Nana Jul's Treasures

Saturday Steps of Faith 11-7-09

2009-11-07T06:56:00.003-06:00

What are you believing God for?

Do you trust God enough to take Him at His word?
Not only for your neighbor or friend..., but for you?
Join in with Lisa at My Passionate Pursuit, link up and let us know what you are believing, so we can believe with you!

Simple obedience. Truth. Grace. A Woman of Strength.
(See Jackie's post on more about Woman of Strength)

Proverbs 4:9 She(wisdom) will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.

I am believing God that He is working a gentle and quiet spirit within me, out of trust and reverence to Him. My wisdom comes from His Word! I will douse myself in truth, I will live it out in obedience, I will walk in Grace with a quiet and gentle spirit trusting and BELIEVING. My strength comes from Him alone.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things having all that you need, you will abound in every good work! 2 Cor. 9:8

A woman of strength gives her best as an expression of her life in Christ. 1 Cor. 10:31

Thankful Thursday 11-5-09

2009-11-05T05:25:00.001-06:00

List 5 things you are thankful for and join in with Sonya giving Thanks to our Great God for all he has blessed us with!

I am thankful when I seek the Lord, He will be found by me, when I seek him with all of my heart. Jer. 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all you heart.

I am thankful the Lord has put His Spirit in me. Ezekiel 36:26 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 am thankful that I know the secret to contentment Phil 4:13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I am thankful the Lord shows me what to think about. Phil 4:8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

I am thankful I am His child and He has given me everything I need! Luke 15:31 My son, the father said, you are always with me and everything I have is yours!

Wow! I am so blessed!

Saturday Steps of Faith 10-31-09

2009-10-31T08:50:00.004-05:00

What are you believing God for?

Do you trust God enough to take Him at His word?
Not only for your neighbor or friend..., but for you?
Join in with Lisa at My Passionate Pursuit, link up and let us know what you are believing, so we can believe with you!

Isa. 30:21 has been popping up all around me(Brook & Lisa) and just so happened to be my promise calendar verse for Today! Hmmmmmmmm...wonder who set that up in advance for me?
Jesus, makes me laugh! He has it all together, predestined each step of faith I need to believe!

I will stand on Isa. 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,"This is the way: walk in it."

I expect to receive wise counsel from the Holy one, my Redeemer. Isa. 48:17 For this is what the Lord says, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go."
I want to enter in the gate...fully. I don't want to stand at the gate and gaze in, but walk through and be fully present, each moment of every day. Whisper in my ear Lord, This is the way: walk in it!

Link up below(Lisa must still be having trouble with her DSL)

Thankful Thursday 10-29-09

2009-10-29T05:29:00.004-05:00

Join in with Sonya giving Thanks to our Great God for all he has blessed us with!
List 5 things you are thankful for and link up!

Last night my sister and I were on the phone trying to come up with an itinerary for our Dad and stepmom to come visit us this January. That is what they wanted for their Christmas gift. In the words of my sister "The total price for two tickets was ....drum roll please.....$545....I know....I know....you think I'm teasing you...but I'm not.....it's true. This was such a good deal we just couldn't resist. Julie and I are so excited and really looking forward to their visit."
She cracks me up! Thank you Lord for a FABULOUS deal and my sister who makes me laugh!
I am Thankful the Lord helped me at work to balance my boss' credit card statement. He had a recurring balance for several months I couldn't find, and through the help of our travel person, and 4 days of reconciling for the past year and 1/2...IT IS DONE!! Praise God!
I am Thanking the Lord right now for showing me the answer about going to Houston in January. There are now a few more obstacles...Like my Dad visiting the weekend after I would be there, I would go alone, but get to meet up with some blogging sista's. I surrender the decision to the Lord, and wait on His direction. Thank you Jesus for hearing my prayer.
I am Thankful the grandchildren came to visit with their moms over the weekend! We had a fantastic Sunday afternoon! see the pictures below!
I am Thankful I witnessed my son making a very adult decision. He had a chance to participate in an AFJROTC activity (missing school). He carries a B+ average, but is struggling in PreAP English...He decided to not miss school, as it might impact his english grade. WOW....Praise the Lord!

He is Worthy of our Praise, and Thanks! What are you thankful for today?

Sunday ...Grand fun!

2009-10-27T21:16:00.004-05:00

Poppa Don and the Grands enjoying the Fabulous fall weather
The neighbors puppy was a HUGE attraction!

Desi and Justin

Desi and Caleb

Desi and the boys

A fun filled fabulous Fall Sunday!

Saturday Steps of Faith 10-24-09

2009-10-24T05:39:00.004-05:00

What are you believing God for?

Do you trust God enough to take Him at His word?
Not only for your neighbor or friend..., but for you?
Join in with Lisa at My Passionate Pursuit, link up and let us know what you are believing, so we can believe with you!

There are a few things this week I am believing God to work in me and show me more, that are in conjunction with last week. I believe He's taking me deeper into Him, and I know that's where I want to be! I've got my mind made up!

Lord help me this week with Phil. 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer & 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.
And help me to keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. (1Tim. 3:9)

Last week I asked the Lord to work gentleness in me. (Phil. 4:5) He taught me through a difficult time, when I looked to him even I can be gentle. I had kept my mouth shut trying to be gentle, Praise the Lord for that, but I was groaning loudly on the inside so I knew my heart wasn't right.

I was anxious needing the Lord to show me what to do. I turned to the Lord in prayer and petition - I ran to My God, to My Jesus, and poured out my heart to Him in my journal. After 4 pages of pouring out my heart, I asked for His forgiveness-to go deep, as deep as the hurt had settled. I laid it all down at the foot of the cross and chose to wait on Him. Then I gripped His Love with both hands and Praised Him for who He is!

The answer came quickly, the next day! Not only did He answer, he confirmed it 3 more times! Thank you Awesome Lord! Thank you for revealing the answer to me. The Light shone in the darkness...it was a true "lightbulb" moment! I read Sonya's post on Barnacles and whoa!! A comment by Susan Panzica & Oswald Chambers"Good is the enemy of Best", then another post about stop trying to please others, take Jesus's hand and do what pleases Him. And the final confirmation was Beth Moore's post on the threads that tangle even good things. I am so thankful for the encouragement of the women of God I have met through all the blogs! For being so real and so faithful!

(1 Cor. 2:10) but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things even the deep things of God.

(2 Cor 3:17) Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!

I found freedom and peace in my spirit. May this week bring more freedom as I trust in Him more!

A Fresh shifting of seasons

2009-10-23T20:15:00.008-05:00

Ecc. 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time.

Thankful Thursday 10-22-09

2009-10-22T05:07:00.000-05:00

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say again rejoice!

Join in with Sonya giving Thanks to our Great God for all he has blessed us with!
List 5 things you are thankful for and link up!

Today I am Thankful for Jesus! For His Mercies are NEW every morning! I have been going through a sifting of sorts, and I know He is working out my "stuff". Shaking deeply until it all bubbles up, and skimming the foam off the top. (I am still working on letting my gentleness be evident to all) I think this was a pop quiz :) Phil 4:5. Thank you Jesus for your patience with me!

I am so Thankful for the WORD! My memory verses that keep me sane, and challenged all at the same time. When I am challenged beyond myself, that's when God can step in and show His power! And it's been a week of challenge! But God is BIGGER!

I am Thankful for being in His grip! And knowing I can't fall beyond His Love.

I am Thankful for my new pocket size camera that I could take to church with me this past Sunday and snap pictures just for fun! I needed the practice, and it produced many smiles!

I am Thankful for setting goals, and exceeding them in some areas, like attending Christian Women's conferences. My goal was to attend 2 or 3 this year, and I have been blessed to attend 4 already and I have plans with my daughters to attend Deeper Still in Okla. City this Dec. 4th. The arm bracelets have arrived, the room is reserved, and by the Grace of God no weapons formed against us will prosper! I am praying God moves Huge in Oklahoma City and takes us deeper still, and my girls can "taste" and see how much God loves them!

It is good to give Thanks! Enter His courts today with Thanksgiving and Praise!! Jesus Rocks!

Saturday Steps of Faith 10-17-09

2009-10-17T09:06:00.003-05:00

What are you believing God for today? Join in with Lisa and let us know!

Today I am believing God to work gentleness in me.

Phil 4: 4 & 5

Rejoice in the LORD always. I will say again rejoice.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The LORD is near.

I want to Believe God will work this in me this week, that it sinks deep into my spirit and forever works in me. I want people to see Jesus in me.

Lord, Help me be gentle! Help me let you do your work in me, trusting you every step of the way!

I believe He will make me more like him, I submit my will to you! Do your Awesome stuff Jesus!! And do it in me!!

Living Proof Live - Headed home Oct 2009..part 3

2009-10-15T20:08:00.004-05:00

Sunday October 11, 2009 - On our way home

Another 5 hrs of sleep and we were up once again. Happy we had this wonderful opportunity to be together and to share in Beth Moore's teaching, and sad it went so quickly and it was time to part ways. I love my sisters! I miss them when we live so far apart. But there's joy in our gatherings every time!!

Marybeth dropped Mary and me off at the airport at 7:45am, and started on her 5 1/2 hr journey driving home to Texas. Mary and I shared sweet words while savoring our Starbucks coffee and then parted for our separate gates. We all made it home safely! Praise the Lord!

While I was sitting at my gate waiting for the "call", I suddenly became very aware that the Lord wanted me to speak with someone. I looked intently into each face as they would start to head my way and think "is this them Lord?", but it seemed they would turn and sit else where. So, I pulled out my book and tried reading. The announcement came and we all started boarding the plane. The flight seemed to hold many vacant seats. I headed to 5A and there was a gentleman just starting to sit in 5B, and he stopped mid-sit, and let me in. We politely greeted each other and settled in, both of us pulling out our books.

And then it happened again, I was trying to concentrate on what I was reading but the urging was very strong, and I heard the conversation start. The Lord said "ask him if he knows ME". I replied "What?, Lord you want me to ask him if he knows you? Just how do you want me to do that? " Long silence. Then He said again "ask him". I said "really?", He said "Yes". So what's a girl to do? I thought for a minute, looked at what we both had in our hands, books. I put my book down, and the started the conversation with..."what book are you reading?" and that began what turned out to be the 4th divine appointment!!! God is Awesome!

5B was a rebel in his youth, a scientologist in his young adulthood, brought up by Jewish parents, and yes I asked..saved by grace! He was struggling with several things that left him sad. His father (a self made man - aka unsaved)has been diagnosed with a disease that hardens the lungs and he's been given 3 mos to live. 5B wrote his Dad a letter which included John 14, and several other verses, encouraging Dad to seek Jesus. 5B has a daughter recently divorced with two young girls headed to Korea to live for the next few years, and at that very moment were boarding a flight with his wife who was going to stay with the daughter for about a month to help her find a nanny and get set up. The Lord seated me in 5A, him in 5B...either of us could have moved, there were 2 empty seats right across from us and 4 empty seats infront of us. But we didn't. We were deeply engaged in the most interesting and uplifting conversation I've ever encountered on a plane!

He told me his testimony and I told him mine. The flight went so fast! Neither of us resumed reading, but the books lay open in our laps pages unturned, while the pages of our life stories flipped wildly before us! Right before we landed we discovered an uncanny similarity to our stories...ready...His wife has done several Beth Moore bible studies - I just came from a Beth Moore conference. His daughter's name Alysia...My daughter's name Alicia (both pronounced the same) His granddaughter's name's are Maddison and Desirae, My older daughter's name is Desiree' (both pronounced the same)! Only God!! My prayer list has now grown to include them all, but especially Albert(his Dad) for his salvation! Praise the Lord! 5B's name is Rick & his wife is Kristin.

We stood in the breezeway awaiting our luggage, and I saw Jesus smiling at me...yes, in Rick's eyes and all over his face...Jesus smiled!

I had another awesome surprise as I left the airport on the trek to the parking lot to find my car parked in row "H"(home)..there at the far end was my Man!! He was headed towards me, and I tried to run dragging the luggage behind me....but it wanted to do that twist, where the wheels where on the wrong side...that didn't stop me...we met in the middle and he lifted me off my feet luggage still in hand. (I must have felt mighty heavy!) grin...that's what a great vacation will do for you!! But I was still floating from the Awesomeness of our Great God!! He is so WORTHY!!

That's the Living Proof of our Living God working in my life! One Wild God Chase!!

Living Proof Live - Memphis TN Oct 2009..part 2

2009-10-14T17:52:00.005-05:00

Saturday, Oct 10, 2009

Morning came fast! We needed to be at the Fedex Forum EARLY...to get in the door, and grab our seats! It was very chilly and rainy. We got there in warp speed...three women, one bathroom..it truly is amazing what you can accomplish when you are full of expectation! And after Friday night, we were truly expecting more. Excited doesn't even come close.

We started the morning with Travis and the praise team. He had us line up and give each other a back massage! Can you say WONDERFUL?!! It truly was! We were then ushered into worship with one of my favorite songs. Revelation Song. We worshipped our Lord with passion!

Beth popped on stage and began! The lesson was from Exodus 34, where the Lord tells Moses what He is like - what His glory is. 7 things we would like, and 1 we wouldn't.

What we like:

He's the Compassionate God - He Teems with compassion - John 14:21, Matt 4:23, He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds Ps. 147:3 (Hebrew word Asab means pain & Idol)Exodus 20:4-6 We need to shake some stuff off!
The Gracious God - God is inconceivably gracious - Eph. 2: 4-7 , Ezek. 1 & 2, Rev. 5 , 1 Cor. 15: 21-25
Slow to Anger - Jonah
Abounding in Love - steadfast (Hebrew word Hesed)
Abounding in Faithfulness - Faithful & true (Hebrew word Emet)
Maintaining Love - He guards his Love - Prov. 4:23
Forgiving wickedness, rebellion & sin - God is scandalously forgiving - Jonah 4

What we don't like:

He does not leave the guilty unpunished

Beth was so On Fire describing God on his throne, four living creatures, the wheels within the wheels from Ezek. 1 & 2, Where ever the spirit would go they would go - how God NEVER leaves the Throne! He is in Control!! Spread out above the creatures was what looked like an expanse, sparkling like ice and awesome. The sounds of the wings of the creatures when they moved sounded like rushing water. Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire. And high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man, like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. The words she used to describe God on His throne, were filled with awestruck wonder! This described the Glory of God! She went on and relate that to Revelation 5 God holding a scroll in his right hand, and no one was worthy to open the scroll. The Lion of Judah has triumphed! Then they saw the Lamb looking as if he were slain, came and took the scroll. The four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb each were holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints! WORTHY is the LAMB!! He is worthy because he purchased men for God. He made us to be a kingdom and priest to serve our God, and we reign on the earth! Jesus must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet, the last being death! Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power! 1 Cor. 15: 24-26

Let us ever be on a WILD GOD CHASE! And smack in the middle of Beth's wild God chase she took off her shoes, and was teaching exuberantly barefoot!! Passionate doesn't come close. She was so into teaching on the Graciousness of our Worthy Lord, she almost ran out of time to finish up!

That ended the last session. 13,300 women flooded out of the doors and unto the streets of Memphis with God's glory dripping off of us!! We headed back to our room, and dove into the word. We were so enticed with Beth's teaching we hardly had time to write down a scripture reference. We had to read about it again!

We ended the afternoon with a late snack at BB Kings for fried pickles, wings and stuffed potato skins! Then alittle shopping, Dinner at the Crepe Maker, Hot tub, girl talk, and a good movie.

I will pick up with more Living Proof - Live part 3 on my next post....stay tuned!! Yes there's more!

Living Proof Live - Memphis TN Oct 2009..part 1

2009-10-13T20:46:00.004-05:00

Oct. 8th we set out on the adventure of a life time! My sister-in-law Mary from PA and my sister Marybeth from TX, met me from OK at the Memphis airport. We stayed at the Hampton on Beale St, located only a 1/2 block from the FEDEX Forum where the Beth Moore, Living Proof Live conference was being held. It was an absolutely beautiful hotel! We learned from attending a previous LPL conference in Shreveport to arrive a day early, and definitely book your hotel many months in advance...or you will get to stay in a "pit"!

Thursday, after settling into our cozy hotel room, we walked the town. Beale St., the Peabody Place mall, and strolled up and down the nearby streets. It was a long day of travelling and after dinner headed back to turn in.

Friday morning about 4:30am, I woke up and decided to go down stairs for coffee, and to sit out on the bench to write in my journal, and study my scripture memory verses. That's when the first of 4 divine appointments happened. I walked out and 2 Ladies who worked in the hotel called me over to sit by them. After chatting for a few minutes, one of the ladies went inside and left Sonya and I to chat. We must of talked for 30 minutes about the Lord! I told her my testimony! It was absolutely wonderful! Amazing God!

There was a huge rain storm that moved in over Memphis Friday morning. We decided to go to Graceland! The tour service picked us up at the hotel door, and dropped us back off for only $4.50 more than just a ticket in!! Praise God. There were many accidents on the highways, and it was such a blessing not to have to drive ourselves! The outside of the home and the grounds were beautiful! I never knew Elvis had a still born twin.

Friday night at the conference was INCREDIBLE!! Divine appointment #2. The praise and worship was great, and then He did it, right there in the conference God answered a specific prayer of mine, specifically!! WOW God WOW!! I wanted to jump out of my seat and shout GLORY!! I am still in Awe and wonder at how much Jesus loves me! Zech. 2:5(NASB) "For I," Says the LORD, "will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst"!! Thank you Jesus! Beth talked about how the Lord didn't show Moses his glory, but He told him of His glory. We learn of the Glory of God in His word! Exodus 34:6-7 And she explained how the sins of one can affect many generations. How God guards the love he has for us in his heart. Even when we are disobedient, sinful or rebellious, He cannot stop loving us. He with holds his blessings but NEVER his love! And as parents we are never to withhold the love we have for our children, but to withhold the blessings if they are being disobedient. That was a totally new look for me on guarding your heart! Guard means maintain. I always thought it meant to guard our hearts against evil...to put a wall of protection up.

After the conference we went to Denny's for apple crisp. We sat down and the waitress came to take our order. I asked for coffee and apple crisp, she answered "We have NOTHING apple". The 3 of us sat stunned by that for a minute. Marybeth asked "well what do you have?" she said "everything else". We discussed staying, but decided we really didn't want anything else. We headed back to the hotel, a bit disappointed, but OK. We decided we might try The Crepe Maker in the hotel. People were packed in there like sardines!! Went to our room and decided to call in our order, however they were so busy they didn't answer the phone. After 30-45 minutes we found our way down. There were about a dozen people in there so we place our order. Apple cinnamon crepe with ice cream on top! We place our order, and discussed amongst ourselves how there was only one person waiting on everyone. When you looked in her eyes you could see her distress, however she maintained her composure and her grace perfectly. We spoke out loud the things we saw she did magnificently, and with such talent! Each crepe was made perfectly, and precisely! It was like watching an artist create a masterpiece! We made sure to tell her when she finished ours how wonderfully she had handled it all. And she smiled!

I believe God ordained the whole thing. Divine appointment #3. "Nothing apple" at Denny's...only God! He needed us at the Crepe Maker's to encourage a distressed worker. Your will be done! And we were delightfully blessed by our Apple cinnamon crepes. They were scrumptous!! Thank you Jesus!!

I will leave off here for tonight, and pick up with more Living Proof....Live, in my next post.

to be continued....

Saturday Steps of Faith 10-3-09

2009-10-03T05:17:00.003-05:00

Good morning! Join in with Lisa for Saturday Steps of Faith. Let us know what you are believing God for.

14. "Because he loves me, " says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledge my name.
15. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.
16. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation."
Ps. 91 14-16(NIV)

When we look all around us we can become full of fear. Lord help us turn toward your face, to look at you and in word. Help us to stand believing! For you do have it all under control!!

"For I,"says the LORD, "will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst."
Zech. 2:5(NASB)

Thankful Thursday 10-1-09

2009-10-01T05:35:00.003-05:00

It's Thankful Thursday!! Join in with Sonya

Tell us 5 things you are thankful for, and lets give the Lord some Praise!

I am thankful for my fiance Don. Yesterday we were both pretty worn out from a night time cough. End of the day, he decided I shouldn't cook, and went on a hunt. McDonald's comfy food. Thank you Lord for Angel Don wanting to take care of me!
I am thankful for my son Alex. He is such a compassionate young man! He is smart, funny, and he loves Jesus! I can't believe he will be 16 on Sunday! Thank you Jesus for Alex!
I am thankful for attending Jennifer Rothschild's conference last Friday and Saturday! It was wonderful, and she taught with such grace! We learned so much!
I am thankful to be able to use some of the things she taught already, like examining our expectations, it reveals what is in our hearts. (It sure does, and it's not always pretty)
I am thankful for the Grace Jesus extended, and continues to extend to us. It is sufficient, unearned, priceless, practical and unreasonable. It doesn't fade, diminish or hesitate...It stands the test of time! Isa 30:18 The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Let's praise Him while we wait!!

I want to sit at your feet

2009-09-30T05:37:00.001-05:00

Thankful Thursday 9-24-09

2009-09-24T05:28:00.003-05:00

Join in with Sonya and list 5 things you are thankful for. Start your day with a thankful heart!

I am thankful for my memory. One of my sweetest memories was being next to my Mom's bedside almost 7 years ago, singing "Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling" with my sister Marybeth. Mom started mouthing the words with us as she was escorted to heaven.
I am thankful I know where my Mom is! Heaven, spending eternity with our Lord and savior...no more sickness, no more tears. In the Light 24/7...I can only imagine :)
I am thankful for the sunshine and blue sky, the cool autumn days.
I am thankful for another day to be a blessing to someone.
I am thankful for the opportunity to attend Jennifer Rothschild's Wms. conference with my biblestudy buddies from work. We did her study Me, Myself and Lies along with Beth Moore on her blog. The week we were to finish up we found out she would be here! It will be an awesome time! Thank you Jesus for blessing us so much!! If I were to list them all there would be too many to recount!

May the Lord open your eyes that you too may see how blessed you are today!

I am Healed

2009-09-20T21:33:00.002-05:00

Glory to God, I can say full well...
Ps. 30:2 O LORD my God I called to you for help and you healed me!!

Ps 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!!
It is well, with my soul! Thank you Jesus!
:)

Saturday Steps of Faith 9-19-09

2009-09-19T07:32:00.004-05:00

Join in with Lisa believing God's word for yourself today. What are you believing God for?

Today, I am passionately pursuing Jesus for healing!

Mal. 4:2

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in it's wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall!!

Ps. 107:20

He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Luke 1:45

Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.

The Lord is my Healer! He is Lord over everything, big and small! I stand believing it is already done!

Thankful Thursday 9-17-09

2009-09-17T05:30:00.002-05:00

It's Thankful Thursday, join in with Sonya and give glorious Thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us!

I thank the Lord for being my help! My Ebenezer! My Rock and my Redeemer! My provider, My healer. Luke 15:31 "My son" the father said "You are always with me and everything I have is yours"! Thank you Jesus!!
I am thankful for the chance to make a difference in a young teens life!
I am thankful for the family & friends I have been blessed with, each and every one of them! Jesus loves you, He has a purpose for you, You are Much Loved, Much needed, and Much wanted! Never Ever forget that! Thank you for loving me!
I am thankful that I know what it means to "Glory" in Christ Jesus!
I am thankful for the Lord's timing...it is impeccable! Every time!!

1 Sam. 7:12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer saying, "Thus far has the Lord helped us."

Saturday Steps of Faith 9-12-09

2009-09-12T21:33:00.002-05:00

I am joining Lisa proclaiming the promises of God's word, in which we will stand...not waivering, but Believing!

Jer. 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

This past Friday night an opportunity presented itself on our doorstep to imitate Christ and answer a call for help. But just how much do we help? This was the question burning inside of me. I sought the Lord fervently Friday night, and Saturday morning. And the answer came!

Don and I talked about it and we both wanted to help more than we had been asked to help. But, I recalled an email I once read about a butterfly coming out of it's coccoon. A man was watching this baby butterfly struggle, and he had compassion/pity on it and helped it out, but because of the help, the butterfly didn't gain the strength it needed to grow into a strong and sturdy butterfly and it was forever maimed.

Eph. 5: 15-17 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise. making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

We will help with what we've been asked, and we will do the very best we know how. The Lord will guide us! He has already set things up in advance to meet a need we had concerning the help we are to give!! We will stand believing!!

The Lord is so Awesome!!

Thankful Thursday 9-10-09

2009-09-10T05:34:00.004-05:00

It's Thankful Thursday, join in with Sonya and give the Lord some Praise!

I am thankful for Alicia and Hannah surprising me on Sunday! Alex and I walked into church and there they were, Hannah came running right over and gave me a big hug! Thank you Jesus for surprising me!
I am thankful that we came straight home from church because the battery in my car died as soon as we parked in the driveway! Silly me thought we were "locked" in the car, and I started to panick, and my patient almost 16yr old son Alex said in the calmist voice, as he reached up and pushed the unlock button, no we're not Mom, it's OK.
I am thankful for Alex giving me an awesome back massage on Sunday night. I was hurting so bad, my knees, and hips and back, it just hurt to "be". He lit a candle, put on some dolphin music, and massaged my back and arms for a good 30min. It was the Best massage I have ever had! Lord, thank you for my son, his compassion and for blessing his hands!
I am thankful for our Study of the Word at work! This week I was able to attend for the full 45 min. during lunch!! And....I believe Tuesday's will continue to work out because I was asked at the end of last week to move our staff meeting to Wednesday's (our staff meetings have run over into lunch for the last 3 weeks)...out of the blue, and my heart leapt for joy, and couldn't believe what I was hearing!! Lord you are awesome, and so patient with me!! Thank you for clearing the way!! I couldn't contain my amazement!! Jesus is so good to me!
I am thanful that the Lord is showing me wonderful things in his word! In the Study of the Word we are in Phil 2. One verse kept me going back and reading it over and over, I just couldn't believe Paul said that. Phil 2:28 Therefore I am all the more eaer to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad, and I will have less anxiety. Well, I asked about a woman we had been praying for, and when I did, Natasha started saying how she hasn't asked, that she knows she should, but just can't...ever been there? I have, some people can wear you out...and I immediately knew why Paul said that, and had to read it out loud, after I finished laughing! It made perfect sense after hearing Natasha struggle with why she hadn't asked...and hopefully it took away any guilt she was feeling! Lord, help me not to wear out others...but turn to you with everything, because Nothing is too hard for you!

I am thankful for being able to run to Jesus, to pray, for comfort, to celebrate! He is my All in All!

Your turn: what are you thankful for?

Saturday Steps of Faith 9-5-09

2009-09-05T09:14:00.004-05:00

This morning I will proclaim God's promises in my life. Join in with Lisa believing!

Ps. 119: 8 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law!

Phil. 1:9,10 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.

(the message)

9-11So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.

Ps.19:11 There's more: God's Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure.

This week I want to see these verses alive and active in my life. I am believing God to open my eyes and make his mysteries jump off the pages of His word, that I may share what insights He gives me with others to deepen our walk in the Lord. The Lord amazes me all the time. This is my desire.

Ps 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart!

Thankful Thursday 9-3-09

2009-09-03T05:53:00.002-05:00

Join in with Sonya

5 things I am Thankful for today

1. I am very thankful for grandchildren and Joshua 4, and God's timing! How Great is our God!!

2. I am thankful for my children. All three are growing in Jesus. Being able to discuss the wonderfulness of the Lord with them, and hearing them talk about the Lord tickles me to the core!

3. I am thankful for my Fiance, Angel Don! This wonderful man that the Lord brought into my life 8 years ago.

4. I am thankful for my work. Jesus' is there, His peace reigns! Praise God!!

5. I am thankful and humbled by the Lord using me as a vessle in our Tuesday study of the word. I am thankful for the tear stained faces of my sista's. God is doing a mighty work in all of us!! Holy Spirit come!!

What are you thankful for?

Joshua 4...Stones of rememberance

2009-08-31T18:19:00.012-05:00

Friday night 8-28-09 Alicia brought Hannah & Joey over so I, Nina...aka Nana could watch them while she went to Martin's baseball game. The last game of the season. I always look forward to having the grand toddlers!! Hannah is 3, Joey is 2. They are amazing, so full of life! I had no idea how AMAZING God had intended this night to be!!

After dinner, we took the kids outside to play ball. Little Joey has all the makings of a soccer player. That little guy can dribble a ball like a pro! We were on the side of the house playing, when the puppy next door heard the voices of the children playing, and came running to the gate. Something about puppies and children...they just love each other. It was an awww moment!
Out to the back yard, a few times in the swing, and we decided we needed to move the swing to a taller tree. Hannah's feet were dragging on the ground. So I got a ladder and proceeded to the larger tree to hang the swing. I had just come down the ladder, and Hannah was bent over trying to pick the letters off the rock at the base of the tree.
I said honey don't pick the letters off the rock, that rock tells a story. Hannah, would you like to hear the story. She said "Oh yes Nina"
And suddenly there we were, LIVING out Joshua 4:6! Joshua and the Israelites had just crossed the Jordan (at flood stage)on dry ground. God told Joshua to set up a memorial by placing 12 stones where they camped after crossing. The Lord said it was to serve as a sign among you. In the future when your children ask you, "What do these stones mean" tell them......
Well, about 5 years ago we decided to teach Alex (my son) about memorial day, and I found this verse and decided we needed to set up a "stone of rememberance" so that we would always remember that the hand of the LORD is powerful, and so we might always fear the LORD our God. Joshua 4:24. Friday evening 10 years after this happened, 5 years after placing the stone of rememberance, I was presented with the opportunity to tell one of our miracle stories to my precious granddaughter Hannah!

This is our story

May 21, 1999

It was a Friday evening before their dedication to the Lord 5-23-99. After work I was inside paying bills, Alicia(12) and Alex(5) went out to swing. We had a huge treefort (weighing close to 1000lbs) that had a wooden two seater swing attached to the bottom. It was 6:55pm and I just happened to look out the window, and that's when I saw the treefort had fallen. I ran out of the house and Alicia was lying on the ground next to the fallen fort, and Alex had run over to her. We rushed Alicia to the emergency room, where we were told she was going to need surgery. Her shoulder was broken in 5 places. They sent her home in a sling to await the surgeon's call. Alex did not even have a scratch on him! They could've both been killed!

Saturday we walked around the treefort lying on the ground and saw this

See the white swing, part of it under the fort..that is where Alicia was sitting.

Alex was on the edge closer to the ladder, ended up under the fort, and Alicia pushed him out. I still have no idea how Alicia got out from under there! And then we saw this..

Miracle Tent 7PM...I stood in total amazement...

Sunday, Alicia and Alex were dedicated to the Lord at Love & Grace Church. The pastor prayed for a complete healing in her shoulder.

Tuesday we took her to our Family doctor, and he X-rayed her shoulder...He came back into the room with the look of amazement on his face. He said he could see the 5 breaks they were talking about, but...there is "New" growth there. He did a 2nd X-ray with her holding weights in her hand to make sure he didn't miss something, and he didn't! Praise Jesus!! Her shoulder was healed! Isa. 33:6 Never the less, I will bring health & healing to it. I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security!

I told Hannah the story(shorter verson), and she was the perfect audience!! She resounded over and over again..."And then what happened"?, oh poor Mommy, "And then what happened"? It was such a sweet joyous moment...it makes me smile just thinking about it!

Right after the story, Alicia called and said they were on their way to the hospital, Martin had hurt his ankle and they thought it was broken! She picked the kids up around 9:30pm, Martin's ankle is not broken, however he has an appointment with the Orthopedic Dr. Thursday to see if there are any torn tendons.

Saturday, I stopped by to drop off some things at Alicia's, and recapped the events of the story and the stone. Hannah joined in telling the story, with just as much zeal as she had Friday night.

It gave me a chance to encourage Alicia, and to remind her that God still has the same healing power today, as he did 10 years ago! She smiled and said "I Know!" God's timing is amazing!

I can testify with Paul when he declared in Phil 1:12 What has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel!

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!!!

Saturday Steps of Faith 8-29-09

2009-08-29T08:40:00.003-05:00

What am I believing God for? What are you believing God for? Join in with Lisa and BELIEVE

I am believing God is my HEALER!
Ps 107:20 He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave!
I know God healed me just yesterday! Thursday I had a stomach bug, and I prayed his word and Friday I was so much better! Thank you Jesus!!

This week I am believing God for a healing in my knee! I believe it will be restored to it's healthy state, and function like a knee should...painless! I believe He can do it!!

I believe God will restore my workplace, and restore my Zest to live a life worthy of the calling! Holding nothing back!
We are studying Phil. 1 & 2 for this week's Study of the Word. And I am believing God that what has happened to me"us" has really served to advance the gospel! Phil 1:12
I believe God will take was has happened to me "us" and it will turn out for my"our" deliverance! Phil 1:19

Friday was a much quieter day, and I thank God for your prayers!