Through Him All Things Are Possible

Planting the Seed.

2011-09-07T15:43:00.004-04:00

Nothing in this world has ever been more important to me than sharing God's word with my children.
Nothing.
In fact, many years ago, when I had re-entered the "church going" world, I became very involved in not only educating my children, but volunteering in Sunday school classes, youth group and eventually taking over the entire program as Superintendent.
I remember back then not really knowing what I was doing exactly, but knowing I not only wanted my kids to learn God's word, but KNOW it, live by it, and love it.
I didn't just want to teach them, I wanted them to want me to teach them and I wanted them to enjoy it.

I dug in deep and honestly, I wasn't exactly sure where to start, but I prayed for God's guidance and it came to me.
When I was in Sunday school, I hated attending. It was boring, outdated, and felt a little too much like "regular school".
I didn't want that for my kids or anyone else's kids because, quite frankly, God is anything but boring.
I wanted the kids to be fascinated.

And so, I researched and researched and had to re-learn stories and moments in the Bible and tried to find interesting ways to teach the kids. (more on how I did it later)
The key was me knowing what I was teaching them and loving what I was teaching.
Quite frankly, it had been SO many years since I had really lifted my Bible from my shelf and I was sketchy at best on my Biblical facts and I suddenly had so many souls resting on my knowledge and guidance and I needed help.
Lots of help.

I turned to the internet and it required me to study like I have never studied before.
I put an amazing amount of time into not only teaching myself again about God, but then turned it into lessons that not only kept the kids coming back for more, but led to our church's children's ministry growing and growing.
In just one year, we tripled in size.
God is amazing.

I took a few years off from teaching to focus on my family and our healing from some difficult trials, but now I am being called back to teaching,
back to nurturing my soul again, which is just what I need.

This time around, I will be using an awesome website I just found called OneVerse to help me.
It's amazing. It's as if God placed it right at my fingertips at just the moment He called on me for action.
OneVerse has something called KidsDiscover, which is a FREE interactive parent resource for Bible story telling. (see what I mean about it being just what I needed???) It's meant to help parents to be able to better share the Bible with their children in an interesting and informative manner, but I am 100% certain it will also help me to be a better teacher to the 2nd & 3rd graders that I will be teaching as well.

I'll be honest, when I was considering going back to teaching, the thought of taking on a big bunch of 7-9 year old boys & girls was daunting, to say the least. Now, I am feeling so much more confident in my knowledge and I'm certain that God had everything to do with making certain I had all the resources I needed to make me a successful teacher this year.

I can not wait for rally day next week.
I will begin sowing the seeds and harvesting the rewards in no time,
His time.
And what a wonderful blessing it will be.

Footprints

2011-07-19T11:04:00.002-04:00

This morning, as I was beginning my morning devotions in prayer and asking the Holy Spirit to guide my way through this day, I had the image of footprints. I love the very popular ‘Footprints’ poem that I know you must all be familiar with. However, this particular image of footprints did not bring me to the poem and its’ well known meaning. It is true that Jesus is most definitely helping to carry me through this dark and difficult time in my life, which would mean that often there would be just one set of footprints in my line of vision. Today, as I prayed, I could see myself taking each careful step through the day, purposefully seeking to match the footprints laid out before me. At times these steps are easy to take, my feet just naturally fall into the prints while, at other times, I must stop and catch myself from falling out of step. During the pause, I am able to seek counsel and direction, before mindlessly trudging ahead into uncharted territory. At other times I get so caught up in the journey I don’t stop to take these necessary pauses, which results in my day landing far off course. At least, far from the course that God has planned for me. I praise Him and thank Him for His mercy and grace, as He waits expectantly for me to, once again, look toward Him to guide my steps. More often than not lately, my steps would not make my old marching band proud, let alone my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In recent days I have found myself stuck in the muddled footprints of fear and anxiety, only to blindly leap into a huge puddle of mistrust and disobedience. It’s true I am quick to confess these sins as I cry out to God, but just as quick to fall back into them. As I once again confessed my fears and anxieties to God today, He led me to this passage from 1 John 1: 5-6:

“This is the message we have from him and declare to you, God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But it we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

What a glorious way to begin my day, with this reminder that there truly is no darkness with God. He goes before me, lighting my way, patiently waiting for me to invite Him into my day. When I do so, I deny myself and my own selfish, destructive path, and follow in His perfect, blameless footprints.

God bless you all my friends!

Sometimes we just need a reminder...

2011-07-10T16:30:00.002-04:00

Faith is all about trust and to be trusting requires courage to believe.
And, if you find your faith, believing is knowing....

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7-8)

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17)

I placed my trust in the Lord. I held on to my faith and His strength saw me through the most trying of days in my life...
My God is an awesome God.

Be Still...

2010-09-30T12:09:00.000-04:00

I haven't been around here in quite a while to do a post but God has put this on my heart to share. My husband and I are working out a big decision for our family right now, which consists of the two of us and our 5-month old son, Benjamin. As we continue to pray, study God’s Word and seek His will in our decisions….these words have been such a wonderful comfort to me.

Psalm 46:10 is one of my favorite Bible verses, which can be found in many places throughout our home. We have a gorgeous print with this Scripture on it that my husband bought me for our wedding. He really surprised me with it too but I will have to come back another day with that story and a picture of our print. There are many times when I really do have to just sit back and ‘be still’, so it is a welcome reminder as I stroll through the apartment and see these words in different places. As we continue along in the process of our ‘big decision’ these words have become even more important to me as I seek to discern God’s will in all of this. I just need to be still and know that He is God! Let me tell you, does that ever take a load off…I don’t have to figure it all out, He’s already done that work. He has gone before us and prepared the way and I only have to trust and obey Him! How incredibly awesome is that?

It sounds pretty easy when I put it like that, doesn’t it? However, this isn’t a very small thing we are contemplating here and our home has been filled with a spirit of anxiety, fear, doubt, sadness and worry. I think we are moving past most of that and have reached a spirit of acceptance, trust and obedience. We have immersed ourselves in prayer, study and many deep discussions. Throughout the course of my studying and seeking God’s Word, the following verses really spoke to me and I wanted to share them with you here.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control.

Hebrews 13:6 So that with good courage we say, “The Lord is my helper. I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

I John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.

Psalms 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on God because He cares for you.

John 15:7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

It is my prayer that God is blessing all of you in the little and big decisions that you make for yourselves and for your families every day!

Blessings,
Trudy

Sometimes We All Just Need To Hear Him

2010-07-17T15:08:00.000-04:00

Jesus said,
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Mt 5.3-12)

Giveaway

2010-07-08T13:38:00.003-04:00

Hey folks and fellow bloggers, I just wanted to let you know I am giving away a t-shirt and donating $.25 for every comment that I get on this post... The families story is incredible and I am super pumped to be able to help out in some way.

2010-07-06T01:38:00.003-04:00

It is time I get back to remembering all that the Lord has done in my life.
I have been feeling sorry for myself for a while.
Just sad about some life choices my husband and I have made that have made my life more difficult, but the reality is...
our life is good and God has been good to us.
Every single day.
Even the bad ones.
And it's time I start to remind myself that He knows what I need and He makes sure I have it.
Every day.
And it's time I give Him the glory on bad days as well as good ones.

Won't you join in and do the same in your life?
Give God the Glory!

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7

We Have a Winner for.....

2010-05-09T01:38:00.002-04:00

Women's Devotional & Journal
the winner is: #1 (via Random.org)

VaRunner from 2 Bears Farm

Congratulations

and thank you so much for supporting the Tuesday Blog Party :)

Win a Devotional & Journal Set!

2010-05-01T21:59:00.004-04:00

From now until May 8th, I am holding this give-away to help benefit Whatchagonnado.org, which is an organization that was founded by Charley & Jessica Whitt to honor their daughter Tuesday.
Although their site is not completely up and running yet, the idea they have is. (it will be up by mid-May)
Whatchagonnado.org is being set up to benefit families that are dealing directly with pediatric cancer. It will help to fund their medical costs, food & travel, and even funeral arrangements, if needed :(

And, of course, it will also help to provide funds for Pediatric Cancer Research.

Charley & Jess know all too well what it is to live with pediatric cancer....
Tuesday was their beautiful twin daughter who bravely fought and sadly lost her 8 month battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma in January of 2009. They learned firsthand what cancer does to a family and they want to turn their pain & their loss into something to help others.

And myself, and all of Jess & Charley's friends, want to do anything we can to help them achieve their goal and make sure that the loss of Tuesday is never forgotten and always has purpose.

Up for auction:

Created for a Purpose

Devotional & Journal Gift Set by Darlene Sala

This is a beautiful devotional, written specifically for women and talks about God's purpose for women's lives.

It also comes with a beautiful, soft blue faux leather-bound journal with daily scriptures.

All you have to do to enter to win this auction is simply leave me a comment letting me know you are interested in winning and then, be sure to donate $1 to the Tuesday Fiona Whitt Foundation, which benefits Whatchagonnado.org.

Also, head on over to the Tuesday Blog Party to see what other fantastic items are being auctioned off by clicking the image below.

There are lots of great auctions going on and all it costs is one dollar to enter each one. (unless otherwise specified)

If you would like to make one donation, instead of many individual donations, please feel free to donate however is easiest for you.
If you end up donating $10, but only find 5 auctions you are interested in, you can use those additional dollars as additional entries :)

Thank you so much for supporting a great cause and remember to have fun!
Good luck!

The Resurrection

2010-04-04T02:29:00.002-04:00

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
~ Mark 16:1-9

Good Friday

2010-04-02T01:52:00.003-04:00

From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"
~ Matthew 27:45-54

Holy Thursday

2010-04-01T01:41:00.004-04:00

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

~ Luke 22:14-19

God Is In The Details

2010-03-19T17:43:00.004-04:00

Matthew 10:30 (The Message)

"He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail ~ even numbering the hairs on your head."

This past week we have seen God working in the all the details as we prepare for my uterine cancer surgery on March 23rd. Due to living with Lyme Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, the surgery is a bit more of a risk.

Isaiah 30:21 says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it.'"

Last week when this verse in Isaiah popped up, we grabbed on to it and claimed this promise, continually asking God to show us the way ~ where to have surgery, when, how to deal with my extensive allergies and sensitivities, etc. He has done that, and more. My Lyme specialist and her staff bent over backwards to help us make these decisions, and my GYN surgeon is open to my special needs. Even the anesthesiologist and hospital have been involved. God has shown up in all the details.

What I want to share today is another small way God revealed how He is in the details of my life. My sister Jan sent me a birthday gift from Dayspring. Along with that she had ordered me some cards to send out to others. She knows how much I love cards and stationary~! I called to thank her for the gifts and shared how helpful the cards were. Several were absolutely what I needed to hear for myself, at a time when fear decided to camp out in my living room. I told her I thought I would just sign her name on them and keep them for encouragement! (smile). She then said, "Well, I know you like the Wooley brand cards, so I wanted to send some." I said to her, "Jan I did not get any Wooley cards, I got a number of encouragement cards from Max Lucado!" As we both realized that a "divine mix-up" had occurred for me, I told her, "I don't think I will sign your name to the cards, I think I will sign God's!

He knew exactly what I needed to hear." God was in the details of even this. I am amazed and yet I should not be, at how He has walked us through this past week...one test, one procedure, one appointment, one birthday gift at a time. He will walk with us through the coming days too. If He knows the number of the hairs on my head, He knows just what I need at this time in my life.

Are you feeling lonely or forgotten today? Don't believe it! God loves us so much He is weaving His grace through the smallest details of our lives. We are deeply loved by a powerful God.

Renee

I am lost

2010-01-15T14:08:00.002-05:00

I have been having a hard time finding God.
I've been praying and waiting and doing a lot of crying.
It's been a bad time. The year anniversary of Tuesday's death is coming up and another little child I know with cancer is dying and spending the her last days with her family right now.
I am just struggling to understand God's plan.
Why these things happen.
I have been praying on it, hoping God will give me comfort. Hoping to find some answer. Any answer.
But, instead, I am lost.
My own life isn't in order these days either and I am certain it's why I am having trouble finding peace. I just don't know what else to do besides pray and ask for your prayers.
My kids need me to be here for them and I can't unless I am really here for the Lord.
Please pray for me. I want to give God the glory again, without question and with full faith and right now, I am lost and need to be found.

Bump Prayer Intercession

2010-01-13T21:35:00.003-05:00

Hello,

I know my guest posting on this blog has been few and far between. I am currently asking especially between the hours of 9:30 and 11 you pray for Roberts Wesleyan campus and just be a source of intercession as they have their first prayer group of the second semester.

I truly believe God's high and mighty will, is going to reign through the campus and shock us all. Please lift each of us students up in your prayers as this is an extremely difficult and trying time to seek God's will and discern what is correct for our lives. Statistics show that college years are frequently when faith is totally lost. I ask that this is not the case and that the students that attend will learn even more what it is like to be the Salt and Light of the world. Let them realize their purpose under God and know that their prayer life is so incredibly important.

I specifically ask for prayer of Brent Riling, as he recently lead a campaign for fasting from facebook for seven days between Christmas Day and New Years. Pray for sustaining his passion and the light that he can show others through his passion.

I also ask that you will lift up Bryan Picciotto in prayer as he leads the prayer group tomorrow night. I ask that God's grace and peace pours over him and that he will be washed with the blood of Christ; as I tossed this into his lap this evening because I could not be there to lead.

I just ask that through this everyone is touched and blessed beyond imagination through the prayer. I ask specific healing to my body as the last two days I have had multiple seizures on and off and been extremely sick and that has weakened my body beyond imagination. Also if you could please post this to your blog and share it with others as we lift this campus up in prayer at 9:30 tomorrow 1/14/2009. God can do HUGE things

My Prayer:

God,
We surrender our city and lives to you dear Lord. Whether our city and may be a campus with many people seeking to know you deeper or a small town dear Lord. I just ask that we come to know you in a more realistic and intense way dear Lord and that you become our lover and our provider of all things. Dear God, I just ask that you sustain us as we become frustrated and help us rejoice with you above all others when good is passed our way. I just ask that we have spirits of praise and thanksgiving and we remember:
You are the God of this city.
Amen.

Read what I had to say on my personal blog here.

Shelter From The Storm

2010-01-13T20:09:00.003-05:00

This week we had our first big snow storm of the year. Between Tuesday afternoon and early Thursday morning nearly 11 inches of snow fell and winds were at 25-35mph with gusts up to 52mph! We stayed snug inside our warm and cozy home with little evidence that a storm was raging outside. If we opened the door a cold blast would come in along with stinging snow, but as long as we stayed inside our sturdy home we were safe.

Thinking about how safe and secure our home was, took me back to when we lived in The Philippines and went through a powerful typhoon. Our home was built from cement blocks that were then filled with wet cement. It was not going anywhere. The winds were fierce ~ over 120 mph and the rains were torrential. The electricity went out, and as we sat in the dark there was little evidence in our home of what was going on outside. The only evidence was the water that was pouring in under our front door from the heavy rain. As long as we swept it back outside we were fine. Safe from harm.

Kind of like our relationship with God isn't it. Storms come into our lives. It is really not possible to avoid them, but as long as we stay sheltered in the arms of our Lord, we will be safe no matter what comes our way. Oh, sometimes "water" tries to seep into our stronghold ~ maybe fear over a diagnosis, worry when money is scarce, or despair when a loved one dies. The results of these and other heavy burdens may find their way in under our door, but as long as we use our faith and God's strength to sweep them back out, we will be safe. We are protected by our Heavenly Father's steadfast love for us. He is and always will be our shelter in the storm.

Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the most high, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust."

Renee

(I wrote this awhile back but still wanted to post it.)

6 Words

2009-12-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

As Long As There's a Christmas

The first few lights glow brightly, as you watch the season start. You know you should be happy, but don't feel it in your heart. Instead you think about a time when someone laughed with you, and the love you shared then filled your soul. But too soon it was through. So Christmas comes with sadness, and a yearning deep inside, a thirst for love and peace and hope that will not be denied. Late one night you hear a voice, so soft, and without blame, and then, surprised, you realize, He's calling you by name. "I know your hurt and loneliness, the heartache that you bear. I listen and I cry with you through every single prayer. "I promised in the manger and fulfilled it from the cross. I built a home that's filled with love for all those who are lost. "So let me come and heal your heart and give you rest within. For my way is kind and gentle and will bring you joy again." His words still echo through the years, a vow that He made true, "As long as there's a Christmas, I will be in love with you."
--Jack Zavada

Fearless Friday

2009-12-10T23:23:00.002-05:00

Tis the season...to think of others, the season of giving...
Today, I think not of myself and my own selfish wants and needs, but instead, I am thinking of my dear friend Jess and her family as they prepare for their first Christmas without their daughter.
It was just one year ago that we were hearing the most miraculous news, that their daughter Tuesday had beaten cancer and we all celebrated cautiously. They were gifted with one final Christmas to celebrate as a whole family. Sadly, it wasn't God's plan and one day after Christmas it was discovered that Tuesday's cancer had come back and ultimately she earned her wings just one month later.
As Christmas nears, my heart is heavy...but I am prayerful that Tuesday's family can find peace that passes understanding.
Please keep the Whitt's in your hearts this holiday season.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~Philip 4.6-7

Then Sings My Soul

2009-11-21T02:27:00.002-05:00

*You might want to turn our playlist off before viewing. It can be found at the bottom of our blog.

With the season upon us, I wanted to share my favorite...

Spiritual Sundays ~

2009-10-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

*You will need to turn the playlist off at the bottom of the blog to view the video.

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ~ John 8:32

God's Perfect Timing

2009-09-15T17:27:00.002-04:00

I am so glad that God knows best, aren’t you? I remember how frustrated I used to get when people would tell me that things would happen in ‘God’s time’. I believed them, of course, but it took me a long time to agree that God’s timing is better than my own. God’s timing has reached an all new level of significance in my life, as my husband and I just learned two short weeks ago that we are pregnant with our first child (together). As some of you may know, I had a child when I was younger that I placed for adoption, she will be 16 in December. I also have 6 step-children, ranging in age from 20 down to 12, but this will be our first child together. We are very excited to say the least. Actually, we are completely over the moon about the news! However, I really want to share the coolest part of the whole scenario, which relates directly to God’s timing.

My husband and I decided to start trying back in February and come March, when I was not pregnant, I was quite upset. I knew the likelihood of conceiving the first month out of the gate was very slight, however, there was still that glimmer of hope. I was quietly praying to God that this be His will entirely and not my own. As I continued praying, I heard the word ‘August’. It stopped me in my tracks and I repeated the word in a state of confusion. I asked God to repeat this if it was truly coming from Him (a little discernment trick I like to use) and again I heard the word ‘August’. I wasn’t too pleased about it at the time, being that August was still 5 months away, but I stowed it away for safekeeping just the same. I did share this revelation to one close Christian friend who was on the ‘trying to conceive journey’ with me at the time. I didn’t even share it with my husband until after we learned we were pregnant. My husband suffered a very serious toe injury after he cut and broke it on a lawn mower in mid-June. It forced us to take a two month break from our efforts and we were able to start trying again in, you guessed it, August. In the back of my mind I was thinking about how the timing of everything came together and the fact that we were back to trying in August. Wouldn’t you know, that’s when we conceived, I guess God was right again!

I offer this story of our wonderful blessing in the hopes that all of you reading this will believe in the great hope we have in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He does love us and He does want to provide everything we want and need. His promises are true, He delivers on them and He wants to know all of our greatest desires! Bring everything to Him in prayer and He will answer them for you!

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

God bless you all my friends!

Trudy

Authenticity

2009-09-02T07:34:00.004-04:00

Recently, the subject of authenticity has been on my mind. By this I mean personal authenticity, or the quest to be our authentic selves. First, let's take a look at the definition of the word, courtesy of dictionary.com.

authentic: not false or copied; genuine; real

Personally, I consider myself to be much more authentic today than I have ever been before. I think I recognize this authenticity more and more as I see others who are far from authentic. You know the type, backstabbers, gossipers, those who preach one thing and live another, those who treat certain people with respect and others with disdain. As I continued down this list, I found myself becoming more important (in my own eyes, of course) and much more authentic than all of 'those' people. Just as I was settling in to give myself a nice little pat on the back for being so gosh darned authentic, God stopped me in my tracks as He silently whispered, "You are MY authentic self". Immediately, I was jolted back to my reality and realized that not only was I more authentic now than I had ever been, but I was also still every person I had just described in my overly inflated head. Wow, can you say conviction?

As I was wondering just exactly what it was within myself that had brought about this morphing into my authentic self, God revealed to me that it was nothing of my own doing, but everything that He was doing within me. It had little to do with my power and everything to do with His great power. With this bit of knowledge came a great deal of revelation. God began to point out all of the sin within me, even as He was praising me for striving more each and every day to become His authentic self. This was both humbling and somewhat unsettling. Here I was, feeling so great about myself for overcoming so much of the sin that used to hold me captive and define my entire being, only to have God stop me in my perfect little tracks to tell me that the work wasn't finished. I wasn't there yet, that the only perfect one is God Himself. I suppose I'm ok with that, and I praise Him for that. And I will continue to seek this authentic self in Him.

Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

God bless each and everyone one of you. Live in Him today!

Trudy

6 Words

2009-08-29T14:18:00.004-04:00

I'm weak, then I am strong.

God said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~2 Cor 12.9-10

Please also remember to lift Andrew up in your prayers today.

Prayer Request for Andrew

2009-08-28T04:26:00.009-04:00

Brothers and sisters, please join me in lifting Andrew in prayer. He has been taken to ALL Children's Hospital after tests revealed a large mass on his brain.

We all know that God is our Great Physician and that He still heals mightily today. In the wake of having just received wonderful news from a close friend of mine that God just delivered their son Alex from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma after chemotherapy was given, I now lift Andrew and his family to God and ask that He may grant them the same healing.

He sent his word, and healed them, and

delivered them from their destructions.

Psalm 107:20

Hold Fast: Help Is On The Way!

2009-08-24T23:31:00.008-04:00

Hello, I'd like to introduce myself briefly since this is my first post as a contributing writer on Through Him All Things Are Possible. My name is Trudy and I am a newly, and happily married lady (May, 08) and a step-mother to six beautiful children! I am lucky #3 for my husband, who is a pastoral intern at our church and will enter seminary next year, God willing. I love to write, sing, read, laugh, love and most of all, praise and worship our Lord and King. I am thrilled to be on board here and look forward to contributing! Oh, and selfishly, my husband and I are also trying to conceive our first child so prayers are welcomed and appreciated!

Enough about me though. Let's talk about the superstar of this blog...God! I love the title of the blog, it is a favorite passage of mine. Don't you love how scripture just weaves in and out of our lives at the perfect time, whether we find ourselves in a valley, on a mountaintop, or somewhere in between? God is just so good about giving us the perfect words at the perfect time! I don't always know exactly where to find them in the Bible (though I'm working on memorization), but He paints the words on my heart and then I go off in search of them later. God has been giving me a lot of His words lately, as I find myself in a valley.

Briefly, my husband sustained a work-related injury in October of 2007 and was on disability through June of this year. Since the disability ran out, we have been living on only my (meager) income as we await a decision on unemployment benefits, while continuing to seek gainful employment for my husband. He does work part-time as a chaplain at a nursing home, but that is just one day per month and doesn't provide much at all. While savings has become literally non-existent for us and we run the checking account down to almost nothing each month, we lack for nothing and are so grateful for the gift of one another and the saving grace we have in Christ. We are so fortunate with all that we do have and still delight in serving others every chance we get. God is blessing me with His Word, placing it on my heart, on my mind and on my lips. Here is what He has been giving me lately:

Trust - Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

Grace - 2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Light - Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Hold Fast - Psalm 139:10
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

As for my husband and I, we know that God is faithful and will carry us through this valley. We also know that if we had nothing more in this world but Him, we would have enough. My friends, God is enough. His grace is sufficient. His grace is plentiful. His mercies are new each and every day. In the midst of this valley, we are chooosing to hold fast.

My prayer for all of you today, regardless of what life is throwing at you, is to hold fast and trust in Him with all your might!

Go forward and let your light shine!

Trudy

Spiritual Sundays ~ Will You Call Him Father?

2009-08-23T00:00:00.002-04:00

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. ~ John 1:12-13

6 Words

2009-08-22T00:00:00.003-04:00

God ministers to my broken heart.

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,

And saves such as have a contrite spirit. ~ Psalm 34:18

A Good Attitude

2009-08-15T20:21:00.002-04:00

"Attitude is your thought life turned inside out."

Joyce Meyer

Yesterday I started my morning by listening to Joyce Meyer speak about the importance of maintaining a good attitude. I have to confess that too often my inner thoughts dwell on what I am worrying about. Being often alone and homebound, I can find myself struggling with negative thoughts or dwelling on how I am feeling. If someone were to ask, I would say I have a good attitude most of the time....but Joyce Meyer's quote above gave me pause. Does my attitude reflect my inner struggle with worry?

I chuckled when she asked her audience what song was "theirs" of the four she named:

"Make the World Go Away"
"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"
"I'll Do It My Way"
"Oh, What A Beautiful Morning"

I could claim all four at different times in my life...sometimes all four in just one day! I expect we have all felt this way at some time or another. Ephesians 4:23 gives us an idea of how to keep an attitude of gratitude, no matter what comes our way. "Be constantly renewed in the spirit of ourminds...." (Amplified). Yes, the Bible gives us the tools we need to be able maintain a good attitude. And with the renewal of our minds ~ including a positive attitude, we will be able to sing more about beautiful mornings than raindrops!

Renee

6 Words

2009-08-08T01:56:00.002-04:00

I must WAIT upon the Lord.

Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. ~ Isaiah 40:31

Spiritual Sundays ~ Trust the Lord to Lead You

2009-07-11T20:33:00.004-04:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

6 Words

2009-07-11T13:28:00.002-04:00

God Meets All My Worldly Needs

Mt. 6:25-34

Prayer Request

2009-07-03T17:49:00.003-04:00

I know that I have been a stranger to this blog as of late. However I come to this blog with a heavy heart. My old youth pastor's wife posted this on her facebook profile today. Kate is in surgery right now getting a brain tumor operated on. This story touched my heart and I really ask that you take a moment to pray for this little girl. Over the past year from reading many blogs and becoming more aware- childhood cancer has become more real and scary and I feel that in many cases God can intervene. I pray this is a case that he will. God Bless!

Then Sings My Soul

2009-06-27T14:20:00.003-04:00

*You might want to turn our playlist off before viewing. It can be found at the bottom of our blog.

6 Words

2009-06-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

I give my burdens to God.

psalm 55:22

True delight:

2009-06-06T03:39:00.003-04:00

Recently I’ve revamped my blog & I’ve tried to find a verse to include on the sidebar. One of my favourites came to mind & I ended up using it:

“Delight yourself in the Lord & He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

I was a little hesitant however, because I have heard this verse misinterpreted. I have heard people say that if you delight yourself in the Lord – you will get the things you want – a big house, car etc. The more you do for God, the more He will give or do for you. It makes me so sad that someone would truly think that the only desire of their heart is something material.

I believe this verse actually means that as you delight yourself in the Lord, your heart will desire the correct things – closeness with the Lord, depth in your relationship with God – & this is guaranteed if you delight yourself in the Lord. It’s an upward spiral – the more you delight in the Lord, the closer you are to Him, the more you desire what He desires, the more you will get the closeness & wonderful relationship you will ultimately desire. I know that the more time I spend with the Lord – through bible studies, prayer & committing each element of my day to Him, the more I want that depth of relationship.

Let me challenge you to spend some time delighting in the Lord this weekend.

6 Words

2009-05-30T00:05:00.002-04:00

The Lord's plan, is my plan.

We Have a Winner for the Tuesday Blog Party!

2009-05-12T23:51:00.003-04:00

True Random Generator

Min: 1

Max: 11

Generate

Result: 9

Congratulations Ora!

Thank you to everyone for donating and making the 1st Tuesday Blog Party a huge success!

Winner chosen by Random.org

Tuesday Blog Party ~ Inspirational Gift Basket

2009-05-04T22:04:00.000-04:00

From now until May 12th, I am holding this give-away to help benefit the Tuesday Fiona Whitt Foundation.
Tuesday was the beautiful twin daughter of my dear friend Jessica Kate who bravely fought and sadly lost her 8 month battle with stage 4 neuroblastoma in January of this year.
My friends and I from Jess' multiples group have decided to put together an annual blog party to help raise funds to fight pediatric cancer, specifically neuroblastoma, as it is the least funded of ALL cancers yet one of the most fatal :(
My Give-Away is for:
Inspirational Gift Basket

Basket includes:
DVD, Facing the Giants
CD, Wow Essentials. If you like the music playing on our blog, you will LOVE this CD
Daily Devotional, Daily Inspiration for The Purpose Driven Life (hard copy)
4 Prayer stones

All you have to do to enter to win this auction is simply leave me a comment letting me know you are interested in winning this and then, be sure to donate $1 to the Tuesday Fiona Whitt Foundation.

Also, head on over to the Tuesday Blog Party to see what other fantastic items are being auctioned off by clicking the image below.

There are lots of great auctions going on and all it costs is one dollar to enter each one.
If you would like to make one donation, instead of many individual donations, please feel free to donate however is easiest for you.
If you end up donating $10, but only find 5 auctions you are interested in, you can use those additional dollars as additional entries :)

Thank you so much for supporting a great cause and remember to have fun!
Good luck!

Sweet Dylan Bree Went Home to Jesus

2009-04-20T11:29:00.000-04:00

Please say some prayers for Dylan Bree's family today, as she lost her very long battle with cancer and has gone home to be with Jesus.
Her family has held firm to their faith throughout this journey and could use prayers of comfort and peace.
Please join them and express your sorrow at their loss.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. ~ Ps 55.22

6 Simple Words

2009-04-18T11:11:00.001-04:00

I know I am NEVER alone.

He is RISEN!

2009-04-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.
And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living One among the dead?
"He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again."
~ Luke 24:1-7

The Crucifixion

2009-04-10T09:00:00.000-04:00

When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing " And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.
And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One."
The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine,
and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!"
Now there was also an inscription above Him, "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."
One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, "Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!"
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
"And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
And he was saying, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!"
And He said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise."
It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour,
because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two.
And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.

~ Luke 23:33-46

The Last Supper

2009-04-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body."

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it.

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many," he said to them. "I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God."

~ Mark 14:22-25

In His Time ~ In His Way ~ For His Glory

2009-04-06T17:24:00.000-04:00

I was reading a blog yesterday about one woman's journey with chronic illness and in her posting I read these words...."In His time....in His way....for His glory". Reading this phrase brought me to a quiet place within myself where I was gently reminded of God's power.

Psalm 46:10 tells us, "Be still and know that I am God."

During the years I was editor of "The Encourager", I connected often with many of the subscribers. The members of this newsletter were Christians living with chronic illnesses. Their faith sustained them as they dealt not only with disabling diseases, but also with financial burdens, isolation, and all the grief of lost expectations for a healthy life. For the most part they were able to live a life of acceptance with a fighting spirit...knowing that God was in control, and that everyone's prayers would be answered in His time, in His way, and for His glory. We encouraged each other on our journeys and held each other up in prayer. It gave us the strength we needed to live a joy-filled life each day.

There are times I feel like the world is spinning on an extra fast axis and I am not sure whether I am coming or going. According to the my doctor, the illnesses I live with make it more challenging to cope with the crises that come into my life. My body responds very quickly to outside stimuli of any kind so when a crisis pops up, I need to work extra hard not to let it affect my health in a negative way. I heard someone say that the Chinese characters used for the word crisis are both disaster and opportunity. I find this very interesting. When a crisis comes our way disaster can be close at hand, but when we make the choice to look at it as a time for growth or change, it becomes an opportunity. When we trust God to work things out in His time, in His way, and for His purpose and glory, we are able to surrender to His plan for our lives. In turn, this helps us stay faith-centered, with the knowledge that God works all things together for good according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Certainly, at times it is very difficult to be in a season of trials. We may find ourselves wondering if God has closed His ears to our pleading voice as we ask for mercy. We believe we know what would stop our world from spinning, and cannot understand why God does not rescue us or those we love and care about according to our plans. When we come a place of confusion and pleading, we need to be still. No need to panic! Surrendering to our Lord's will, we are able to step out in faith, remembering that God is God and our situations or those of our loved ones are in His hands. We truly can trust that all things work together for good in His time, in His way, and for His purpose an glory.

Renee

Jesus' Little Lamb ~ Riley

2009-04-01T01:43:00.000-04:00

Little Lamb ~
Riley
This is sweet twin daughter to my friend Cindy. Riley is one of two sets of twins that Cindy has and sadly, all of her children have dealt with one form of skull malformation or another.
This has meant lots and lots of stays in the hospital, with many surgeries and tomorrow, Riley will be heading back into the hospital again.
Please keep little Riley in your thoughts and prayers while she undergoes anesthesia once again and endures yet another surgery. She is really scared this time and could use some prayers for comfort. Please join me in asking the Lord to give Riley comfort, as little pain as possible and above all else, healing.
If you would like to encourage others to pray for Riley, please add her button to your blog.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in HIM, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog.
Check out their blog to add your prayer request.
Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.

You can also see more prayer requests on Friday at FEARLESS FRIDAY.

Help Lift Victoria's Spirits

2009-03-31T00:31:00.000-04:00

Our friend, and co-author here, Victoria, is currently in the hospital and enduring a lot of pain and could use some loving support.
Although she is only a teenager, her words and soul are like those of an adult and I am sure it is due to the fact that she has been through so much illness in her life already.
Everything she has been through, has brought her closer to her faith and she is so open and honest with how she is feeling.
Such a true inspiration.
Please take a moment to say some prayers for Victoria and then head over to her blog and let her know you are thinking of her.
I know it will help to bring her some comfort.

Please Pray for Stellen

2009-03-23T20:12:00.000-04:00

Little Lamb ~ Stellen
I know that many of you probably already "know" baby Stellen.
If you aren't familiar with this little guy, please read his full story HERE.
His is a story filled with miracles abounding...miracles that ignite faith from those who had lost it.
Stellen was not supposed to live.
His life here was supposed to end before he even entered this world, but he is here. Fighting.
Six months later, through ups and downs, this little baby is fighting for his life and his family needs your prayers and support.
Please visit them HERE and let them know you are praying with them for the Great Physician to guide his doctors and for our Lord to help his family find comfort.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. ~Psalm 19:14

We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog.
Check out their blog to add your prayer request.
Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.

*Remember, if there are any special people in your life that you need prayers for, share them today, or email me with their information and I will get their story out for them.

Prayers!!

2009-03-19T22:33:00.000-04:00

After I agreed to contribute to this blog, I began to doubt. I’ve begun post after post but always hit the delete button. Through all the struggle I’ve still wanted to be a part of this blog - “Through Him all things are possible” – because it’s what I truly believe. God can do anything & through Him anything can be done. Will it always turn out how we want it to? No – but He knows the big picture. He knows what’s best for us. Sometimes that’s really difficult to understand. I in particular would love it if God could answer my prayers with the exact things I ask for – well maybe I’m just a control freak! But I have learnt throughout my life that God’s ways are without a doubt the best - even when it hurts very, very much.
Does that mean he always answers differently to how I want Him to? No. So often prayers are answered exactly the way I do ask. These may be prayers that don’t seem that important at the time or prayers that are of extreme importance. Sometimes I have found it so hard to pray. When my twins had TTTS & were only days from death I really couldn’t come up with words even though I felt as if my whole body was praying/ pleading with God. When my Dad had a major brain haemorrhage & we didn’t think would make it through the night… all I could do was whimper “oh God”. But that’s when the prayers of others are so important – people not so close to the issue – people who can pray “ Your will be done” & really mean it. In both cases we had many, many Christians from all over the world praying …and God heard….& answered – in one case in exactly the way we asked, in the other differently to how we asked, but still miraculously. That’s why I love the avenue that this blog is taking. I love the chance to bring others’ prayer requests to our Loving Father & ask for His intervention. That’s why I’m excited to be a part of “Through Him all things are possible”. Because He truly has the best for us in mind.

Jesus' Little Lamb ~ Nathaniel

2009-03-18T03:00:00.000-04:00

Jesus' Little Lamb ~
Nathaniel
"God has Given"
Sweet Little Nathaniel isn't even 2 years old, and he is fighting the battle of his life right now.
He was diagnosed with stage 3 Neuroblastoma this past February when he went from being a seemingly healthy little boy to suddenly a little guy who could no longer crawl, let alone walk. It was soon discovered that he had a large tumor on his spine...
You can read more of his story HERE.
Please pray with his family HERE and pray for guidance for his physicians that they continue to make the right decisions for his care, as he is currently doing very well. Praise God!
If you would like to encourage others to pray for Nathaniel, please add his button to your blog.

"Ask and you will be given what you ask for. Seek, and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Anyone who seeks, finds. If only you will knock, the door will be open." Matthew 7:7-8

We participate in "Pray for Me... Pray for Others" on the Riggs Family Blog.
Check out their blog to add your prayer request.
Join a community of friends who care about you, and hope you will care about them.

Jesus' Little Lamb ~ Ana Maria

2009-03-11T21:38:00.001-04:00

~Little Lamb ~
Ana Maria
This adorable 5 year old girl is in need of some loving prayers.
Her entire life, she has been in and out of hospitals due to a life-threatening illness called Mitochondrial Disease. You can read all about what that means HERE.
Her parents just made a big decision in reguards to Ana's care and could use some support and lots of prayers. Ana's only chance for a cure is through God. Please consider praying for Ana on a daily basis.

Please also add Ana Maria's button to your blogs (it is on the bottom, right-hand side of our blog) and ask your readers to pray for their family as well.

A man's spirit can sustain his broken body, but when spirit dies, what hope is left? ~ Proverbs 18:14

Sweet Little Evelyn Went Home to Jesus

2009-03-09T00:39:00.000-04:00

Please pray with Evelyn's family.

Guest Post from Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings

2009-03-08T09:00:00.000-04:00

To my family, and many other Christians, the season of Lent is possibly the most important time of year. Growing up as a Lutheran, our family always practiced the "no meat on fridays" and each of us always made some sort of small sacrifice for 40 days and 40 nights. Our family still follows these practices, but we also try to make it even more of a point to remember Christ during this most HOLY of times during the Christian calendar.
That is why I am so thrilled to share with you a guest post from the brillant and always profound Laura, at Catholic Teacher's Musings on the topic of Lent.

St. Anthony Messenger Press publishes a bulletin called

Catholic Update. Our church doesn't distribute it, but whenever I'm in a church that does, I grab one.

The ideas and messages are short (love that), clear (love that too), and meaningful (yup love that too).

January's issue listed all sorts of day by day Lenten ideas with biblical references.

Read on for my favorites....

The Closet: Throw away or give away (better) three unneeded items each week for the remainder of Lent. (Mt 25: 31-46)

An Unwelcome Guest: Choose a day to pray for the well-being of your least favorite person.

(Mt 5:43-48)

Water glass: For the believer, the glass is always 1/2 full. Place a half full glass of water in eyesight as a reminder that God is for us. (Mk 9:2-10)

Neighbors: Loving neighbors is a choice. Take a day to do a kindness for a shut-in or lonely person. (Mk 12:29-39)

Medicine Chest: Clean out your medicine chest of outdated cures. Pray for God to strengthen your faith while you do it. (Lk 4:24-30)

Today's News Read the news. Choose a few people who are performing good works in the world and/or living the Catholic Social Teachings. Pray for them by name. ( Jn 10:31-42)

Water tap: On Good Friday fast from water for the hours of the crucifixion. Jesus said, "I thirst" and he received nothing. (Jn 13: 1-15)

I'm getting started on "The Closet" today. I plan to leave a bag there (in my walk-in) for the remainder of Lent and start cleaning out the clutter. I hope the de-cluttering will result in a calmer and nicer version of me.

Reference http://www.americancatholic.org/

Jesus' Little Lamb ~ Evelyn

2009-03-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

You might have noticed all of the buttons along the sides of this blog? Nearly every week, I receive news about yet another baby that is sick that needs our prayers and I thought it might be nice to do a weekly feature here about
Jesus' Little Lambs.
Today I chose Evelyn because she is in absolute desperate need of a miracle. Her parents have come to a cross-road and they need the strength of the Lord to help them make a very difficult decision. You can read little Evelyn's story HERE and then please go HERE to pray with them, that they may find guidance through prayer and comfort through the Holy Spirit.

Please also add Evelyn's button to your blogs (it is on the bottom, right-hand side of our blog) and ask your readers to pray for their family as well.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths Proverbs 3:5-6

The Lord is My Comfort

2009-02-27T19:18:00.000-05:00

Over this past month, I have been feeling a bit lost. My friend's baby died of cancer after a long and painful eight month battle with the disease. I spent months and months down on my knees praying for healing, praying for strength for myself, her family and that dear sweet little baby and I prayed for the Great Physician to answer our prayers.
To say I was stunned when she passed is an understatement. I was floored.
I was certain that God would heal her. I thought that she would be His miracle and was so disappointed when He decided to take her.
But, many moments of reflection later, and many more prayers said, have put a new peace in my heart. Tuesday is still God's miracle, just in a way I never expected. She brought me closer to God than I have ever been and brought faith into the lives of so many people she never even met. She had more purpose in her short life than many adults ever achieve and was a gift to all who knew her.
This week while on vacation with my family, it became so apparent to me just how much I have changed these past eight months. I notice the simple things in life so much clearer and take notice to everything He has created around me and I find comfort.
Comfort in everything.....
The Lord is my comfort and He is everywhere.

I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:1-2

In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
Psalm 62:7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14.27

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:3-12

Feeling Down? A Heart of Thanks Is a Heart of Hope

2009-02-17T08:50:00.000-05:00

I find especially in the winter, I begin to feel blah, down in the dumps, like I am in a rut. Who else can stop these feelings but yourself. However, you need to have faith. Many people will just say, "snap out of it" or " you just need a change" How many people will tell you to pray on it?
Why art you cast down,O my soul?...Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.
Psalm 42:5
It doesn't matter how bad life becomes, we must remember we always have blessing for which we can thank God. Today I want you to think of all the things you are thankful for. In this really bad economy, things sure are looking down. The recent plane crash in Buffalo. Many people have lost loved ones. There are times to mourn, however God wants us to rejoice in what we have. The more we fill our hearts with the sunshine of thanks, the less room there is for the gloom of despair.
It is difficult at times, I know. However the most thankful thing we have to look forward to as Christians is knowing that we are going to Heaven, in spite of our sins.
God shows us in many many ways His love. In the form of our family , our friends, our fellow believers. Keep your spiritual eyes and ears open and you will find the gift of His word to guide you.
Give thanks and you will find yourself lifed up in hope.

Faith Focus Finish

2009-02-04T16:36:00.000-05:00

I have been spending some time thinking about these three important words ~faith....focus....finish.
We read in Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved by faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God..."

Faith:We begin our journey with Jesus by Faith. Believing that Jesus is the son of God and that he died for our sins.....accepting Him as our Savior. Our faith is our solid foundation, and we build our entire lives built upon this solid rock of faith, a gift from our Lord. One of my favorite hymns starts out...
"Our faith is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' love and righteousness....."

We nurture that faith in many ways, such as through worshipping, studying God's word, and serving others. We also "exercise "our faith so it grows stronger by believing, trusting, and keeping our focus on God and His plan for our lives no matter what comes our way.

Psalm 121 says, "I lift my eyes up to the hills ~ where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.........."

Focus: Faith gives us the strength to keep our focus on our Lord. With every trial we encounter in our life we have a choice to dwell on the problem or dwell on God. Many things get in the way of our focus, such as fear, selfishness, busyness, etc. The list is endless...but the answer is clear. Our help comes from the Lord!

In 2 Timothy 4: 7 we read, " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Finish: The day will come when our journey here on earth is over. We will reach the finish line and step over into eternity with our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faith~ Focus ~ Finish~Our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior gives us the strength to be able to focus on His plans for our life and rely on His help to persevere to the finish of our journey.

In His Peace
Renee

An Unexpected Phone Call ~ A true story

2009-01-22T09:04:00.000-05:00

I have been putting off writing this post for a week, because I just didn't know how to put it in words.I have mentioned before that my faith has been faltering lately. Actually not just lately, it is an on again off again thing for me, as I struggle with many things. I do believe in God. I do believe in Jesus Christ our Lord who died on the cross for us.I do pray every single day and I do not always refer to my bible, in fact I don't read it much. I do have a daily devotional that I refer to. So I've been struggling, things have been rough, I have not been the best parent, wife, person that I can be. I have a hard time forgiving myself so how could He possibly forgive me. I often talk to God while I am driving, or doing dishes. I have asked Him many a time to send me a sign. I had lost that feeling where you can sense His presence. I had lost that. It is a horrible feeling. I have an empty spot in my heart. I know it's there, I have felt it before. So I have asked for many a sign. I wanted that feeling back. There is no better feeling that the presence of the LORD. Well, on a night last week, which so happened to be yet another rough night. I was sleeping with my little guy. The phone rang at 3:17 am. At first I thought I was dreaming, but it kept ringing. I got up, a little scared, because we all know what kind of phone calls come in the middle of the night. I answered it ..and the call went as follows.
Me: "Hello?"
Caller: " You have received a text message to your land line from (some number I was too sleepy to remember) To hear your message press one"
Me: pressed one
Caller: " I AM GOD"
then it clicked..hung up.
I was shocked. Could that have been my sign. Was that phone call for me? No one else answered it. No one else heard it. But the proof was on the phone. On caller ID it did show a number at that exact time. I had the shivers. My son got up and I told him. He said, "mom now I'm freaked out" He checked the phone and sure enough there was a number. Neither of us wanted to call it back. I again wondered, was it really a sign or was it just someone goofing around. Who would do that? I went to bed with that feeling I had been missing. It was a sign.

" And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive"
MATTHEW 21:22

Looking Back In Order To Move Forward

2009-01-15T20:13:00.000-05:00

"We need to look back in order to move forward".....
I read these words today in a devotional I received and realized that this is what we do at the end of every year as we set "resolutions" for the new year upon us. We look back and see what we did and did not accomplish..what we still want to do better....what changes we want to make...what goals we want to achieve. This is not a bad thing ~ setting goals and working to achieve our dreams give us incentive. But what gives us peace and hope for all the tomorrows ahead in 2009?
Maybe, when we look back over 2008, we need to be able to see the many blessings that God has bestowed on us. The way things have worked together for good, the prayers that have been answered in His wisdom. Seeing how God has worked in our lives over the past year, gives us the hope and strength to be able to walk forward in 2009.
I keep a gratitude journal. One ritual I have is to look back over the year that has past at what I have been grateful for. It is a testimony of how God has blessed my life and the lives of those I love and care about.
Being able to see the blessings that God has showered us with may be more important than ever in 2009. Our country is still at war, the economy is the worse in too many years to count, and life seems to get harder and harder for many people.
And yet, we can look back and see what God has done. Next year we will be able to do the same. No matter what is ahead, we are not alone, for God walks with us and He holds our lives in His hands.

Renee

Letting Go and Getting On

2009-01-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

Hello
My name is Renee and I have been given the privilege of posting here at this inspirational blog. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, and blessed to be a child of God. May you find peace, joy, and God's love expressed here.

It is the last day of the year...2008 ~ my goodness! I remember when I waited for 2000 and wondered if we really would have some kind of chaos as was predicted...it did not happen. And here we are looking at 2009 already! Before we welcome a new year, I think it is a good time to let go...let go of past resentments, let go of the guilt we may hold on to, let go of disappointments and lost expectations."Today is a good day to accept God's forgiving grace for mistakes and shortcomings of the past year and get on with life"~ I just read these words today in a devotional and they seemed to go right along with my posts on forgiveness and resentments. Think how free we will be when we enter a new year without carrying those heavy burdens of guilt and resentment. A fresh start! I like fresh starts! May your final day of 2008 be one of peace.

My Name is Victoria or commonly known as Vic

2008-12-31T10:27:00.000-05:00

Hi, I have been lurking in the shadows for the past month or so getting a feel out for this blog before I posted on it, I am excited to say that I am part of this lovely and inspirational blog and I plan to post a little more frequently. I wanted to write up a little bio about myself before I got started with posting.

I have had Lyme disease since 2005 and it attacked my Central Nervous System, causing a seizure disorder and many cognitive problems. I home schooled myself for my Sophomore and Junior years of high school between many hospital stays and organized a Lyme disease Awareness walk this past year with a friend. This disease has taught me a lot about personal limits and knowing when enough is enough. I have been hospitalized a lot and learned quite a bit about the "real world". In April I am hoping to start driving again and hoping to be seizure free up until then. It will be a huge milestone for me as I hit my 18th birthday February 4th. So I look forward to posting here, I am 17, a Senior in High school and waiting to here back from colleges I applied to!

Happy New Year!

Luke 2:12-20

2008-12-24T13:21:00.000-05:00

This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

May your Christmas Day be filled with Blessings!

A Christmas Full of Miracles

2008-12-18T16:30:00.000-05:00

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people.I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him.
Ephesians 1:18-19 NLT

There are those that have a hard time believing in Jesus Christ because they haven't seen him at work in their lives; because they want actual proof and not just living by their faith. I am here to tell you, I have witnessed a miracle, a true, honest to Jesus Christ, miracle.
For those who follow my other blogs, I have talked about my friend Jess' daughter Tuesday very often and her fight with stage 4 cancer. From the moment I heard that Tuesday was diagnosed, I knew in my heart that this child, this tiny little two year old, would beat cancer, even with the odds stacked so high against her.
Her body was filled with cancer, literally everywhere and more than once, little Tuesday's fight was nearly lost. But, somehow, this little child brought faith to places where there wasn't faith before. She got people to pray that hadn't prayed in many years. She got complete strangers to pray for her, donate to her, talk about her.... This child inspired.
For those who were able to spend time with her while she has endured her treatments, they found peace in her presence. They felt God's warmth and knew they were beholding a miracle occurring.
Tuesday's cancer is GONE!
This little child who was given a very minimal amount of hope, has become the meaning of HOPE. Her body is free of all cancer.
FREE.
It wasn't medicine that freed Tuesday of disease, even her doctors are stumped and calling her a miracle. It was prayer and faith.
So, this Christmas...
BELIEVE.
KNOW.
TRUST.
HAVE FAITH.
He is here and He is real.

Christmas Isn't Christmas

2008-12-15T07:41:00.001-05:00

Until you feel it in your heart. That is what the children's choir sang at church today. My gosh, how true is that. Even those of us with the best intentions still get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. We all know it is way too commercialized. I think many people need to be reminded about the spirit of Christmas, myself included. When those children were singing that lovely song, though, my head was spinning. How true that song rang. You can give and get many many presents and still not feel it in your heart. I know when I am shopping and stressed out I am definitely not feeling the true meaning of Christmas. I vowed that when I got home, I would focus on the true spirit of Christmas. I want to feel it in my heart and I want my children to feel it in theirs. One of my boys class has sponsored a needy family and of course I made sure that he contributed. I think though tonight, as a family , we will all contribute to this family. I will get the older kids to get involved. We'll make cards and go shopping and decorate some boxes to put the gifts in. Focus on something other than our own needs for once.
As always, we need to remind ourselves that Jesus is the reason for the season.

"Let us now go even unto Bethlehem,
and see this thing which is come to pass,
which the Lord hath made known unto us"
LUKE: 2:15

When Life Is Difficult, God Is Rock Solid

2008-12-11T10:12:00.000-05:00

Everyone has had difficult times, disapoinments, worries, anxieties, stresses and loss. We may often feel that God has forgotten us. I am here to tell you in this post today, that He never forgets you. When you take one day at a time and you are not focussing on the worries, the stresses, you will open your eyes to all the beautiful blessings that have come your way. Sometimes our anxieties get in the way and we can not see how truly blessed we are. When we wait upon God to do His work instead of trying to resolve what we are going through quickly, we will find that the anxieties and frustrations we have will begin to fade. We need to remember what the bible tells us
*wait upon God in prayer
*wait upon God with patience...(this is hardest for me)
*wait upon God with trust
*wait upon God for His guidance
That doesn't' mean you have to just forget about everything and wait passively for God to take over. It means, you wait righteously, you wait joyously and you wait actively. Show Him you trust in him. I have a story I will share with you. I am a foster mom, and we had a beautiful baby placed with us when she was only 3 days old. When she was 11 months, she left us to be with her forever family. I was so angry with God. I yelled at Him, I doubted His existence. I said, "Lord, how could you take her away, when we love her so". I even asked for a sign of His existence. Fast forward a year later, almost a year to the day that baby "T" left us, we had not one but two precious babies placed with us. Not through foster care, but that is a different story.
I truly believe God knew these two children would need a home, and He knew if we had baby "T" there would be no way we would have been able to open up our hearts and our home to these babies. It took a full year. I did not always wait with trust or patience. However I never gave up praying. Does that take my hurt away from losing "T". No , absolutely not, but I believe that I needed to go through that. God has his reasons.
" Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield"
Psalm 33:20

He Hears Your Cry

2008-12-09T21:36:00.000-05:00

I must say I am honoured to be apart of such an inspirational blog. I too am very similar to Debi, in that I didn't talk about my faith , I just have faith. Yes, there are times where I have walked away, angry with God. Still I knew I must believe, I am angry at Him after all. So therefore He must exist. Born and raised a Catholic, I married a Catholic man, had a Catholic wedding and raised my children catholic. Now, I must admit I was one of those catholic that only went to church on special occasions. Not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't feel like I belonged. I felt like an outsider. I didn't feel accepted. I remember feeling that way even when I was a child. It was lent and my sister and I had collected money for the needy. So we went to church without our parents on Palm Sunday to hand in our money and to attend mass. The church was packed and there was no place to sit. Not one grown up got up and offered us a seat. I don't even think a grown up had even acknowledged us. I left feeling sad and lonely, and I cried on the way home. I knew that was not what Jesus would want. I didn't' give up. I volunteered in the nursery and attended the early mass when I was a youth and still didn't get that feeling that I belonged.
I went to the very same church my parents had me baptized at and yet I felt no connection. I got married in that church and had my own babies baptized there. I felt like there must be something wrong with me. I mean, how can so many people be at the church and only I have issues. I began bringing my foster children to church. During Advent , I had dropped one little guy off at the children's liturgy, when it was time for the children to come down to be with their parents, I couldn't' get to him in time, as the pews were packed shoulder to shoulder with people and I did not want to crawl over them. So he sat with the volunteers until after communion. When I went to get him , he was quite upset, but was very happy to see me. I apologized profusely to the woman with whom he was sitting with but she snarled at me and was quite rude. I left the service upset and confused. My faith was faltering. I could feel it, and yet I felt there was nothing I could do. I became with drawn from the church for awhile again. I spoke with the priest about this lady's rudeness and he was extremely apologetic. I still stayed away. But as always, I felt God's tug , and went again. This time with new children in tow. Now I totally understand that mass is meant to be heard, and I realize how disrupting it can be when children misbehave. I am always on top of my children and when they get antsy I do bring them into the "cry room". Well one particular Sunday, Joey was not misbehaving. He was playing with a car, but I didn't feel he was overly loud or disruptive, however an usher kept giving me the look. He finally told me to take Joey out in the back room. He then followed us in and called him a bad boy. I was furious! How could he be so rude. I stayed for the rest of the service and cried . A woman usher who had observed came over to us and apologized for the gentleman and used the excuse , he was old school. This time I stayed away from the church even longer. I did have both of my foster children baptized there , but did not attend mass on a regular basis, again becoming one of those catholics. I felt unfilled spiritually. I prayed in the privacy of my home and still as always had my faith. However I was feeling very upset with the Lord. I picked up my book, One Minute Promises of Comfort, and came to a passage that just hit home.
This is what it said: He Hears Your Cry
Because God is the living God, he can hear;
because God is a loving God, he will hear;
because he is our covenant God,
He has bound himself to hear.
because he is a loving God, He will hear;
C.H. SPURGEON
Well that really made sense to me. How can I possibly give up on Him. He has been listening to me all along. Why else was I still being pulled to Him. Why? Because he heard me cry.

Word to Live By

2008-12-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

I have found that in my life, my faith has gone through many phases and the older I become, the more in tune I tend to be with myself spiritually. I wasn't always so outspoken about my faith, but rather one to just quietly attend church, sit toward the back, pay my offering, collect the kids and head home. But, somewhere after the attacks on 9/11, I found myself and found Christ waiting for me.

I didn't just say I was going to change.

I changed.

I became involved in my church, volunteering any way and everywhere I could. At first, I think I was just trying to replace the hole in my heart that I felt after realizing the massive flaws in humanity, but somewhere in my volunteering and teaching at church, a real internal change came over me.

I can almost mark the day it happened, or atleast the event. I had become the youth leader in our church and was having a youth group meeting with a rowdy bunch of 4th, 5th and 6th graders (as well as all of my children). Myself and the other leaders decided to show a movie to the kids called Facing The Giants. None of us had ever seen it before, but we had heard great reviews from the local Christian book store.

So, we sat down to watch it with the kids, a room full of them, munching away on popcorn, & the leaders trying to hush them so we could all hear... and suddenly, the room was quiet.

For the entire movie.

Silence.

We were captured in this story.

Moved.

The entire room full of adults and kids were inspired.

When the movie ended, everyone was crying, even 13 year old boys. We all openly wept and talked and prayed on what we had just seen and felt.

The message in the movie...Nothing is impossible with God.

Those 5 words have become the words I live by.

If ever I am feeling doubtful about anything life throws my way, I know I can open the bible to Luke and find comfort.

And, if ever my kids see me or one of their siblings faltering in faith, we watch Facing the Giants together and it binds us together through inspiration & knowing that truly nothing is impossible with God.

Through Him All Things Are Possible

Planting the Seed.

Footprints

Sometimes we just need a reminder...

Be Still...

Sometimes We All Just Need To Hear Him

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Sweet Little Evelyn Went Home to Jesus

Guest Post from Laura at Catholic Teacher's Musings

Jesus' Little Lamb ~ Evelyn

The Lord is My Comfort

Feeling Down? A Heart of Thanks Is a Heart of Hope

Faith ~~Focus~~ Finish

An Unexpected Phone Call ~ A true story

Looking Back In Order To Move Forward

Letting Go and Getting On

My Name is Victoria or commonly known as Vic

Luke 2:12-20

A Christmas Full of Miracles

Christmas Isn't Christmas

When Life Is Difficult, God Is Rock Solid

He Hears Your Cry

Word to Live By

Bump Prayer Intercession

Faith Focus Finish