Beside Still Waters

Encourage...

2011-09-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

I never realized until today, how many people I have in my life that encourage me. Sometimes I feel very alone,as I struggle to be productive when my chronic illnesses want to take control of my every effort, to do even the simplest of things. Keeping a Gratitude Journal over the last six months has helped me to recognize just how many people encourage me. Keeping this journal has helped me to see things with a grateful heart. It's taught me to watch for those things the Lord brings into my day that I have to be grateful for. As I read an email that I received yesterday, read a card I received in the mail and listened to a message left on my phone today, it was like a light bulb went on...Look Patty, at the encouragement you receive from friends and even acquaintances. My mind went back over the weeks of those that have emailed, left a message on Facebook or called me with words of encouragement. I took some time to do a self examination of myself, to see if I pay it forward to those I know. I am going to try and be better at encouraging others.

As I write just simple sentences of gratitude and count my blessings every day...the Lord encourages me. David sought encouragement from the Lord in 1 Samuel 30:6. God waits for us so He can encourage us in this journey called life. He loves to encourage us. We have to learn how to recognize it when He whispers encouragement to us.

If the simplest of words can discourage... then the simplest of words can encourage as well. I want to be an encourager, don't you? Thank you, dear hearts, for your words of encouragement!

Sweet Thoughts...

2011-06-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my... I didn't see all the sweet thoughts posted on my two recent posts until today! From some of my favorite people too...so sorry I didn't respond. For some reason all my comments go to my junk mail. I am going to have one of my kids show me what I need to do to change that. Renee, Mrs.T, Beverly, Jane and Kim..thank you for your encouragement! Kim I am going to check out that website as soon as I finish here. Thanks for sharing that. Hugs to all of you!

Word For The Year...

2011-06-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

"Obedience above all else pleases God the most."

~ Pastor Greg Laurie ~

I asked the Lord for a word for the year 2011. He gave me the word OBEDIENCE. I was afraid it would be self control...and it was obedience! I got out our very old Scrabble Game and spelled the word to put over my sink in the kitchen. Because I was working on my health/weight I thought it meant...stick to your eating plan. Nope. For me it meant God wanted me to have obedience in all things. As I would read in the Word to tame my tongue..he wanted me to obey. If God whispered to me to submit...I was to obey. Pray more...obey. Spend less money...obey. The list goes on and on.

OBEDIENCE is a big word. For each of us it can mean something different. The obedience that God requires of me may be different for you. Some things are black and white for any follower of Jesus Christ. There are no gray areas for those things He commands us to do from His Word. Some things are black and white and others are the whispers of God that we know are meant just for us. I want to hear and obey the whispers as well as the commandments.

I have been reading through the Old Testament and one thing I have seen over and over is how God's people continued to be disobedient. All they ever had to do was obey and love Him. I find myself continually saying, "Why didn't they just get it?" Then I remember how many times in a day I don't obey even in the smallest of things. God's mercy and grace are bigger than any of my disobedience's. Thank you, Jesus.

"To obey is better than sacrifice."

1 Samuel 15:22

Journey of Change...

2011-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have asked myself and God, why every time I sat down to write on my blog the words wouldn't come. I seemed empty of anything to say or share with my readers. Great things were happening in my life...but, there were no words. Today I realized I have been on a "Journey of Change."
I found myself stepping out into areas that were totally out of my comfort zone. God stretched me in some areas, giving me the gentle nudges I needed..at times I felt like they were more like a shove off a cliff...but all in all...He stretched me and I didn't break!

The one change I made this year was my commitment to get healthy. It seemed like a full time job planning my meals around healthy recipes rather than my old stand by comfort foods. I had grown accustomed to making comfort foods ...I thought it would make me feel better. It was a bad habit I had let myself nurture living with chronic illnesses. A friend introduced me to Daily Plate.com. it's an online calorie tracker through Livestrong. As long as I faithfully tracked my calories, I'd lose weight. I hadn't factored in getting older and I thought I could lose it like I did when I was younger. Not so! I lost weight very slowly...very slowly...I had to fight discouragement along the way. My husband joined me on this leg of the journey and we tracked our calories together. We'd shop for fresh fruits and vegetables and we walked this road together.

My friend who introduced me to Daily Plate also shared the most wonderful book with me. Made To Crave, Satisfying Your Deepest Desire With God, Not Food, by Lysa Terkeurst. This book may not be for everyone but it was for me. I'll share more on that book in another post. This friend also made a scripture/quotes booklet from the book to go to in times of temptation...I love it!

I didn't exercise at first. I actually lost most of my weight without it. But when I started walking the track I loved it. As I walked to Chris Tomlin's worship and praise songs I could see the entire San Bernardino Mountian range as I soaked in God's Majesty all around me. I was really feeling victorious! Then... I tweaked my knee on Christmas Eve..I just moved wrong. My exercise has come to halt. This week I am going to start on an exercise video of chair exercise. DONCHAKNOW that makes me feel really old?? With my DVD and weights that will be my new journey until this knee heals, surgery or God's amazing touch.

This is where I have been on part of my journey of change. As of today, I am not going to say.."I wish I could have lost more in this year's journey." Instead I am saying...I lost 53 pounds this year and I give God all the glory! My husband lost 40. He's at his goal..I am not..so the journey continues. To those of you have encouraged me to come back and write again..thank you. To those of you who have left comments and I did not reply...I am so sorry, but thank you! To my friend who encourages me in this journey and to my husband..I couldn't of done this without you both....This was just one part of my "Journey of Change." I'll share more in my next post.

Trial or Consequence?

2010-11-12T08:25:00.001-08:00

~ Beside Still Waters ~

My husband and I have been watching a series by Pastor James MacDonald called Turning Your Trials To Gold. We set aside one evening a week to watch the DVDs and this week was our last one. Pastor James taught a six week bible study at Harvest Christian Fellowship and at that same time he was going through cancer treatments at a nearby medical university. The Lord ministered to him as he walked through his trial and week by week God gave him the strength to share those things.

The key verse for the entire series was, Job 23:10. "But He knows the way I take, and when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."

I gleaned so much from these teachings and as I sort through my notes and thoughts I will share some of those things here on my blog. The point I wanted to share today is some of Pastor James' thoughts and mine, on trials and consequences.

One definition of a trial is....A painful circumstance allowed by God to change our conduct and our character." Our trials are designed to change us. God wants change in us and through us and every trial we face is allowed by God for our ultimate good. In the midst of trials it's hard to remember that ultimately God has a plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says, He knows the plans He has for us. He knows.
God also knows that sometimes we aren't always ready for His plan and the refining process of trials shapes us so we are ready for His "ultimate plan".

When we go through hard times we can be so quick to call it a trial, when in all reality it is a consequence to sin. A person who cheats on their income tax and then is audited and has their wages garnished says..I don't know how I am going to pay my bills. I am in the worst trial of my life. Is it a consequence or a trial? It's a consequence. The sin doesn't have to be big....but there are consequences to all sin. What we say and what we do can lead to consequences that disguise themselves as a trial.

How do we make it through our trials? We want to be trained by the trial so we surrender, trust, obey and abide, praying that we will come forth as gold when it ends. Some trials go on a long time, some are short. Most trials are normally for a season. Some longer seasons than others. We need staying power in the midst of a trial. Don't quit...don't give up, trials produce transformation. Bear up under it.

How do we get out of a consequence? Repent. Repent for our actions and behavior. Some of what we have sown will not automatically be gone. The residue from sin lingers. Freedom comes from repentance. Take necessary steps to right a wrong.

These are just a few of my thoughts today. In a time when it seems Christians are in the heat of so many trials, maybe we should ask ourselves...

Trial or Consequence?

Lord, we want to come forth as gold.

Amen?

Concerns...

2010-11-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

~ Beside Still Waters ~

"The Lord will accomplish what concerns me;

Thy loving kindness, O Lord, is everlasting;

Do not forsake the works of Thy hands."

Psalm 138:8

My concerns seem to be multiplied lately, as I am sure many of you feel the same way. I find such comfort in knowing that the things that concern me, concern God. Since He can do the impossible, and nothing is too hard for Him...then as I submit to His will, His desires, lay my concerns at His feet, I can have confidence that He is working for good those things that concern me. I encourage you to be comforted knowing that even in the midst of your concern, God is working.

God is Sovereign ....it's something we all need to remember.... that whatever our circumstances, He is in control and not one thing comes as a surprise to Him. Things can hit us and knock the wind right out of us and drop us flat on our behinds....and all the time God must be thinking, "I've got you..I've never dropped you before and I won't drop you now."

"Thou hast enclosed me behind and before,

and laid thy hand on me."

Psalm 139:5

He is behind us, before us and His hand is upon us...

What an awesome God!

Change Of Color...

2010-09-30T07:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a chameleon? If you look closely you can see this little guy in the picture. Chameleon's can change their color in less than 20 seconds to blend in with their surroundings. I've heard the expression. " they are whatever color they're sitting on." It certainly applies to these little critters, but when I heard this saying the first time, it was making reference to "people".

Some people find themselves being more spiritual in one surrounding, then not so spiritual in another surrounding....change of color. Another example would be...you tell the person you are with what you think they want to hear and another person what they want to hear....change of color. You do things with one group of friends that you would never do with another group of friends...color change again.

A consistent walk with Jesus...walking in the Spirit...will prevent any of us from turning "whatever color we are sitting on." Oh how I desire that the only color I want others to see, is the reflection of Jesus in me... in whatever circumstance and whatever company I find myself in. You too?

Just a few thoughts from my desk today....

Have a blessed day,

Patty

Look Only To Him...

2010-09-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

"This hard place in which you perhaps find yourself is the very place in which God is giving you opportunityto look only to Him, to spend time in prayer, and to learn long-suffering, gentleness and meekness-in short, to learn the depths of the love that Christ Himself has poured out on all of us."

~Elisabeth Elliot~

"...inwardly we are being renewed day by day."

2 Corinthians 4:16

I have been....

2010-08-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sitting at His feet...

Taking care of my health....

Tending to my home....

Working on a quilt ....

Making a whole lot of dish cloths....

And now...I am ready to blog again.

I don't know if anyone even visits anymore. When you don't post, you lose your readers. I had to be still to mend my hurting hip and the computer chair just didn't do it any good. So, I sat and read, quilted on a white on white quilt that I started years ago..knit dish cloths, because they were mindless for me as I sat on the heating pad. Most importantly, I sought the Lord for direction on some things troubling my heart.

Next week I hope to share some of my thoughts .

Thank you for your concern while I was gone, I know it just looked like I disappeared.

I guess I did!

Where Does Time Go?

2010-05-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

Where does time go? It's been so long since I have posted on my blogs. I was posting so much and then I guess I hit a wall. My husband was home for two weeks on vacation. Actually two separate weeks with a week in between. On the off weeks, I had a root canal..a root canal reversal and a root canal...all on the same tooth and I am not done yet!

Our church had a spring tea on May 1st and that was a big undertaking. I gave a 15 minute sharing on The Joys of Journaling. I also was a table hostess and was responsible for setting up my own table. The theme was In The Garden..I'll share some pictures in my next post.

Summer's can be so hot here in S. California.....I usually have some summer projects to work on. So I have been thinking what to do...as the A/C hums away. It's not hot yet and I am loving it. We may actually have rain this week...that is not normal for S. California..at all.

Patty's Pantry has been deglected too. I never did get all my recipes reposted after I lost my blogs a couple years ago...two fingered typists type slow...:) For Mother's day I was given, Martha Stewart's Cupcake cookbook,which is terrific.....oh nummy, I'll have to post some of those when I try them!

It's been one of the roughest years I can remember health wise...But I always look for a better day tomorrow and that's what keeps me going. When looking to Jesus He will always show me something good for each day. He is so faithful!

Have a beautiful day everyone!

Look for Jesus in the everyday things and you won't be disappointed.

Wait...

2010-04-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!

~Psalm 27:14~

"In times of uncertainty, wait. Always, if you have any doubts, wait. Do not force yourself to any action. If you have restraint in your spirit, wait until all is clear, and do not go against it."

~ Streams in the Desert ~

Heart Attitudes...

2010-04-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

This is my paraphrase of a story Pastor Raul told in church yesterday. I have heard it before and this may not be word for word what he said...but you'll get the meaning.

A little girl and her father were going somewhere in the car. She was standing up on the seat and he told her to sit down and put her seat belt on. She continued to stand as he started to drive away. He told her again to sit down and put her seat belt on...she continued to stand. He pulled the car over sat her down and fastened her seat belt. As he drove away, he looked in his rear view mirror, she looked at him and said, " In my heart, I am still standing!"

When our Heavenly Father asks us to do something it is for our own good. Sometimes we kick and scream in our hearts that we don't want to do that thing He's asked of us. We go ahead and obey and we do it..but like this little girl, in our hearts we are still standing. We went through the motions of being obedient and on the outside it looks as if we were...but the heart attitude was one of rebellion.

I have learned and am still learning that we just can't go through the motions of obedience. We aren't fooling any one but ourselves when we do. God knows the motives of our hearts..He knows if the action of obedience is sincere and the motives are right. Take this sentence, worded the same way..but with different attitudes.

I'll go Lord, only because You want me to go. The heart attitude is I will go Lord, I may not want to, but I will go because You know what's best and I want to be obedient to what you have asked.

I'll go Lord, only because you want me to. The heart attitude is I'm going but only because I have to go because You want me to go, not because I want to go.

The first response is a humble response, one of surrender..the other response is one with selfish attitude. A response with rebellion.

One of these attitudes is the heart is still standing in the back seat. Oh my goodness, how many times have we had this attitude?

The attitude of our hearts has so much to do with everything we do..well, it actually has All to do, with everything we do. It not only applies to how we respond to the Lord but applies in every situation in our life. What is my heart attitude? Is it surrendered or rebellious?

We live in trying times and can be surrounded by trying people. It has to be a daily, minute by minute decision to have an attitude that is pure and motivated only by our love and obedience to the Lord.

This is my attitude of the heart story....

Things were coming at me like ocean waves a couple years back. I felt like I was rolling with the punches pretty good. It was one medical test after another and a year of continual ear infections. I started to get a little overwhelmed. I wanted to have the right attitude so I would say,"Whatever, Lord." I'd be laying there having another ultra sound and again I would say, "Whatever, Lord." I thought I was being surrendered...NOPE. It was my way of handling the situation for the moment, but it was far from having a surrendered attitude to God in my circumstances. Need I say, I quit saying "whatever." Not my will, but Yours Father," is the desire I have for my heart attitude now. I try never to say, "Whatever" anymore because no matter how I use it...it's an attitude!

My challenge to all of us today is...

Let's not have our hearts still be standing when we have been told to sit down!

Amen?

Quote For Today...

2010-04-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

"One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy."

~Elisabeth Elliot~

We Are Daughters...

2010-04-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

I was reading the other day in Genesis chapter 30 and my heart was touched by the fact that Leah so desperately wanted to be loved by Jacob, that she would do most anything for him to love her. I couldn't help but think of some women today, doing whatever they can do to earn the love of a man...or anyone. If only we could learn at a young age that we are Daughters of the Most High God and we never have to sell our selves out or compromise ourselves for love.

I think there are many women who feel that they have to be something other than what or who they are, to earn love and acceptance. It’s sad, but I must say I have been there. Although I learned an earthly example of my Heavenly Father’s love through my husband, I felt I always had to earn love from other people by what I did.

There were some hard lessons through the years, but God taught me and worked with me to see that I was of value to Him just because I was His Daughter. I still can fall into the Enemy's trap of wanting to be loved and feel like I have to do things to earn it. When that happens, the Lord will prick my heart and remind me that I don't have to do that because love should be given freely.

Poor Leah, she was never loved they way that she desired. She wasn't a perfect woman she certainly did many deceitful things. She reminds me of the woman who is unlovely, difficult to love, the woman who is always left out.. the underdog. The kind of woman who always strives to be loved and yet is always on the outside looking in. These are the kinds of women that always touch my heart and I find myself drawn to them.

Oh, please if you find that I have described you in this post won't you please realize that you are of value and you are LOVED because you are a Daughter of the Most High God...He created you!

"He created us because He delights in us."

~Beth Moore~

God Opened Her Eyes...

2010-03-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

"God opened her eyes."

Genesis 21:19

Genesis 21 is the story of Hagar and the strife between her and Abrahams's wife Sarah. Hagar was the mother of Abraham's son Ishmael, born in a concubine. Sarah insisted that Abraham send them away becausehe didn't want Ishmael to share in Abraham's inheritance. Hagar and her teenage son headed for the desert. When I think of our deserts here in California I am sure it had to be scary being out there all alone. When Hagar thought they were about to die because they needed water, God opened her eyes and she saw a well. He could have provided a spring, but He wanted her to open her eyes to show her what had been already provided.

Reading this caused me to think how in hard times, I simply need to ask God to show me what is already there. He always has a solution, I just may not always see it or expect a solution that is right in front of me. "Show me the solution that you have already provided ," should be my prayer.

God is always with us, He was with Hagar in the desert...His provision was already there..she only needed to open her eyes!

"The question is not if God will prove Himself faithful to you,

but how."

~Dr. David Jeremiah~

Praise Report...

2010-03-26T07:29:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord! All my biopsies came back negative. Thank you for your prayers.

Nothing's Impossible...

2010-03-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

My reading this morning was in Genesis 18. Verse 14 says, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" The Lord was reminding Abraham and Sarah that He had promised them a son. As I thought about this verse it came to me, that at times I think things are impossible. Why do I think these things are impossible? I think it's because in my human thoughts and reasoning and in my human strength...they are impossible. Luke 1 :37 tell us, "For nothing will be impossible with God."

If we know God is asking something of us...then He will equip us, enable us, and give us strength...When we rely on and depend on Him, we can see the impossible happen before our very eyes. Yes, we have to do our part, but we are also told that we can do all things in Christ who gives us strength.

I am going to take a page in my prayer journal today and write at the top of the page, "Nothing Is Too Hard For GOD." I am going to list the things that I have felt were impossible, or things I have given up on, or even things I feel God wants me to do... and commit them to prayer.

How about you? Have you felt that there are things in your life that are impossible? Take a few minutes today, sit a spell and reflect on these words, " Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

"You do not have because you do not ask."

James 4:2 NASB

Days of Uncertainty....

2010-03-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

With life changing decisions being made in our country, and days of uncertainty ahead, we can always remember and trust in the fact that God is sovereign and on His throne!

"I'm convinced that there is nothing that can happen to me in this life that is not precisely designed by a sovereign Lord to give me the opportunity to learn to know Him."

~Elisabeth Elliot~

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

Change...

2010-03-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

"Suffer the pain of change or suffer the way you are." ~ Joyce Meyers ~

Edited new thought; What I think the author of this quote means..or I should say what this quote means to me is, If God is asking us to change, at times there is pain involved, if we choose not to change, then we can suffer pain the way we are. I just happened to like this quote, not necessarily all that this author teaches.

Changes...

2010-03-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

It seems like the past few months I have been pushed from places of being comfortable to places totally out of my comfort zone. We have been attending a church closer to home with our children, I have changed doctors..those are two of the biggest changes. I was in an ER this last weekend with bleeding from an endoscopy and back to another hospital a few days later to have another endoscopy..both places that were new to me. Change. Maybe it's because I am getting older, they say older people don't do well with change. Older people???? Another change..but in my head I am still 18 with the,"girls just want to have fun attitude". I still want to have fun, I just want to sit still doing it!

God is always at work changing us. We should never get comfortable anywhere. We have to adapt where He places us and trust Him in new surroundings and circumstances. I have been married to the same man 40 years, lived in the same house for 39 and have had the same best friend for 45 years. See, why change might be hard? LOL

In an ever changing world, the Lord who is unchanging, is my rock of stability... I want change in my life, but I only want the changes that God allows or desires of me.

So many of you have such big changes in your lives...mine are minimal. And for that I am thankful. The only change that comes easy for me is...changing my mind. (:

I just wanted to let you all know I am still here...things going on with doctors and such...I get a bunch of biopsy reports back on my stomach next Thursday..any little prayer would be so appreciated.

Have blessed weekend!

Run After Jesus...

2010-03-10T08:19:00.000-08:00

"And He will give you everything you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the kingdom of God your primary concern."

Matthew 6:33 NLT

"Jesus is life, Girlfriends, Jesus if Life. Let's run after Him with every ounce of energy we have."~Beth Moore~

I've asked myself so many times what am I running after. In years past, I remember running every day working for Jesus and each day got busier and busier. One day many years ago, I realized that all the different ministries I was involved in kept me so busy that I didn't have time for Jesus. I have always been involved in a women's study, but to me that wasn't necessarily sitting at His feet sharing intimacy with Him.

I learned a very valuable lesson..it isn't so much what God wanted me to DO for him, but it's what He wanted me to BE. Doing and being both take energy..and at different seasons in our lives, God may ask us to do more for Him. God is always asking us to BE..Be in love with Him, Be in His Word, Be at His feet, Be hopeful, Be merciful, Be everything Jesus sets the example to BE.

Running after Jesus with every ounce of energy that I have, means being careful and being wise on how I use my energy. A friend of mine who also has chronic illnesses, says she has a teaspoon of energy with a cup full of things to do. That's how I feel...and if I didn't already have a cup full of things to do..there's plenty more things I dream of doing.

If you find yourself in this place today...Seek first His Kingdom...and run after Jesus with all the energy that you have. Run after Him and then you'll know what things He wants you to DO. But always remember..He always wants You to..BE!

God bless your day!

Jesus Can..

2010-02-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

"No storm is so great, no wave is so high, no sea is so deep, no wind is so strong, that Jesus cannot either calm it or carry us through it."

~ Anne Graham Lotz ~

When Life Unravels...

2010-02-24T08:08:00.000-08:00

"Weave the unveiling fabric of God's Word through your heart and mind. It will hold strong, even if the rest of life unravels."

~Gigi Graham Tchividjian~

Sometimes life does seem like it is unraveling when things hit us one thing right after another. Today in our world many people find themselves frustrated and discouraged when circumstances of life begin to tear apart and unravel every thing they have known.

I get frustrated when my knitting starts to unravel because I was careless how I put my needles down. I want to throw it in my knitting basket, rather than take my time and put the stitches back on the needle. I watch it unravel and I feel helpless.

We aren't helpless and can't throw in the towel when our lives unravel...we have to go on. God's Word always stands strong, it will always encourage, always refresh, always direct, always comfort us. Whatever our need is, God's Word will hold strong amidst the greatest difficulties that life can bring. All we have to do is pick it up and read it, asking the Holy Spirit to work and weave the words into our hearts and minds.

A friend told me years ago that when we have to rip out stitches..it builds our character. Spending time with the Lord in His Word when life is unraveling..well, that's where true character is formed. Building everyday on God's Word makes our charcater stronger and sronger...and then we are less apt to throw in the towel when the hard times come.

Have a blessed day!

Patty

Be An Encourager...

2010-02-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

" Be an encourager, a healer, one who helps restore the years the locust has eaten"

~Dr. David Jeremiah~

"I will restore to you the years the swarming locus has taken," says the Lord in Joel 2:25.

~~~~~

Oh, there are so many people out there that have been victims of what the locust has taken from them. Our Lord, is the Restorer of the lives that have been affected.

WE all can be an encourager. It would be our part of their healing process to encourage them. Our lives get busier and busier, and unless we make a conscious effort to have eyes that see and ears that hear the needs around us, how will we know how it is we can encourage them?

Are you someone that is in that place of needed encouragement? Have the locus been brutal through the years? With a Lord that loves you and wants to restore you..and a Lord that will provide the encourager's that you need, it won't be long before those years are just a memory.

And for those of us not in that place right now, let's all look for ways to encourage others. Amen?

Let's all be who God wants us to be and doing what He wants us to do....being an instrument of encouragement to those who need it.

The Father's Chisel...

2010-02-18T07:11:00.000-08:00

"The present circumstance, which presses so hard against you (if surrendered to Christ), is the best shaped tool in the Father's hand to chisel you for eternity. Trust Him, then. Do not push away the instrument lest you lose it's work."
~Streams In The Desert~

I can think of so many times in my life that I didn't recognize that the greater work would be done in me, if I just surrendered to the instrument that God was using to chisel me. One time in particular, I thought I was surrendered, but in reality I was just existing in a state of emptiness. I was empty because I was wounded and filled with hurt, self pity, resentment and bitterness. When wounds get that infected, God needs to take a chisel to scrape them before the healing can begin. I did as the quote above states, I pushed the instrument away....growth was delayed and the healing process took longer.

That was a long time ago, but if I could change one thing, it would be that I would soak myself in the Word yielding myself to the deeper work God wanted to do. I didn't fall away spiritually, I just didn't let the healing balm of Jesus comfort me. All I could think of was how much I hurt and wanting it to go away.

The deeper work was done. I let the chisel do its work and there was healing. Sometimes those deeper works can't be put into words because they are so profound in your heart. That was one of those times. I might have delayed the healing, but healing eventually came. The Father was waiting for me to trust Him....if you find yourself in this place today, won't you trust Him to use His chisel to shape you for eternity? The longer we put it off and push the instrument away, the more there will be to be chiseled and the longer it will take to heal.. Start the process...surrender.

" My heart trusts in Him and I am helped."

Psalm 28:7

Originally posted in 2008

Keeper of the Home...

2010-02-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

I love being at home. I like to putter with different things around the house. I can putter a whole day away. I enjoy it and I feel this is where God has called me to be at this time in my life. When I was 18 I read in Ann Lander's, "As women, it is up to us to make a husband's life what it couldn't be without us." I clipped that out of the newspaper and carried it around for years, tucked back in my wallet. I don't even remember when I took it out. I'll have to look, but it could be in my memory box. I am curious now if it is, and I'll have to check.

That one sentence holds a lot of wisdom and can be used in every area of our married life. How could this practically be applied? For me it was important to be at home. The more I stayed at home and took care of necessary things, the happier my home was. Oh, don't get me wrong, I am a people person and I thrive on fellowship with other women. Having girl friends makes me a better person all the way around. But my theory was, if I was going to be a stay at home wife/ mother then I needed to be the best one I could be. For me, that was staying home long enough to take care of home matters. It meant taking care of my home.

So, the question is...how can we make our husband's lives better, than what it would be without us? For each of us the answer may be different. Here are some suggestions.

* Pray for him, he should be tops on your list.
* Consider his needs.
* Be a keeper of his home.
* Don't over extend yourself outside the home or to outside commitments.
* Cook for him. Learn how if you don't know how.
* Work with him, not against him with money issues.
* Make him the most important person in your life.
* Smile at him. (o:

Maybe just one thought will help someone today to remember, home is where your heart is.

"An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life."

Proverbs 31:10-12

If You..

2010-01-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

Holland, Michigan

"If you always think the way you've always thought,

You'll always feel the way you've always felt.

If you always do what you've always done.

You'll only get what you've always gotten."

~Unknown Author~

One Path...

2010-01-26T07:45:00.000-08:00

"No matter what the problem may be,

no matter what trouble may ensnare us,

there is only one path to safety."

~~~

"Life is difficult and difficulty is the only path to wisdom."

~Dr. David Jeremiah ~

There always seems to be some kind of difficultly going on in our lives. Sometimes they are small petty things..other times they seem to take over our lives and seem overwhelming. Those same difficulties that trouble our hearts are the very things, that if we choose to go down the right path, will teach us wisdom. How do we obtain wisdom? By walking through the difficulties in our lives, with our hearts teachable, asking for wisdom for each situation and then allowing God to do the hard thing with us. Surrender.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil; for you are with me."

Psalm 23:4

Everyday Blessings...

2010-01-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

Recently in the last few months we began going with our children and granddaughters to a small church just two blocks away. It wasn't planned, I never dreamed we would all be at the same church again. It was a God thing. To worship and be in God's Word with her children is a Mother's heart's desire. To have her granddaughters run up and hug her legs..well, that's a double portion of heart's desire being fulfilled. I don't know what the future holds...but for right now I am taking everything as a blessing from God. I told a friend awhile back, " I don't know what God is doing." She said back to me...Sometimes the Lord just wants to bless us. Period. When things like this happen I'll say to myself, The Lord must really love me." Yes, He does, but some days He just wants to bless me. Period.

God does want to bless us in small things and big things. No, I am not in to the the Prosperity Doctrine way of thinking. Just like we like to bless our children, the Father wants to bless us. For Christmas I made my son a crocheted afghan. He wanted one and had hinted for a couple years. I was having such a hard time with one of my hands I didn't think I would be able to do it. But I really wanted to make one for him because I knew it would bless him. I started on it a year ago right after Christmas 2008. I did a row at a time so as not to tear up my tendons, which I did a few times. Well, I finished it and he loved it. He was blessed and I was too, knowing he was.

So, last week my daughter and I were dropping some things off at The Salvation Army and decided we would walk around and see if there was anything that caught our eye. I walked back towards the blankets and bedding..I didn't need any so why I even walked back there was beyond me. There is was, my eyes went right to it..a crocheted afghan the same ripple pattern that I made my son, but it was aqua. I grabbed that thing before anyone else saw it! I checked it over and it looked like it was just made. The workmanship was beautiful....then I saw another little crocheted blanket as well. I smiled all the way to the cash register only to find out everything that day was half price! I got it for $2.50 I hardly ever find deals like this..but this day, in this way, God wanted to bless me.

Last week a man came to my door to see if we wanted him to cut up and haul away the branches that we had on our side yard. He wanted $100. My husband had cut them and it became too big of a task and he was whittling away at it a little at a time. It was going to take weeks. Two days later another man came to the door...he wanted $150. geesh. Saturday my husband was out snipping away at these branches and a man came and asked did he want help? He wanted $40.
What a blessing that was to have this man and his son cut these branches up and haul them away. We looked at it as a blessing from the Lord.

We aren't LUCKY...we are blessed! Everyday even in little ways, God wants to bless us. We are His children. Just like we like to bless our children, so does He. We have to see the every day things that happen in our lives as blessings. Then, we have to acknowledge them as such with grateful hearts and words of thanksgiving. Look for His every day blessings in your life today...you'll be amazed!

"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting of shadow."

James 1:17

What We Say...

2010-01-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

"For whatever is in your heart determines what you say."

Matthew 12:34

I was thinking this morning as I read this verse how we talk to one another really gives a glimpse of how we feel on the inside. As I have been out and about, I have observed this verse in action. The way people talk to one another these days shows such a lack of respect for one another. Sometimes there isn't much of a difference between Christians and Non Christians on how we respond in conversations. In the age of Facebook, Twitter, texting...and whatever else is out there, we aren't only speaking rudeness, but we're writing it too.

Verse 36 of this same chapter, Jesus says we will give an account on judgement day for every idle word we speak. OUCH! That the words we say now will reflect our fate then, either we will be justified by them or will be condemned. Whoa, that is serious stuff concerning what we say.

We can say what sounds to be the right thing to say, but when the motive of our hearts is unpure and manipulating....well, that's what's springing up from our heart. It's scary to think that the more we talk, that much more of our hearts are revealed.

"The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the heart of a wise man is in his heart."

~Benjamin Franklin~

I challenge us all to choose our words wisely and kindly...but more so..make sure our hearts are aligned with God and we won't have a problem with what we say...SELAH

Faith...

2010-01-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

"Faith...I saw it with the eyes of my heart."

Joni Eareckson Tada

Scrap Book Journaling...

2010-01-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

Some times when I look back over 2009, I wonder what happened, that I quit doing so many things that I loved to do. I rarely blogged, I read the least amount of books that I ever have, I didn't write in my journals very often..... These are some of the things that I enjoy doing..it was a different kind of year and for so many reasons I am glad to see 2009 done and 2010 here.

My husband was off the first ten days of the new year so I didn't have a lot of time to think about what I would like to do with this new year ahead. One of the things that I do want to do more of is scrap book journaling.

This kind of journaling is different than most journals as it is made up of clippings of my favorite things from magazines or just pretty stuff that I enjoy. Journaling this way gives me a chance to be creative and journal all at the same time...for little money. Regular scrap booking supplies can be costly. I buy sketch books at Aaron Bros. The paper is heavy enough to glue pictures and write on. I got mine on sale for $12.00.

I write all diffeernt kinds of things in these journals..scriptures, my thoughts..to do lists and goals..

I thought I would share with you this morning one of the things that I hope to incorporate more of in my days in this new year...more thoughts later..have a blessed day!

40th Wedding Anniversary!!

2010-01-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary with our children and our four grandgirlies.

We started the day going to church together and going to Sunday brunch at a Southern California Mission. It was warm and sunny and we ate out on the patio. We have gone here before for other family milestones, including each our children's 21st birthdays. It was a special way to spend the day and both of us wouldn't of wanted anything more.

We both give God all the glory for our forty years together. My husband has given me an earthly example of unconditional love, showing me a small example of just how great and loving my Heavenly Father's unconditional love is. For that I am blessed and overwhelmned at times.

All of a sudden I don't feel very young....you can't be married 40 years and be young! That's okay, it's been a wonderful forty years filled with many of life's challenges. Whatever those things were, we took them hand in hand and walked them with the Lord as our guide.

Now what? I look forward to walking with this man for as many years as the Lord will give us.

Forty years was a big milestone. One lady asked me today, "Forty years with the same man?" Yep, forty years with the same man...and as many more that the Lord will give me.

Thanks to our children for making our day special and to my husband who makes me feel special every single day when he looks at me!

Gifts Of Faithfulness, Mercy and Grace...

2009-12-31T10:40:00.000-08:00

At this end if this day 2009 will be over ushering in the new year of 2010. How did this happen? Weren't we just concerned about Y2K? So much life has gone by and many changes have been made to each one of our lives the last decade. My mother and my father in law both went home to be with the Lord in this decade, I have four beautiful grand daughters, I 'm not in my forties anymore and my fifties are almost behind me. They say a woman changes the most physically in her fifties. Terrific. These past ten years have been some of my worst years and yet some of my best. I am thinking some of you might say the same thing.

We are living in perilous times of uncertainty. We are still at war and our sons and daughters are still serving in counties that their lives are in danger every day. Lost jobs, homes foreclosed, divorces, illnesses have become part of our daily lives.

And yet....

"...He remains faithful..."
2 Timothy 2:13

God gives us the gift of faithfulness everyday as a gift. In that gift of faithfulness is mercy and grace amidst whatever circumstances we might find ourselves and our loved ones in. We often times, fail to recognize these gifts when things are falling apart around us. I am guilty of this at times.

If I could wrap up a little gold box and give one to each of you to put where you could see it everyday, I would. Maybe you'll want to wrap a little gold box for yourself as a reminder...God remains faithful...no matter what!

Elisabeth Elliot said;

Sometimes when I was a child my mother and father would say. "Shut your eyes and hold out your hand." That was the promise of some lovely surprise. I trusted them so I shut my eyes instantly and held out my hand. Whatever they were going to give me I was ready to take. So it should be in our trust of our heavenly Father. Faith is the willingness to receive whatever He wants to give or the willingness not have what He does not want to give."

Whatever the Lord places in each of our hands this year, one hand should be open in trust to the One who loves us most. In the other hand, let's embrace the gift of His faithfulness, grace and mercy.

These gift are ours because they were bought and paid for by the precious blood of Christ. Will it be this decade, this year, this day that He will return for us? We can look forward with much anticipation to all the things God will do for us and in us because of His faithfulness.

God bless you, dear friends, may He bless your New Year!

Make Room For Jesus...

2009-12-29T08:16:00.000-08:00

Winter still waters...such a place of calm. The busyness of Christmas is past and all that needs to be done now is to put the decorations away and get on with what ever is next. I need a place of calm right now..to be still with my thoughts, seeking God and His voice. I've learned that I need to sit still so that I will hear His whispers when He talks to me. I am listening, Lord..I am trying to sit still so I can hear.

When the holidays are over sometimes we look back with such agony and grief that we didn't make room for Jesus. We bring Him into our Christmas by having mangers and stables in our homes and on our lawns, we wear lapel pins that say Jesus is The Reason for the Season, we sing songs about the birth, so yes, we bring Christ into our Christmas. The grief comes when we didn't make room for Him. We brought Him into Christmas, but in all reality we didn't make room for Him. The days flew by and one day could lead to another, and another, and maybe we found ourselves being spiritually starved for spiritual food.

There were some Christmases that I was so grieved that everything came before spending time with Jesus, that my heart just ached. I failed to make room for Him.

If that's what happened to you this Christmas..there was no room for Jesus...don't lose heart and let the Enemy of your soul beat you down. We are supposed to make room for Jesus every day of the year. Everyday is a fresh start and His mercies are new every morning. if we make a commitment to make room for Jesus now...well, next Christmas He will already have his bags unpacked and settled in to a heart that made room for Him!

Just a thought...If you have to, leave a small manger up as a reminder all year long..to make room for Jesus.

Lord Jesus, help each one of us amidst these busy days to always make room for You. Don't let us get distracted with the cares of this world that we fail to sit beside those still waters and listen for Your whispers. We can't do it on our own, stir Your Holy Spirit in each of us to a greater love and desire for you. In Jesus name we ask, Amen

A Heart That Dances...

2009-10-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is the bible study that I did during the summer. It's written by Catherine Martin who is founder and president of Quiet Time Ministries and is dedicated to teaching devotion to God and His Word. She challenges others to love God with all of one's heart, soul, mind and strength.

From the back cover;

Come dance with Me..

A close relationship with God is not just a walk, it is a dance of the heart as you keep in step with the Lord. Many people search for religion, but God desires relationship; many people want to do but God emphasizes that His people should be. (Italics mine.)

Discover why God called David the man after His own heart.
Find out why God allowed Moses to speak with him face to face.
Lean about God's heart of love for the people of Israel.
Reflect on the relationships Old Testament prophets had with God.

A Heart That Dances will take you on a great adventure of intimacy with God. You will experience the firsthand joy of life with the Lord and the celebration it truly is.

I am really glad that I did this study. I found myself truly wanting to dance with the Father as I drew closer and closer to Him.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Oh, the joys of those who trust in Him."

Psalm 34:8

Happenstance...

2009-10-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

"Nothing happens by happenstance.

I am not in the hands of fate, nor am I the victim of man's whims or the devil's ploys. There is One who sits above man, above Satan, and above all heavenly hosts as the ultimate authority of all the universe. That One is my God and my Father.

~Kay Arthur ~

I was sharing with a friend the other day that the trial she was going through has come as no surprise to God. Sometimes those things come into our lives that almost suck the very life from us. It has been my experience that those very things can draw me closer to God and if I abide in Him and surrender to His will, a deeper work will be done in me. The work that was done that took me deeper and deeper with Him, wasn't anything I could put into words. It wasn't anything that I could teach on or write about or even explain...it was a hidden work of the Spirit. Oh, the change is there and people will see it, but yet they won't be able to put their finger on what it is.

Nothing happens to us by happenstance. Our Father is on His Throne and he has all authority over all things. What comfort that brings us in a world full of chaos and uncertainty.

"...If God be for us, who can be against us."

Romans 8:31

Joy In The Journey...

2009-10-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

I imagine most of you thought I had given up on blogging...No, I just felt empty of words to write about anything. So much was going on in, and around me, that I couldn't sort it all out on what to write, so I am jumping back in today and letting God sort it all out, as I start to write on my blog again.

For months and months I felt this dark cloud over my head. I don't know why. I couldn't hear God. I know that He never leaves us, but I couldn't feel His presence or hear His voice. I was in the Word, going to church, having fellowship...yet, this overwhelming sense of sadness just seemed to over take me at times. I know that living with chronic illnesses can do that at times. I have lived with these chronic illnesses for 18 years and every day it is a challenge to do what is before me. I know some of you know what I am talking about. Each day God gave me what it was I had need of. I may not have accomplished my agenda for the day, but I did get up each day and took care of the needs of my husband.

It didn't help at all to record breaking heat for weeks and weeks..it seemed like the hottest summer that I can remember. I am so thankful for air conditioning...but I did start to feel really closed in as the days went by. At the same time, there were the fires that were burning out of control and it always leaves you with a sense of where will it be next.

I have been to the doctor for the weirdest things the last four months..and a dentist appointment that went bad and found myself sitting in the chair for eight hours...not good for a fibromyalgia body. It took days to recover.

We have had extended family drama, the kind that cuts to your very heart. It's not behind us yet, maybe it never will be. The enemy would like nothing better. The enemy must be laughing his head off thinking, "This is a Christian Family." Some of us are walking with integrity.. some are playing right into his hands and are not. So sad. This has taken a toll on my physical health, stress usually does.

Well, I gave you the tip of the iceberg of the happenings around me...there is so much more...but today is a new day and it feels good just to be able to come here and say hello and share my heart.

I love the picture of this leaf at the top of this post...it reminds me that we are to stand out in a world of grey.

Today is a new day! Thank you to all of you who left me comments and sent emails inquiring about me. It encouraged me so much. There can be joy in the journey, because God is so faithful!

I Am Alive...

2009-08-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am alive. The other day someone was talking to my daughter and said they still saw my husband out walking, but what happened to the beautiful dog he walked with. She told them the dog was put down two years ago..then he asked..." Is your Mom alive or dead." Whoa..that made me feel kind of weird. Maybe he thought I walked with my husband..I never have. His legs are a foot longer than mine and I could never keep up with him. He also walks at 5:45 and I am still trying to figure out that time of day if I am still alive.

I am alive, but I haven't felt well this last month...okay, longer than that. I won't whine and tell you the details. I am on the mend, I think...

I got to thinking my blogging friends might wonder if I was alive too. I am posting today with hopes of posting again really soon. I want to tell you about a bible study that I have been doing this summer. I have really been blessed doing it.

It's sooo hot here. It seems to me to be one of the hottest summers for me. I don't know how all of you who live with humidity do it. My hair hasn't looked good since April.

I'll close for now and tell you all that I will be back, hopefully in the next few days!

Glimpses Of His Glory...

2009-07-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

We have been home a week from vacation, it feels now like we never went. Isn't that weird how that happens? It all seems like a blurr. This year as a family, we went back to our favorite family vacation spot, Pismo Beach, located on the Central Coast of California. There were ten of us..my husband and me, our daughter, son in law and my youngest and oldest grand girlies, our son and daughter in law and my two middle grand girlies. Oh, and Molly, our son's family's chocolate lab puppy.

I was weary and tired as our vacation time approached. It had been a busy year and especially the last few months with health issues and busyness in our Women's Ministry at church. Busier actually, than I had been in years. I was so looking forward to relaxing and all of us being together making new memories.

I had to make trip to urgent care two nights before we left with an ear infection. It seems every time we go away together I get sick..so I was a little discouraged. I have learned to roll with the punches but I was blind sighted the first day we arrived when my foot froze up and I could barely put any weight on it. This happens periodically, but it hadn't happened for awhile.

The drive takes 4-5 hours depending what the traffic is like in Los Angeles. On the drive up to Pismo, I said to my husband, " I have an assignment for us while we are gone. Let's look for glimpses of God's glory this week." So we talked a little bit about it and several times during the first day my husband asked, "Any glimpses?" I would just smile... not yet.

Here I was at a beautiful stretch of California coastline.....I saw dolphins, sea lions and I think I spotted a whale one day...reflections of the sun through evening fog coming in...rolling hills of Vineyards...the majesty of my Creator was all around me. Nothing wowed me as a glimpse of His glory. I guess what I wanted was....Oh my goodness, would you look at that! I would sit on the balcony of our room looking out over the ocean..just saying to God, " Show me Yourself in a special way." Here I was soaking in all the beauty and fresh air and yet I didn't feel I'd seen anything I was looking for. I have never been one to look for the big hype or emotionalism of Christianity and I still wasn't.

The night before we were to head for home our son's car wouldn't start and he had to be towed to another city. They were going to have to stay behind and wait another day. You know how that sets with a Mom. I was thankful that the car didn't break down somewhere with those darling little divas and a puppy in 105+ heat. And thankful my daughter and her family stayed behind with them one more night.

Please don't take me wrong I did praise God while I was there for His beautiful creation and the blessing to be able to come one more time with my family...I did worship Him and praise Him!

When it was time to leave we did our hugs goodbye, yet at the time, I was somewhat anxious to leave them all behind and then it hit me. The glimpses of God's glory that I had been looking for all week was in the faces of each one of my kids that day. I wasn't expecting this....I fought tears all the way out of town. I had asked and asked for 4 days for a glimpse of His glory...and once again He was faithful. I was wowed and I knew, that I knew, this was the glimpse God wanted me to see.

Steven, Rachel, Grace, Darcy, McKenzie, Robbie, Hannah, Haylee and Papa

and Puppy Molly

Isaiah 43:7 says, We are created for God's glory. I have learned there are two truths to those who are called by His name..1. God wants to make Himself recognizable to us and 2. He also wants to make Himself recognizable through us...

That's what I saw one day last week..glimpses of His Glory through my family! Pretty cool stuff.

Patty's Pantry...

2009-07-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have been adding new recipe's to my recipe blog, Patty's Pantry.. come on over and check them out. I'll be adding more in the next few days. Enjoy!

His Grace Sustains...

2009-06-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

"You and I may indeed find ourselves overwhelmed at times – at the end of our rope and beyond.But we will never fall farther than the palm of His hand.

And where He has called us, His grace will sustain us."

~Joni Earekson Tada~

I was thinking this morning that I just couldn't get caught up and thoughts of being overwhelmed set in. Living with chronic illnesses can feel like your feet are stuck in the mud and every step can be an effort. That's where I am at and I fee like I have been for weeks..ever since the tea. Wait, maybe since Christmas. I manage to keep on top of things, but I want to do more...I want to reorganize the entire house, spring clean..it would be summer clean at this point, read, study, socialize, be more involved, have unlimited energy for my grand girles, answer emails promptly, ride my bike....Sounds of discontent are echoing, I hear them. The thing of it is..I didn't feel completely this way yesterday. So, it's the fatigue talking and maybe a few whispers of the enemy.

This quote says, where God has called us His grace will sustain us. I know I am where I am suppose to be, doing what I am suppose to be doing...His grace is enough and tomorrow will be another grace filled day.

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

2 Corinthians 12:9

Reflections Of You...

2009-06-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

The last three posts have been from a message I gave at our Woman's Tea, entitled, Reflections Of Beauty. It's not the enire message but parts of what I spoke on. It's been edited just because it was too much for a blog post. Today's, post is.... Reflections Of You.

James 1:23-25 “ For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”

Some of you might have mirrors that magnify bigger than a normal mirror. I Have one that magnifies 8x’s larger. It’s really cruel to do that to myself. I see things on my face I can’t see with a regular mirror. I see things that were not there yesterday.

I’m one of those women that just can’t go without make up. Every flaw flashes like a neon light. If my husband comes home and I have make up on he wants to know where we’re going or did I go somewhere today. He calls it a miracle transformation when I put make up on.

We look in a mirror to see how we look on the outside. When we look in the mirror of God’s word it shows us how we look on the inside. It’s easier to cover up the flaws on the outside with a little makeup. When God shows us the flaws on the inside, it’s a work that can only be done from within. It too, is called a miracle transformation.

Even though, God’s word reveals to us the flaws in our hearts and our character; He lovingly shows us how to change. Even when I knew God was relentless in showing me my need for change….I was not condemned but lovingly convicted. It’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance. Intimacy with God brings about change.

Many times we as women compare ourselves with each other. Satan wants us to compare..he wants us to think other women are better. He will taunt us to compare, envy and covet what another woman has. He especially wants us to think we can’t have that love relationship with God that others do….

He wants us to think something is wrong with us and it’s not attainable for us. But I am here to tell you that each one of us can have all we want in our relationship with the Lord. God is not a respecter of persons but the enemy wants you to think that. We all have the same opportunities to be intimate with God. It’s our choice.

Jeremiah 29:13 says…
“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.”

If we look in the mirror of God’s word not only will we find him but we will find ourselves. We are daughters of the Most High God; we are daughters of the King!!To God each one of us is uniquely beautiful. He fashioned and formed us to have a beautiful face that will reflect His love, beautiful hands that will help others, beautiful eyes to see his beauty that surrounds us and beautiful lips to tell of God and His love for us. I am not talking about physical attributes.

This is how God sees us. Your hands maybe calloused and wrinkled from years of hard work..but God see the beauty of those hands in all that they did for others in His name.

We may not see ourselves that way, but God does. We at times compare ourselves to the world’s standard of beauty so we don’t see the beauty God created in us. The beauty of “beauty idols” will soon be forgotten. God will work wonders in our lives to perfect the beauty he desires to see in us.

That kind of beauty will radiate to others and change lives. When God’s work is complete our

character will show off the beauty marks to all those who know us and love us.

Joni Earekson Tada says, “I will find in every person that facet of the Lord’s loveliness that only he or she can uniquely reflect.”

My reflection will always be me. Oh, when I look in the mirror over time, my physical reflection will change… there will be more wrinkles and the shape of my face could change, hopefully thinner…. my hair color probably isn’t going to change. I don’t want any physical reflection; I want the refection of Jesus. It’s the trials and circumstances of my life, the valleys and the mountain tops…that God will use to bring about that unique reflection.

It took me many years to figure out that God made me unique. That he made my personality just for me. There is such freedom in being who God made you to be, rather than who you think you should be..or be like. Never being happy with yourself and always wanting to be like someone else...Is a form of bondage.

By God’s transforming grace we can reflect beauty in our lives. Each day as we walk in the Spirit our faces will increasingly reflect the beauty of Jesus. When we have Jesus living inside of us nothing can dim the beauty that shines from within.

The circumstances and trails of our lives past and present do not need to tarnish our reflections. They can, but they don’t need too. I am not minimizing what those circumstances have been or are presently. We each have our own stories to tell.

It’s our choice what we want to reflect. We can choose to reflect all of our hardships and trials or we can choose to reflect the Jesus in us. Each one of the circumstances in our lives was designed to bring about that perfect luster that only God can accomplish through the buffering and polishing of His Holy Spirit.

You are Daughter's of the Most High God. You are His precious treasure hand made to reflect beauty. You have a unique beauty that the Father has only given you to reflect. The choice is yours in whom you want to reflect….Ourselves or Jesus?

It is my desire this morning that when you leave today that you will feel special to the Lord and see how just how beautiful you are. You are his chosen daughter to live right here and now to reflect His beauty to a world in chaos and to each other……Because we as women need each other.

So as we close this morning with our hearts hopefully challenged to be a reflection of beauty, a reflection of Jesus Himself.. Let me leave you with these few words….

May the Jesus in me, see the Jesus in you!

Reflections In My World...

2009-06-03T07:42:00.001-07:00

These are just a few thoughts from the second point in my message, Reflections of Beauty....Refections..In My world.

"For we are a fragrance of Christ to God,among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing."

2 Corinthians 2:14

Before my allergies took over and I could no longer wear any fragrances,I always wore the same cologne. You could smell it ever so faintly in my closet and bedroom. When Hannah my grand daughter was a baby, my son in law would sniff her and say to her, "You smell like Gramma, have you been with Gramma today"

So, it is with us, the world will know we have been with Jesus. Amongst the stench and decay of this fallen world our fragrance will be as evident as our reflection.

Many of you are in very hard places right now. There is such uncertainly in our world around us and there are crisis' and trials in our personal lives. Some days it is difficult tot look through spiritual eyes and see that all of this is going according to God's plan. Life hurts and at times is very painful. Even though our world can be a hard place to live right now, it's not impossible. We know God to be sovereign, control in all things.

One of the greatest affirmations of faith is found in; Habakkuk 3:17-18

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

I will rejoice in the Lord!

This is the kind of reflection that a world gone mad with chaos and change needs to see from us as Christian women. We could read that Scripture this way in our world today.

Even though my health is failing, the checkbook is empty, the 401K is gone, the house is in forecloser and there seems to be no hope on the horizon....I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful on God my Savior!

As believers the more we suffer the more God comforts. For those that don’t know Jesus, where does their comfort come from? That’s where we come in...we comfort them with the same comfort God has given us.

Charles Swindoll says, “Our Father is preparing us to meet the deep inner needs of others by bringing us through the dark places first.”

He is bring us through those dark places first..why? So we can take someone, believer or unbeliever, by the hand and help them come through to the other side of whatever their crisis or circumstances are. And when we are showing compassion and comfort we are pointing them to Jesus by our reflections of Him and our sweet fragrances.

We are not here at this time in history to sink in the pool of self pity in our hard times. For such a time as this, we are here to show our children, friends and all whom God puts in our path how to live through adversity, illnesses, and whatever other loss you may have experienced or are experiencing presently.

Corrie ten Boom said, "Every experience that God gives us, every person he puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future only he can see."

It's not just non Christians that need to see this reflection of Christ in our lives., we need to see it in each other. We need to see how another woman goes through the hardships of her life and that gives us hope and encouragement to go through hard times of our own.We are encouraged by each other's reflection's!

We have to be careful that we don't show people crooked patterns in life. They need to see us walk upright and not wavering. We can't let crooked patterns be our example to the world. When we are willing God will strategically place us somewhere to be a blessing.

Are we being that example for others to follow? Do we reflect Christ and show others straight paths rather than crooked ones? Do we give off the fragrance of Jesus in a world filled with the stench and decay of a fallen world ?

Our refection might be the one thing that would draw another person into the arms of Jesus during what we think to be the last days. Something in our refection could be the one thing that influences someone’s first thoughts of Christ.

It may be the one thing that would cause them to even be thinking of Him in the first place. We need to be an example to each other; it gives us strength to go on.

"As in water face reflects face,

so the heart of woman reflects woman."

Proverbs 27:19

Reflections Of The Heart...

2009-06-02T15:16:00.001-07:00

These are just a few thoughts from the first part of my message at our tea, Reflections Of Beauty. There were three points and the next few days I'll share just tidbits of what was shared.

"You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart,

with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength."
Mark 12:30

Our lives mirror the condition of our hearts. The most evident refection of our beauty will come from a heart that is totally God's. Scripture and experience tell us that it is up to us, what level of intimacy we will have with God. The intimacy we have this very moment is exactly what we have chosen to have. We have to ask ourselves if it is discipline or intimacy that motivates us to have quiet times with the Lord. Is it a hunger and a thirst for intimacy with Him?

We reflect whom we are closest too. If we spend time with the Lord we will reflect Him, if we don't, what beauty will we reflect? We will reflect ourselves. It takes work to look good on the outside, but it takes relationship to reflect beauty on the inside.

Nothing can muddy up the reflection of our hearts more than unforgiveness, unconfessed sin, disobedience and pride. We are never more beautiful than when we are obedient to what God asks of us to do. On the other hand, we are never more unattractive than when we are disobedient and prideful. Both of these issues are matters of the heart.

J.Oswald Sanders says, " There are times when we would want to know a deeper intimacy, but when it comes right down to the point, we are not prepared to pay the price."

The choice is ours...will we choose to reflect ourselves or will we choose intimacy with God and reflect Him?

Do They See Jesus In Me?

2009-06-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this song with you this morning. This was our theme song for our tea. Our guest music artist was Mary Naman..she did a fantastic job singing this song.. This is the original artist singing but I wanted you to hear it. Be blessed!

Reflections Of Beauty...

2009-06-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we had our Women's Ministry Tea. It was entitled, Reflections of Beauty. It was such a lovely day and we really felt that God's Spirit was hovering over as we worshiped and the Word was taught.

Every part of the morning was bathed in prayer and you could see God's hand in every detail.

For those of you that had prayed for me, thank you so much. I felt every single one as I wrote my message and as I gave the presentation.

For the next few days I would like to post some of my thoughts from my teaching, but today, I must get my home back in order. I remember when I taught on a regular basis when I was done studying and when the message was given, all I wanted to do was get back into my routine and get my house clean again. So, a little bit of tidying here and there and I'll be ready to post some of my thoughts.

It was a glorious day! To God be the Glory!

As We Remember...

2009-05-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today as remember and honor all those who so freely gave of themselves for our country. May we remember those who are daily giving their lives for our freedom today...May we not forget and always remember that freedom is not free...thank you for paying the price.

Hello...?? Hello?

2009-05-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

Here I am. I am not sure where I have been or what I've been doing. As I've pondered this, I don't' even know what's been filling my days. I've been busy ...I had Easter here, a party for my husband, I have been stocking my pantry, I have been writing a message for a tea, physical ups and downs...I think what gets me down is the time it takes me to bounce back up after busy days. That gets discouraging, because I can loose days at a time, pulling myself back together.

I did something fun on Monday...My daughter, her friend and myself went to Hollywood to see the finals of Dancing With The Stars. Oh my gosh, was that fun or what! We had to dress up "purty" to get in. Dress to impress they called it. it's so different being there than watching it on TV. It's so much smaller than it looks. And the dancers? Well their clothes look skimpier than on TV too. Oh my.

I saw where the American Girl Store was and hope to go there one day this summer with the grandgirlies.

I finally finished my message for the tea for our church. It's May 30th and it looks to be a lovely day. The theme for the morning is Reflections Of Beauty and that also is the title of my message.I am looking forward to the morning but will also be glad when the morning is behind us and we can just behold all the glorious things that God did.

I'm not sure why I am so bone weary, but I am. I miss my blog friends who visit and those that I visit. I miss writing on my blog and visiting blogs. It is my goal when this week is over to get all three of my blogs back up and in shape again.

My husband hurt his shoulder this week. He has had some really big projects going in the yard and I think he over did it. He saw the doctor and missed some work, but he is such a die hard groceryman that he went back to work today. Good work ethics is a better choice of words.

This was a hodgepdge of things today. But I just had to check in today and say hello and I hope you will have a wonderful weekend.

Old Guys Rule...

2009-04-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

"Old Guy and Me "

Okay, so today is a new day and a new week. I am so glad. Last week was a humdinger of a week. I didn't feel well, must have an allergy attack or a cold of some kind. I had the grand kids two full days..and got ready for my husband's birthday party.

The party was very nice we did the "Old Guys Rule" theme. Darcy made a wonderful cake and helped me decorate. Tomorrow is my husband's actual birthday and we have already had two celebrations. Last week friends took us out for dinner and brought a pie back to the house and this week we are going out with a group of eight of us going out for dinner and dessert, maybe back here at our house. There are surprises tomorrow too..shhh.

I looked around at the goodness of God at the party. We have two healthy children, (a son and a daughter,) married Christian spouses, they each have two healthy daughters, who love Jesus too.

Bob still has his mother which is a blessing for him. Most people we know, have lost their Mother's already. I have.

My brother prayed such a heart felt prayer for Bob. Everybody was dabbing their eyes. He has been like a Father to him since our dad died.

We aren't the Walton's by any means...we don't always see other members of our family. I guess in each family there can be things that draw them apart. It can be sad at times.

All in all..it has been a good birthday for my husband. As for me..maybe things can settle down a bit for me, and I can catch my breath.

I hope to write my devotionals maybe this week, if I can simmer down and hear God's voice!

Have a wonderful Monday!

Busy, Busy Days...

2009-04-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks, time just seemed to fly by and everyday I thought I would post on my blog...and nothing came to mind or my heart to post about. It's been a busy month. Our church is planning a Woman's Tea in May. I am doing the message that morning so my thoughts have been in that direction.

My husband was on vacation one of the weeks and we worked in the yard. Good thing we did it when we did...it was 106 degrees yesterday! Oh I am so not ready for a closed up house and A/C on. One day we went to Encinitas and had a picnic with my brother who lives down there at the beach for his birthday. It was a great day. They have a great Home Goods down there and I got to do a quick walk through to see if anything hit my fancy....can you imagine a quick walk through at Home Goods?? It's a painful thought! it's the first time I ever came out not finding one thing. Oh, I found some things, but I told my husband, granddaughters and my daughter...I'll be out in 15 minutes. That just wasn't enough time to decide on all the lovelies that I found .

I finished Living Beyond Yourself, by Beth Moore. I did it at church this time. The first time was in a small group in my home. If you are looking for a wonderful study on the Fruits of the Spirit..this one is by far, the best one I have ever done.

I had Easter here this year, there was 13 of us. We had a good time. Everyone has their own church to attend, so we met here about 1:00 and had a wonderful afternoon of fellowship, some games and way too much food!

It was my oldest girlie's 9th birthday last week. Where does time go? This week I am preparing a dinner at our house for my husband's birthday. He's not too crazy about this birthday..I'll see if these numbers will even type.....60. Oh my goodness it did. I'll have to tell him it did...this birthday seems to be at the top of all the big birthdays he's had. I tell him....each day of waking up to a new day is a gift..60 is just a number. See, I can say that, I am a couple years, okay, a year and a half behind him.

I have been down for the count a few days this month. I can't be as busy as I am and not suffer some consequences with this FMS/CFS stuff. But God always gives me what I need and after a few days rest, I hit it again.

Last week...my computer crashed right after I wrote six pages of my message for the tea. It was thought that we lost everything....my messages, devotionals, pictures, iTunes... My son came over and worked eight hours on it. I call him the "whiz kid." ( He's almost 32..but still my kiddo. )

Finally it came back. Thank you, Lord and Robbie! He wasn't leaving he said, until everything was backed up on disks. Whew!

So my thoughts are on the tea, The title of my message is Reflections Of Beauty and that is the theme of the tea as well. I have about 50 minutes to speak...will you pray for me if you think of it? It is May 30th. So much has been going on and now all kinds of celebrations with people for Bob's birthday, that I just can't seem to get still with my thoughts. God is speaking to me...I have a tablet and pen everywhere..even next to my bed. I just need some still days.

I told you we were having a heat wave..so not like April. I better go get some things done outside before it warms up too much.

Thank you for not giving up on me and still coming to visit. I have missed blogging...and all of you.

Remember as your days.. so shall your strength be..every day God gives us the strength that we need to have.

Blessings on your day....

Good Friday...

2009-04-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

"I glorified Thee on earth,

having accomlished the work which Thou hast given Me to do."

John 17:4

~~~

Thank you, Jesus...

Quote For Today...

2009-03-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

"Nothing happens by happenstance. I am not in the hands of fate, nor am I the victim of man's whims or the devil's ploys. There is One who sits above man, above Satan, and above all heavenly hosts as the ultimate authority of all the universe.That One is my God and my Father."

~Kay Arthur ~

Our Times...

2009-03-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

" My times are in Thy hand."

Psalm 31:15

It never ceases to amaze me how the days can just click by. I have been gone for awhile and I so appreciate many of you asking about me. I have had a little rough spell with not feeling well, but I mostly didn't have much to say, or maybe I had so much I wanted to share I didn't know where to start first! I'll just look at it that it was a time to be still. For the most part I want to share a just a couple things that have been on my heart the last month.

Our world is changing and it is changing fast. I feel that the only way we can hold on is to hold on tight to the Lord and know that our times are in His hands. I read other peoples blogs and they explain the politics and what it means for our country and how we are to deepen our pantry's, simplify our lives, prepare for the unknown...I am doing all that, but I don't know how to write about it. I found myself getting a little anxious a few weeks ago...then on Sunday my pastor said, When we say, Come quickly Lord Jesus, we must be prepared to walk through the rough times and trials that present themselves in these last days. It made so much sense to me all of a sudden. You can't ask for one without experiencing the other. If we are truly in the the last of the last days, or even at the beginning of the last days...we can't ask for one without experiencing the other. Difficult days usher in Jesus' return. Just think... we have been chosen by the Father Himself, to be living in these days. We are told to occupy until He comes. So amidst all the uncertainty we must try even more so to be examples for Christ, let our lives reflect His to all we come in contact with. That's why we are still here, God has work for us to do!

The last time I posted on my blog I was on my way to a prayer meeting. I shared that day that I had started a devotional and would this group of ladies hold me up in prayer as I sought the Lord as what to write. I don't even think about it being published, maybe just spiral bound booklets to give to people. Since that day that I asked for prayer..I haven't written a word anywhere..not even here on this blog or my recipe blog. That just dawned on me the other day. I have felt under such attack from the enemy and hadn't put it all together.

Isn't it comforting to know that God does hold us in His hands? That what we go through is so important to Him that He holds those things closely. It's almost hard to take in at times, that the Father cares so much about all the things of our lives, but He does.

This turned out to be a hodge podge of thoughts, but I wanted you to know I was alive and feeling better.

It's the first day of Spring and here in Southern California the sun is shinning... new beginnings, buds popping out all over and a freshness in the air. Sweet Sweet pollen. Achew!

Have a blessed day, everyone!

Prayer...

2009-02-26T06:47:00.000-08:00

I am off to my intercessory prayer meeting today. I look forward to meeting with these ladies every other week as we lift the needs of others, our church and needs of our country before God's throne of Grace. I pray you'll have a blessed day in the Lord!

Trust Jesus......

2009-02-25T08:10:00.001-08:00

I am always mentioning in my posts that we live in changing times..sometimes I say perilous times. I am going to add the word uncertain to the mix. I never want to scare anybody but I think we are headed for rough times. Our new president is making choices that will affect our great grand children's great grandchildren. People are out of work and there isn't anyone that could be above losing their job. Am I scared? NO, but I get a little anxious sometimes thinking what could be before us. I am taking steps to deepen my pantry, buying what I feel is necessity rather than luxury, encouraging those I love to do the same.

When my heart gets overwhelmed I have to remember that all these things have to take place before Jesus returns. Prophecy has all been fulfilled...Jesus could come at any time. In these uncertain times I know the only One that is certain is Jesus. Trusting Him and doing what I can as a homemaker to deepen my pantry and save money is my goal for now.

I have been reading some very good blogs on how to deepen our pantry's during this economic crisis.

Brenda at Coffee Tea Books and Me has very helpful information on emergency prepareness and deepeening your pantry. She also has links in her side bar to other valuable recources. I'll be posting more blogs and websites at another time.

TRUST JESUS

Work To Do...

2009-02-17T13:01:00.000-08:00

"God did not save us so that we could look attractive on Sundays. He saved us and left us here because He has work to do...very specific work. He has a mission to accomplish for kingdom gain in every generation...all planned in advance and perfectly timed. In His sovereignty, God has chosen to do His work through us. If we miss our ministry, we will miss our entire purpose in remaining here."

~ Beth Moore ~

Living Beyond Yourself

What is our purpose, what is our ministry? Each one of us have been called and left here on this earth for very specific reasons...to fulfill the ministries that God Has entrusted us to do. Each one of us has a mission to accomplish for kingdom gain and eternal benefits.When our work on earth is done, then God will take us home.

God doesn't call everyone into full time ministry. For the most part our ministry is centered around our daily lives and those people we come in contact with. There is kingdom gain in anything God places before us to do. When those things are done to the glory of God, there is a ripple affect that reaches beyond our four walls. It could be that silent witness to unsaved family members in your home or extended family. If we are dong what God has placed before us to do, to the glory of Him..He will produce the kingdom gain. We need only do what he has called us to do.

I have heard people say when someone dies that their work on earth was finished. It always seemed like just words to me, but I have really thought about it lately. Every day that we get up and take a breath we have the opportunity to influence someone's life. Raising children to love the Lord and supporting our husbands is a part of kingdom gain...being a reflection of the Lord, wherever we find ourselves out in the world, is used for kingdom gain. God wants to work through us..that is our purpose for being here.

There are different seasons in our lives where we are used in different ways. At different times in our lives, God gives us different things to do. I taught women's Bible studies for years, now I write a blog and teach a little here and there. The opportunity that God puts before me more than anything else, is encouraging women. Ministry doesn't always stay the same. God uses us in whatever season we are in, if we are open and surrendered to His purposes. These are trying times, please don't miss the purpose God has chosen just for you, for kingdom gain.

"Whatever you do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Colossians 3:17

Rainy Days and Mondays....

2009-02-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

I thought I would take minute and catch up with everyone. I know I have been gone for weeks. Usually if I am gone this long I am just not up to par. I have not been up to par..not quite 100% my husband would say. I did so well for months, we had a glorious Christmas and we did so many wonderful things. I held up really well. I guess, I got a little tired when it was all over... a Fibromyalgia crash you could call it. Last week I went to Urgent Care, a Saturday wouldn't you know, when everybody and their brother is in there sick!! I have a kidney infection...geesh.
So as I have been home, not quite 100%....let me ask you this? Does anybody ever feel 100%? My husband does..isn't that wonderful? I just wondered if that was normal. (: Back to what I was saying..since I am home I have been sorting through stuff, again. Watching movies, listening to iTunes..just puttering and knitting...

I have been working on my Beth Moore study, Living Beyond Yourself..a study of the fruits of the Spirit. This is my second time doing it..I didn't pass the first time. (: Love it and highly recommend it. Anyone would love this study.

I have sorting through pictures too. We bought a fire proof safe to store pictures and some of my journals and other things that I have written. Friends of ours lost their home to fire on Christmas night. Sure makes you think..

Well, this is where I am...home. I am waiting out the winter weather.One day it's 85 degrees..another day 38 degrees...my muscles are confused so they rebel in what I call a fibro flare.

I think I'll go get dressed and make my bed. If I get dressed and my bed is made, I won't crawl back into it. Good thinking... wouldn't you say?? Have a good day!

Our Journey...

2009-01-27T12:55:00.000-08:00

"God doesn't always take us on the shortest route on our journey."

~ My friend, Honey ~

Amen, Amen Amen....

But God...

2009-01-26T11:04:00.000-08:00

There seems to be so many Christians that I know that are going through really hard times. For some, the heartache is unbearable. But God...

He sustains them.

He encourages them.

He fills them with strength.

He provides.

He restores.

He gives HOPE.

He carries them.

He holds them.

He goes before them.

He listens.

He wipes away their tears.

He gives JOY in the midst of their circumstances.

He comforts.

He loves unconditionally...

But God....Who but God could do these things and more, for hurting people?

But God...

Dear Lord...

2009-01-24T12:33:00.000-08:00

"Dear Lord, Thou knowest better than myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out every body's affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody, helpful but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom it seems a pity not to use it all, but thou knowest, Lord, that I must have a few friends at the end."

~ Ruth Bell Graham ~

What Matters...

2009-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

"The God who created names and numbers and the stars in the heavens also numbers the hairs of my head.....

He pays attention to the very big things and to the small ones.

What matters to me matters to Him, and that changes my life."

~ Elisabeth Elliot ~

What matters to me matters to God, no matter how big or small a thing is. Like any parent, when I think of my children and grandchildren it is the same thing...if it matters to them, it matters to me. Makes it easier to comprehend when I think about it that way.

There are things I am trying to change in my life and because they align with what God's Word says for me....my life will change because I matter to God. It is hard to comprehend that the God who created the universe would care about the little things in my life. But he does! What a personal God we serve and love. I can just imagine God saying, "If it matters to you, then it matters to me." Now, that's love!

"The LORD will accomplish what concerns me;

Your lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of Your hands."

Psalm 138:8

~~~~

"I will cry to God Most High,

To God who accomplishes all things for me."
Psalm 57:2

God's Curriculum...

2009-01-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

"God's curriculum for all who sincerely want to know Him and do His will, always includes lessons we wish we could skip...With intimate understanding of our deepest needs and individual capacities, He chooses our curriculum."

~ Elisabeth Elliot ~

We have all experienced things in life that we wish we could skip right over. Maybe you are in that place right now. When I look back over the difficult things that have happened in my life, those very things I thought would kill me, actually made me stronger. I never realized it at the time that I was growing stronger, but when the next trial came a long..I was stronger and it was then, that I saw the growth in me.

God has a curriculum written for each one of us. He alone knows what it will take to do that deeper work in us and to be an example to others. If all we do is grumble at how hard life is, we will be missing those deeper things He wants to teach us.

Part of the curriculum that God has chosen for me is living with several chronic illnesses. I can't even list all the things that He has taught me the last 16 years as I have made the journey through illness and pain. I have been discouraged more times than I can remember. God has always faithfully picked me up and and encouraged me in one way or another. He's been faithful at every turn and every trial. The trial or illness didn't always go away, but He was faithful to give me the strength to press on and press through each and every time. If you think about it, what choice do we have? We can either go through the things in our life with God or without Him. We can choose to grow closer to Him or to be mad at Him.

I only want to go deeper with the Lord. Things are difficult enough in this life... I don't want to go through things more than once to learn the same lesson all over again because I missed it the first time. I have done that before. Things were almost more painful the second time around. My prayer is, "Lord, don't let me miss what it is you are trying to teach me. Pleassssseeeeeee I don't want to have to do this again." (:

God loves us so much that He writes individual curriculum for each one of us...pretty cool when you think about it!

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28

Godly Character...

2009-01-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Godly character...to react to people NOT according to how they act towards me.

~ Pastor Greg Laurie ~

Slow Down...

2009-01-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

The holidays are over, do you feel like you need to slow down and concentrate and focus on tending to things around your home? I do. I have shared many times that I love a simple life. I don't do well when I am busy all the time. My home doesn't do well, my health doesn't do well..nothing seems right when I am on the go all the time.

I can't help but think that God does not want that fast paced life for any of us, well, me for sure. When I'm busy, my mind is busy thinking of the next thing that I have to. When I get up in the morning and my feet hit the floor running, my quiet time is the thing that gets neglected. Or how about...when I get up in the morning and the first thing I do after I have said good bye to my husband... I turn on the computer. I have decided that I will not turn on the computer until I have a quiet time and my bed is made.

When I am too busy to hear when God whispers to me, it's time to slow down. Even children don't have to be as busy as they are these days. Most kids are run from one activity to another. They don't have time to slow down and be a kid. A lot of kids don't know how to entertain themselves without the TV or DVDs or someone entertaining them all the time. I love it when I see my granddaughters play with dolls or dress up. Kids need to slow down too..how will they learn to be still before God when they are older, if all they know how to do is be on the go when they are young?

Nurturing takes stillness, both physically and spiritually. We have to be still before God at times to be nurtured by the Holy Spirit. We have to slow down to hear the direction God wants us to take. People get sick with colds and flu because they are so tired and run down from being so busy. People have to work, it's all the added busyness that we need to re-examine to see if we need to slow down.

My Grandma told me once, "If the devil can't get you with idleness, he'll get you with busyness." That is so true! It's subtle too...we don't even recognize that some of our busyness is a distraction from the enemy himself, to keep us from the things of God. I know I have found that true in my own life from time to time.

So many people have said that they want peace. The only true peace is a relationship with Jesus Christ. For those that do know Christ and still cry for peace, maybe they are just too busy to recognize that they already have it. I am slowing down, how about you? Selah....

2009-01-05T14:28:00.000-08:00

I read this book a few months ago. I am not very good at book reviews, so I won't try and give you an overview of what this book is about. I will step out and say that I personally will not recommend to it anyone. I read it out of curiosity and to have an opinion of my own, if anyone asked me about it. Many of my friends have read it and have felt their lives were changed by reading it. I personally didn't feel that way and forced myself to finish it. The argument ~for~ this book is that it is only fiction. I don't feel that way, but that is what people have said.

I am all for Christian fiction. I read a lot of fiction and have my favorite authors. When I read Christian fiction I want the the Trinity.... the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, portrayed with reverence and accurately to what the Bible has recorded. A book can really stretch my imagination, but don't mess with what I know to be Holy. That's where I draw the line.

It's only fiction....a new believer or a nonbeliever would definitely not get the correct information about our Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ and our Beloved Holy Spirit. So, maybe somehow this book can lead someone to the Lord. But who would they be led to? The black woman that this book refers to as Papa?? (She is the Heavenly Father portrayed in this book.)

Oh my...we live in such perilous times. The enemy Satan will try any way he can to water down the Word, distort Who our Heavenly Father is, Who Jesus Christ is and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and Who He is. He may even use a book that millions of people are reading.

With so much out there that is untrue..New Age..the Emerging Church...one of the most important things that we can pray for, is spiritual discernment. We have to know right from wrong, watered down as watered down and untrue to be untrue. We can only do that with discernment that comes from God.

I had to write my thoughts on this, they have been burning in my heart for months. It would not be my intention to insult you in anyway if you liked this book. I have always tried to write my heart on this blog and that's what I have done here today.

"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

2 Timothy 4: 3-4

Our 39th Anniversary!....

2009-01-03T08:57:00.000-08:00

Today is our 39th wedding anniversary. Once again, I'll say it.."Where does time go?" We we were both grocery checkers when we met. Love at first sight..almost. Six weeks later we were engaged and six weeks later..married. We really sent our parents into a head spin a week after Christmas. It still sets our heads spinning when our anniversary comes so close to the holidays. Some anniversaries it just feels good to stay all cozy at home rather than do much after the hustle and bustle of the busy holidays. Whatever we do today, we will do it together and be thankful that God has blessed us with another year of loving each other and being together.

Happy Anniversary, my Love!

Over Our Heads...

2009-01-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Girlfriends, Jesus is so worthy of our trust no matter what has taken us by surprise. Picture that, when the enemy asks for a little extra access to you, the only reason why God may have given him permission is because He knew you'd prove faithful. Do the thing. In the unseen realm, angels are cheering and demons are jeering. You are in the stadium and the bleachers are full. (Hebrews 12:1) Take one for the team if you have to. Be strong and courageous. Be willing to show people how it's done. Don't look for a leader. You are the leader. People are looking to you. Be deliberate. Make sure they see Jesus. We're not here all that long and then there's BLISS. Forever bliss. Till then, we're over our heads. But we can dang-well decide what kind of over-our-heads we're gonna be.

~ Beth Moore~

Resolutions VS. Obedience...

2008-12-31T13:45:00.000-08:00

"Now I declare new things;

Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.

Sing to the Lord a new song,

Sing His praise from the end of the earth."

Isaiah 42: 9-10

Is there something God wants you to do? Is there a new challenge or task that He is asking of you in this new year ahead? Is there something stirring in your heart that only God could have placed within you to do? It doesn't have to be a BIG thing..maybe just be more organized, or prepare healthier meals...things that have to do with our everyday life.

Maybe He has placed a BIG thing before you to do. I do know that be it big or everyday things..God will equip you to do it. When we are obedient, He will take us one step at a time to fulfill what He asks of us to do.

I am so thankful for God's grace and His mercy. They both are never ending and new everyday. What an awesome God we serve. We don't ever have to wait for a certain day to begin anew. Each breath that we take is a new breath, given only to us by our Heavenly Father. The thought overwhelms me.

I have turned my thoughts from New Year's resolutions to thoughts of obedience. There is such joy in obedience and not the dread and drudgery of fulfilling resolutions. Not only is there joy, but there is freedom. Freedom that only Christ can give. He bought and paid for it...it's ours, we need only walk in it.

Don't get me wrong, I have some goals written down. But I truly believe they are Holy Spirit inspired, so if I work on those things that He has shown me, I will be obedient. Because of the baby steps I have taken, I already feel joy and freedom! Hallelujah!

Let's each one of us look expectantly to what God has for us in the New Year. May God bless and keep you..

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Simplicity...

2008-12-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

“This week, aim for simplicity. The last few weeks may have been filled with baking, shopping, concerts, gift wrapping, and dinner parties, but today, celebrate simplicity as you fix your eyes on Jesus.”

~ Joni Eareckson Tada~

Random Thoughts...

2008-12-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas! It was cold and rainy and there was a fire in the fireplace....not the usual Southern California Christmas! Yesterday it was 82 and it felt good too. I haven't taken down all my Christmas decorations, just a few little things here and there. We have friends coming over New Years' Eve so I am leaving the big things up until New Year's Day.

God was so faithful to me during this busy season of festivities. I felt good all month and was able to do so many things that I have wanted to do for years for the holidays. Thank you, Lord! As soon as the Christmas decorations are all packed away it will be back to figuring out what a normal routine is again. It seems like thoughts of Christmas keeps my mind so busy for months. This is when I want to go through my entire house and just start purging all the excess that we have. I think I may just do that.....again.

I wanted to say hi....and post a few random thoughts. Have a blessed day!

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-22T07:28:00.000-08:00

I am going to take the remainder of this week off from blogging. I had some things I wanted to write about..but for now they will have to wait. This has been one of the busiest Christmas seasons that we have had in years. I guess that tells me that I have felt better this year. Praise the Lord! As all of us probably do, I have some last minute baking and things to finish up before Thursday and a trip to San Diego in the midst of those days.

Merry Christmas to all of you who visit me here at Beside Still Waters. Thank you for your encouragement to me.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we must remember that He was born for one reason... and that was to die. He died so we may live, forgiven and free from our sins. If you find yourself reading this blog today and you don't know how you came to be here...maybe it was so that I could tell you that the Babe born in a manger was born just for you. His love is the greatest love you will ever know. Embracing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, asking Him into your heart, is the greatest gift there is. He died to give you the gift of eternal life. It's a gift you need only reach out and accept. I am praying if you have never done this before that you will today.

Merry Christmas,

Patty

More Winter...

2008-12-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Stater Bros. truck on it's way to the mountians...

Winter Has Arrived!

2008-12-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

~San Bernardino Mountians~

In Southern California we don't have weather...it's usually hot, or not. After months of dry weather and really not any measurable rain, to have rain and snow this week has been wonderful. To have a view like this from my house, is a sight to see. It's been raining for days and it's COLD. I have lived in California for a long time and cold weather and Christmas usually doesn't happen. I am originally from Michigan and we would have a White Christmas quite often. I still associate cold with Christmas, even to this day. I think a lot of people do. I thought I would share a little piece of my world today. I will enjoy this because it could be 85 next week...hope not.

Is My Heart In Stable Condition?

2008-12-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

The stable. I always thought it seemed like such an unsuitable place for the birth of the King of Kings.

The stable did not offer the same comforts as the inn, but it had one thing the inn lacked. Room. There was room in the stable where the Son of God could be born.

At times I wonder, " Is my heart like that inn...so crowded that I miss the presence of the Son of God? Am I so filled with the cares of life, stress, busyness and selfish desires that no room is left in my heart for Jesus?"

As I have watched theChristmas story reenacted through the years, I have often thought of the innkeeper. Why didn't he make room for the expectant mother, then allow others a place? I realize the innkeeper did his best to accommodate Mary and Joseph.

Each day I am faced with opportunities to allow God's blessing and power to fill my heart. When I have meditated on His Word and communicated with Him in prayer, then as the events of the day unfold I am able to handle each situation in the wisdom and strength that He provides. If I fail to read His Word and pray, then my life becomes packed with overwhelming circumstances and Jesus is crowded out.

My busyness and cares can be put in their proper place as I pray, "Lord, keep my heart in stable condition so that I have room for Jesus."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have used this devotional by Judy Seabaugh for many many years and each time reading it, I am shown I have let too many things creep into my heart during the Christmas season. Not so much physical busyness, but the busyness of my heart and mind. My mind goes a million miles an hour this time of year. You too? There can't be any room for Jesus when we are too busy to open the door to let HIm minister to us in only the ways He can. If you feel your stable doors have been closed, open them up and let the Son come in!

God of All Comfort...

2008-12-11T07:20:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

There are so many people this time of year walking around with discouraged and hurting hearts. One may even be you. I think sometimes, we feel the need to hide how much our hearts are wounded and hurting. When we do that, we only allow that heartache to hurt all the more. There are other people that have gone through similar circumstances and trials and God wants to use them to minister to you.

Last Tuesday night I was able to share the same comfort God had given me, to a sweet sister in Christ, who just found out her son and his wife were having a baby with a cleft lip and palate. Our little granddaughter Rachel was born 4 years ago with this and I was able to encourage and tell her it would be a journey....a journey of God's faithfulness. The other thing I was able to tell her was, that I never would have dreamed all that God would do for Rachel. I never ever thought the Doctors would be able to do so much to repair her little face. God is so faithful in the journey, any journey we might find ourselves on right now. He does exceedingly abundantly more than we ask!

God comforts us in times of discouragement, heartache and grief....in all things, if we let Him and look for Him in the midst of the circumstances. Many times He will use someone that crosses our path to comfort with the same comfort they received in their time of need. If we don't want to be comforted and want to stay in that place of despair.. then we will. But when we look to God, and we earnestly seek Him, we will find Him.

What we go through in life will never be wasted... unless we choose to squander it in self pity. God will bring opportunity after opportunity to us, to use us in the lives of others, who now walk down familiar paths that we have walked down. We can share the love and faithfulness of God, to those who need just a glimmer of hope, to endure what is set before them. If our hearts are open, God will bring those in need to us to share the same comfort that we received from Him. To God be the glory!

"Bear one another's burdens..."

Galatians 6:2

The Night That Changed Everything...

2008-12-06T07:32:00.000-08:00

People Pleasers...

2008-12-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

"When we are set free from the bondage of pleasing others,
when we are free from currying others' favor and others' approval....then no one will be able to make us miserable or dissatisfied. And then, if we know we have pleased God, contentment will be our consolation."
~Kay Arthur~

I'd like to comment more on the quote I posted yesterday. I believe once we have been in bondage to always having to please others, it is so easy to slip back into that mental stronghold. We struggle with saying no when it isn't always God's best for us.We think we always have to say yes to everything because were Christians. It's not so. . If we want to please man, we run the risk of being disobedient if it isn't what God has asked of us. It's a daily walk in the Spirit to know the difference.

I still struggle with being in bondage of wanting to please everyone. I must say to the detriment of my own health through the years. I want everyone to like me and if they don't I beat myself up wondering what I did wrong. Maybe I didn't do anything wrong, we just have different personalities. It may not be me at all. I must admit...I am so much better than I ever was in the past..so I see growth in my life. Obsessing about pleasing other people steals any contentment in our life. Like Kay Arthur said in this above quote, when we seek to please God contentment is our consolation. So, instead of striving to please everybody, be all they want you to be, always saying and doing the things we think we should say to please someone...if we look to be pleasing to God and what He wants us to do ...we will not be miserable and dissatisfied. Sounds like the pressure would be off to be perfect or people pleasers.
Hmmmmm...something to think about!

The holidays are upon us. I encourage you to seek God and what His best is for you...make it your gift to Jesus this Christmas to live to please Him with obedient lives, rather than be in bondage of pleasing others. There is freedom and joy in pleasing others when it's what God is leading you to do. Putting on the mind of Christ and pulling down those strongholds of being a people pleaser...brings VICTORY, OBEDIENCE and CONTENTMENT!

Quote For The day...

2008-12-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

"When we are set free from the bondage of pleasing others,

when we are free from currying others' favor and others' approval....then no one will be able to make us miserable or dissatisfied. And then, if we know we have pleased God, contentment will be our consolation."

~Kay Arthur~

Broken Pieces...

2008-12-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

"He heals the brokenhearted and heals up their wounds."

Psalm 147:3

The box dropped...I heard the clinking of broken pieces. I knew what was in that box...of all boxes, it just couldn't be that box. I opened it carefully hoping it was minor..maybe something that wasn't my favorite. Sigh, it was my collection of Christmas tea cups. I have had them for years, given to me from special friends and some I bought myself.

A few days passed and I was putting out two adorable houses that friends had given me for my birthday one year. My fingers just gave out, and it was only the size of a shoe box. Oh my gosh! The damage was minor this time, only a chimney broke off. But still. I was disappointed about all the things that had broken this season and we are barely into it.

I was reminded it's just stuff. Indeed, it is just stuff. This made me think upon the broken people who live in that broken state every day of their life. What about the people who have broken hearts this time of year as they remember the losses in their lives as a result of losing someone, or even the people here in California who lost everything recently to the California fires, and the terrorist attacks... there is heartache all around us. Broken people, broken pieces...brokenness that only the Savior can put back together.

This second day of December...can you think of anyone that needs a touch of the Savior because they are broken. They aren't just stuff to be tossed away. The Lord will show us those people who need that touch that only He can give. Let's all be on the lookout with our Holy Spirit eyes, looking for opportunities to be part of the solution of helping mend broken lives. People don't always look broken on the outside. it's not always obvious to others when one is broken. Some people may just need a smile to get them through the day or a kind word to ease their pain just a little. Each thing we do can possibly be the building blocks leading that person to finding wholeness in Jesus Christ.

~People are not just stuff.~

Pearls Of Wisdom...

2008-12-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

This is another change to my blog list. I created this blog, Pearls Of Wisdom to post all my favorite quotes on. Anyone that reads my blogs knows that I love to use quotes. I think we can learn so much from what others say. So, come over for a visit once and awhile and see if a quote will minister to you...or even make you laugh!

Changes...

2008-12-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

There a two new things at Beside Still Waters that I wanted to tell you about this morning. You can now email me or you can make a comment on a post. Some people who are not bloggers have said they want to comment but they just can't figure out how to do it. If you want to comment on a post and you don't have a blog..post under anonymous and sign your name at the end of your post. Or email me, you see my link in my side bar. Patty at besidestillwaters dot org. I didn't want a lot of spam so I wrote it like this...

You can still find me through the blogspot address but you can also find me by using this new address. Besidestillwaters.org. Both addresses route you to here. This new address is much simpler to remember and pass on to others. I am excited about this, as I have at times couldn't remember the changes I had to make when my blog disappeared. My son set this up for me this week. My daughter helps me figure out blogger things when I get in a jam. Oh, how I wish I knew how to do all this myself.... but so thankful I have them to help me. But wait...if it weren't for them talking me into half this stuff, like blogs and Facebook...I wouldn't need to know,would I? (:

The Hard Thing...

2008-11-24T11:56:00.000-08:00

"Unparalleled joy and victory come from allowing Christ to do the "hard thing" with us."
~ Beth Moore~

I had to stop and be still before the Lord when I read this quote ...was there a "hard thing" in my life that I was to learn from right now? Oh yes, I really didn't even have to get all that still to know. It came right down to OBEDIENCE. Such a word. DISOBEDIENCE..ouch, another word. Sometimes we find ourselves in those hard places because God has asked something of us and we fail to obey. We can obey for awhile and then find ourselves slipping right back to where we were before. Forgetting all the while that it was God who spoke these things to our heart in the first place.

Through the years in my walk with the Lord I have found that nothing can bring more joy than being obedient to the things that God has asked of me. Walking in the things I know to be true, obeying when I hear the whispers from Him in my heart, surrendering those things He asks of me...sometimes walking in those things means they become the "hard things". It all comes down to allowing Him to have His way with us, all for His glory.

Victory is mine in Christ, bought and paid for by His blood. At times, I don't always feel it or walk in it. When I have been obedient, I feel victorious. Oh what a feeling! There is unparalleled joy and victory in the hard things when we allow Christ to have His way with us.

Are you experiencing a "hard thing" right now? Is there anything God is asking of you while you are in this hard place? It can be ever so small and doesn't have to be a big thing. I think of when my kids were young and I would tell them to do something and there would be that, "Why." Because I said so, I might reply. Even in the small things God has a reason for asking us to do or not to do something. Why? Because He says so. We don't have to always understand, we just need to obey, and then....joy will follow!

"For it is God who is at work in you,
both to will and to work for His good pleasure."

Philippians 2:13

Patty's Pantry...

2008-11-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

I have started posting my holiday recipes on Patty's Pantry. I have been slow getting all my recipes back on my blog since I deleted it...but I am slowly getting there. I hope you'll pop over and see if there is something that sounds good to you and your family. Enjoy!

Quitter Or Obedient?

2008-11-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

" The enemy tries everyday to get us to quit...then he calls us a quitter."

I was going through my night stand next to our bed and I found this slip of paper that I wrote the above quote. I don't remember writing it. I had to be watching a DVD of Beth Moore's or listening to the radio and jotted it down.. I really needed that encouragement the day I found it. God knows when we need those special touches.

It's so true..he, Satan does everything he can do to have us quit the things that we do in obedience to God. He puts every obstacle in our way that he knows will discourage us. Sometimes those things come right after another like waves, knocking us down so we can hardly catch our breath. We have probably given in and quit before so he knows what tactics will work in our defeat. He whispers, You can't do this." "You have never succeeded before, why try again." "Your life is too busy to do this." "Everyone is smarter than you." Oh my gosh, the whispers that he plants in our minds continues, sometimes until he wears us down and we quit. Then...he calls us a quitter. How fair is that? Remember, the enemy doesn't play fair. He comes to rob and destroy us. He is such a deceiver.

Is there something in your life that you want to quit? Are you hearing whispers from the Lord or the enemy? If it is the Lord telling you to quit, He will call it obedience. If it's the enemy...he will call you a quitter. Then he lays on the guilt. See what a vicious circle it is?

We have to walk in the Spirit everyday to recognize the tactics that are individually designed just for us. When we do, we won't walk in the flesh and be tricked by the enemy. This quote stirred up my righteous anger...to think he would chip away at me day and night and when I had been pecked enough, to then think he would call me a quitter! Grrrrr.

Be wise and be aware of whose whispers you are listening to.

Veterans Day...

2008-11-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

~Thank You ~

Beside Still Waters...

2008-11-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters."

Psalm 23:2

I have been pondering for days what I wanted to write after the election results on Tuesday. I believe in God's sovereignty in allowing Barack Obama as our next president. But my heart is saddened and heavy. I will out of obedience pray for this man, that God would touch his heart, that he would be transformed, that he would have godly wisdom, that he would lead our country back to the ways of God. It's a big request, but I will pray those things because it is right to do so.

I really believe that God has allowed this to happen for several reasons.One...this is what the people wanted. Like in the days of Saul, the people wanted a king and God gave them Saul. The people of the United States wanted Barack Obama and God allowed them to have their way. Two...these are the final days before the Lord raptures His church and this plays into those end time events. There will be a great falling away in those days. Just look at the Emerging Church and the power sweep it has on so many, including mature Christians. Even the elect shall be deceived, the bible says.

This has happened, what do we do now? We can't change anything, this is just the way it is. Things could get really rough for our country. I don't think the word "could" is accurate...I believe they will. It's already happening, we need only look around. For the election we prayed and we voted. Now, we must pray and walk the walk that God has put before us as believers in Jesus Christ. People are losing their jobs, homes and their life savings. All the things that made them feel secure. Here is the opportunity for all of us to be encourager's to those who will be caught up in the chaos of change. We have to witness like we never have before to anyone that will listen. Millions of people have put their hope in Barack Obama...we need to share with them that their only hope can be..in the Lord Jesus Christ.

If I let myself think of all the chaos and uncertainty that lies before us, I can get fearful. But if I am fearful, what good will I be to others who need to be encouraged? The rain falls on the good and the bad. We have to put the umbrella of God's Word over us and remember that He is faithful. God has always delivered His people from His wrath and He will do the same for us.

These are exciting times in which we live. We have the opportunity to watch God's plan unfold. Each one of us have been placed at this time, this generation, for such a time as this. He thinks we can handle the adversity before us, including the changing of a country that once was based on God and His truths. Yes, these are uncertain times, but think of those whose hope lies only in a man who makes promises that tickle their ears.

So, here we are, for such a time as this, to pick ourselves up, to do the work we have before us to do, to reach out and to pray for those who are lost. God will use each and every opportunity that comes before us to reach out to a hurting person caught up in the winds of change. We can't walk around with a down cast spirit, all doom and gloom....we must be the light that people see. We have to be their example like never before. We can do it!

My prayer is that God will lead us beside the still waters and we will find comfort for our souls and be refreshed..because we have work to do!

Halloween...

2008-10-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween today. I have never liked Halloween, even though my birthday was yesterday and growing up it was always celebrated with a Halloween theme. Churches have alternative things for the kids to do...Trunk or treat from their cars, Hallelujah Night, what ever it may be called. I just don't think we need alternative things for our children to do. It's an evil night, the history behind it is evil..so why would we have alternative things for our kids to do? We give our children the sense that they are missing out on something when we have alternatives to something the world offers that is so evil and full of the occult... It was hard as a parent to know what to do and what to let my children do, as far as the day was concerned.

I went to Disneyland the day before my birthday to celebrate my daughter's birthday with my brother and youngest granddaughter. It was decorated beautiful for fall..as well as the ghosts and goblins. I don't know if I have ever seen Disneyland decorated this much for Halloween before. It's become this huge holiday...I don't get it.

My four grand girlies dress up..One is a Jedi Knight, Hannah Montana, Princess Belle and Tinkerbell. They look adorable and they have no idea what sort of things go on in the occult world around them this day and night.
All the while the enemy delighting in what Christians are doing today as an alternative. It's still his day...

So, for now I will pray that all will be well around all the "little one's" out there tonight. This is just my two cents worth..and thought I would share it today.

Roots That Go Deep...and Flourish

2008-10-21T07:33:00.000-07:00

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

They are like trees planted along a riverbank,with roots that reach deep into the water.

Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.

Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit."

Jeremiah 17:7-8

This verse really spoke to me last week when I was preparing a devotional that I had to give. We live in perilous and uncertain times. We don't know how this next Presidential election will affect us, the economy is going down, jobs are lost everyday with almost sure promises of more people losing their jobs. Foreclosures on homes are taking place in every neighborhood. Yes, these are uncertain times.

This verse in Jeremiah says that if we put our hope and confidence in the Lord, we will be like a tree planted a long a riverbank. Trees by a riverbank have roots that go deep in the waters edge.. They are strong because of the foundation that they have holding them up. They are constantly nourished from the river's water.

These same trees will not be bothered by heat or long periods of drought. They are connected to the living source of water. They will stay green and never stop producing fruit. Some fruit trees just never seem to flourish and produce delicious fruit. But once they get the proper nourishment they produce quality fruit.

What's this mean for us in these perilous times of uncertainly? It means that we must put our trust in God, take the time to drink in the Living Water of His Word. And like those trees planted by the river bank, our roots will go deep.When our roots go that deep we can't be shaken or stumbled by the chaos of uncertainty. We can flourish amidst that uncertainty. This verse says when we put our trust in God, we will bear delicious fruit. Isn't it a wonder thought that during times of hardship we can still bear fruit? Delicious fruit! This is because of the nourishment we take in from the water of His Word.

It's a choice for all of us to make that decision for or roots to go deep. Having that deep rooted foundation in Jesus Christ is what will get us through any rough roads ahead. To get that deep foundation we must drink in His Word letting it fill us up and give us all we have need of.

This is fruit that we can multiply it forward into the lives of those around us...friends family and those who are struggling in an uncertain world.

We don't know what is ahead of us in our chaotic world of change. But we do know when our hope and confidence is in God, the winds of change will not blow us over or cause us to wither. Drink in...and flourish it's a choice we all have to make.

Heavenly Father, in these uncertain times draw us to yourself, cause us to drink from your Word that we might be a source of encouragement and hope to those who live with uncertainty in their lives. We want to flourish in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. To God be the GLORY!

Three Reasons...

2008-10-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Time really does fly, doesn't it? It was summer when I last posted and now it's Autumn. So many things have happened in our world since my last post. I mentioned in my previous post that I had a tile man here . He was tiling my master bathroom shower. It looks beautiful, but it took three weeks and he brought his wife with him everyday. Now, don't get me wrong, I am grateful...but there wasn't anywhere I could go in my own home. That's reason number one that I haven't posted. My back was out for a few weeks..that's reason number two! And I kind of lost my zeal after I deleted my blog. Very few of my readers can find me and some still have my old address on their side bars. It's like losing old friends. That's reason number three. (:
But I have my home back in order and feel enthusiastic about blogging again.

The winds are blowing so hard today. In the night things kept hitting the windows. It is our first Santa Ana winds of the season and we have fires already. And it's COLD. I never thought I would feel cold again after the heat we have had. But the week isn't over either..Santa Ana winds are usually hot dry winds.

I have some Monday chores to do and a devotional to write for our first night of Bible study tomorrow night. So I'll close for now and be back tomorrow!

I'm here...

2008-09-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

I know it's been almost two weeks since I posted. I must have slept wrong and with fibromyalgia, that's all it takes sometimes to be out of commission for days and days. I have a tile man working here in the house and that is difficult when all I want to do is lie down on my bed and he's working in the master bath. It will be over soon, but when you don't feel good, you want your house and space to yourself!

I'll be back in a few days when I can sit at the computer longer...

Blessings,

Patty

Bring The Rain...

2008-09-12T07:29:00.001-07:00

This song serves as a reminder that no matter what the circumstances of our lives are..God is worthy of all our praise. Be encouraged and comforted as you listen today...

Grace Multiplied...

2008-09-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

Pictures from Pismo Beach, Central Coast California

This is our favorite vacation place. One spring we had to cancel our trip because I wasn't up to the trip.We had cancelled vacations many times, but this particular time I learned a special lesson.

It had been a long winter of not feeling well. I have mentioned before, that I have chronic illnesses that deplete me of a good majority of my energy. That's fine, I am very accepting of that. But there are times, I feel bad for my husband, that he has to relinquish things as well. But he always takes it in stride and never shows his disappointment. He knows most things are penciled in. At one time, it really bothered me that he was on this roller coaster ride with me. Why did he have to suffer just because I did? He never complained and was and still is, very understanding. But I felt bad for him.

One day years back, I must have been grumbling to the Lord, letting the enemy have his way with self pity. Feeling like I was a burden..yep, I was really into the thick of this self pity stuff! It was then I heard that still, small voice say, "Grace." I thought, "Grace, what's that have to do with it? We just canceled our vacation plans again because of me."

What I came to realize was God choose my husband for me, gave him an extra measure of grace to be understanding, caring and loving towards me. He knew when He chose my husband for me, that I would need a man with patience and compassion and with a personality that doesn't complain about much.

Not only is God's grace sufficient for me...but it is for my husband. Only, I think he was given multiplied grace to be my husband.

So,that week we didn't go to Pismo Beach, the drive was too far. But we did do some day trips, one was to a Southern California beach. Just spending time together would be enough.

Grace, how would we survive without it?

"My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is perfected in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9

He Sees Us As Finished...

2008-09-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

I wrote this devotional eight years ago for Rest Ministries. It was published in a book of devotionals for the chronically ill, Mosaic Moments by Lisa Copen and Friends. Since this devotional was written I have since been blessed with three more little granddaughters, McKenzie, Haylee and Rachel. Each one has their own special quilt fashioned with love and quilted with much prayer for each one of them.

~~~~~

“ Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you

will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 1:6

I recently made a quilt for my five month old granddaughter, Hannah. As I began to plan the pattern and color scheme, I knew I wanted this quilt to be perfect for her. I drew out my design on paper, making sure of every dimension.

From there I went shopping for my fabrics. I very carefully selected each color and design for each piece of the quilt. In every step of my planning, I saw this quilt finished. I was the only one who had a vision of what this finished project would look like. To others it may have looked like a pile of different fabrics and a piece of paper with lines on it. But I saw it, pieced together, quilted and finished with Hannah all snuggled up under it.

As I cut and pieced the fabrics together I saw a thing of beauty begin to take place before my eyes. Not that it was the most beautiful quilt I have ever seen, but being the designer of the quilt, I saw the beauty and the love in the quilt, that no one else could see. God in the same way sees us as finished. He sees that finished work in each of us and sees how every circumstance of our life forms us into the person He has designed us to be. For some, living with chronic illness and pain is a part of the finishing process that God allows to take place.

Everything we experience with chronic illness can make our character more refined and the beauty of the LORD more defined in us. Each one of those things, like every piece of Hannah’s quilt, is pieced together in the fabric of our lives, to make something beautiful. We are God’s workmanship and He had a plan in creating us and He sees us as finished!

Thank you LORD, that you don’t give up on us and that you will see us through to a completion that glorifies you. Each day may the beauty of You be more defined in us.

The Lord Our Encourager...

2008-09-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

"But David found strength in the Lord his God."

1 Samuel 30:6 NIV

It can be a lonely experience living with a chronic illness and pain every day. We relinquish many things and relationships. And at times we are misunderstood for the decisions and the actions that we take because of the way our life styles have had to be changed. We long for someone to understand and encourage us. And at times, the Lord provides someone to walk a long side of us allowing us a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, and a word of encouragement in those days when we think we cannot go on.

But there are also times of solitude when there isn't anyone to listen to us or to encourage us. We long for an understanding ear not wanting to burden our families and those close to us. This is when we must encourage ourselves. We can give ourselves a pep talk and this might help to some degree. But only the Lord and His Word can give us the deep individual encouragement that we need at those times.

Psalm 61: 1-3

Hear my cry. O God; Listen to my prayer.
From the ends of the earth I call to you,
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For you have been my refuge,
A strong tower against the foe.

God's unsurpassing strength is always with us and He desires to encourage us. It is His Word that will give us the deep heart penetrating encouragement that we need. He knows every tear that we shed and He alone knows what will encourage and lift us up out of a place of despair.

Psalm 94: 19

"When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul."

It is the Lord and His comfort that quiets and brings delight to our souls. Maybe it is a touch from a friend or loved one, maybe it is the sound of the ocean's roar, or a song of praise that touches our heart strings. God sends those things to us as well. He knows our every need before we even ask. But when He desires to be our source of encouragement, nothing else will do. He alone satisfies the longings that need to met.

Yes, there are times that we must encourage ourselves. It is in those times that we take our Bibles and go to a quiet place and allow Him to refresh and refill us. To lift us up and encourage us to go on. It is in the Lord's strength that we will be encouraged.

I Corinthians 1: 3-5

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

God wants to comfort us. Being comforted can mean being encouraged and strengthened with hope, in dealing with our afflictions. The more we suffer the more comfort He gives. Our God is a giving God who desires to meet our need of being encouraged.

If you are in need of encouragement today, the Lord desires to meet that need. Won't you let Him touch you today and meet that need.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Reach down and touch by the power of your Holy Spirit those places in my heart that only You can touch. Encourage me and strengthen me in hope this day. That I in turn would have the blessing of comforting someone else in need.

Awareness Week...

2008-09-07T06:33:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week? September 8-14, 2008 will feature 20 seminars via Blog Talk Radio, (4 per day, M-F) plus tons of people are helping spread the word by blogging about invisible illness issues. Do you get tired of hearing, “But you look so good?” or weary of the stares when you park in a handicapped spot? This is our chance to educate the public as well as remember we are not alone.

Nearly 1 in 2 people in the USA live with an illness and 96% of it is invisible.So join the cause today! They have daily guest bloggers at http://www.invisibleillnessblog.com/, lots or prizes, articles, and it’s a great way to make some new friends and attend a conference without ever leaving your home. The main web site is: http://www.invisibleillness.com/

This week I will be posting a series of devotionals with chronic illness themes. Maybe you live with an invisible chronic illness or someone you know does. We can learn from each other how to encourage those who chronically suffer and those who love them. We can encourage and be encouraged the more we know about the needs of chronic illness sufferers.

What Does God See?

2008-09-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

What Does God See?

What does God see when He looks at me?
Does He see a heart that wants to be His...
or a heart that is guarded from past wounds and hurts,
hindered to feel the great wonder of His love?

What does God see when He looks at me?
Does He see a heart that is willing to obey...whatever the sacrifice?
A life of obedience even if it's uncomfortable

What does God see when He looks at me?
Does He see a heart that forgives, like He forgives me?
Am I willing to forget, just like He does too?

What does God see when He looks at me?
Does He see "acceptance with joy" in my heart?
He sees the sufferings and pain.
Does He see surrender? Do I lay it at it his feet?

What does God see when He looks at me?
He sees my heart and how troubled it can be.
He knows that hard things will only cause me to grow.
He allows them in my life....He loves me that much

.He sees me as His daughter and His eyes shine with love.

What do I see, when I see God looking at me?
A Father's love.
What do you see, when you see God looking at you?
The same love, He loves you too..

~~~

Because of Jesus,

Patty

Faith...

2008-09-04T06:30:00.000-07:00

"Grace calls you to get up, throw off your blanket of helplessness and to move on through life in faith."
~Kay Arthur~

I have found encouragement in this quote by Kay Arthur and and for the most part, live by what it says. Living with chronic illnesses, there are times that I want to keep that blanket of helplessness over me. I could best describe it by saying, "I get weary in the battle."

If we stay under that blanket of helplessness it becomes a cloak of self pity and discouragement. It can be such an easy thing to do and we have probably all have done it at one time or another. Everyday we must make the choice to move on in our lives by faith.

There are so many things in life to make us crawl under that blanket of helplessness. Health issues, family issues, marriage relationships....anything that troubles us and takes us to the point of feeling helpless. So...get up, throw off that blanket of helplessness, make a choice not to be defeated and move on through life in faith!

* Faith knows how to wait on the Lord. Isaiah 40:31

* Faith defines reason; it moves mountains. Matthew 17:14-21

* Faith does not always face facts; it never gives up. Heb.11:32-39

* Faith says, "God is working out His perfect will in my life, and I can wait, endure, and suffer."

* Faith doesn't make anything easy but it does make all things possible.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Hebrews 11:1

Do You Have A Vision?

2008-09-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

"Then the LORD answered me and said, "Record the vision, and inscribe it on tablets, That the one who reads it may run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time.

It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail
Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay."
Habakkuk 2:2-3

Has the Lord given you a vision for your life? We can set goals for ourselves and think they are visions from the Lord. But God's visions have to do with His people and His glory. I believe there is a vision for each one of us as Christians.

I had a vision once that I thought was from the Lord. But it was my vision based on circumstances. My last child had gone out on his own. The nest was pretty empty. I thought God was going to open up more teaching commitments and maybe retreats. I certainly had the time then. But because of an illness that progressed that year, the door to that vision seemed closed. Maybe it was an ambition rather than an actual vision. I can't say that for sure...but I truly believe in God's Sovereignty in the situation. Maybe it had to happen to be able to see what God's true vision would be for me.

The Lord gave me a new goal one day. I didn't recognize it as a vision until recently. Although I don't see how God is going to use this in the lives of others or bring glory to Him. I'll wait and keep working on what He has given me to do. He knows, I trust that.

We don't have to be any certain way to have a vision from God. We don't need to be educated, bible scholars, teachers, leadership positions....or whatever you might be thinking could be a hindrance to a vision. We just need to see God with our hearts and ask Him what is the vision He sees for our lives. It will in some way have to do with people and His glory. ASK HIM.

"Though the vision tarries, wait for it, for it will certainly come, it will not delay." Record the vison as God shows it to you. Journalize it. Pray about it. Search the Word for it. Don't be fearful of asking...the vision could be just for your home and family...not a mission trip to another place in the world.

ASK HIM

Crooked Paths...

2008-09-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

" The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9

When I read this verse this morning, I saw the similarities in a story I read by Amy Carmichael. In her book, God's Missionary, she writes of an Indian woman who was disgruntled and bitter towards the missionaries because she thought that they said one thing and did another. She wanted to know, "who can say you missionaries live specially holy lives? We Indians observe. We observe you not only when you are at work, but when you are off work too. Is there anything remarkable about you? Are you burning- hot people? We look to you to show us patterns, and you are showing us crooked patterns."

To say the least this was not wholly true. But it is a question we can ask ourselves as Christians...are we showing crooked patterns to those who observe us? Is there anything, even if it seems small, that might stumble someone who is watching? We aren't perfect people, but we are here to live holy lives. Lives that bring glory to God in every aspect of our lives.

We can't walk down crooked paths or show crooked patterns, someone might be following and watching. We never know when we walk down a path, if it will be the path that leads someone to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, Help us to look at our lives and see if we are showing crooked patterns to anyone who watches us. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear..anything that we might do to stumble those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen