Thank You, Jesus- Gabby's Back!

This is a GOOD day in America!

In the midst of all the politics on Capitol Hill and the debt ceiling crisis, this country needs a little bit of good news!

As I watched the news, I had goose-bumps all over! The day I have prayed for almost 7 months came to pass! Gabrielle Giffords has walked back onto the floor of Congress! One week less than 7 months ago, this lady was attacked senselessly and shot in the head. While it was first reported that she had died from the attack, thankfully, she did not!

I started this prayer blog as a way to deal with my emotions with the tragedy.

From the very moment this tragedy was reported, many people put a spin on the story, blaming the Tea Party for the attack.

The man that did this, from all accounts, was actually apolitical. While he had previous contact with Congresswoman Giffords, he was not a politically active person. Politics were not his motivation. Plain and simple, this man was a monster.

ALL blame should be left where it lies- with Jared Loughner.

This is not about politics. This is about a life- a beautiful life that was spared by God Almighty.

Thank You, Jesus, for healing Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Though I am sure she still has a long road of recovery ahead of her, her life is indeed a miracle! Thank You for sparing her life! All glory and honor belong to You, Lord God!

I WOULD RATHER LIVE MY LIFE

"I would rather live my life as if there is a God, and die to find out there isn't, than live my life
as if there isn't, and die to find out there is."

This is a quote that I received in an email today. I find it interesting that it came today. But, for me, it just proves that God is very involved in our lives and knows how to affirm us if we allow Him to.

Last night I had dinner with two of my friends. On the way to the restaurant I was relishing in one of the rare moments of alone time with God. It's very difficult to find alone time when you have 5 kids- one of them being a 3-year-old.

The CD playing in the car was a compilation disc that I play quite often in the car. It is a variety of Petra songs.

My favorite Petra song is "Adonai". As I drove down the highway, singing along with the music, I began to visualize my Master speaking everything into existence. My minds eye saw Him speak the stars into existence, His majestic hand reaching out to place each star in its specific place. I saw Him become playful, smiling, because He "saw that it was good."

One of my favorite ways to worship God is in nature. No, I do not worship nature itself, but I smile because I see that "it is good". Adonai alone is worthy of my praise and worship.

All of nature cries out to Him. All things were made to worship God Almighty. It is such an honor and pleasure to me to know Him and worship Him.

When I read the quote that I opened with today it fit so perfect with my thoughts. I know that I am not wrong in my beliefs. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God IS real. I know that He alone created the heavens and the earth and all that is within, above and below. However, in the minuscule "chance" that I am wrong, I would much rather worship God in my life, and find out in my death that He does not exist than not worship Him and believe in Him in my life and find out in my death that He DOES exist.

Each of us are given a choice. I cannot make anyone believe in my Creator. My heart aches for those who do not believe in Him and know Him as their Savior. But we are all given free will.

Lord God, how I pray for those who do not know You. I truly cannot imagine my life without You. My Adonai, You are the Master of the earth and sky. You alone are worthy.

I continue to pray for Congresswoman Giffords. I cannot wait for the day she walks back onto the floor of Congress. What a day of rejoicing that will be!

I pray for this nation. Lord God, we need You desperately. I pray that hearts will be humbled before You. I pray that this nation will repent of her sins. I pray for our President. I pray for all elected leaders, that each of them will be safe. Protect them from harm. Humble each of them before You, that they will turn their eyes upon You and seek Your will for this country.

I pray for Israel. The entire world is coming against her. I know it is prophesied and will happen. I know You are in control. But I pray for Your chosen people.

I pray all of these things in the precious Name of Jesus Christ- Amen.

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

We all make plans. Endless plans. Tomorrow I will..... next week I will...... next month I will...... next year I will. The fact of the matter is none of us know what the next moment holds, much less the next day, the next month or the next year.

Are there people in your life that have forgotten how you feel about them? Is there someone in your life that may doubt your love for them? Have you left something unsettled between you and someone?

Almost 10 years ago my life changed in an instant. I've written here about it before. It was the night my first husband took his own life.

For many years I was tormented by the things that were left unsaid. I was haunted by the things that had been said but never been made right.

Thankfully, I now have peace with all that is involved with this death. However, I went through many years of turmoil in just dealing with the emotions of the event, not to mention the things that were left unsettled.

You do not know what tomorrow holds. There is no time like the present to make things right. No matter what it is, no matter who it is with... make sure those you love know that you love them. You just never know what tomorrow may bring.

Lord God, I pray for peace in the lives of those who read this who may be in turmoil. I pray that You will be the Peace that passes all understanding to their soul.

I pray for this nation. I pray for our president. I pray that as a nation we will humble ourselves before You.

I pray for Congresswoman Giffords. She, more than most of us, realize the truth to the statement "there is no time like the present." I praise You for sparing her life. I pray You will use her life mightily for Your glory and honor.

I pray for the nation and people of Israel. I pray that You will keep her safe. Guide her and protect her.

I pray these things in the precious Name of Jesus- Amen.

ONE DAY

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11 (NIV)


One day, every knee WILL bow, and every tongue WILL confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. For me, it will be the most awaited day of all of my life. To be at the feet of my Jesus, loving Him, honoring Him, praising Him. For others, it will not be such a glorious day. I pray for these people.


I do not believe that these people have long to wait. I am so excited for that! Daily, the news points to that coming day when this scripture will come true:


"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
Revelation 19:11-16


Oh Glorious Day!

People get ready! Jesus is coming! He is not willing that any should perish!

Lord, every day time grows shorter and shorter. While people have been saying this for thousands of years, and it still may be a long time in our view, we never know when we will breathe our last breath. I pray that You will open blinded eyes and soften hardened hearts.

I continue to pray for Congresswoman Giffords. I read a tweet today saying that she may run for Senate. Nothing has come out officially, but if this is even being discussed then it appears as though things are looking absolutely amazing for her! All glory, honor and praise be to You, Jesus, for the miracle in her life. I also continue to pray that the man that acted out this heinous attack will be given justice. Please do not allow political correctness to prevent justice in this.

I pray for President Obama. Lord, I get so angry! Please help me to not sin in my anger, where it concerns the man that is our president. I continue to pray that he will humble his heart before You, Jesus.

I pray for this nation. I pray that people will wake up and stand up for what is right. I believe many people have, but there are still too many who are complacent.

I pray for the nation of Israel. Protect her and bless her beyond measure.

I praise You for the mighty work You have done in my life. If it were not for my faith in You, I do not believe I would be alive today. Thank You for never giving up on me!

I pray all of these things in the precious Name of my Savior Jesus Christ- Amen.

THE LORD REIGNS

There are some days that I find very conflicting in my spirit. Today is one of those days!

I've become involved with a project that I am very proud to be a part of. As always, it is my consistent prayer that God will use me in every aspect of my life. Without a doubt I know that this project is not only an avenue that God is using me in, He is also blessing me tremendously!

So I am sure you are probably wondering why my spirit would be conflicted.

As a believer in Christ, and a believer in the pre-trib rapture, I see how the world is shaping up around us. I know that time is so very short before the world literally explodes into the worst time in history known to mankind- The Tribulation. Now, if you do not believe in prophecy, end times, the rapture and such, that is your prerogative. But, I hold fast to God's promises for those who believe in Him.

So here I am- so very frustrated with the way things are going on in our country and the world. I so long for the day that all this is over, and I am worshipping my King Jesus! Yet, I am so very blessed and excited to be able to use my talents for a worthy cause.

On days like this I have to just rest in the fact that the Lord reigns. He is in control of all things.

One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 97. It is a testament of God's mighty power. He is in control.

One of my favorite songs is by Michael W. Smith, "Let It Rain".

As I have already mentioned, on of the things I love to think about is the return of Christ, sounding the trumpet to call His bride home. And here in one video is all of these things put together. Yes, The Lord indeed reigns! In Him I put my trust!

The Lord Reigns


Psalm 97
1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
3 Fire goes before him
and consumes his foes on every side.
4 His lightning lights up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
5 The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the Lord of all the earth.
6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
7 All who worship images are put to shame,
those who boast in idols—
worship him, all you gods!
8 Zion hears and rejoices
and the villages of Judah are glad
because of your judgments, O LORD.
9 For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
10 Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
11 Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
12 Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.

Lord God, help me to not be distracted by all that is going on in the world. It will be as You intend, in Your perfect timing.

I continue to pray for Congresswoman Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly. Please give them the peace and assurance that You are in control and reign majestically upon Your throne.

I pray for this nation. We continue to slip into a very dark abyss. Please have mercy on this nation.

I pray for our president. Humble him before You, Lord God.

I pray for the nation and people of Israel. Please comfort her always and assure her people that You reign upon Your throne and that Your covenant with them is forever and ever!

I pray all of these things in the Name of Jesus Christ- Amen.

BLESSED OR SPOILED?

I am in the midst of Spring Cleaning. This year, I have a completely different attitude than I've had in a very long time.

While I've gone through different stages over the years, so much of the time my Spring Cleaning ends up being just getting rid of clothes that no longer fit the kids and doing my really deep cleaning, like behind the refrigerator and things of that nature that are not in my weekly list of chores.

This year, something is different. I am getting rid of so many things that we just do not use!

As I am going through the kids clothes I am amazed at how much we have amassed. God has blessed us beyond measure, in this area! I am all about a bargain, and with 5 children that is an absolute must! A lot of my children's clothes are hand-me-downs, but the ones that are bought for them are without a doubt a bargain! And I am not at all ashamed to say this!

I had hoped to finish my Spring Cleaning this weekend, but, it is not going to happen. I am finding that I am looking at everything differently. If we do not use it or need it, it is going out!

This has brought me to a question within myself. Yes, without a doubt I know that we are blessed beyond measure! However, have these blessings turned into making us nothing more than spoiled brats? I pray that I will never take for granted the many blessings God has given me and my family, but when I sit down and really think about all that we have..... yes, sadly, I do take it all for granted.

Several natural disasters have hit the world in the last couple of years. While yes, there are always natural disasters, in a day and time when there is 24-hour news coverage of these disasters I believe it has a different effect than previously.

When we are inundated with the images of so much grief and destruction... how do we respond? Do we go into a shell and mourn for the loss that others experience? Do we look around at our surroundings and realize that in an instant all that we have can be gone? It is a sobering thought.

Yes, I am blessed beyond measure. But I am also very spoiled.

Lord God, I thank You for Your abundant blessings in my life. While I know that I am not only blessed, but also the realization has hit that I am also very spoiled. It is time for me to get back to the basics. If something is not needed or used or does not have a place in our home, it is time to let it go.I pray that You will help me look through these renewed eyes as I continue this Spring Cleaning.

I pray for this nation. We, as a nation, are blessed beyond measure as well! In this new realization I have become so very sad for America! Very few people realize how blessed we are, I believe. I pray that this nation will wake up before it is too late! I pray that this nation will humble herself before You and praise You for Your endless blessings in this nation.

I pray for our President. I pray for all elected leaders who are making our laws. So many laws of this land are being broken. Lord God, I pray for truth and justice to prevail!

As always, I pray for Congresswoman Giffords. She is truly blessed in her life being spared by the senseless attack on her! I pray that this nation would look upon the miracle of her life and realize the blessing and miracle You have shown us through her.

I pray for the nation and people of Israel. Lord God, every day more and more anger is being hurled upon Your chosen people! Keep them safe, I pray. Hide them in the shadow of Your wings (Psalm 91).

I pray all of these things in the Name of Jesus Christ- Giver of Life and all blessings- Amen!

YES, THIS COUNTS!

I received an email today that is going to be the topic of today's post. My brother sent me the email, and he had added a note that yes, this was his niece (his wife's sister's daughter). I called him and asked him if he could get their permission to post the picture on my blog entry for today, because I have never seen anything so beautiful in all of my life!

When I talked to my brother after he talked to his brother-in-law, he told me he was surprised to find out that it is not his niece! This is an email that was actually forwarded to his brother-in-law. They are all amazed at how much like this little girl my brother's niece actually looks.

So, I am going to post the picture, as the note at the bottom of the page says to forward to your friends. If the parents of this child sees the picture and would like it to be removed, please let me know. I would never want to offend them in any ways.

So, before I go any further, here is the email text, as well as the picture, of the original email I was sent:

Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

DOES THIS COUNT?

Yes, this most definitely counts, sweetheart!

This little girl understands more than most adults do. While I believe that it is imperative and very beneficial to read, study, disect, meditate and analyze Scripture to grow in our faith, walk and understanding of God, I beleive that a lot of times our analyzing gets in the way of the true heart of the matter. As my husband has said before, too often, the most "intellectual" of minds have absolutely no faith in God because He cannot be explained. Faith is believing in the unseen.

A WRETCH LIKE ME

This time of the year is extremely special to me. On February 25, 2004, a movie was released that reaches down into the very depths of my soul. While I know the story well, I've never seen it depicted in this exact way.

The movie I am referring to is, "The Passion Of The Christ".

Within the first month after the movie was released, my husband and I went to the theatre 7 times to see it. At the time, we were Youth Leaders at our church. Since the movie was rated "R" due to the extreme violence depicted, we were required to view the movie before taking students to see it. For the students to see the movie their parents had to sign a permission form, for the exact same reason.

I was raised in a Christian home. I often joke that I went to church before I entered the world, and started my entry into the world at church! My Mom actually went into labor during the Sunday night service. A funny side story here that my mom loves to tell. She went to the restroom, and her water broke. Obviously, she had to send someone in to get my Dad.

My grandparents, as well as a couple of my aunts and uncles went to the same church. My Dad sent one of the ushers in to let my grandparents know what was going on. It was at this very moment that the congregation was sitting, and the choir was getting ready to sing. My grandfather did not realize what was going on, so he was standing up, in the middle of the church, looking at my aunt, who was in the choir, shaking his head "yes" So this is how the congregation knew I was ready to make my entrance into the world!

Well, I've gotten a bit off track here. But, the point of telling this funny little tidbit of my life is to say that yes, I attended church regularly as a child. When the church doors were open, we were there. I knew the words of the old hymns by heart. In fact, I was even known to give a concert for my grandparents at the drop of a hat! There are even pictures of the performances, my "brush microphone" in hand.

Even if you are not a church-goer, it's quite likely you know the words to the ever-famous hymn, "Amazing Grace." In fact, there is now even a movie of how the hymn came to be. This was one of the songs that I loved to sing the most.

Strangely enough, though I have known the words of "Amazing Grace"  by heart pretty much since I uttered my first words, It was not until I was 31-years-old that I truly grasped the true meaning of this beautiful hymn.

LIFE IS A PUZZLE

After my first husband committed suicide, my life as I knew it literally ceased to exist. Everything that I knew, believed and lived shattered into a million pieces. It was at this point that God lovingly picked up one, single piece of my shattered, brokenness and placed it in the middle of His canvas, which is my life.

All of the shattered pieces of my former life are still there today. While it may not appear that way, the shattered, broken pieces have been lovingly healed and mended by the hands of The Master Who created me and loves me so dearly. Many, many pieces have been loving placed where they belong, and yet, many others still are in the process of mending and healing.

One thing that God showed me, after my husband died, was how yes, we are indeed created in the image of God. However, as humans, most everything we do is opposite of the way God does things. It is a strange concept, in one sense. Yet, it makes perfect sense as well.

An image is a reflection of an actual thing, not the thing itself. When you look in the mirror at yourself, it is the opposite of reality. Your right side appears to be the left side, and vice versa.

When you work a puzzle, what is the first thing that you do? You start with the outside pieces, and put the entire border together. At least, this is the way I do it, and this is the way I've seen most people work a puzzle.

God began to show me that my life is a puzzle in progress at the work of His loving hands.

FREEDOM

"Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!" 

~ William Wallace ~
"Braveheart"

Last night, I watched one of my all-time favorite movies. It's been a long while since I've watched it, but I happened to be flipping through the channels and saw it was on. What a perfect time in history for me to be reminded of the bravery of William Wallace.

Obviously, I am talking about the Mel Gibson movie, "Braveheart".

If you have never seen this movie, I definitely recommend it!

Though this is a "fictional representation" of history, it is based on the life of a real man in 13th Century Scotland. I won't give a synopsis of the movie here, because I do not want to ruin the movie if you have not seen it; and if you have seen it, you know the intricate beauty that it encompasses.

There are many, many aspects of this movie that draws me in. Number one, I love history. Number two, I am a hopeless romantic at heart. Number three, the fight for freedom is in my blood. I guess in reality, the number three reason should be my number one reason.

Without freedom, we are truly slaves. This seems to be a given, but it amazes me how this is not obvious to the masses. It's strangely eerie how so many aspects of this movie can be applied to current day affairs. Change the setting and the characters, and you have the exact same scenario today, in modern day America.

YOU GOT TO KNOW WHEN...

As I've thought over my previous post, I am reminded of an old Kenny Rogers song, "The Gambler". I'm sure that if you've read my previous post you are wondering how in the world this song comes to mind. The post has nothing at all to do with gambling, playing cards, or anything that entails.

However, the course speaks volumes for me, in my life:

You've got to know when to hold 'em
Know when to fold 'em
Know when to walk away
Know when to run
You never count your money
When you're sittin' at the table
There'll be time enough for countin'
When the dealin's done

Now, one thing you will learn about me is that I march to the beat of a different drummer. I've always been this way! In fact, I grew up in the '80's and was always known for wearing a "different style" of clothes... and this is in the '80's, when "different" WAS the style!

Maybe the reason this chorus reverberates over and over in my mind as I look back over my life experiences is because so much of the time I did not know when to hold 'em, fold 'em, walk away, or run. So much of my life I have made the wrong decision, no matter what decision I made.

LEADERSHIP DEFINED

"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to go."   Unknown

I found this quote today on a graphic as I was doing research for another project I am working on. I tweeted it out, because it really hit home to me.

Before I became a mommy, I was on staff at our church in the Youth Department. I was basically the female Youth Pastor, though I did not have the official title.

I will try to keep my "church history" as brief as possible, because that's not what this post is about. However, I do believe it is important to set up my thought process in all of this.

I was raised in a very legalistic church. My brother and I were both known as the "black sheep" of the church because our parents raised us to make our own decisions, not just follow along.

When I was 14-years-old I was sexually assaulted. As a very naive' 14-year-old, I was totally shocked, not only at what had happened, but that it was even possible. This event sent me on a downward spiral that would last a decade and a half or so.

I'VE COME TO A REALIZATION

I just got finished with a major rant on Twitter. My husband just showed me an article that has blown my mind! For your reference, here is the article that caused my rant:

U.S. Debt Jumped $72 Billion Same Day U.S. House Voted to Cut Spending $6 Billion

Now, why in the world would this send me into a tizzy, you are probably asking. It is quite obvious that our debt and continued spending is completely out of control. It's been one of the main topics of discussion for- oh, I don't even know how long!

So I will tell you- my rant was caused by the sudden realization that no one in Washington gets it! And I do mean NO ONE! I say this, because if anyone at all truly got the enormity of this crisis, this would be the ONLY thing that was being discussed!

I WILL BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS YOU

"I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:3

Israel is the time piece and compass for everything that happens. Israel is God Almighty's time piece.

God makes it very clear that all blessings and curses are administered by how Israel is treated.

OVER MY COLD DEAD BODY

I read an article today that made my blood run cold, and in the very next second, my blood began to boil! I am attaching the link for you to read.
The Islamic Demolition of the Statue of Liberty

No matter your political views, if you do not look at the State of Liberty and get choked up, you have no business living in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.  The image of this tall, brave lady standing on our shores, beckoning to all who seek a life of liberty, freedom, and the opportunity to become all you dream to be. No, she doesn't GUARANTEE you success- but she provides every opportunity you could ever imagine.

TIMES- THEY ARE A'CHANGIN

I thought I would be a bit "cute" tonight.

Since tonight is the night that time changes- yet again- I thought a reminder might be a good idea. I honestly just wish they would keep the time the same all year round! It takes me a month to get readjusted when the time changes, so 2 months out of the year I'm all out of whack just because the time changes on me.

I think it is fitting, in another sense, because it seems like that every day times are changing more and more. As a believer in Christ, and a believer in the rapture, I firmly believe we are in the end times. How soon will the rapture be? That I do not know. I know there is a prediction that says the rapture will happen in May of this year. There are some that believe it is far off from now. And then, many still, that do not believe it will happen at all. I, however, do believe that it is soon.

Reading the news headlines these days are just like opening up The Bible and reading prophecy.

PRAYERS FOR JAPAN

Tonight is another night of just a simple prayer. There are no words to really express the devastation in Japan after the earthquake that happened almost 24 hours ago.

I first heard of the earthquake when I woke up in the middle of the night and realized that I had fallen asleep with the TV on. When I realized what was going on, I immediately started praying for all who have been affected by this tragedy.

There are hundreds who are confirmed dead, thousands who are still missing. Cruise ships have been washed away, a commuter train that is completely missing, and debris scattered for hundreds of miles or more.

SADNESS AND ANGER

I am unapologetically pro-life. As a mom of five children who my husband and I CHOSE to adopt, we are living proof that every single life has a purpose and a reason.

If you have read my blog previously, you know that I am pretty much an "open book" and I pray that God will use my life experiences to help others. I cannot tell you the process to adopt is a walk in the park- in fact, it is quite the opposite. However, as with all things, anything worth having is worth fighting for.

I had a friend who told me a few weeks ago of a lady she knows who is going through a divorce. She found out she was pregnant, and wanted to find someone to adopt the baby because neither she nor her husband wanted the child since they are divorcing.

I have been praying that God would help me find someone- the perfect match- for this child. I know personally what it is like to long for a child so desperately that your heart literally aches. I also know the extreme joy of having your tiny baby placed in your arms, and the realization that God has indeed blessed you and answered your prayers to be a mother. I wanted to help someone else realize that dream.

EDUCATION DOES NOT EQUATE WISDOM

We are living in a time where we have the sum of human knowledge at our fingertips. All I have to do is type in a topic to search online and in milliseconds, anything and everything I could ever want to know about that topic is available to me.

I find it ironic, interesting, and so very sad that with this capability we as a nation rank very poorly in all academic subjects.

As I listen to the news media, talking heads, pundits of all forms and fashion, I hear and see a wealth of information- actual facts. Unfortunately, so much of the time the actual facts are drowned out or twisted around to fit someones agenda.

THE POWER OF MUSIC

I mentioned in yesterday's post how important music is in my life. As long as I can remember I have loved all kinds of music. I cannot carry a tune in a tin bucket, but I love to sing! I just make sure no one is around when I do!

It wasn't until about 9 years ago that I realized how powerful music can be.

Though I love all kinds of music, I am not someone who actually hears the lyrics a lot of times. The chorus, yes, of course, most of the time I do know the words. But the actual verses of songs, I am not always aware of.