Marriage is HARD. Bold Prayers for actions Day #13

Traveling + jet lag +  ear drum popping + NyQuil = a very groggy Michelle.  
I got back into the groove yesterday with working out at the gym,   with my dear trainer, however, I  failed to stretch  and my muscles are reminding me that I am 52 and not 25.   It literally hurts to go to the bathroom - those one legged squats or leg lifts -- whatever they were.....!!!  Ouch!!  

 And as I  laid awake trying to figure out if I was really sick or just plain exhausted,  I sought God and asked Him about today's blog post.  He was quiet.  Rest.  I needed rest.  And I prayed and He brought me to this blog I wrote back in March of 2016.  As I read and read it again, I questioned myself as to WHAT was my motivation or problem that got me blogging??    After my  usual check on Facebook to see what was going on in the 'real' world -- I  noticed a post that had several people commenting.  

"Christians".  That seems to be a label that gets many into trouble.  Yesterday, I read a dear young mom's rant about how Christians hate and how it bothered her.  Isn't that an oxymoron?    A Christ like person who hates?  And today, there was a rant about Christians who judge and the scriptures debating whether alcohol will get you  to hell or if a bar stool was better than a church pew.  It really hurt my heart to read.  Hence....I came back to some older blogs and asked God to direct me.  

As  I blogged at the beginning of this series...God created marriage.

  There are SO many blessings and favor when we do things the way God intended.  I have seen it over and over and I do believe that one of the contributing factors to the hardships within our own marriage is the  simple fact that we did not start our marriage within the guidance of God's Word.  We obeyed only the parts of God's Word that we wanted to.  We justified everything else.  We were young.  And that is not an excuse.    Maybe we  figured God 's Word did not apply to us and yet,  that is not  true either -- we did know His Word - we just choose not to obey it.  Both of us were brought up to know  the order in which God asks us to follow.    And THAT probably is not the 'single' contributing factor  for  our troubles....but I realize, God couldn't bless our union at that time.     This may sound very judgmental or prudish and yet, it is a subject that has become very lax with our present generation.  If there is no intention of marriage....then it seems "ok" to live together, enjoy the benefits of co-habituating and yet, not even understand what a covenant is  or the purpose of marriage.   As well as  the opposite is true, if there is intention on marriage, there is this lax attitude about being roommates to see if it works. Either way, this is not what God intended, nor is it healthy for any relationship.  Marriage is to be scared.  The marriage bed is to be scared as well.  Too often that emotion of  passion  is opened way too soon.  

 Abortions would probably be a thing of the past.... if truly...all of us...didn't open up the sexual desires until we were older, knowledgeable,  and married.   There are still women and men today ...that are 50+ and  suffering because of mistakes and choices they made as young people.   I know of several.   It is very hard to see a believer that is not free of his or her past.  Truly, there is only freedom in Christ when we can get to that place of understanding our identity in Him.  Again -- God was there...and I know He hurt as much as they did...but He couldn't bless those situations because God is God.  He can redeem those situations though! 

A daily reminder of our blessings!!

 There wouldn't be needy  and hurting women if they truly had some godly men in their lives  as children that taught them, guided them, loved them,  and allowed them to be children to learn and grow before they were abused or neglected.             ( Either by their father or another!)   And if those young boys had mothers that were healthy in their own selves to teach them-- to show compassion, to love,  and allowed them to be boys -- our world would be different.  So often children are cursed instead of being blessed.  

  So often we as women,  we  train our men instead of training our children.  We are in a broken world.  And this blog is not a debate or a tirade of how bad our childhood was. Please don't judge my examples -- I had a good child hood, the best one my parents could give me.  I am just speaking from a heart who has heard a lot of stories and it is sad, but I work with children on a daily basis who are suffering because of the broken world. 


But that word "Christian" and what is expected-- if you are labeled that -- really hit me today. 

 Do people judge me?  Do people feel that because I will let a cuss word slip here or there....my testimony or my prayers are any less heard? 

Maybe now that I was transparent and shared our  premarital sin on this blog you will think twice about reading anything else from me?  God does redeem and we are forgiven when we are remorseful with godly sorrow.  We are redeemed.   And I truly believe that now...we are seeing FRUIT within our marriage and our lives because we have been totally committed to GOD....fully...for the past  7-8 years now.  Perhaps that is simply because we are older and have experienced a bit more, but I must believe that the younger marriages can figure this out sooner and learn from our mistakes.   No more roller coaster with our faith nor our tithe.  Yep,  I put that in there -- our tithe.  No more robbing God.   We do use His Words as our manual.  But...we are still human and we fail.  And I share and say all this - NOT to brag, I am just trying to be real and remind you, remind myself that God rewards obedience.  He loves us that much -- HE knows what is best for us.  

And I fail big time -- daily.  

 Maybe  we need a new word..."Christian believers in action" and /or "Christian sitters".  ???   The way I see it at times,  those people being hateful...well, I do question if they truly are saved.  I do.  Sometimes I think people 'sit' on the fact that they walked an aisle when they were a kid and that 'covers' stuff.   Maybe....  

When my husband and I were separated....I did question his salvation.  I judged him.  I basically believed that notion --and it helped me sleep -- he HAD to be headed to hell -- that would be the ONLY reason he was tearing our family apart. 

  It is very interesting to me,  that in that time, God gave me a scripture for him.  Romans 8: 38-39 to be exact.   I would ask that you look it up -- it put me in my place. 

 And yet... I questioned God!     I will probably be thinking and speaking to God about this "Christian" label on and off until I see HIM directly.  But it got me thinking today.  

Our actions DO speak louder than our words.  

I don't have the answers -- but I know a god who does.  The God.  Jesus Christ.  Holy Spirit.  God's Word will show me.  Yesterday I caught up on Beth Moore's tweets for the past month.  Interesting.  Again, she and many other speakers of this present time are giving  us full warning. 

 We need to KNOW God's Word to be active in our faith.  WE also need to speak with His love showing Grace and Mercy -- but we can't water down what it states in the Gospel.  Is stuff good or is it God?  There will be good people in hell. 

Anyway, I believe I have spoken my thoughts enough.  Funny, I sat down to compose this and felt God was just letting me share an older blog.  It would be quick and short ( like any of my blogs are short - ha).   And yet,  the Holy Spirit continued to write my heart.  And off went my fingers trying to type and keep up as the Holy Spirit kept speaking and talking back to me.  

 Authenticity for all, transparency for some, intimacy for a few.  Seems, this forum, this blog today,  is pretty --intimate--- today.   For that, either try to understand me or forgive me.  I did have my husband read and edit this with me, as this was indeed a personal blog.  However, we both feel that there is a lack of speaking truth in love.  Perhaps knowing that we are not perfect, nor claim to be....will help just one.

Today's prayer --

I pray that the ACTIONS of the Christian women and /or Christian men within the marriages around me...ACT as God wants them to act. 

 Pure and simple Lord,  because I do believe that WHEN we are acting in a marriage with GOD at the center ...we CAN work through things and a Christian marriage can be a standard and a model for our broken world. 
 Period. 
 In Jesus Name, 
 Amen.  

So, here is that blog from sixteen months ago.  You may need to get another cup of coffee or a lemonade, but I do pray this 2nd half of this blog today speaks to the one it was intended for.  

If you have ever felt that you have 'grieved' the Holy Spirit - maybe this will help you see something within God's Word.  

- Humbled, Michelle 

And PS, I do fail, daily.  My husband continually seeks God within our family and our marriage and has become a role model for our three kids and for me.  He challenges me and I am very proud to count on him when I am seeking God for answers and so forth.  I know God did bless our marriage, because I see the fruit or speak to them each day. 

 I pray that my comments about 'God not blessing' did not offend or hinder the message within this blog.  God can bring beauty from ashes.  And I know God did bless our marriage throughout our 31 years, we just happen to be in a  very good season right now-- and praising God for that.    We see many dearly loved couples and people that are serving and seeking God and yet - their children or their lives are still be attacked and torn up.  

  But we are also taking actions to STAY in that season.  It is not easy ...believe me, between menopause, retiring, and just seeking God in WHAT He wants us to do next....the enemy is alive and trying.   I don't feel anyone has that PERFECT marriage and when I see the posts on FB about my 'husband being my BFF' ...I tend to wonder if the wife is stating that as   a prayer request.  I have been there.  But, it is a good feeling to be able to be intimate with your spouse and trust him or her.  

 At the end of this 2nd half of the blog, Beth challenges us -- I do pray you will read to its end or come back to this later today and finish it. 

But I just wanted to give some shout out and praise to my man. He is funny and he is entering a new season as well.  I totally believe God has me interceding for him as this transition takes place.  God has reminded me that I have 'slacked' off in my earnest prayers for him.  I   honestly wouldn't trade any part of the past 30+ years...cause it GOT us here.  Moving forward.  God wins! - Michelle 

3-16-2017
So, Holy Spirit has been speaking to me -- HE speaks to me often.  I know I don't grieve Him anymore - at least NOT on purpose, but I grieved a bit this past week --

I have grieved over some actions.

God draws us near.  He wants fellowship with us.  I know and realize that many are at 'different stages' of this life.  Some are just getting by - only by the grace of God.

Some have it all figured out.
Some will come to this blog, read only a bit of it and think..."I don't have time for that"..... and yet, others are hungry and searching.

 Some don't even know God.

  But I do...

After wandering in the wilderness for some 38 years -- my eyes were opened and a veil was removed.    It took a Crisis of Faith, but it opened my eyes.  He has changed me.  I want THAT for anyone and everyone  within my circle of friends, family, and  the strangers around me.

Jesus did give us all a commandment - to LOVE all...and to LOVE God above all others.  Jesus also gave us a commission -- to share HIM with others.

One day we will stand before Him and be judged on WHAT we did do for Him...with Him...and sadly...where we failed in THAT department.

 Praise God I have a perfect lawyer to plead by case -- Jesus, but I want more.  I want to hear, "well done by good and faithful one".     As I tell myself, I want to hear God say, "atta girl".  

With that -- I choose to live my life and I pray, as I am NOT perfect, that my LIFE reflects my walk with HIM and for HIM.

That includes my circle of friends....my work place... even when I walk into the Comcast office and fuss about my slow internet...I am representing HIM???  Lord, I pray I have.  Forgive me when I have fallen short.



And that.. has grieved me.
As this past week, I have witnessed  several incidents  that  have grieved me....cause some people  did not act Christ like.

And they have  proclaimed to be Christians.....and those that are on the fence,  that are watching them, and  questioning this entire "Christian thing" have voiced and stated  thinking, "if THAT is Christian behavior...then how am I any different?" 

Is it not true?

  Have you been hurt before by the 'Christian' acts of another?
  Men/  Women/ Friends/ Lovers/  Spouses/ Humans will fail us - the only perfected  one is Jesus.

I thought and thought about HOW to express this today and then...of course, HE provides in His Word. And, each Saturday I am sitting under Beth Moore doing a Bible Study and she is a bit influential  as well!   But it was truly God's Word that spoke.  It was God's timing as He knew what had transpired this week, and Yet, He also knew, I would come to 2 Corinthians 4!


2nd Corinthians 4 = Is God's Word.
The Red =  These are my thoughts.....

1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.
Christians are not to lose heart -- that means our actions should not appear as if they have lost heart!  Why are you speaking death??  

2Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways: we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God.  We should always speak truth.  We should not lie.  If we have stated we would be someplace to so something - keep our word.  Be there.  If we have stated we would pay or do something for someone - do it.  Don't give excuses or forget -- make your word a meaningful one.  Do not distort God's Word.  Do not 'adjust' it to fit Your present needs.   On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commit  ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.  Our word should be our word.   Don't lie.  Don't lie.  Don't tell half truths.  Don't.

3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.  4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  The god of this age is Satan, who holds power over much of the activity in this world - for now.  However it is temporary and conditional.  He continues only as God allows.  ONLY as God allows.   Which will present you and I with a choice...   Those of us that know Christ must realize that because people are blinded to the truth, we need to view them through God's eyes of mercy.  It maybe easier to get upset with another because of their actions -- we must remember that Christ showed humility and compassion for us. 

 The Holy Spirit will enable us to do our work and deal with those that are blinded.....but WHAT about those of us that have proclaimed their veil was removed?     

 Those are the ones that will grieve the Holy Spirit when they know what is not of Him and do it anyway....   sometimes their 'cherished sin'....is still cherished. 
 5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.  6 For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the gift of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 

7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power if from God and not from us.  But we....did you hear that -- BUT..WE ... BUT me... BUT you... have this treasure....   we may experience a sense of frailty and vulnerability caused by anxiety, fear, grief and weakness; yet, because of God's treasure within us  we are not defeated. 

 We have been called to a crucified life with Christ -- but we don't walk around like we are full of pity...powerlessness...and woe's me...  we are MORE than conquerors through Him  ( Romans 8.37) and that in our weakness, troubles and suffering, it will  open up an opportunity for Christ's love, power, and life to be revealed in us.  We die to self...to be filled with Him.  So WHEN we proclaim to be HIS...ACT like it...
 ...be true to your word -- 
...speak truth --
...do what you said you were going to do --
...get into a body of believers and be a part of His Kingdom --
...do not follow a man to this or that place of worship....get into your home church, the one HE has called you to and serve-- set an alarm and be at church -- 
...seek HIM and HIS Word , not another for affirmation and confirmation -- SEEK HIM --
...watch your tongue...there is power of life and death in it  ( Prov. 18.21)  
...be the person that glows so brightly with Jesus that others  WANT WHAT you have.....  
...we pray and act on what we don't see -- having faith....but, those that are veiled are watching -- don't even GIVE the appearance of EVIL....   the appearance...  1 Thess 5.22...stay away from the appearance of evil

8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair ;  
That word crushed is the Greek word Senchoreo which means to be constrained, to be restricted, to be unable to express oneself!!     Did you hear that?   Satan wants to keep us from expressing ourselves...to proclaim victory in the heat of being 'crushed'....  

God's Word is our life... our tool...
It is our loaded gun to fight the enemy.  We must read it, learn it, hide it in our hearts! 
I believe, therefore I speak .... this mountain will move!!  Lord, if it does not move, I will climb on top of it and get over it...  period!   ( Beth Moore's illustration today!) 
In Jeremiah 23.29 it says " 'Is not my word like FIRE,' declares the LORD"


Vs 13...   It is written: " I believed; therefore I have spoken,"  With that same Spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak,   Spirit = Pneuma....   but it also means breath...CPR... as we BELIEVE...we inhale His Words, and as we speak, we EXHALE His Words - And cast the burden upon God and His Word!  

God's words are omnipotent and our words are potent!  
That can be  GOOD and it can be something that GRIEVES HIM too...

I will not accept a powerless prayer life.  

"When are you going to make the Devil say "sorry" for messing with you or your family?" ...Beth Moore 

So....  

I started off stating I was grieved.  
I was.  I no longer am.  

Holy Spirit spoke, God's Word brought hope and I prayed.  I prayed for those that grieved me ...as I did judge or I assessed that their actions this past week -- were not Christ like. 

 However...... I am not their judge...I am not their mentor.... I am not their Jr. holy spirit...  
 God has them.   But, perhaps one reading this would stop and think...am I?

People are messy.  I am boldly proclaiming some stuff here and I know that I know, Satan will look for ANY loop hole to TRIP me up within the next 20 minutes once I post this.  He hates me.  

In the past month, Holy Spirit has cemented something within me and used several incidents and people to get it written PERMANENTLY within my head and heart....

I can't get my affirmation from my friends. 
I can't get my affirmation from my Christian friends. 
I can't get my affirmation from FaceBook. 
I can't get my affirmation from my children.
I can't get my affirmation from prayers being answered.
I can't get my  affirmation from my man.  
I can't get my affirmation from my man. 
I can't get my affirmation from my man- husband! 

It CAN ONLY BE from HIM.  Period.     

Period.  

Now, He has used my friends, my family, my man...and my kids and He has used FaceBook, and it so blesses me; but, Our Father has so clearly showed me again WHAT he wants me doing for Him. 

 I have a succinct life goal...  to be used by HIM and hear, "atta girl". 

 That  may look like many different things to the outside world, but I have peace as to WHAT it looks like - right now.   Amen.  

And I believe HE will continue to use my friends, family and so forth, but He needed me to truly understand and live and thrive  on affirmation from HIM only this past week. 

 Perhaps that is why my eyes and ears were so sensitive to other stuff and  please, if you live or work with me....don't read this and think, "what on earth is she fussing about?" 

The Holy Spirit will convict you if you read this and wonder.  In the scope of it all .....the certain situations and such have already worked themselves out and I trust that GOD is big enough!

I truly believe the Lord continually is RIGHT there - drawing  us and only until our hearts are open and ready....  will we see.  

For some of us, it takes a major crisis of faith  -- for others - what does it take?  

Are you there yet?  If you are reading this and reading the entire blog -- I would say you are very hungry or understand and perhaps asking yourself right now..."Lord, what is my succinct life goal? What do you want of me??" 

And, I know I only have to answer for myself --  my children are grown and adults.  They will answer to Jesus for their own choices, as their mother, I will always pray for them ...but, I don't get to write an excuse note for their behaviors.    ( And it was NOT my children that grieved me--just for any out there that are still trying to figure me out...LOL)  But, what I am trying to remind you, the reader,  of??   What has HE asked of you?  

What actions does He see?  

Who will God ask you to account for?    
I am thankful I am not a man - as my husband does have to stand and be accountable for his family....  but, my actions will be judged. 

 My life here on earth and what I do in the body of Christ...will be accounted for.  

And Lord, I pray I have not grieved you -- since the veil was taken off!!  

Who will God ask you about?  

Would God be pleased with Your actions?  
Would God be stating "well done"...if you proclaim to be His and yet...hold onto cherished sin?  

Or how about these questions?   
Are you crushed but not defeated?  
Persecuted but not abandoned?  
Struck down but not destroyed?  

Are Your spoken words - words of LIFE?  
Is there an appearance of sin within your 4 walls?  


What is Your succinct life goal?  

What about Your commissioned request? 

  Jesus commissioned ALL of us -- Matthew 25,  I believe -- nope...that is a good chapter; it is in Matthew 28 verse 19 ...go and make disciples of all nations -- 


Lord, that my life be like a love song to you and for you -- that I live a life worthy of Your calling - In Jesus name...amen.  


   

Marriage is HARD. Bold Prayers Day #12

Psm 25 vs. 1 - In your Lord my God I put my trust....



John 14.13  And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 

Psalm 32.2  "Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him".  


I can do everything through him who gives me strength      Phil 4.13

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.       Prov. 16.3

God has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.     Eph. 1.3

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.   
      1 John 5.5




"Human frailty is another thing that gets between God's words of assurance and our own words of and thoughts.  When we realize how feeble we are in facing difficulties, the difficulties become like giants, we become like grasshoppers, and God seems to be non-existent. But remember God's assurance to us - 'I will never ....forsake you'.... have you learned  to sing after hearing God's keynote?  Are we continually filled with enough courage to say,  'The Lord is my helper'  or do we yield to fear?"
            - Oswald Chambers

  This is a photo of the two of us back in 2012...we were in the process of healing.  I remember feeling awkward when asking if I could have a photo with him.  Funny, how such a simple thing can be so worry some and scary.

                                                                                   I was looking at many photos today.  Photos from 2002-2015.  I have them in boxes.  I have to really scrapbook them or get them into some sort of albums.  But I haven't.  Cause those years bring back memories that still sting a bit.  Hence in 2012 I was a bit leery of asking to pose for a photo of the two of us.  As I went through boxes of photos, I noticed that so often there were plenty of the kids and activities but none really of the two of us.

Funny how a simple box of photos can remind you of a season that was very hard.    But I came to these verses tonight and was reminded  that God's promises are true.  Looking to HIM to heal and seeking HIM to help you when something is awkward and scary....is peace.



Lord, for the marriages that I have been interceding for  -- may each husband and wife commit their thoughts and hearts to you as it says in Proverbs 16.  And then Lord....the plans for their marriage will succeed.   Lord, for the wife who does not feel she will overcome this evening.... Lord, I pray her faith will hold.  Lord, for the marriage that was torn apart today because of a revelation...God may each side of this situation be tempered with grace and mercy and may YOU win on both sides.  Lord, for the husband who is trying his best to be a dad in this new found 'singleness'....Lord, may his eyes be open to WHAT YOU want him to proceed with.  And Lord, for the husband whose heart is closed and hard....he has been in a loveless marriage for far too long -- may he see a light in his marriage and may she get the help she needs.  Lord, for the marriages where forgiveness is a daily thing  -- may each of them, the husband and the wife, be reminded that our sins are of our past - because we are forgiven when we surrender it all to our heavenly Father.  And Lord, for the one who is trying to still HOLD on and do what You want her to do....she is hurt, and she also sought action today by seeking counsel ...protect her and give her hope.  Lord, I was a bit specific here this eve...these marriages are precious to You and on our hearts. 


  Lord, protect this blog and may the one reading this...if there is hurt within their marriage,  then GOD I pray Your Word will speak life to them and give them hope.  

And this photo was a few days ago -- funny, now we have NO problem snapping photos!  God won

Lord, for my own marriage ....as even this eve, the enemy wanted to stir up a wedge again and with grace and mercy....we both forgave again.  Lord, I thank you for Your Word, Your healing and I praise You and I will believe that EACH of these marriages that I hinted about....will indeed endure and be redeemed and that EACH of their children will one day realize and see the glory within their parents.  IN Jesus Holy Name...Amen.  

Marriage is HARD and God created it. Tough Questions. Prayers #11

It is hard not to experience a trip of a lifetime and not stand in the awe and wonder of a God who crated the heavens and the earth.  Majestic.... perfect...   and mighty. 

After six days of being wowed by God's creation and glory, it is kind of hard to get back to work and look at the 'flat land' that is right outside my windows.  Well..now I do live on the dike and it is pretty powerful as I look beyond it at the actual LAKE....but I hope you can kind of sort of imagine what I am trying to convey. 

God creates. 

If you have never been to the mountains or the Pacific Coast...WOW!   I know there are beautiful spots around here, but taking a Gondola up some 7000 feet to view these snow covered places is indeed -- majestic. 

God created marriage.  

Today God reminded me that He designed marriage.  When a  phone call came to me and my marriage turn a very dramatic turn, I asked myself ....what do I want?  

I wanted to WIN.  At that time, my heart was hurt, but I didn't want to loose.  Much happened, hearts changed, hearts hurt, and yet ...God did a miracle.  WE understand and watched it happen.  WE got married very young.  I didn't truly understand God's purpose for marriage.  Now I do.  

 Recently, I was contacted by a wife to pray.  I haven't asked her this question yet....but I will.  

What does God want you to do?   And I will remind her that God's direction and plan is best.  God can and will bring beauty out of ashes.  

After spending a week with my man, enjoying a part of the world we have never seen -- our only regret was that our kids could not experience it with us.  And we prayed that one day we could return and bring them.  Our kids came about because of a union.  A union of a man and a woman - a marriage.  

My kids played a big part in the healing of our marriage.  I did stick it out ....and waited on God because I did not want to look into their eyes and tell them that I gave up.  

So, I am not going to advise any woman to stay in a marriage because of physical or mental abuse, but I am going to ask .....is God wanting you to pray and intercede for your marriage while  your husband is turning his back on Him? 

  Is God wanting you to stick it out a bit longer? 

 Only GOD can answer that and if you can't HEAR Him...then you must seek HIM as He will speak and until He does...stay still.  

My prayer today is even shorter than yesterday's thoughts.  Very simple --

 Lord, speak to her...IN Jesus name.  Amen.  

I looked on line to find the best way to express what a marriage in God's eyes looks like...and I found this.  I pray it will help you -- or remind you.    If you have been married  a LONG time and your kids are now older and yet,  you are thinking that  maybe you are only married because of the kids.....then read this and begin to pray.  God wants you happy -- Your marriage can come alive again.  And if you are the one, knowing your marriage is NOT what you want, then I pray you will read this and seek God as to what to do next.  Because the fun and happiness that we experienced as husband and wife this past week, is a gift that GOD wants many to experience.  You may not be gifted a trip of a lifetime....but then again,  I don't doubt what God can do.  Ask.  

 Michelle 

 I liked how John Piper said  it this way:  

Marriage Is God’s Doing

There are at least four ways to see this explicitly or implicitly in Genesis 2:18–25.

1. Marriage was God’s design. 
Marriage is God’s doing because it was His design in the creation of man as male and female. This was made plain earlier in Genesis 1:27–28: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.'”

But it is also clear in the flow of thought in Genesis 2. In verse 18, it is God Himself who decrees that man’s solitude is not good, and it is God Himself who sets out to complete one of the central designs of creation, namely, man and woman in marriage: “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” Don’t miss that central and all-important statement. God Himself will make a being perfectly suited for him—a wife.

This text ends in verses 24–25 with the words: “They shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.” In other words, this is all moving toward marriage.

2. God gave away the first bride. 
Marriage is also God’s doing because He took the role of being the first Father to give away the bride. Genesis 2:22 says: “And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man.” He didn’t hide her and make Adam seek. He made her; then He brought her. And now, though she was His by virtue of creation, He gave her to the man in this absolutely new kind of relationship called marriage, unlike every other relationship in the world.

3. God spoke the design of marriage into existence. 
Marriage is also God’s doing because He spoke the design of marriage into existence. He did this in verse 24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Who is talking in verse 24? The writer of Genesis is talking. And what did Jesus say about the writer of Genesis? He said it was Moses (Luke 24:44). He also believed that Moses was inspired by God, so that what Moses was saying, God was saying. We can see this if we look carefully at Matthew 19:4–5: “[Jesus] answered, ‘Have you not read that he [God] who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said [Note: God said!], “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?'” Jesus said that the words of Genesis 2:24 are God’s words, even though they were written by Moses.
Therefore, marriage is God’s doing because God spoke the earliest design of it into existence—”A man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

4. God performs the two-become-one-flesh union. 
The fourth way that marriage is God’s doing is seen in the fact that God Himself performs the union referred to in the words “become one flesh.” That union is at the heart of what marriage is.

Genesis 2:24 is God’s word of institution for marriage. But just as it was God who took the woman from the flesh of man (Genesis 2:21), it is God who in each marriage ordains and performs a uniting called one flesh. Man does not create this. God does. And it is not in man’s power to destroy. This is implicit here in Genesis 2:24, but Jesus makes it explicit in Mark 10:8–9. He quotes Genesis 2:24, then adds a comment that explodes like thunder with the glory of marriage. “‘The two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

When a couple speaks their vows, it is not a man or a woman or a pastor or parent who is the main actor—the main doer. God is. God joins a husband and a wife into a one-flesh union. The world does not know this. Which is one of the reasons why marriage is treated so casually. And Christians often act like they don’t know it, which is one of the reasons marriage in the church is not seen as the wonder it is.

Marriage Is for God’s Glory
Marriage is not only from Him and through Him, it is also for Him. Marriage is designed by God to display His glory in a way that no other event or institution does. The way to see this most clearly is to connect Genesis 2:24 with its use in Ephesians 5:31–32. In Genesis 2:24, God says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” What kind of relationship is this? How are these two people held together? Can they walk away from this relationship? Can they go from spouse to spouse? Is this relationship rooted in romance? Sexual desire? Need for companionship? Cultural convenience?

In Genesis 2:24, the words “hold fast to his wife” and the words “they shall become one flesh” point to marriage as a sacred covenant rooted in commitments that stand against every storm “as long as we both shall live.”

But that is only implicit here. It becomes explicit when the mystery of marriage is more fully revealed in Ephesians 5:31–32. The Apostle Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 in verse 31: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Then he gives it this all-important interpretation in verse 32: “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” In other words, marriage is patterned after Christ’s covenant commitment to His church.
Christ thought of Himself as the bridegroom coming for his bride, the true people of God (Matthew 9:15, 25:1, John 3:29). Paul knew his ministry was to gather the bride—the true people of God who would trust Christ. His calling was to betroth the church to her husband, Jesus. Paul puts it like this in 2 Corinthians 11:2: “I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.”

Christ knew He would have to pay for His bride with His own blood. He called this relationship the new covenant—”This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20). This is what Paul is referring to when he says that marriage is a great mystery: “I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” Christ obtained the church by His blood and formed a new covenant with her, an unbreakable “marriage.”

The ultimate thing we can say about marriage is that it exists for God’s glory. That is, it exists to display God. Now we see how: Marriage is patterned after Christ’s covenant relationship to His redeemed people, the church. And therefore, the highest meaning and the most ultimate purpose of marriage is to put the covenant relationship of Christ and His church on display. That is why marriage exists. If you are married, that is why you are married. If you hope to be, that should be your dream.

Keeping covenant with our spouse is as important as telling the truth about God’s covenant with us in Jesus Christ. Marriage is not mainly about being or staying in love. It’s mainly about telling the truth with our lives. It’s about portraying something true about Jesus Christ and the way He relates to His people. It is about showing in real life the glory of the Gospel.

Jesus died for sinners. He forged a covenant in the white-hot heat of His suffering in our place. He made an imperfect bride His own with the price of His blood and covered her with the garments of His own righteousness. He said, “I am with you … to the end of the age… . I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

Marriage is meant by God to put that Gospel reality on display in the world. 

 ©2009 John Piper

Marriage is HARD BUT God is faithful. Prayers #10

Marriage is HARD and yet God is faithful.  If you are reading and following these blogs,  you know that I posted on Saturday morn BEFORE my white water rafting trip.

I made it.  I did it.  I lived.  And it was FUN, exciting, scary, hard, and very strenuous but....as I said - I did it.  I even posted that on FB.  My husband used to comment all the time on my posts..."need a little affirmation do we?"   And then he stopped as he learned about social media and that was it's purpose -- at times.  

 I LOVED to scrapbook at one time and viewing pictures of someone's vacation - even a stranger fascinates me.  And so I post.   I think vlogging has become my new scrapbook!  And I post blogs and funny stuff but I also try to limit my posting -- to stuff that would honor God.    Anyway --- 

On Saturday, I posted and bragged on myself about white water rafting - Bren's comment was, "you are too funny -- need to build yourself up here or what?"  He said it in a  most lovely manner - he was't poking fun of me and yet ....he was.  But...I did it. I needed to tell the world that I did it!  I was a little proud of myself.  Ok well...full of myself!   

I needed to go white water rafting on my own - to just prove to myself that I could do something scary without my husband right there.  When we were separated, I would think and think about being 'alone' for the rest of my life and I hated that.  And yet, truly -- I am the only one responsible for me.  Me.... I either eat right or I don't.  I either exercise or I don't.  For many years, I know I did what everyone else wanted me to do or what I thought everyone else wanted me to do.  Since turning 50 -- one stops and begins to think about the whys and the whats....and begins to get a voice.  ( Therapy played a part of this as well!)   A good voice.  I listen to Holy Spirit and pray that He is my voice -- and I probably totally screwed up trying to explain all this -- but I needed to white water raft -- for me. -- I needed to conquer that fear.  And I did and I was pretty proud of myself ...hence the FB post.  Lengthy FB post, bragging.   But God is always faithful;   whether I am blubbering on FB or sharing photos from two time zones away ....HE is faithful.

I called upon HIS name a LOT during that hour on the Green River, Saturday.  Can I mention it was 3 degrees Celsius and that water was literally frozen and a part of a glacier the week before I was rafting in it??  It was cold.  We had a wet suit - which, I swear... getting it on and off was a cardio workout on its own!!  Anyway, I had a guide and there were five of us in the raft.  Grace. Five is the number of grace.  And I know people were praying for me, as I felt the prayers cause I had basically begged for some prayer if you read the previous blog!    There was peace.  Even when the guide began to splash everyone with his paddle and stated we all had to jump in the river to practice our swimming...well, I just smiled and with great peace stated, NO WAY.   He was teasing. He did impress us though as he jumped in and got back into the raft rather quickly.  Personally -- I believe he just had to relieve himself and used the lake - to disguise the situation!  LOL

  Grace.  I knew it then and as each  command was belted from the guide - his name was ATLL ....I could  hear myself say JESUS and HE helped.  And I had peace.

  I heard many commands:    'Forward',  ( paddle forward ), or 'down', ( grab the side rope and get IN the raft), or even 'hold on', ( squeeze your feet muscles into the raft).  Indeed it was an experience.  The first time he yelled 'down', I just hunkered down in the boat...holding onto my paddle but then I could NOT get back up.  Mind you, I am soaked.  There is a 40 pound wet suit stuck to your body and then this obnoxious life jacket that made you about 1 meter wide!  Anyway, I found the rope and pulled -- and got up.  Several times after that...it was easier.  Getting up that first time was the hardest - and yet, once it was practiced --  it got easier.

And our guide was faithful to have us 'stop' ( which meant hold your paddle still ) after a big rapid and rest and this  allowed  the current to continue to pull us down the river.  Isn't that true in life?   We have different  seasons in our lives  and often we get a big rest after a hard season?   And many times that rest is followed right back with another rapid  to endure!

  By the way, our rapid adventure was rated as a 2-3 rapid.  One ( 1) being  a fart in the bathtub and six  (6)  being the hardest--  only for  professionals.  By the end of the hour, I knew the difference between a (2 ) and a (3 ) and a (1 ) is NOT a fart in a bathtub.  Perspective.

Anyway -- I have typed long enough -- I just wanted to remind those people following this series of blogged prayers for their marriage or any other  marriages -- that God is faithful.    The picture is from our dinner table Saturday night after many of us rafted.  And  as we ate, we all shared our stories about the adventures of the day,  and as I sat at the table listening, I was reminded of God's Grace.

Our marriage went through about ten years of yuck.  There were  3 years of some really hard times before I was truly aware of our broken marriage.  And when I look back at the scrapbook of our marriage - I see many roller coaster rides of emotions and I remember times of deep prayer and tears that only my pillow and God witnessed.  When I finally began to seek some help, more hurt came and awkwardness.  Then when everything imploded and we separated there was more hurt and tears.  And yet, God was faithful to me.  I know HE will be faithful to you.  He loves you just as much as He loves me and He will love your mate MORE than you ever will.


So, today's prayer is simple and short.  I would of posted this yesterday but the Delta airlines had my full attention and I just prayed all day that my ears would survive the 7 hours of air time.  Even as we sat on the tarmac in Salt Lake City last night for an hour...I knew God was in charge and we would get home in His time.

  In my 20+ times of flying, we have never had to WAIT for the temperature of the air to change.  Apparently it was a record HOT day in Utah and our plane was too heavy for take off.  So we sat and waited  for it to cool off as a storm was approaching or if 10 people would of  volunteered to get off-- as we were 1000 lbs overweight, whichever came first.  It was actually a combination of both! (This plane was a connecting flight and everyone wanted to get to their home or to Disney. )  So anyway -- I knew, God was in charge.  I had peace.  Because HE is a faithful God.  He can be trusted.



Lord, for the marriages that are specific on my list as of today -- and for the wife or husband who is reading this and praying for their marriage ........  Lord, simple, may they gleam something from this rant of mine and be reminded that YOU are faithful to their prayers and to them.  May they be reminded of a time where you were most faithful when they doubted.  May they be reminded of a time where you were most faithful in the lives of their children.  And may they be reminded of a time where they  realized how FAITHFUL you were to them and they didn't even pray for it or were in a season of communication to YOU.  Lord, I thank you for being faithful.  Lord, we praise you as both Bren and I even realized that we had not prayed for Your protection over our flight until we were sitting on that tarmac...sweating...cramped...and wanting to fly.  Lord, I pray these blogs are not going unread but that YOU are using them.  I pray my faithfulness to keep these current each day will bring light and glory to YOU and YOU only.  IN Jesus Name...Amen.  

Marriage is HARD. Bold prayers about TRUST, #2. Day #9

So, I 'wrote' yesterday's blog post...today.  This am.  Being on vacation sort of pushes everything in different sorts.  And I am in a very different TIME zone!   As I stated, when I was on the lake yesterday my prayers were about trust.  Today...in an hour...I am headed to the WHITE water rafting adventure.  My husband has been battling a cold and just decided to 'opt out' of the trip. 

I reread the directions and objectives of today's ADVENTURE and decided that I would brave it out.  Me...who is not a swimmer....me...who is afraid of water....and me...who really does not know anyone here is going to put her life at risk and DO this!


Trust.   LOL. 

God is always good.  If life is like a deck of cards, then God is always the wild card.  He is not subject to our human efforts to influence outcomes, we are subject to HIS.  His story is the great story being told- and none of us  know exactly how our own story will read - only that it will end well!  This is why we trust, in the important matters, always feels like a risk and why it entails courage.  

God does not have to explain Himself to us, we worship a God who is mysterious - too mysterious to fit into our formulas.  It means God is not our best friend, our secret lover, or our alter ego...HE is our God.  It evens means that it is just as frightening as it is delightful to stand in HIS presence.  Our creatively relationship with God is one in which we are, at the same time, both irresistibly drawn to HIM and humbled by the grandeur of his holiness. 

I copied and pasted that from the previous blog post.  I love Paula Reinhart.  A writer of godly stuff that seems to be RIGHT there is my head and yet I reread this again and felt...WOW -- 

"even if it means that it is just as frightening as it is delightful to stand in His presence"  

I have been in such AWE of this place here in Whistler, British Columbia.  I have seen tour guides take a bunch of us 'oldies' and walk us up to mountains at 7000 feet and I have seen little 4 and 5 year olds ride bikes on terrain I would not even get close too.  Going white water rafting today will be a 'bucket list' thing....something I do want to say I did and did well.  But I will have to totally trust on some total strangers within my raft and a guide who will probably be 1/3 of my age! 


Today -- my prayers will probably be...Lord, keep me safe. 

Marriage is indeed trusting another person with your heart and your future.  Today as I was thinking of this blog post, I thought about the hurt one feels when they realize the heart has become hard and no longer feels.  and I thought about how that 'idea' of security is broken..... so I pray --



Lord, for those wives in particular who felt the words...."through sickness and in health" and now he may not be there until the end.  Lord, for those wives that hear, "I will love you forever" and now he says something different.  Lord, for those who have heard, "I no longer am in love...." and the reality of the present sets in.   Lord, FOR each of those circumstances and also for the wife who just does not feel she and her husband are trusting each other and /or even communicating.  May today be a day where each of those women know that they know -- God knows.  And that ....God is good.  In Jesus name.. Amen.  


And Lord, I am scared.  I am.  Help me to rely on that very young tour guide and I will trust that You have placed the RIGHT people within my raft and I will be  here to blog again tomorrow.  IJN.  Amen.  

Marriage is HARD. Bold prayers Day #8 Trusting.

  Yesterday, I had the opportunity to trust.  I went canoeing with my husband and a group from the present conference we are on.  There were about 20 of us.  Many were kidding each other in the bus ride over there about 'tipping' each other.  I sat there with my stomach beginning to ache and I stayed quiet.  Brendan knew -- I was scared.  He took the 'lead' and sat in the back and did the steering, I was calm and listened and no one did any tipping.  It was a beautiful ride as I did trust my husband to keep me safe.  I was just pretty unsure of the others in the tour.  

As we paddled or stroked across Alta Lake, I watched loons or Canadian geese just swim around and do their usual activities.  I witnessed two different kids camps.  One was working on kayaking and the  others were learning about sailing in their own little wind blown boats.  And there were three swimmers all training for Iron Man's.  Everyone doing their own thing on this beautiful body of water and I just continued to pray that we would not 'tip'.  It was a beautiful ride and I can see how people going out on a lake to fish ....well, it is just majestic.  And yet... I was scared.  Cause I could trust my husband, but not too sure about trusting the others in our tour and/or the elements!   

So, I knew today's post would be about TRUST.  

I am going to pray about trust in a marriage but then also share a blog post I originally wrote back in March of 2013.  That was indeed a LONG time ago.  Trusting a partner when they have hurt you so or broken marriage vows.  Trusting adult children when they have shown you over and over that they can't be trusted....  Trusting the love of an 'unseen' God when your own father may not have been trustworthy.  Each of these circumstances are HARD.  I get that.  Perhaps this prayer will help ....Perhaps the perspective on TRUST from 2013 will also be a help.  


Lord, for the marriages on my list today.  As I sat in that canoe yesterday and prayed to You, I prayed that each of the wives and husbands would have a new revelation of trust in You.  Lord, many of the marriages are in VERY tough spots and circumstances and only YOU can fix them.  Lord, again as each couple waits...as each wife waits...as each husband waits... may their eyes be so totally on YOU and may they TRUST in YOU to believe, there will be happiness again and that there could be full and total redemption.  Lord, that there will come a time when they will regard all the present misery as a small price to pay for having been brought to that dependence on YOU!  That is oh so HARD...and slow.  Be with each heart on my list of prayers today...from the one just trying to hold onto the belief that her husband would find Jesus -- to the one desperate to hold onto a 34 year marriage which continually seems to tear.  IN Jesus's strong and perfect name....AMEN.  



I came across this post from March of 2013 -- 

--My husband and I went to see a family at a hospital today, a family that we have been praying for for several days now and we prayed over their son in Critical Care.  He is not doing well, and there is a good chance he could spend Easter with Our Heavenly Father, but we are believing in a miracle!  How do I know that, or believe in that miracle?....Trust...in HIM.

Trusting is a HARD thing.  When it comes to the 'bottom' of it, people will say they trust in this or that, but to me it takes a WHOLE lot more faith to trust in a person than it is to trust in GOD.

People fail us.  God does not fail us.  But what happens when....HE does not heal or he does allow the heartache to last.....ah, yes, THAT is when we must TRUST - right?

Or Rely on HIM?

 I found this:  The thing is to rely only on God.  The time will come when you will regard all this misery as a small price to pay for having been brought to that dependance.  Meanwhile, the trouble is that relying on God has to begin all over again EVERY day as if nothing has yet been done.  - CS Lewis.

Pretty profound hugh?

God's timing is perfect and it is no accident that I have called out to HIM and begged for healing for two special people this week.   Now we must trust that GOD will do HIS best work.

Trust...

Trust hangs somewhere between knowing what your heart longs for and trying to dictate the shape or timing or outcome of your heart's desire.     
It lies in the willingness to accept the particulars of how and when and where God chooses to intervene.  It waits in the cool shade of surrender.   - Paula Reinhart 

There are loads of things that lead us to TRUST God...

....like knowing your marriage may end
.....like taking a phone call from your sister and hearing the words, 'we have lost Blake'...
....like  seeing your parents hurt each other with words and realize the hurt has gotten so deep...
....like moving across the country for a job
.... like jumping feet first into a new challenge when you are scared to DEATH!
....like sitting at the foot of a bed and watch a child struggle to breathe
...like seeking a new job when you know it will be a challenge
.....like getting a phone call that totally shakes your life
.....like finding a lump and sitting under a PET scan and wondering if the cancer is back
.....like moving back home when a family is broken
.....like hearing the words, 'I don't love you'...
....like coming home and being scared of what you will find...
....like believing your were never loved...
....like hearing of another's heartache and it brings you to action but ...what could you do?
....like thinking that you are unloved..
....like believing that a hurt from childhood could harm your entire present reality
....like being tossed back and forth by the winds of change...
...like....being so hurt as a child, that you have cut off anyone that could hurt you as an adult, but that makes you isolated...
....like... ...like...like...

Some of these experiences are mine...others are people I know...and others are just experiences...that is not the point - the point is what has caused YOU to trust God?

Paula Reinhart says that the root of trust comes from being grounded in the fact and knowledge that you are LOVED by God.  That no matter what, as long as I am loved by God..HE will lead me to the light in this cruel world.   Do I know that - that I am SO loved?  HIS word says I was so loved before the foundation of the world.

Learning to trust my husband again has been hard, but I trust him through my Lord.
*** Update...I trust him completely now -- as I trust God and whenever the enemy wants to taunt me, I just remind him that GOD has us and him.....
Learning to trust God, has been something I have been working on for YEARS!
****Update....  I trust God a LOT more now.  I originally wrote this post in 2013... my level of TRUST for God is greater, as I have seen great miracles and faith but I have also had some real hurts as well -- but EACH time, HE is still a Good Good Father  -- He just is.  
Learning to trust God when it comes to our immediate friends and family and with their healing....

Paula says, "if we let ourselves be loved by God, our hands release their grips on the reins of our lives and we stop trying so hard to be the one with all the answers".

God has the answers.  I don't.

Will Trace's cancer be shrunk to its disappearance?  ( Trace went to be with Jesus in November of 2013, she is healed now.  But I have a few new friends battling now with cancer and I am believing for a total healing - here!!  ) 
Will Chris sit in church again - soon? ( Chris had a miracle and attended church again.... I have not seen him in a long time - believing he is living for the Lord.) 
Will I ever get this figured out? ( I think WHEN that happens...I will be with HIM.... we were not made to FIGURE it all out -- we were made to CRAVE HIM and seek HIM!) 


I am believing and trusting-

Paula says this too:

God is always good.  If life is like a deck of cards, then God is always the wild card.  He is not subject to our human efforts to influence outcomes, we are subject to HIS.  His story is the great story being told- and none of us  know exactly how our own story will read - only that it will end well!  This is why we trust, in the important matters, always feels like a risk and why it entails courage.  

God does not have to explain Himself to us, we worship a God who is mysterious - too mysterious to fit into our formulas.  It means God is not our best friend, our secret lover, or our alter ego...HE is our God.  It evens means that it is just as frightening as it is delightful to stand in HIs presence.  Our creaturely relationship with God is one in which we are, at the same time, both irresistibly drawn to HIm and humbled by the grandeur of his holiness. 

I know this, heartache is NOT God's discipline for us.  That is NOT the heart of God!   Sometimes it is easier for people to blame others or themselves.

But accepting the mystery of what we cannot know will lead us to the heart of God - where we trade our craving for explanation for a simple willingness to trust God.


God is so good.  HIS word says, 'surely goodness and kindness shall follow him all the days of his life'...for those who put their TRUST in HIM.

Today is EAster, many will put their trust in stuff.  Some will trust that Publix will still be open, and find it is closed today!  Some... will trust and believe there is no 'hell' -- our God could never do that for His people.    Some will think or trust they can 'get it right with God later, after their are married, after they finish college, or next week'.....
There are people that will trust their car will work tomorrow so they can make it to church the one day of the year they feel guilty...

Is this your TRUST?  Or is Your TRUST in HIM?


When you fall in love with someone...YOU want to be with them, YOU want to read what they wrote, YOU want to tell others...YOU WANT that and you begin to build that relationship and eventually you  TRUST them.  It is the same with God.



 LORD for this blog post this eve - about trust.  I pray it will speak to just one and they will trust YOU and grow deeper in their faith with YOU.  

Trusting...

   Amen. 

Marriage is HARD. Bold Prayers #7 Press in and HOLD ON!

While on VACATION, I did get a few texts - needed prayer and we prayed.  There are many hurting -- even in 'so called' Christian marriages.  HOW can this be?  Cause we are human?!!   I am not saying these couples are not seeking God,  but so often one of them in the marriage has a VERY different VIEW point of how God should be answering a prayer.... Needless to say -- we all need a FRESH reminder that sometimes - we must PRESS in and HOLD on!


So, here is the prayer -- Lord, for that couple...for that wife...for that hurting spouse ....Lord, I pray strength upon that wife or husband that is WAITING this present season out.  And I bind up the prideful heart of the other spouse and loose the tender heart...create a NEW heart in that loved one that is causing the separation and /or hurts.  And I pray Lord, that the one waiting...will press in and HOLD on while YOU do the changing of circumstances and while YOU do the changing of the hearts...IN Jesus name.  Amen.  



Now here is just my 'extra'....  this is a blog I wrote a year ago.  Posting it again, as someone needs to be reminded that God will MOVE heaven and earth for YOU too.  - Michelle


The Lord brought me to something this morning,  I believe He  spoke into my heart -- "remind the women that they have a GREAT God!".  

This came to me during worship at the Propel Event in Orlando last December.  I went with great exceptions to hear and see a great move of God and within the first 10 minutes of worship, He spoke and I had 4 pages written in my journal.  I could not write fast enough.  I sat down in awe and wonder.   

Then the speakers spoke.  But for today, as my bladder and God awoke me at 4.21, I went to my couch and began to read.  I read in Ephesians 1-2 and was reminded of my power in Christ.  Our power in Christ Jesus.  I was reminded that I am a fellow citizen  with the saints!  And that Jesus Christ is my cornerstone.  

This week has certainly been a blessing to me -- if you read my previous blog, we signed a contract on a home.  A lake condo.  ( That sounds so Palm Beachish....)  But after moving four times and renting the past 6  1/2 years, were are ready to be completed and move into our home.  7.  This is the 7th year since our house sort of broke apart so with God's perfect timing and number -- it fits.   So, with all that sweet goodness, OF COURSE I can smile, write a blog and encourage.  Encouraging when it hurts is truly an act of God --  but also knowing that He is going to redeem and restore is something I held onto so tightly when we were in the midst of darkness and uncertainty.  

So, I am unsure exactly WHERE   you are at this moment,  today as you are reading this;  but I went to 3 other blogs where there was a theme of HOPE and perhaps one of these will help you get through this next 5 minutes, the next 5 hours, or maybe it will hold you for the next 5 years.   Sometimes the wait is very long.  I am reminded of Moses and his 40 years, Joseph and his 13 years, and even Jesus waiting from the age of 12 to about 33!   Waiting seems to be something God uses.  

I want to remind you - God does keep His promises and He can change people. 

 He can change you! 

Often WHAT IS revealed in us -- can't come to the surface until you don't get what you want!!   THAT is our true self.  Our mouth and lives must line up with God's Word !   Perhaps that is what God is waiting on -- waiting on YOU to do some changing and He can then move forward with your husband or children.  Is He waiting on you?

What comes out of our hearts -- is what God is looking at.  So often we can smile and look so perfect and deep inside there is pride, lust, greed, and unforgiveness -- and yet, no one could tell from the outside until something happens and then maybe our true self comes out.

I think our world has this 'theme' right now to - JUST accept it. 

 NO way -- we serve a mighty God and I won't just accept it.  I am going to stand on God's Word and use that as my guide.  I am going to stand on His Word!  So, in His Word it says, I have a purpose and He has great plans for me.  His Word reminds me  that He is the alpha and the omega and I am not the head nor the tail -- but I am WITH Him - seated at His side.  And I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

YA!!  Right now I am playing Lion and the Lamb by Big Daddy Weave.  
I had to write it that big - as the words get me fired up.  I am MORE than just me -- I am one with Christ.   And His Word says that I can do EVEN more than what Jesus did....!!  That is power.


So, with that -- whatever it  IS this day -- I pray you will grab your bible and go directly to Ephesians 1-3 and read  and when you get to 3.20 -- STAND and declare that need and allow God to fulfill  His Will, In Jesus name.   Amen.


And perhaps you will follow these links and read more - I pray that one of these blogs will give you the needed hope to press in, hold on,  and believe in a miracle for your marriage, your children, yourself, or even the one right in your circle of influence that God placed on your heart.   He wants you to see the victory!

I am humbled that God even uses this blog for one person to read -- may it indeed be an encouragement!   - Michelle


Exodus 14.14



A Message of Hope - David Wilkerson

A Message of HOPE - God's Promises