Another Red Bird Gift

This past week I received some heart wrenching news. You know, the kind of news that tares at your heart strings. It overwhelmed me, consumed my thoughts then started to affect my attitude. I knew what was happening to ME so on my way home I did what I've done many times, I had another good talk with ME and told ME you are not going to take this home and take it out on your family, this has nothing to do with them so get your attitude right before you get out of this van. My husband and oldest son knew of the situation but they did not bear is like I was - don't you love that when someone is stable in the relationship!

On my way home I dropped off my nephews and when leaving their house I noticed a rather large mud puddle. In the middle of the mud puddle I noticed some splashing and could not figure out what it was. When I drove up to see, I notice a little red bird splashing around and having a grand time. My heart was blessed at the little gift God placed in my day. You see several years ago I claimed a Red Bird as my "I love you from God". When I see a Red Bird I know the Lord is sending a special message just to me. That night when things calmed down I got my Bible and a good book and enjoyed getting my focus back where it needed to be. Getting me back in order so I could enjoy a peaceful night sleep and put the situation back in His hands. I'm always reminding myself His Plan is so much bigger then my plan and His ways are so much better then my ways. Choose an "I love you sign" and see how God works in mysterious ways.

A Special Valentine's Day

I love Valentine's Day! Any day set aside for me to show my husband and boys how much I love them is special! I know some say; "Its a commercialised holiday" but I just say bring it on! Any day to say I love you is special in my book! This year I was pondering on just what Valentine's Day means to me. I remembered back to when Mark and I were dating and our first Valentine's Day. He was one of those guys who thought it was just another day...well, that was until our first Valentines Day. After cooking him a home cooked meal in my new red dress he was hooked! tee hee!!! Then I started thinking about the Valentine's Day's in the past that our boys cherish. This year we celebrated much the same way. Waking up with a special gift from Mark for me and the boys, a fun home school day, Heart shaped pizza for dinner along with a yummy dessert. All that was special but what made Valentine's Day special for Mark and I was what happened the Friday before....

The Friday before Valentine's Day Mark took the day off work. He had been working a lot of extra days so we were all happy he had a day off! That day I had to deliver chocolate to the market downtown so Mark got up early and went with me. While out, we decided to enjoy the morning together doing some shopping as well as going out to breakfast.

While at breakfast I was looking around the restaurant thinking to myself what a nice time it was to spend this time together. I looked around and saw the busyness of life as people were texting, reading the paper, talking on the phone and even some older people eating all alone. I sat there pondering how special it was to be sitting together with Mark and how it made me feel special that he chose to wake up early on his day off to come with me. About that time an older couple came and sat at the table behind us. They both walked with canes, he came to the seat before her pulling out her chair. She sat and he went to the bar to fix his plate. As he fixed his plate she got the table ready placing a napkin on his side, unrolling the silverware, ordering their drinks, fiddled in her purse and got ready for their time together. He came to the table, helped her up and she went to fix her plate. As I watched them my heart was blessed at the tenderness between them. Once she fixed her plate they enjoyed a quiet conversation, at one point we heard him say to his bride, "You're hair sure looks pretty today!" Mark and I both looked at each other and shared a smile between us. I wondered just how many Valentine's they'd shared together. As I watched them I could see the love he had for her and she for him. It was a simple meal but when they walked in the room the simple breakfast turned into a special Valentine's Day. As I sat enjoying the company of my husband I realized even more how blessed I am that God chose to give him to me.

As Mark and I were walking out Mark said "Why don't we pay for their bill?" I had no idea he was being blessed by them just as much as I had been. We went to the register and wrote them a note, paid for their bill and walked out of that restaurant feeling a little bit closer to one another and looking forward to our future together.

God is so good.....

As we walked out of the restaurant my phone rang. It was for a chocolate order $5 more then we just paid for their meal! He never ceases to amaze me!

What Would He Say About You? Good or Evil?

My sister is a wedding coordinator and has worked on countless weddings. She was hired a few months ago and this particular wedding was for a Pastor's daughter. My sister was excited to work with them. The Pastor's daughter ended up being the most ungrateful bride my sister has ever worked with. She tried and tried to make this bride happy. My sister was talking to the bride's Father and she mentioned to the Father how she just wanted to make the bride happy. The Father leaned into my sister and said in a quiet voice; "That's your problem, you're trying to make her happy and she is just like her Mother, no matter what you do you're not going to make her happy!" Recently while at a local sporting goods store with our boys I heard two gentlemen talking about their wives. One gentleman said; "It does not matter what I do for my wife, its never good enough and its never right." He then followed up with "I'm sick of it!" As I stood there listening to them rant about their wives I had to ask myself...if my husband sat around with his friends what would he say about me?

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 31:10-12, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." Wow! That last line "she will do him good and not evil all the days of her life" really struck me today. I had to ask myself, am I doing him good and not evil? Am I and encouragment to him? Am I being a help meet to him or am I a hindering block? Am I like the women these men were talking about? Is my husband saying to his friends or to himself "I'm sick of it!"

Our lives are wonderful works in the making and none of us has arrived. We are all in the process of becoming what we ought to be because God isn't finished with us yet. We all fail at times but use those failures as stepping stones not hindering blocks. Often my husband and I have a time where we ask each other "Is there something you would like me to work on?" Now, ladies, don't ask that question if your not ready to hear the answer. Don't ask the question then when he gives you an area to work on you lash out out him. If you ask the question, be prepaired for the answer.

George Muller said: The Lord taught me that the first business I needed to attend to every day was to have my spirit happy in the LORD. My first concern shouldn't be thinking of ways to serve and glorify the LORD, but rather, how to get my spirit into a happy state, and how to nourish my inner man." Do you have a happy spirit? Dose your husband say "she does me good?" Today I renew myself to work on a "happy spirit" not only in me but in my home and with my husband as well. May he say about me...She does me good and not evil all the days of her life.

Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

He's HOME!!!

What a blessing it was today for Mark to start his new job! I could not wait till he went to lunch because I knew he would call and tell me all about it. I was like a kid waiting to go to the park...I kept looking at the clock waiting for the time I thought he would go. When he called I could hear the excitement and a little stress in his voice at all the new responsibilities that come with an upper management position.

After we hung up I was excited for him and then began to watch the clock knowing he would be home in just a few hours! It was so nice knowing he would be home for dinner and not get a leftover plate reheated in the microwave. I could not wait to welcome him home at 5:30 and not 10:30 pm!

I wanted to take a moment today to Thank God once again for giving Mark a job where we have the privilege to see him everyday and not just on the weekend. Its a new chapter in our lives are we are truly blessed to count it all joy.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

God Is Good In The Good Times And In Bad Times

372 days ago Mark came home and told me he was laid off and for a moment we were consumed with fear of the unknown. Then we felt God wrap his arms around us and lets know He would be with us each step of the way. Soon after the lay off Mark found a job but then that job dissolved as well. He's been working two jobs, leaving at 7am and returning after 10pm. Because of these hours we only see him Friday night through Sunday. When I would pray for him my eyes would always well up with tears because I missed having him home and it broke my heart when our youngest would ask, "how many more days until I get to see Dad?"

As I look back over the past year I am amazed at what God has done for us. We've made it through car payments, mortgage payments, astronomical electrical bills from the cold weather, insurance payments, groceries, Christmas and was it ever a great Christmas and on and on. God provided each and every step of the way. I'm was constantly being reminded of His great love. As I look back I would not change a single moment of the past year because not only have Mark and I grown in our walk with Christ but our boys have seen first hand the miracles of Christ in our family life and more importantly in their personal lives as well. Philippians 4:19 says..."But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Daily Christ knew our "need" and daily he provided. Often it was fun to see how God would supply. God gave Mark several jobs during the past year and when he would say this job is ending we we would say with anticipation "I wonder what God has in store now?" When we needed a bill paid or our son needed glasses God always provided. When we would get down in the dumps he was always right there to remind us..."just trust in me!"

Has the past 372 days been easy? No, there is always pain when growing. We know our adventure is far from over; however, today we're rejoicing because God gave Mark a job!!! Not just a job but a job providing for our "need" and a job that will allow Mark quit the second job!!! We're excited to go into this next adventure of our lives. We're excited to see what God has in store for us and we wanted to thank everyone who has prayed for us this last year. We serve a mighty God and today we continue to press on for the cause of Christ. To God be the glory, great things HE hath done.

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

WATER IN THE TRUNK!!!

I know this is a long post, I hope you will get a cup of coffee and enjoy hearing the miracle of our WATER in the trunk!!!


Has there ever been a time in your life where God worked in a miraculous way? It was so miraculous that you knew this was the hand of God because nothing you've done would lead to this?

Our day started out as just a normal Friday, running errands and getting the to do list marked off so we could get home in time to take our youth to a revival meeting about an hour away. Normally when we have something like this I don't run errands I stay home and get things ready for the evening. Several times that morning I kept putting off going to town but then decided we need to go, we need to go right now. I left everything out, got the boys in the car and left. As we were leaving I told our oldest son to put the cooler in the van and add water bottles so we could get ice and have the water if we needed it. Knowing we would not be gone long it was strange for me to put the cooler in the van but we did and we stopped to get ice so the water would be nice and cold.



Our day was going as normal and I told the kids why don't we get a sandwich, go to the house so you have time to rest before we go out this evening. Then all of a sudden I said "Would you rather get a sandwich or eat Mexican?" We all wanted a sandwich but I pulled into the Mexican Restaurant. This delayed our time getting home and as I was getting out of the van, I saw Chic-Fil-A next door and said to myself I would have rather had a quick sandwich and went home, why did I stop here! Little did I know why God delayed our trip home. In the restaurant the waitress kept forgetting things and Kyle mentioned how slow the service was. Again...little did we know.



As we left the restaurant and went home we had one more stop to make. As we pulled away from that stop we were going left then Kyle said; "Mom, can we go to the thrift shop right down the road?" Knowing we were pressed for time I did not even hesitate and said "Sure!" This meant we needed to turn right. The traffic was terrible on that road so we pulled out turned right and headed towards the thrift shop.



As we were going I noticed a runner to the left of the van 4 lanes of traffic over, he had on red shorts and the red caught my eye. I then looked again at him and noticed he was bent over as if he was throwing up. It was 94 degrees outside so I thought oh, he is dehydrated. I asked Kyle; "Did you see that guy? Is he throwing up?" Kyle looked and said; "No, but he is really struggling to get a breath!" At that moment I remembered the WATER we put in the van earlier. I looked around to see if I could get through the traffic but it was so congested, I said quickly "Lord, help me get over!" It was as if God parted the red sea! Cars were crowding the road but they were all stopped!!!! Yes, stopped with a huge gap for me to pull the van through. It was so strange at first I thought other people must be getting out to help this young man. I pulled the van over and "just so happened" there was a parking spot right in front of the runner. Kyle jumped out of the van grabbed two bottles of water and said to the young Marine "Sir, would you like some water?" He looked at Kyle and said; "More than you know, more than you know!" We talked for a moment, making sure we did not need to call for help then I said, "Are you in training? Why are you running this time of day when its so hot and humid?" He looked down to the ground and said "Ma'am, its the only thing I can do to get rid of so much anger!" He then pointed to his head, he had a scar from one ear over the top of his head to the other ear and then he began to tell me how he was home from war, he had been in a coma for a week, then in rehab, his girl left him, his truck broke down and on and on and on. I told him "Jason, God worked out many, many details today so we would run into one another and I believe God has a special plan for you. God said in John 3:16 that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. Jason, God gave the ultimate sacrifice so that on this day, at this time we would run into one another so we could tell you Jason that God loves you and God wants you to fall in love with Him." "It just so happened" that we were taking our youth group to a revival meeting that night. I asked Jason if he would go with us and he said, "I have nothing else to try, if you would not have stopped me, I was going to run until I collapsed and then I was going to die." My eyes welled up with tears, our boys were silent and I said "Jason, God loves you and he wants to give you a gift that you will never regret accepting." I then offered to take this young Marine home. People ask, "You put a strange, angry marine in your van with your children and took him home?" Yes! I had complete peace knowing that God worked this out and God had a special plan not only for Jason but for our boys as well. You see, this was the miracle I ask God for a week earlier.

As we were going home he said; "I just live a mile or so up the road, I don't know why I got so sick at that spot, I never do that, I run 6-7 miles everyday but when I got to that spot I could not breath, I got dizzy, I felt like I was going to pass out!" I smiled and said to myself; "I know why you got sick at that spot!" We dropped Jason off and I said; "We will be back to pick you up at 4:45, I am so excited you're coming with us Jason, God has something special in store for you." He said, "Thank you, I'm looking forward to coming!"



When the door shut and we pulled away I started to cry, the boys were overwhelmed and we started recounting all the miracles God did that day to lead us to this place. I shared with the boys that during the revival at our church the week earlier I asked God to bring someone into our lives that we could tell about Christ. I asked God to do it in a mighty way so our boys could see and experience the working hand of God.....and the best was still to come! Oh, and just a little side note...we never went to the thrift shop!



At 4:45 we pulled into his driveway and Jason came out ready to go with us! Our hearts were again blessed to see him coming out of the house dressed and ready to see what God had in store for him and little did he know....



The whole way to the revival Jason talked about how the love of his life left him, he kept asking about love and what is love and how do you know true love. He told us about his time in war and how his face had to be rebuilt because of his armored vehicle was in an accident and when it flipped over he landed on his face. He told how he tried to talk with someone one time about a horrible incident that happened while at war and the person he confided in spit in his face and called him a murderer. He opened his heart to us and talked most of the hour long trip. When we arrived at the church we walked in the door and would you believe to the right was a display case with solders uniform, a Bible and other memorabilia. Now, let me just say, I've grown up in church and I've never seen a display of a soldiers uniform in a church but God knew Jason would be coming to this church one day and God saw fit that a uniform would be placed in a church just for Jason. Jason walked over to it and one of the men of the church came over and talked with him about what the uniform represented. Jason said later "that uniform meant a lot to me."



When we went to sit down Jason sat in the back, Kyle looked around and said; "Come on up and sit with us!" Jason smiled and came forward to sit with the young people we brought. As we sat in the pew my heart was filled with prayer for Jason that God would do a might work. The Pastor, Song Leader and the Evangelist all said; "God has done a mighty work this week in the hearts and lives of people and this evening I feel God has something very special in store!" They did not know Jason's story but God did and God had been working for a long time to bring Jason to this place, at this time. Jason told me does not attend church, his family never went to church and it was something new to him. He said, "I met a husband and wife a few months ago that invited me to church but when I went the sermon was, if you pick up arms against another you are condemned to hell" I reassured him, that would not be preached in our church and he said "Well, I don't know much about church but that was not church to me!"



When the Evangelist said turn in your Bibles to The Song of Solomon I smiled, looked at Mark (my husband) and said "Are you kidding me?" Knowing Jason had been asking me all about what is true love I had to giggle a bit knowing what the Song of Solomon is all about..LOVE! Through out the service Mark and I continued to pray that God would work in his heart.



During the invitation my heart was pounding and my prayer was "Lord, please don't let Jason leave this place without know you, please work in his heart." As the invitation progressed Jason stepped out, walked forward and gave his life to Christ!! He spent a good while talking with a counselor and when he walked out of the room he was a changed young man. When we took him home he gave me the biggest hug and said over and over and over again...Thank you, thank you, thank you for saving my life and showing me that with Christ I can have a wonderful life. I told him we would be here every step of the way, Jason is coming to church with us Sunday and I ask that you pray with us that he will continue to let God work in his life and continue to see Christ work in a great and mighty way.



One more blessing....on the way home I asked Jason if he had a Bible. He said; "No, I've never had one, I have a little one with part of the Bible!" I told him when we come pick you up on Sunday we'll have a Bible for you. I laughed as I said it because I was thinking "God, do you hear me saying this because you know we don't have money to go buy him a Bible!" As I was telling my Mom about Jason I got to the point of needed to go today to purchase him a Bible. Mom said; "No you don't, I have a beautiful new Bible in a beautiful case that I have been saving to give to someone!!!" God is so good!!! I am overwhelmed today at his goodness and his love for us and I am so thankful for our boys getting to experience the power of prayer and the power of our Lord and Savior. I look forward to sharing more with you about Jason and I covet your prayers for him.

Psalm 9:1
I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Making Lemonade

I just love the saying; "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" I must admit, I don't always feel like making lemonade though. Today was another one of those days where I had to decide, am I going to trust God and make some good lemonade or am I going to crumble under the weight of disappointment. Mark was offered a great job this week, then at the last minute, they decided to not go through with the deal and keep things like they have been running. When he called to tell me I could hear the disappointment in his voice. Like most, we were very disappointed, but then we quickly decided together to make lemonade and continue to trust Him. The past 8 months have been tough, but our life is in His hands and whatever He decides is fine with us. I've had a portion of a song in my head all day and all I could only remember part of a verse but it was enough

My life is in your hands
And though I may not see clearly
I will life my voice and sing
Cause your love does amazing thing
Lord, I know, my life is in your hands

After spending a few minutes together on the phone we hung up and began to look forward to the next blessing. Sometimes the next blessing is just the thing to pull you through the day and the Lord knew we needed one today....Sometimes when you're down the best thing to do, is do something for someone else, so we went to Goodwill to take my Mom a meal. The boys were excited to shop so I went to the clothes to look for Mark something "new". Its was as though the Lord gave us a little glimpse of what is in store for Mark because a business man donated clothes just Marks size. I was able to get him 8 dress shirts from JCPenny and Belk, 2 beautiful suit jackets and a new grey suit all fresh from the cleaners!!! When I went to pay the total was $57 but then I remembered about a card I had with points, and that took my total down to just $38!!!! Was I ever excited! The cashier said, "You have 5 days to return these if they don't fit!" I told her, "These were put here just for my Honey and I am sure they are going to fit just fine, but thank you." I was like a kid in a candy shop and could not wait for Mark to get home. When he got home he was beyond excited and guess what....they fit like they were made just for him!!! We both laughed and rejoiced at how good God is! We don't know what the plan is and to us the glass is dark but to our Lord its crystal clear. Today, we are again resting in His arms and trusting that He knows what the next step will be. I like to think he reached down and gave us a little kiss today and said, "Just trust me!" So that is exactly what we're doing....just trusting and enjoying some good lemonade along the way.

1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Psalm 35:9a
And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD

The Greatest of These

When Mark and I were engaged back in the summer of 1994 we were overwhelmed with the negative comments people would make to us regarding marriage. They were joking of course; however, it would always shock us. We've all heard them.."Oh, your going to be tied to a ole ball and chain." "Enjoy your single life, its all down hill after you say I do." It had such an impact on us that during one of our dates he mentioned to me how many people say these negative comments about marriage and I mentioned to him how is was surprising to me too. We made a pact between the two of us that we would not say those things when we met friends who were getting married, but be uplifting at this precious gift from God. Even as a young couple we knew that marriage was a gift from God and one that we wanted to cherish.

We knew we wanted him to be a part of our wedding as well as our marriage. I once heard that inviting God into your marriage is like a little girl braiding her hair. When trying to learn, you start with two strands and twist and turn but the braid always falls out. Once you learn to add the third strand and secure it, the braid becomes tight, full of strength that can weather any storm.

Ecclesiastes 4:12
And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

When you invite Christ into your marriage he is the strength between you and your husband. Is it always easy? No. Do patience run low and misunderstandings cause pain? Yes. Dose it still take work? Yes, Daily. But I know the Lord is there to draw that strand a little tighter knitting our hearts tighter one to another if we just seek Him.

I Corinthians 13: 12-13
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Things will change in marriage and often the glass is dark and we can't see God's plan. I am so thankful that 16 years ago we invited Christ into our marriage because since Mark was laid off 8 months ago, we have been on a new journey in our lives. Having Him as the third strand in our marriage has strengthened the love we have not only for one another but for Christ as well. Today we are resting in faith, hope, charity as we await the unveiling of God's next plan for our lives. Its a comfort to know the greatest of these is charity and we feel His love and rest assured that He is in control.

Joshua 24:15
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Its A New Day

Do you ever have time in your life when the Lord deals with you on a certain subject? I know I do and when He speaks to me I consider it a privilege and an honor and I want to do all I can to “clean up my act”. This week the Lord has really been dealing with me about my words. It started last week when I over heard a very well dressed, very proper looking Mother talking to her 10-12 year old son. We were in a store and this young man was showing his Mom a toy he found. I heard the Mom say to her son, “Put that back on the shelf, I would never buy that ARE YOU STUPID OR WHAT!” In an instant you could see the young mans shoulders drop, his self worth go right on the shelf with the toy and tears well up in his eyes and I am sure a few blocks of own resentment and bitterness were added to his wall. Oh, my heart broke for that young man. I wanted to put my arms around him and encourage him and tell him no, he is not stupid. I thought to myself what harsh words coming from the one person who should be his cheerleader, the one person who should be on his side, the one person who when the world hurts him she should be the one who is there encouraging not one that is throwing the bricks too. When I see things like this happen in public I always wonder what horrible things are happening in private. I don’t know what happen between that Mother and child for her to have so much anger and bitterness against him but it really put a burden in my heart to watch my words. No, I may never say such horrible despicable words to my children but do my words always encourage, do my words always build up? I am sad to say the answer to those questions is no.

This evening I was listening to a woman speak and she talked about how God chose to take her 17 year old son home to be with the Lord just two months ago. She talked about how just three days prior to him going home with the Lord she called and left him a message on his phone telling him how much she loved him and how he was such a blessing to their family. It brought tears to my eyes as I thought back to the young man I saw earlier in the week and wondered if anyone told that young man he was loved, if anyone put their arms around him and told him how proud they are of him. Then I began thinking about myself and wondered how many times this week I got angry or fussed for really no reason. How many time did I tear down and not build up. Have I been an encouragement to my children this week? Have I been a encouragement to my husband this week? The verses that we teach our children have been going through my mind…

Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Psalm 19:13
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

As hard as it was to see that young man go through the wrath of a hormonal mother, it has been an eye opener for me this week and a reminder that words hurt and cut to the bone. I don’t want to be that type of Mom or that type of wife. Today is a new day, today is a day to build up and not tear down. Today is day for a fresh start and today is a day for me to appreciate what God has given me and rejoice and be glad in it. I hope today will be a new day for you as well.

Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we (I, Rachel) will rejoice and be glad in it.

Living By Faith-Week Six

We are going in to week six with out a job but this is our last week to report that because Mark got a job!!! We want to give all the praise to the Lord who proved faithful in answering our prayers! He was actually offered two jobs with in two day of each other! We prayed God would give him a job before the end of July and he answered our prayers. He will be working in the medical field again and helping me with our new adventure selling bed linen. God has opened several doors over the past few weeks and we are overwhelmed with His love for us. Although loosing a job is devastating news, God promised in His word He would never leave us nor forsake us and He would supply all our needs. We rested daily in His arms and trusted He would provide. As we sat back and watched Him work miracle after miracle it was exciting to see what would happen next. Today we rejoice knowing God is in control and His plan is so much bigger then our plan, we continue to trust in Him.

Living By Faith-Week 5

Do you ever look around and think, what is going to happen next? That is usually a question we ask when things are crumbling around us, right? Well, this evening as I was having my devotions I began to get excited! We are going into week 5 without a job and yet I feel a sense of excitement and wonder what is going to happen next? As our compensation is about to run out and as I wonder if we are going to receive an answer about unemployment and as I wonder how long we can live on less then half of our normal income, as I wonder how the car payment, mortgage, insurance is going to be paid, as I wonder how we are going to pay the $1500 a month medication bill when our insurance runs our? As I wonder about all that, I am filled with an almost child like excitement. No, I am not high! I just have complete peace knowing that God is going to provide. I mean if He can provide for a 13 year old to go to camp, then He can provide for our needs too. I watched a show today and there was a very famous lady giving financial advice and talking about how to make it in this day of financial crisis. There was a couple on there who's husband was a priest and they were crying and living in fear that they did not know what was going to happen. They "only" had $110,000 left to live on for the rest of their life and their house was only worth $210,000 and they had to sell their second car. As I listened to that I was so thankful that my hope is not built on things of this earth (and I must admit, I was also thinking about how long we could live on $110,000!!!). My hope is not built on what is in my checking account, my hope is not built on anything other then my Lord. I felt sorry for the priest who said, "I feel I have lost all hope, I went from counseling to now being the one that needs to be counseled." It brought to mind one of my life verses

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

We have no idea what our future holds, but unlike the priest, we know who holds our future. Our hope and trust is in the one who hung the moon and stars into space, our hope is in the one who opened a door for a little boy to play basketball, our hope is in the one who sent a 13 year old boy to camp. He is worthy of our trust and we continue to count our blessings and we continue to press on.

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

I Quit!

The other day my cute niece Emily had on a t-shirt that had a picture of a cigarette butt in an ash tray and it said, "Sometimes, its ok to be a quitter!" After a day this week, I decided I would be a quitter too! As we're going into week four without a job I had a day this week where I held myself a really good pity party. Mark received an email to come take a test at a job he worked part time a year ago. They were wanting to hire for a supervisor position and we were really excited about the possibility. Then he realized he can not work for them because he is under a binding contact that he can't work for a competitor for one year! That started my pity party. For a good 8 hours I sulked, I was mad and I did not have a good day! It was not until late that evening that I realized what I had done all day long. What a waste! I sat myself down (well I was actually cleaning the kitchen) and had a good talk with ME! I told myself, "You had a good day focusing on you now its time to put the focus back where it belongs. Just because this job did not come forth does not mean God has stepped of the throne and its empty up there! God is still on the throne and He is still in control." I was pretty harsh on ME! So, today I have decided to be a quitter! I'm quitting my pity party, I'm quitting being mad, I'm quitting the worry, I'm quitting the negativism, I'm quitting the what ifs and I'm quitting focusing on ME! We are going into week four without a job, but its comforting to know God is still in control and we continue to press on.

Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

Living By Faith - Week Three

We are now into week three without a job. After placing some follow up calls today he found out one of the positions they want filled next week. Although it is substantially less money it does offer insurance. God knows all and we are continuing to trust Him to open every door. The other day before Mark left the house we had family prayer then sent Dad out the door like three cheerleaders! A while later our youngest walked to the back room and I over heard him say to his brother, "Well, Dad got the job!" Our oldest said, "Really? How do you know?" Caleb our youngest, then answered back, "I know because I just prayed for him again!" That blessed my heart, if we all had the faith of a child. Later that night when we were about to eat supper our youngest prayed these words, " Dear Jesus, Thank you for letting Dad be home with us more!" This time home my be hard on us but it has bonded the relationship between the boys and their Dad. I am reminded yet again that God knows all and his plan is so much bigger then our plan. This weeks blessings have been many and seeing the relationship between Father and Son's increase is the best blessing of them all. We serve an awesome God and we continue to press on.

Psalms 36:5
Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

Living By Faith-Week Two

We are in week two without a job. Mark has applied for about 80 plus jobs and we are excited because he has had three interviews. I'm sure you're wondering why we are excited for three interviews! After talking with several people we have come to realize its about one interview out of 100 applications, so we are blessed, that he has had three! No, its not a bed of roses, yes, there are days we feel a little overwhelmed, yes, my husband desperately wants to be back at work and yes, I there are days I need him back at work (come on I'm not a saint)! According to the Department of Labor, the number of unemployed persons increased by 787,000 to 14.5 million in May, and the unemployment rate rose to 9.4 percent. Since the start of the recession in December 2007, the number of unemployed persons has risen by 7.0 million, and the unemployment rate has grown by 4.5 percent-age points. Unemployment rates rose in May for adult men (9.8 percent) United States Department of Labor. What a staggering statistic! Our Lord comforts Mark and I and we rest assured that even though this mountain may be bigger then we ever imagined, we believe faith still moves mountains and when it get discouraging that its not moving fast enough. We're reminded that God sees the big picture, we may not understand His plan, but we have faith knowing His plan is much grater then anything we can even comprehend. Today was a tough day but, we are encouraged that God has a plan and we continue to press on.

2 Samuel 22:31

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

Trusting God-Week One

We are in week one with out a job. Mark has been putting in applications all day and making phone calls. He was up before anyone in the house having his devotions and on the computer applying for jobs. Isn't the Internet great! He put in about 20 applications today and we were thankful he did not have to drive all over town! That right there is the blessing of the day. He called the temp agency to get an appointment and they said, due to so many applications they are no longer setting up appointments for jobs they are only accepting applications. They will review the application then call if there is anything open. Looking for a job now is like being one grain in the salt shaker! There are thousands unemployed in our area and that is why its so exciting! God must have something very special in store just for Mark! Life is a day-by-day adventure. Only when we fix our eyes on the Lord can we have victory. Yesterday our son asked if we could get more batteries for his game and we talked about getting chargeable batteries so it would save money. That made me think about our daily lives, we need to turn to God's Word everyday to keep our inner batteries charged so we keep the focus on Him.
Ps. 28:7

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

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Living A Life Of Faith

Do you have a life's verse? I know many people say, "The whole Bible is my life verse" but I mean a verse that you claim and when things get tough you can see these verses come to life and you just feel that God is right there with you. A few years ago I was really struggling and began to pray and ask God to increase my faith. Boy, did I not know that was like praying for patience! I claimed Matt 17:20
"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." I love the ending and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Knowing how much I love this verse my husband gave me a necklace with a mustard seen incased in a glass cube. How little that is and we do not even have that amount of faith. I also claimed Heb 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." These verses have blessed me many times in the past several years and I am always reminded that God is right there holding our hand we just need to have faith in Him. In the past when things would come up in our lives I would have a melt down, get depressed and walk around sulking. After asking God to help me to just trust in him I have seen my faith increase and my pity party turn to joy knowing God is in control. A few weeks ago I was talking with my Pastor's Wife and I said to her, "God has really tested my faith over the past few years and I feel more at peace with Him today then I have in my whole life. I feel as though I can trust Him with anything that comes up and it is a good feeling to have that comfort." Little did I know, God was about to open the flood gates of testing. Yesterday I decided to take a much needed nap before leaving for our revival services. I got all snuggled into my bed, put on a movie for the boys and planned for a restful hour nap. About 30 minutes into my nap I felt big arms around me and I thought it was our 13 year old coming in to give me some hugs. I reached back to pat his face and felt whiskers so I knew it was not my son, I rolled over and it was my husband. I sat up and said, "Are you sick? What are you doing home?" He looked at me and said, "I don't know how to tell you this, but I was laid off and they are doing away with my position at work due to the economy." WOW!!! What a complete shock! No warning, just boom, no job and only three week severance package! We both sat still on the edge of the bed, then it was like the Holy Spirit filled our bedroom and a complete peace filled my heart and my life verses came flooding my mind.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." ...."If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you." I was so glad I had those verses at that moment. God knows all, today I have climbed into His arms and He is comforting me and has given me Blessed Assurance.

Little Is Much When God Is In It

Teaching our children to pray and have faith is something we strive to teach, but sometimes lessons better if they are experienced then if they are taught from a book. For me can it can be a challenge teaching our children about faith because as a parent we often have the ability to "answer" the prayers of our children. Often we have the ability to give them the money they need or solve the problem they have. As a Mom of boys I have to constantly remember that I am teaching young men, future husbands, future adult men to have faith in God and to trust that God knows best. Caleb is our sports boy, he loves anything to do with games and competition. A few months ago he had an opportunity to play soccer and he loved it! As soon as soccer was over and really even before it was over he was asking us, "When is basketball starting?" He began to practice, talked about the possibilities of his team name, pondered what color his team would be, he even started watching basketball on TV and was always rooting for the winning team. When I called to see when sign up was going to take place I quickly realized we missed it! My heart was broken. I hung up the phone, looked at his excited face and said, "Buddy, I am sorry but we missed the sign up and its already closed." I honestly wanted to cry. He had look forward to this for months and now I felt like I disappointed him and broke his little heart. He looked at me and said, "That's okay Mom." I knew he was being brave so we both would not cry. I said, "I will call and talk to see if they can find a place for you." I called and left a message and then we just put it in God's hands. Its been two weeks since we called and today, Caleb said, "Mom, do you think I am going to get to play basketball?' I said, "Buddy, I am not sure, but if God wants you to play, he will open a spot for you. Why don't we pray one more time." We prayed and continued on our trip home. When we arrived home, Kyle met us at the door and said, "Mom, the man over the basketball teams called and said they have one spot left and they would like Caleb to come play." I about jumped out of my skin! I was so excited that he was going to get the opportunity to play and even more excited that our little 7 year old was able to see that God answers prayers of little children too. What an amazing God we serve, in the good times or the bad, in the little or the big, we need to remember God is worthy of our trust.

Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.