Merry Christmas 2014

And this is Elsa Frozen  -- who was added to the mix this spring!  

This is Hunter at his last FAU game...with Ashtyn 

Taylor being SILLY on a Sunday - probably Easter ....

Merry Christmas to Friends and Family!  This year brought another MOVE and another family member.

Elsa belongs to Taylor and joined us in Spring.  Having a puppy around made us all appreciate Bella  - who is now 8...but the Patriarch of the  of the family at 56!!  Both dogs are a joy and we all agree Bella needed a friend to keep her young!

Hunter continues to play for FAU Men's Soccer and after this Spring...he will be      (on transcript) a Senior...with Junior status.    So he is eligible to play soccer for two more years -- unsure what he will decide come this Spring.

 He has been playing for so long - he debates back and forth.  Currently he helps Team Boca on the weekends with some of their camps and such, so he is still getting a little soccer in.   This past June, he and his team won the STATE CUP again for the  third year in a row.  We expected to travel to Louisiana or Kansas City again for Regionals but Brendan was blessed with a broken nose and he went with his team solo.  I sat in an operating waiting room as they set the broken nose and then some TLC began.  He got hit in the nose by another  basketball player.  Needless to say...Brendan has stated he won't be playing basketball with anyone other than his grandkids ever again.....

Hunter is doing well at college and working his way towards that Accounting Degree.   We traveled - not as much as previous years but we traveled to watch him play - often.  His roommates or Towne House mates state he is a good cook and keeps the kitchen tidy!    Who would of thought?  His sweet friend Ashtyn is a Senior at UCF and in Education  -- more teachers - bless her!

Taylor graduated last December.... and got a job at the High School within a week!  God's favor.  She continues to teach 11th grade American History and often....can be seen 'lesson planning' with her dad.   She is Varsity Coach for Girls Volleyball and certainly enjoys being their coach and mentor.  She moved out to be ON HER own this past  July and guess what... we thought that was such a good idea that we moved again - right next door.    She was not too happy with us for a good month or two but we are a convenient baby sitter  for Elsa when needed.  

Brendan and Hunter celebrating a WIN for Team Boca!  

Bella and Elsa

Our time together as a family comes in bits and pieces now...with the EMPTY nest going on.  Once Taylor moved out and Hunter was planning his move to a Boca Towne House...Brendan looked at me and stated, 'why are we paying rent for a BIG house when we are the only ones here?'.....So, in August, God provided a small cottage and we moved again.

I really am tired of moving and prayerfully we will build in 2015...I am asking God for a 'fall' program!   We have a lot in a beautiful area that we bought in 2011 when we sold our house - we just have not been able to get that building program started.  But... it will happen.  Now that we have lived in 4 different houses, we know EXACTLY what we want to build!  In Jesus name!  

   

      As I said, our family time is limited but awesome when it happens and often it is just at a restaurant or a soccer game but it is still filled with love, teasing, and laughter!  Amen.  God is so sweet and faithful.

Brendan and I continue to ride our Harley.   My brother flew down here last December and we took a few days  to ride around southern Florida - what a treasure.   We took another   week this summer and rented one with my brother  and his wife for 3 days. We  went from Janesville,  Wisconsin to Iowa, to Minnesota and followed the Mississippi River back into Wisconsin -- what a trip and beautiful ride.  I had never been to western Wisconsin - what a treat.  Now...the bucket list is noted that we want to do that same trip but in the 'fall' when the leaves are changing.  We stopped in this beautiful park in Iowa and enjoyed the local fare.

In April we were part of a group that formed a new church and we have been very busy working within that area and seeing where God is leading.

What joy ...and what hard work....  but serving and doing what we know God has ordained is pretty important to us.

Our next door  neighbors, are, the  new Creative Arts Minister and his wife...  that has been a TRIP.  He is from Australia and she is from Michigan.  We laugh as we are 'suite mates'.  Literally, we are sharing a part of the same old Florida cracker house.   If he, Dave,  has his music loud ...it is just like in college...we have to turn our tv up louder.  Seriously -- it is such a blessing.  

Most recently, through God's favor and the blessing of a dear friend..... the Creative Team has created a new CD...music.  Four songs.  I can't wait to purchase it and/or place a link up to hear the songs.  They are pretty cool.  Hillsong worth like material.... I am dead serious.  I am not partial -- even though I know the authors of the songs personally.  LOL.
With the opening of HIS Church - Its Jesus's Church...there have been many rewards of NEW friends and now extended family - with all three Pastors and the people within.  Truly -- they have a heart for God and to serve -- it is quite amazing.  There is no HIGH like a Jesus high...

Taylor and I at a recent wedding.  

Brendan and I celebrating our 27th Anniversary in Key West.  

This is Taylor and her friend Jake -- no he is NOT from State Farm!

 Ok, I think I have updated the info.    We  also enjoyed am extended  weekend  in Key West - we were spoiled and had a beautiful home right at the end of a point - what a view.  I now understand what they mean about Key West!  We actually stayed on Little Torch Key and enjoyed several of the  keys -- what a blessing.

 And...we are still going to try and get a few more Harley trips in yet before the end of the year....that can happen when you live in Florida - I felt bad for my sister as she sat in Lambeau Field at the Packer Game today and it was ..um...9 degrees....and it was 72 here!   It is actually colder in our cottage at times.... Brendan keeps the air set at 70!


And as I end this letter.... as the last photo says - the most secure place to be in this world is in the family of God, our prayer is that Jesus is the reason for the season within your home and may God bless you in a mighty way in 2015.  We are still in Okeechobee...we can easily meet you in Orlando if you are visiting or we travel other places too.... after this 'house' is built I can offer a room -- LOL!

Until then, I can only offer a love seat sofa /couch.   Or, I will offer my sister's house - she has a beautiful spot, extra room and a GORGEOUS pool!!   ( its heated! )  My place...is a bit small -- poor Hunter has to sleep on the floor or the Lazy Boy when he visits... as we are really in a cottage for now  -- but it is the perfect place for us both right now.

 We laugh - it is like being in our first apartment back in Whitewater - and we are enjoying the life we have been blessed with  at this season of our lives -- and with THAT expectancy -- God wins.  Amen.

Michelle  and Brendan too....

I am WORTH it. You are WORTH it.

Jeremiah 29:11 ESV         
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.


God has GREAT plans for me ...for YOU.  God has plans to give us a future and hope.  Yet, sometimes we forget and we feel left out. 

Psalm 139:  13-15 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

I have heard this verse recited and I myself have recited it over and over.  God knew exactly what He was doing when I was formed.  That same promise is for you. 


Two simple verses with great power. 

So --

So...YOU don't have to settle.  Period.  End of story. 

If you are in a marriage and you are unequally yoked -- and you LOVE the Lord..seek HIS guidance and counsel to make the right and godly decision.  Know that God hates divorce, but HE never intended for you to be abused and hurt.   That decision is between you and God.  However, seek godly advice too.  Be careful as to WHOM you let speak into your life. 

If your husband beats you and/or  you have reason to believe that you are in harms way -- seek HELP.   And....God will provide. 

However,  I have read and know several -- where the wife knew...she was to be still and wait on God and their marriage was restored and God used the wife to bring back the husband to Himself. 

It is hard to fathom or imagine and yet, each woman I have spoken too -- who endured something in which only God held her.....there.... and then  EACH  have stated -- they would not change the past, as it has BROUGHT them here.  To this place, for such a time as this.   

But it took prayer and time.

I don't think we should try and make sense out of everything God does.  HE does work in mysterious ways. 

I would never advocate to 'endure'....and I know God would not intend for you to endure a physical beating in His name....  that  - to me is common sense - get out.  !!  But I know that if you are calling upon Him and You and Jesus are one flesh....then HE will fight for you and bring an end to this suffering. 

I have seen where some women -- want it. .....  they 'enjoy' the pity party.  Sad.  They are not willing to trust God in their situation.  BIG SAD.

Others --  they seem to believe this is a 'lesson' they have  to learn and maybe God is testing them...but seek God on it.  Search the scriptures and BE accountable to a few women to pray with .....  and allow God to move. 

And even more...don't trust God enough to seek the right help.   I can't blame them, the "SO called Christians" around them...have failed them. 

People will fail you.  God won't.

If your husband once loved the Lord....believe and pray that the Holy Spirit will convict him.  I know that the Holy Spirit is convicting but.....many times a person's heart is SO HARD...they won't hear.  Claim victory over their present state...and believe that God will deliver and submit to what God is asking you to do.  And speak life and be positive towards your children ...as that will always be their dad.   In this day of social media - keep the CRUD off the newsfeed - even if something makes you laugh...it shows the rest of us that you are looking for 'human' affirmation instead of letting GOD fight your battle. 


Maybe God is asking you to be still and quiet and let him walk this out....
Maybe God wants you to retreat and come to HIM for everything....
Maybe there is something that you need to change...... first...and then God will open his eyes. 
Maybe...there is more. 


Often I believe that both men and women are not willing to FIGHT or do the hard. 

Please note...your husband probably DID love you at one point and he wanted to make the family work...but most likely, he has listened to a lie. 

Hurting people hurt others.  In that sinful daze...one HAS To make the other feel bad...so that one can LIVE with the sin and hurt.  It is justified in their mind.    Again, it is hard to fathom and imagine...unless you have lived it. 

It is so hard -- if I had the power to SMACK a few, I would.

Romans 12:2 ESV         
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect

  God knows.  But I know that God is the ultimate warrior and HE will judge and ultimately....if that spouse continues in his sin... the sin will be found out and he will look at Jesus at judgment day and it will be settled. 

Truth be told, if God has released you - be released and seek  to forgive  and seek help but LET it be.  However, if God has asked you to be still and pray and wait...on HIM.  Then do so -- with HIM. 

You are worth it.   
You are worth it. 
You are worth it. 

And....if you loved this man at one time -- and he is listening to Satan -- he deserves your prayers right now - more than ever -- maybe God has called you to this moment to be that warrior on your husband's behalf.  Maybe. 

Please note - my blog post today is for a general audience.  I am unsure of WHOM this is for.  It has been on my mind - heavy...to remind myself...I am worth it.  God brought me to this blog a week ago and I just could not get it written....a bit weary to write....as there are several around me that are in such a dire situation right now, but I believe they will SEEK HIM and follow what HE tells them to do. 

In my own experience -- when my heart was ripped out and by the 'world's standards' - I had every right to walk away from my marriage...I knew that I knew, God had called me to wait and pray as one of the first scriptures God wrote on my heart was ..."love covers a multitude of sins". 

And...if you are not married but in a relationship where ....there is already hurts and baggage...RUN...why do you believe, "you can change him"????  

You can't.  Only God can.  When the changing has occurred....then relook at this relationship. 

Ladies...YOU don't have to have a man to 'satisfy' you -- that HAS To be Jesus. 
Being alone and walking in life alone is NOT a bad thing.
Trust that God can and will bring you the right godly man.

 Just because there is one right there is front of you ...it does not mean THAT is the right one. 
The RIGHT one would come without strings attached. 
The RIGHT one would be accepted by your friends and family. 
The RIGHT one would not have to tell you how much he loves you by his FACEBOOK post...

Dear Jesus....would she see ...she is WORTH so much more? 

The RIGHT one won't ask you to help make his car payment only after 2 dates. 
The RIGHT one  won't get a text from his baby mamma - every 5 minutes.

Ok ...I may be getting a little exaggerated here.  The point I know I was trying to make is....  YOU are worth it. 


Dear Jesus....would she see ...she is WORTH so much more?

You are worth being courted.
You are worth  the time it takes to get to know your family. 
You don't have to be someone's 'sloppy second'. 
You don't have to wonder where he is all the time.
You don't have to play referee for his kids...
You don't have to be the one to initiate the 'date'....and You don't have to settle. 

Colossians 3:1 ESV /     

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Dear Jesus....would she see ...she is WORTH so much more?


Please note - my blog post today is for a general audience.  I am unsure of WHOM this is for.  It has been on my mind - heavy...to remind myself...I am worth it.  God brought me to this blog a week ago and I just could not get it written....a bit weary to write....as there are several around me that are in such a dire situation right now, but I believe they will SEEK HIM and follow what HE tells them to do. 

And, there are several around me right now that are single and maybe  - in my opinion - they have settled.   I have another loved one in a young marriage but seeking God in it ...but it is still hard and it hurts  -- and I have had to release them both to HIM...as THEY have to FIGHT this out with God...it has to be that way.  In the meantime, I pray!  I have a daughter that is now dating and I praise God that he is a man, that has sought after God and the relationship is one that God is forming.  She knows God has brought her this person and watching it unfold is wonderful but I have to give it to God each day...as the mom, I  don't wish to see my own get hurt.   I have a niece that loves the Lord and her heart is broken at this moment, as her boyfriend broke up with her...as he is entering the Navy and wanted them each to have the time to do what they each needed to do...and see where God is leading them both.  Maybe God will bring them back together - or...HE has even BETTER plans.  It is very hard as they are both seeking God in this and yet, through tears, I have to remind her that GOD is fighting for her broken heart and HE will restore it - I pray she does not settle. 

And I thought back to my own Senior High Experience where my boyfriend broke up with me and I did just exactly what I should NOT of done...I settled.... and dated another RIGHT in front of me -- that was not God's plan.   It was awful. 

In our hurt...we tend to SEEK whatever will give us comfort. 

But...our comfort has to be God...and come from HIM... 

I guess, my heart just wanted to encourage my loved ones...continue to SEEK HIM.
My heart wants to encourage the women I have prayed with and for this past week...SEEK HIM and I still believe in miracles and marriage. 

My heart also wants to encourage the single ones around me -- you may not even realize that you are being prayed for -- but ...YOU ARE worth it... Don't settle. 

- humbled..
God ... this was YOUR post.  I pray YOU came through this. 

And....  to quote Beth Moore..."this challenging stuff...is what I am called to pray for and think about right now -- as THIS is where God has me...otherwise, I am pretty sure I would be PERFECT and sitting by his feet".  I think of that often -- God has me HERE right now -- maybe stepping on a few toes with this blog post or may be it is giving clarity to another -- but doing HIS will is what HE has be doing right now and it is challenging and hard, but OH so worth it.  As I will enjoy heaven even more - knowing I did what HE asked.  amen.

Philippians 2:2-8 ESV /         
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Dear Daddy... a daughter's letter that changed a family.

Today is Thanksgiving.  

I have scrolled through Facebook several times, made a cheese cake and then took several messages from family in Wisconsin.  My daughter is getting her 'bake on' and getting ready to enjoy the day with her boy that is a friend...LOL.  My son is sound asleep as he had a late night with his pals all home for Thanksgiving and then he will spend the day with his 'girl that is a friend'...and I am enjoying the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Day parade.  Later, we will travel to some new friends and enjoy some fellowship  and great food.  

 As a child...this was always the HIGHLIGHT of the day  ( the parade ) and then to Grandma's.  For many years, we would shuffle between two Grandma's and then as we got older, it steamed into one big celebration that had to be housed at a 'hall' as the family got too big.    It was not picture perfect and there were many Thanksgiving mornings where I was in tears as a young TWEEN...mad cause I was in the barn and /or pitching manure but this post is NOT about me.  

No childhood is perfect.  My parents did not wake up and  sit and drink coffee as they watched the parade.  Many times, there as a MAD dash and scramble to find socks that matched and then the smell of whatever my mom baking   to take to the Thanksgiving meal would start to burn and yelling occured.....but...for the most part - it was good.   And...the chores had to be done - cows did not milk themselves.   

Even though, if I could look back and watch EACH year....I bet I could see God's grace and mercy and find something within the day ...to be thankful for.    But as a child...I do remember several 'sad' Thanksgiving mornings that did not go as I expected.  

And then, as an adult....as we raised our children - I had the authority to invite and plan Thanksgiving dinner so that I could sit and drink my  hot cider and enjoy the parade.  However, even as an adult....there came a time when the idea of being with family and celebrating the holiday - hurt ...as  we were broken for a time.   But today....

I am VERY thankful today.  

I have  my mug of apple cider near this computer....My man is running some errands, the kids are accounted for and I know my family is getting together in Wisconsin at various homes and my family here is busy too....grateful.   My heart is full and happy.  But...

But....  I found this letter/devotional today and it stopped me -- quickened my spirit and took me back to several childhood times...back to one particular year just four years ago...and it took me to a new spot.  As I know one family even today .....that is being torn apart - even as we speak.    Satan is a liar and he constantly convinces those that will listen....that it 'just may be better' with another.  OH I HATE him.  

Anyway..... I pray.  Daily.   When I awoke this am, I prayed for another sister in Christ - one that has seen MUCH heartache and trials...and one that is desperately trying to place her family in that Book of LIFE...with HIS help.  She longs to sit with her husband in church and worship with him and her kids.   She has been through much already - even the death of a child -- but I know that I know...God did not bring her across our path.. or my life for nothing.  

I believe GOD is alive and LARGE and I believe that HE - God- is the master chess master  and even with this recent wrinkle within her life....God can and will win.  So, with that...I prayed boldly this am and I am going to stand in the gap for as long as God has me and encourage her to believe that ....her husband will ....see and open his eyes.  Period.  

Ok -- so with that....I found this devotional written by Gary Smalley and  John Trent.  It is a letter that a young teen wrote to her dad.  It touched me so.  

I have already said too much -- read this letter and be blessed and believe....that God will win.  

Amen.  

If this letter touches you -- seek Crosswalk.com and sign up for James Dobson's Couples Devotionals as this week he is going to be looking at 'divorce'....is this the solution you believe should happen next?  

I knew, God told me in my most darkest moment that HE would fight for me and that HE wanted me to extend grace and mercy - I am so glad I listened to God as I am so very thankful that I am not divorced and that my Grandchildren will be with us as we celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary...in um...  23 years!   Or maybe our 40th...I don't want to 'wish' on any grandkids to my kids until...years from now.  LOL!  

Dear Daddy

by Gary Smalley and John Trent
Largely unused in marriages, homes, friendships, and businesses is a tool called emotional word pictures that can supercharge communication and change lives. This concept is as old as ancient kings but so timeless that it has been used throughout the ages in every society. It has the capacity to capture people’s attention by simultaneously engaging their thoughts and feelings. Along with its ability to move us to deeper levels of intimacy, it has the staying power to make a lasting impression.
When faced with the breakup of her parents’ marriage, a hurting teenager named Kimberly used the following word picture in this letter to her father:

Dear Daddy, It’s late at night, and I’m sitting in the middle of my bed writing to you. I’ve wanted to talk with you so many times during the past few weeks. But there never seems to be any time when we’re alone.

Dad, I realize you’re dating someone else. And I know you and Mom may never get back together. That’s terribly hard to accept—especially knowing that you may never come back home or be an “everyday” dad to me and Brian again. But I want you at least to understand what’s going on in our lives.

Don’t think that Mom asked me to write this. She didn’t. She doesn’t know I’m writing, and neither does Brian. I just want to share with you what I’ve been thinking.

Dad, I feel like our family has been riding in a nice car for a long time. You know, the kind you always like to have as a company car. It’s the kind that has every extra inside and not a scratch on the outside.
But over the years, the car has developed some problems. It’s smoking a lot, the wheels wobble, and the seat covers are ripped. The car’s been really hard to drive or ride in because of all the shaking and squeaking. But it’s still a great automobile—or at least it could be. With a little work, I know it could run for years.
Since we got the car, Brian and I have been in the backseat while you and Mom have been up front. We feel really secure with you driving and Mom beside you. But last month, Mom was at the wheel.

It was nighttime, and we had just turned the corner near our house. Suddenly, we all looked up and saw another car, out of control, heading straight for us. Mom tried to swerve out of the way, but the other car smashed into us. The impact sent us flying off the road and crashing into a lamppost.

The thing is, Dad, just before we were hit, we could see that you were driving the other car. And we saw something else: Sitting next to you was another woman.
It was such a terrible accident that we were all rushed to the emergency ward. But when we asked where you were, no one knew. We’re still not really sure where you are or if you were hurt or if you need help.
Mom was really hurt. She was thrown into the steering wheel and broke several ribs. One of them punctured her lungs and almost pierced her heart.

When the car wrecked, the back door smashed into Brian. He was covered with cuts from the broken glass, and he shattered his arm, which is now in a cast. But that’s not the worst. He’s still in so much pain and shock that he doesn’t want to talk or play with anyone.
As for me, I was thrown from the car. I was stuck out in the cold for a long time with my right leg broken. As I lay there, I couldn’t move and didn’t know what was wrong with Mom and Brian. I was hurting so much myself that I couldn’t help them.

There have been times since that night when I wondered if any of us would make it. Even though we’re getting a little better, we’re all still in the hospital. The doctors say I’ll need a lot of therapy on my leg, and I know they can help me get better. But I wish it were you who was helping me, instead of them.
The pain is so bad, but what’s even worse is that we all miss you so much. Every day we wait to see if you’re going to visit us in the hospital, and every day you don’t come. I know it’s over. But my heart would explode with joy if somehow I could look up and see you walk into my room.

At night when the hospital is really quiet, they push Brian and me into Mom’s room, and we all talk about you. We talk about how much we loved driving with you and how we wish you were with us now.
Are you all right? Are you hurting from the wreck? Do you need us like we need you? If you need me, I’m here and I love you.

Your daughter, Kimberly

LOOKING AHEAD …
More than two months before writing this letter, Kimberly had watched her father, Steve, walk out of his family’s life with plans to divorce his wife and pursue a relationship with another woman. The heartache that Kimberly, her mother, and her brother felt was indescribable. But the anguish also extended to Steve. Only a few weeks after leaving, he began to second‐guess his decision.
That’s the impact of divorce. It appears to be a solution when in fact it brings only pain and new difficulties. A few days after receiving Kimberly’s letter, Steve appeared on his family’s doorstep and asked to come back. He realized that divorce wasn’t the answer to his family’s problems.

Would you ever consider it an answer to yours?
Has your marriage ever been on the brink of breaking up?

- James C Dobson

Don't GIVE up --- HANG on and HANG in there.

  ^{Today I got an early morning call.  I prayed.  When it seems like ALL is lost.... we must believe that HE has NOT given up on us...GOD never quits.}  

^{Our circumstances are temporary.  What seems impossible at this very moment -- is NOTHING for God to change.    Nothing.}  

   This is from Romans -- Chapters 8 and 9 from the MSG bible.  

^{Read to the very end.  Please.}  

^20-33 Who in the world do you think you are to second-guess God? Do you for one moment suppose any of us knows enough to call God into question? Clay doesn’t talk back to the fingers that mold it, saying, “Why did you shape me like this?” Isn’t it obvious that a potter has a perfect right to shape one lump of clay into a vase for holding flowers and another into a pot for cooking beans? If God needs one style of pottery especially designed to show his angry displeasure and another style carefully crafted to show his glorious goodness, isn’t that all right? Either or both happens to Jews, but it also happens to the other people. Hosea put it well:

I’ll call nobodies and make them somebodies;

    I’ll call the unloved and make them beloved.

In the place where they yelled out, “You’re nobody!”

    they’re calling you “God’s living children.”

Isaiah maintained this same emphasis:

If each grain of sand on the seashore were numbered

    and the sum labeled “chosen of God,”

They’d be numbers still, not names;

    salvation comes by personal selection.

God doesn’t count us; he calls us by name.

    Arithmetic is not his focus.

Isaiah had looked ahead and spoken the truth:

If our powerful God

    had not provided us a legacy of living children,

We would have ended up like ghost towns,

    like Sodom and Gomorrah.

How can we sum this up? All those people who didn’t seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as he straightened out their lives. And Israel, who seemed so interested in reading and talking about what God was doing, missed it. How could they miss it? Because instead of trusting God, they took over. They were absorbed in what they themselves were doing. They were so absorbed in their “God projects” that they didn’t notice God right in front of them, like a huge rock in the middle of the road. And so they stumbled into him and went sprawling. Isaiah (again!) gives us the metaphor for pulling this together:

Careful! I’ve put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion,

    a stone you can’t get around.

But the stone is me! If you’re looking for me,

    you’ll find me on the way, not in the way.

God is in control.    Today was 'no' accident.  IN the middle of a trial, in the middle of our despair -- we must remember -- GOD wins.   

Our troubles are temporary and stand relative to the fact...JESUS died for it all...no matter what....what is most important  -- is our NEED for HIM and our NEED to allow HIM to move the mountain, restore the brokenhearted...and RESTORE what the locusts have taken.  

God can do that.  

Don't give up.  

Don't give in to flesh.  

Believe that WHEN YOU FOLLOW God...FOLLOW wHat HE has asked you to do.... then...there will be GREAT rewards and... a peace that NO one can take away. 

Speak life into your own heart and demand of God what HE has promised....a life of abundance and peace.    Remind yourself of WHAT God has done...and THAT HE can do that again.  REMIND the enemy that he has NO authority within your life...NO authority over your husband or children...and he has NO authority to harm you any more!  

Sometimes we can't listen to the ones CLOSEST to us.... even our family MAY NOT have the best advice....so seek GOD. 

Don't listen to your heart...hearts can be deceived.  Listen to HIS word.  

I believe that a marriage CAN be restored.  I know marriages and people that have come through MUCH more than we ever have.  

I believe a man or women CAN change...and become the person GOD so intended us all to be...HIS.  

I believe that when it looks MOST impossible...THAT is when most can attest...'it HAD to be God'....  

I know I have been a part of a miracle.  Several.  

I can believe that GOD has so many more for many of HIS children.  

I believe CAN can restore a family -- whole...

I believe SATAN can throw such an assault upon a family that -- they all believe...nothing will change....BUT GOD does change people.  

Don't let your heart HARDEN so hard....  and if you are seeing a person...whose hard is THAT heart - where you can see and know - he or she is NOT calling upon Jesus -- then pray even more.  

Lord, tonight my heart is heavy with several families and loved ones so close to me that are not listening to you -- but listening to the enemy and believing a lie.......believing that YOU have left them.  Lord...... may they dream this eve and get a glimpse of WHAT could be....good or bad...but change them tonight Lord...I am TIRED of watching another family get torn apart.  I won't STAND for it on my watch...

Heading to bed....  praying....believing that... GOD wins.  Amen.  

Remain in HIM and a prayer for a MIRACLE...

The Vine and the Branches

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit;apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. ⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

God's word is what we need to take in daily.  

God's word is our communication with HIM.

God's word reveals.

God's word disciplines.

God' s word brings light to our darkness....

God's word must be something we CRAVE.  

"Short"  blog post....    vs. 5 says...remain in me and I will remain in you.  

I have a loved one near me -- I saw how he did not remain in HIM.  

I have another loved one, that I diapered as a child, and loved so....and she has not remained in HIM.  

When I read the words REMAIN in me....  that tells me that I could possibly...'not' remain in HIM....

It is my choice.  

My doing.  

I know that I know, I am eternally secure and I know  - that NO one can pluck me out of my Father's hands -- but, I believe it is possible to WALK out of HIS hands....on my own ...with my own two feet...with my OWN actions.  

Verse 6 says it too -- if you remain....

I believe that MANY of relied too heavily on that ...'walk' down the aisle as a child.....and then --  just... lived.  

I believe that I have NO condemnation for those...who live with Jesus Christ... nothing can stop me from the love of my Heavenly Father -- I don't believe that HE ever 'hates' HIS children....it is not possible for God to hate - us as HE sees us through the blood of HIS Son.  

So, I am not worried, nor do I believe I must re-dedicate my life each night in any type of fear -- Salvation is my gift.  I have freely accepted it.  

I know my heaven is eternally secure.  

I just pray that the others -- the ones I have SEEN love Jesus and serve Jesus but have decided to walk away....I pray there is repentance...and I pray there is no unforgiveness...as eternity is a LONG time to regret...

Hell is a real place.  

Lord, I has been a LONG time again since I have blogged.  I just spoke this to another -- when God is being quiet...we are to WAIT on HIM ...and wait to hear .... to be still.   

So, I am being still.  but today - YOU have me thinking LORD... and I love what is transpiring as I think and challenge   YOUR Holy Scriptures.  

Either way -- I am secure.  

And Lord, tonight, I have prayed already -- but I am praying again...asking YOU to intervene...begging you for this victory for my sister in Christ...I WANT to see MARRIAGE win...I want to see HOPE arise...

I will trust that YOU have the situation tomorrow for my friend - a life time lady that has seen ALL sides of YOUR glory and ministry...and she knows she has not been perfect and she knows...she hardened her heart for a time... but praise YOU Lord...she is back...

God I want that for her husband - estranged or not...and for those kids....LORD - SATAN has had the upper hand FAR too long..in Jesus name, STOP that motion tomorrow...STOP those proceedings and may a miracle occur...God, I am asking ...and via YOUR word...and in Verse 7...I will GET what I asked...YOUR will be done.....THAT is my prayer.  Amen.