Can you touch Him?

Can you touch Him? Just how close are you to the Lord... can you reach out and touch Him? Is he close enough?

If you reached for your own heart, where the Holy Spirit lives - good for you! If you didn't, where do you think He is?

The answers to our problems, concerns, worries are just a prayer away. Your prayers will be heard and answered. You might not like the answer initially, but He is working in all our lives to bring His vision to fruition.

He is all, He knows all, and He made all. It is enough!


Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. ~ Proverbs 4:23, NLT

Thirsty?

Pouring my heart out, getting filled again, rinse and repeat :)

I'm still feeling that I'm in a holding pattern, which really IS ok. I prefer this to the turmult my life has been for a good long while, maybe thats it... I'm just not used to everything being OK. It seems a good place to be for this winter season. It was 32 degrees this morning!!!

Maybe this is what resting in the Lord means... just taking each day, and seeing how it plays out. Again, just not somewhere I'm used to being... it feels like the calm between storms, and that might be true also.

I'm listening to a book about exuberance, thinking about what things bring me joy and I really do feel blessed and joyful a lot - believe it or not.

Just another wacky chapter in my crazy life!

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. ~ Psalm 62:8, NLT

Calm in the storm

WOW, what a storm lately... nothing huge, just life happening, getting in the way of feeling any accomplishment in any area of my life. Whoosh and time and opportunity are just gone!

Christmas is just around the corner, and while some things are set, ready or planned, so many things aren't... including my heart.

While I'm Waiting -

I'm waiting I'm waiting on You, Lord And I am hopeful I'm waiting on You, Lord Though it is painful But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident Taking every step in obedience While I'm waiting I will serve You While I'm waiting I will worship While I'm waiting I will not faint I'll be running the race Even while I wait

I'm waiting I'm waiting on You, Lord And I am peaceful I'm waiting on You, Lord Though it's not easy But faithfully, I will wait Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting I will serve You while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting I will serve You while I'm waiting I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord


Be still, and know that I am God! ~ Psalm 46:10, NLT

More than just rings

Passages from The Love Dare
Receive this as a warning. This forty day journey cannot be taken lightly.

It is a challening and often difficult process, but an incredibly fulfilling one. To take this dare requires a resolute mind and a steadfast determination.

It is not meant to be sampled or briefly tested, and those who quit early will forfeit the greatest benefits. If you will commit to a day at a time for forty days, the results could change your life and your marriage.

Consider it a dare, from others who have done it before you.

God designed and created marriage as a good thing. It is a beautiful, priceless gift. He uses marriage to help us eliminate loneliness, multiply our effectiveness, establish families, raise children, enjoy life and bless us with relational intimacy. But beyond this, marriage also shows us our need to grow and deal with our own issues and self-centeredness through the help of a lifelong partner. If we are teachable, we will learn to do the one thing that is most important to marriage - to love. This powerful union provides the path for you to learn how to love another imperfect person unconditionally. It is wonderful. It is difficult. It is life changing.

If you accept this dare, you must take the view that instead of following your heart, you are choosing to lead it. THe world says follow your heart, but if you are not leading it, then someone or something else is.

We dare you to think differently - choosing instead to lead your heard toward that which is best in the long run. This is a key to lasting, fulfilling relationships.


"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence." ~ 2 Peter 1:3, NLT

A dream fulfilled?

I'm waiting and working to see a dream fulfilled. It's a painful and inward journey that I've begun. I have a plan and somedays it works better than others.

My deferred hope is making my heart sick, has made my heart sick, and I fight everyday to heal my sick heart. My heart is more than broken, and I don't know that it will ever be healed. My faith wanes from day to day, but deep down I do know that I am chosen, loved and important to Him, even if to no one else.

I am re-learning, or maybe I never knew how... to love. Love is so many things, and isn't so many others. Love is patient and kind, but many times I am not patient or kind... so much to learn!

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." ~ Proverbs 13:12, NLT

How does He see us?

Yes, godseyes! How does God see us? How does He view the election results? How pleased or displeased is He with our acts of "free will" that we exercised yesterday? How does it all look to Him?

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." ~ 1 Samuel 16:7, NLT

Election Day Stress

Oh my... What a stressful day... and we might not, should not, probably won't really even KNOW anything today! I pray for not only the right people, in God's eyes, to be elected but for a "clean" election. That the people may accept the voting as tallied and it doesn't turn into a big ugly scene.

I've heard stories today about the uglyness of "Christians" claiming to be speaking God's truth in a very unholy manner, putting a bad taint to the rest of us. Sinners we all are. We all get passionate and can sometimes cross that "line" of decency that should be something that we don't do.

Issues that seem so clear in the theoretical can be so hard to figure out in the real here and now. How do we preserve God's word and yet allow people to love one another. Just one of the hard questions, on many ballots today.


The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. ~ John 10:10, NLT

Patience Pays Off

I don't know about you, but I wasn't patient enough to stand in line to get all the patience this life requires, but, I am striving for more everyday, and sometimes I can see the fruits of my hard-earned patience.

Take today for instance... DH actually did what I recommended! A small feat or a large one, you decide :) Maybe there is hope for our marriage and our future. I can take it one small step at a time, at least most days ;) [see, told you I wasn't very patient!]

I'm reading "My Husband, My Maker" by Sharon Ries maybe its all sinking in??? who knows?!?! but I am thankful!

633219753 and so on :)

Prayer from email (I'm not forwarding, but left the forwarding instructions - God is far more powerful than any forward, instructions followed or not). Enjoy!

You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good things happen when you least expect them to!

Change the number in the subject box when you forward it by adding one!!!

Dear Lord,

I thank You for this day, I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning.

I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God.

You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me.

Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.I ask now for Your forgiveness.

Please keep me safe from all danger and harm.

Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude.

Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You.

Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And give me the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart..

Continue to use me to do Your will.

Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.

Keep me strong that I may help the weak...

Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.

I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way.

I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood.

I pray for those who don't know You intimately.

I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it with others

I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank You that I believe that God changes people and God changes things.

I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes; that they are out of debt and all their needs are met.

I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God.

Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it in Jesus' name.

Amen!


If you prayed this prayer, change the number in the subject box before forwarding the message so people can see how many other people have done so. God Bless!

Just repeat this phrase and see how God moves!!
God I love you and I need you, come into my heart, please.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." ~Proverbs 29:25

Automobile Adversity

Grrr, if it isn't one thing, its another. Aug 27th I was rear-ended, which caused my car to be "totalled" and it also caused whiplash. Today, hubby's car was STOLEN, in broad daylight in a public parking lot in San Francisco. Hmph.

Just like my accident, there isn't much that can be done about a random theft, but good golly, it is SO frustrating. I'm so glad that I am storing treasures up in Heaven instead of here in this temporary world. All these things are just things, tools to help us get things done here, ways to get to work, and whatever else.

There is no promise of no storms in life, but instead a calm voice in the storm, a strong hand to hold, a Father who listens and gives us strength.



"... Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ... And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love."~ Romans 8:35, 38, NLT

Scars are like tattoos but with better stories

I was thinking about our scars, the visible, the invisible and the never shown ones on the inside. They remind us of our pain, the road map of our lives. The reason we are where we are today.

Where would we be without this one or that one? Only God knows. He made us, He chose us, He loves us and He seeks us. You and me!




He knows the scars of His Son. The most amazing scars, the scars that were suffered to save us all. A precious gift wrapped in such pain, how can we even imagine. The gift He gave so that we can all choose eternal life.

What do we have to lose? Well, everything! So make that choice today! If you aren't sure, think of it this way... if you choose Jesus, and you're wrong, you haven't lost a thing. You've gained a life well-lived with morals and forgiveness. If you choose Jesus and you're right, imagine what you've gained! What a precious gift!





"But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin." ~ 1 John 1:7, NLT

Return to Sender - address KNOWN

I woke up today with Elvis' Return to Sender on my mind. Odd huh? Well not for me, but here is the message I got from the thoughts running thru my heart and mind this morning.

We will be returned to our sender, when we leave this temporary world we live in. We will go to an address known by our maker and brought to fruition from our choices here in this life. Whether that be Heaven or Hell.

We have a choice to accept the gift that has been freely given to us by the blood of Jesus. We have the opportunity to be cleansed of our sins. We have a loving Father who welcomes us to his throne anytime of day or night. We have a friend in Him!

Do you know your ultimate forwarding address? I do and I can't wait to see it ALL, from the pearly gates to the friends and relatives there already.



"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." ~ John 3:16, NLT

You Have Our Attention, Lord

Thought I'd share this on my blog. Thanks Max!

You Have Our Attention, Lord
A prayer by Max Lucado - October 2008

Our friends lost their house
The co-worker lost her job
The couple next door lost their retirement
It seems that everyone is losing their footing

This scares us. This bailout with billions.
These rumblings of depression.
These headlines: ominous, thunderous -
“Going Broke!” “Going Down!” “Going Under!” “What's Next?”

What is next?

We’re listening. And we’re admitting: You were right.

You told us this would happen.
You shot straight about loving stuff and worshipping money.
Greed will break your heart, You warned.
Money will love you and leave you.
Don’t put your hope in riches that are so uncertain.

You were right. Money is a fickle lover and we just got dumped.

We were wrong to spend what we didn’t have.
Wrong to neglect prayer and ignore the poor.
Wrong to think we ever earned a dime. We didn’t. You gave it. And now, tell us Father, are You taking it?

We’re listening. And we’re praying.
Could you make something good out of this mess?

Of course You can. You always have.
You led slaves out of slavery,
Built temples out of ruins,
Turned stormy waves into a glassy pond and water into sweet wine.
This disorder awaits your order. So do we.

Through Christ,
Amen

God will always give what is right to His people who cry to Him night and day, and He will not be slow to answer them. (Luke 18:7 NCV)

Everything we need!

Do you have everything you need? Do you feel like you have everything you need? Wow, what questions!!!

In these tough economic times, and we have yet to see the worst of it, I don't often feel like I have everything I need, or maybe its that the world has gotten to me, and confused my needs with my wants.

So what do we need? To know that I am loved, friends, a warm place to lay my head, food, and a way to earn income to pay for all of that. That's about it. So I really do have what I need... boy, the want list sure is longer... and longer the more we have, the more we want.

So where do you stand? Do you have all you need? Is it enough? How would you know?

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence." ~ 2 Peter 1:3, NLT

Sleeping in Peace

Good sleep is so important for all of us. I relearned that just the other night when I could NOT sleep! The reasons that evening seemed endless: post-party and pre-work adrenaline, the noisy house due to two boys staying up all night on the wii & xbox, and hubby getting up at 3:50am to get to work by 5am.

I haven't yet caught up on that lost sleep and maybe we just can't really do that in or human bodies and minds. Why is it so hard to turn off the world, know that we are safe and sleep well? I need to learn to calm myself, my inner self as well... and trust that I am allowed to relax and sleep, without the need for sleep meds or other means.

He has given us a means of refreshing and we just need to take it. Allow me to rely on you Lord and know that you alone will guide my steps. Remind me of these things during these ordinary hard times... remind me to pray, trust, love and encourage more than I criticize, whine and count on my own strength in these daily things.

"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." ~ Psalm 4:8, NLT

Fall is falling

I can't believe its already October! The 3rd even! Where has the year gone?!?!

My baby turns 18 on Sunday! 18 years have just FLOWN by!

I'm not ready! I'm not worthy! I'm not prepared! but... each day I get more ready, more worthy and more prepared with God's help. I am His daughter and I am a work in progress. Aren't you?

Can you tell I'm feeling hopeful even while I am trying to cope with realities of this world... times have been tough, but there have been some very bright moments lately, and I'm realizing I can rise to these challenges and come out stronger. Amen!


"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes." ~ Ephesians 1:4, NLT

Hallelulah!

Wahoo! Hubby just got a job! Our timing is not His. He starts tomorrow and might be off to Vegas for training as soon as next week! Thank you Lord!

I have been praying for the right job. This job is many cities away, but at least in an area he knows - both geographically and mechanically. He is very excited! I can't wait to hear more about it.


How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. ~ Psalm 36:7, NLT

Living in the Light

Living in the light of friendship sure is easier than living in the darkness without friends. Praise the Lord for giving us such an example by His life on this earth in the body of Jesus.

I need my friends, no matter how much or little I see them, whether they be virtual or 3D in my life. I rely on them to help prop me up on blue days and in return I do the same for them.

I learn so much from my friends, they encourage me to expand and grow in every way possible. We share ideas, projects, inspiration, and so much more, I can't even put into words.

I look forward to their questions, their struggles, their hardships, as they help me realize I'm not on this planet alone... but we are all intertwined in so many complex ways.

Thanks friends for just being there for me, and I hope I can be there for you in more ways than you can ever dream!

"But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin." ~ 1 John 1:7, NLT

Perception vs. Reality

How is your perception today? How is your reality? Do they differ? Why? How does that serve you?

We have a choice, we can just grunt thru our chores or we can be blessed by them. I realized this as I was cleaning out the fridge last night. Hubby and I were supposed to do it together, but he conveniently disappeared when the fridge door was opened. So I started to get pissy, figured OK, I'll clean out the UFOs and he can clean all the related moldy dishes... FINE, be that way!

Then he reappeared and started doing other kitchen works that needed to be done as well... so I pressed on with the cleaning and then did all the dishes, praying the whole time for wisdom and the ability to continue to bite my tongue! Shortly, very shortly actually, I was done... VIOLA! done... a big job and it was done in the blink of an eye, without any yelling or starting a big fight! Praise the Lord for clean dishes, and I guess dirty ones too :)

So next time you face a chore that you despise or have issues with, just buck up and get 'er done... you'll be a better person for having taken it on.

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." ~ Galatians 6:9, NLT

Operation: Worship

Dear Hero,

Thank you for your service to our country. You and your fellow soldiers are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We are free because of citizens like you that choose to put yourselves in harms way to defend our rights and freedoms.

We pray for peace also and want you all to come home soon. We support you and will welcome you home with open arms and hold you in high esteem for the work you’ve done for all of us.

On September 11th we will mourn those lost and celebrate our freedom during a Freedom Walk in Antioch, CA - as well as many other locations in the country, as coordinated by America Supports You. There are so many troop support organizations, the country has really realized that your efforts need to be recognized and acknowledged.

We are the majority, but the minority voice is very loud, please try not to listen to them, know that there are many quiet supporters of the troops, even if we don’t all support the war.
All things are done for the greater good, even if we don’t understand that as we make our choices, work our jobs, and live our lives. There are no accidents. God is in control.

Remember we love you and anxiously await your return home.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. ~Matthew 6:33

Sufficient

Thought you might enjoy the lyrics, even if you don't know the tune. I just melt whenever I hear this song. Thanks Megan :) you sing it so well.

Sufficient

Hear my heart lord as I cry out to you

Hear my prayer lord and carry me thru

In your mercy in the promise you made

Be my strength Lord when my strength fades away
‘Cause when I am weak your strength is complete

It's perfect Completely all I need

Sufficient for me

Your grace and peace are perfect

Completely all I need

You're all that I need

In my weakness I'm finding your strength

In my sorrow a gentle embrace

Through the seasons of laughter or pain

You are listening When I call out your name

‘Cause when I am weak your strength is complete

It's perfect Completely all I need

Sufficient for me Your grace and peace are perfect

Completely all I need

You're all that I need

I'll find you when I seek

I'll look for you with all of my heart

And I’ll find you when I'm weak

‘cause you are strong

Hear my heart lord as I cry out to you

Hear my prayer lord and carry my through

Carry me through

‘Cause when I am weak your strength is complete

It's perfect Completely all I need

Sufficient for me

Your grace and peace are perfect

Completely all I need

You're all that I need

‘Cause when I am weak your strength is complete

It's perfect Completely all I need

Sufficient for me Your grace and peace are perfect

Completely all I need

You're all that I need

"By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life..." ~ 2 Peter 1:3, NLT

Ahhh... I need a vacation!

I woke up this morning, one week to the day of my rear-ender accident that totaled my car, and realized that I need a vacation! I want a break from the day to day stresses: the get up, get dressed, go to work, yadda yadda.

But for now, it just isn't in the cards - sure I can take a day off work and try to disappear for a day and it would help my mental health - but I don't even feel like making that effort to possibly feel better :(

I think I need a break from the mundane, but I'm not sure that exists! Or maybe its the chaos that I need a break from. Our lives have been just crazy lately... one thing after another - just piling up the stress on my head and my whiplashed neck and back :( so maybe thats why it seems to hurt worse now. That's it!

I know it will help me, and hubby, when he is able to find a job. Being unemployed really sucks the life out of you and your family, as well as the obvious fiscal implications :(

OK, enough of this wanna-be-on-vacation pity party... I need to get back to a peaceful place in my heart and trust in the Lord to keep me safe. Hey, and you too!


"In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe." ~ Psalm 4:8, NLT