think what was wrong with those people! The answer is - the same thing that is wrong with us - we are people..

How many times have believers been disappointed when God did not answer prayers in their time in their way or more specifically the way they told Him to accomplish what they thought needed?

Thankfully in God's infinite wisdom, He answers prayers the way in which they need to be answered. His plan for the Messiah was to atone for every sin, every sickness, every infirmity and save every person who has been born and who will be born. It was not a flash in the pan idea to save Israel from Rome.

Remember God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son for you, for me, for our lost brethren in Afghanistan, the lost homeless woman...

Hosanna! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!

VIA DOLOROSA - Sandi Patty

Be Unto Your Name - by Travis Cottrell [Lyrics]

Marc

I am requesting prayer for Marc. He survived a mission in Afghanistan in which 3 of his closest friends were killed, several U S military personnel who came to rescue them were killed as well.

Marc needs emotional healing, he is suffering from survivor's guilt and PTSD.

Please pray for him to be whole in Christ Jesus - emotionally, spiritually and physically. And pray for him to be able to forgive those men who shot him and killed his friends.

We know through Christ Jesus this can be accomplished.

John 15

My next few memory verses are found in John 15, beginning with verse 1. (If the Lord leads me to other verses in a few weeks, I will listen and sow the verses He chooses in my heart.)

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 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. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

In a world which seems to be imploding, wars, nuclear accidents, earthquakes, a tsunami, financial meltdowns, cruelty, etc - we know Jesus is coming. He died on the Cross to save all people. Keep your eyes on Him and pray for non believers to come to know Him as Lord and Savior. I pray He pours out His mercy and grace in the war zones as well as Japan.

Praise Report

My friend Patty's surgery went miraculously well. They feared ovarian and or breast cancer. They discovered a much, much smaller tumor on the peritoneum, the membrane that holds the organs together. The cancer was not attached to any organs and was contained by the membrane. They clipped it out and the glory is the Lord's.

Her 5-7 surgery last less than 2 hours and her week-long hospital stay will now be as little as the next two days!

Patty

Patty has surgery tomorrow, the surgeon estimates the surgery will take 5-8 hours. I do not know how advanced the ovarian cancer is, I know from reading, the symptoms Patty has indicates it may be fairly advanced. But Patty and I as well as you know the Great I Am is bigger than any cancer!

Jesus came to make us spiritually, mentally and physically whole as He destroyed the works of the devil. He came to bring abundant life, in my book that means destroying sickness and disease.

Patty and I got to know one another through Community of Hope. We attended the same training class, we joke we were locked in the church's conference room for 3.5 hours on Sundays for 16 weeks. We enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Larry's Mexican Restaurant and we love studying God's Word together. She is a part of my home girl posse.

I am so thankful the Lord put her in my life. I am looking forward to the praise report blog post. Patty is a woman of faith, she faced cancer head on a few years ago. I vividly remember her telling me, "Annette, I want to live to have more time with my husband and children, but I am filled with peace and ready to meet God face to face." She still would like to be here longer and meet her twin grandbabies who will make their arrival soon, but I know she trusts in our God and His purpose and to Him be all the glory.

Healer - Kari Jobe

Knocked for a Loop

He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

For the 1st three weeks of March one of my friends and I have been trying to get together for lunch at my house and a day at the Houston Rodeo. I had to cancel lunch. She canceled the rodeo the 1st week because she didn't feel so well. I invited her and her youngest daughter to attend the last day of the rodeo, she said yes then had to cancel because she was not feeling well.

She had been to the doctor for a couple routine tests the 3rd week of March and is now waiting to go to MD Anderson next Tues. The doctors suspect ovarian cancer.

Since Monday I've wanted to cry. I think of her 1st grandchildren (twins) who will make their arrival soon, her daughters, her son, her husband and most of all her. I feel as though there is no air in my sails. But I know what to do: pray, pray, pray and stand on promises found in Scripture. I know God is Who He says He is and I KNOW He can do what He says He will do.

This is another life circumstance in which we need to know His word, we need more than believing in Him we need to know Him.

I ask you to pray for my friend, God knows her name (they have not gone public yet), her pain levels are intense and she is in limbo until she goes to MD Anderson next week.

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

Chris Tomlin - You Are My King

Whisper

Monday as I worked on a project for a client, I felt as if something was off as I reached page 4 of their request. I continued doing the work and the impression was stronger. I repeated all the requests on page 4, the impression continued, the Lord was whispering in my ear. I began the entire project again, I discovered I missed something on page 1.

So many times we expect claps of thunder and lightning when the Lord speaks to us, but in my experience, it's mostly whispers.

I had missed something and my client sent incorrect information, but the Lord saved us both a lot of time and trouble.

God speaks to us in many ways: through His Word, worship, sermons, Christian music, creation to name a few.

I am so thankful I listened to Him! I praise Him and thank Him for His protecting me and my client from disaster. I praise His Holy Name!

Ides of March

My SSMT verse for 03/15 is the continuation of a passage from Matthew. I am memorizing Mt 5:45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (It makes sense in context: You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

If you have any prayer requests, please leave a comment.

New Zealand and Japan

New Zealand and her people still need prayer. Our minds are reeling over Japan. The news grows more dire each day.

Israel and the Palestians are closer to the brink of all out violence than ever before. We see the protests and violence in Libya and other countries as well.

We can search Scripture for signs as prophecy is fulfilled before our very eyes but we really need to be praying. Scripture tells us: “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

We also need to be fully awake, the Bride should be prepared for our Bridegroom.

Please join me during the remainder of Lent and pray for Jesus to be revealed as Messiah to non believers and for the humanitarian needs of the people of New Zealand and Japan as well as all Christians to wake up as well as the other matters the Lord impresses upon us.

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!”

Everlasting GOD-Chris Tomlin

Love Your Enemies

My SSMT verse for March 1 is Matthew 5:43-44, NIV:

You have heard it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy, 'But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

I will memorize Matthew 5:45 next.

It can be hard to love our enemy and pray for those who persecute Christians, but His grace is more than enough for us to accomplish what He asks.

If there were ever a time to pray for our enemies, for those who persecute the church, it is NOW.

As the violence in the Middle East continues and China warns it's citizens about protests and dissension, let us lift up the people of these nations in prayer.

MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine

Matthew 24

A few headlines from around the world this morning:

Thousands Protest High Food Costs in India
Libya Brink of Civil War
Death Toll Rises from Christchurch Quake
China Warns Subversives
Dem Rep to Unions: Time to Get Bloody


Without faith and assurance of Salvation, I think the headlines would be frightening. As mentioned in my last post, Jesus covers end time events in Matthew 24, too much Scripture to review in a blog post. Jesus gives us details about the end times, He warns us there will be false messiahs, famines, war, earthquakes, pestilences, etc which we need to know, but the key fact is He is coming again. We must keep our eyes on Him and fear not while we are remaining focused on Him.

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Big Al

Big Al the Alligator in Beaumont, TX is eating again which means winter is over in southeast Texas, his record is far more accurate then a cute animal up north as far as predicting these things.

Another thing we look to in southeast Texas before we plant is the Pecan Tree. If it's budding, it's safe, if it's not budding winter is not quite done.

The Lord gives us signs to watch as His return draws nigh. Knowing these signs are of the utmost importance, but if we are not careful we can go off on a tangent and forget to love Him and serve Him with gladness of heart and devote ourselves to the Kingdom work to which we are called.

Jesus words concerning the last days are found in Matthew 24. If you feel you are too familiar with them in your favorite Bible version, study them in another version or two.

We don't know when he is coming, so we must be prepared.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

Stay in the Word and continue to do the ministry to which you are called. Jesus is coming! Halelujah!

Michael W Smith - Agnus Dei (Worthy is the Lamb)

Context

My memory verse for 02/15/11 is John 10:30 NIV:I and the Father are one.”

Standing alone - I and the Father are one - sounds odd, sounds as if I am saying myself and the Father are one and therefore is not theologically sound. However in context it is theologically sound:
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

We must be careful and keep Scriptures in context. I've heard ministers take 1 verse out of context and preach an entire doctrine on it. I've seen wonderful Christians do the same thing, many times while giving a fellow Christian some truth in love (in their opinion).

God's Word is meant to bless, convict, teach, bring wholeness, build up not tear down, shame and destroy a person. Let's live it out in context.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing with Lyrics Chris Rice

The Least of These

This time of year, we seem to be bombarded by Valentine ads to buy our loved one chocolate, flowers and or jewelry. I am not opposed to receiving these items as gifts. I am not opposed to romantic love, but we need to remember God's love for all people, we need to remember to walk in love, we need to remember the least of these.

I took a spiritual inventory today. It seems being caught up in a long term crisis situation in my life has caused me to pay less attention the least of these. I have not donated to a couple of ministries I love to support in months, I have not donated new/gently owned clothing to a local help center, nor have I dropped off food at the same help center.

As the world focuses on romantic love Monday, I want to focus on the least of these and remember them through out the year.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman (with lyrics)

Snow Day

Those of us in the Houston area waited with great anticipation for a snow day earlier this week. Sadly, we had freezing rain instead and a hard freeze for a couple of days. (Maybe we'll have a snow day next year.)

My husband and a couple of his friends spent the weekend making deer sausage. (I can't wait for all deer related activities to be finished until November. I am sure he has a thing or 2 he wishes were finished on my end too.)

I went to Deer Sausage Central tonight to eat dinner with my husband and a few of our friends. I was amazed at how many people were complaining about being stuck at home from Thursday night through this morning.

What does that say about American society? Being stuck at home...we had rolling blackouts, but didn't lose power for long as many people across the country did. My husband and I spent the time talking, resting, I read, we watched a little TV. Our marriage is not perfect because we are not perfect, but we certainly didn't feel as if we were stuck with one another.

I welcome the extra time with my husband and with the Lord. As for my friends, who are great people, I hope they realize the value of time with the family.

It's OK to be still and know He is God...

February 1st

Seriously, how can it be 02/01/2011 already and time for another Siesta verse? January was an eventful month, one of my dad's closest friends died on the anniversary of dad's death, my great-nephew arrived the same day (mom and baby are doing well), 2 of my clients who laid off employees last year received new contracts and are hiring again beginning next month (praise God!), deer season ended and Bible Study began. I miss my home girls on Monday nights but certainly love Beth Moore's James Study!

My new verse is: My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

My 2011 verses so far:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

I was impressed to sow the words of Jesus in my heart. Ang and I are keeping each other accountable this year as we commit God's Word into our hearts, minds and spirits. I can't wait to read the various verses posted on the Lproof blog.

To my northern siestas - stay warm and safe, to my southern siestas - stay warm and use lots of hairspray!

"Revelation Song" - Gateway Worship, Song led by Kari Jobe

Two Years

Two years ago today my father died. I am thankful my last words to him were I love you, but I do regret not being at the hospital when he died. He was waiting to have a CT Scan so I went back to work with the plan of being back at the hospital when he was admitted to his room. He died during the CT Scan.

A few close friends and my husband have said you should not regret going back to work, you had to do so. Well, regrets are like feelings - they are what they are. I know I will see my father again in heaven and I've thankful for that, but I miss him as you miss your loved ones who have gone on before you.

It's amazing 2 years have come and gone, it seems so short in some ways and like 100 years in others. The ebb and flow of life. Dying, living, mourning, joy, tears and laughter - the natural order in God's plan. He is with us every step of the way. He does not abandon us or forsake us. He is ever faithful to His covenant promises.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. "

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

PS - my great nephew should arrive within the hour!

PPS - He's here, screaming and crying - he obviously takes after his mother...

Better is One Day Matt Redman

Answered Prayer

We've all had more answered prayers than we can count, though some were not answered the way in which we wanted.

For several months I've been praying for an unsaved friend to receive salvation, get a new job so he can quit his current job and for a family member to answer a request he made to her years ago.

He received the an envelope in the mail just after Christmas, it contained not only the small thing he requested, it also contained some family pictures. He received a new job and turned in his 2 week notice last week.

He has no idea I've been praying for him, so he had no idea he was sharing praise reports with me. I look forward to the day (tears are welling up in my eyes as I think about it) I receive the praise report of all praise reports - he will call and tell me he's accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

In this instant society, sometimes it feels as if our prayers are hitting a brick wall when we wait for weeks, months, and years for an answer. Sisters keep praying!

It is Well With My Soul

Warp Speed

January 2011 seems to be flying by at warp speed. It's already time for the 2nd Siesta Scripture Memory Team's 2nd verse.

I was led by the Holy Spirit to choose the following verse:

John 10:28 NIV I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.

After praying about which verses to choose during 2011, I felt compelled to choose "red letter" verses for the 1st several verses.

I hope we are able to write Scripture on our hearts and apply them to our lives. Stay in the Word!

Grey Morning

As I sit here sipping coffee looking out the window all I see is grey. It is a dreary, winter morning. (I'm not complaining because I am thrilled it's not 83 F at 7:15am with a humidity level of 99%.) The sun is there, but I cannot see it.

Two of my close friends feel surrounded by grey fog right now because their mother died 10 days ago. I remember that feeling. Everything looked grey, I felt grey, I didn't want to sign anymore forms, I wanted to sleep.

We may feel alone, but we are not. Jesus is with us every step of the way. He wants to carry our burdens. He wants to bind up our broken hearts. He wants to deliver us from captivity. Jesus promised to never leave nor forsake us.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

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.

I lift my friends up in prayer, I pray they receive a fresh revelation of their Abba Father's love for them and they find rest for their souls in Jesus.

In Christ Alone - Travis Cottrell

Epiphany

Today is Epiphany, celebrated by few in America. When I was a child we saved 1 gift to open on Epiphany. The Christmas decorations came down that day after we opened our gift. If dad were home for dinner (his hours were irregular because he was a narcotics officer at the time), we had a celebratory dinner before attending church. It was the only service women were allowed to wear pants.

After church, we had a bonfire on the soccer field (we had firemen on the scene just in case). Children drank hot chocolate, ran around, and the adults socialized while our Christmas trees fueled the fire. It was a fun evening with family and friends. One thing never changed on Epiphany, the processional hymn was always We Three Kings.

Sometimes I miss the old traditions, but traditions don't grow me spiritually. I think I'll try to be more like the wise men this year, and give Him all I have and all I am.

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

40 Day Fast

I am joining together with Christians today to begin a 40 day fast. Some are skipping one meal a day, some are doing a Daniel fast, some are giving up TV, some are doing a total fast.

I ask you to join us. The following is from Jack Sheffield:

We're going in! 40 days of fasting to bring heaven to the earth. Please join us with one meal fasts, one day fasts, fasting of 3 meals a week, anything you can to enter in. God wants BREAKTHROUGH for His people! Fasting brings the 100-fold return!! Click on
http://www.acalltofast.com to sign up. God bless us all!

2011

A new day, a new year, a new decade. We tend to love the thought of new, but I think on occasion we forget the moment we accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, we became new creatures. I've been on this planet a long time (2011 is my year of Jubilee...my word, I'll be 50 in June!), accepted Christ decades ago, and sometimes find myself not living as the new person I am.

As I pray over 2011, I pray I live the life of a saved, redeemed, delivered person. I pray I see things through. I pray I get back on track and get the rest of this excess weight (as my English godson says: surplus to requirement) off!!!

I pray for our country to be a sheep nation, not a goat nation, that our government makes decisions which are righteous in the Lord's sight; especially decisions regarding Israel. I pray for our president to become a mighty man of God.

I pray for the church is America to wake up and be the prepared Bride waiting on our Bridegroom.

The Lord gave me the word joy last year, this year the word is glory. I await seeing His glory manifested throughout the year.

May we serve Him well this year. Happy New Year Sisters!