Wednesday, August 28, 2013

August 28, 2013

Good morning all-

As I sit and write this morning, many things are going through my mind.  I woke to a dream where one of my brothers passed away, I was going through endless clothes and getting rid of them and all I could feel as I opened my eyes was death.  Maybe you know the feeling, when your heart is racing, you feel desperate and there is an overwhelming sense of loss.  As a young person, I had many bad dreams like this one.  I pictured loss and for many years it paralyzed me in my intimate relationships.  I would picture someone dying so that when they did the pain would be much less.  However, you can never prepare yourself for loss.  I know because I thought I was prepared every time but in reality I never was.

Preparing ourselves for doomsday or for the day when we are going to feel loss is senseless.  In the US there are shows preparing for doomsday.  I don't watch much television but I know that some will do so out of paranoia for the future.  The Bible is specific, "no man will know the hour."  Christ tells us to prepare in a different way.  Only Noah was told to prepare and gather two of every living creature and put them into the Arc.  The rest of us where to walk daily, seeking Him and speaking of His word.  Think on that for a minute.  He told His disciples there would be trouble and He warned of His death.  He spoke of the glory of God and the power His death would have on this earth.  He told us to watch for Him like a thief in the night and always prepare our hearts for His coming.  When?  No one knows.  I can't predict when you will pass on or what your life will hold.  I am not a prophet seeing into events of the future or Noah who was given a Godly command.  I am a woman that has been called by her Maker to sit and write about Him.  I don't know what He will do with these words or who will trip onto this site.  I have no way of knowing what will come into my life or challenge my obedience to Him.  All I know is that if I'm called and if I love Him, I will follow.

Death is the end of what we were but it's not the end in what we leave behind.  Our lives can be used by Christ to be a light onto this dark world.  Paul (known as Saul) was there at the stoning of Peter, God's loved son.  He watched as masses of people through the stones that would take his life.  He heard his cry to forgive them as Christ had forgiven Him for denying Him.  He cried to His savior to protect the lost and to give hope for the future.  That day, as Paul was standing there, what do you think was going through his mind?   He believed that He was protecting the law and yet, to watch a man die, stoned to death, had to have an impact.  I know reading it does for me.

My dreams of death and destruction may never leave.  I might always be challenged by death and wake up feeling loss.  I may be on the fence with my feelings and often wonder why I've been called to share the Gospel.  None of it matters.  The only thing that truly matters is that I must follow and seek my God.  He loves me but more importantly, He loves you.  I recognized His love as a young girl but I sought the world to fill the void and loss I felt inside.  My rainbow came when I stood before Christ and gave my life.  He has been my comforter, my shield and my rock.  I may wake to loss someday and I might be challenged in my faith, who knows.  I just pray for protection and ask my Savior to love me through my fears.  The greatest thing about being a Christian is that Christ loves my flaws.  His hands and feet are my sins and He covered me that fateful day on the cross.  Until my last breath, I will thank Him for saving me.  Maybe that's why I love "Amazing Grace" so much.  What other worldly god loves a man for his flaws?  If you don't know Christ and you have stumbled upon this entry, I hope you read it and I hope, like Paul, you see Christ as the only way to being whole.  Many died for our rights to know Him.  I am thankful to the disciples for hearing the call.  I'm saved because someone cared enough to share God's grace to me.  I will never claim to be sinless because I know I always have the potential to sin.  However, I have a Savior that loves me so much; He gave his life for me and you.

Take care my sisters and know that God is with us.  He is the Holy Trinity, One God in three parts.  If you don't know who Christ is and was, please seek out a Christian or a church in your area.  I know for some it is tough.  There are countries that don't have the freedom to worship Christ.  And for those of you that know Him and follow Him, pray for a revival. WE NEED ONE!

I don't have time right now to put Scripture in but if you look at Acts 7:2-36 NIV, I think you will get a great picture of what I've talked about today.  His hand is mighty, His glory is above all things and He will reign!

Until tomorrow...

Saturday, August 24, 2013

August 24, 2013

Good morning all-

I've been up since 4:30 am with way too much on my mind.  So I decided to get on Facebook when I tripped into a post by Anne Lotz.  I really love her passion and commitment to Christ.  I think what impresses me the most is her authenticity and boldness.  She is not only a strong women but one that has taken the call seriously.  Being the daughter of one of the greatest evangelists of the 21st century couldn't have been easy but here she is teaching and praying for God to call women to spread the Gospel, sound familiar?

Whenever I go to church and passages are coming up that were  just in my head or I felt led to, I know Jesus is involved. The same goes for Christian blogs.  When I see the words "be bold" and Christ has put that same thing on my heart I know He is casting out His net and waiting to see who will take it.

We put Christ in a box way too much.  How often have you heard someone say that can't be possible and yet it is.  Sometimes I find myself saying it and then I watch a sunset and realize I really don't have a clue and I just need to leave it to Christ.  However, I am sure about one thing.  Christ is calling for women to take up the cross, to be in His word and to pray for the generations.  We are the root by which He will feed those that come after us.  He doesn't need us; He wants us to take up the cross.  My question today is will you be the one?

I asked myself that very question when I started this blog.  And of course, I conquered my fears and 2 years later this blog exists and I believe that Christ will use it for His glory. I'm not a professional writer, teacher or speaker.  I doubt that Anne Lotz, Beth Moore or for that matter Shirley Dobson cared about how great they were, they just picked up the cross and let Jesus do the rest.  They were ordinary women called to follow Christ and when He called they followed. You don't have to be beautiful or have credentials to be in this fight. All You have to be is a women after God's heart.

I pray that as you read these words you will pray and ask Christ what His intention is for your life.  Remember ordinary people were chosen to follow Him and because they did they became extraordinary.  Take the call with me and join in praying for people and nations.  It's time we really look in the mirror and ask ourselves do we love Him enough.

Luke 9:23 NIV

     Then He said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

My prayer today:

O, my Lord lead men and women to the cross. Your workers are few but You are mighty. Bring forth women that seek Your word and call upon You for wisdom. Raise up ministries like Anne and Beth's and really revitalize the National day of prayer to a daily prayer to the nations. Bring women forth that are bold and believe in You.  Raise us up as we call upon You to heal this Nation and to bring You from behind our fear and into the light with boldness, passion and heart. we need You, O, Lord, hear our cries.  In Jesus Name, AMEN

Until tomorrow....





Friday, August 23, 2013

August 23, 2013

Good morning all-

Yesterday was so great!  I'm not just talking a little bit great.  My company is fighting an uphill battle to stay a float in a market that believes the competitor is better.  The competitor has sales people that are slamming my boss and my company and basically saying we don't have the means to do the job well.  We have enemies at every door and sometimes the challenges have been great.

We are a small company where every single sale means something.  We won't be in business if we can't make a profit. When I arrived in April our cash flow was a mess, our staff needed to be changed and sales were good but at a lower margin.  It was time for a change.  My prayer prior to going there would be that God would help me build a great team, that we would work for one goal and that I would always remember that God was Lord of my life and the business He chose to give me.

I didn't know how much I would have to pray for this company or how often I would be sitting with the President telling him God was in control.  Now if you met my boss, he's the farthest thing from what we think of as a Christian.  His usual language is profanity, he has a temper and he loves people.  Odd mixture I know but he is a strong leader that needs wise people around him.  I don't always have the answers he does but I do know God and that's who I go to for answers.

The last three weeks have been rough.  We haven't won many of the jobs we had hoped foe but we have had victories along the way.  We are working right now on the ability to explode onto the market with a roar.  I have a strategy and I hope that God will take it and make it flourish.  I have learned a lot these last few months and the biggest lesson is God is the only one that is going to make this company great and the only way I will land any business is if He gives it to me.  I am aware of this daily and know that my success is His.  However, my boss doesn't know that and I continue to tell Him that I'm praying and that we must have the face of warriors.  He gets his feelings hurt, more pride than anything.  So I have to constantly remind him that he built the competitor and he can do it again.

I believe in him but I believe in God more.  Do I worry that this business won't succeed?  I had a moment a couple of months ago but then I prayed and miraculously the situation righted itself and the client is recommending us to other companies.  Why?  Because whether my boss knows it or not, we are using God's principles to build this company.  We value our people and in turn they care about the work they do.  We pray for our organization and know who is in control.  I continue to be bold and talk to my boss about the Lord, proclaiming His name, His glory and His power.

My boss texted me last night and said, "Your prayers are being heard."  Can you imagine the feeling I had yesterday when I saw that?  My response back, "God is great!"  Why?  Because at this company I'm able to freely talk about my faith and love the people that work for me.  I have no idea what the future holds but I do know that God is in control.  If at the end of this job all I take with me is someones  love for Christ, I can handle that.  I have found that leading is not easy and that people are all very different.  I also realize that the responsibility of being an executive is difficult.  Every decision you make effects someones livelihood.  I get that and I have never run from responsibility but the greater of these things is loving people and showing Jesus.  At the end of the day that's the only thing that matters.

I'm excited about what God is doing in my company and around the world.  The National Day of Prayer organization is touring the US and seeing miracles happen everywhere.  If you can give, please do.  It is a great organization with the goal to bring God back to this nation.  I have a greater goal and that's to spread the word to the nations.  There are people all over the world that need to hear Christ and I do it from my bedroom.  I hope today finds you well and I hope that you are praying for your families, your companies and your countries.  Time is ticking and people all around you need Christ.  Be well my sisters and know that Jesus is near!

Psalm 77:13 NIV

     Your ways, God are holy.  What god is as great as our God?


Psalm 145:3 NIV

     Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.

My prayer today:

O, Lord of light shine down on the nations.  Lord lead us and guide us to You in every circumstance in life.  Make us bold warriors that want to pursue a relationship with You and that will carry that to others.  Help us to conquer our fears of being ostracized and instead put a fire in our belly for the things of You.  We understand that we won't always win but in the end we pray that people will find You through our faithfulness.  Protect us from the enemy and help us to fight the challenges that come our way.  We are sisters, banning together, to be near You!  We want to learn about You, pray with You and proclaim Your name always.  We are fallible people and often we fall into sin, so today protect us and convict us so that we can repent our sins.  We all hold things close and for me security is a big factor but I know that all things of this world are not secure, only You hold my security.  Help us lead the next generations to the God of glory and to be vigilant, trustworthy and faithful to the cross.  The world carries us and holds many optical illusions but You give us vision beyond what we see.  I hold onto You today and ask that You would continue to help me be bold and that many of my sisters and their families would turn toward You, proclaiming Your name and giving You glory at every turn.  It's all for You my Jesus!  In Jesus Name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Thursday, August 22, 2013

August 22, 2013

Good morning all-

I have a few minutes before my life becomes chaotic again so I just wanted to say Hi!  I hope you woke up today praising our Lord and Father.  I did!  He is my sunshine and coffee all in one and if you read this blog regularly you know I can't function without either.

This week I have been challenged to live my faith and to do right by my company and the people that work for me. The tasks at hand have not been easy but I think I am pulling them off.  I had to write up an employee for a dishonest act and it was the hardest thing I have ever done.  She tried to get out of it with words but there were no words.

Have you ever been in that situation?  I'm sure you have.  It's not easy to confront someone that believes what they did was right.  I often think I am doing the right thing but what if I'm not?  That's a question that haunts me over and over again.  I think my son said it all yesterday, "I'm just going to give it to God and see what He does?  How I wish I could live my life in that space.

I love the Lord with all my heart and I love being apart of His army.  I hope that someday He will tell me that I made it faithfully.  I hope I continue to work to be His and that as I grow each day, He is smiling down.

I'm sorry this is so brief but school started this year and my work life has gotten so busy.  I try to spend a little time with my son because I don't have much time left.  Praise Jesus today, not for what He has given to you but for what He sacrificed instead.

Be well my sisters.  I'm sorry for the dry spell.  I have been working 12-14 hour days and I'm very tired.  Pray that God would give me time to write this blog and to be with you all on a more regular basis.  I'm praying for all of you.  May God's glory and grace shine down on this world!

Galatians 1:5 NIV

      to whom be glory for ever and ever. AMEN

Psalm 66:2 NIV

      Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious.

My prayer today:

May the Lord of light shine down on this earth and move through mankind like a thief within the night. I'm praying for a revival, not just in the US but all over the world.  I call upon the saints that have witnessed and know Your name to pray for those that don't.  Make us bold in the light and not just in the darkness and give us wisdom to conquer the fears of the masses.  You are the only way, the truth, the light, rain down on us today!  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Monday, August 12, 2013

August 11, 2013

Good afternoon all-

I'm taking my lunch hour to write today because I just need a break from work.  Normally, I eat at my desk and try to get projects done but today, I just needed to write.  The topic of discussion today is what happens to you when your plans don't go along just as you wanted them too.

Yesterday, as I sat in church alone, my entire family stayed in bed, I thought about being alone.  I chose to go to church and others stayed behind, not exactly what I call part of my plan but then at least I went, right?  Anyway, the sermon was one of the best I've heard in a long time.  I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get into it because the assistant pastor has absolutely no inflection in his voice.  My  mind began to wander on the things I wanted to accomplish, my family being home and sitting in church all alone.  Whenever my mind begins to take that path, I really have to pray.  Even the most mundane speakers can talk about Christ and something can get through, especially when you take the time to ask God for ears to hear. 

Thank goodness I did that!  It was like a light bulb went off in my head and I really saw Jesus.  The pastor began with a story, basically talking about how he likes to write stories.  He loves to develop the characters, the plot and the challenge and as his story unfolds, he has control of the outcome.  Know anyone like that?  Well we are all a little like that.  He went on to say that when he was in a different country this year he desperately wanted to see someone saved.  The problem is that no one was really taking the gospel to heart.  They listened politely but crickets could be heard louder than the proclamation of Jesus.

We have all been down that road where we thought someone would come to Christ just because we wanted the satisfaction of seeing them saved.  The problem then is, how do you feel when they aren't?  He began to doubt the power behind the cross and wonder if he was doing this for nothing.  When we proclaim Jesus are we shouting on deaf ears?  Sometimes we are but does that mean we stop.  Absolutely not.  If the disciples had fallen into fear and stopped spreading the word, would you be saved today?  We will never know because they taught, walked and sang about Jesus.  They went around talking about His life, love and sacrifice.  They forgot to care about their lives and began to live for Jesus.

As I thought about the story, I realize that I had been just like the pastor.  It wasn't easy for me to be bold.  I think that people feel something when they are with me but they don't know what that is.  I was afraid of what they would think rather than loving them more.  I also wanted to be able to know how it would end.  When my son went to my father and began to really talk to him about Jesus, he felt led to do it.  He even bought him a Bible.  My dad went silent on him and didn't really provide feedback.  My son was crushed but even at that he told me that I needed to take up the cross and speak to  my dad.  Because of his boldness, I did several times before I couldn't anymore.  I watched as he slipped away and I promised never to be silent again.

When I started this blog and even now, I had no clue what God would do with it.  I just knew I needed to obey.  Sometimes obeying without knowing the outcome is difficult.  I may never know who was blessed by this site or if they came to Jesus because they hit a certain day and the scripture ministered to them.  None of that matters, except that I obey and speak frequently about Jesus.

I can't tell you that I never get scared of what someone thinks or if someone will criticize this site.  Sometimes I do but then I think of Jesus and am in awe that He gave His life for me.  I have been given a purpose and it really doesn't matter how or what I know as long as I demonstrated boldness in the face of my fears. 

I hope this day finds you well and when you read this scripture you will know why I've thought about the sermon for the last 24 hours.  God bless you ladies!

Acts 5:41-42  NIV

     The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

My prayer today:

O, Lord the words above have filled my heart with purpose.  I've thought about Acts and the wonders of this chapter.  We are sent from heaven for a purpose.  Our course is set and we have no way to know how our lives will touch others.  You are the reason our lives were set in motion.  It is through You we are saved and by Your blood we are here.  The apostles obedience drove them to be the men that they were.  They walked and talked about You all their days and even after their deaths, Your story survives.  It started in a little town and grew to almost every nation in the world.  Many have died proclaiming Your name and many more will.  Our lives are part of a painting and I pray that women, men and children will take up their call and proclaim that Jesus lives.  I love to write and I love happy endings, so knowing and loving You is the greatest ending of any chapter ever written.  Continue to write on our hearts, develop strong followers and help us all spread the good news to more ears, more hearts and more minds.  Thank You for Your commitment to the sinner and for giving Your life so that we can have eternal life with You.  In Jesus Name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, August 11, 2013

August 11, 2013

Good morning ladies-

After working myself to the bone yesterday, I woke up late today.  Well or late for some but 7 am is late for me.  A birthday has come and gone and a shower went in a blink of an eye.  What am I to do now?

I'm sure I will find something to keep me occupied.  Anyway, I had some great conversations with my kids last night about the future, when is old, old and what their studying in the Bible.  To date, Austin and Saras are reading in Psalms.  As you know if you read this blog it is one of my favorite places in scripture.  The words of David and the psalmists penetrate deep within my soul.  I have found myself reading the words over and over trying to find God in the midst of my sorrow.

Every time I walk through the passages of old I find something that gives me peace.  I guess I like knowing that someone had the same struggles I do.  I long for my readers to fall in love with the words of old.  God intended every word to minister to us, guide us and grow us.  Scripture is the water and food to our soul.  If you feel lonely, lost, confused or fearful, you need to entrench yourself into His Holy Word.  All life begins by being saved and every walk is grown through reading the powerful pages of His word.

At the precipice of life, when your contemplating death, what do you want to be your last words here on earth?  For me, I pray that it will be let Your kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.  Life holds us to the standard of our flesh.  Heaven is all about glorifying God.  The streets of Gold are for His sight, the angels singing are for His ears and the children's joy is for His heart.  All was made for Him.

I hope you have spent time with Him lately.  I got so busy for awhile that my writing took a back seat, which meant my walk with Him every morning did too.  That's a mistake we make when we think being apart from Him will be okay.  It never is.  He is our food and light.  I love Him with all my heart and the more I seek Him, the more He's there.

Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

     You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Psalm 26:6 NIV

     Such is the generation of those that seek Him, who seek His face,  God of  Jacob.

Psalm 119:2 NIV

     Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart--

My prayer:

O, Lord all I ask today is that the women all over the world seek Your face!  Bring us to You and make us known as women that love You! In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...


Saturday, August 10, 2013

August 10, 2013

Good morning my sisters-

Well, I'm up at the crack of dawn, 5:30 am to be exact, because I have a million things to do.  My sister-in-law is having a baby girl in just a few weeks.  I'm decorating the house pink, which is unique because the boys way outnumber the girls in this family.  The double stroller is bought and the food will be done by 9:30.  I still have to go to the grocery store and pick up more things but for the most part that will be pretty easy.

I've got boys spending the night, so good thing I don't need the downstairs and the cakes should arrive by 10:30.  My co-worker and his wife made them and their dog ate half of one when they stepped out of the room. Soon my house will be full of women, laughing and having a great time.  We will all be in anticipation of baby Willis's birthday.  It's a time of celebration and awe at what God has done!

Every child that is born is special.  A child born is a soldier for God's army.  He will choose His leaders and His soldiers way before they come out of the womb.  Just like John the Baptist was chosen to talk of the one before Him, many will come and walk this earth proclaiming Christ.

In our own family, a true blessing came on Austin's birthday.  Austin's girlfriends family welcomed little Isaac yesterday at 7.5 pounds and a week late.  His mom is the tiniest little thing you can imagine.  Her stomach looked like an alien had nested for nine months.  Of course, it wasn't an alien; it was a child of God.  The most amazing thing is the joy that his birth brought.  Saras was grinning from ear to ear and Austin sat across the table beaming that his birthday was being shared with another little human being and it just happens to be Saras and her families great gift.  My gift was him.

As I sat at the table yesterday, I looked at my sons across the table and remembered every moment of the pregnancy (not that I was a great pregnant person), every hour I was up and every moment of anticipation until they laid in my arms.  I wonder if God is anticipating things too.  What will His children do as He sets them on this earth?  Will they choose Him or follow their own evil?  Of course, He knows all but He has given us those feelings, obviously cherishes relationships or we would be robots, so the anticipation has to be there, right?  I guess that's a question for when I'm at His feet but for now, I love to think that God is in heaven, watching over these miracles and anticipating the great work they will do.

In the quiet, I cherish the hours I have had to raise my family.  It hasn't been easy and I've made lots of mistakes.  The ideals I brought to the table of motherhood were washed away as I got up every two hours for 4 years.  Flash forward 23 years and I wish I could say that I did everything right but that would surely be a lie.  I have done the best I could and in the end, if my sons choose to follow Christ all their days, I have done a good job.  There are things I had no control over, like needing to work, not being here sometimes and maybe not making them do chores as much as I should have.  As I look upon the time, I find that they had great grandparents that watched over them, their needs were met and they have been very loved.  I would give my life for my kids, just like Jesus, who contemplated His life, He gave it all for the ones He loved.  I will never understand how a man did that.  We definitely didn't deserve His sacrifice. If I chose to put myself in front of my children to protect them, it would be instinct.  Jesus put Himself in harms way because He knew His life and death would bring forth victory!

One baby, one savior!  One event that changed the course of you and me.  Without the birth and death of Jesus there would be nothing for me to write.  His birth was a great joy for Mary and Joseph and His death was a great sorrow.   His love for us is more than anything we will ever fathom.  I love my sons but He loved a world of sinful, underserving people.  I cherish my salvation and thank Him every time He brings another soldier into His army.  Every day, babies are being born.  Take a moment today and pray for them.  Ask the Lord to guide their parents, bring forth people in their lives that will guide them toward Christ and for surrender of will and sins.  They look innocent but soon they will turn into selfish, sinful people.  Remember we were once there.

Thank You to all my sisters all over the world that read this blog.  I love looking at the stats counter and seeing women jumping on everywhere.  If you like these posts, please start commenting.  The support helps me.  Also, if you have a need, please send a request.  I love praying for people and their circumstances.  I  might not be where you are but my prayer is sent to the Chief of staff and I know He has your back.  God bless!!!

Jeremiah1:5 NIV

     "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Psalm 51:6 NIV

     Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, today is a very special day.  I will hold a shower for a wonderful woman who loves and honors You.  This year has been very tough for her.  The loss of her mother from suicide has taken a toll on her and her sister.  Today, I ask that the things that I have planned for this shower will have meaning.  I pray for wisdom as I pray over this child and mother. I pray that she would be strong through the birth of her child and I pray that the people you have surrounded her with will stand firm and help her.  She will have lots of memories today and as we recant our stories of how special she is and how much her mother loved her and her sister, I pray that they will feel your presence.  I also pray that the women that aren't saved at this event will feel your presence and that they will eventually come to You.  Give me wisdom today as I pray and seek You. I don't just want it to be about gifts and food.  I want it to be a holy fellowship, honoring You and demonstrating the love You have for us all.  Thank You for every mother in the world.  I just pray that You will guide us all to be caretakers of the next generations.  The world is evil with many temptations.  Men are being pulled into sin and women are raising children alone.  You are the Father of this Universe, be with us and guide our steps toward being righteous women that love You.  Let anger and sin fall at our feet and on our lips may we praise Your holy name.  Thanks again for the blessings you bestow on us, we promise to love and guide the bundles of joy you put in our arms.  With all my love, devotion and praise, You are the only one I need. May the promise of the next generation bring song to our mouths and praise to our lips.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...



Friday, August 9, 2013

August 9, 2013

Good morning all-

God is good!  Today is a very special day for my family.  It's the celebration of my oldest son's birthday.  He is 23 years old and on top of it; his age represents the age I was when I found out I carried him.  Time flies and with it comes hardship, pain, sorrow, joy and laughter.  I have had all of those through my years and on the day of his birth; I never thought about the pain.  I only thought about the joy, the laughter and the future.

I am very blessed.  He came to Christ young and has followed a path very few do.  As a matter of fact, he is very rare.  He believes in courtship, honesty, love, commitment and saving himself for the one.  He is amazing.  In today's world, he would be considered a weak man but he doesn't follow the rules of the world; He follows God.

I have watched him grow from a shy, recluse to a man that is working at one of the leading aircraft plants in the US.  I have seen him through the loss of his favorite uncle and of his unbelievable grandparents.  I have seen him dedicate his life to his younger brother, cousins and friends.  I have watched him give of his time just because he loves so much.  He is sacrificial in many ways and that's just one of the beautiful things about my son.

His life hasn't been easy.  Unfortunately, he and my husband struggle to have any kind of relationship.  It is something I'm praying over and hoping God will heal in time.  His loss has been great and often, I think he has put obstacles in his way because of his relationship with his father.  My prayer is that he will be the man he wants to be and not carry the baggage of the relationship he so desires.  Christ has filled a huge gap in his life and so have the men in our church but a father's love a son will always seek.  His father loves him but it's sometimes hard to see.

For all the loss and all the heartache, my son holds the key to this life, Jesus.  He walks with Him and talks with Him.  He has memorized more Scripture in one year than some adults do in a lifetime.  He's working to become God's man and in the future he will become a husband and a father.  I hope that he will continue on with the principles in the Bible and find God, speak of God and live for God.

I, myself have mixed feelings about this year.  He's grown and soon will be finishing college, moving away and working on being a good husband and father.  The times we've had together will be a memory and when I do see him it will be with everyone.  I treasure the moments when we are alone and we can talk about his heart.  Someday, his heart will only be shared with his wife and I will remember how precious our hours and days were together.  My heart hurts but in the end my heart is full of love and laughter and I will get to experience seeing him grow the way God intended.

I have been blessed with two beautiful boys and because they exist I have been a better woman.  My treasure does not lie in them but the blessings they have given me are more numerous than numbers. If I could have asked God for a son, I could never imagined the gift I have now.  He has been the foundation in this family, the mentor to his brother and cousins and the greatest gift I've ever gotten.  My prayer today is for all children to grow from caterpillars to butterflies and as they grow, we will watch the wonders they find in Jesus.

Time flies my sisters and years roll by.  Be grateful for the moments in your life.  They are the memories that you can treasure.  I am so grateful that God bestowed on me my sons and I am especially lucky for my little man, all grown up and now 23.  I pray you are having a great day, praising Jesus and looking at the butterflies in your life.


Isaiah 7:14 NIV:

      Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.


My prayer:

O, Lord, My Father, thank You for the gift of my sons.  If I could have painted them, I couldn't have brought the beauty to fruition the way You have.  In my womb, all I knew was an empty canvas.  But one day, You chose to bring my oldest into this world and the beauty of that day is forever a memory.  You have watched over him, nurtured him and made him Your man.  My prayer for him is that You will continue to grow Him, fill Him and help Him as He walks with You.  I never deserved the gifts that were given to me and I have often made mistakes.  But when I look upon them, I know that they are Yours more than they are mine.  Teach them Your ways and help me let go as the time draws near. Be with my sisters, all over the world as they struggle with raising Your army.  Give them and me wisdom to teach and nurture Your people.  Fill us with memories we can treasure and remind us that these children are Yours and we just have them for awhile.  Thank You for my children and for making me a mother at such a young age.  I will never forget feeling him for the first time or holding him in my arms.  He has been a true blessing to this family and I will forever be grateful that You made him mine. Take care of the next generation, Lord, be with us as we continue on the path of righteousness.  We need You, forgive us of our sins and bring us to the Kingdom.  In Jesus Name, AMEN

Until tomorrow....

Thursday, August 8, 2013

August 8, 2013

Good morning all-

I just bought my sister-in-law a stroller for her baby girl that will arrive anytime.  It is so much fun to shop and love other people.  I am not a big shopper and don't really like to spend money but I do like to give to people and see the joy on their faces.

I can only imagine how God feels as He provides us with food, water and shelter.  What a beautiful gift we've been given. Often, we don't appreciate the many gifts we have.  If you've ever worked three jobs just to make your bills or have tried to stretch a dollar, euro or yen, ten times; then you understand the value of money.  It doesn't come easily but the US is full of people that have a lot, more than other countries and yet, we don't worship our Lord and thank Him for the abundance.

As I left work today, I saw a man on the side of the road with a sign.  I have seen him for the past couple of days.  I don't dare stop and give him any money because I don't know if it would be safe but I pray for him and ask God to provide.  I often find myself thinking about people less fortunate than me.  I have been blessed beyond belief.  I have a home over my head, a car to drive, and food to eat.  I am employed so I have healthcare.  Basically, the Lord has provided every needed thing.  And yet, I often wonder if I give Him the credit for my provision.  He does provide and I really don't deserve that provision but He does it anyway.  That doesn't mean I have everything I want but it does mean He has been gracious on my life.

There are missionaries all over the world that live on very little.  Many have food and shelter but security, health insurance and other things I take for granted are not available.  They seek their way by asking Christ and they believe that He will provide.  The lives we live here are so different than in countries where running water is still a difficult task.  I also think about my children and how great their life has been.  My hope is that they will know that God provides and that they will teach their children that all things are God's and we must thank Him for His gifts.

Now, I realize that water is a gift.  We have had constant rain for about two weeks.  This land has been dry for over 2 years with very little water coming from the heavens.  But for now, our rivers are up and our water supply has been re-established.  The birds are once again singing and praising God and everyone in Kansas is relieved.

What would we do without water?  We would perish.  Rain, like a roof over our heads is a provision.  Without water the land dries up, the animals become ill and crops do not grow.  We need God to provide everything for humankind to flourish and it's our jobs to remind the next generation that He is life!

I hope today finds you well and I hope that you have thought about Jesus these last few days.  I have and I am so thankful for the provisions He has bestowed on my life.  I pray that He would feed nations, provide shelter to the homeless and save the sinners.  Without Him, we are like the desert.  But with Him, we are a flowing river.  Take care my sisters and carry His torch.  Tell the next generation how abundant our Lord provides and watch the smiles as people find joy in His arms.

Psalm 32:8 NIV:

     "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."

My prayer today:

O, Lord, I desire Your counsel above all others.  I seek Your advise and ask that You would continue to mold me into the woman I need to be.  I am Your servant!  As I look upon today, I ask that Your loving eye would be on me and all my sisters.  We live in different places, different cultures and speak different languages but we carry a common theme, loving You.  Be with us today as we try to seek You for our every need.  Help us to surrender ourselves to the only God!  Give us strength and wisdom to conquer our fears and help us to be successful in every battle.  The war is waging between self-sufficiency and our Provider.  Today, I just want to thank You for providing the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the shelter from the harshness of the weather.  Penetrate the countries that don't know You and bring those things upon their lands.  Finally, I ask that all Christians would stand up and praise Your name today.  That we would recognize that every form of money, every shelter, every business, and every need is supplied by You.  Thank You for the blessings You have bestowed on my life.  Thank You for the love You have shown me when I didn't deserve it and thank You for my sisters who love You as much as I do.  May we prosper and multiply so that the next generations will hear Your name and know that You are God.  In Jesus Name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

August 7, 2013

Good morning all-

I woke up this morning with a million things running through my mind.  Yesterday, I wrote about thinking about God on a more regular basis, putting behind the minutia of life and really focusing on Him.  Of course, I should wake up to think about all of it, instead of what I spoke of yesterday.

I asked lots of questions yesterday that none of us really have concrete answers too.  We know that God exists, we believe He can heal and we know that someday He will return, beyond that, we know very little.  Any wisdom, any idea, and every solution comes from Him.  I had a great idea at work yesterday and I know it came from Him.  I must look for Him in the darkness and the light.  I must follow His word and seek Him.  I must trust Him for all things and I must believe He is real!

I know that we all question from time to time what God is doing.  I think it's part of who we are.  I just wonder why we question it so much.  I have read about the Israelites over and over again.  I have read the New Testament and wondered how in the world they would have denied Christ and then, I sit and look at my life and all the questions I have asked and the conclusion is clear; we are all sinners.  We want to know what God knows and we want to know the future.  Guess what?  That's never going to happen.  We will know what we need to today.

I find myself feeling trapped on all sides.  Thinking that I am the only one that can save so many and then I remember the words of Moses and David and realize that even with God on their side, they questioned, they pleaded and they doubted.  No man is perfect and therefore, we must strive to understand who God is and what He expects from us.

When David was young, he, not an army, took down a giant.  Then as he grew up, he was raised to love the Lord, to follow Him and to be king.  As he aged, many trials came and I wonder how far slaying the giant was from his mind.  You can read his prayers, see his turmoil and feel his loneliness and pain.  He was a hunted man, living in caves, wondering if today would be his last.  This very brave young man became a symbol of trial and tribulation and in the end he was said to have a heart for God.

I know that we struggle and I know that some of you live in places and circumstances that I can't even fathom.  I'm sure you have cried out, hit something and wished for a day to be over.  I've been there.  I know how it feels to wonder where God is and to watch for a miracle only to have the sun rise and everything is the same.  We can't change what's before us but we can prepare our hearts to be with Jesus, to call upon Him and to believe He is near.

There are things I pray for every day.  I pray that I will never lose my children before I die.  I pray for the lost and the lonely.  I ask God to feed nations, protect women and bring about a revival.  I pray that this land that we live in would begin to turn toward God and that people would see the need for Jesus.  I pray for my brother's salvation and I pray that many would hear the word of God.

I pray continually and yet, I will never know what those prayers have done.  I may meet you on a plane or in a different country and I will see you and pray for you.  I watch the homeless and I ask God to care for them.  I see birds flying and am reminded of the power of Christ.  I know He exists and I believe it. What I will never know is what He's doing in this moment, have I done enough or what things He will say to me in the end.  My goal is only to seek Him and to find Him.  And as I do that my hope is that my faith will become boundless and I will run this race well.

Today is the 366 post on this blog.  In the beginning I had no way to know what God would do with it.  I still don't.  I can tell you that every day that I write is a day I get closer to Jesus.  I pray that you are blessed by the words but I have been blessed by God and at the end of my life; I will thank Him for giving me the strength to sit and write.

So today, remember whatever enemy is on your back, give it to Jesus.  You may be feeling crushed, defeated and sad but know that Jesus knows and He is with you. Our greatest gift was His death.  He crushed our enemy and someday He will stomp on Him and the pain of this world will go away.  In the meantime, be faithful to His word, pray for the lost and ask God to make you women He can call upon. The highlight of my life is not the success I have in business; it's sitting here writing and praising my Maker!  May God bless and keep you today!  You are precious in His sight!

Psalm 5:3 NIV:

     In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.  

Isaiah 53:5 NIV:

     But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, I will never be able to thank You for the times You have cared for me.  As I look upon today, I know there will be challenges.  All I ask is that You are near to me and that Your words would penetrate my heart and mind.  Help me capture the essence of You and fill me with the Holy Spirit.  I am being counted on and I need You to help me to stay accountable to what matters to You.  Raise us up Lord and give us a heart for the lost.  Help us reach out far more than we do.  We are sinful creatures, questioning the almighty God and yet, I know that You hear us and are waiting for us to surrender to Your will.  I surrender to You today and ask that no matter what giants come our way, You will crush them and grow us to be more faithful.  I'm sure that there will be someone that reads this blog that will feel crushed.  Remind them Lord that You are true to Your word.  That You have stood the test of time and through Your life, death and resurrection, You are strong and faithful.  I would ask of You to continue to grow us up and to give us the tools to be women for You.  Make us strong where we are weak and guide us to You.  I stand on the rock of salvation, believing that You are real and praying that You will show me the way, the truth and the light all my days.  Please hold onto the women of this world that are in crisis and put people in their lives that will be faithful and true.  I honor You today and pray that my soul will believe that all things are possible through You.  In Jesus Name, AMEN

Until tomorrow....

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

August 6, 2013

Good morning everyone-

I hope today finds you well.  I've been trying to write on my iPad and I just realized I lost some of my last post.  Oh, well, I guess that's what's good about being able to write anywhere.  I've been thinking a lot about God lately.  What did He mean when He said to wait upon Him? Why are there starving people in this world?  Why do we need to have war?  And what is our purpose?  We keep screwing everything up and it has been going on for centuries.  So why do we continue to go on?

I'm sure you have asked yourself these questions.  They are a common theme not just in the Christian world but also in the secular world.  How do you think war starts, suicide happens, and atrocities of unimaginable things happen to humans?  They happen because our world has fallen and yet, God has not chosen to return for His people.  Instead, He reigns over us and many have forgotten to wait upon Him.  Even I, from time to time, get caught up in this world and not the things that are of Him.  I'm human just like you and no matter how much I love our God, I fall.  Writing it doesn't make me very happy but it's the truth.

Like you, I get caught up in my day to day things but every once in awhile I look up and see Christ in all His majesty.  I wonder what He thinks of me and of this world that has continued to persecute Him and let Him down.  Others may follow a so called god but we follow the only one with mercy, forgiveness, understanding and love.  Why else would we still be here?  If I were God, I'd probably crush this land.  We really don't do very good things and we constantly cause headaches and we're selfish, self-absorbed, and overall very sinful people.  And yet, we have a God that has pursued us, cherished us and has forgiven us, just writing this makes me pause and thank the Lord for all He has done for me.

I'm sure your life is full of the same chaos as mine. I'm sure you wish life would slow down so that you can breathe and I'm confident that every once in awhile you think about Christ and thank Him but I want to encourage you to put Christ at the beginning of your day and not at the end.  He deserves for all of us to put Him first, even in the face of great adversity.  I'm not always good at this either.  As my job has gotten busier and full of responsibility this blog has taken a toll but every morning I do think about Christ and what He means to me.  He is the most important part of my morning right along with that first cup of coffee.  What would I have ever done without coffee?  Anyway, I hope this encourages you to sit down and thank Him for today, pray for the less fortunate and love those around you.  There are countries where young people are starving and men and women are homeless, let's be the light that Christ asks us to be and bring Him to them through prayer and giving.

May God be with You today my sisters as you seek Him.  He is near and ready to hear from you.  Be a light among the darkness and surrender your will unto His.  He waits patiently, like a good shepherd, gently calling to move you toward safety.  Take His hand today and let Him guide you.

James 5:8 NIV:

     You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.

Colossians 2:9-10 NIV:

     For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.  He is the head over every power and authority.

My prayer today:

O, Lord thank You for the wonder of You.  I come to You today a mere human asking You to be with me in my daily life.  Take my hand and walk with me through the desert and remind me of who You are.  Lead me by still waters as I approach the swelling sea and guide me toward Your mighty hand.  There are many problems all around the world and they stem from human selfishness, evil and lack of forgiveness. Take our agendas away and let us see what You see.  Give us the wisdom to pray for our fellow man, to reach out across the sea to other countries and to other people groups.  We are Yours to do Your will, make us great leaders, mothers, and mentors so that we can fulfill our purpose here on earth.  Bring us to the brokenhearted, the lost and the lonely.  Feed us daily with Your grace and power and make us women that love You more.  We come today on bended knee, thanking You for saving us.  We don't deserve Your love but we have it and we are blessed.  By the power of the Holy Spirit I pray this prayer in Jesus Name.

Until tomorrow....

Saturday, August 3, 2013

August 3, 2013

Good morning all-

I don't know about you but time is flying. I have definitely been put through my paces.  It seems like there are challenges for everyone and if we look down for one minute we will lose focus on what's true.

Jesus Christ is real!  That doesn't mean our lives will be easy.  His wasn't but when He left this earth He promised to come back.  He gave us the Holy Spirit to guide us and He provides wisdom when we seek it.

I have really been thinking about that lately.  I left an easy job to come to the company I'm now at.  For what?  I wanted challenge and to be able to see an organization grow.  During the last 120 days I have let someone go, hired two new people, watch my boss fall apart because our competition is trying to take us out and won a huge deal.  Believe me I have questioned my sanity but then I always come back to the same place; does Christ exist and do I have a purpose?  Of course my answer is yes!  Now that doesn't mean I understand what He's doing in my life, it just provides me security knowing He is near.

Like I've said before, I'm not perfect and I have challenges. I wake up in the middle of the night or really early just like I did today.  My mind is thinking about every problem and trying to get direction from God, that's the key though, I'm seeking Christ.  I have too.  He is as vital to my survival as food and water.  I've thought many times this week I know why people drink a lot, especially executives.  It's hard to build a company and ther are many more stresses than one would think.  But then I look at Christ and remember He is building an army with stubborn, sinful people and I have to laugh about my circumstances because they  just don't  compare.

I find comfort in knowing I'm the least of these.  I get why Paul wrote that and was so humble.  He was a brilliant man with ambitions similar to those of men today.  He believed He was right when He persecuted Christians and then one day He saw the light and it forever changed Him.  How does a man humble himself?  He identifies that Christ is the way and then watches Him as He works.

That's where I'm at today.  The enemy is on my door.  I don't have a lock down strategy to stay alive against my competitors but I do have Jesus and as long as I call on Him, He will right my path. Think about this as you go into your week.  This just doesn't pertain to working women; it pertains to all women.  Warriors are born and are given the gift of wisdom and power through Jesus Christ.