Tuesday, December 30, 2008

And it shall, Lord willing, it shall. That's how I'm feeling about my voice problems ... they shall pass and they're here for a reason. I'm still studying in James chapter 1 and that makes all this more bearable.

I went to the Dr. this afternoon and she was a bit baffled by whatever is going on with my voice.
After many questions and an exam, she decided it best for right now to put me on an antibiotic and if I've not improved in 10 days, I will call her & she'll do an immediate referral to a throat specialist.

When all this began it was relatively easy to 'count it all joy' ... because after all, how long can laryngitis last? When days go into weeks then you begin to wonder and yet, I know that I know there IS a reason and in God's good and perfect time, this shall pass.

I'm takin' me to bed shortly; may you all be blessed. My love to you all.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Hi Friends,

Just a note to let you know I'm alive and relatively well. I will see my Dr. tomorrow about the voice issue. At times, I can speak so that it's kind of understandable, then it's right back to squeaking and / or silence. And I'm very tired today ... so tired in fact, that I laid on the couch "just to rest" and woke up over an hour later.

We did have a good Christmas ... our youngest son & his family came for dinner & gifts. I took lots of photos, as usual. Our older son & his family came the day after Christmas as he was dealing with bronchitis and frankly, I didn't want to be around anyone who was sick.

Yesterday afternoon we did an informal gathering for those in my family who wanted to come. I had a great time with my sisters Kay & Rita. It's sad, but I don't see either of them often and one just lives in Dearborn Hgts! She's busy caring for Grand-children and has a place on a lake west of here that takes time. My youngest sister lives about an hour and a half north of us. Still, no excuse for not getting together more often. We ordered Mexican food, ate way too much, took some photos, talked and sat up way too late. Hmmm...maybe that's why I'm tired today.

I've checked on all of you and was thankful you're all well. Pat, I understand Fibro ... I was diagnosed with it years ago and you're right...you can go for periods of time feeling just fine, than out of the blue, there it is in all it's painful fogginess. Thankfully mine isn't near as bad as it was when I worked.

Shall go for now. My love to you all.

Thursday, December 25, 2008


Mary did you know that your baby boy
will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
will soon deliver you.


Mary did you know that your baby boy
will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby,
you have kissed the face of God.


The blind will see, the deaf will hear
and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak,
the praises of the Lamb.


Mary did you know that your baby boy
is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy
will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
is heaven's perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
is the great I Am.

As quietly as it entered, Christmas 2008 is nearly gone. We spent the afternoon with our youngest son Shawn & his family here at the house. I baked bread & cupcakes this morning and my hubby fixed dinner for us. He's such a good cook and I'm so very thankful he enjoys creating meals and cooking. I'd rather houseclean and bake any day, so there's a good balance for us.

My Mother-in-law spent the day at her apartment with her granddaughter & great-grandson. The older she gets the less she wants to get out and I can understand that. We hope to have dinner with her tomorrow, either bring her here or we'll take dinner to her apartment. We shall see.

Our electricity went out for four hours last night. We were spending a quiet evening at home, puppy-sitting our Grand-dog Louis, and it ended up being a very peaceful time. We had the fireplace on and candles lit and a battery operated radio played Christmas carols. It is good to be still and those four hours gave me opportunity to think about James, chapter 1 and also, to really think about Christmas and what it means. Sara's post was most fitting in explaining it I think. If you've not read it yet, please go to her blog and do so. She gives us her heart through her words, as Deb said, and I wholeheartedly agree.

I am blessed with my blog friends .. some I've known personally for years and others I most likely won't meet til we all get to heaven, but you all mean a great deal to me. You're my safe place to share thoughts and feelings, hopes and fears, joys and laughter. Thank you all for being a part of my life.

This evening is drawing to a close and Lord willing, we shall all see a brand new day in just a few hours. May tomorrow be as meaningful for you as today was. And may each of our tomorrow's bring us closer to the One who was born to be our All in All.

Blessings to you all.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008


Here it is, the day before the day before Christmas, 2008. It's hard to believe this year is almost gone. Time is certainly moving quicker and quicker, or so it seems to me. All in all, this has been a blessed year, challenging at times, but blessed in the midst of those times.

I am still reading in James chapter 1. I've been there for well over a week .. since the laryngitis started as a matter of fact, and that was 11 days ago. I still haven't regained my voice, but my whispering seems stronger and that's a good indication full voice recovery will take place.

In looking back over this time span I can see that I've learned things, important things, that I would not have learned had I been able to speak and carry on with so-called 'normal' daily activities. I've learned the importance of a voice and more importantly, how we use that voice. It can do much good or much harm. It depends on our words and the tone we use when we speak them. I can say "I love you" but if my heart isn't in it, you'll know.

"Count it all joy" has become a daily habit for me now...rather than complain, albeit to myself 'cause who could hear me?, I'll say "I count this all joy" and go on. Being voice-less has given me opportunity to listen, to really listen to what people aren't saying when they talk. We do that you know, say a whole lot with what we're not saying.

In my journal this morning I wrote: "I thank You so much God for these days of having no voice. I would not have learned these precious truths had I been able to speak and carry on with my scheduled plans. Thank You for this blessed interruption of silence and learning. Let me not forget what You have taught me ... make these lessons a part of my being ... weave them into the very fiber of who I am. Any strength I have comes from You. Any giftings I possess come from the Author and Creator of all that is. Let me use them for Your glory and the benefit of others. Use my words to bring life and hope to those who read them. Order my steps and direct my path this day. May I walk closely to You and be quick to obey."

So you see, all is well with my soul and I look forward to tomorrow to see what it may hold. And I'll keep counting, as long as the good Lord gives me breath, I'll keep counting it ALL joy.
Blessings!


Day 16 - The Names of God


VINE......................................John 15:5


WAY........................................John 14:6
WISDOM OF GOD..............................1 Cor. 1:24
WITNESS....................................Isaiah 55:4
WONDERFUL..................................Isaiah 9:6
WORD.......................................John 1:1
WORD OF GOD................................Revelation 19:13

This concludes the Names of God.

I had much help from the Internet and for that I am thankful

Monday, December 22, 2008

Day 15 - The Names of God


TEACHER...................................John 13:13
TRUE LIGHT................................John 1:9
TRUE WITNESS..............................Revelation 3:14
TRUTH.....................................John 14:6

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Day 14 - The Names of God



SAVIOR...................................Luke 2:11
SCEPTER OUT OF ISRAEL....................Numbers 24:17
SEED.....................................Genesis 3:15
SERVANT..................................Isaiah 42:1
SHEPHERD OF OUR SOULS....................1Peter 2:25
SHIELD...................................Genesis 15:1
SON OF DAVID.............................Matthew 1:1
SON OF GOD...............................Matthew 27:54
SON OF MAN...............................Matthew 8:20
SON OF THE MOST HIGH.....................Luke 1:32
SOURCE...................................Hebrews 5:9
SPIRIT OF GOD............................Genesis 1:2
STAR OUT OF JACOB........................Numbers 24:17
STONE....................................1 Peter 2:8
SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.....................Malachi 4:2

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Day 13 - The Names of God


RABBONI (TEACHER)........................John 20:16
RADIANCE OF GOD'S GLORY..................Heb.1:3
REDEEMER.................................Job 19:25
REFINER'S FIRE...........................Malachi 3:2
RESURRECTION.............................John 11:25
RIGHTEOUS ONE............................1 John 2:1
ROCK.....................................1 Cor.10:4
ROOT OF DAVID............................Rev. 22:16
ROSE OF SHARON...........................Song 2:1
RULER OF GOD'S CREATION..................Rev. 3:14
RULER OVER KINGS OF EARTH................Rev 1:5
RULER OVER ISRAEL........................Micah 5:2

Friday, December 19, 2008

Being a Mom is a difficult path to walk some days. A lot of days are that way if we're honest with ourselves. Nothing on this earth can touch your heart and bring tears like a child or grand child who's hurting. It's as though we carry their pain, perhaps more than they do at times.

This has been a heavy-hearted day for me, and counting it as joy has been anything but easy. So I've busied myself ... doing some computer work ... baked some cookies ... made dinner ... and during those times, I've prayed "Lord, please make a way for my son. Please." He was laid off work and has been diligently seeking employment for these past weeks. He called just a few minutes ago to tell me he's been hired at a job he wanted and one he's qualified to do, and he goes Monday to fill out the paperwork. I thank my Father and I offer praise to Him for His mercy and His unending grace .. for His taking into consideration I'm a Mom who would probably lay down my life for one of my 'kids' ... sons, daughters-in-law .. grand girls ... and I fall short of being where I'd like to be in Him. I'd like to see myself as this super-strong woman of faith, but truth be told, there are times, lots & lots of times, when I'm the weeping child seeking her Father's face, and hoping He's not angry because of my lack of faith to trust Him with what matters most to me.

At this moment I am a child who is very thankful and grateful for God's showing Himself mighty to save once again. I am humbled and thankful for each of you who read this and who let me know you're there. You have no earthly idea what your comments mean to me, and I am so thankful that one day, we'll meet face to face, and we'll marvel at God's goodness in bringing us together as sisters in Christ for all eternity.

My voice is still gone by the way and I see that as a blessing this week. There is much I could have said that most likely wouldn't have benefitted the hearers, so I've been quiet and prayed and talked to my Father instead of talking much to any human being. For that, I can and I do count my silence as a joy.

Blessings to each of you. I pray you're all safe and well. Our weather today is cold and we have much snow, with more expected Sunday. How blessed we are to be inside a warm home ... food on our tables ... clothing on our backs ... how blessed indeed.
Day 12 - The Names of God


POTTER...................................Isaiah 64:8
POWER OF GOD.............................1 Cor. 1:24
PRINCE OF PEACE..........................Isaiah 9:6
PROPHET..................................Acts 3:22
PURIFIER.................................Malachi 3:3

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Day 11 - The Names of God



NAZARENE.................................Matthew 2:23


OFFSPRING OF DAVID.......................Revelation 22:16
OMEGA....................................Revelation 22:13
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON........................John 1:18(kjv)
OUR PASSOVER LAMB........................1 Cor. 5:7
OUR PEACE................................Ephesians 2:14

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Day 10 - The Names of God




MAN OF SORROWS.........................Isaiah 53:3
MASTER..................................Luke 5:5
MEDIATOR................................1 Timothy 2:5
MERCIFUL GOD............................Jeremiah 3:12
MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT................Malachi 3:1
MESSIAH................................. John 4:25
MIGHTY GOD...............................Isaiah 9:6
MIGHTY ONE...............................Isaiah 60:16

Tuesday, December 16, 2008


Losing one's voice is interesting. I'm learning that first-hand. My voice is still pretty much non-existent, other than a whisper when I try to speak. I did some Internet research on laryngitis earlier today and found there are numerous causes, and the condition can be serious. Never again will I take this condition lightly. It's not a good thing for anyone to have, and if it goes on long enough, I'll need to see a specialist. You're supposed to 'rest the throat' meaning 'don't answer the phone when it rings, let the answering machine get it if your hubby isn't home' ... and don't try to tell that same hubby what he missed on the news. It'll run again at 11:00 and he can hear it then. In other words, keep your mouth closed ... No Talking. You're also supposed to 'hydrate' yourself. In a woman my age that means, 'drink a lot of fluids and fully expect to be running to the bathroom every time you get comfortable'. And that all means, 'count it all joy'. Be grateful I have a husband who cooks & cares for me and that I'm in a safe home where I can make hot tea with lemon & honey and that I can rest whenever I feel like it. Yes, count it all joy.

What runs through my mind from time to time is my Dad having throat cancer years ago and how he dealt with not being able to speak for awhile. He was blessed that radiation cured it, but he went through great pain and suffering before that happened. We moved him into our home and five days a week for six weeks I drove him to U of M for his appointments and radiation treatments. I sat up with him at night when he had coughed up blood and could barely call my name to help him. I cleaned his face and put a fresh shirt on him and I told him, when he was ready to stop the radiation, that I hadn't brought him to my home to die ... he was going to live and that's all there was to it. And live he did. Thanks be to the good Lord.

At the end of Dad's treatments, as he was going for a final check-up, I went along to see my Dr. at U of M and found out I had pneumonia. All the time spent caring for Dad had set me back a notch and I was one sick puppy for awhile. I ended up in bed for a week and Dad was now well enough to go home to Ohio. I cried when he left, and I was hurt that he would go home while I was now the one in bed! But there wasn't really much he could for me had he stayed. I had my husband and two sons to look after me and in the long-run, I was thankful my Dad was still alive and cancer free.

It's odd the things we think about when we're dealing with health issues, isn't it? It's during these times we can learn so much that we wouldn't learn otherwise....like counting it all joy and meaning it because our Father means good for us, regardless of what we may be going through. He sees the beginning from the end and it's all meant for His glory and our good. He knows the steps I take and He orchestrates our lives into a beautiful symphony that sometimes, only you and He can hear.

Blessings to you all.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Day 9 - The Names of God



LAMB OF GOD...........................John 1:29
LAST ADAM.............................1 Cor. 15:45
LAWGIVER..............................Isaiah 33:22
LEADER................................Isaiah 55:4
LIFE..................................John 14:6
LIGHT OF THE WORLD....................John 8:12
LIKE AN EAGLE.........................Deut. 32:11
LILY OF THE VALLEYS...................Song 2:1
LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH............Revelation 5:5
LIVING STONE..........................1 Peter 2:4
LIVING WATER..........................John 4:10
LORD..................................John 13:13
LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.....................Revelation 15:3
LORD JESUS CHRIST.....................1 Cor. 15:57
LORD OF ALL...........................Acts 10:36
LORD OF GLORY ........................1 Cor. 2:8
LORD OF LORDS.........................1 Tim. 6:15
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS..............Jeremiah 23:6
LOVE.................................1 John 4:8

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Day 8 - The Names of God


KING.................................Zechariah 9:9
KING ETERNAL.........................1 Timothy 1:17
KING OF KINGS........................1 Timothy 6:15
KING OF THE AGES.....................Revelation 15:3

Saturday, December 13, 2008

I have laryngitis ... the worst I've ever had ... I can barely say a word that's understandable, so I've not been talking much today. That's not entirely a bad thing. I went to the dr. yesterday as this throat thing has been going on for a week, just not as severe as yesterday and today is the worst. The asthma has flared up, so I've had to increase breathing treatments (thinkin' of Elek) and was put on a Prednisone dose pack and an antibiotic.

I'm reading in the book of James, chapter 1 ... 'count it all joy when you fall into various trials' and asking myself "is this something to count as joy?" It's definitely another trial, so I guess it would fit in that category. But when I realize who the book of James was written to, tribes of people who had been scattered and would suffer persecution for their faith, my health issues seem minor in comparison. Minor or not, from what I'm reading, I need to count it all joy.

Matthew Henry's commentary on this says:
"Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it."

There is much for me to learn and this is but another lesson for this time in my life. May I be found faithful to truly 'count it all joy' and see what comes from this.

I hope you are all well. My best to each of you.
Day 7 - The Names of God



I AM....................................Exodus 3:14, John 8:58
IMAGE OF GOD............................2 Cor. 4:4
IMAGE OF HIS PERSON.....................Hebrews 1:3 (kjv)
IMMANUEL................................Isaiah 7:14



JEALOUS..............................Exodus 34:14 (kjv)
JEHOVAH..............................Psalm 83:18 (kjv)
JESUS................................Matthew 1:21
JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD................Romans 6:23




JUDGE................................Isaiah 33:22, Acts 10:42
KING.................................Zechariah 9:9
KING ETERNAL.........................1 Timothy 1:17
KING OF KINGS........................1 Timothy 6:15
KING OF THE AGES.....................Revelation 15:3

Friday, December 12, 2008

Day 6 - The Names of God


HEAD OF THE BODY.......................Colossians 1:18
HEAD OF THE CHURCH.....................Ephesians 5:23
HEIR OF ALL THINGS.....................Hebrews 1:2
HIGH PRIEST............................Hebrews 3:1
HIGH PRIEST FOREVER....................Hebrews 6:20
HOLY ONE...............................Acts 2:27
HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL.....................Isaiah 49:7
HOLY SPIRIT............................John 16:26
HOPE...................................Titus 2:13
HORN OF SALVATION......................Luke 1:69

Thursday, December 11, 2008


"It's not too late... the angel said.
Even though the world's a mess...
Even though you're not as young...
Even though you've made mistakes and a few wrong turns
It's not too late...


And then I saw the world through the angels' eyes...
I saw the colors I could paint
The bridges I could build
The lives that I could touch
The dreams that could still come true
And it became very clear to me...
That it's not too late."

Ron Atchison


A special message...
When I don't understand something, I reach up and hold God's hand.
And we walk together in silence.
Ron Atchison
Day 5 - The Names of God



GENTLE WHISPER.........................1 Kings 19:12
GIFT OF GOD............................John 4:10
GLORY OF THE LORD......................Isaiah 40:5
GOD....................................Genesis 1:1
GOD ALMIGHTY...........................Genesis 17:1
GOD OVER ALL...........................Romans 9:5
GOD WHO SEES ME........................Genesis 16:13
GOOD SHEPHERD..........................John 10:11
GREAT HIGH PRIEST......................Hebrews 4:14
GREAT SHEPHERD.........................Hebrews 13:20
GUIDE..................................Psalm 48:14

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Who Started Christmas?

"This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year.... Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all their bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be."

-- Author Unknown
Day 4 - The Names of God


DELIVERER......................Romans 11:26
DESIRED OF ALL NATIONS.............Haggai 2:7
DOOR.........................John 10:7(kjv)

END..............................Revelation 21:6
ETERNAL GOD.....................Deut. 33:27
EVERLASTING FATHER...........Isaiah 9:6


FAITHFUL & TRUE.................Revelation 19:11
FAITHFUL WITNESS...............Revelation 1:5
FATHER.......................Matthew 6:9
FIRSTBORN (3).....................Rom.8:29,Rev.1:5,Col.1:15
FIRSTFRUITS...................1 Cor.15:20-23
FOUNDATION.....................1 Cor. 3:11
FRIEND OF TAX COLLECTORS & SINNERS.....Matthew 11:19

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Day 3 - Precious Names of God


CHIEF SHEPHERD.....................1 Peter 5:4
CHOSEN ONE.........................Isaiah 42:1
CHRIST.............................Matthew 22:42
CHRIST OF GOD......................Luke 9:20
CHRIST THE LORD....................Luke 2:11
CHRIST, SON OF LIVING GOD..........Matthew 16:16
COMFORTER..........................John 14:26(kjv)
COMMANDER..........................Isaiah 55:4
CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL...............Luke 2:25
CONSUMING FIRE......................Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29
CORNERSTONE.........................Isaiah 28:16
COUNSELOR...........................Isaiah 9:6
CREATOR.............................1 Peter 4:19

Monday, December 8, 2008

Please pray for a young lady named Megan ... she's been on drugs and has been in rehab, but things aren't going as well as her parents expected. She also has a 10-month old daughter and her parents are caring for her as well.
Day 2 - The precious Names of God

BEGINNING.........................Revelation 21:6
BLESSED & HOLY RULER..............1 Timothy 6:15
BRANCH............................Jeremiah 33:15
BREAD OF GOD......................John 6:33
BREAD OF LIFE.....................John 6:35
BRIDEGROOM........................Isaiah 62:5
BRIGHT MORNING STAR...............Revelation 22:16

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Beginning today ... the Names of God


ABBA.............................Romans 8:15
ADVOCATE.........................I John 2:1 (kjv)
ALMIGHTY.........................Genesis 17:1
ALPHA............................Revelation 22:13
AMEN.............................Revelation 3:14
ANCIENT OF DAYS..................Daniel 7:9
ANOINTED ONE.....................Psalm 2:2
APOSTLE..........................Hebrews 3:1
ARM OF THE LORD..................Isaiah 53:1
AUTHOR OF LIFE...................Acts 3:15
AUTHOR OF OUR FAITH..............Hebrews 12:2

Saturday, December 6, 2008


"10 Christmas Commandments"


"The following item appeared in a church newsletter and contains some good advice that will help us keep selfishness in check this Christmas:


1. You shall not leave 'Christ' out of Christmas.

2. You shall prepare your soul for Christmas. Spend not so much on gifts that your soul is forgotten.

3. You shall not let Santa Claus replace Christ, thus robbing the day of its spiritual reality.

4. You shall not burden the shop girl, the mailman, and the merchant with complaints and demands.

5. You shall give yourself with your gift. This will increase its value a hundred fold, and the one who receives it shall treasure it forever.

6. You shall not value gifts received by their cost. Even the least expensive may signify love, and that is more priceless than silver and gold.

7. You shall not neglect the needy. Share your blessings with many who will go hungry and cold if you are not generous.

8. You shall not neglect your church. Its services highlight the true meaning of the season.

9. You shall be as a little child. Not until you become in spirit as a little one are you ready to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

10. You shall give your heart to Christ. Let Him be at the top of your Christmas list.


Anyone keeping these commandments is sure to have a blessed Christmas.

Friday, December 5, 2008


"The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun.

These are but streams, but God is the ocean."
- Edwards, Jonathan -

Thursday, December 4, 2008

"Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree."
-Charlotte Carpenter-

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Update on Mort

"Mort passed away at 1:20 today (Wed.) Thank you to everyone who prayed. Thank you, Louise, for posting his prayer request. Thank you for standing side-by-side as prayer warriors. Keep his children in your prayers. They have the task of bringing Mort's body up from Fla. to Ky for the funeral and burial. He did not have insurance so they also have the task of selling his possessions for his burial costs. I'm sure some of you know how hard that can be.
Many thanks, teresa"

Monday, December 1, 2008

An update on our praying for Mort ....

"Emergency prayer needed: Mort's children have been told there is practically no hope that he will be able to recover enough to be able to breathe without the ventilator, so the decision has been made (per his living will) to turn off the breathing machice on this Tues. or Wed. The only hope is that he might begin breathing miraclously on his own without the machine when they turn it off. Please pray that this will happen. Even afterwards, he will have to heal from the pneumonia and his kidneys will have to begin functioning again.
Pray also for his children Lisa, John, and Jack who have traveled down from KY to FL to make these hard decisions during this holiday season... from teresa in Ky"

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Will you please pray with me for my son David? He's going through some very tough times, dealing with things I won't go into in this format. He did go to church with us this morning and said he wants to go back next Sunday. For that I am very thankful. He learned just yesterday that he'll be laid off at the end of this week. Because his work was tied to the auto companies, there's a good possibility his company will close if things don't drastically pick up soon.
I thank each of you for praying for him. May God bless and keep you all.
Louise

Saturday, November 29, 2008


Have you ever thought you've 'cast all your cares on the Lord' and then learned you've not done that at all? That's what I experienced earlier today. We're dealing with some family problems and I thought I had turned it all over to the only One who can fix it. I was working in the kitchen and these words came to me ..."Let Me carry the load". I knew it was the precious voice of my Father and it was then that I realized just how tense I was. I gradually relaxed my shoulders and just stood for a minute, taking those words in.


Have I prayed about the matter? Certainly. Have I believed I've trusted God with it? Yes. But today showed me just how much I was carrying and how unqualified I am to carry much of anything on my own. I had taken the problem and the person into myself, if that makes any sense. I was carrying the problem and didn't know how heavy it was until I let go and allowed myself to relax.


How about you? Are you also carrying something that needs to be released to the Lord? His burden is light and I gladly give up mine for His.


Friday, November 28, 2008

Prayer need

This prayer need came in today, Friday, Nov. 28, from Teresa in Ky ... please join us in praying for this need:

"Pray today as the family of Mort Judy in Fla. as they are faced with a heart-wrenching decision about his health care. He had a motorcycle wreck about 6 months ago, developed a terrible strain of pneumonia in the hospital that required antibiotics that has shut down his kidneys. He has been unresponsive recently. Today his son and daughter are having to re-visit his living will to decide if he wanted to be taken of the machines (ventilator) that are currently keeping him alive despite brain scans showing full brain function. His son is my brother-in-law and is also currently dealing with a possible impending divorce. It's all so heart-breaking. Pray that Mort will regain enough function that there will be hope, that he will be saved before death, that his children will also be saved and their marriages blessed. Evil things have practically destroyed this family and has spread outward. They truly need Our Father's holy touch and love. Many thanks to all who pray, Teresa"

Thursday, November 27, 2008

A Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving to all who read this, especially to all my sisters-in-Christ ...
Trish, Sara, Pat, Mrs. Mac, Deb, Deena, Margie, Amber, Amrita, Jeanette, Carol-Ann, Kelly, and t in Ky. You're a blessing in my life and I love you all.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Please pray for a dear friend Nina. She goes for medical testing on Monday.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Update on Darlene: I talked with her Mom this evening and she said Darlene is doing exceptionally well. She is witnessing to other people and is planning on moving as soon as a money situation is settled.

Would you also please pray for her sister Lisa ... she told her Mom she will go to church with her this Sunday and seems open to what the Bible tells us about salvation.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Some things to think about...


Spend your time in nothing which you know must be repented of. In nothing on which you might not pray for the blessing of God. In nothing which you could not review with a quiet conscience on your dying bed. In nothing which you might not safely and properly be found doing if death should surprise you in the act.
Anonymous


God is down in front. He is in the tomorrows. It is tomorrow that fills men with dread. God is there already. All the tomorrows of our life have to pass Him before they can get to us.
F. B. Meyer


I am His by purchase and I am His by conquest; I am His by donation and I am His by election; I am His by covenant and I am His by marriage; I am wholly His; I am peculiarly His; I am universally His; I am eternally His. Once I was a slave but now I am a son; once I was dead but now I am alive; once I was darkness but now I am light in the Lord; once I was a child of wrath, an heir of hell, but now I am an heir of heaven; once I was Satan's bond-servant but now I am God's freeman; once I was under the spirit of bondage but now I am under the Spirit of adoption that seals up to me the remission of my sins, the justification of my person and the salvation of my soul. ... Thomas Brooks


Breezy, self-confident Christians tell us how wonderful it is to accept Christ and then have a good time all the rest of your life; the Lord won't demand anything of you. Yes, He will, my friend! The Lord will demand everything of you. And when you give it all up to Him, He may bless it and hand it back, but on the other hand He may not. . . . A.W. Tozer

Monday, November 17, 2008

Please pray for these ladies:

Norma - Health problems and going through a divorce.

Darlene - Accepted Christ as her Savior just yesterday, but is living with a man she's not married to and wants to end the relationship. She is dealing with extreme fear and isn't able to sleep. She is the Mom of 3 children and the daughter of a dear friend of mine.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008


I too often forget what this sign says ... I, Louise, am a child of God. I was chosen by the Creator of all that is, to be His own. How blessed, happy, fortunate and to be envied am I by those who don't have this privilege. Not everyone does. I am His not by my choosing Him for He choose me long before I could give voice and say "Yes" to His call. I need to stop frequently and think about these things and then give thanks for His great mercy and grace to me. Not only did He choose me, He granted me a precious, life-changing gift ... the Holy Spirit to live within me. I also need to stop and consider that more often than I do. Each time I place my hand upon my chest I need to remember Who lives inside. I am not my own, I have been bought with a price. The blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God, has paid for me and cleansed me from all unrighteousness and the life that I now life, I live by faith in the Son of God.


"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Gal. 2:20

After some thought and consideration I realized that I am not to be dismayed over the recent election. God is the ultimate reason Mr. Obama will be taking office come January. Daniel 2:21 says, "God changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings." Mr. Obama would not be in this position if God did not warrant it. Amen Lord. Your will be done.


I also must again realize that I am not a citizen of this world. I belong to another, my citizenship rests and resides in a place I've yet to see. However, my having not seen it does nothing to negate the fact that's where I'm going to live one day.


A young man spoke at our church Sunday morning and reminded us that even though the election didn't turn out the way we wanted it to, we are still a blessed nation. As he said, we don't have military tanks roaming our streets and we don't have soldiers coming to drag us from our churches and our homes because we name the name of Christ. Because of these blessings we need to be thankful. We need to lift the Name of Jesus at every occasion. We need to give Him praise and honor in all circumstances. We need to glorify Him with who we are and the gifts He's given us. We need to look up and realize that our redemption does draw near.

As the old hymn says "This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through .. my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue ..." It's time I lived like I believe that.


Monday, November 10, 2008

Please pray for the Dunsmore family. We learned today that their son, James, was killed this morning in an auto accident in Detroit. His Mom, Dean, is a lady many of us know and a woman of faith and prayer. I cannot imagine the pain this family must be going through. According to the news report, James was just 42 and had 3 children. May the God of all comfort be with this family.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Please pray for this prayer need sent in by Trish

"Would you add Geri to your prayer list. She is in Congestive Heart Failure and needs Surgery but they are giving her blood transfusions beforehand. She has already gone through a Kidney transplant some years back.She has suffered a lot. Geri is my Sister Pam's Sister-in-law and is only around 48 years old."

Father in heaven, we come to You on behalf of Geri. You know each and every problem she's dealing with and we ask You Lord to intervene in her life. Allow the congestive heart failure to mend and heal so that surgery can be done. Give her patience, strength and hope. Minister peace and faith to her family as well Lord. Guide the nurses and doctors who care for this woman and each time a blood transfusion is done, remind her of the blood You shed for her and for each of Your children. Cover her with Your mercy. Silence her fears and give her a song to sing as she waits upon You. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

I heard some disturbing news about our new president-elect this afternoon. A local talk radio host, Sean Hannity, was telling us about what is already in the works, even though Mr. Obama hasn't taken office yet.

#1. Certain democrats will push to have any and all talk radio programs that are negative to Mr. Obama taken off the air during his 4-yr tenure as president.

#2. Nancy Pelosi and other democrats are now working out a plan to take all 401K's and IRA's from individuals and put them into a national 'mutual' savings account that will be overseen by the Social Security Administration.

#3. Rohm Emanuel has been picked to be Mr. Obama's Chief of Staff. This man is an extreme left-wing liberal who has a reputation for not-so-nice tactics as his way of getting things done.

#4. People who canvassed for Mr. Obama showed up at his headquarters demanding to be paid for their work. They were each paid with a $30.00 Visa card, not cash or check so the money can't be accounted for.

As Mr. Hannity said ... we will now see who the real Barack Obama is. The teleprompters are turned off, he's won the election and we'll learn soon enough who he really is.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Well, supposedly, 'history has been made' ... the first African-American man has been elected as President of these United (??) States. (Are we united?) My first thought was "he's not african-american, he's bi-racial ... how can he claim to be more of one race than the other? Because the one gives him leverage that the other doesn't in today's world, that's how.

My second & third thoughts go like this: May God have mercy on us and on Obama. His winning this election goes to show us how God-denying and Bibically illiterate the majority of people in this country truly are. His winning shows us where morals lie and what the majority of people believe. A wolf is soon to enter the doors of the oval office; he no longer roams the halls of the white house, he has gained access to the highest office in that building. And who is this wolf? Liberalism at it's most extreme, that's who.

I have a question for you ... Is Obama to be considered an evil man? You be the judge: He condones abortion and leaves those babies who survive this horrendous act to die afterwards. He believes in gay rights and same-sex marriage. In my thinking, only someone without Christ as their Lord can believe in and condone these heinous sins and someone like that has an evil heart. Period. There is no justifying it. You either have Christ in your heart and live accordingly or you don't. There is no gray area.

What does this election mean for Christians? Hopefully that we will pray harder and fast more often and get seriously real about out faith and our witness to the unsaved. Hopefully this will bring us closer to our Lord and King. Hopefully this will wake us to the fact this world is NOT our home...we truly are pilgrims and strangers here. Far too many are far too comfortable with being here. Far too many are anything but Homesick to be with Christ in heaven and the New Earth that is to come.

Indeed, 'change' has come. In ways professing Christians didn't want, but perhaps need, change has come. The election result did not take our Lord by surprise, He's known this is how it would turn out for eons. He's now waiting for us to do what we've been called to do ... bask in His glory and enjoy Him forever ... be salt and light to a soon-ending world ... be about our Father's business while it is day, for night is coming when no man can work ... glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit in all we do, say and think ... yearn for His coming and pray for the salvation of souls.

The Bible clearly instructs us to pray for our leaders and I will do that. They truly need the Lord. I will respect the office of president but at this point in time I cannot respect the man who will sit in that oval office next January. I will have pity on him if he doesn't turn from his sin and lead this country as our God would have him do, for he faces a greater challenge and a much bigger 'change' than he can ever imagine if he doesn't.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Never in my life time have I sensed such an uncertainty about the future of America. I'm sure our parents and grandparents could tell us stories of things they dealt with in their life-time; but this is happening to us now and I'm wondering how our story-line will end. I don't know for sure.

I listened to Focus on the Family earlier today and half their program was devoted to prayer for our country and the coming election. Men of God were asking God to forgive us and to channel the thoughts of voters so that His glory might be seen once again in this country. James Dobson wept as he prayed because over 1 million babies have been killed through abortion. How dare we ask a holy God to accept us and bless us without first asking Him to forgive us the many grievous sins we've allowed to take place? Many of the mega-churches boast of the great numbers in their congregations and yet, many of those seated in church last Sunday will vote for a man and a party that condones abortion, homosexuality and perversion that begs description. How and why can do they that? I can understand the unsaved voting for such things ... but professing Christians? That I will never understand! Never!

We are at a cross-roads in history. We are closer to the end of time than ever before. A friend recently asked me if I felt the Lord was soon coming, and I quickly answered 'Yes! We're closer now than ever before.' But do I act like I believe that? Not usually. I'm too busy with 'my' day and doing what I think is necessary. Oh Father in heaven help me to realize the hour is almost here ... You are knocking at the door and many aren't ready to open it and find Who waits on the other side.

James Dobson & his wife were asking for Christians to take time this coming Sunday to fast and pray for our country and the election. Even if it's just one meal, take that time and use it to seek the Lord. I plan on doing just that. As a matter of fact, God is prompting me to make fasting a regular part of my week. Missing a meal here & there sure won't hurt me.

Another man who prayed today asked God to show us a miracle in this election. I know He can but I don't know if He will unless there is heart-felt repentance on the part of His people. May He give us mercy and not justice because none would be standing if we got what we deserved. I know He is a loving God, but He is also God who hates sin. Oh that we, His people, would hate it as much as we love other things.

I may sound like I'm ranting and perhaps I am, but folks, we are in desperate times and few seem to notice that the ship called America has begun to take on water because there are gaping holes in her foundation. How long before she sinks? This country was founded on Judeo-Christian values and yet we've allowed other countries and their beliefs to overtake our own. In the city of Dearborn, Muslims have the right to broadcast their 'prayers' over loud speakers and they're heard through-out the city. If Christians attempted to do that we would be blasted as being too extreme with our religion.

May God have mercy on us. May His will be done in America and the world as it is in heaven. May He forgive us our sins for they are great. May He lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. May His Name once again be hallowed and kept holy. May His glory be seen over all the earth and may we be ready to welcome His coming.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

I received this in an email this evening and think it's worth posting:

"I know everyone has a different opinion on the war and our current President. But, this article makes a lot of sense; take 2 minutes, read it and give it some thought.

When electing the next President, 'the only decision you have to make is who you want sitting in that seat in the White House when - not if - WHEN we get hit again and millions of American lives are put at risk!' This is from: 'You ain't gonna like losing.' Author unknown.

President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq ... Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII. It is not. Back then, they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders.

Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not or whether the war was going badly or not.

War was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.

Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap, to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining.

You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President. Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. A bunch even enlisted.
Imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance and with prayers for our country and our troops!

Back then, no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear or subjected to interrogation by a woman or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning.

There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets.

No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism. He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve.

It is not the same country. It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorra and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices.

We are in great danger. The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam. It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause... Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits. So... we either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing.

America is not at war. The military is at war. America is at the mall, or watching the movie stars.

(Remember Obama said in his book 'Audacity of Hope', 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction'.....what better place for the Muslins to control our country, than in the office of the President of USA).

Saturday, October 18, 2008

This is a picture of me and my younger brother. I was almost 4 yrs old and he was almost 2 yrs. old. Young & innocent. Not much to be overly concerned about. I trusted most everyone I knew at that age.

When did I lose that ability? You know, the one that allows you to trust most everyone you know? Along life's highway is where it apparently slipped off and fell away. And trust is hard to regain once it's gone. I mean, if you've been on life's highway 61 years, how do you go back and find what you lost ... and can't remember where or when that happened?

I realized this evening that I've been too trusting with people. My husband has told me that for years and I saw it as a virtue. This evening changed that. Oh, trust is indeed a virtue, but it's one that is earned, and not automatically given to just anyone and everyone. It's hard when it's family that has hurt you and twisted the truth and turned it to mean something other than what it is. You take a person's conversation at face value and trust they're telling you facts, when in actuality they're giving you their spin on it instead.

Am I angry? No. Not with them. They're simply who they are and they need to grow and Lord willing, they will. I am saddened however that I can't fully trust what they tell me to be truth. That from here on out I'll be on guard with my speech and will have to take what they say with a grain of salt. I suppose that's something I should be doing anyway with some folks. What's the Bible say ... be wise as serpents but as harmless as doves? I need to learn from that.

Things and people will never fully be what I'd like them to be this side of heaven. Only then will complete honesty rule the day. And until then I'll go on loving these people, praying for them, giving as sound a counsel as I can when asked for it, and trusting the Lord to work in their lives. HE is trustworthy! His word is truth. He cannot lie, and on Him I shall lean all the days of my life.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Prayer Request

Prayer request From Lady in the woods:

Please pray for Chris D.

He is in ICU with fluid-filled lungs. He is not saved. Pray for his salvation and health. He may be, very literally, on his death-bed. This is my ex-brother-in-law and the man who faced our rock fireplace. He and my husband were close when Hubby was young, going fishing and frog-gigging. His son is in his last year of medical school and he has a daughter who is 14.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

We're living in a time unlike any I've seen in my life in TV-Land. There's always a "Breaking News Report" every time the local news comes on. They used to save those for real emergencies. There's more information on so-called movie stars & musicians than necessary. What do I care if Madonna is divorcing whatever his name is? And how does it effect me that Brittany what's her name is doing something new?

And some of the TV shows are pathetic! We have more "Judge"_________ (fill in the name) shows than I care to count. I don't watch those by the way. And then 'talk' shows ... Dr. Phil; Oprah; Bonnie Hunt; Ellen (definitely do not watch her); Rachel Rae cooks & talks; and Montel of course. I don't watch any of these except ole Phil every now & again while I'm waiting for Jeopardy to come on. And that leads us to game shows: Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader;
Wheel of Fortune; Family Feud; The Price is Right; Do You Want To Be A Millionaire? (who doesn't?); Deal or No Deal. There are more but I don't know all their names.

Next we go into the cooking show area ... have mercy. There are too many to keep up with. And we mustn't forget survivor shows and American Idol and America's Got Talent and Nashville Star and Dancing with the Stars and for the love of Pete, tell me you haven't watched Red-Neck Wedding! I was going through channels the other evening and came across the most ridiculous & obscene show ... only to find out it's on most every day and people actually let themselves be made a fool of on television. My Fred told me what it was as I gasped and turned the channel.

And there are entire channels devoted to shopping ... for most anything at any time of day or night. And other channels are devoted to Home Decorating, Selling, Remodeling, etc., etc., etc. (I do watch some of these)

Then there are news shows .... 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, news. Latest, breaking, up to the minute news. I remember when it came on at 6:00 pm for 30 minutes and you were done for the day.

Oh and we mustn't forget Soap Operas. They start in the mornings now and go on until about 3 in the afternoon. And they've become almost pornographic and it amazes me that old women watch them. I know because I know the women who watch and they are old.

And then too there are the religious programs. Most of them irk me so I don't watch them either. Many are nothing more than shysters in new suits. Suits paid for by the gifts and offerings of viewers by the way.

I've ranted enough. It just amazes me that with the supposed intelligence out there, is what we see on much of TV the best they can do? If it is, have mercy!


Please pray for Joann S :

Salvation
Deliverance from fear & smoking
Healing of the grief of losing her sister a year ago

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Questions for my friends:

1. What book(s) are you reading?
2. Who are your favorite authors?
3. What book of the Bible speaks to you right now?
4. If you had all the money you wanted and only had one day
to spend it, what would that day be like?
Answers I've received:

Ladyfromthewoods said...
Hi, Louise!
(1) I'm reading "Born Amish" and the books of Leviticus and Luke.
(2) My favorite authors are C. S. Lewis and Janice Holt Giles.
(3) I'm not sure as all the books seem to hold such treasures for me.
(4) Hmmm...I suppose I would actually spend the whole day at home to coordinate my spending. First I would pay off our mortgage so my sweet Hubby would not have that burden and could concentrate on other things. The rest of the day would be spent on the computer, giving to every charity I could think of, giving to those who have a great need, and supporting the ministries of those who help the helpless and lost. I might also splurge for all our future homeschooling books, books I'd like to have in our library, plants and chickens. lol.

Trish said...
1. I am reading the bible...haven't had time for anyhting else.
2. My favoite authoes are...Eugenia Price, Conrad Richter, Janette Oke and phillip Gulley.
3. Right now Matthew chapters 5 and 6...their words written in RED!
4. That day would be like every other day, caring for the Grandbabies and making sure that my family is taken care of...that they have all that they need. (not want)

Sara said...
1. Just finished "Loving Frank" and "The Shack"
2. Laura Ingalls Wilder, James Herriot, C.S. Lewis, Phillip Gulley
3. Joshua.
4. Homes for my family, college for my kids and then???? there's so much need I'm sure the day would be too fast to think of it all.

Amrita said...
i. Several books, mainly a devotional by Dr Martyn Llyod Jones and My family and other Animals by Gerald Durrel
2 Fav. authors, difficult to compile a list.
Corrie Ten Boom; Martyn Llyod Jones; Francis Scheaffer; CS Lewis; Elizabeth Elliot; Max Lucado; Phillip Yancey
3. Collosians
4.For my family and church and for sick people who cannot afford treatment.

Deb said...
1. 23 Minutes in Hell by Bill Wiese
2. Karen Kingbury, C.S. Lewis, John Grisham
3. Hosea
4. In the morning I'd pay off my mortgage and bills and those of all my family and friends. Then I'd give money to everyone that I knew - as much as they needed. In the afternoon I would lie in a hammock and drink a glass of sweet tea while listening to praise music and reading a favorite book!

Louise said....
1. Bold Purpose by Dan Allender & Tremper Longman III
2. Randy Alcorn; John Piper; Elisabeth Eliot; Martyn Lloyd Jones; Steve Estes; Karen Kingsbury; Phillip Keller and others!
3. I & II Peter
4. One day & all the money I wanted: Give to our church; Pay off our children's mortgages; Put away money for grand-girls college funds; Give to missionaries; Give to the persecuted church through VOM; Pay off our car; Give money to homeless shelters & food banks; Provide medical care for anyone in need; Go to a local restaurant and pay for everyone's lunch/dinner for that day with the condition they accept and read a gospel tract telling of the love of Christ; Go to a local grocery store and seek those who seem to need help the most, then pay for their groceries for a month; Give money to family members who are in need. Give, give, give!

Margie
said...
1) Believing God by Beth Moore
2) Linda Howard
3) Today it's Matthew
4) Since I've really been thinking about storing for the winter... I would pay off our trip to Austria, then pay off the house, store up food for the winter, buy a car for Phyllis, purchase a new furnace and roof for the garage.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Please say a prayer for two friends:

Melissa: Wearing a heart monitor and has been told she'll need a pace maker.
Her heart is beating 4 beats, then 'sticking' and missing a beat. She's very fatigued, must work a full time job and help her siblings care for their Mom.

Louie: Had a rib removed due to lung cancer 7 yrs ago. During the procedure nerves were cut and he's not experiencing severe pain. Morphine isn't helping and he sees another pain specialist next week. He's been told a procedure can be done that will freeze that area's nerves, but the risk involved is that it could also freeze all the nerves on that side of his body.

Sunday, October 5, 2008


We don't have to be afraid ... of anything. The Creator of heaven and earth has chosen us to be His children. He cares for us. He knew us before we were born. If we are in Christ, He is our God and we are His people ... we don't have to be afraid. He gives comfort and hope and faith and love and joy and peace. He holds us as securely this day as He will every day to come. He alone is Awesome. That word fits nothing and no one else. I don't use that word lightly any longer for it describes my Lord and my Savior.

He is mighty to save. He holds us in the palm of His hand and nothing can really harm us. We can look forward to tomorrow because He is already there.

He is good! He is gracious! He is merciful and long-suffering! He desires that none perish but that all come to faith! His will is perfect because He is perfection. He IS and He always will be. He doesn't need us to do anything for Him ... but He receives glory when we desire to serve Him and love Him and when we take delight in who He is. He receives glory when we are obedient to His Word and when we delight to do His will. He has pulled us from the deepest pit to make us His own and I think it's His love that woos us into submission. And who can resist a love like His?

He IS LORD! To the glory of the Father, HE IS LORD and there is none other worthy to be called Lamb of God. Prince of Peace. Mighty God. Lion of Judah. Redeemer. Counselor. Shepherd. Everlasting God. Faithful and True. I AM THAT I AM. Jealous. Father. Abba Father!

May His perfect will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May His Name be kept hallowed and holy. May He give us (and He will) this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And Father, deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the power and the glory and the kingdom forever and ever and ever.

You are worthy Great Jehovah
You are worthy Mighty God
You are worthy Abba Father
You are worthy Lamb of God
This is my prayer for you this Sunday morning:

1Pe 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5
who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Pe 1:6
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
1Pe 1:7
so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1Pe 1:8
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,
1Pe 1:9
obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1Pe 1:10
Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,
1Pe 1:11
inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.
1Pe 1:12
It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
1Pe 1:13
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1Pe 1:14
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,
1Pe 1:15
but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,
1Pe 1:16
since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
1Pe 1:17
And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,
1Pe 1:18
knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,
1Pe 1:19
but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
1Pe 1:20
He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake,
1Pe 1:21
who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
1Pe 1:22
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart,
1Pe 1:23
since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;
1Pe 1:24
for
“All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.The grass withers,and the flower falls,
1Pe 1:25
“but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Friday, October 3, 2008

I found myself thinking along these lines this morning ... how much time do I spend in complaining about something or someone? Too much is the answer. And what good end is served by my complaining? None.

So, rather than complain about something or someone, what if I took that same breath and that same amount of time and began to give thanks in all things? What if, rather than talk about someone, I lifted that person to the Lord and asked Him to minister to them and meet their needs? Even if I don't especially care for them?

What changes might I see in people if I prayed for them rather than criticized them or talked about them? What changes might there be in me if I were to make these changes?

I'm not sure how it will all work out, but the precious Lord willing, I am out to change this aspect of who I am. I want to be all God desires me to be and that means growing up and letting go of my negative thoughts and speech patterns. It means taking the time to think about what's running rampant through my brain and then consciously 'take every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ'. (II Cor. 10:5)

It means thinking Biblically before I speak, because our Father takes our speech seriously. He says in Matt. 12:36-37 that we will give an account of every idle word. That truth gives me serious cause to be quiet far more than I am.

I've heard that it takes 21 days to break a habit. Day one is almost over, and with the help of my Lord, I will change, for His glory, I will change.