Comfort and Edify One Another

 

 

Job 2-5

 

 

When three of Jobs friends heard of all that was going on in Jobs life, they set out to see him. They went to mourn with and comfort him.When they arrived they didn't even recognize Job. They raised up their voices and wept, tore their robes, and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven. They could clearly see that his grief was great so they sat with him, in silence, for seven days.

Job was so distraught that he began to curse the day that he was born. He poured his heart out about the frustrations and grief that he was going through.

When he was finished, his friends all had something to say about his situation.

Today we're going to look at what Eliphaz had to say.

First, he told Job that his outburst was an embarrassment to himself because Job had always been the one of instruction, strength, and wisdom to all who were going through adversity, yet he himself didn't take his own advice, and was troubled because of his adversity.

 

So many Christians believe that if they are going through adversity that they should just keep their frustration and grief bottled up inside.

 After all, what would people think if they actually expressed their feelings?

 People don't want others to know what's going on in their lives because they fear judgement from others. That fear isn't from God.

 

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Timothy 1:7

 

We are to share our lives with one another. When we do, it allows them a chance to use the gifts the Lord has given to them, as well as, brings hope to others.

Let me give you an example.

When I first started going to Calvary Chapel in Greer, SC, I felt as if I was the only one struggling with life. Every time I saw the ladies at the church, I would become more and more discouraged, because I thought that they had it all together. Honestly, I felt as if I didn't belong. That time of year came when it was time for the Ladies Retreat. I was being encouraged to go, but I really didn't want to because my life was a mess. With much thought and a bit of pressure, I decided to go. I still was nervous though.

That was one of  the BEST things I've ever done!!

While I was there, I began sharing things about my life with some of the women, and, you know what? Some of them were going through or had gone through exactly what I was. The ones who had already been there, encouraged me and gave me hope that things would change. Those of us going through the same things, at present, developed a bond, enabling us to share our thoughts, feelings,etc, encourage, and love on each other.

You see, sharing your frustrations and grief doesn't make you less of a Christian.

God uses each of our circumstances to not only strengthen our faith, but to help others through their own circumstances. There is absolutely nothing wrong with letting people know your frustrations and griefs. So don't let anyone tell you anything different.

As a part of the body of Christ we are one in Christ. We are to love and encourage one another.

 

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

 1Thessalonians 5:11

 

 

If that wasn't bad enough, Eliphaz then told Job that he had a vision in the night, where a spirit told him that Job was going through all that he was because of his sin, that he needed to repent, and then God would heal, bring prosperity, and long life to him.

This spirit was deceiving Eliphaz. This spirit was to discourage and frustrate Job even more than he already was, so he would curse God, but Eliphaz did not test the spirit, as we are all supposed to.

 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

1 John 4:1

 

The Proof

The spirit brought fear and trembling (v14)
As we know, God has not given us a spirit of fear.

Even God recognized Job as blameless and upright.

Jobs life demonstrated who he was and for whom he was living.

In no way did Jobs life demonstrate that he was, or thought he was, more righteous or more pure  than God, which the spirit implied. (v 17)

Do you see it?

 

One thing I want to make very clear is this....

Just because someone is going through adversity doesn't mean it's because of sin in their lives.

Job was blameless, yet the Lord gave satan permission to do these things to him to prove his faith and to bring glory to Himself.

So, when you see someone going through adversity, don't be quick to judge why, instead, pray for, encourage, comfort, and love on them.

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:16

 

 

 

What Do You Choose?

 

(Job 2:1-10)

 

Satan comes before God a second time.

This time God points out that even though Job has lost virtually everything, his integrity still remains in tact. He is still standing strong in the Lord.

Satan's reply?

"Skin for skin, yes, all that a man he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" (Job 2:4-5)

Satan believed that if the Lord allowed him to inflict physical infirmities on Job that he would curse God.

Again, God gave satan permission to do as he wished, with one exception. He could not kill Job.

So, he made Job have painful boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.

Job was in a lot of pain, yet he sat in the ashes, scraping himself with broken pottery, saying nothing.

As his wife watched him going through such torment, she was probably heartbroken because she loved Job and didn't want to see him suffer anymore. She was already distraught over losing everything, including her children, and now she watched as her husband was in tortuous pain.

In her fragile emotional state she tells Job to curse God and die.

 

It's interesting the things that are said when one is emotionally vulnerable. More interesting to me, was the fact that she encouraged her husband, who was known to be blameless and upright, to abandon everything he believed because he was suffering. Instead she should have been praying for and encouraging him to persevere. 

 When you suffer, your loved ones mean well, but sometimes they unwittingly encourage you to give in to your flesh, because they feel your pain and are too emotional to see beyond that. You must not give in to your flesh, but must continue in your faith, to live a life that glorifies God, even in the midst of pain. You must continue to persevere, knowing that God has a plan for even this.

 

Are you going through adversity in the form of an illness or disease?

I have been for many years now. I've been to more doctors than ever in my lifetime, had more tests done, been poked and prodded, and still, no one can figure out what is wrong with me.

I am in pain daily, some days are worse than others, and to top it off,I am without medical insurance now and  I recently (within the last 6 months) tore the rotator cuff of my left shoulder, which means more pain.

In it all, I know that God is with me.

 

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.

If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall  on me," Even the night shall be light about me;

Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

Psalm 139:7-12

 

 

He gives me strength, when I have none.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:10

 

 

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Psalm 27:14

 

 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

He encourages me through His Word.

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119:103

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105

He keeps me in His care,gives me rest and comforts me.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:1-4

We all have issues to deal with, some worse than others, but having a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes life worth living, even when things are difficult.

How are you choosing to deal with your infirmities?

Believe it or not, you do have a choice.

You can choose to be miserable, bitter, and discontent with the state that you're in, OR, you can choose to cling to Jesus and allow Him to give you His joy in the midst of it, and His peace that passes all understanding.

What are you going to choose?

I choose Jesus!!

When Tragedy Strikes Part 2

 

In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. (Job 1:22)

 

 

Job lost his prestige, wealth and material possessions, and worst of all,  his 7 children died on the same day as a result of the oldest sons home collapsing on top of them.

Talk about tragic!!

Even through his great loss, he never once sinned or blamed God for it.

If you were Job, how would you react to this news?

If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I would hope that you know God so intimately that you would react in a similar fashion as Job did. When we intimately know God then we know, without a shadow of a doubt, who He is and that we can trust that what He is allowing is for our good.

It's not easy going through personal tragedy.

I know this all too well.

I've experienced several suicides of people in whom I loved dearly,  physical abuse, the loss of 3 babies, etc, etc, etc.

Through it all I didn't blame God.

I didn't understand, but I knew that God had allowed every circumstance for the good of many.

I know God is a God of love.

 I've experienced it first hand.

 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

 

And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

1 John 4:16

 

I know suffering is a part of life.

Why?

Because in suffering our faith is perfected.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

God is just.

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.

Deuteronomy 32:4

 

 

 

God has purpose for everything that we go through.

One of those purposes is to conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:28-29

 

Suffering proves the genuineness of your faith.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

1 Peter 1 :3-7

When you go through suffering, the Lord will bring comfort to you.

The suffering you go through will be used in the lives of others.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

As you can see, suffering may not be fun, but it is a part of our growth, as well as those around us.

 Rest assured, that no matter what you're going through now, if you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, one day the suffering will cease. Continue to hold on to Jesus and watch what He does in and through you.

 

But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

 

1 Peter 5:10

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Revelation 21:4

When Tragedy Strikes Part 1

 

Notice the title, "When Tragedy Strikes."

At one time or another you will go through some type of tragedy, but how are you to handle it?

Let's take a look at Job to gain some insight.

 

Satan stood before God one day.He had been roaming the earth.

 Why?

 He was probably looking for someone to test, at least that's what I gather from the text.

 

The Lord asked him if he had considered His servant Job.

He knew that Job was unlike any on the earth (v8). He was blameless, upright, feared God, and shunned evil.
 Isn't that amazing that God Himself viewed Job as all of those things. WoW.

Satan challenged Jobs character.
He told the Lord that the only reason Job was such a faithful servant was because he and his family were always protected,  the works of his hands were blessed, and he had no need or want because of his great wealth and possessions.

Satan told God that if He took away all that Job had that he would surely curse Him to His face.(v11)

So, the Lord gave satan permission to test Job with only one requirement; he could not lay a hand on Jobs person.

Did you see that?
The Lord gave satan permission to test Job.

He can do nothing unless he goes through God first.

Satan can do nothing to any of God's children without God's permission!!

That means that God still has control over what is going on in your life!!

He has allowed trials, circumstances, tragedies in your life for a purpose.

Why would God give satan this permission?

I believe, in Jobs case as well as yours, that He allows these things to grow your faith, to conform you into His Sons, Jesus', image, and to prove to satan that you are His faithful servant.

 

 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:28-31

 

  

Let's look at what happened next....

Satan destroyed EVERYTHING that Job had....he killed his servants, livestock, and his children.

He took everything from Job. His status, his wealth, and the thing he loved the most, his childern...and that all on the same day.

Talk about tragedy.

 

But, what did Job do?

How did he handle to news of so much devestation?

 

"Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshipped,

And he said:

"Naked I came from my mother's womb,

And naked shall I return there.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;

Blessed be the name of the Lord."

 

  

Did you catch that?

JOB WORSHIPPED GOD!!!

What an amazingly powerful testimony.

That's not to say that he didn't mourn for his loss. He definitely did, as you can see in the Scriptures above.

 

How do you handle tragedy, trials, circumstances?

Do you have such a close relationship with God that you handle them as Job did?

 

It's ok to mourn a loss. You are human. Just don't stay there.

This is your chance to glorify God, to prove your faith, and to let the whole world see Jesus.

 

 

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-4
 

Don't let your tragedy ruin your life.

I've been through many tragedies, but I've learned through them all, that as I continue to seek the Lord, knowing Him more intimately, and am obedient to what He has shown me, when the tragedies come I can rest assured knowing that He has a purpose, for me as well as those watching me, and is with me through it all.

 

 

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

Joshua 1:9

What are Your Priorities?

Job was a man who was not only considered blameless and upright, but he was a man of great wealth. Not only did he have many material possessions, but he had a wife, 7 sons and 3 daughters. What fun that would have been at their family gatherings. :) He was certainly blessed beyond measure.

Job loved God and his family very much, and was very concerned with their spiritual well-being. He regularly  offered burt offerings to God according to the number of each of his children just in case they had sinned and cursed God in their hearts.

 

Although Job was a man of great wealth, that wasn't his priority.

His devotion to God was first and foremost and then his family came next.

He knew that wealth meant nothing. That it could be taken away at any moment.

He knew that His relationship with God and his families spiritual well-being was far more important than any amount of prosperity.

 

Are you chasing after money?

Is your relationship with the Lord taking a back seat to your endeavors to obtain wealth?

Is your family suffering because of of your desire to have more?

 

Money is necessary, but it should NEVER be the priority!!!

 

Now godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and

into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

 

Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease!

Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

Proverbs 23:4-5

 

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all these thing will be added unto you.

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 6:33-34

 

"Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

"You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

"And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates,

"that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.

"For if you carefully keep all these commandments which I command you to do--to love the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him--

"then the LORD will drive out all these nations from before you, and you will dispossess greater and mightier nations than yourselves.

Deuteronomy 11:18-23

Lessons from Job

Job 1

Job was a man who was blameless and upright. He feared God and shunned evil. (v1)

How can a person be considered blameless and upright?

What does it mean to fear God?

What does it mean to shun evil?

Our God is a God of love. He doesn't wish that any bad come to us. It's a matter of fact that, if we sin, we choose to be out from under the covering of protection that God shelters us with. When we are without His protection, because of our own doing, then whatever bad befalls us is on us.

A healthy fear of God is reverent.

Reverence means: a respectful, submissive attitude of mind resulting in affection and esteem for the person to which it is directed.

This reverence keeps us obedient.

Our fear of God is just like a child/parent relationship (should be). If we love our parents, we will show them our love as we are obedient to them. The same is true of our relationship with God.

"If you love Me, keep My commandments." John 14:15

Job had a healthy fear of God. He understood that if he said he loved God then he needed to prove it through the way he lived his life. This is why he was considered blameless and upright.

He loved God, therefore, he shunned evil. Shunning evil is easier than most people make it.

To shun means: to avoid deliberately; keep away from.

Do you see that?

Job deliberately avoided those things that would cause him to sin.

He made a conscience choice to avoid sin at all costs. Why?

Because he feared God.

Do you have a healthy fear of God?

Are you making a conscience choice to avoid things that could cause you to fall into sin?

Would God describe you as blameless and upright?

 

Blessed is he whose trangession is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Ps 32:1,2

 

 

Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22,23

Home

Home (9/26/2009)

I get up each morning and put on my mask
getting to my life of daily tasks
I wonder if things will ever change
If I will ever have things rightly arranged

I want to give everything to you
I pray, I read, I don't know what else to do
I feel so lonely in this world
I just want to be home with You

With You is where I long to be
Only with You is where I will truly be happy
I want to see You, I want to hear Your voice
I'm desperate for You
Desperate to be with You

I know You still have things for me to do
That is obviously why I'm still here
but I feel like a stranger in this place
These feelings get worse every year

I can't wait to be home with You
where I know I belong
Where I can love on You daily
And sing You my song

I want to be home with You
With You is where I long to be
Only with You is where I will truly be happy
I want to see You, I want to hear Your voice
I'm desperate for You
Desperate to be with You

You

You (2/24/2009)

I want You to be my everything,
to make this world not mean a thing,
to speak to You every day, and to clearly hear what You say.
To read Your Word and let it speak to me, so You can make me who I was meant to be.
To do Your will above all, and not worry about the Law..
To always remember the price You paid,
the sacrifice of Your life You made.
To always do what I do,
to point the people around me to You.

Thank You for willingly laying down Your life,
for taking the beatings, the mockings, the strife,
so that everyone could come to know You,
to spend eternity in heaven with You.
May You reveal Yourself to them all,
may they listen to Your call...
May they know that You are the only way,
and accept You into their hearts today.

Salvation, Love, Truth, and Peace in Jesus Alone!

The Terror Within

The Terror Within

9/8/2012

　

Must I close my eyes?

Must I sleep?

The darkness use to bring me sweet slumber,

But those are days of old.

Now all it brings is terror, heart pounding fear.

I close my eyes,

horrible visions blur my sight;

visions of death.

My heart pounds as I run for my life.

I scream in terror

as I see those I love hunted.

I awake shaking, wailing, breathing heavily.

Anxiety overtakes me.

The visions are far too real.

Waking brings relief no more.

Oh, that the light of day

would bring peace to my soul.

Desperately I cling to You.

How I long for Your peace.

Give me rest...

My heart cries out in pain.

Oh, how I need You Jesus

to set me free from the terror within.

Let The Past Go

Let The Past Go (8/5/2010)

Lord, this life that you've given me is being wasted away,
thinking about the past and not living for today.

Help me to let go of the things I can't change,
Help me let go of the tears and pain.

I don't want to waste the new chance you've given me,
completely looking back, thinking of the way things used to be.

Help me to let go, to look forward to today.
Help me let go and to see things Your way.

Direct my steps, lead the way.
Heal my heart, take the pain away.
Heal my mind, so I can be made whole.

Help me let the past go.

Good Morning Sunshine!!

 

Good Morning Sunshine :)

It's a beautiful day here in Florida!!

I have my windows open and a soft, cool breeze is flowing throughout my home.

I absolutely love it!!

 

I woke early this morning, as I usually do, opened up the Bible and the Lord gave me a wonderful reminder.....

 

2 Samuel 7:8(a)

 

Thus says the Lord of hosts:"I took you from among the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be a ruler over My people, over Israel, And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you.......

 

He reminded me that He has taken me out of this world.

 I have been set apart for a purpose; His purpose.

He has made me to be a leader, not a follower.

 

I am to rock the boat, so to speak.

Be a rebel for the Lord, If I may.

To go against the grain.

Forget the status quo.

Be different!!

 

(By the way, He has done that for you too, if you are one of His children. :))

 

We were never meant to look like, act like, speak like, or be like everyone else!!

Be prepared that, if you put into action that which the Lord has said, you will be one of  very few.

You will be persecuted, even, sadly, by other "Christians."

 

Being a Christian is not easy!!

(Don't let anyone tell you any different.)

But it is worth it when all is said and done!!!

 

When you are being obedient to the Word of God and things are looking rough because of it, know that the Lord is with you wherever you go and He will, and has, cut off ALL your enemies from before you!

Praise the Lord!!!

 

When you are in the Lord's will, He takes care of you, protects you, and fights the enemy (ies) for you so you don't have to.

All you must do is stay close to and trust Him.

 

But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble. 
  And the LORD shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.  (Psalm 37:39-40)

 

 

Don't stop living your life for Jesus.

No matter how things appear to be, He is still in control!

He has a purpose for all of it.

 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 
 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 
 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 
 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 

(Romans 8:28-31)

 

Stand on His promises and keep persevering through.......

 

 

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. 
Behold,  I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. 
  He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 

(Revelation 3:10-12)

Be encouraged in the Word today...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you really want to know the real me?

Do you really want to know the real me?

I am the one who's husband said to her, last night,

"If I could've seen years down the road and known that you would be sick all of the time, I would've scratched you out of my life and moved on."

and

"Some days I just wish I could be with someone who doesn't have so many physical issues."

That's what my life looks like.

Did you see that coming?

Probably not.

Neither did I, after 13 years of marriage.

I'm sure you could imagine how those words echoed in my mind;

the pain that pierced my heart,

the feelings of lonliness that seized me at that very moment.

I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that,

even if my husband feels this way about me,

 I have a love, a true love, who will NEVER hurt me so.

He loves me, unconditionally.

He holds me as I cry from the pain and stores all of my tears in a bottle.

He tells me He will NEVER leave me or forsake me,

that I am His princess.

I am precious in His sight.

He is the one who gave His very life out of His pure, unending  love for me.

He protects me from all who seek to destroy me;

I can trust Him alone.

He brings me peace, a peace that is uncomprehensible, in times of chaos.

He paints beautiful pictures in the sky every morning and night,

because He knows how much I love them.

He paints the world around me with such brilliant colors; incorporating shapes and melodious sounds,

 because He knows that when I see and hear them I am reminded of just how special I am to Him.

So, you see, that even if my husband has a hard time seeing me as the person I was made to be, with all my faults, ailments, and quirky ways,

He sees me as whole, perfect, and precious.

No, He isn't another man. Another man could NEVER love me like He does.

He is my Lord Jesus Christ!

Without Him, I would have lost heart.

He is my One True Love, and always will be.

In Him I have hope.

In Him I have a purpose.

In Him, I have worth.

Noone can ever take that away 

I was the 1 out of 100

For  the Son of man has come to save that which was lost.

What do you think?

If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the 99 and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying?

And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the 99 that did not go astray.

Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

(Matt. 18:11-14)

I love these verses!

They are sooooooo encouraging to me.

I had accepted Jesus into my heart at a young age, but I didn't really know what that meant.

All I knew is that I  wanted to go to heaven and didn't want to go to hell.

I lived my life the only way I knew how. I followed what I saw.

So, you see I was once one of those sheep that went astray.

I wandered off thinking I could get along my way..

What came of it?

I got mixed up with one too many guys and had my heart crushed beyond belief.

I was mentally, physically, and emotionally abused on a daily basis.

I ended up in a different state, in a battered womens shelter, pregnant and alone.

I had two children by two different guys, only to be left  to care for them both alone.

I broke my parents' hearts and alienated everyone who truly loved me.

etc, etc, etc....I'm sure you get the picture.

The moment I decided to obey, was the moment my life began to turn around.

I saw myself in a light I had never seen before and I cried because of what I saw.

My eyes were open for the first time in a long time.

Jesus revealed Himself to me once again.

He showed me that He had been running after me the entire time.

He showed me that He really never left me, but that I had left Him.

I walked out from the covering of His protection, but He had me in His hand all along.

He was a GREAT shepherd!

As a shepherd does, He loved me, even when my actions spit in His face.

He cared for me, enough to allow trials in my life, that I would cry out to Him.

He watched over me when He could've let me die, and believe me, there were many times that I put myself in postion for that to happen.

He protected me.

He showed me just how much He loved me by blessing me with my son and daughter, when He could've allowed me to get an incurable disease.

The faster I ran from Him, the faster He ran after me.

He loved me so much that He would not give up pursuing me.

That brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

Tears of sadness and of sheer joy at the same time.

Sadness because I know how much I hurt my Savior.

Sheer joy because I know that if noone on this earth loves me, that I am truly loved by my Lord always. He has proven that to me over and over again.

He loves me in a way that NOONE else ever has or ever will.

If you are in a state where you've once walked with Jesus, but have now fallen away, please know this...Jesus is still in love with you. He is pursuing you with a pure, true love. He is calling you as you run from Him because He longs for you to come back.

He has a plan for your life. A plan that only you can fulfill. Please run back to Him! Repent and get right with Him. It's not too late!!

If you have never known my Jesus, He longs for you too.

He gave His life to pay the ransom that you owed all because of His unconditional, neverending love for you.

If you'd like to know how to become a follower of Jesus, please let me know. I would love to share more with you.

<3

Rejoice!!

Rejoice in the Lord Always, Again I say Rejoice!!

(Phil 4:4)

That is what the Lord has been speaking to me lately. It doesn't matter what we are going through or how we feel, we are to rejoice in it all.

Now those are some hard words to ingest.

That goes against every fiber of our first nature (flesh).

Our flesh continually screams, "It's not fair!", "When am I ever going to get what I want!?!", etc.

That's when we have to dig deep into the Word of God and meditate on the things that will bring our second nature (spirit) out.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

(Col 3:2)

Only when we put into practice the things that we've learned, in the Word, are we truly walking in the Spirit, because we have refocused. Our perspective has then changed.

We are no longer looking at "me" or "my circumstances",

we are now looking at Jesus, His will, and eternal things.

Things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

(Phil 4:9)

Only then can we truly experience the peace of God in every circumstance.

It's funny how we know these things, but the knowledge is useless unless we put it into action.

I know that many changes are taking place in your life, most of them are unpleasant, frustrating, and difficult, to say the least.

But I urge you to continue to seek things above and give all your pains, frustrations, etc to the Lord, that He may, in return, fill you with His real peace.

That the peace you have will not only be outward, but that you would truly experience His peace in the inmost parts of your being.

That you could rejoice in the circumstances, knowing that this is temporary and is the will of God.

He will bring you through to the other side.

It's your choice to either go through it your way, stressin, etc, or His way...

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

(Phil 4:6,7)

Remember God said,"... I will never leave or forsake you. So we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear..."

God loves you!

He is for you!

Everything that He allows in your life is for your good and the good of those watching how you handle the circumstance you're in, and believe me, they are watching.

For our light affliction, which is but a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

(2 Cor. 4:17,18)

One last thing...

We are at war, a spiritual war, but you have been given everything you need to fight.

You therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life.

(2 Tim 2:3,4)

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day,and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God;

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

( Eph 6:10-18)

<3

My Plea

O Lord, I have listened to Your voice,

I have done what You've asked, yet some come against me.

They say that they are hurt and speak wrongfully of me

behind my back.

I try to extend the olive branch and bring peace,

but there is war in their voices.

With the same lips they speak of love and also evil against me.

Do they not realize how difficult it is for me too?

Do they not understand the pain that burns so deep within my soul?

They think of only how they've been affected,

never once considering the way they are reacting is affecting me.

Please, help them to view my obedience in the light of Your Word and open the spiritual eyes of their understanding, that they may see as You see.

Defeat my real enemy by restoring love, peace, and reconciliation.

I know who my real enemy is. He is the father of lies. He seeks only to kill, steal, and destroy,

But I REFUSE to let him have the victory!!

I know that I do not fight against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the ruler of the darkness of this age.

Therefore, I will continue to choose to obey You, no matter the cost.

I will continue to live for You and follow Your voice,

that I may be right with You and bring glory to Your name.

I give you my hurts, for You alone know every detail of what I'm going through.

You know, and keep, every tear that I have cried.  

You alone are the healer of my heart.

I will continue to rest under the shadow of Your wings, in which I find strength, peace, and comfort.

I choose to love those that are hurting me,

for they are merely unsuspecting pawns.

I pray that You would open their eyes, that they be played no longer,

and that You would bring peace, love, and joy into their lives once again.

For they too are Yours.

Update in a Nutshell

HEY!!

It's been a while. Many things have happened  since the last time I posted.

About the last pregnancy, well I experienced another miscarriage.

It was difficult going through that again, but the Lord got me through it. I know that one day I WILL see them again, and I can't wait!!! I KNOW that they'll have really chunky kissy faces...I can just feel it <3

I still have the baby blanket I bought for my first baby and the blanket and outfit I bought for the second. Call this wishful thinking...who knows, anything is possible with the Lord, right? ;)

About 1 1/2 months ago my family and I made a HUGE decision.

We sold just about everything we owned, except books and kitchen stuff, those of you who know me personally understand why, lol, and moved to Jacksonville,FL.

We were staying with friends for a month, but, unfortunately that didn't work out as well as expected. In fact, I'd like you to pray for my friend.

I love her very much, but she is very angry.

I am soooo confused about the whole situation.

 Nough said.

We are now renting a townhouse. It's really nice to have a place to call home.

We haven't quite gotten used to being away from our much loved family and friends, but does anyone ever get used to that?

I miss them all more than they could ever imagine.

Good thing is, I know that the Lord has led us here and He has a purpose in it all.

My 14 year old daughter went on a missions trip, with our SC church family, to Ukraine from June 25th to July 11th.

That in itself was a miracle!

 If you know my daughter, you know that she used to be afraid of her own shadow, but since she's gone and come home she is different. Praise the LORD!!!

I knew , when she told me that God was calling her to go to Ukraine,  that He was going to do some remarkable things in and through her.

I know she loved it there.

 She even speaks about moving there some day.

 She said, "Ukraine just felt like home."

She met a bunch of people, whom she adores and speaks of often, and is so thankful for Facebook, because now she can keep in contact with them.

And my SC church family...what can I say about them?

They are my family and I love them soooooooo much!!

They watched over my daughter as she was in Ukraine. She had lots of mamas there :)

I thank the Lord for them<3

And my parents...

Well, they rock too!!

We moved to Fl before the missions ,so we had to leave her behind( It was HORRIBLE for both of us, but I just kept praying and the Lord answered my prayers)to  attend meetings and missions functions to help prepare her for the trip, and they kept good care of her, and for that I am completely thankful.

My son turned 18 in May and graduated!!!!

WooHoo!!!

1 down, 3 more to go..all you homeschool mothers will understand what an accomplishment that is :)

He stayed back in SC, which broke my heart, but I know that the Lord has a plan for him too.

He is still my sunshine and will always be, even if he's not here:).

Boy, is it hard letting go.

You know it's going to happen one day, but then that day comes far too quickly.

I am proud of him.

He isn't perfect, who of us is?,

 but he has proven himself to be a very responsible adult.

 Praise the Lord, I taught him something useful...lol

He has just started a new job this week, which he's very thankful for.

Well that was what I call UPDATE IN A NUTSHELL :)

Write again soon.....