You CAN teach an OLD dog new tricks!

I have to share. 

You can teach an old dog new tricks.
God is so merciful and faithful.  HE just is.

OK, this past weekend has been like something out of a 'that's good, ooh, that's bad' book.  I read this one to my students and it speaks about a kid that takes a  balloon out for a nice day to 'fly' and that is GOOD, but then the balloon gets away so that is BAD.  Then the balloon gets tangled in some sort of air plane..that is BAD, but the air plane engine was cutting out so the balloon saves the day..that is GOOD.  You get the idea - right?

Well, the good - HP and his club soccer team were picked to play the National U17 team in Bradenton on Saturday.  Good.  We set off Saturday morn and 100 miles down the road, the car begins to act up and make a noise...BAD.  Several prayers and moments later we hear a 'poof' and well, we pull over.  The Good -- we are right off Hwy 70 and there are parents that are ahead of us that can get HP to the game, but a tow truck will be needed.  BAD.

I INSIST that Brendan go and enjoy the game but he says, "no way", he won't leave me alone in the car for 2 hours as we wait to be towed - that is GOOD- sweet husband.  Tow truck bill is LARGE - BAD.

Anyway, I will stop there.  Sunday morn we had a GREAT service at church.  Sunday night we were blessed to hear Dr. Joe Davis from Southeastern University and he shared about how now, there is medical proof that YOU CAN build new brain cells -- daily.  Our brains are continually changing and new cells ARE being created.  WE have over 100 billion brain cells and they can see by brain scans how we can change our brains - physically....that is GOOD.  VEry GOOD.

There is also proof now that morality has NOTHING to do with DNA - that is another subject.  Our choices is what is the key....our choices.

So he spoke on Romans 12.2.....Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.

God's word is GOOD.  Dr. Davis continued to explain that there is this 'placebo' effect.  In research and studies, there is a 35% variance where neuro-surgeons and geneticists all agree....people are 'healed' by taking a placebos...meaning, they are believing in something higher...something that is not 'so' at the moment and IT IS HEALING them....IT Is working and they have that proof on brain scans.

Well, Of course ...it is FAITH....Believing in something that is unseen -- believing that a husband can be the man you need and the head of the home.  Believing  that you can forgive and live each day with out daily reminders of pain or hurt.  Believing you CAN, trust a GOD that sees all, knows all, and LOVES me...LOVES us just the same.  Tremendous.

So, let me wrap this up.  This weekend, God used the car going dead on us, to show me that my husband has MORE faith in our finances than I do.  Pridefully.....I could not see the silver lining with the news that we did blow the engine on the Accord.  ( It has 197,000 miles on it and is only 4.5 years old) We don't have any extra savings, but we have jobs and we will be ok, but it took that simple illustration to remind me -- God can be trusted.

You see, Dr. Davis stated that in the research that our brains will 'default' to old patterns.  Our brains will default to old patterns....that is the key, we must be willing to STICK out whatever change we want to make for 28 days.....so our brain can make a new 'default' pattern.  When we got hit by the car bill, my default went to, 'here we go again, what did I do wrong?'...Brendan has been changing and his brain  said, 'praise God they found an engine for less than $2000 and with install, it will be $2500 and praise God' we have a credit card to put it on for now!'.

We have to renew our minds -- daily.  We have to get past that 28 days to make our brains rethink about choosing the sugar snack instead of a healthy one - get it?

We have to renew our minds, in believing that GOD can heal.
We have to renew our minds, into believing the loved ones around us WILL be saved.
We have to renew our minds, into believing that GOD wins no matter what.
WE have to renew our minds, into believing HIS promises instead of the lies the enemy continues to whisper to us.

We all can change into the image of our God...our Creator.
There is scientific proof that our brains LIKE believing in something that is BIGGER than itself.
There is scientific proof that our brains LIKE believing in something that is Bigger than itself....meaning....you can be healed.  God will redeem.   A person that seems SO lost and SO far from God...can be that husband or wife or friend that GOD intended him or her to be.

Don't give up!

When bad things happen, I have a tendency to ask God - 'what did I do wrong'.
I am going to CHANGE my default pattern.
God wants me to renew my mind daily and believe HIS promises instead of the pattern of default lies that just come easier.

I hope that is making sense to you as you read this...it was revelation to me this weekend.
I was thinking for sure it was my fault that our car died.  That is how the Enemy lies.


God clearly showed me this weekend that my faith was a big thing.  It still is.  I would say, I was STUBBORN, but God clearly illustrated to me how, I believed in something that was NOT there....I believed in a man and believed he could be what GOD intended.

What a miracle it is to see that happening.  What a joy it is to trust God in each and every thing.  God also clearly showed me that I was not trusting HIM with our finances but that my husband was, I had to SEE that....now I will reprogram my thoughts.

God clearly showed me, to be a do-er...not a sitter.
Be bold Michelle.
You are deeply loved and YOUR new tricks, are needed in the Kingdom.

Lord, thank you - I am humbled.

YOU did GOOD this weekend Lord, thank you for loving me THIS much!

...break OPEN the skies, YOU are needed Lord!

   THIS is a repost   or an EDITED post that I posted about two years ago, there is someone that needs this prayer today and I needed it too.    I updated it a bit and added to it.  GOD is so creative and HIS word is alive and active -- that is why, HIS word is so relevant!  

I hope, if you are reading this, it blesses you as well, or share it with another.  

Lord, as I rode into work today the sunrise was so spectacular and it opened my eyes.  And Lord, I saw a similar sky as I drove home...in the beginning of the sunset.

  Lord, YOU  blessed a song, "HE'll break open the skies....and save those that cry out HIS  name".  I thought of that, over and over and sang that song in my head today....YOU do break open the skies....YOUR word says that YOU don't want anyone to perish......I am just amazed that YOU love us that much.  And you love us over and over 24/7..... I remember back in February  ( 2011 ) when I had a vision of you, on that horse and you bent down and scooped me up...and placed me on the horse in front of you.  That scooping motion was so real. I could see and and feel it. And then, YOU gave me another vision of that BRIGHT yellow light - YOUR light.  I remember it being so clear and yet so bright that I wanted to look away but I didn't.  And it only lasted a few seconds, but there was such a peace and warmth with it.  Then later in the summer, when I listened to and read the story about Todd Burpo's son...it just all came together and I really believed that I had been privileged enough to experience that yellow - YOUR light and then  that warmth.  It is a vision and a feeling that I will never forget.  I don't share that with too many as some may not believe it is true - but I do.  I used to think all that sort of stuff was just 'freakish' but now, YOU power and how you work is such a mystery and YOU make real things happen.  I see you Lord, as the warrior on the horse, coming in to rescue me.  

I remember back in July of 2009, as I was doing a bible study how YOU seemed to jump out of the DVD and speak to me because I had this bracelet on....and the verse was " I have engraved your name on the palm of my hand ".  The circumstance, the event, the DVD, and well -- it just was like YOU were directly there and telling me.  I know that  I know, you continue to delight me and help my faith get stronger and stronger.   That sunrise this am, that sunset was just another reminder of YOUR power and YOUR love for us.

Lord, I am praying today for my Sister in Christ  and her life.  I consider it a great privilege to pray on her behalf...I want her to experience YOU like I have.  I don't want her to experience any great sadness or hurt ...but I can attest - YOU bring beauty out of ashes and sometimes the blessings come through tears.   Lord, I pray that as she awakes each day, she will see a sunrise and know YOU are there.  I pray she will have a divine Encounter  with YOU Lord, and I also pray that her healing, her life, and her family are being blessed.  Lord, I pray for a total healing for her.  

Lord,  there is hurt within her heart....old hurt that continues to creep in - it has to stop.   Please, Lord, draw her near so she will get that relief.  Open her eyes in such a new way.  

Lord, I pray she would dream tonight and have a vision that would increase her faith and give her great hope.  Lord, YOU are in this...YOU inspire these prayers, may they not only give her hope but may she really believe that YOU will heal her as YOU break open the skies ....and she would see you in a new and real way. Amen.

In Christ, 

michelle 

being real and sharing/ Dear Mrs. Alone...

It is January and the new year.  I have not posted or written in a bit - spent much of my vacation reading good things but watching bad Reality TV - ha. 

Honey Boo Boo - is just sad.  Just saying. 

Duck Dynasty is good, just good.
Hot in Cleveland  - Betty White is funny, but again it is usually adult humor and well, I am sort of getting convicted of that....
....so I went back to watching the Brady Bunch and Full House - that is safer. 

God has reminded me over and over, how HE is changing me.  Some of that 'stuff' is just no longer funny and I DO NOT want nor wish to be thought of as a prude, but you know that old saying that we taught to our kids, "hey ...would  you watch that show with Jesus sitting next to you?"
Well, I had someone ask that of me - WHOA.  Just WHOA.  God changes people. 

But the NEATEST thing about it...I am not judging if others want to watch it -- it is just that I don't want to - the DESIRE is no longer there...wow!   Guess I am becoming a grown up - !!!  

I love you Lord, but I digressed....the title of the blog post is Dear Mrs. Alone.  I am going to REPOST something cause God asked me to.  Again I will share, I read this book by Debi Pearl some time ago  - at a time I was desperate to read anything that would give me answers, but I read it at God's appointed time.  As I said, it is a tough read, a HARD thing to swallow -- as it deals mostly with submission to our husbands and what that really looks like. And with today's 'women' and how I was raised, it was a difficult read.  You have to read it and ask God to give you peace, as there is much in there that goes against how I behaved or acted, but I wanted to be obedient and do it GOD's way - as I know HIS way is best.  So it meant RETEACHING my brain stuff and rethinking about stuff.  Hard! 

Over the holidays, between family,  extended family, and reading several blogs  I became aware again of some  more hurting wives...and prayers began.  And I asked God over and over -- use me, and I believe that is why I am posting again and speaking out this eve.   I would hope that they would read this post and rethink.   As I have come to find out there are people that read this that I don't know but they know of me.  And I am praying now, as there are several different people that come to mind just this moment as I type, but I know that GOD has so many more out there...that are just too quiet and shy to think or believe that God can CHANGE their marriage too.  

HE can.

 Just rethink.  I was searching on the Internet one night last month, late,  and came across some old Angela Thomas videos where she was being interviewed and she spoke about making a conscience effort to CHANGE some old habits and making a CHOICE to rethink and renew her mind, especially after becoming single with four children and what she was going to do 'next'. It does take a LOT Of HARD work and prayer to change something or to believe that GOD will win. 

However, it also takes some steps of faith and swallowing one's PRIDE and SEEKING some professional help when it is needed.  ( I go to the dentist for a toothache...I go to a dermatogolist when I know I have an unusal spot appearing..so why can't I go and seek some professional help on personal stuff?)   I have heard my husband say it over and over, "the definition of insantity is doing the same thing over and over".  So many of us do that.   I think we, as women,  get very good at putting things under the rug and just going on.    WE find every excuse, especially the money aspect, but yet we spend money on stuff that does not matter. 

I have seen it SO many times and have read it in MANY books....if you don't deal with the hurt, the pain, and the problem --- it will just come back in another form.  Watch Dr. Phil, he says that almost each day.  ( Sort of glad I am going back to school - tired of those type of shows. I just want to reach in the TV and shake up the wife or woman ..even the man at times and go - WAKE up...SEEK God...pray and PUT AWAY your pride.......get the help! ) 

Get the help.....
There is NO SHAME in stating... "we are seeking a marriage counsleor"...."we are seeking a psychologist"...."we are seeking a sexologist".....But..seek a CHRISTIAN one who values marriage!!!!!!!!!!!

  Praise God we found one that was  all three...all four....Just saying and BEING real here.....I am TIRED of seeing couples just push things under the rug.  ( And please, I am being very honest and real and pouring my heart out here, so please read this, ponder it, act on it, do something but call and talk to me if you want too...don't talk about me and this subject if I am no where near.  I would NEVER want to dishonor God nor my husband in sharing this, but I believe God wants me to speak up and HE will protect it.)

 Dig deep.  I promise YOU.....I Promise YOU...what HE has waiting for you on the other side...is pure JOY....it is such a new and different marriage on the other side of this freedom.   Your marriage does not have to be in DEEP turmoil to get MUCH from reading the Debi Pearl book...but, I know God will use it to change something.  God did not intend for you to have a stale and loveless marriage.....all that SECULAR stuff you see on Christian Mingle .com...or whatever mingle .com...or in the movies...CAN happen in healthy CHRISTIAN marriages....but be real. 

Ok,  that was my 'soap box' there - been praying for weeks about sharing and saying that and tonight  is the night to spill...but as I stated, I wanted to repost the letter titled  Dear Mrs. Alone....and I did not copy, cut and paste it this eve, I typed it out as I needed to read it again.  EAch day I renew my mind, I make a choice to forgive, and live and act in the freedom God granted to me, so I grant that to others.  I am BAR FAR NOT perfect...OH LORD, I am NOT.  And I fail ...moment by moment, as my flesh is very real and very selfish...very selfish, but I know what God did for me, so I will try my best to be obedient to HIM.  And in return, HE continues to be faithful, merciful, and gives so much more BACK to me, that I pray...I will NEVER forget the HARD part...as it has brought me to here...brought us to here...and it will save another's marriage...some day, I know, God will use us. 

So here is that letter:
 Lord for the one or two or whomever YOU have reading this post today - may they read it, ponder it, act upon it..give them the courage to do something HARD and begin to seek the godly counsel through their Pastor or Church and may they also seek Professional help if it is needed...YOU will guide and direct, I know it - make it clear.  I know You heal and I am thankful for that - I pray that this blog post  was pleasing to  You; protect this post in a way like never before, as the Enemy will use it to hurt cause he hates it when YOU win.  Amen. 

Dear  Mrs. Alone, 

Thank you for your letter.  Your letter is something women should read so I am placing it in my book for others to read.   Sincerely, Debi Pearl

Dear Mrs. Pearl,
       I would like to tell my story, that others may be warned, I am alone but never thought I would be.  I made many mistakes in my marriage but I wish someone would of pulled me aside and given me some advice. I hear many young marrieds or women complaining, but they need to seek God's word, they need to be open to the truth.
     The things I did or failed to do were not everyday, constantly overt, or in the face actions.  They were subtle, ebbing and flowing, but there - nonetheless.
     When my husband acted shelfishly at home, allowed his temper to flare, and sometimes said curse words, and then went to church and acted spiritual, I wish I had prayed positively for him instead of withdrawing a little emotionally from him and letting my cynicism and lack of confidence in him be so manifest.  I wish I had openly showed love and acceptance to him for himself, not impatiently wait until he acted right. 

     When my husband failed the children, failed to have devotions, failed to be spiritual, failed to lead as he shoud, I wish I had completely trusted God and maintained unity, honor, reverence, and submission with a glad and trusting heart. I wish I had kept the children honoring him and praying for their dad instead of allowing my martyred attitude to mainfest itself so openly.

     When he made a statment about someone or something, I wish I had not always put his opinion down, letting him know he was wrong again.

     When he acted like a jerk, I wish I had remained quiet and prayed for him, loved him anyway instead of letting him know what I thought about him and his actions.  (personal note...we are not talking about being abused - that is very different)

     When he tried to make it up to me, for some failure, I wish I had not been so cool, waiting for him to suffer a little more and be more intense and sincere about his apology.

     When he spent money I thought we did not have, I wish I had remainded quiet and trusted God. I wish I had shown continued confidence in him, regardless of his actions and decisions.

     When he wanted me to do something, I did not want to do, I wish I had cheerfully complied instead of making him sorry he asked.  Hardheadedness is not a trait to endear any woman to a man.

     When he needed a woman to believe in him, admire him, approve of him, accept him, regardless of his failures, I wish now that I had been the one to give him those things.

     When I thought keeping his faults before him, just small things he did and said, and keeping myself a little standoffish in my approval of him, was the only way he would chnage -- I wish someone would of taken me aside and told me how badly mistaken I was to think that it was MY place to apply and keep the pressure on.

     When he was in the company of family and friends, I wish I had not taken on a martyred air when he left to go off and doing something on his own.

     When he did not know how to show love, and I felt a void emotionally, I wish I had borne all things and hoped all things and loved him unconditinally, instead of giving up inside and turning to friends and family for my emotional support and needs.  I never saw the need to endear myself to him.  I took for granted that he would fulfill the husband's moral obligation to love me.  I wish I had gone to "God's beauty school" for the whole woman.

     I wish someone would of told me.
    
Sincerely, Mrs. Alone
    

Tough read?  I had my therapist read this and give me her opinion on it.  She reminded me that physical abuse is something that HAS to be addressed and we both felt that was not the case with Mrs. Alone.  Verbal abuse these days can cause just as much harm and this book was written almost 40 years ago - so much has changed.  Girls are being raised differently, family structure is different, but I still believe this letter speaks to many.  I believe the main idea is ...to show unconditional love.  Unconditional. 

I got married young.  I had no idea.  Our counselor reminded us that many that get married young just get married cause that was what was NEXT...the life begins, kids happen, and all of a sudden you realize - where are we?  Who am I?  and ...well....Anyway, Christian marriages should be different -- Jesus should radiate so much from our lives and our walk that others WANT what we have...but, some of us just need a good revial and renewal of sorts.  Please, if this was for you this eve..I pray that God will show you exactly what to do next. 

With much love,
humbly,
michelle

Please don't give up...God wins.
 HE can restore and give back what the locusts have taken.
 You can win your husband to the Lord by YOUR actions and your walk with Christ....and if you both claim to love the Lord, see justice, love mercy and walk humbly - micah 6.8 ...but get the help needed.  Don't allow Pride and what others think to STOP  you.

And don't allow the Enemy to steal your inheritance--if you and your man need to seek just some spiritual cleaning....seek forgiveness for the stupid actions of your youth, whether they were 'ok' back then and under the influence of others....well....still...God is speaking to you to make a CLEAN start, there is freedom in confession-then do it, start clean and fresh.  There is no condemantion in Christ Jesus, but HE has to be first - there can't be any other gods..any gods.....any. 

...there is so much to say....

Lord, you ended this year - I mean, it is 10 minutes before we ring in 2013.  It really is 'not' that big of a deal anymore...as EACH day is important and hopefully lived for YOU....

but, I have to say this, for SO many years, many years, I sat or was SO anxious for the midnight hour to come as to 'what' would happen or where would I be......

....little did I know and realize that YOU were there all along and that YOU had to be 'it'...YOU had to be it ALL.....

Thank you for being patient with me.  I appreciate it so much and LOVE  YOU even more for waiting on me.  And Thank you for Brendan's reflection earlier..."hey, 2012 was good, it was much better than 2011 and 2010 and Chell, 2013 is going to be even BETTER..right?  ....right... I love you".

Lord, seeing something hopelessly lost and dead come back to life - is ONLY by YOUR grace and mercy.  I thank you.

Lord, as the year ends, and January is tomorrow - I really want do be in YOUR will each day, SEEK you each day, and make EACH day pleasing to YOU and the rest will fall into place....

Lord, for my husband, grow him up even more...
Lord, for my children, draw them close...
Lord, for my parents, I wish to be relentless and this will be the year of my peace of their blessed assurance...
Lord, for extended family, may they REALLY see Christ in all of us...
Lord, for the circle of influence around us - USE us...

Lord, for our church, and our pastor..and his wife...
Lord, for our leaders and employers...
Lord, for our country and its leaders...Lord, YOU are Lord, may there be NO other gods before us, before me...

Lord, that my life would be pleasing to you...

Lord, for the many around me that are still hurting, that need healing, and need your arms of comfort.  Lord for the many who don't know how to be IN TOUCH with you...
Lord, for the sick and for those lost ..Dear GOD..hell is a too real of a place to be wrong...Lord, may 2013 be YOUR year in my head and heart.

And Lord,  Ex. 14. 14 says - YOU will fight for me...YOU do, YOU did, YOU are....I need only be still...I thank you Lord.  Lord, I know that I know you WIN every time.  Use me Lord, to help another - if only one, I will be most GREAT- ful...I love you Lord, more than ever.  Amen!

PS - happy new year!  

a thank you .....my Christmas Tea 2012

I got the honor today to bless a few people that have been in the 'trenches' with me.  And I was doubly blessed.

A friend of mine, shared with me several months ago that God had begun to call her to be BOLD, and sharing and teaching others about HIM that.....the harvest is BIG but the workers are few.

A LOT has happened to me in the past 5-8 years, but mostly the past three years have been a 'refining'.   And I have been claiming and knowing that chapter is closed and with the ending of this year, and  the coming  of the new year.....there  will be a BRAND new start.

 The sequel.... I like that.

There is scripture that says, HE will sift us like wheat --- to see what we are made of.
 There is scripture about building a house on sand verses solid rock.
There is the scripture about being in the refiners fire.
 There are God's promises all over, reminding us of HIS great love for us and yet...many of us quietly just exist.

That same friend reminded me today...do you just want to exist?

What is my passion?
Do I have an unquenchable need to be special....to be fulfilled?   ....to be important?

YES I do -- and GOD put that desire there.
Will I believe - YES I do.

Will I Act in Faith - I DID.  And I will continue to do so!
Will I chose to be special, important, and fulfilled - I DO LORD!

I am a strong woman with a  SOFT heart that wants others to experience the true freedom of Christ and how HE can heal, set you FREE, and  walk with you in VICTORY.

I want others to notice me and want what HE did for me.

I want others to ask...what makes her different.  That is my life's passion.

I want to be used by HIM.

Nothing gives me more joy than to see HIS glory in another.
Nothing gives me more joy than to witness prayers answered and miracles manifest.

The photo is of a book that my very first counselor/therapist game me some 4 years ago.  She called me on Monday - the author -- yep, the author.  THAT is an entirely different blog post, but GOD was direct and HE wants more women to step it up.  HE wants more workers, this world will continue to manifest more evil.....until we Christians - believers and ones SET FREE say, enough is enough......WE are more than conquers in Christ JEsus....


Lord, thank you again for the women you have blessed me with and that I can call 'friend'.  Lord, bless them this eve and I pray they will seek YOU with everything .....Lord, I am so blessed, so honored to call you by soul mate.  Amen!

- your daughter - chell

Merry CHRISTmas from the Pritchards

Merry Christmas! 

For so many years the 'writing' of the Christmas Newsletter was a highlight.  I can prayerfully, humbly, and gratefully say...it is a highlight of this holiday season...as there is MUCH to share. 

Our lives are full, very busy, but this family is smiling - each face and we know and thank our Lord. 

The photo was taken at Thanksgiving.  I have to BEG Taylor to get me a copy of it so I can put it in a frame, otherwise it may disappear into the big information data byte in the sky. 

Trying  to get 4 people to smile all at the same time and to make sure the hair is just right was as hard  as when the kids were babies and I just wanted them BOTH looking forward!  Taylor posted this photo on Facebook so I know it meets her approval.  For so many years she will tell you that she HATED our Christmas photo as there was something wrong with it.  She was not smiling or looked like  a boy or whatever.  So...I guess it is a sign of my maturity when I posted this and would of rather found one where my hair could of looked just a little bit better...anyway!     LOL 

Taylor has one more year of college.  She did her one day a week teaching practice in 5th grade at the local middle school where she attended and LOVED it.  How sweet our Lord is, she taught 5th graders and I am teaching 5th grade.  To sit with my first born and help her with lesson planning was a stressful but glorious task.  Mothers LOVE being needed especially by 21 year old adults!  She  has one semester left of practice and Student TEaching will be around the corner with a walk down the graduating asile in December of 2013 if all goes well.  God is good.  She sees the light at the end of the tunnel. In  her spare time she dotes on a little girl named Eva, babysits, and coaches a travel/club volleyball team and LOVES that as well.  Her sweet spirit still grabs the attention of many and she has great friends! 

Hunter is our Senior and has verbally committed to be a FIGHTING OWL and play at Florida Atlantic University come August of 2013.  His many years  and  Brendan's faithfulness of DRIVING to practice have paid off.  He gets frequent emails from Coach Kos and has already made an official visit and we hope to watch him 'sign' come February. He is getting some academic and sports scholarships and we are very proud.  After many years of soccer, both Brendan and I comment and talk about the 'withdrawl we will have but have already begun to SAVE for some flying trips to watch him play out of state.  The BEST thing about FAU is that it is only 1.45 hours south of Okeechobee; which is,  far enough way to feel like he is at college, but close enough that we can still attend some soccer games!   In his spare time, he does his homework, he will graduate with almost 30 college credits like TP did and ping pong has become the new family passion.  Currently HP is doing most of the winning between he and Bren but Brendan practices and I KNOW he will overcome!   Hunter has a great set of friends as well, and many of them adorn our family room frequently to watch the HEAT play - Hunter is a fan! 

Brendan and I are well.  We enjoyed a trip to Wisconsin this summer and rented a Harley for 3 days and put on over 700 miles!  That is our plan again..just not sure 'when'.  We have had the bike for a year now and have well over 6000+ miles on it - so, YES, we do enjoy the entire BIKE scene.  Our kids may just see us on a major trip to Sturgis or the Mountains...LOL.

 Weekend trips on the Harley, watching soccer games, traveling to soccer games, and enjoying Duck Dynasty our our usual routines.  Both of us are just enjoying our family before it will change again with HP leaving next summer.  We are both still teaching - our 25th year!!!  Brendan is at the High School and I am at the Indian Reservation teaching 5th grade this year and am really enjoying my 2nd year there!  My students are priceless and it is a JOY to ENJOY being at school again for so many reasons! 

This letter has to end, but the start was Merry Christmas....Merry CHRISTmas.
Both Brendan and I would tell you - HE is the reason for the season, the reason why I looked forward to writing this, the reason why there are smiles on our faces...and HE wins.

God is tremendous, both of us have fallen in love with HIM in a new way, wishing and praying the many people around us would allow that to happen in their lives as well.  Our past put us here,  but that was our destiny and  God has brought such beauty out of the ashes.  HE wins. 

As I close this letter, I pray that YOU too would call on Jesus and allow His saving grace to empower you and then heal.  It is hard being the 'grown up'...but the rewards are tremendous - heaven...eternal life.  Jesus is the reason for the season.  Faith is believing in something that is unseen - and HIS timing is perfect.  TRUST HIM.  I promise, HE will NEVER let you down! 

In HIm,
Michelle

PS - GOD WINS!

is there real free will?

Ezekiel 18:1-4
The Message (MSG)
Judged According to the Way You Live18 ^1-2 God’s Message to me: “What do you people mean by going around the country repeating the saying,The parents ate green apples,The children got the stomachache?^3-4 “As sure as I’m the living God, you’re not going to repeat this saying in Israel any longer. Every soul—man, woman, child—belongs to me, parent and child alike. You die for your own sin, not another’s.

How does the sovereignty of God really work? 

Is there real free will? 

Do we get to drive?  

His hand is 'on' the wheel, I get to drive but HE is there.  

In Ezekiel, God allowed Israel to drive on their own and drive away.  And then they HIT a tree....Babylon and got STUCK! ....what the fathers did....we are now STUCK!    God says, "NO".  That is NOT true, you are responsible for your own sin. 

The Israelites stayed in Babylon cause of their OWN sins, not their fathers.  

God does not punish me for my father's sins.  

God does not punish us for Adam's sin.  

God says 'no' you don't have to stay there.......You can move out of Babylon! 

My choices are based on what God allowed.   75% of my decisions are based on my DNA....but GREATER is he then is in me that he who is in the world.....

There is a Polard Study that says 85% of the Cherokee nation are alcoholics but 15% chose NOT to be... There is a Polard Study about homosexuality as well, that again shows... scientifically it appears that our sexual orientation is a choice.  

The supernatural beats the natural every time.  

You are most free when walking in HIS will and in HIS created natural environment.  

We were born to be dependent upon HIM, we function better in HIM and when we rebel, we want to DRIVE  without HIS hand on the wheel.  

So go ahead,   drive....but you will get STUCK - Amen!  

We were created to have relationships and we are most free when we live in HIS will...we do not have to stay in Babylon. 

It is my choice.  

It is my choice...to the degree that GOD grants it..I don't have total choice to do what I want, ..I have total choice to do what God allows.......Oh MY! 

My choice can't negate or nullify God's choice for me!  

Psalm 135:5
English Standard Version (ESV)⁵ For I know that the Lord is great,    and that our Lord is above all gods.
What would of happened if Josef would of said, "no I won't marry Mary!".

God has EVERYTHING in order and thought of....thought out and factored in...GOD has it.  

Everyday is a GIFT from God.  

You and I make over 1000 choices and decisions a day....what determines those?  

Remember, the Enemy gets us to believe we won't have any power or the ability to make choices - 

I choose Jesus.  

Amen.  

I found this today...my notes from Dr. Joe Davis, from August, 2011.  God's word is timely and someone besides me needed to read this as well.  I hope it answered your questions....

Amen.  

Thank you Lord, michelle