Merry Christmas!!

Praise God that He loves us so much that He sent Jesus as a baby in a lowly manger! That is still hard for us to grasp and yet it touches my heart to the core to think about all that He did for me! I often think of His 33 years on this earth and the life that He led here. It gives me comfort knowing that He faced everything that I will ever struggle with and He did not fail. I also love knowing that He did not need a title..He loved hanging with the sinners. He took time for everyone and He was determined that no one would perish. So...on Christmas we celebrate Jesus' birth. But every day we celebrate His life and the Holy Spirit living in us bringing comfort and joy! We love you Jesus! Happy Birthday!

Thankful Heart!

Wow...it's November...I haven't posted since October. Where does time go? It amazes me how much faster it seems to fly by now that I am older! We had a wonderful week in the mountains of TN last week vacationing. I had lots of time in a little cabin on top of the mountain to reflect on being thankful! I really dislike that we only talk about being thankful once a year. It also really bothers me that Jesus is only mentioned during the Chrismas season...once a year. My devotion today said it all...to breathe each new morning is Thanksgiving! To see a sunrise..a sunset...and mostly...to know that I'm alive because of Jesus...not dead in sin anymore......THAT is Thanksgiving! We should reflect each new day on WHO Jesus is in us and praise Him EVERY day for breath!! I pray today your Thanksgiving be a time of renewal and acknowledging that because of Jesus...you are who you are!!
The devotion said further "You don't care if you get the important seat at the table when you are overcome with gratitude at simply being invited to the dinner. You don't put heavy weights on other people's shoulders when you are thankful that God has lightened your own load. You are not obsessed with what other people think of you when you are overwhelmed with the fact that God is thinking about you all the time. You don't demand respect when you are thankful for your place. You don't have to hide your own sin when you are already thankful for God's forgiveness. You don't have to protect your image when you are already number one with God. You don't have to condemn other people's blindness when it's only the grace of God that has allowed you to see. You don't have to try for the highest place when you are already grateful for whatever place you were given. You don't have to make a show of spirituality when you are thankful for having received the Spirit. You don't have to clothe yourself in holy robes when you have been already clothed in righteousness. (Or as a friend of mine used to say, "Why be cute when you're already beautiful?") You don't have to be full of yourself when you are thankful that God has filled you up with Himself." (devotion by John Fischer) Now THAT is truly Thanksgiving!! Boast in Him!!!

A Tiny Sparrow....A Tiny Baby

Wbile most of the world moves along smoothly and worries about things like a new car or how much money we can make.....in another part of the world....Turkey...peoples lives have been turned upside down...literally! My scripture reading today talks about the tiny sparrow that doesn't fall to the ground unless our Heavenly Father wills it. It mentions that the very "hairs" on our head are numbered. Wow! What a magnificent, powerful God who oversees every part of every day! And yes, He saw the tiny 2 week old baby under the rubble in Turkey....and He brought him out unhurt! Amazing! The scriptures says "Do not fear, you are of more value than many sparrows!" God so loves us!! Are you basking in that love today? Are you loving Him and His kingdom? Are you praying for the people of Turkey today..for that precious baby. A tiny sparrow....a tiny baby...that's what God is all about!

Are You Tired of my weakness God?

I was riding to work this morning praying and listening to praise music. I know that we need a "prayer closet", but I spend lots of time praying while driving. I can talk out loud...lift my hands...scream..whatever I need to do while "getting my point across" to God. Ever been there? So, this morning I'm on the path of "God, are You tired of me...are You sick of hearing about my weakness, my lack of faith? No, I didn't hear an audible answer at that particular moment, but later as I read my "Charles Spurgeon" devotion, He spoke loud and clear....Spurgeon said "Are you mourning because you are so weak in the divine life? Because your faith is so little, and your love so feeble? Cheer up, for you have cause for gratitude. Your little faith has made you completely clean. Jesus is very tender over you. Your are like a bruised reed. He will never break the bruised reed." Did you just get chill bumps? I LOVE that...Jesus is "tender" OVER ME!! Oh how He loves you and me! So, if you are feeling weak today..cheer up..He will never break the bruised reed. I would rather be "bruised" any day and have Jesus ..than not!!

Tomorrow

Jesus tell us pretty clearly in Matthew to "STOP" worrying about tomorrow. And yet, if we are honest...how much time do we spend doing just that? I was having an interesting conversation with my daughter this morning about whether or not Lily (granddaughter) understands time. When Meghan drops her off at daycare, she explains to her that she will be picked up that afternoon and then they will go and do this and that. Lily replies with a simple statement "pick you up mommy"! The only concern Lily has is "mommy, COME BACK and pick ME UP!" She doesn't worry about today or tomorrow and how much time is in between. She focuses on the "NOW". Wouldn't it be great if we truly lived in the "NOW". I don't need to remind you that "NOW" is all you have! Jesus also tells us to not waste time storing up treasures on earth. How much of the "NOW" are you wasting doing just that? Our "NOW" should be about the kiingdom. Who are you leading today? Who are you praying for today? Is your "NOW" glorifying God? I bet Lily's is!

"Sow it and Water it!"

This week began in an awful way when I arrived at work and learned that one of the sales reps that I have worked with for many years passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. Larry lived in Texas and was one of my very favorite people. He had played golf on Saturday...a game that he truly loved, and retired that night to be found by his co golfers the next morning. Larry was 41 years old. I had just spoken to Larry last Wednesday. I went over the conversation in my head several times on Monday. I never would have believed that I would never speak to him again on this earth. Larry and I had many conversations over the years and many of those were about God. My prayer is that Larry is with the Lord....my prayer is that Larry knew that I love God. We cry out to God daily for strength..or we should. We should turn around with that strength and grace and labour for Him. Charles Spurgeon said it best -
"Believer, in the strength you daily gain from Christ labour for Him. Some of us have yet to learn much concerning the design of our Lord in giving us His grace. We are not to retain the precious grains of truth as the Egyptian mummy held the wheat for ages, without giving it an opportunity to grow: we must sow it and water it....Charles Spurgeon" Who are you talking to today that you want to make sure you have sown the seed with?? Don't miss an opportunity to labour for Jesus!

"Dance for you Jesus!"

I'm sure you have heard the song "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. The song talks about what it will like to be in eternity with Jesus and the joy that we will share.
"Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!"
I thought of this song this week when I saw Lily in her new leotard and tights after her "mommie and me" dance class. She was so excited about her outfit and quickly showed me her new dance moves. I "can only imagine" how it will be to dance at the feet of Jesus! I thought about how Lily wanted me to see her and wanted my approval. If you are God's child...you already have His approval and He will be glorified with our praise and dancing!! In fact, if you are not practicing some of that praise and dancing now...you should get started. Wouldn't want you to feel out of place when you are hanging out at Jesus' feet!!

Who is Winning?

Your mind is satan's battlefield! He is coming there constantly to stir you up. He wishes to sift you like wheat...how does he do that. God's Word says it's through his lies. Are you believing him? Do you renounce him by the blood of Jesus. We are living in an age where satan hits us at every turn with a "new lie". He's pretty convincing and if you are not "saturated" in God's Word...I can tell you...he will get to you. Believe me, I renounce him about 200 times per day! And yes, I said 200 times per day. Not sure why he camps out in my court most of the day...but hey...hopefully he is leaving you alone if he's hitting on me. Let me encourage you..stay in prayer, stay in the Word. It's your only source of survival in this world! So...Who is winning....Be encouraged...Jesus already won the fight!! I praise you Jesus!

Hearing From God

People often ask "Do you really hear God speak?" My answer is always yes and then they give me this look like..."I don't believe it"! It is the coolest thing to hear Him speak specifically into my heart from His Word! I can be praying about something and as soon as I open my bible, whether it's 2 hours later or 10 minutes...whether it's through my daily bible reading or a devotion..or even the bible study that I'm doing...He speaks!! And He speaks clearly! I about jump out of my chair because I want to shout...."I HEARD YOU GOD!" At our Women's Day this past Saturday the guest speaker talked about getting in your tent to spend time with God and how we miss so much because we are not spending one on one time with Him. How sad that we are turning our head from our precious Father who wants to direct us every minute of every day! Get in touch with Him....cry out to Him...read His Word...beg for His Word to fill you! Hunger for Him...fall in love with Him!

Raise 'em up!!

It's kind of interesting for me to sit back, now that I'm older and watch parents disciplining their children these days. Sometimes, I'm blown away and it's all I can do to sit in my chair and not jump up to "help out"!! It's also interesting when I think about disciplining my sweet grandbaby Lily! You see in the picture above that she is absolutely precious and unbelievably hard to even think about "paddling" her. But, believe it or not, she already has a "healthy fear" of Nini's "paddle"! She says, "Lily no need it Nini, spank Eli". Eli is her young friend from church and she will quickly shift the attention over to Eli to take the pressure off of her! I believe with all of my heart that one of our greatest jobs is disciplining our children as God's Word describes to us. People debate that today...even believers. It's actually pretty simple.."spare the rod, spoil the child". God's discipline carrys over into our adult lives...it's our duty to teach our children obedience from day one. My daughter is 26 years old....we didn't do it perfect, but I can promise you..she understands discipline. What a joy she has been for us her entire life! I encourage you..."raise 'em up" in the ways of the Lord! If they depart from it..they will return!

Laminin

Just watched the YouTube video of Louie Giglio about laminin.....fills me up to overflow every time I watch it! Go God! I praise You My Father! You alone are worthy! How fearfully and wonderfully you made us! How very much you love us! I pray that all mankind be humbled by your mighty presence!
If you haven't watched this lately..check it out. I have the new cd by Selah..there is a song called "He'll hold you through it all!". God planned the very glue inside our bodies that holds us together! He has you in the very palm of His Hands. He stores your tears in a bottle! Wow...what love! I love you my Jesus!

There's Just Something about that NAME!

Jesus....Jesus....Jesus...there's just something about that NAME!! Do you get chills when you hear it....do you feel the urge to raise your hands when you sing it? We had 3 songs in our church service yesterday praising the NAME of Jesus. I could hardly contain myself and I really didn't, but you know you have to be somewhat conservative in a Baptist church or people will think you are crazy!!! Well, guess what..I am crazy..crazy about JESUS! He's my Master, my Saviour, my Rock, my Deliverer..and I could go on. He's my Jesus! HE is where I find my confidence each new day. Who is He to you??
"She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God].
Matthew 1:20-22 I love this translation out of the Amplified Bible. Jesus came so that we would not miss the "true end and scope of life"!! Walk with Him, talk with Him...He loves you my friend!

The Rocks Cry Out!

I'm sure that every grandmother out there will totally understand what I am about to say. Is there anything sweeter than the sound of your grandchild or your child for that matter? My "Lily girl" could probably get my savings account (which isn't much) by simply calling my name "NiNi"! Her voice is priceless. I am telling you...the thing that gets me the most is her voice when she is singing. She loves praise music and knows almost every word to several praise songs (fill their ears with praise music mommies!!). She started singing Jesus Loves Me out of the blue the other day and I about went to my knees. She was playing and singing and I could not help but cry. I looked at her and said "Jesus is smiling right now because He LOVES your singing." I could almost feel the response that I know Jesus was having at that particular moment. And then I wondered...what is HE feeling about my voice...how much singing does He hear from me? The scripture tells us that the "rocks will cry out" if we aren't praising Him. He commands and deserves our praise!! Did you breathe this morning? Did you get off the bed this morning? Then praise His Almighty Name!! I love you Lord and I lift my voice to worship YOU!! No excuses...just praise!

"A SHUDDERING FEAR"

"When the sun was setting, a deep sleep overcame Abram, and a horror (a terror, a shuddering fear) of great darkness assailed and oppressed him." Gen 15:12 God's Word tells us that there is a war going on all around us in the spiritual realm. If you are not a believer..the war is for your soul. If you are a believer the war is an effort to detain you from doing work for God's Kingdom. For the believer this darkness could come in the form of an oppression. If you read the scripture above you will note that an oppression fell over Abram. The scripture also reminds us to be "ready" for these attacks...to begin each day with the "armour of God". Are you ready for this fight today? The question is not "if" it is "when" will the attack come. I can tell you that the "oppression" of fear in my life has been and is many times STILL very real and causes me to "shudder"! I'm sure this post is not one that you will read as uplifting...but God asked us to be bold. Get your armour on my friend...the battle is raging! Claim the victory of Christ over Satan and put on your full armour every new morning! Cover yourself with His Word and fight the fight with boldness! When you come against the enemy with faith...the "shuddering" will cease! Praise God!!

The Day After 9/11

Can you imagine how many "day afters" the families of 9/11 victims have suffered? Most of us will move on after we watch the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, but those whose hearts are continuously breaking will wake up every morning re livng the "day after" and knowing that it was real...this would change their life forever. My prayer continually for these families is that they have "hope" that they will see this loved one again in eternity and that they have hope in Christ alone. Only the hope found in the Lord can ease the pain they feel every "day after" "Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:14 Commit to pray for these dear people who have lost so much! It's your American duty and it's God's command!

9/11 - Forever Remembered

When most American hear the words "9/11"...there seems to be a moment of silence where we catch a quick breath. And if there isn't..there should be! When I hear 9/11 my mind does an instant replay of that day and then my heart breaks again for the families of those who lost their lives. I remember hearing the announcement on the radio when the first plane hit. Before I could even imagine what was going on, I remembered that my husband was on an airplane at that very moment. As I sat and listened to the following events, I quickly went into a panic mode of determining how my husband was going to get out of the air that morning. He did, praise God, but many others perished that day. Satan won for a little while that day, but I can assure you...God has the final victory!! Many lives have been changed since that day and America has become a stronger nation filled with love for its fellow man. I continue to pray for the families of those lost...that they know God's mighty Presence as they continue to heal. While in NY recently, I visited St. Paul's church to see the items that have been left in memory of 9/11...I also saw the new building that is being built where the towers stood. I had such a sense of God's power while looking up at the new building. And I reflected on the truth that God makes ALL things new! That is my prayer this 9/11...that every American heart allow God to empower them with His hope and peace for His glory!! God BLESS America!!!

Intercessory Prayer - Oh the Joy!

God's Word commands us to pray for one another and what a joy that should be for us. But do you ever wonder when you ask someone to pray...if they really pray?? I truly feel we will give an account to God for this. It is something we should take very seriously. I immediately stop and pray for someone when they ask me to and I also ask the Holy Spirit to remind me to pray for them. And He does!! Sometimes at 3 am...it's like a tap on the shoulder..."wake up, it's time to pray"! I have had the joy of praying for a little girl named Abby for the past 4 years. Her name came to me by way of a friend whose baby had the same type of brain cancer as Abby. It's amazing how often the Holy Spirit brought Abby's name to my mind during the past 4 years. Abby went to be with Jesus about 3 weeks ago and heaven is now "Abbylicious" as her mom put it! The neat thing is..I'm still praying for Abby..she's in my heart now and I lift her family up to the Father. What a priceless thing it is to pray for one another! Please let me know if I can pray for you! Just leave a comment and I promise I will intercede on your behalf! Paul reminds us to "pray without ceasing!" That's all day long, my friend!

Running the Race!

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Many people are training for races these days...5K, 10K, or marathons. How exciting to complete the race knowing that all that tough training paid off! Can you imagine standing before our Father and exclaiming "I finished the race!" And He says, "you did good!" Turn your eyes upon Jesus..look full in His wonderful face....and keep on running!

Stop and Smell the Roses...or Splash in the Water!

Have you ever thought about the carefree ways of a child? No fear...no anxiet..just plunge forward into the water! We could certainly take some lessons here. Who cares if our clothes get wet...who cares if the makeup smears! Enjoy today! "Do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow..for tomorrow will have anxieties and worries of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble!" Matt. 6:34.

Why Are You Rushing?

Why are you discontent? What are you trying to get to next? Why are you in a hurry? Why are you missing the blessings of today? Resolve to find your contentment in Christ today! What could be more satisfying ? Don't mss what He has for you right now..in this season of our life!

He'll Hold You Through It All!

There will be struggles, times of strife, but He'll hold you through it all. What priceless words these are to my ears. And my God is faithful...He holds me even now. My heart aches for those who have never felt His loving arms around them. Tears fill up within me for those who think they know Him and don't. And if you do know Him...there is no doubt you will know His touch.....you will long to stay in the shadow of His wings. "Oh come let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God. And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice!". Psalm 95

Intimacy With God

Great sermon today out of the book of Luke. We were reminded of the sinful woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears. The pastor reminded us of the mistake we make if we only have knowledge of God and no true intimacy with Him while truly loving Him and worshiping Him. He asked the question "when was the last time you cried streams of tears running down our face out of love for Jesue". When did we last shed tears of gratefulness for our salvation? I praise you Father for loving me and giving me Jesus!

Labor Day

I'm unsure if I could give you the historical facts on Labor Day, but I guess it would make sense that it has something to do with work! What a great thing it is to have a long Labor Day weekend with precious friends not doing "labor" but enjoying fellowship and food! I don't take friendship for granted and praise God for those He has brought into our lives. And let's not forget to say a huge thank you for our jobs. Thank you Father for your provisions!

Walking with Jesus

We all need someone to walk along side of us. We love our family members, especially those precious grandchildren...when they reach up and take your hand, your heart melts EVERY time. But we all know that there are times when that family member isn't there or that friend can't come to you. What a joy knowing that my Jesus walks with me ALL the time! Many mornings while riding to work and praying..I lay my hand in the seat beside me and know that Jesus grabs on to it giving me a tight squeeze that says "I'm walking right beside you...all day long...fear not!" He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way! Thank you Jesus!

The Fruit of the Spirit.....Kindness

Now there is a thought....kindness! How quickly we respond with anything but kindness. Wow...I'm convicted. And then I think about Jesus and the kind demeanor that he portrayed...even when they spit on him, slapped him, and beat him....and I have a problem being kind! Father, give me a kind spirit today!

In His Weakness I am Made strong

My devotion today reminded me that my fragility is actually a good thing because when I'm weak...I am always calling on my Heavenly Father for strength. Most days...that is all day long. I have often felt guilty because I fret with fear and anxiety. I know that fear is not of God and is from Satan...however the fears leave me very weak sometimes and I know that God wraps His loving arms around me and comforts me with His strength. Not strength from this world...but only the LARGE strength that He gives. He is a God of comfort in all things, all times. I praise Him for this!

Humbled in His Presence

Understanding real prayer is to understand being humble in His presence. You can't have one without the other. Who can contain God? How awesome and mighty is He! How dare we not be humbled when talking to Him. Holy, holy, holy.....Lord God Almighty!

Flood Waters.

I'm sitting on my bed while listening to a raging storm outside. This is occurring just after a weekend of hearing about Hurricane Irene and it's devastation. The news continue to talk about turning away from the flood waters. They made the remark "turn around, don't drown"! I couldn't help but think about all of the things that have happened lately...earthquakes fellt in Raleigh NC???? I wonder if God is yelling to us "turn around...don't drown" in the mire of this world!!!!! We must turn from our wicked ways and look to God for refuge. We need Him and we must reach out to Him...He's waiting for our willingness to turn around. The storm has subsided since I have been typing...I think I'll turn my eyes upon Jesus and reach out to Him while thanking Him that the flood waters did not win...this time.

Are you online with Jesus?

What does that mean? Being online with Jesus....walking along side of Him minute by minute. Actually it's pretty cool! You feel Hiis presence all the time. You need .Him. You can't make it without Him. Are you there yet?