857 - Tucker's down - get water!!!

Each of my kids have various screams. You know the one scream that says I am mad at you, but let's keep playing. There is another scream that says I am about to hit the fire out of you! And then the scream every mom knows that is different because some serious injury has occurred!

That last scream is the worst. My Sarahjane screams that one so much I am not sure I would even respond if she really needed help. Tucker was a terrible "cry wolfer" too! Nevertheless a momma always goes to check just to be sure they are not getting blood on the carpet............. I MEAN, to make sure everything is ok! ha

Yesterday Tucker was out working with his coach on some batting/pitching kind of stuff. It really was not that hot yet and really he had not worked Tucker too, too much. They even had a short break while the coach had a conversation with another man. Rest time for Tuck! But Tucker had not had breakfast.

The girls and I were sitting in the car waiting for Tuck to finish up. It was nice just relaxing in the car listening to some tunes! They had headed over to the batting cage to work on hitting. All of a sudden I hear this manly scream, "Leigh!!!!" I knew it was very different than any tone I had ever heard from Coach even when he had been mad at the team while playing. Something was wrong!

I jumped out of the car and ran around to find Coach carrying Tucker as he had passed out! All of this of course happened in a matter of seconds. I responded to his scream, "Yes? What is wrong?" "Go get water!!!!" he yelled back in that same voice that was so concerning!!

My momma can sprint and now I can say that I am a sprinter!!! I SPRINTED over to the pool to try to break into their frigs to find water!!! There was a pool full of water and yet I couldn't find my son any water to drink. I ran out towards people and found Coach Dixon. He had some Gatorade and brought it over to Tucker. Thinking I still could find no water an angel from the swim team placed 2 bottles in my hand as I was leaving the pool area!

Tuck is fine! He was mad we couldn't go golfing! We had the whole planned for exciting golf with no sisters! And we were gonna rent a cart!! But nope!! We spent the day inside on the couch drinking and drinking and drinking all day!!! And eating!! I think he is good to go now!!! Hopefully he will understand the importance of eating now and staying hydrated too!

But of course I began to think back to that initial scream from Coach!!! It was different!! It was serious. It meant business. There is gonna come a day when the Lord Jesus comes back. It will be different, it will be serious, and He will mean business! Will we recognize that voice? I do know the only we way we will recognize His voice is if we know Him personally as our Savior now. Do you know Him personally? Will you know His voice? Will it be different to you?

Just as there was all the water in the pool, but none that I could find to give Tucker - there are a ton of opportunities for us to come to know Jesus now!! We have churches on every corner and there are many Christians around, but few spreading the Word or not living like we should! That can't be an excuse. Jesus is calling us to Him. He will not force Himself on you! But the day He does come back - it will be serious, it will be different, and He will mean business. When He comes back the next time there will be no more water to find!!! We must take action now!!!

Lord, help me to do my part!!! I love you!

801 - The Real Truth

Hey yall - this is straight from the heart as I alluded to yesterday on my FB status.

Have you ever been extremely impacted by something and then when you go to find all the verses, quotes, videos, etc. nothing is anywhere to be found? That is what I am experiencing right now. There was a quote I had found from John Piper talking about that Facebook and Twitter will be evidence of why a lack of time will not be an excuse for prayerlessness. That is not the exact quote, but that is the jest. THEN, I read this really cool article again from Piper. Someone had asked him about whether he really did his own tweeting and something about questioning how they were always the same time of day... Piper answered in an incredible way about how he uses this certain program that automatically puts in all his tweets at certain times, etc. And the end of the article was especially convicting about the use of all these social-networking sites. Oh poooooh - If I could only find the article.

So then the Lord confirmed this morning that I was on the right track and that my vlog was to be posted today after I studied with him this morning..... let me explain.

The bottom line for me is that FB and Twitter, texting, etc. were taking me away from so many things during the day - namely my concentration on Him. It is hard enough with 4 kids, subbing all the time, working in my new job, and sports. But add the constant thoughts of "oh that would be a funny status" or "I will have to remember that for later" or I need to be keeping up with the conversation on twitter............cause I feel left out.... And that is part of what I felt......yes, i know absurd and crazy, I think so too! But it was growing a need in me to be accepted by people and neglecting my acceptance and total fulfillment from being a child of Christ.

"I am with you always...........Most Christians accept this teaching as truth but ignore it in their daily living. The fact that I AM with you always makes every moment of your life meaningful." S. Young from Jesus Calling. Because of this area in my life - I was not aware of His presence very much, but more than anything just ignoring it for the simple fact that I was overtaken and obsessed with another - fb, twitter, etc. It just can't be!

Please take the time to watch this video. I hope you can understand a bit more where my heart is! I love you all - thank you for allowing me to be real and exposed! I am growing and I am sure thankful He has not stopped sifting me! Lifetime process! I love you!

791 - It's Just Too Soon

Lord Jesus, the house is all quiet and the stockings are hung with care and yes, we are hoping Santa will be coming by tonight!! But as I sit here and not have to serve anyone and can just enjoy the silence I get to thinking.

The Christmas story is one of my favorites of the Biblical events. For many reason, but I just love how God totally outdid Himself and yet so much of the world just doesn't get it! So sad, but for those of us that do "get it", it is exciting and breath taking as well.

The part of the story I have been reliving in my mind this Christmas season is the long trip to Bethlehem. As told in the scriptures of Luke, Joseph and Mary had to go be counted for the census. And because they were such upstanding citizens, they did as they were told and expected. (Isn't it odd that today I think many of us, because of the entitlement syndrome our culture has adopted, would have told the government they can just wait. I think many of us would have said that we were busy and this was not a good time. This is the mentality when it comes to many paying taxes and i think this situation would have been no different.)

But as the couple was walking along this long, long journey I can hear a couple of dialogues between the two.

"Joseph, we really need to be getting there. I don't know if I am going to make it all the way. I think this baby is getting ready to come." And then Joseph replying as if he had been pregnant before, "Honey, it is way too soon. You can't be ready yet. You are just gonna have to hold off a bit longer. It is just too soon."

I wonder if they talked about her getting impregnated by the Holy Spirit along the journey? "Babe, it's too soon?? Yes, that is the same thing I told the angel when it appeared to me - It's too soon. I am just a young girl and I have yet to be with a man, PLUS married! It is too soon!" Mary tried to rationalize her way out.

After Jesus was born and the story got out I am sure that was the same comment from many disbelieving Jews. "It is too soon. He was gonna come as a King. This can't be real or the truth. It is way too soon."

Have you ever said, "It's too soon?" It may be for great triumph and accomplishment or usually we think of something being to soon as in a negative sense. A prized tennis player can have an incredible talent and be ready for the pros, but the coach may think it is a bit too soon for whatever reason. I wonder if Miley Cyrus's parents ever thought it was too soon - I think not. What about getting ready for that special date and he arrives 15 minutes early?? That is too soon especially if you don't have your face on yet!!

If we are really going to trust the Lord and take whatever He brings, even if it seems too soon, we need to get away from questioning His timing. "It is too soon" is what I have said over and over about my daddy. It is too soon to be making huge decisions. I still need his wisdom. It is too soon for he and mom to be separated even by a hospital stay. They were suppose to be waking up together for at least 20 more years if i had it my way. It is too soon for me to be feeding my dad. It is too soon for me and brother to be having these conversations? It is too soon for................. it is just too soon!

I would have never predicted this for my Christmas season this year. I would have never asked for this. It is just too soon. But in His gentle way the Lord reminds me that yes, from a human perspective, it is too soon. But from the Heavens, in the glorious plan of the Lord, the plan that may look like to harm, but He means for good, it is not too soon. It does hurt to know this was ordained before the beginning of time and in my anger I sometimes ask why didn't He give me a clue it was coming. Kind of like if I knew it was coming I would have hugged longer at Thanksgiving. I might have asked to go on a walk with Dad or shot some basketball. I would have asked all the financial questions I could muster up. I would have watched he and mom hug and take care of each other as they have always done. It is just too soon!

But Jesus, I do trust you. I do accept this new responsibility. I do know you mean not to harm us at all. I do know from Your perspective it is not too soon. Daddy is still with us and is doing his best to get better every day. I am so thankful for this past 2 weeks. The time spent helping mom and dad is one of my favorite times of my whole life! I may have felt like it came too soon, but i welcomed it with honor and hopefully grace!

God I love you!!! I trust you!!

781 - She said yes with no hesitation!

"Leigh, can you help me? My son is stuck in a big dangerous city and we can not get to him for hours. Do you know anyone that can come get him until we can get there?", this was the panic coming from the other end of the phone from my dear friend.

Let me back up and tell you about my dear friend, the one who was so panicked for her son. This is a lady that I love. She has given me an open door policy to come to her at any time about any thing! She is always incredibly honest and never sugarcoats. She looks out for me and treats like her own! It is a privilege to call her my mentor, but certainly my friend! I love her!

Needless to say when I got the phone call of her needing help, it didn't matter what it was I was going to do everything in my power and the power of the Holy Spirit to help! She has never told me no when I needed her and I was not going to either!

Now for another friend, Teresa! This is the most dedicated, organized, no bull, priorities straight kind of gal I have ever met. If Teresa says she is going to be there, she is and 5 minutes early. Teresa is one I can count on for anything!

So as the phone was ringing I am saying under my breath, "Oh, Lord, let Teresa be there and not busy." Teresa answered the phone and it went something like this!

Hello -

Hey Teresa, it's Leigh and I really need some help.

Ok, it everything alright? What is it? I can help!

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Ok, let me stop right there and tell you how stunned I was. Teresa never asked what the problem was. She never told me first she was having company over. She never said how busy her day was and that the the huge 15 ft. tree was being put up. She never complained that it was Sunday after a long Thanksgiving and it was time for the kids to go back to school. All Teresa did was say - What do you need and I can help!!!! There was no hesitation!

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My mentors son was driving back to college and he is stuck in a rough part of town with a broken down car. Is there any way you or Chester can go get him? Of course the momma is a bit panicked. Dad is on his way, but still 4 hours to get him!

Teresa immediately replied, "Yes, just give me the address and I will see where he was at. Hmmmm, yeah, I see where that is. It is about 45 minutes to an hour from me and I can go get him right now. Give me his number and I will be on my way."

Do you have any plans or anything tonight? Is this inconvenient?

We have some friends or family coming over for dinner, but Chester and the kids can entertain while I am gone. Or I can entertain while Chester is gone - no big deal whatever we figure out! I am leaving now and he will be fine!

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I have to say that I didn't expect anything different from Teresa. I would not have instinctively thought to call Teresa if I thought there would have been a different answer. But after backing away from the situation and thanking the Lord for the whole ordeal being worked out the Lord reminded me of how much like Jesus Teresa is!

1) She said yes with no hesitation. When Jesus calls me - do I say yes first before I hear the details?

2) Never a complaint or even a telling of her issues at the moment - just yes, what is it?

How many times do I want to tell God all the things I am involved with as if He doesn't know!

3) Teresa was so organized and prepared that when HE did call on her and the plans changed she was prepared and ready to say yes and go! Am I prepared at a moments notice for change when He calls - without hesitation?

4) Teresa has a solid yes and never backs out! She knows what she is called to and gives her all! Am i spread so thin that I am not firmly committed to anything?

Teresa, I don't know if you will ever read this, but I thank you!! Thank you for helping out my mentor, but more than anything thank you for showing me Jesus on that day!!! I love you my friend!

753 - Smitten by God

Heavenly Father - we, Patricia and I, had all the tennis girls over to the house last night. It was a wonderful time of eating, laughing, and sharing. I just plainly shared with the girls who I am, where I came from, and what is the beat of my heart. It was a lot of fun even though i was not real interesting. My whole purpose was to show them the thing that the Lord has done in my life - all through my life - and in every detail. HE has always been faithful!

Back in the Piper study again and once again blown away. Today he showed me through the Word how Jesus died on the cross out of love and obedience for the Father. It was all to please the Father. I can totally relate to the pleasing part - the people pleaser that I am.

Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted. Is. 53:4

My girls are very smitten by many boys older than they - usually my son's friends. I have even told certain ones that my daughter is so smitten Drew Lucas. He is such a great kid that I don't mind it at all. But by all means when I say smitten i mean it in a very positive sense, like enamored or awe-struck or puppy-loved. It is cute and sweet and just fun to watch.

So when I came to this verse about Jesus being smitten by God i was confused by the other words around it... "stricken by God and afflicted". In my mind how could God be smitten - the way i was thinking - and then strike him and afflict. So I looked up the Hebrew word for smitten and it was not what I was expecting. Nakah means to strike lightly or severely, hit, to hurt,, wound, pierce. Often notes a non-fatal blow. What in the world...........

Lord, I am so amazed and enamored and smitten as well by Your love for us - such a fallen people. You took Your very own, never sinning, faultless Son to do what we never could and to be what we never could be. Father, I once again fall face down before you and cry out Holy. Words are not coming today except for awe-struck! Why Lord, why! You know that I still fail so often, my motivations so often are vile, and my intentions not good. And yet - still You know all this and knew all this from the beginning of time!!!! and sent Jesus! You allowed his afflictions, Him to be smitten, and struck upon... His obedience and Your love - incomprehensible!

Father - I love you, I adore you, I am enamored by You, I am smitten, and I......I want more!! Show me Your glory today. Show me Your will and Your favor. Be thou near oh Gracious One!! You are highly esteemed! May I see Your Face!

Getting ready for tennis match today. Girls have EBA and Tucker has another game too. Tucker got abruptly called into the game yesterday - had to inherit another's count at bat. Then he had to play first. Friends were calling Clay left and right giving the play by play action. That was very thoughtful of them to do that since they know Clay would have done anything to be there, but couldn't! The Coach is incredible about playing all these 6th graders in very decisive games. He believes in them and see so much potential. Tucker's confidence has soared since Aug. 3 after have a horrible experience this summer. (The 8th grader jealous of these 6th graders getting to play and mouthing off and pushing some of them just might get smitten by the 6th grade mommas - if you know what i mean. We don't take that stuff. ha ha)

This is fun time of life, but so very hard as well. I love it, Lord!

752 - Wrath Absorbed

Dear Lord, I think I am finally coming around now that school has started and understanding what my schedule is like. It is extremely hectic with my tennis with the high school, coupled with Tucker's Middle school baseball and the girls Evansville basketball. Yes, it is crazy. But i cannot figure out just yet how we can offer one kid all this awesome stuff and then not do it for all of them. So in the process of making it fair - it gets hairy!! Yes, had to hire a friend or a couple of friends to kind of help me until the end of October! So we press forward!

As most of you know I have had to cancel the Resolution Conference. We just did not have enough participation in enough time and I had a ton of money to spend in this last month on the conference with no guarantee we would even break even with 500 tickets sold. I am very sad, disappointed, and relieve all at the same time! I so wanted to serve Southern Illinois in this manner - by bringing a conference of good solid preaching on a grand scale to an area that usually just has concerts. It is kind of confusing because I so thought it was for us - maybe it was, but just to say yes... I don't know completely. It has been a huge relief to not worry about it - maybe that was the issue too! Anyway, it is gone, but my team is still gonna come down for that weekend! We are pumped even more so about that!

After running this morning around 5am i was able to come home and relax on the front porch in our new rocking chairs. Love 'em!!! Jesus, it was so nice to meet you in the quietness of the country and in the sweet, cool air! The house was still silent, but my heart was racing to hear from You! You have me so wrapped up in knowing Your heart and finding Your pulse! Do not be far, my Lord!

I have started a new devotion book this morning after finally finishing the No Other Gods study - BTW - my new fav! It is called the Passion of Jesus Christ. I love Piper's deep thinking and way of saying the Truth with no fluff! "true Christianity - which is radically different from Western Culture, and may not be found in many Christian Churches" I understand what he is saying here and how totally different the US and its churches are from anything else, but what do I do? I am called to live here. I don't feel called to go abroad for a lifetime.

These very feelings have me with much guilt, but thankfulness all at the same time. I know I am extremely blessed and have way more than most in any other country. I am so grateful for what the Lord has allowed Clay and I to do and to have. I don't think we hoard things or even worship our possessions, but at the same time............. I don't know... i have a tough time with being so blessed with so many things and realizing that there are so many out there with so much less. One might look at my situation and say yeah, right. If you had any guilt you would be giving things away and live with much less. I understand and don't know how to digest it all as well.

The passion of Christ really has to do the sufferings of Christ. Piper related much of what the German Jews went through in comparison to what Jesus endured on the Cross. He was not referring to the why did it have to have as in "cause", but why did both have to happen as in "purpose".

The first discovery we made this morning was that one purpose of Christ's passion or suffering was to absorb the wrath of God. Jesus' death did not just alone take on our sins and that was that. Jesus' death took on our sins and absorbed the wrath of God. Jesus was the churchy word - propitiation or substitute for the wrath of God for our sins! Romans 6:23 says "the wages of sins is death". God could not look on sin, hates sin, and had to destroy all that sinned. So God Himself provided the propitiation - Jesus Himself - to absorb the sin and the wrath too!

God Almighty - this is almost too much. Not too much to learn or be convinced of, but too much love to take in. Father, the more I get to know you the more I don't know! Lord, thank you for Jesus, more today than even yesterday. Thank you for choosing Yourself, Your Son, to be that that we never could. Thank you for choosing the only One that could never do You wrong or disappoint. Father thank you for this unbelievable sacrifice and love towards us! Thank you!

This is a busy week with games, tennis, etc. God, you have given me a great challenge of ministering to one with a meth addiction. Lord, guide me and help me. Show me boundaries and yet love, tough love! May I pour myself out to my friends, family, and those I don't even know that they might feel and see You! Tennis team coming over tonight for dinner and devotion. Give me Your words to speak! I love you Lord!

688 - Purpose Driven............ Day

One of my biggest faults is not seeing the forest for the trees.  I get so tunnel vision.  I am the type of person to not see the whole picture and therefore get very frustrated at what I see or decide is going on...... in my life, in the church, with my family, or even in road construction.  

God has placed me in a full-time job for at least 5 weeks.  I am the elementary teacher for  K-3rd grades.  So far, after one day, I love it.  Before I received this assignment I had already applied to go get my master's with a teaching certificate.  I have everything, but my substitute teaching, but have to go this direction instead of starting all over.  It could work......if i get accepted.  I do horribly on standardized test and have to take 2 to get in.  It nearly is enough to just say forget it.  We shall see.  If it is normal book work and such I do honors, but being timed in a test for a long period - freaks me out and I don't do well at all.  We shall see. 

I was reading in Luke 19 this morning about the Triumphal Entry of Jesus.  I was struck by a person in this account that might have lost his focus or at least wondered why is this happening.  Jesus told his guys to go into town and they would find a donkey there that had never been ridden.  Take it and tell the owners that it was for the Lord.  I wonder about the owners.  

Were they going about their day and all of a sudden had an inclination to tie up their donkey in this spot?  Was the owner just thinking the day before about all the things he wanted to do in life and they just have not come about?  Was he wondering why all the things he was about seemed so insignificant?  Walking through the town was he intrigued with all the other things people were doing that looked so important?  He was just tieing up his donkey right here.  

Then for a reason or was it for no reason he came over to this particular post and tied the donkey.  Was he a follower of Christ and knew this was his mission in life?   Did he have any clue that the tieing of that donkey would be used for the King of the Universe to fulfill His mission on earth?  It was a purpose driven day and yet I want to know if the man that had the donkey for the Lord of ALL to use that day had any idea HOW he was being used?  

We are so often used just like that man that tied the donkey.  God in His infinite wisdom is detailing our every breath with ways, missions, and purposes beyond our comprehension.  Do we always know when we are being used for a great purpose such as the King being able to fulfill His great mission through us?  No!  That is a mystery of God and something we don't need to understand.  My job and my understanding is that I need to quit looking at the forest and even the trees.  I need to be focused on the Cross and my Savior.  If i would just look for my Savior in everything then I would not be concerned whether I get to do what I think are significant things.  If I would trust His plan and leading then I would not be bothered by those around me that seem to have "cooler" assignments.  

God i do trust you, but I get so sidetracked and focus-lost!  Forgive me Jesus.  Help me to watch for the Savior on the horse and not the person that provided the horse.  Oh Lord Jesus, I worship you, but not near enough and not in the way you deserve or even intend!!  Lord, keep my eyes on You and my focus on You!  May I go about my day with the thoughts of worshipping You in everything realizing I am living a purpose driven......day whether i know it or not!!  I love you Lord!  

669 - Merry Christmas 2008

668 - Who He is to me!!!

 

I will announce the book winners on Wednesday!!!  Feel free to sign up again to get your name in the pot again!!

Thanks and bless you!  

Below you will see the latest goofy video I have made....  it is just an idea right now...  If i only knew how to really do this................ any help or suggestions???  THanks

My.... what a little make up can do!!!

666 - Why I Smile

Wow - it just thundered and lightninged....  I didn't know that was suppose to happen in the winter!  Yes, today is my birthday as so many of you have wished sweet things on my facebook or email.  Thank you thank you thank you!  36 - uh oh - closer to 40!!!  

But today I wanted to give YOU something...  I have 2 books to give away and then I want to give you all an explanation of why I do what I do!!!  What do I do???  I don't know either!  

The first book is called "God in the Whirlwind;  Stories of Grace from the Tornado at Union University" by Tim Ellsworth.  My husband and I both went to school with Tim and he is also a fellow Illini or whatever you call someone from Illinois.  This is a book that my husband and myself could not put down.  It is account after account of how God brought each student or faculty through that night when the monster storm ripped through Jackson, Tn.  I would recommend this book to a believer that just wants to be reminded of God's protection and grace, but I would also recommend this book to a non-believer, one that might be struggling to know if God is for real.  You see Him all over the pages of this book!  You DO NOT have to be a Unionite to enjoy and truly experience this book to read it!  Wow - it blew me away - no pun intended!  

The second book is called "Pull Up A Chair;  You, Me, and the Gospel of John"  by Lorie Looney Keene.  I was able to meet this author down at the Women's Forum in Nashville a few weeks ago.  What a neat lady!  She made me feel extra special in that she is so calming and does not come across as better than or "I have arrived" that I feel so often from speakers and authors.  (Let me add that it is most likely not that they come across that way, but that I am so intimidated or insecure that I allow that feeling to overtake me.)  This is truly a wonderful book and very down to earth much like I found the author.  Anyone could pull up a chair and feel like Lorie was right across from you taking you through the book of John.  The book is very interactive.  You might even find yourself carrying on a conversation with yourself - in a good way though.  

I am not sure if you noticed, but today is my 666th post.  For that reason I wanted to talk about what my Jesus means to me!!!  That number has such bad connotations and because of that I wanted to do nothing more than make sure my focus was all about Him.  So that is what I have done on my video blog today.  It is long - i am sorry - in advance, but how can you be short about Jesus!  You might have to come back later today and see the video - maybe because of the rain it is having a hard time uploading, but please come back and find out what my Jesus means to me.  

Ok - for the giveaways - if you will leave a comment of any kind I will put your name in a pile for the giveaway!  There will be 2 winners since there are 2 books.  Spread the love -K?K!  

Love you all - thanks again!  

655 - The Destroyer Has a Plan

A very daunting task for me is explaining to my kids that God has their lives all planned out and it is for their good. The clique term of "God's will" is something I want them to be very familiar with and learn to seek at all costs.

I remember seeking the Lord (and still do) about various situations in my life. God always came through and revealed to me what to do, but it was not without much effort. I didn't know where I was suppose to go to college. I just remember knowing that I wanted to help pay back my parents by getting a scholarship for all they had done to get me to this level of tennis. And most importantly I was looking to find my Baptist husband. (Isn't it funny when our requests are so specific. I think God wants us to be more broad about our requests and see Him come through with all the details. I needed to just pray and hope for someone to marry me - God didn't care about the denomination!)

I want to make sure my kids are well aware of Jer. 29:11. "For I know the plans for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." God is not out to smoosh them. He is not out to spoil them from all the fun. He is not out to destroy their future and make them a zombie in Christ! No, my Lord and adventurously awesome Savior is a blast. I want to make sure my kids know that.

But as much as I want them to know and live in the belief that God is for them and has wonderful plans for their lives - for His glory - I need them to know there is one, the defeated one, out to destroy and demolish them! John 10:10 says, "The thief comes only to steal, kill, and detroy..." This thief is not just a scary monster. This thief is Satan himself that can be disguised as a good time. He can be disguised as something innocent on the internet, something that everyone else is doing, something that no one else will ever know about... Satan too has a plan for their lives. If he can not get them into Hell, he will do everything to make their lives a living Hell and bring as many others down with them as possible. Satan is real and really wants to kill!!

As we are getting closer and closer to Thanksgiving my heart does rejoice in the Savior and all He means to me. I am thankful for His mercies and grace. I am thankful for salvation and redemption! But I am also very much aware and thankful for His protection. God works all things for my good and His glory, Satan just wants to see his plan for me to be a reality as well - steal my joy, kill my relatiosnhips, and destroy my walk. I cling to "greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world!" I pray you will too!

633 - Say the Name

I so often read about people being called to things that they do not want to do. But most of the time those things that they (and myself) are talking or writing about still have much personal glory in them. I think the most reoccurring one these days is ladies being called to speak that do not want to do it. I am amazed at how many God is calling into the speaking ministry and yet so many do not want to have any part in it. It is confusing to me.

I understand being called into something that is within your gifting or even something that is not, but i guess my thoughts today are why don't we talk enough about the things God calls us to do that have no personal glory. No matter how you look at it, even with the most humble heart and pure intentions, there is personal glory, even if you don't ask for it, in professional speaking. Like i said you might not ask for it and hopefully try to detract most of it as well, but there will always be those that "pump" you up and therefore give a bit of His glory to you. It can't be helped at times.

So we talk about the things that are "pretty" that God calls us to do, and our desire to not do them. What about those things that have no personal gain or are not pretty that He calls us to do and still we don't want to do them? Why do not hear about those too often? I have to ask myself quite often about my motivation of blogging. Is it to attract readers or is it to spill my soul to Him attracting readers to Him? Telling about those things that are pretty, but I don't want to do..........bring glory to Him or to me? God has really convicted me lately that those things can often be about me... even though i am trying to talk about the obedience i am engaging in when He calls me to the things I don't want to do. (I feel like i am sounding a bit like Andy Rooney.)

The Lord said to my heart - why don't you talk about my asking you to clean your house with a joyful heart? Why don't you talk about my asking you to cook more often and quit eating out? Why don't you talk more often about my asking you to be more patient with the kids? Why don't you talk more often about my asking you to be more responsible in situations? Why don't you talk about my asking you to go to the nursing home? And it goes on and on... There is no glory in those situations and yet God asked me to do them. Do i not talk about those because I know it won't inspire readers or do i not write about those things because I know I am going to say no.......... or even subliminally it does not do anything to make me look good??

I asked the Lord to truly expose my heart and this is what He revealed. There is still much pride. There is still much glory seeking. There are still obedience issues. It is still not all about ME - that would be Him! There is still hidden agendas. There is still self-promotion. There is still self-yuck!!!!!!!!! There is still false leading. There is still fear. There is still doubt. There is still need to rise above. There is still seeking of approval. There is still the need to be great. There is still comparisons. There is still not total authenticity!! You allow the readers to know what they need to know that sometimes toots your horn instead of glorifying Me...

Oh Lord - I know!! I am sorry. I repent and I want You!! Thank you!

This all hit me this morning as I was reading about the good Samaritan! I am not sure why it hit me this way, but it did. I thought about the fact that if there had been people watching or "reading" would the priest and Levite been more receptive to talking about God asking them to respond even though they may not have wanted to? Would we have heard about this deed that makes them ultimately look better even though they may not have wanted to do it? There was no one watching or reading and so they passed on and we never heard about it. Is that me? Can I too be guilty of that? Do i look to inform my readers, etc. of only the pretty things that God asks me to do? Because in the end of the story or post I say yes and look good in that too... I don't think it should be that way... humility - there is an issue!

God is preparing me for something and I am not sure what that is, AND after this post I am not sure I should talk about it either. But i do know that He wants total humility and not to share one single bit of His glory. In my speaking, writing, and in life - I need to promote Him more than my obedience or even lack of. I need to speak more of His renown even more than my love for Him. I need to shout of Him more so than what He does for me or through me. I need to say the Name more often and not anything else!!

Jesus!!! Say the Name!

599 - Strange Love

I have never ever been a cat person. I am highly allergic and just don't understand them. I don't understand them not coming to me when I call their name. I don't understand them not wanting to lick me. What about this laying around all day and moving at a snail's pace when you are trying to get them to scoot over? They are so stuck up!! So I thought...

Since moving to Illinois we have acquired 2 cats - outside cats that is. Boots and Maya - both boys that we got as babies! As little fur balls I really could see how you could think they were cute and fun to watch. They play well together and do have some amazing stunts. Besides Maya, Boots' best friend is our INSIDE dog, Lu Lu. They do so well laying together and Lu Lu actually gives Boots his baths. It is a sight to see.

I can just get up, walk to the other room and when I return my dog will lower its ears, wag its nub of a tail, and in some way kind of smile at me. I know Lu Lu loves me more than anyone or anything. (She told me, too.) Her love is so obvious and easy to distinguish! I never question her intentions and there is no second guessing what she wants from me. The way Lu Lu shows her love is something I can relate to and understand. I think I could speak Dog!

So last night as we were getting home from a ball game there was a injured, but not dead by any means rabbit on my back steps. The poor little thing was just flopping and spinning on its side trying its best to get up and go! Just in the short distance was Maya meowing and watching the poor little "Thumper" to the very end. Maya would come over and bat at it and then attack one more time. I was so upset with that cat - how could he be proud of himself? My goodness, that rabbit did nothing to deserve such death.

Clay sent me inside with the kids while he "took" care of the situation. I am not sure what he did, but it involved a shovel and a loud thump. Poor Thumper! Then he came in to explain to me and the girls that this is how cats show their love to their owner. (Whatever!!) It was like a thank you prize for all we as humans do for the cats. They kill and come and lay it at the doorstep as to say, "I love you so much that I would kill for you, AND I have and here is the prize."

Don't we do they same thing to people. We don't understand the way one is trying to express love to us and we get all upset and disappointed. In the book "5 Love Languages" Gary Chapman explains that there are 5 languages we can speak to show our love for another. We might give gifts, show physical touch, do acts of service, speak words of affirmation, or even spend quality time with the individual. The problems is that the way we "speak" love may not be the same way the other person receives or "speaks" love. So we have a husband trying to give gifts big and small to his grumpy, frustrated wife when all she really would like is for him to pick up his clothes or mow the yard regularly. He is trying to show her love his way because he loves a new shirt or surprise coffee in the morning, but she does not speak that love. She just wants him to do something - acts of service - that would speak enough love to last her a week!

It has taken some time for me to understand, appreciated, and accept this form of love the cats are showing our family. This rabbit has not been the first - birds, mice, shrew - or littler mice - and all kinds of stuff. Learning to speak your loved one's love language is not easy or will not come natural. It will take some work and much practice. It will seem like a waste of time or money or even energy at times. But the dividends are priceless!

As much as I would like to I just don't appreciate and certainly take for granted the way Christ showed His love for me and you on the Cross. It just seems like there could have been a better way. It seems like there could have been an easier way. It seems like He didn't have to die....... but He did and He had to! It was the only way - HE is the only way! Thank you Lord!

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Here is one of my favorite singers of all time. Meredith Andrews. I just got her newest CD in the mail. She is incredible. Order it today - you will not regret it!! You Are Not Alone!

585 - Opportune Time

Dear Lord, It is 5:45 and I am already in a rush to start the day. I am working at Sarahjane's school today for Teacher Appreciation Day. I have to speak this evening. I need to get a few groceries. It goes on and on for today - not to mention the 1000's of emails I have not returned and the pile of to do's with bills on the my desk that is growing. Ugh!!!!!! Calgon - thank you taking me away on next Thursday. Clay and I are going to Croatia, Venice, and some other stops along the way. Oh yeah - I need to get another tan in today as well. Priorities - ha ha!

Luke 4:13 "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time."

Oh Lord, Jesus.......this verse and story has kind of stopped me in my tracks. Here is Jesus fasting for 40 days all by himself in a desert. He has just been baptised and things seem to be going well. I know the times that I have fasted temptation has not played a role. Oh yes, I am tempted to eat or whatever, but for the most part it is the sweetest time with the Lord because of the extreme closeness I feel with the Spirit. Here is Jesus getting away to be with the Father and yet Satan is bugging him to no end. I guess the thing I need to remember is that even though I "get" alone doesn't mean there will be no temptations and that things will be peaceful and rosey.

My commentary also made mention to remember that "intense temptation was no indication of God's dis pleasure". Hmmmmmmmmm - that is something to chew on. I have always heard that if there is no issues in your life or nothing fiery going on - that is reason to sit up and take notice. Have yo fallen down and are not standing up for him or are have you just gotten lazy? Does satan see no need to bring anything your way - temptation, trial, test, whatever it may be.

The last part of that verse says that satan went away until the next opportune time... My oh my - he will not leave us alone and he waits to just the perfect time to bother us, tempt us, and try to defeat us... Be strong and courageous!!!

Lord, help me to deliver your message for these ladies tonight in an honorable fashion. Help me to speak your words and your mission. Help me to put aside self ambition or vain conceit. Help me to minister and to serve this church in whatever manner you would have!! Thank you Jesus!! thank you for this opportunity!!! May you be blessed!!! I love you!

583 - Have You Met My Jesus?

Jesus, I know it is still early, but i have sat here for a good 30 minutes trying to write and had so many interruptions. First was a huge cat fight that I had to scream from the window to break up. What a horrible sound. Our Boots cat is in the hospital right now - been there since Monday - for some kind of fight or something. Hopefully he will get out today. He was so pitiful!! Then Lu Lu woke up, the dog, needing to go outside. So now I am finally sitting down to get this all out.

Today we go to Evansville to have my plantar faciastis (my heel and arch hurt and burn like crazy) looked at and Emmajoy has some virus thingies on her neck that need to be removed. Please be praying for her. They will have to be burned or frozen off. She thinks she is ready....I think I am ready. We shall see. There was someone in her class making fun of her for them - they do look like zits - and it crushed her so bad. So now, she is ready........we think!

Have you met my Jesus? Oh goodness. I was in Matt. 3:13-15 this morning and just reminded what happens when we meet our Jesus. I know that Jesus and John the Baptist were only 6 months apart, but did they grow up knowing each other? I don't know. We don't know much about Jesus' childhood and what MOPS group His mom went to and all. It just seems like after the encounter Elizabeth and Mary had when Elizabeth realized Mary was "holding" the Savior of the world she would have wanted or tried to keep in contact and let the kids play together. But with the way traveling and distances were back then even 10 driving miles away would have been a mere struggle to work with. Plus at Mary's young age I am sure she kept herself pregnant as was the custom. I don't know if you have ever done it, but traveling with young children especially if anyone is potty training is not so much fun. No way!!!

As John was baptising all the people of that day he looked up and saw Jesus in line. (This is my imagination.) John stopped and told Jesus this was not right - You should be baptising me, not me you. I just can't do this. I can't even tie your sandals... In verse 15 "Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do now to fulfill all righteousness.'" And the awesome scripture tell us "John consented". And that is where I want to rest - consented.

The word consented there means 'to let go of one's power or possessions', release from obligation, let go from oneself, etc. I just about want to jump out of my skin in excitement when I read the real meaning of that verse and all that entails. Jesus was asking John to do something he did not feel worthy of doing. This was a blessing and honor. Jesus told him this had to be done to make "things right". And then John consented - John let go of his own power, he was released from the obligation of it being about him, he let go of his own self and let God. Do you see??

When Jesus calls us to do something even when we don't see the reason, purpose, clarity, or even understand - it seems absurd - if we will let go of what seems to make sense, let go of our own understanding and sense, if we will let go of PRIDE, and let go of what feels comfortable we may be ready to see the greatest blessing right before our eyes.

John consented and baptized. Just a few verses down you will see this is where the sky opened up and God proclaimed for all to hear "This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased." If anyone was not sure of Jesus true identity, on that day because John consented - let go of his own self - people from all over, and John himself, were able to see and hear the TRUTH!

Have you come face to face with Jesus, heard Him knock on your door, and not consented? Have you seen Jesus in the eyes of other believers and still said no thanks? Have you seen Jesus displayed through the generous hands of another bringing you a meal, helping with your house, sending you a card, or even giving that smile? Yes, that is Him, that is my Jesus. He is waiting. It is only righteous and fulfilling His will for you to consent, open the door, and say, yes, come on in and take over. Jesus, rearrange, and do your work here. Jesus, be my Lord and Savior. I consent - I am yours. He will not force Himself on you! He is waiting patiently, but I can tell you for sure, time is running out. Will you do it today? Have you met my Jesus? Love to talk with you more - cletus 104 at gmail dot com.

This short devotion, cleaned up of course, will run in a few weeks in my town's newspaper column I write for weekly. Would you please be praying for the eyes that will read this? I pray there is someone that will respond to this invitation in some way. Thank you in advance.

Having a garage sale tomorrow. Not so much to sale, but need to get rid of some things in the garage. We will use that money to buy some shelving for the basement. Then we can really have a garage. Please pray for Emmajoy. We are so ready to be out of school. Kids love school, but i am so sick of homework. I have never seen so much in all my born days... ugh!!!!!! Even my kindergartner has homework every night. We don't always do it, but we have it! It is probably the 3 having homework that overwhelms me - they seem fine!! I just am so not a teacher. Homeschoolers, bless you!!!!!! Oh - were you sad to see Brooke go on American Idol?? We were so sad. Jesus, may we have an incredibly blessed day - may we bless you!! I love you!

581 - The Father's Business

Luke 2:49-50 "Why were you searching for me? he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" But they [Mary and Joseph] did not understand what He was saying to them.

Ministry is really hard. Even when things are not "ministry" I have a tough time balancing things in order of importance. Fun always seems to be on the top of my list no matter who it is with or what it involves. I am a girl that loves to have a good time - that could be just sitting on the porch giggling with a friends, the kids, or Clay. I love to laugh. But I can honestly say there is nothing I love more than serving His people to bring them closer to the Lord or my greatest joy - bringing them to their first realization of needing a Savior!! That too is fun to me!

So why is ministry so hard then? I have a hard time doing ministry and not letting others things fall way behind. When we made the decision to move to Illinois I seriously thought I would most likely never speak again. That thought alone gave me sheer panic attacks - not really, but sort of. Ministry and specifically speaking is like breathing to me. I knew He had confirmed He was not done with me, but I just could see how in the world it would happen. God was taking away all the "props" that help ministry to happen - huge mega churches, well known ministry name, many well established speakers to glean knowledge from, opportunity on every corner, extremely supportive Christian radio stations, Bible Belt, etc... So as the calls came in for Jan. - May '08 the previous year I accepted every engagement. (On top of everything else I had no idea in '07 I would be moving into another house the following year.) I just knew it was coming to an end and I wanted to do all I could until it was over. Well, what happened - it got very, very tough on my family. I found myself gone 4 or 5 weekends in a row. I found myself speaking 3 or 4 times a week. I found my kids angry with me because mom was always at the computer preparing for the next thing - instead of supper, baseball, basketball, whatever it may be! Clay and I were at each other because of this huge scheduling debacle. I got myself in a serious pickle all in the name of ministry.

I see in the verse above that Jesus has a very similar problem with his parents. They had left Jerusalem after celebrating Passover. Traveling for one day they suddenly realized Jesus, 12 years old at the time, was not with them. It took 3 days to find Him, but where else? - in the temple. I love the momma's response, "Why have you treated us like this?" And as any 12 year old might respond, "Momma, what's up? You knew I had to be in here." But Mary and Joseph did not understand. I am sure it was more than just natural for Jesus to be in the Father's house. It was His house, it was His Dad's place, it was were He belonged - just not yet, full time!

For me that is the hard thing about ministry. I know we are dealing with the eternal. I am helping many to understand that if He is absent in their lives, eternity will not be good. It seems like a no-brainer to be involved in and for all to understand the importance of it. But I am not Jesus. I have not figured out how to balance it all for their best. I want to be about my Father's business, but that does not mean always away from the home. There are 4 little toe heads needing ministering to right at my hips. I certainly never meant to hurt any of my family in this busy ministering time, but ironically I was the one to not understand what HE was saying to me. Hopefully I pray there will be a day to be busy as a bee speaking across the nation or more, but for now I must be about the Father's business and that is mostly at home.

Thank you Lord for your patience and the patience you gave my family as we managed through this busy and frustrating time. Thank you for Clay's support even though it came in a different package through those months. Thank you for not allowing complete disaster to fall on our heads. Thank you for the talks it brought out in Clay and I and how to "do" this thing better. Thank you for the prayers of all the many warriors holding us up during that time. Thank you specifically for Valarie because she just knew the right words to pray at the exact time. Thank you for Lisa that consoled me on that long trip to Nashville in tears and frustration. And my day breaks away to Evansville with Courtney. Oh Jesus, if you do see fit to give me more opportunities to minister I pray I will work slowly through it all and seek guidance. I pray I will have the courage to turn down opportunities and trust You will supply again. I so want to be about your business - please show me what that is for today.... ugh, laundry!!! I love you Lord!

567 - Protect His Name

Dear Lord, I am desperately looking for a scripture in the Book of Revelation and am completely stumped. It has to do with the verse that proclaims the Name of God that no ear has ever heard because that name will never be taken in vain. It is a secret name that only God has for himself. I do recall it being in Revelation, but have looked until my fingers are raw - ha ha! Can anyone help on this one? Here is the deal...

Each night - well 4 of the 7 - I take one of the kids and pray individually with them. It is very special because they will tell me things really on their minds - sometimes i had rather not know. Oh well! Pretty consistently Emmajoy prays that the kids in her school will quit taking the Lord's name in vain. It really, really, really bothers her so much as to bring it up quite often. Her prayer is so sweet as well. "Lord, please help me to help my friends quit taking your name in vain. Lord, forgive us." I like that she includes "us". I have encourage her by explaining about the name of God that no one knows, but would like to show her in Scripture - teaching her to trust the Word even more.

Emmajoy is my "tenderheart" - remember the Care Bears? She is just like that and must get it from her Daddy. I am not so much that way. Even her skin is so soft - just through and through she is a sweet girl. I do know it could all change, but I hope and pray not. Course having such a sweet and soft spirit can really set her up for a crushed heart as well. Every day she tells me what this little guy at school named Drew says to her. I mean he can just brush up against her or even make a funny face and she is set to marry him the next day. It is sweet as well, but I do recognize her tenderness and vulnerability. As Clay and Emmajoy were driving down the road the other day she proclaimed from the back seat, "Daddy I am saving myself for marriage!" As Clay nearly swerved into the next car his head was spinning out of control and eyes rolling back in sheer panic - where did she hear this and how does she know to save herself????? - he finally pulled it all together. I think Emmajoy sensed his loss of control and said, "Yeah, Daddy, I am not going to kiss anyone until I get married. I am saving myself for my husband the way Ms. Holly (our precious babysitter in Charlotte) did for her husband. Clay sighed and kept driving probably thinking - yeah right... good luck!!

I have not done anything different with Emmajoy than I have any of the other kids, but she really does want to know more about the Lord and as of right now protect His name. She is a song writer and if you promise not to tell anyone - or at least Emmajoy - I want to indulge you for a moment. (There will not be too many more years that i can actually type somethign liek this out for the WWW. Before I know it they will be on the computer too and able to read my blog and their friends read it too. yikes!!!) This is a song she wrote after school yesterday and of course after she had finished her studies... where did this kids come from? (Yes, I do think all the others are this cool in their own way, but today is Emmajoy's day.) Bear with me and please pray for this tenderheart! I am not sure where one sentence starts and another begins - she is in 2nd grade...

On the dark days when people thought they knew who i was - when they didn't even know my name - and they told me that I can't do anything - but when your blue skies come out they help me believe that i can do all things through Christ. People think that i am crazy to sit on the porch and hide my broken heart, people stare and people whisper making me cry and then its not hid anymore. But when your blue skies come out they help me believe that i can do all things through Christ. God called me to pray for everyone even though they're bad to me and hopefully they will change. But when your blue skies come out I know I can do all things through Christ.........................

I am sure there is more, but she fell asleep!

So if you can help me find that verse to share with my tenderheart I would greatly appreciate it. I was reminded in my own devotional this morning in Luke when Gabriel proclaimed the name of God for the first time to Mary. "you will give birth to a son and you will call him Jesus..." Luke 1:31. It was precious then, but has been so abused ever since. Why do people feel like that is a name they can abused. Why not David or Sally or Leigh or whatever. Why is it Jesus or any other name for our Lord? Because even those that don't know know there is power in that name - so much so that they will use it terribly to make a strong point... Oh Jesus, as Emmajoy reminds me - Forgive US!! I love you, Lord!!! Help me to protect Your Name.

513 - Moving Faith

Oh Lord, you have given me some really great thoughts this morning. I have been looking at the life of James, Jesus' brother. This is the brother that did not believe he was Messiah until after the resurrection. Oh how many people do I know that just need more proof or they are just waiting for a little better time to follow Christ. James was "lucky" in that it didn't get too late for him, he was still able to "know" the Lord Jesus as his Savior before he died. This is another person I like to call that was Up Close and Personal with the Lord and changed. His transformation did not come till much later in life, but it did happen.

I am encouraged that I have seen the Lord be so faithful to those that truly did know Him at one time or knew about Him and came back to KNOW Him. I am so convinced that there is no way to lose my salvation - or anyone to lose their salvation. That is really not the issue or an issue. The real key is did you truly ever know Him at all? Salvation is not part of a lay-away plan and we can come back and get a little bit at a more convenient time. When we truly come to know Him it is done, sealed, and forgiven! Praise you Lord - thank you!!

So I look at James and am just amazed. This dude spent many, many days and nights with Jesus but did not buy it. Oh how I feel like that at times. Not only am I one to not buy into someone at times - their sincerity - but have been treated the same way. Someone doesn't understand me, someone doesn't buy into my heart, someone doubts my motivations or whatnot. But Jesus was perfect - there were no contradictions for James to argue with. Maybe it was he just thought he would have to be perfect too? Maybe it was that he thought he could just keep the letter of the law and be fine - he didn't need his big brother. Maybe he was just not ready to walk that serious and suffer persecution. Maybe he was already mad at his brother for bringing so much attention to the family and their private lives. Maybe just maybe he even overheard his parents talking about even their doubts. I most likely think they had not doubts - I am just kind of speculating here - but you how we get when we are just laying in the bed talking things through with your spouse. Lots of stuff comes out... Who knows, but James did not believe Jesus Christ was the Messiah until after the resurrection!!

I love to see a new believer just go on fire for the Lord. I kind of feel like that is what happen to James. He was not just in Jesus family, but he was all in His business too. SO even though he didn't believe for quite some time - if Jesus dies at 33, then James could have been well into his 20's before he believed and accepted - once he did come to know the Lord, it was a radical change. The things I love the most was that he wrote the book of James.

The book of James is one of the most practical books in the Bible, to me. It is a book of instruction for the most part. How to deal when trials come and temptation sets in. How to deal with having faith and then doing something with it. How to deal with favoritism. How to deal with working your faith, not working out your faith, but putting your faith to work. How to control the tongue!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wow!!! How to deal with giving it all to the Lord, surrendering your life, having patience in suffering, and having an eternal perspective! He must have something all those years of living with Christ that made a huge difference to him even though he didn't buy in at first.

I have to think about my own life. My kids are finding their faith right now. My Tucker is saved, but is trying to figure out what he knows to be truth. Emmajoy is a believer and take everything with such a child like faith. I know her day will come too. Sarahjane is wanting to understand, but can't sit down long enough to really care. Elleigh is too young. But they all are watching Clay and I too see what we do about certain situations, how we express our faith, and how we react to their faith. It is so different for someone just looking in to judge whether one is doing a "good" job of displaying a faith that someone just has got to have. Will my kids see a faith they have just got to have? Will they see a faith that did more than just talk? Will they see a faith that did more than just sit on the sidelines?

That is the thing i love the most about the book of James. James saw Jesus doing - he saw his faith that was express in action. Remember him saying in this book that faith without works is dead. James must have never seen Jesus dead in His walk. I know that seems obvious, but how many times to my kids see a dead faith. James must have seen a faith that was willing to go the distance - death!! What is it like in your house I know the Lord is asking? James knew his brother was the real deal, but it was like he had to see how far he would go, death, before he really believed. I bet he was so disappointed to have wasted all that time of not believing.

Lord, when people really get inside my home and heart do they still see a faith worth dieing for? When I allow people up close and personal in my life do they something that is real and contagious? Lord, am I the type of person you can bring people to me knowing that they will encounter Christ through me? Oh Lord, I know the answer is no at times - nor often that I want to admit. But Lord, help me to be more expressive of my faith. Help me to be real and authentic. Help me to have a faith that my kids will say - I have just got to have a faith in the Lord Jesus like my momma! Thank yo Jesus for hearing my prayers! Thank you for knowing my heart. Thank you for forgiveness as I fail so often. Thank you for my kids asking questions and really seeking what all this is about. Lord, bring to them passion that can not be equaled. Lord, set them on fire at this early age to know you and to want to share you with others. Give to me wisdom to know their bent and how to "water" that for growth. Lord, help clay and I to display a working faith and one that never sits back to let everyone else do it!! I want to be in the game!! I want to be to your go to girl! I want to be faithful!!

I got a potential opportunity of speaking at a True Love Waits deal in WEST Tennessee. (Fran, Teresa, all ya'll - it could be fun.) Oh how i would love to go to that!!! Lord, may the timing and calendar work out. My March is already so busy!! I love you Father - off to go running and weigh in!! ugh!!! double ugh!!

500 - "When Praise Demands a Sacrifice!!!!!!!!!"

Lord Jesus - I am here, the 500th post. I have thought of many cool things to do on this particular "day", but nothing seems appropriate except just talking with you. In honor of the 500th post, I read Psalm 50 today and just loved it. Father, you are it - you are awesome - you control all things - you expect all things - you are command all things - you are in all things and hold all things together.

Lord, I praise you for your righteousness and for being the perfect judge. I am so thankful that you just speak and things happen. I praise you for the omnipotent power you posses. I thank you for being so clear on what you expect out of our lives!! I thank you for the forgiveness you offer to all people and generations. In my life I am so thankful for your redemptive nature!! You have brought me back to life so many times. I praise you - whatever it takes!

"He who offers thank offerings honors me" Ps. 50:23a From what I understand this thank offering right here in this scripture is talking about praise that demands a sacrifice. Oh Lord, Your Word - what power and authority it holds - thank you! But what does this scripture mean for my life, Lord? Reveal it to me, please.

Lord, I pray my life does bring you honor and praise. I want to be honoring in all that I do. I want to lead women to honor you with their lives. I want to bring others close to you. I know the way to do that is by first being honoring myself and consistent in my time with you. I want to praise you even though it may cost everything! I want to stand up in the midst of trials and shout out your fame. I want to know you and live out true believing!!! I want to know you.

Jesus, forgive me of my sin. You know me so well and know the things in my life that i should long ago gotten over. You know those things in my life that I just can not seem to let go of. Lord, thank you for loving me just the same! Lord, thank you for seeing the scared woman that I am at times and helping me to rise above all that. Thank you for blessing me for my true intentions. Even though I have moments where I do not act very becomingly you know my deepest desire and heart intentions!! Based on that you bestow so many things unto me. Wow - that is a cool, cool, concept!!

Savior, please speak to me today showing the sacrifice that you are demanding out of my life that will speak praise to you! Lord, open my heart to whatever it may be. Maybe more than anything you are confirming the no speaker fee commitment you have asked of Ginger and I! I pray that sacrifice is just praise you each and every time we get up in Your Name to proclaim Your greatness!! I can not believe the power of the blogland. I have 2 ladies already contact me about applying for our speaker team. Lord, may i always use this avenue to bring glory and honor to you! Lord, I love you with all my heart. I want to have a greater joy about my relationship with You. I beg you to show me my faults and wrong ways so that I can get it right with you. I thank you for your gentleness and mercy. Lord, I will see in the days ahead and ask that you pour out Your words for all my upcoming events!! Happy Birthday Jesus!

489 - Elizabeth's Joy and Believing!

Dear Heavenly Father - I am shooting from the hip here today. I have never heard these speculations preached and am just gonna go out on a limb and risk looking like a fool. There is always a first - ha ha ha ha hahahahahahhhhhhhhhaaaaaa. hee hee. I noticed something and I am just wondering......... I love the Christmas story and all the events leading up to it. I love the whole account of John the Baptist paving the way for Jesus and it starting from the womb. I love how the Lord has a plan of salvation for each person and how unique each story can be. Lord, please use whomever or whatever to show me my errs today with your scripture. I LOVE your Word!!! ok - from the hip...

In Luke 1:39 and following we have Mary getting ready to go to Elizabeth's - long walk and she was pregnant. So Mary gets to Elizabeth's house and enters the room. Elizabeth is pregnant too with John the Baptist and some are erroneously thinking she could be carrying the Messiah. Mary says hey and then what I called salvation occurs to Elizabeth. Upon hearing Mary's voice the baby within her leaps and then Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior He immediately comes and dwells within us. It is as if He breaths life into us and we are filled again, born again!! Looking at verse 41, it states that when she heard Mary, the baby leaped within her, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. The end translation of that is that she was breathed into new life - a life resided by Jesus Christ. I am just wondering and am beginning to believe this was Elizabeth's salvation account.

Obviously she was a believer of our Lord, the Old Testament follower - I am not sure a believer in the technical sense, but now she had been filled with the Holy Spirit. She had been doing all the things that a good Jewish woman would do, but now it was different - She Believed. Another supporting idea that I had was her public proclamation. Verse 42, "In a LOUD (she believes in shoutin', right Valarie?) voice she exclaimed: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear." She proclaimed loudly that Mary was highly favored and proclaimed, made a statement of belief, received in faith, believed that the child Mary was to have was the Christ. In the very next verse she claims Mary's child to be her Lord - her personal Lord and Savior - that is what I believe.

The last verse ,45, in that section say, "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." I have always thought that Elizabeth was referring to Mary here and she certainly is, but I see now that she could be talking to herself as well - or at least meaning that for herself as well. Blessed is me (Elizabeth) who has believed what the Lord said to me today about that being my Christ in Mary's tummy to save the world, will be accomplished.

I don't really see an alter call here in this account. I don't see Mary persuading Elizabeth to believe. I don't see one more stanza being played to see if just one more person will come forward to believe. I don't even see Mary telling Elizabeth how to say the sinners prayer. But what I do see is and Up Close and Personal encounter (Heather we can use this) with the Living God that has changed a person forever!! All of our stories of meeting Him are different, but when we truly get Up Close and Personal with the Lord we will be changed and believing must start!! There is an acceptance, a proclamation, and now a believing life walking with Him. Her son is proof she believed - he had to learn it somewhere!

Lord Jesus, I am not saying there doesn't have to be an invitation at church - oh no, no, no - I am just saying when God comes to meet with us and make an impact it can be any where any time and through any who!!! I have never thought about the fact the Jesus could change a life even when He was still only a few cells Himself - in utero. There will be some that this encounter is very different, but I say Praise you for that!!!!! But there will be an acceptance, proclamation (and her son, John the Baptist laid the way for Baptism to be taken place after the acceptance and proclamation upon Jesus' request), and then a different walk. We must be different. Lord Jesus, thank you for your Word. Show me where I have erred today. Show me where I have misinterpreted. Show me where I am walking unchanged by my encounter with You!!! Lord please forgive my sin and help me to get back up and walk again!! Oh Lord I love you so much!! Kind of a crazy day!! Thank you for bringing Clay home safely!