If My Writing Does Not Bring Glory To God Then I Should Stop Writing

Before I explain what I am about to write I would like to ask your forgiveness. At church today my pastor preached on the power of a believer to bless another. Not to use words to curse them but words to bless them. I felt convicted right there about the two prior writings I published. There were a few words that were probably not worded as blessing words. I went back and struck them from my writing. It is not my place to try to figure out something or not. My job is to share with you words of exhortation and words to lift you up and not make you feel weighed down. Forgive me from stepping away from that and putting in words that were not uplifting and causing one to doubt. I truly want to become a person that speaks life into your life and not a negative slant on things. I am so thankful that Holy Spirit cares enough about me to correct me when I am wrong. I am also thankful that my heart is not hardened to hearing His correction and to allow me to admit when I am wrong and ask forgiveness. Speak a blessing into the lives of your children this very day.  If you have said harsh words to your children, go to them and ask them to forgive you. Do not look at it as a weak thing to do but in their eyes they will see a stronger person that will come to them and ask forgiveness. Remember the power of life and death (blessing and cursing) are in your tongue. Choose life this very day. Thank you in advance for your forgiveness to me.

God's Divine Appointments, They Really Do Exist

Have you ever encountered a day or two or three, etc. in which everything just seems to flow and you just Know that God's hand was upon you and that day. Let's call a day like that Divine Destiny Day. I was blessed twice during this past week with days such as this. Could you imagine what sort of a week it would be if this happened each day of that week? Maybe I should expand my thinking and seek out a Divine Destiny Week or month or year. I closed the week out with one of those very days. I was up very early yesterday for I had an early appointment downtown. I found myself parking at the Galleria garage a little before 7:30 AM. There were very few cars parked in the garage at that time of day. It has been a while since I have been downtown so I left much earlier than I needed to or so I thought. I met a very kind lady in the garage when I asked her the route out and sought direction from her to the location I was to be at. She kindly directed me and told me that usually on a Saturday the Galleria doors are not open to go to the main street I needed to get to. She told me they were open because there was going to be a walk-a-thon that day. I thanked her and off I went.
After my appointment I was walking through the Galleria and there she was. She asked me how my appointment went. I answered and then asked her what the walk-a-thon was for, what cause. She told me it was for sickle cell anemia and I just felt the presence of God and began to speak forth encouraging words of blessing and I just flowed. I remember it was as though God's glory was there in that moment and I looked up to see the walkers and that was when the words just began to flow from my mouth. She recognized I was a Christian and we held hands and I began to pray for the success of this event and then it went even further that there is a cure for this. She asked me where I came from and I told her the city and that I attend a non-denominational bible teaching church. I was able to produce that prayer because of the training I received from church. Off I went to my next destination. Just the other day I received a business card of a nursing home where a church member is recovering from a stroke and today was the day to go and visit him. Him and his wife are so very kind and they nicknamed me "Smiley" when they see me at church. They always call me "Smiley" whenever I see them. I think they know my real name but I just love when they refer to me as that.
When I walked into the room I asked him if he remembered who I was , "Smiley" and he remembered me. I did tell him that I was going through some things the other day and came across something from high school. It was actually a big smile cut out of cardboard and I must have been a sophomore and I was entered in as an official Miss Smile Candidate for a contest at school.

Note that I still have the original pin attached to it.

We visited and he told me how he wants to go home to his own home. I prayed with him and believed with him that the deadness in his arm would be healed. He believes that he is healed. Sometimes it takes words of encouragement or agreement and the time to just go visit someone. Do not forget those that are convalescing in a nursing or rehab facility. Take the time to bring them bible or preaching Cd's or even a snack or meal too. Check to make sure they are not on a restricted diet first. There is nothing worse than bringing in a good snack only to find out that they cannot eat it. Why tempt them. You know that God performs miracles not just the instantaneous type but He can and does use the knowledge of a Dr. to aid in the administering of a miracle too. I guess I said all of that to remind you to be kind to someone that may need your very kindness today that is recovering from an illness in a nursing facility. Trust in Holy Spirit and He will show you who and when to go visit.
I have requested prayers from a certain person this week and I would like to thank them and bless them with these words along with scripture too. "First of all do not let go of the vision God gave to you. God hears your prayers and really does move on your behalf with whatever you say when you pray. That is a gift within itself and never forget that. Habakkuk 2: 2-3 'Then the Lord answered me, Write the vision. Make it clear on tablets so that anyone can read it quickly. The vision will still happen at the appointed time. It hurries toward the goal. It won't be a lie. If it's delayed, wait for it. It will certainly happen. It won't be late.'"

You May Wonder Why Burn The Picture?

That is a simple answer. It is an act of faith. You completed the disconnection prayer in the spirit realm with the Holy Spirit. Now it is time to complete the disconnection in the natural realm too. It is a symbol that you are letting go of the past and as it burns, think of it like this, the smoke is being lifted upward to God as an offering of your letting go into His hands. Trust and then trust again for God knows, sees your heart, and your true faith act of letting go. Let go and feel the freedom that comes with this letting go of past hurts and disappointments. Now, what I am sharing with you is not a license to just go around burning pictures OK. I have found that as Holy Spirit nudges me to let go of things this is how I was taught to deal with it. I do not always burn pictures please know that too. Sometimes He may call you to just throw away a picture(s) or an object(s) associated with that past hurt. Seek Him and He will speak to your heart how to deal with this. He may speak something totally different to you than He would speak to another. One way is not superior to another way for God knows you and what is best for you. What He speaks to me to do in healing of past hurts may not be the same for another. All I can say and share with you is to put your trust in Him and He will surely direct your path and footsteps. May God's peace flood your heart and home this very day. Keep trusting for it is in the trusting portion that God creates and bestows upon you the most beautiful and ingenious miracles for you to receive and then marvel at the workmanship of His hand as He reaches down to touch your life in such a spledid way. Think of it like this, His love touches earth from His throne room in heaven because of the love He has just for YOU. When you think of it that way all you can say is WOW. Remember what that stands for Worthy Of Worship.

The Greatest Miracle of ALL is Salvation

One who wins souls is wise. I have heard this expression several times. Did you ever stop and wonder how important it is for someone that is about to give their heart to Jesus, that there are others praying for that very thing? Some will plant a seed into the life of a person about Jesus and the gospel, others will come along and water that seed with their testimony, and then there are the golden moments of opportunity in which you will be the harvester of the seed that was planted, nurtured and grew. It is not you per say, it is Holy Spirit leading you when the timing is just right for that person's day of becoming born-again. Stop and think about what leads up to that moment. You are just the vessel on that day. It is Holy Spirit moving on that person along with the angels that minister to the heirs of salvation but most important is the prayers of those that you request when you feel the stirring for salvation. Do not ask wimpy people to pray for you in times like this. Ask those that have faith and they now become a part of that person's salvation. They will meet this person in heaven one day.
This happened to me yesterday. I had an opportunity to share a bit of my testimony the prior day. I promised to make a cheesecake and bring it to them for a kindness that was shown to me. We had a conversation in which they believed they were going to heaven because they were a good person and that they helped a lot of people out. I, in a soft spoken manner explained that the only way to heaven is by Jesus and what He did on the cross when He died and rose from the dead. We cannot get to heaven by the works we do but our trust and faith in what He did. I asked this person if they believed that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, He lived on the earth, died on the cross and rose from the dead three days later. They believed all of that. I asked them if they would like to pray a prayer in which after they prayed it they would know for sure that (I then pointed to the street) if they were to pull out into the street and something happened to them and they died right there that they would be in heaven. This person said they would pray the prayer when I came back the next day with the cheesecake.
I made the cheesecake and delivered it. I inquired of this person that they did not think I would follow through and bake the cheesecake, they said affirmative. I happened to have one witnessing track in my car so I went equipped with it in my hand in case they were not going to say the prayer with me. I thought I could then leave it with them. I know prayer went forth when I requested it because it was so easy to lead this person in a prayer of salvation. Sometimes a person will struggle with you when you are witnessing and wanting to lead them to Jesus. Then there are the other times when it just flows so easy and you walk away at how amazed you are with God's timing. After I handed the person the cheesecake and we chit chatted a bit I then gently reminded them that they said they would pray the prayer with me when I brought the cheesecake. I asked them if they would like to say the prayer and we stepped outside and we prayed the prayer. Once we were done I told this person that when they died even if satan would accuse this person of doing all kinds of stuff, Jesus would stand up and defend them and say that their name was written in the Lamb's Book of Life. They will be in heaven. I let them know that if they should sin  they would have to ask forgiveness of Jesus if they did sin. I also shared that all the angels in heaven rejoiced in the moment they said that prayer. I then handed this person the witnessing track so they had a further explanation of what they just did. Ironically, the very track I handed this person is the track at the bottom of my blog page, 'The Greatest Story Ever Told."
Thank you to the person that I requested prayer from you know who you are and you share in this person coming to know Jesus. There is no greater miracle in my eyes than one that gives their heart to Jesus and will be with Him in heaven for all eternity.

This Is What I Requested of the Lord for my Birthday.

I noticed something a bit different a few times that I have walked recently. One day I was walking and I kept smelling the scent of frankenscense. I was on the road where the fields are and I know that is not a scent I frequently smell when I walk that road. When I turned around that day to head home I did not smell the scent at all. Just yesterday as I was walking on that same road I breathed in a new scent a few times that day it was the sweet, fragrant aroma as if a gardenia was growing somewhere by the road. There are no gardenias in this area. Do you think God is doing a new thing with me?
On my birthday I was having my prayer time and having a little chat with Jesus and in the stillness of my heart He asked me what I wanted for my birthday. My response to him in my thoughts (just so you know I am not having a verbal conversation in which I am talking outl loud.) My simple request was this, "Bless Israel in a special way today, that is my request." Well, you see He honored that request. When I went into work there was a vase with roses in it amongst other gifts too at my desk. I admired their beauty as I was working and for some reason I looked at the tag that came with this unique vase that held the roses. It stated that it was made in Israel. You see I saw my simple request filled this very day. It was through my birthday that a co-worker purchased roses for me and of all the vases that could have been selected the vase that was made in Israel was chosen. You cannot convince me otherwise that God does not hear and honor your requests no matter how big or small they may be. I am so impressed with this vase. It is innovative and caught my attention. Think of this, it is an expandable vase and it will not break or chip and you can fold it when not in use.
I believe Fall is coming earlier than normal this year. Look at the trees and notice the leaves already changing. In the Fall I trim back my hydrangea's and ornamental grasses for the upcoming Winter and then they are ready to grow again in the Spring. I found myself trimming the hydrangea's today. One of my ornamental grass grows really tall and the most beautiful plumes burst forth. It is not time to trim that back yet for the plume's have not come forth. Do you notice that Fall is coming upon us quickly this year?

This Is Very Odd, Today Is My Birthday And I FInd Myself Writing About Death.

Today is my birthday and I had a wonderful day. As I was driving home today I was reminded of death that occurred last week. Today, on this very day my son and daughter's dog was ill and put to sleep today. This was one of their pets at their Dad's home. I am sure neither one of my children woke up with the thought that their dog would die today right? Last week I was on the highway and as I was approaching an area I noticed smoke in the sky. It was not far from where I was at. I guessed there must be an accident and I began to pray like I always do when I see an accident or an ambulance racing by you. I first ask for those working on the person to have wisdom, cover them with protection by the blood of Jesus and I always believe that there will be household salvation and if the person injured is not saved I ask for that for the person. I must have been in the vicinity just a bit after the accident happened for there were no ambulances or police at the scene of the accident at that point. When I was just by the turned over truck on the side of the road, a semi truck right in front of me put on his caution signals and parked right on the highway. He then spoke with some people in an SUV that had flasher lights on top of their vehicle that was pulling over too. I went  to work. It was not until Sunday when my pastor mentioned that there was an accident near Lakewood and a person from our church pulled over to help the person in the truck. If I am not mistaken they tried to comfort this person and assure them that they would not let him burn in the truck. Pastor mentioned the person's first name and that this person died. Friday and Saturday as I drove that stretch of the highway I tried to figure out just what happened. This is what I surmised, the truck was not low enough to clear the over hang green signs that are on the highway and he must have run into it for the sign is no longer up and where the accident occurred there is now a memoriam marker where the person died.
I told someone the other day that my mother had false labor 5 times before I was born, I need to correct that for it was only 3 times and not 5. I have no idea where I thought it was 5 times though. Good thing  I asked my mother to verify it yesterday. Sorry, I really am human and I do make mistakes too.This is what the Lord showed me. I was born a fighter and I am not a quitter. I was in a hurry to be born and come into the world to do what I was created to do in life. He showed me further that even in my mothers womb I had to learn patience. You may ask yourself what does she mean by this. I obviously wanted to be born three times prior to my actual birth date. And three times I was not born for my life and my destined date of birth was in God's hands and not in mine. We are appointed a time for death and a time for life. Do not rush your life around so fast that you miss what God had planned for you because you think you know better and can get the results done or accomplished much faster. When God orchestrates it, it is beautiful and He opens all doors for completion and shuts all doors that will not result in the final, beautiful, completed call on your life. Trust in Him and let Him show His splendor and glory in your life. That will draw others to want what you have inside of you. Almost to provoke them to jealousy. Not a bad jealousy but a jealousy that will cause them to seek and hunger for God the creator of heaven and earth, that you serve and love.
I am usually playing praise and worship music all the time and I found myself for the last few days finding creativity as I play the song, Let Me Call You Sweetheart. I find myself waking up in the morning at times with this song playing so to speak in my mind. There is definitely a shift of some sort going on with me. I sure am creating creative pieces of jewelry. Maybe the Lord is showing me to branch out and it is time to come out of my shell and go forth???
I would love to share with you two messages that were written inside birthday cards given to me today.
The first comes from my dear friend that I have known ever since college. It seems to be that whenever we get together all we do is laugh about what we did and still do now, she wrote this:
"Some friends are for a season  Some are for a reason. Then there are few that are for life. Happy Birthday to my friend for life!!"
This is what my boss wrote in a card to me:
"Many are called but few are chosen. Not many have the degree of enlightenment it takes to confidently fight the unseen. You are a special person, a spiritual warrior, that God has given a special ministry."
I am highly honored and humbled that such words were written. That is what life is all about. When you draw your last breath on earth and your first breath in heaven (or hell it may be for some) what will others think about you and the life that you lived. Will they be words of endearment or harsh words. Stories that brought smiles to their faces when they think of you or frowns because you brought such suffering into their lives. Remember this, people really do watch how you live your life. Most importantly, God sees all and before you rest your head for sleep tonight if you re not right with God take the time to ask forgiveness. If you never have invited Jesus into your heart take the time to ask Him to forgive your sins and to enter into your life. That person driving the truck last week may have never woke up that day thinking today was the day I was going to die. What about when this person left their home did they hug their loved one's that day not knowing it would be the last time they could put their arms around him and receive that love from him? Did they tell him they loved him or thanked him for providing for their lives. Never take for granted your parents and their sacrifice so that you were able to have a good life. Maybe you did not get along like the TV version of Ossie and Harriet but know that they still loved and took care of you so tell them thank you. If it is hard for you to verbalize it in person then take the time to find a nicely worded card with the sentiments you are thinking and sign it and send it off to them. God did give them to you as your parents and never forget that. Life is too short to remember past hurts. Let go of them and create new memories. Memories can only be as good as you allow them to be created in your life. Go hug your children tonight. Just because you see them with a possible smile on their face, they may be hurting inside. Only a parents love can heal that hurt with your tender words and concern and love for them. We are called to protect our children and to look out for their best interests. Love, Peace, Smiles.

I Decided To Take My Own Advice That I Suggested To Y'all

The other day I suggested that you possibly get your bible and sit outside to read it . I did that very thing today and I will show you a picture of the view I had while I sat and read the bible. I am in the Book of Acts now and I just love the action that takes place in this book. I you never read it I suggest reading it and if you have already read it I suggest reading it again. There is so much hope for us while reading it. I just read about how non-Jewish people can belong to the church, you know the vision that Peter was shown. When I went to see what chapter I read today I was intrigued by the next chapter and read it just now. The account of how Peter was freed from prison by an angel of the Lord. Then go on and read the account how Herod died. My bible tells me "Immediately, an angel from the Lord killed Herod for not giving glory to God, Herod was eaten by maggots, and he died." I would imagine there was a bit of pain and suffering involved to be eaten by maggots. The way it is stated it sounds like he was alive as he was being eaten by the maggots. I would think that would be a bit unpleasant. Causes one to seriously think about always giving the glory to God right!

Back to the sunflowers in my garden now. Do you like that about me or not how I jump around when I write? You have to realize something about the condition of the soil in which I plant my little gardens in. You need to know this information. The areas are basically covered with decorative rocks and then that sheeting that is used to minimize weeds from growing and when you dig into the ground it is basically clay. So, in order for me to see beautiful things grow I have to add soil to the clay after finding the spot where I will plant. Then having to cut away that lining in order for me to dig the hole to plant what I am planting. You may look at my flowers and say 'Oh that's nice I have really seen much nicer.' Don't be too quick to judge because I am not just planting into rich soil, I have to create a base for the plants to grow in. I am creative and like to try  new things. Prior to me living here I was blessed to have an actual vegetable garden in which I grew corn and beans among other items too. Since there is no place for a vegetable garden I began to plant chives, parsley, and dill in planters. They grow for me. I experimented one year I wanted to see if corn would grow in a pot. Guess what? It did I had four stalks of corn that year and I was then able to use the stalks after they dried out as part of my Autumn decorating. No idea of yours is too small to try, I encourage you to expand your thinking. A great idea always starts out as a thought. How many great ideas did you have that you let go to the wayside? I encourage you to resurrect them. As you rest this evening ask God to refresh your memory of some of those great God given ideas and I trust He will. Now learn from the example of Herod and give the glory to God when it is resurrected OK.

Look close and you will see the bee getting nourishment from the sunflower.

I Like These Words That I Saw From The Highway On A Business Sign

Yesterday while I was driving I went past a business on the highway. You are able to read the words on their sign as you drive by. It caught my attention and I am so glad that I keep post-it notes near by in my car because I jotted it down. Now, you should know by now that I like to get things right so I held off publishing this earlier because I had to make sure I had the words right first. As I was driving in the other opposite direction today I made a mental note to look across the highway  to verify that they are correct. I did and they are correct so I will share them with you:
To Lead People
Walk Behind Them

You Really Must Walk As The Sun Rises, Most Enjoyable

I was walking today as the sun was rising. I just had to get out there and walk in the fog/dew whatever you want to call it. It is incredible that you can see this from the distance and yet not see it as you are walking right in the midst of it. You can feel it though. There is definitely a coolness as you walk right in it. I was able to see an eagle perched in the tree they seem to like perching in. I was even able to hear the sound it makes when it makes a sound. Usually when walking at a later time in the day there seems to be so much more background noise that they just may be making the sounds but the other noises seem to distract the hearing of it. I noticed the morning doves were up and about and a few blackbirds too. Now that I stop and think about it I have not really seen the red winged blackbirds lately. After pondering a bit more about it I think it is not nice that they chase after the eagle's and try to hound them like I have seen them do. I must admit that they still are beautiful to look at when perched on a telephone wire. It was so beautiful as the sun was rising and the dew was starting to lift a bit over the soy field that I actually paused in walking to drink it all in to my senses. How blessed we are to be able to enjoy what God has created for us to see and experience. I think I can appreciate why farmers tend to get up early to do their chores and work, they rise with the sun and are able to see the land before the rest of the world gets up and the noises become a bit of a distraction. Even on a very hot day there is still that coolness in the air as the sun is rising. How blessed, how blessed we are. Do you agree?
The next time you rise early go outside or peek out your window and catch a glimpse of that fresh dew on the plants and flowers. Even in the stillness of the night God has a plan to send a bit of refreshing to the plants too. If you are parched and thirsty and would like that thirst quenched take the word of God with you outside and meditate on it, especially when there is stillness outside before the rest of the world wakes up. Why is it built inside of us to be drawn outside to nature? I wonder if it has anything to do with where we came from, the Garden of Eden. I do not know, that is one of those questions that randomly came to my mind. If you have an answer let me know. So refreshed already with a glorious day still upon me. Drink in the wonders of nature for they are displayed for you to enjoy. I noticed yesterday as I was driving that leaves are already starting to change their colors.

Did You Notice That My Writing Changed Slightly Yesterday?

What a glorious day this is already. I walked, did some laundry, ironed and now I am writing. When I started out on my walk today there was a nice breeze until I hit the open field area. You would think that there would be more breeze with open fields, not. It was quite the opposite there seemed to be no breeze and straight sun with the feel of humidity in the air. Isn't it funny how things can change when you turn a corner? That can also be applied to your life situation. You're going along one way happy as can be and then the change takes place. I experienced that last evening while writing. Holy Spirit I must say likes to stretch me at times. As I was writing He showed me a slight variation on how my writing can bend a bit. I was not easily ready to jump in but the important thing is that I did. I was taught many years ago how to write what the Lord gives to me. This is the example I was shown and it still remains with me whenever I write. I was shown a beautiful framed mirror. I was asked what was the purpose of the mirror and I answered him. It was then explained to me this way...when I write it should be the main purpose of what I am to say and not to add anything that is not from the message given to me. Liken it to this. The mirror frame was beautiful and still is for it is still in the foyer of the church I attend. The purpose of the mirror is in the reflection of the glass within the frame. Even though the frame makes it look more appealing to the eye it still does not effect the main purpose of the mirror right. This was the lesson I was taught. When sharing a message allow Holy Spirit to flow through you and you step aside to allow it to flow. Were the caution comes in is not allowing any of the mirror frame to be added to the message. The mirror frame can be equated to you and you wanting to add something to the message that wasn't suppose to be there but you did anyhow. Does that make sense? It is OK to do if you are speaking with someone and it is not a Thus Saith The Lord type of message, for we are created by God to communicate with each other. If we were not created that way then we would not have been given the tools to speak right?
As I was writing last evening Holy Spirit nudged me to write a bit different. I was now going to add my heart to the writing. I bucked that idea as soon as I heard it and said I can't do that it would no longer be the pure picture and that would be adding the frame to it. I even looked at a framed picture on the wall as I thought those very words. It was then that He assured me it was OK that He would still be guiding me. There comes a time in your life that a shift must take place and I guess the starting of the shift change was with that simple act last night that I followed through with. This is something new to me now so I will have to adjust to it but "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I know that to be a fact because that is in the bible and I do and have seen that very thing happen in my very life. I am just going to go with the flow and keep on trusting the Lord.
I know change is in the air for sure because I was shown to do something months ago and it was completed yesterday. When you may sense to do something you may want to jump right out and do it. At times you will but other times you have to wait on the Lord to orchestrate it for you. If you are too soon or too late it just will not work so do not stress about it and ask Him to remind you so you do not miss it when the time is right. Even when you feel it is right there may be a hindrance that may try to block it. Persevere and the next thing you know the miracle is taking place. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE OK. You may have wondered why I shared with you what I made for dinner last evening. It is important that you are there for your children. My son text messaged me that he was going to his Father's because his dog was dying and I asked him if he would like dinner before he went. He said okay. You know your children can always use their parents no matter how old they get. I know he loves this dog and even though he didn't say it you can still sense that he needed some Mom love. I was able to tell him that I was sorry for him because I know he loves this dog. Sometimes it is important to get active in your children's lives. I remember when I became born again but did not know it at the time for lack of knowledge on the subject. I just know this my life changed suddenly 180 degrees. My children who knew me as their mother one way was now different. I became a bit (I am being kind to myself with using that word) radical. Cleared the house of things that I thought were no good anymore and I had to get rid of. I regret that in one sense. I have learned since then to be more gentle and not as rigid/harsh. You may think I am a bad mother for what I am going to share with you but if I do not share it how will you ever learn from my mistakes.
I was learning about the deliverance ministry back then and about objects of the night that are not good to have these type of figurine's statues, etc. in your home because they can open the door to the enemy. So one day I did a little cleaning and threw out two objects. My daughter must have been in middle school I think and she created two pieces of art in a class out of clay, one was a peace sign and the other was a dead frog on the road. She does have a great sense of humor and now I see the humor in her creation as I look back now. I got rid of the peace sign because there was some symbol behind it that was not good that I just learned about back then. I remember the look on her face when I told her I got rid of them. It was as though I was throwing out a piece of her when I threw them out. Since then I have apologized to her many times at how I was a bit stringent back then. I have since learned to temper the ministry and family. Right now family seems to be number one and ministry will flow around that. For that is what God gave to me first, my family and the ministry came second after that. I cannot go back and undo what I did in my growing/ignorance stage of life but I sure can move forward in doing what I think I was called to do best, love my children. It is good to have order and keep rules in your home for those are the tools to teach your children respect and to keep them safe. Do not be so into ministry that it will shove your children away from you. If you have found yourself doing that repent not just to God but also ask your children to forgive you too. From that point forward they will see your heart and know that you are sincere. You may even be able to look back on those times with a laugh now that you have reckoned with it.
This is not easy for me to share the things I do with you because it draws tears to my eyes as I write about these things. Above all else that I shared with you the most important thing is to love your children and look out for their safety. One more after thought, it is really good to teach them how to do their laundry. That is something they will always benefit from. Do not just teach them how to pre-treat laundry stains and to do the wash. Also teach them how to iron their clothes too. Once they are on their own you may get them a steamer to help them out when they are in a hurry but be assured that they will always look clean and neat when they have to go on that interview or attend other events when it is called for them to "look the part." On my last family trip my daughter knew that we were trying to pack conservatively and she truly did bless me when she knew I would use her steamer that she packed for us to use. Guess what, I did. One afternoon I was ironing clothes for anyone that needed them ironed for my niece's graduation. There were a few items that the steamer was created to do a better job than an iron and because of my daughter's thoughtfulness everyone looked good.

What A Full Day I Had Today And The Day Is Not Even Done Yet

Got up and prayed, read the bible ( I am now in the Book of Acts), and went walking. While walking I noticed that there was still another field that was not completely harvested yet. You see, I was blessed twice this season to see the alfalfa harvested. The other day I noticed the machine that was used to separate the alfalfa once it is cut. To me it looked like a contraption on the back that had three fans that faced downward towards the ground and it appeared to spread out the cut alfalfa. The other day when I walked the friendly farmer that always waves to me did not wave that day so I waved to him and he then waved back. I began to wonder if he was having a bad day and that maybe I could pray for him. As I continued to walk I silently prayed for him. I asked the Lord to bless him for what a great job he has, he gets to participate and have a hands on look at a harvest. From tilling the soil to planting to harvesting. How could you not see the bible come to life when you are daily reminded of the harvest in some form when it is your profession. When I saw him the next day he waved to me.
Church was incredible today. Our pastor brought forth a timely message to the church in America. I am not one that gets goose bumps per say when a preacher preaches but today at the end of the message I found myself getting them. I came home and was visiting with my neighbor and I asked if it was OK to take the twins for a walk in their wagon so they could see the big farm machines harvesting the field. She said OK and off we went on our adventure. I pointed out to them to look in the sky to see the birds (eagles, but to them they probably would not understand the concept of eagles yet.) We walked to where the field was being harvested and I let them watch the farmers harvest. On our walk back we saw a woollybear crawling along on the road. I stopped to let them see it crawl along. They loved when we stopped by the creek to see that too. Being with them reminded me what fun it is to see and experience things through the eyes of  a child. If I was walking on my own I would have not stopped to see the creek, watch standing still the farmers or I would have walked right past the woollybear or may have even stepped on it while walking and not even known that I did. Take time to have fun and never tire of seeing the world through the eyes of a child, that makes life fun.
It was their nap time so off I went to the local farmers to buy fresh produce: fresh picked beets; home grown Roma tomatoes; yellow beans; and peaches. I did something I never did before, I was heading to another farm to get fresh Yukon gold potatoes and the peaches looked so inviting that I ate two on the ride to the next destination. I am such a stickler when it comes to washing fruit before eating it and today I found myself just wiping it off without rinsing it and enjoying it right there. I figured it came off the tree and it was not shipped and handled by lots of people so why not. I came home and wanted to see if the kids could sit in their wagon while I watered the flowers. I got a popsicle for each one and we watered the flowers it was fun. One sat on my lap and he held the sprinkler with me and to see his face with a big smile on it because he thought he was doing the watering. Those are the treasures in life that keep us going day to day. I forgot to tell you the fun I had at church today. A friend of mine was visiting from out of state and I got to see her. We laughed and giggled a bit after church. Did you do something today that caused you to laugh a bit? Come on you can admit it, even something that maybe put a smile on your face. That is a good thing and a very good thing at that.
I made dinner for my son and I and back to writing now. Oh, do you want to know what we had for dinner? Even if you do not want to know I am still going to tell you anyhow. We had breaded chicken breast cutlets, steamed yellow beans, mashed potatoes made from the Yukon golds, cucumber/onion/chive with sour cream salad, and rice crispy treats, homemade that is, for dessert.
As I wind down my writing I would like to share something with you. Months ago as I began to share with you on my blog page, I wrote an inspiration for a person. This person may not even know this but they were used in a mighty way to be an encourager to me to write and continue to write and share with you. I have only met this person three times in person. There's something about this person that inspires me to write. Years ago I just knew to take the direction of getting a degree in Communications. I can only tell you that it was the right thing to do. Back then I loved interviewing people I just hated writing a story of what I just pulled out of them as they shared with me. It was not until years later that I found myself writing in a journal sharing my thoughts and experiences and what I experienced  was captured on paper. Writing was always inside of me I just needed to tap into the right avenue and then it poured forth from me. It is important to get the right training, tap into the right source and then what really matters is connection with one that may just see something in you that you yourself do not see. That is how I would describe this person. They must have seen something in me to allow me back then to publish this very writing and I did. For some reason I felt led to resurrect it again today. Someone out there needs to read this inspiration and remind yourself that God loves you, He created you. I thank Mark for allowing me to publish this. He is a man of integrity that sees the greatness in others and possibly  unbeknownst to himself he has this way of drawing it out of you. When most people are so concerned about themselves and how they can advance, he will take a brief moment here and there at just the right time to share wisdom. Wisdom does not come cheap to a person who has learned to cultivate it. Most people you ask that have this gift will probably tell you something about their life that they may have lost but gained wisdom in the process. If you are fortunate to know someone with wisdom inside of them and then they are able to share it with you, do not treat them like a rag doll treat them with respect and honor the gift inside of them. Here is what I wrote:
 August 21, 2009

Blessing, an inspiration for Mark

Before life ever began in our lives with the first breath of life breathed into us by God, we were already created to be a blessing and to be a blessing to others. Two scriptures belong in this writing.
Psalm 1:1-3 via the God’s Word Translation
“Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams-a tree that produces fruit in season and whose leaves do not wither. He succeeds in everything he does.”
Psalm 5: 12 via the God’s Word Translation
“You bless righteous people, O Lord. Like a large shield, you surround them with your favor.”
As a person grows in their walk with the Lord, they become comfortable sharing their story with others of all of the good things the Lord has done for them and their family. For there was a time when the favor and continual blessing of the Lord was void in their life and an empty feeling was inside of them. Then there was that day when they opened their heart up to the Lord and their” new life” so to speak began. As they continue in their walk with the Lord struggles begin to appear and challenges that were not there just a few short months ago. It is in these times of trial that it is most important to keep following the Lord. Remind yourself and others of the good that the Lord has done in your life. He never keeps you in a struggle unless you choose to stay there. It is in the struggle that your faith grows by leaps and bounds and one day you will look back upon this and truly see the hand of the Lord. He is there with you to walk you through this, don’t let go of Him.
I keep hearing these words repeatedly by the spirit of the Lord for you Mark “He loves you, He loves you, He loves you. He is very pleased with you and do not let go or give up because sunshine is right around the corner. The dark days are gone and when there is sunshine, there are no dark days. Smile and let your light shine forth on others. You have a great story to share with others a story of encouragement and hope for others. As you begin to share it, it is a little frazzling at first. To start to speak the words that the Holy Spirit shares with you to share with others. That is normal and the more you step out in faith the easier it becomes and the words just flow. Even when you least expect to share with someone you will find yourself doing that. At times, you will think you are there to bless another and with the gentle love of the Father, you will be the one that ends up being blessed with your obedience to share with another. It is likened to riding a bike. You have to concentrate in the beginning to balance yourself and not fall off. Sometimes there are a couple of spills off the bike, only used to perfect the riding of the bike. Then the next thing you know you get on the bike and ride without even thinking about it. You ride and are now able to enjoy the scenery around you with still keeping an eye out for big bumps and barriers ahead of you. At times, you even become bold enough to ride along with taking both hands off the handlebars. Such freedom when you can do that, balance, ride, and feel the breeze the faster and faster you go.”

I just love how Holy Spirit works with me. Just the other day I said to myself, There are so many people that like to ride bikes that come into my community on the weekends. They are not just casual bike riders. They are the people that wear all the bike riding gear. That was just the other day and how Holy Spirit is so creative, today is the day I am called to share a writing that makes the mention of a bike in it. Stop, listen, yield and all will be well in your life.
I am going to include a picture of the second harvest this year and a picture of my friend and I doing what we both do best, SMILE. The picture is not the best quality, sorry for that it was taken with a camera phone. We could be the bobsy (I think that's how you spell it) twins. When I saw her I said, 'Hey we have the same hair cut.'

It Is Imperative That You Pray For Your Children, Both Young & Adult Children

Good Morning to you. I trust that the day has already started for you and you did include praying for your children at the dawn of this day. I am currently reading a book by Stormie Omartian that is entitled, "The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children." When my children were younger I read another book about praying for your children. That helped me back then as this is helping me now. I trust that it will help my children also. As I was about to read two chapters last night I felt led to read and then pray a prayer I taped into my bible. It is a simple yet powerful prayer for your children that I cut out of a magazine years ago from Kenneth Copeland Ministries. I will share that prayer with you and may you and your children be blessed by it and see your children in a whole new light after praying it.
The two chapters I read in the book last night were: Pray that your adult children will have a sound mind and a right attitude; Pray that your adult children will resist evil influences and destructive behavior. What I like about her books is that she shares with you first by example and then offers you a prayer to pray on behalf of those in your life at the close of each chapter.
Here's the prayer from Kenneth Copeland Ministries:
I will first share it the way it was published and then I will share it with how I adapted it to me if you should have more than one child too.


"So instead of fretful, tormented prayers pray something like this:'Lord, I love my son and I'm holding him before You right now. I see You holding him in Your arms, ministering life and peace and comfort to him. Lord I realize that You love him far more than I ever could. And Father, I pray for the peace of God that passes all understanding to stand guard over his heart and mind. Help him, Lord to be full of You, to know You, and worship You. And Father, help me see my son the way You see him. Help me love him with Your love.'"


"So instead of fretful, tormented prayers pray something like this:'Lord, I love my children and I'm holding them before You right now. I see You holding them in Your arms, ministering life and peace and comfort to them. Lord I realize that You love them far more than I ever could. And Father, I pray for the peace of God that passes all understanding to stand guard over their hearts and minds. Help them, Lord to be full of You, to know You, and worship You. And Father, help me see my children the way You see them. Help me love them with Your love.'"


My favorite part of this prayer is the part of asking to allow God to allow you to see them as they are seen through Him. I trust that this will help you and your children. It has helped me and I treasure this prayer enough that it is taped on the inside cover of my bible. Now that you have knowledge there is no excuse to use this knowledge and expect change in your home and the lives of your children wherever they may live. You know we pray a bit different when they are babies, toddlers, and in the growing up process than when they hit 18 or 21 right. Rightly so we should adjust our prayers because they have greater challenges in their life when they hit those years. We cannot just tell them to go stand in the corner or it is "time out" when they make a decision that is not pleasing to us as a parent. Keep them covered in your prayers. They may not like to hear you always telling them I keep praying for you to change. Why not keep praying and a little less sharing that you are praying as though you are on a soap box preaching. Once in a while it is nice to let them know tha you prayed for them or let them know that you keep them in your prayers daily  It is a comfort to a child to know tha a parent loves them and prays the best things for their life and that protection is with them via your faith and prayers.
I am going to include a picture I found the other day. When the children were young we lived in a home where the neighbor created a meditation garden on the side of their house. She created artwork on a few canvases and posted them there. She was most mindful of not having us have to look at blank canvas from our yard. She graciously gave us paint to use for the children and I to create our own artwork on the blank backside of her creations. This is what we created. The far left one was mine. Followed by my daughter's creation and then my son's creation. Take time to create with your children for when you and they are grown up you will then have the memory of that project. You just might surprise yourself and have fun doing it too. I challenge you to a "future memory" with your children.

This Is Very Serious, Take Heed To These Words

I went to bed praying in the Holy Spirit and it is now past 3:00AM and the praying lifted from me and Holy Spirit beckons me to write before I sleep today. As you know I have been in the book of Mark daily and something struck me when I read chapter 13 the other day. That is what I will post today. Mark 13: 4-37:
"Tell us, when will this happen? What will be the sign when all this will come to an end? Jesus answered then, Be careful not to let anyone deceive you. Many will come using my name. They will say, I am he, and they will deceive many people. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don't be alarmed! These things must happen, but they don't mean that the end has come. Nation will fight against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes and famines in various places. These are only the beginning pains of the end. Be on your guard! People will hand you over to the Jewish courts and whip you in their synagogues. You will stand in front of governors and kings to testify to them because of me. But first, the Good News must be spread to all nations. When they take you away to hand you over to the authorities, don't worry ahead of time about what you will say. Instead, say whatever is given to you to say when the time comes. Indeed, you are not the one who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit will. Brother will hand over brother to death; a father  will hand over his child. Children will rebel against their parents and kill them. Everyone will hate you because you are committed to me. But the person who endures to the end will be saved. When you see the disgusting thing that will cause destruction standing where it should not (let the reader take note), those of you in Judea should flee to the mountains. Those who are on the roof should not come down to get anything out of their houses. Those who are in the field should not turn back to get their coats. How horrible it will be for the women who are pregnant or who are nursing babies in those days. Pray that it will not be winter. It will be a time of misery that has not happened from the beginning of God's creation until now, and will certainly never happen again. If the Lord does not reduce that time, no one will be saved. But those days will be reduced because of those whom God has chosen. At that time don't believe anyone who tells you, Here is the Messiah! or There he is! False christs and false prophets will appear. They will work miraculous signs and do wonderful things to deceive, if possible, those whom God has chosen. Be on your guard! I have told you everything before it happens. Now, after the misery of those days, the sun will turn dark, the moon will not give light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the universe will be shaken. Then people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out his angels, and from every direction under the sky, they will gather those whom God has chosen. Learn from the story of the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and it sprouts leaves, you know summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happen, you know that he is near, at the door. I can guarantee this truth: This generation will not disappear until all these things take place. The earth and the heavens will disappear, but my words will never disappear. No one knows when that day or hour will come. Even the angels in heaven and the Son don't know. Only the Father knows. Be careful! Watch! You don't know the exact time. It is like a man who went on a trip. As he left home, he put his servants in charge. He assigned work to each one and ordered the guard to be alert. Therefore, be alert, because you don't know when the owner of the house will return. It could be in the evening or at midnight or at dawn or in the morning. Make sure he doesn't come suddenly and find you asleep. I'm telling everyone what I'm telling you: Be alert!"
You see, when I read this the other day it really stood out to me the portion that spoke of the sun turning dark, the moon will not give light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the universe will be shaken. To me this sounds like pure darkness. It does not state if this will be for a certain period of time or the length it will be like this. When you read on you will see this happens before Jesus comes in the clouds with great power and glory and his angels will be sent from every direction under the sky to gather those whom God has chosen. I could be wrong but it sure does sound like the born again believers will be here to experience this darkness. Could that be a complete power failure that hits the earth or a quake of some sort that does the same thing? It states that people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. It reminds me of creation when God spoke let there be light and it was. Jesus coming in His glory will be the light that breaks through the darkness on the earth. This is a time of excitement for us that are still on the earth. Keep looking with anticipation and make sure you are right with God. It does not tell us if we will have a second, minute, hour, day, weeks, months, or even years of this darkness. If it is only like this for a mere second you may not have time to hang onto that sin or hatred in our heart because you just may miss going with Jesus. Repent now and keep your life before God and let Holy Spirit direct you daily. For, the wise person will heed this and be ready with anticipation for that day when Jesus comes for us. Anger or revenge are not worth hanging onto now, for that very simple item(s) you choose to hang onto today may cause you to stay here for what is about to hit the earth during the time of tribulation when the saints along with the dead in Christ are in heaven.