The Loose Tooth

We all have to loose our teeth. God used this normal event in each of our lives to teach me something about His "normal" event of growing up. Graciously, instead of a 2x4 in the noggin, God has been giving me a heads-up when there's something I need to especially pay attention to...and last night was another one of those times. ( I was joking with a friend this morning, sometimes it is with a 2x4, and other times it is just a 1x3! haha~ Thankful for the times it is a whisper!!!!!)

My 5yr old daughter, who has not lost her first tooth yet asks me, "Mom? How does your teeth come out?" Followed by, "Can you still talk when you loose all of them?" I heard the small whisper from the Holy Spirit telling me to listen to myself...I thought, okay...what could possibly be for me here?! So, I did. I just finished the conversation without hesitation of pre-occupation of what I was saying and had what was a normal conversation about loosing our teeth.

God gives you all your teeth, these are your Baby Teeth and the Adult Teeth are waiting to come out. You already have them. You will loose one at a time.Once the Adult Tooth is ready, it begins to put pressure onto the Baby Tooth that it will take it's place. Your gums will be swollen, sore and you will feel uncomfortable for a short while, then as the Adult Tooth moves in, the Baby Tooth loosens and wiggles it way gradually out of it's hold. Sometimes it simply falls out while other times it hangs on a tiny vein and must be firmly removed. If the Baby Tooth won't wiggle through, it may have to be forced out (extracted.)

We Googled a diagram x-ray of the jaws so she could see the whole picture. Half way through talking about this normal, regular, common conversation, I got it. This was for me too. It amazes me how creative God is~again~with His illustrations! So often the physical is a training for our spiritual. I find this to be true with me anyway. 

Here is what God said to me. "I will give you everything you need. You already have what you need. I will not give you more than you can bear. When the "new growth" is emerging, it will take time. It is a process. It very well may be uncomfortable, possibly painful, but remember this too shall pass. It is temporary pain for a eternal goal. The "old" will slowly move out, be patient and don't rush it by attempting to yank it out too soon for that will make the healing process longer. Now, it may be necessary for Me to remove a stronghold quickly,  I have the authority, in my perfect timing to immediately remove it. It willl be for the better. Trust my timing. All your baby roots will be replaced slowly, orderly by more mature and stronger roots. Don't be afraid to loose your teeth. I am in control. I have everything you need, relax and trust me."

 Dear God,



As You reveal areas within me that need to be uprooted, help me to stand on Your promises that You will never give me more than I can bear, You will never leave me or forsake me, all things work for the good and our momentary sufferings/trials are for Your eternal glory. Lord, may my thoughts be Yours. Jesus, my Rescuer, I cling to You with trusting and yet trembling hands. I trust You to lead me in paths of righteousness. Your love is more than I can comprehend or imagine. Help me to receive...receive not only Your rescue, Your help, Your grace, but Your love.


Thank You Father God for loving me beyond what I deserve. Thank You for the tangible glimpes of Your love for me through friends. What a gift, an undeserving gift~ to be loved just as you are, without judgement, fear or obligation. This is how You love me. Help me receive and accept the fact that this kind of love is real and available for even me. This kind of love is rare. Forgive my unbelief. GIve me courage to believe, to trust, to receive.


Thank You Lord God for Your faithfulness to do what You say You can and will do. Thank You for Your unconditional Love, Your Light that leads and Your grace that sustains me. I love You!!!! I praise Your name and no other. You are everything I want. You are all that I need. I surrender. Refine me. Cleanse me. In Jesus' sweet and beautiful name, amen.

I Want the Unwanted

Meet "The Girls"

This is Princess (left) and Bow (right).



Almost 2 weeks ago, these sweet little abandon girls made their way into our family. Unfortunatly, we are not able to keep them. Our 9 year old Beagle has been pretty patient with them but I think she is ready for her space back.

These puppies were about 9 weeks old when we found them wondering the streets. I am an animal lover and cannot just casually walk by a hurting animal. Just cannot do it. I have rescued several dogs before (even a bird...oh and a clan of baby Wood Ducks!) With all the previous resuces I have been able to get them to a rescue agency or their owner within 2 days. Not so this time. The vet believes they are a lab/pit mix so they were probably dumped.

Here I was thinking I was helping these sweet, grateful sisters out but actually, they have helped me and my family. God has used this rescue to teach me about rescue and relationship. I could go on and on, but I am going to attempt to simply express the many ways God has touched me through these sisters.

A cord of three is stronger and not easily broken. Had these girls seperated from eachother, they would not have been able to help eachother. It's so cute to see them cuddle up on the blanket intertwined, keeping warm, and probably feeling safe.

There is no comfort when you are alone. If you lead an isolated, closed off life, it will be hard to receive comfort in your time of need because you have created a barrier no one can cross into. We need eachother's encouragement and comfort. Also, God is our comfort and if we turn to Him He is faithful to rescue & redeem.

When the world spits you out for who you are, remember God loves you unconditionally and accepts you completely.

With a real, genuine Sister, you can relax and rest in their fellowship, knowing you have someone to cuddle with when it gets cold and dark outside.

You don't have to be something you are not with your Sister. Inside you are the same spirit. Learn to look at the heart and don't judge something from the outside.

You cannot just go around pooping and peeing wherever you wish. Respect for others...have self-control in word and deed.

Patience~young hearts do not yet have wisdom of mature hearts.

It is such a blessing to give. I also see the joy on the one receiving.

Your accepting help can make the difference between life and death.

Helping others often requires sacrifice on our part.

Be so full of joy and thankfulness that you cannot help but jump!

I could go and on, but I won't. There is so much I have learned. In summary, I have been reminded how much God loves me and wants me to trust and rest in His protection and provision. I recognize the blessing and importance of helping others in their time of need. On the flip side, I also realize the importance of receiving help when in need. My life may depend upon it.

Just as I took the puppies to the vet to be evaluated and see what help they needed, so also must I submit my heart, soul and mind to God and ask Him to help me, cleanse me, grow me. Our God is so patient. I think most of us live a greater part of our life like a puppy~ no self-control, chewing everything up, laying waste wherever we please without care of it's effects, doing as we please. I wonder if God ever wonders When will she get it? Isn't she paying attemtion to my trainings?

Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit.
I Thess 5:16-19
God, thank You for rescuing me and providing for my every need. Because of You, I have life. Lord God, forgive my immature behavior, clean my heart and soul. Give me courage to not only love others but to receive love from others. Thank You for the gift of friendship which keeps us warm in heart and spirit. Your sacrifice for me is so great, God help me to live a life worthy and pleasing of Your gift to me. May my spirit continue to jump for joy in thanksgiving for all that You have done and been for me. With abandoned self, rescued by You, amen.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Praying a sweet blessing of prosperity over you girls! I will miss you greatly!!!

Bicycle Lessons

Today, I decided to go on a bike ride instead of going to the gym. We have gone as a family plenty of times but it has been a while! In hind-sight, with the strong winds today, the resistance was probably a bit much for to undertake. I shamfully admit that I have only been to the gym maybe once in the past month. I am out of condition to say the least! Last year, my Cardiologist even told me, "You need to work out 5-6 times a week to get your heart in shape." Well, I did good for several months making it 3-4 times a week, but then school began and I have not found my routine, still!

Anyhoo, the weather is gorgeous here in Houston, so I loaded up my 3yr old (42lbs) into the bike trailer (40lbs), aired up the tires and headed out. The path leads us across the lake and through some nicely wooded paths. Once we make it to the other side, we stop for water and turtle watching and head back towards the house with one quick stop at a local playground.

Everything was going pretty good until I got to the bridge to cross the lake. My heart was pounding and the resistance of the wind was causing me to really push hard. Wisdom told me to crouch down on the handle bars. It helped to bow down. It was easier to make it across without the resistance. We finally made it to the other side and took our water and turtle break only to find ourselves walking through a big patch of burrs. Those are evil little prickles and they really hurt to remove! OUCH! We soon returned to the bike and made the journey back.

I thought since the wind was against us going there, it would be pushing us along on the way back....nope! Somehow it was against me BOTH directions. Can't explain it. By the time I made it back to the playground I thought I was about to die. My heart was paliptating (aka freaking out) and my chest was tight. It was then that I thought, "Hmmm, maybe next time I will check the wind speeds!" I did notice some really beautiful flowers and berries on the ride back as I attempted to distract myself.

I called my husband just in case I actually did pass out. I wasn't sure for the first 15 minutes or so, yikes! Needless to say, I won't be doing any marathons any time soon! haha

I learned some lessons about life today:

* You never know until you try.
* When resistance comes, it is easier to get where you are going if you bow down instead of chest puffed up.
* Resistence comes when you least expect it and it can come from any direction.
* When you feel like giving up, gird up courage and don't stop. Be persistant, show loyalty. Be strong.
* Life is not always easy. There will be unexpected, painful moments that must be dealt with one at a time.
* Also true, expect the unexpected...you can find beauty in the midst of the ordinary.
* If you need help, get it!

Yes, I made it home, thank God!! I am glad for today. Even though it was exhausting and a bit frightening at the end, it was well worth the journey. I exercised both my physical muscles and my spiritual muscles of courage, endurance, faith, hope, rest and strength. It was a good work out!

In the Shadow of a Tree

This morning as I was driving my son to his little pre-k, I began to take notice of every shadow each tree made. Knowing how God likes to use visuals with me, I immediately asked God, "Yes??" What He revealed to me as I passed hundreds of trees on my drive I am not even sure I can write in words but I would like to share it with you, so I will do my best...

Each tree casts it's own shadow. It is simple: The small skinny tree casts a tiny, scantily shadow; whereas the large oak tree casts a massive and very dense shadow. Unfortunately, our property lost 2 of the 4 of it's mighty trees over the past few years with the last one taken down just a few months ago. THAT tree was the hardest to loose because it was the only tree in our front yard and it provided the Mommy shade! My kids are too young still to play out front by themselves, so it is necessary for me to sit out there with them. No big deal, I just grabbed a chair and sat under the shade. Well, now there is no more shade and it is miserable to have to sit outside for an hour!


Ahhh, shade! Lovely & bearable.

 With shade, it is more comfortable and it makes it easier to be outside. It is shelter from the heat. Your body, your drink, your cell phone...it all stays cooled off under the protection of the shade. Without shade, it is more work, you need sunscreen, hats, glasses, Thermos container for your drink, and a towel or something to cover up the cell phone to protect it from the intense heat-not to mention your ear from the burn when you attempt to answer it! (Yes, it was hot! Remember, this is Texas!)

No Shade here!! "Sweating-it" is guaranteed!

After studying the shadows, praying attention to their sizes, shapes and densities, the Creator of this landscape taught me something. Big tree = Big Shade. Big Shade = Big Protection. It was if He was asking me, "How big am I?" I am thinking "pretty big." "I can cover all of you," He said. Wooooah...I had to stop and think for a minute. As I looked over my circumstances, heart areas and spirit, I realized that maybe I hadn't allowed God to grow big enough to cover me. Am I not receiving from Him all that I could, or should? Here He stands offering me full shade and protection and yet I am satisfied with my little umbrella?

How big is God? He holds the world in His hands! How big have I allowed Him to be over me? As a Believer we have been given the seed of Christ, the Holy Spirit to dwell within each of us. How big is your/our God tree? Is it a little seedling that we have placed over our needs area? Did we just ask Him to bless this one little area and forgive this other little one over here? Or, do we have a medium sized Tree ~ we sorta-kinda attempted to nourish it when we feel like it and often do remember to spend some bits of time taking care of it?

Or, have you allowed your "Tree" to take root and grow bigger and bigger as as result of your commitment and dedication to nourishing what was once just a little seed? God wants to bless you and be your refuge and shelter. The bigger we allow God to be in our lives, the bigger His shade will be over us. The greater our protection from the heat (evil.) I don't know about you, but I want God's protection over every area in my life and not just parts of it.

But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy ; And may You shelter them, That those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 5: 11-12

There was a long part of my walk with God that I would say He was this portable umbrella I carried around so that when rain came, I could just pop it up whenever I needed it. Today, God is a mighty Tree of Life for me. When rain, heat or sun comes out, I know I am protected. I don't need to run around seeking shelter or carry around my temporary shelters. No matter if it is storming or sun shining beautiful, I am protected. No longer do I need to waste time worrying about the weather. I have rest knowing that God is my absolute Shelter and I am provided for under Him.

Having said that, even though I am consumed by Him and He is a mighty tower for me, He has shown me today that I am still holding onto a few umbrellas, attempting to cover (take care of myself) that which He is desiring to cover. Thank God for gentle correction. Thank God for His compassion.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

There is nothing in your life God cannot protect or rescue you from. He doesn't want to give you momentary shade. He doesn't want to give you partial shade. God is forever! He is Big! Allow Him to take root in you and receive His full protection and provision! It is much easier to find rest in the shadow of the Almighty than in the scorching heat outside of Him!

Father God, Creator of ALL things and their shadows, God I am asking that You help me to toss out the umbrellas I have placed over my life, in my heart, soul and mind. God, all I need is Your shelter. Forgive me for minimizing You. Help me to trust You. Lead the time I spend with You, enriching my soil allowing You to be bigger and greater in my life, covering all of me. God, grant me protection from the storms. Bless me with favor and provisions on lovely days. May Your shadow be so huge there is room to share with others passing by. You are all I need. You are my Shelter. You are my Refuge. You are a very Big God with a very big shadow. Thank You for revealing Yourself to us even through Your creation. My all in all, amen!   

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8

LOVE & GRACE

Why do I do that which I don't want to do? Why sometimes does it feel like such a HUGE gap between my heart and my head? My flesh and spirit have had some good, knock-down, drag-out fights over the years.

I worship the Lord of All, I am His child! God saves, He redeems. He shelters. He rescues. He gives strength. God loves us. He is sooooo very patient, merciful and gracious. He is sooo much bigger than ANY CIRCUMSTANCE we face!

My spirit is strong within me and I feel it, and yet, my flesh often consumes me. I can feel so courageous and cowaardly at the same time...maybe it's the hope for courage in my weakness. Maybe I need to get back on my counselor's couch...heehee

If I empty myself each morning to be filled back up again, it takes a strong discipline to control what I allow to fill me. I must surrender myself before GOD so that my flesh has no room. What does that look like for me? For me, it means BEFORE MY FEET HIT THE FLOOR in the morning, acknowledging that God is The God, my Loving Father, my Savior and Redeemer, my Healer and Leader for the day. Worshiping Him in truth and stepping into my day with the right mind-set, knowing who I am waking up for.

For those of you who have followed my blog from the beginning, you know my story, my testimony of God's saving grace and compassion (well, I hope you have found that throughout my sharing to be evident.) as He has delivered me fron the bondage of Fear. He certainly is far from done with me on MANY other areas, but I have been released from the consuming and controlling fear. Yes, I still get anxious and nervous when it comes to certain things.

Maybe this is my stubborness mixed with my desire to be set completely free, but I have asked God to give me "opportunities to grow", to challenge myself (gently please!!) in learning how to overcome circumstances or things that make me anxious- elevators, heights, boats, planes, high bridges, being away from home, conflicts, sharing my heart with others.....just to name a few! And He has- time after time, whether I was "in the mood" for it or not!! I find myself looking upwards and just laughing cuz He has a funny sense of humor in His funny ways He has provided me these opportunities!

Just this past weekend, I found myself facing a few anxiety-producing situations and I will share jone with you.It was on the plane. Okay, when you are peaceful and in a happy place, you wouldn't think of moving and disrupting the flow, right? Well, it was a 4 hour flight and after 2 hours I had to go! Yes, like-GO....potty! I did not want to get out of my bubble, all was good and I was afraid that I would loose my calmness. So, I waited another hour, but then I really had to GO! My husband said he would go with me, and just as we unbuckled our belts the Fasten Seat Belts warning came on for upcoming turbulance. Greeeeaaaat! The Stewardess walked by and we asked if we could still get up and go and she replied, "It will be at your own risks." Two years ago, that would have induced an anxiety attack in a second! Turbulance plus "your own risk." BUT OFF WE WENT!!! Bound and determined to go. I have made the decision to not be bound but live and do what I need to do!

This was probably only the 2nd time in my life I had used an airplane bathroom. It scares me, really! The flushing-power could pull down a human and dump you into the skies below!!! Maybe if it was quieter it wouldn't be so terrifying. So, I did it....my famous Warrior Pee! Trusting God, even in THIS, to protect my mind.

It sounds so silly to most, but when you are afraid, going against logic is a no-no. But my faith is fueling my trust where I am trusting for my peace and grace to provide in every circumstance!

I am so thankful to be out of that life where Fear dictated everything, how I felt and what I did. The truth HAS set me free and it can set you free too! The truth is found in God's word. Whatever you are facing, you will find your hope, strength, encouragement, peace and grace in God. Sure, you can try temporary pleasures but nothing will set you free except for God. Pills, alcohol, food, starvation are temporary fixes, unhealthy ones at that. You can also, run away and ignore your feelings, only to have to face them when you are done running.

Freedom is only found through and in Christ Jesus. He is Healer. He will be your Comforter, your Protector. Choose to trust Him despite what your flesh thinks or feels. I could go on and on but I have another post to finish up.

Your tomorrow's healing and help can begin today. Start now! TRUST GOD's LOVE & GRACE!!!

Seek first the Kingdom of God. Matt 6:33

Feeling What Ya Feel

Do you ever get into "one of those funky-feeling moods?" Recently, I sure did!!

When I am funky, I feel like screaming and crying but then laughter seems much better! There is a part of me that wants to run away to my cave and another part of me that wants to connect with a friend and vent out the feelings. Then comes the thought, well....I don't want to be a Whiner and it really isn't a big deal (most o f the time anyway), so I most often keep quiet and visit my little cave for a bit. I like my cave cuz God always meets me in this secret location!! Praise the God of Everywhere!

When I feel stuff I don't want to be feeling, I tend to busy myself and ignore the issues and "just keep swimming." (Sweeping is more like it, really.) There are times it just passes and I can move on; however on these longer journeys/processes God has done with me lately, I have HAD to face it and so the battle begins. I resist it. I either wear down or begin to get frustrated/overwhelmed/depressed. I can't keep "not handling it."

It's then I must stop. The hardest part is stopping because I don't want to stop and yet I have to. When I get still before God and into a spirit of surrender, at first my mind races and complains and I try to force out all that I have been trying to NOT think about, and yet I want it to just get out and quit shoving it back in. I must allow the thoughts to be there, being completely honest (as if you can hide something from God-He knows our thoughts before we even think them) and allow God to take them. Almost like handing them over on a platter to the Lord.

Most recently, I had to get to this place of letting go and I fought a good fight. The the time had come to stop busying myself to avoid feeling the yucky feelings. It takes a few minutes to settle the mind when it is racing. Learning muscle relaxation techniques, putting on music (worship or acoustic) and deep breathing really helps with settling into a quietness. Much like a child, we need to stop playing and look our Father in the eyes so that we can pay full attention to what He has to say.

Sometimes it feels like I am so mad, I throw these feelings back at God saying, "Just take this. I am DONE with it!" Other times, it is an "God, I am scared, angry, worn-out, overwhelmed and frustrated and I just can't keep going like this. Pleeeease take this from me and refresh my soul. Give me rest."

In a recent post I mentioned to you my anger towards God regarding my toddler's diagnosis of PFS. That one particular night, I had become soooo angry with God I could neither fall prostrate on the ground and hit my fists on the floor and as I tried to lift my hands towards Him, my hands became fists of anger. Oh, I was mad with Him. I stood there looking up to the Lord, stretched out my arms to the side and with tears just asked "Why?! Why didn't You heal Him tonight as it seemed You had. I was giving You all the glory and honor for my baby's healing and it was not done." (Circumstances earlier that evening had lead me to fully believe he had been healed so I was full of joy and praise!)

In that quick moment, God firmly replied back to me, "Be thankful it is not worse. Look how I HAVE provided. If you want him to experience seizures and high fevers, putting him in and out of the hospital each month, I can make that happen!!"

My head lowered, followed by my out stretched arms. How could I have been so angry with the One who loves my child millions more than I even love him? This is my Father who saved me from the pit of hell, has extended endless grace and mercy to me and yet I was so angry and questioning His ways?! I dare not EVER to do this. I never imagined I would and yet here I was. I was certainly put in my place, reminded of His authority, power and sovereignty. I could not have hid my thoughts from Him for He knows them before I do.

In our moments of anger, frustration, grief, sadness, abandonment, it is important to call on the Holy Spirit to guard you with self-control and patience. With self-control and patience, we are able to keep a reign on our flesh by remaining in love, peace, joy, gentleness and faithfulness through our "funky moments." When we close our flesh eyes and open our spiritual eyes, we will see truth and in that truth, we will find rest which gives us peace and it is in peace we have joy. (I Thess 5:16-18)

The practice of self-control and patience allows us to remain centered, God-centered. His ways are always better and He never wastes our time or our hurts. I must choose daily to be fully God-aware, to trust Him no matter where He leads me that wherever He takes me I am safe and there is a plan greater than my limited eyes can see. Submission and surrender is my part, the rest is God's. He leads. I follow. Nothing is hidden from His sight. He sees everything. This was a lesson I only learned nearly 2 years ago. I must choose daily, affirming His Lordship over my life.

Whether in the heat of a moment or in exhaustion, we can enter into this "nakedness" before God, revealing all I am and ask for Him to restore and refresh. In this there is rest. There is peace. For a season, this was a daily thing I had to do to let go of what I said and ask God to replace it with what He said. As I learn to do less sweeping, I will experience more cleansing, amen!!

Father God, it is so easy to be joyful when things are going according to what I hope for and enjoy, but it is not easy when things happen that hurt, anger or sadden me. Lord, thank You that I can never out run Your grace and love. Thank You for seeking me out when I am hiding from the rest of the world. You see me completely, good and bad and yet Your self-control...and patience with me...Your love for me, I cannot comprehend.

Forgive my lack of self-control when I act out in my flesh. You deserve all honor and praise simply because You are The Lord God Almighty. Regardless of what I think or feel, the truth is, I love You, I only want You and I am desperately in need of You and You love me, You want me and You will never abandon me. Thank You for peace that surpasses all my understanding, You are gracious and loving. Forgive me, hear my prayers, see my heart and cleanse my mind. Lead me beside Your still waters and grant me rest in Your pastures. I love You with all my heart, mind and strength. amen!

"Be Still my soul Be Still. Wait patiently for the Lord."

Rainbow Smiles

Houston has finally been receiving much needed rain and cooler temperatures have arrived because of it! These cooler temps have been a blessing as the heat indexes have had us between 101-111 degrees for several weeks straight now.

Thunderstorms seem to kick up just after lunch time, so I thought I should get my errands run as soon as I got 3 of the 4 kids to their designated schools. At 8:15am, my 3yr old and I were on a mission and out the door. The skies to the east looked crystal blue but to the west, dark clouds already blanketed the sky. Our first stop was to the recycle bins at the elementary school. My closet got a much needed cleaning!!

As I drove eastward to the school, I was smiling, happy that we had such clear skies above. Grocery shopping, and you add in a 3yr old, is horrible in the rain! I felt the blessing of provision-clear skies, beautiful white puffy clouds and sun shining bright enough to already need sunglasses. This was good. It is good to remember, storms don't stay for long! This too shall pass!

As we circled around the back of the school, my car turned westward facing once we arrived at the recycle dumpsters. I stepped out of my car and it was as if I had stepped into another world. As I stood looking westward, the skies were completely grey. Dark skies were creeping closer and closer over me. "Man, what a bummer!" I mumbled under my breathe. I was so hopeful and excited just 30 seconds before!! Just as the words came off my lips, I removed my sunglasses and caught a glimpse of something...it was the beginnings of a rainbow! Wow! Within seconds, the colors deepened, almost as if God was outlining each distinct color for me to see their order. It was almost like God was saying, "Well, I bet I can make you smile."

Instantly, my mind is captivated by this amazing, tiny edge of a rainbow. I watched for the rest of it to fill out but it never seemed to expand out. I was no longer concerned with the looming storms that were sure to burst out over me at any moment, storms that were about to mess up my entire morning's schedule. Although I had been waiting for days to get these errands done, having experienced this bizarre change of scenery was worth another day of waiting. We took in the sights and yes, we were smiling!
My son and I finished dropping of the papers and magazines. Even 5 minutes later, the rain was still being held back, so, off to the store we went, hoping that we would continue under these skies. It didn't look likely, but we were willing to chance it! Turning left onto the main drive to the store, which happened to be eastward, my 3yr old son says, "Mom? Where's the rainbow?" To my amazement, it was not there. We were looking towards the clear, blue skies! This was bizarre. Just a minute ago we were facing darkness and now were faced the light...surely just driving around to the other end of the school, we could see the rainbow?! Nope! It was gone!

There is something beautiful and comforting in the beauty of light. Birds are chirpping, animals out playing, puffy clouds blanket the sky and the crystal blue color is a brilliant backdrop to His creation. You really get a sence of depth and heigth as you study the varying levels of clouds. And yet, there is something equally intimidating and beautiful in the darkness. The deep rich colors of the skies, displaying the magnitude of heaviness. And yet, the tiniest burst of color in a rainbow can change the entire scene. It is a sign of hope, a distraction off of the storm and a focus onto something amazing and captivating. You cannot help but focus on it as it displays it's brilliance against the darkness.

Like a Parent distracting their child's attention away from their boo-boo, God does this for us too. When we look into a dark season in our life, He gives us a rainbow, a reminder of the coming hope. (Romans 8:28) It may be tiny or full out, reaching as far as the eye can see. It may be literally a rainbow in the sky or it may also come in the form of a blessing. He may bless you physically, emotionally and always spiritually. It may come directly to you in a moment, a prayer, a dream. It may come to you through a brother or sister in Christ. God can use any means to get our attention...question is...are we listening? Are we looking for Him?

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

I Thess 5:16-18

"You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey Your words. I have sought Your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise." Psalm 119:57-58

"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in Your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God! Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed." Psalms 119:114-116

Father God, Creator of ALL things, help me to see You in the every circumstance. Whether a season of happiness or a season of hardache, God give me a rainbow to reminder me You are near. Distract me from the only seeing the darkness of my storm. Holy Spirit, shine Your light and lead my steps. Display Your majesty. Remind me of Your promises so I can stand strong. God, You are my refuge and my strength, my rock in which I stand on. I will not fear what seems possible, but I will trust what I know to be true! Thank You Jesus, amen!

Cleaning the Wounds

Recently, our Beagle named Peanut, was injured, leaving an open wound on her neck. We debated on whether or not to take her to the vet for stitches. I needed to get close to the wounded area and needless to say she wasn't too sure about me digging around there. Thankfully, she trusted me enough to allow herself to snuggle up to me and lay down beside me so that I could care for her wound.

To prevent infection, I needed to clean the area good. I am sure it was uncomfortable for her. I bet it even stung for several moments. Knowing her nervousness around the buzzers when I simply cut the boy's hair, I knew it would be too much for her to bear in her time of extreme stress therefore I elected to use the scissors. My hands are pretty steady. The use of scissors made it much more difficult for me as I had to be so careful around the wound.

Peanut laid there nervous but trusting. She attempted to get up and go a few times, but a word of encouragment and a rub of love and she settled back down in obedience and submission. I think she knew I was trying to help her and not hurt her. Snip by snip, I cleared the area of her wound. It went better than I expected in that she didn't resist, constantly putting up a fight with me, so the process went smoother for all of us. By this time, my brother in law had come to assist and was a wonderful help in comforting Peanut and praising me for my steady hands.

Do YOU have a wound that needs to be cleared and cleaned? Are you resting, trusting, submitting in obedience to the Master Hands which are steady and skilled to make you whole again? Or are you resisting and prolonging the process of healing?
You must remember who is calling you...it is The Great Physician and Healer. Can you stop squirming and resisting long enough for Him to cleanse your wound? Yes, it may sting but healing is coming. You MUST trust the process. He will NOT give you more than you can bear...He knows you! He knows your strength. He will meet you at the threshold of ENOUGH! Trust Him!

"And Jesus said to him, "Go your way. Your faith has healed you." And instantly the blind man could see! Then he followed Jesus down the road." Mark 10:52

Father God,
You see my wounds that need to be cleaned before infection sets in. Come quickly Lord and Heal me, Cleanse me from deep within. Remove from me all that hinders and wash me pure. Make me whole Father God. Cover me, seal me and protect me. Will you send encouragers to me that will steady me, encourage me, hold my hand when I am afraid? Holy Spirit, guide my heart and my thoughts through the process. Hold my mind and soul steady and strong. God I trust Your strong hands, so faithful and all-knowing.
Thank You in advance for Your provisions and protections from hinderances, especially keeping me from me, being my own worst obstacle. With the blood that Heals, I praise Your Good Name, Amen.

I've got it now!

We have all said this in our younger days...goes something like, "You never know what you've got until it's gone." I think there may have even been a song written about it, my trivia husband would know that answer.

Recently though, I believe the opposite to be true. I think I may have something until I actually have it and in comparison, I realize I really didn't have it before. For example, I thought I had joy, but then when God allowed difficult circumstances into my life, it was then that I discovered true joy that comes in all circumstances, even the most difficult ones. Same with peace and contentment. My spirit is generally peaceful and I would say I am a content person and yet through the difficult season, I had unrest, worry, anxiousness and wanted something else.

When hopelessness, fear and desperation entered into my life, it was then that I learned what it meant to have true peace that surpasses all understanding, and that joy was something steadfast despite any circumstance and that being content with the fact that God loves me and will never leave me or foraske me and nothing could mean more to me than my salvation. Nice clothes, nice house, grand vacations, perfect things...none of it mattered...I simply need God to be my Father, my Lord, my Redeemer and my Strength. Because I know that He is with me, I will not fear, worry, covet. He is all I need.

The gift of Sisterhood has also taken on new meaning. It wasn't until my friend was gone that I understood how special she was/is...no, God has blessed me here and now knowing the richness of a true Sisterly-Friendship. It is rare to find a true-love you just as you are-blessed friendship. They are like rare, precious jewels. I have had many friends throughout my life and would still count myself blessed to have many friends, but the number of real friends is quite less. When God intertwined our paths, I knew they were special, I didn't know why or how, but I trusted in my spirit for their spirit in our like-mindedness in the Lord. Because of these precious few, now I know what a true Sister-Friend is because I have some.

I pray God will continue to open my eyes and ears to the blessings He sends my way. That I will receive them in the moment given rather than in hindsight. For what I think I have, I may not until the authentic is present. May I not be cheated by something counterfiet but be assured with the authentic!


God, give me Your eyes to see the blessings and the perserverance not to settle for less than what You have planned for me. Help me to know if I am choosing foolishness or am being fooled by the evil one. It is my desire to know You more, to bring You glory and reflect Your light. Lord God, guide me in truth and give me wisdom to know Your best so I may honor You. Satisfy my soul. Quench my thirst for something else. You Jesus, are all I ever need and Your grace is abundantly more than I deserve. Forgive me for accepting less than. You are ALL I want. You are ALL I need. Praise Your beautiful and Holy Name alone, the One true God. amen!

Father

Often I hear people relate the The Lord to our Daddy here on earth, so loving and kind, protective and gentle, but you know what? That's not the case for everyone. In this day and age, I think it is rare to have such a godly father who can closely reflect the Love of Our Heavenly Father above. 
Isn't it nice to know that no matter what kind of Dad you had/have, despite how he treated you, even if he has disowned you...you DO HAVE, HAVE HAD and ALWAYS WILL HAVE a Father. Your Father in Heaven loves you soooooo much. He gave up His life for yours. He was beaten, ridiculed and laughed at for loving and protecting you. He has fought a huge fight over your soul and over your inheritance in Him. You child, we worth dying over. You were worth every bit of His time. By Him, you were "fearfully and wonderfully made!"

Even if you have been blessed with a loving, devoted, nurturing Dad, he cannot compare to your Heavenly Father.

Be encouraged that regardless of your realtionship with your Dad, be it good or bad, there is One Father who cherishes you, loves you, roots for you, cares for you, listens to you, who desires to provide and protect you every day, in every moment, in every situation.

HE will NEVER leave you or forsake you! You are NEVER alone!

AMEN!!!!!