Psalm 18 (Amplified Bible)
Psalm 18
1I LOVE You fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength.
2 The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower.
3 I will call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.
6 In my distress [when seemingly closed in] I called upon the Lord and cried to my God; He heard my voice out of His temple (heavenly dwelling place), and my cry came before Him, into His [very] ears.
16 He reached from on high, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated and abhorred me, for they were too strong for me.
18 They confronted and came upon me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my stay and support.
19 He brought me forth also into a large place; He was delivering me because He was pleased with me and delighted in me.
20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness (my conscious integrity and sincerity with Him); according to the cleanness of my hands has He recompensed me.
21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God.
22 For all His ordinances were before me, and I put not away His statutes from me.
23 I was upright before Him and blameless with Him, ever [on guard] to keep myself free from my sin and guilt.
24 Therefore has the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness (my uprightness and right standing with Him), according to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.
25 With the kind and merciful You will show Yourself kind and merciful, with an upright man You will show Yourself upright,
26 With the pure You will show Yourself pure, and with the perverse You will show Yourself contrary.
27 For You deliver an afflicted and humble people but will bring down those with haughty looks.
28 For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness.
29 For by You I can run through a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
30 As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.
31 For who is God except the Lord? Or who is the Rock save our God,
32 The God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect?
33 He makes my feet like hinds' feet [able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble]; He sets me securely upon my high places.
46 The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted,
47 The God Who avenges me and subdues peoples under me,
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Devotional
The Daily Encourager...today's devotional ( that is sent to my email)
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IF...
If you never felt pain,
Then how would you know that I'm a Healer?
If you never went through difficulty,
How would you know that I'm a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial,
How could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness,
How would you know that I'm a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake,
How would you know that I'm forgiving?
If you never were in trouble,
How would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken,
Then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem,
How would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering,
Then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire,
Then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things,
How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you,
How would you know that I love you?
If you had all power,
Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect,
Then what would you need Me for?
unsubscribe
IF...
If you never felt pain,
Then how would you know that I'm a Healer?
If you never went through difficulty,
How would you know that I'm a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial,
How could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness,
How would you know that I'm a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake,
How would you know that I'm forgiving?
If you never were in trouble,
How would you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken,
Then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem,
How would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering,
Then how would you know what I went through?
If you never went through the fire,
Then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things,
How would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you,
How would you know that I love you?
If you had all power,
Then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect,
Then what would you need Me for?
If I only knew...
If I only knew how prophetic the February 14th posting was...... If I only knew.....
Dear Father,
Help me to cling to that this was about YOUR timing.... that YOU wanted it to happen this way- no matter the pain, no matter the suffering, no matter the betrayal, no matter the whole
uncomprehensiveness of this HORRIBLE situation! Help me cling to You and that this IS Your plan and good things WILL come from this devastating mess!
Stacie
Dear Father,
Help me to cling to that this was about YOUR timing.... that YOU wanted it to happen this way- no matter the pain, no matter the suffering, no matter the betrayal, no matter the whole
uncomprehensiveness of this HORRIBLE situation! Help me cling to You and that this IS Your plan and good things WILL come from this devastating mess!
Stacie
Trying to Pick Up the Pieces!
I am trying so hard NOT to focus on what has been done to Chase and me! I really am trying!
Isaiah 61
1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.
5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, And the sons of the foreigner hall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
6 But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast.
7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.
I am strugling against what I know is human..... but certainly not what I am supposed to do!
Hebrews 10 30-31
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.”
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Isaiah 61
1 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,
3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
4 And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.
5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, And the sons of the foreigner hall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.
6 But you shall be named the priests of the LORD, They shall call you the servants of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, And in their glory you shall boast.
7 Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; Everlasting joy shall be theirs.
I am strugling against what I know is human..... but certainly not what I am supposed to do!
Hebrews 10 30-31
For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.”
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
God's timing is PERFECT
Daily Devotional posted on Joyce Meyer Ministries!
February 26
Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. —Isaiah 43:18
All of us must face and deal with disappointment at different times. No person alive has everything happen in life the way they want in the way they expect.
When things don't prosper or succeed according to our plan, the first thing we feel is disappointment. This is normal. There is nothing wrong with feeling disappointed. But we must know what to do with that feeling, or it will move into something more serious. In the world we cannot live without disappointment, but in Jesus we can always be given re-appointment!
In Philippians 3:13 the apostle Paul says, "But one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." Paul stated that one thing of greatest importance to him was to let go of what lay behind and press toward the things that were ahead! When we get disappointed, then immediately get re-appointed, that's exactly what we're doing. We're letting go of the causes for the disappointment and pressing toward what God has for us. We get a new vision, plan, idea, a fresh outlook, a new mind-set, and we change our focus to that. We decide to go on!
From the book New Day, New You: 365 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life by Joyce Meyer.
February 26
Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. —Isaiah 43:18
All of us must face and deal with disappointment at different times. No person alive has everything happen in life the way they want in the way they expect.
When things don't prosper or succeed according to our plan, the first thing we feel is disappointment. This is normal. There is nothing wrong with feeling disappointed. But we must know what to do with that feeling, or it will move into something more serious. In the world we cannot live without disappointment, but in Jesus we can always be given re-appointment!
In Philippians 3:13 the apostle Paul says, "But one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." Paul stated that one thing of greatest importance to him was to let go of what lay behind and press toward the things that were ahead! When we get disappointed, then immediately get re-appointed, that's exactly what we're doing. We're letting go of the causes for the disappointment and pressing toward what God has for us. We get a new vision, plan, idea, a fresh outlook, a new mind-set, and we change our focus to that. We decide to go on!
From the book New Day, New You: 365 Devotions for Enjoying Everyday Life by Joyce Meyer.
Claiming Victory
Isaiah 43:1-2
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 40
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, ( protect Chase O Lord!)
31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “ Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
Isaiah 40
28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, ( protect Chase O Lord!)
31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
To God Be the Glory!
God is SO good! He is so amazing! Thank you God for all my blessings! and YOUR promise for me that YOU have given me a measure of faith and by faith I have asked the mountain to be flung into the sea! That YOU will return to Chase AND me 7 fold what Satan has stolen! That YOU will make beauty from ashes! IT'S ALL YOURS GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND ALL THE GLORY AND HONOR WILL BE YOURS!!!!!!!!!!
Matthew 21:21Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done
Isaiah 61:3and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
HE IS MY ROCK
Jentzen Franklin
Genisis -28
11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there overnight, because the sun was set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down there to sleep.
18And Jacob rose early in the morning and took the stone he had put under his head, and he set it up for a pillar (a monument to the vision in his dream), and he poured oil on its top [in dedication].
19 And he named that place Bethel [the house of God]; but the name of that city was Luz at first.
Luz= Separation
Bethel += House of God
God can turn the place of sepration ( mess in your family- rejection) into the Place called God's
house.
God has designed the Rock so you can get a new DREAM!!!!!!!!!!!
Hosea 6
1 COME AND let us return to the Lord, for He has torn so that He may heal us; He has stricken so that He may bind us up.
Deuteronomy 30
1 AND WHEN all these things have come upon you, the blessings and the curses which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you,
2 And shall return to the Lord your God and obey His voice according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being,
3 Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion upon you and will gather you again from all the nations where He has scattered you.
4 Even if any of your dispersed are in the uttermost parts of the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and from there will He bring you.
5 And the Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will do you good and multiply you above your fathers.
6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being, that you may live.
7 And the Lord your God will put all these curses upon your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecute you.
8 And you shall return and obey the voice of the Lord and do all His commandments which I command you today.
9 And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, of your cattle, of your land, for good; for the Lord will again delight in prospering you, as He took delight in your fathers,
10 If you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being.
11 For this commandment which I command you this day is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off.
12 It is not [a secret laid up] in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven and bring it to us, that we may hear and do it?
13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear and do it?
14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your mind and in your heart, so that you can do it.
15 See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil.
16 [If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which] I command you today, to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land into which you go to possess.
17 But if your [mind and] heart turn away and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them,
18 I declare to you today that you shall surely perish, and you shall not live long in the land which you pass over the Jordan to enter and possess.
19 I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live
20 And may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
James 1
2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience
Jerimiah 29
11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Job 23
10 But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous].(B)
Genisis -28
11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there overnight, because the sun was set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down there to sleep.
18And Jacob rose early in the morning and took the stone he had put under his head, and he set it up for a pillar (a monument to the vision in his dream), and he poured oil on its top [in dedication].
19 And he named that place Bethel [the house of God]; but the name of that city was Luz at first.
Luz= Separation
Bethel += House of God
God can turn the place of sepration ( mess in your family- rejection) into the Place called God's
house.
God has designed the Rock so you can get a new DREAM!!!!!!!!!!!
Hosea 6
1 COME AND let us return to the Lord, for He has torn so that He may heal us; He has stricken so that He may bind us up.
Deuteronomy 30
1 AND WHEN all these things have come upon you, the blessings and the curses which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God has driven you,
2 And shall return to the Lord your God and obey His voice according to all that I command you today, you and your children, with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being,
3 Then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion upon you and will gather you again from all the nations where He has scattered you.
4 Even if any of your dispersed are in the uttermost parts of the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and from there will He bring you.
5 And the Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will do you good and multiply you above your fathers.
6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being, that you may live.
7 And the Lord your God will put all these curses upon your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecute you.
8 And you shall return and obey the voice of the Lord and do all His commandments which I command you today.
9 And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, of your cattle, of your land, for good; for the Lord will again delight in prospering you, as He took delight in your fathers,
10 If you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with all your being.
11 For this commandment which I command you this day is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off.
12 It is not [a secret laid up] in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven and bring it to us, that we may hear and do it?
13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear and do it?
14 But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your mind and in your heart, so that you can do it.
15 See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil.
16 [If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which] I command you today, to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His ordinances, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land into which you go to possess.
17 But if your [mind and] heart turn away and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them,
18 I declare to you today that you shall surely perish, and you shall not live long in the land which you pass over the Jordan to enter and possess.
19 I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live
20 And may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him. For He is your life and the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
James 1
2 Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
3 Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience
Jerimiah 29
11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
Job 23
10 But He knows the way that I take [He has concern for it, appreciates, and pays attention to it]. When He has tried me, I shall come forth as refined gold [pure and luminous].(B)
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Hold Me Jesus
Well, sometimes my life Just don't make sense at all
When the mountains look so big And my faith just seems so small
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul I swear there must be blisters on my heart
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees
And this Salvation Army band Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep It makes my resistance seem so thin
So hold me Jesus, cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
When the mountains look so big And my faith just seems so small
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
And I wake up in the night and feel the dark
It's so hot inside my soul I swear there must be blisters on my heart
So hold me Jesus, 'cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
Surrender don't come natural to me
I'd rather fight You for something I don't really want
Than to take what You give that I need
And I've beat my head against so many walls
Now I'm falling down, I'm falling on my knees
And this Salvation Army band Is playing this hymn
And Your grace rings out so deep It makes my resistance seem so thin
So hold me Jesus, cause I'm shaking like a leaf
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
You have been King of my glory
Won't You be my Prince of Peace
Monday, February 16, 2009
FBC Youth Group
The Youth group came over last night... I am so glad they like coming here...and that Chase likes to have them here.... when they are here I know where he is.....
We had spagetti, bread and brownies... can't go wrong there... they all love it and it is quick an easy...
I must admit... I wish I had their energy!!! Let see they were in dining room... in Chase's room... in the basement... in the attic ( didn't understand that one at all!!!) outside in the trees and in the ditch and chicken house( nothing like a rousing game of hide-in-seek in the dark in FEBRUARY- good thing I thought to call the neighbors-- living in the country someone might have gotten a little trigger happy with the way they were screaming out there...). back into Chase's room... back to the attic.. ( again-- who knows>>>) back to the basement..... and of course that was all with multiple passes the kitchen to "graze". They left about 12- and while they were here I called Matthew (their former youth pastor) and they all took turns talking to him which was great I think for everyone!
They are all such neat kids and have come together into such a neat group that truly cares for each other!
We had spagetti, bread and brownies... can't go wrong there... they all love it and it is quick an easy...
I must admit... I wish I had their energy!!! Let see they were in dining room... in Chase's room... in the basement... in the attic ( didn't understand that one at all!!!) outside in the trees and in the ditch and chicken house( nothing like a rousing game of hide-in-seek in the dark in FEBRUARY- good thing I thought to call the neighbors-- living in the country someone might have gotten a little trigger happy with the way they were screaming out there...). back into Chase's room... back to the attic.. ( again-- who knows>>>) back to the basement..... and of course that was all with multiple passes the kitchen to "graze". They left about 12- and while they were here I called Matthew (their former youth pastor) and they all took turns talking to him which was great I think for everyone!
They are all such neat kids and have come together into such a neat group that truly cares for each other!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
IT IS HARD!
I know... I am too blessed to be blue--- and I really AM trying to shake it.... I really am!!!!!!!!!!!
But I am SO SICK of doing the right thing....
sorry--- just had to get that out there!
I know that God wants what is best for me and I also know that HE wants what is best for Chase!!!which is why I am on the path I am on... I KNOW all that but it is getting harder and harder to do what I know I must do!
I also know that I am on His mission field right now in the journey He has requested that I be on... it might not be in the backwoods of a foriegn country- but trust me, the forrest is full of cannibels....(ones that lock you in a prison, eat you dreams, steal your love and totally suck the life out of you!)... but I digress...
I have had a tough week- but it seems that I do this time of year... I am a 'date' person... something people who aren't have a hard time understanding. Dates when something horrific happened seem to stick firmly in my brain- and the whole month of February eight years ago really was awful! Mom got so sick and then things spirialed from there....with her and in almost every other aspect of my life. ( I know God allowed these things to happen- and they ALL had to happen to get us-Chase and I- where we are today) BUT I HAVE to let these dates go.... I HAVE to move on.....
Dear Father,
Help me replace these feelings and dates with YOUR love and knowledge that my life is FIRMLY in your hands. And HE who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it! That you wiill give me the wisdom and courage to complete the journey you have asked me to do!
Stacie
Friday, February 13, 2009
A HUGE bill -- but a HUGE blesssing!
How can you be joyous about a $458.00 electric bill...
( especially when you budget $200)?????
God sure can use unique stuff to get our attention-- that is FOR sure.... but I am grateful....
The $450.00 bill led to a frantic service call... which led to some 'fixes' that led to another "small" snafu.... that led to another service call.... that led to a HUGE finding...
When the heat unit was installed less that 2 years ago... they wired part of the unit to an old fuse box. Just part of the unit mind you--------( who does something like that) the rest was to the breaker box like it was supposed to be.... Anyway, when the service guy came back (shout out to Dennis>>> a super Christian man who is involved with a homeless ministry on the weekends)-he discovered the wiring problem- that could have and SHOULD have burnt down the house. Praise God it did not!!!!!!!!! ( I keep thinking about the family in Colorado that lost their home last month -see A Place Call Simplicity link lower in my blog). I am so thankful that God allowed things to happen the way they did..... because if I had not had that HUGE bill... I would have never called anyone out..... and I can only imagine ( thank you God ) the possible consequences if we had not discovered the problem.
I still haven't figured out how I am going to pay a $458 electric bill + service calls..... but I am grateful ... and know that my GOD is in control and HE will help me with what I need....AND things I don't even KNOW I need.... Thank you God for working miracles everyday that we don't see..... and for the ones that we do!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
To Blessed to be Blue!
Feeling the blues lately.
Can't put my finger on it....not sure why.... probably alot of stuff... my baby growing up........ finances...... expenses...... things unknown.............over extended.........to much alone time..........not enough alone time..... too much parental stress and decision making for one set of shoulders.... my baby not needing help with decisions anymore............ see even trying to write it down doesn't make any sense!
But..........I know that God knows what is wrong................. He knows before I know................He feels before I feel............... He hurts before I hurt!
I guess I feel better when I can label the "issues" that way I can put it neatly in it's box and move on.... that is part of my problem...... my "closet" is full and overflowing with those tightly wrapped boxes............ the thought of unwrapping one.... much less the whole closet makes me feel like Pandora!
I wish I could name how or why I feel this way.... I wish I could "blame" something. I wish I had a TRUE reason to be blue.... BUT I DO NOT!!!!
I AM sooo BLESSED!!!!!!
Blessed beyond measure!!!!
Blessed beyond understanding!!!
Blessed beyond acceptance!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blessed beyond compare!!!!!!!!!!
Blessed beyond anything I DESERVE!!!!!!!!
Dear Lord- please help me to see all my blessings and praise YOUR mighty name. help me to stop the tears that flow for no reason! Help me to marvel in YOUR greatness and focus my thoughts on YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can't put my finger on it....not sure why.... probably alot of stuff... my baby growing up........ finances...... expenses...... things unknown.............over extended.........to much alone time..........not enough alone time..... too much parental stress and decision making for one set of shoulders.... my baby not needing help with decisions anymore............ see even trying to write it down doesn't make any sense!
But..........I know that God knows what is wrong................. He knows before I know................He feels before I feel............... He hurts before I hurt!
I guess I feel better when I can label the "issues" that way I can put it neatly in it's box and move on.... that is part of my problem...... my "closet" is full and overflowing with those tightly wrapped boxes............ the thought of unwrapping one.... much less the whole closet makes me feel like Pandora!
I wish I could name how or why I feel this way.... I wish I could "blame" something. I wish I had a TRUE reason to be blue.... BUT I DO NOT!!!!
I AM sooo BLESSED!!!!!!
Blessed beyond measure!!!!
Blessed beyond understanding!!!
Blessed beyond acceptance!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blessed beyond compare!!!!!!!!!!
Blessed beyond anything I DESERVE!!!!!!!!
Dear Lord- please help me to see all my blessings and praise YOUR mighty name. help me to stop the tears that flow for no reason! Help me to marvel in YOUR greatness and focus my thoughts on YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Look out world..... Here Comes Chase!!!!!!
Today my baby got his driver's permit. I just can't believe that these years have flown like this.... and better yet that I was not smart enough to ask the Lord to come back by the time he got his PERMIT---- not before he got his LICENSE.... not smart on my part.... (lol). I did tell him ( jokingly) that God was looking out for me because we had a small blizzard (or at least a blizzard for these parts) yesterday and I just KNEW it was God's sign that he just shouldn't be taking his test! My brother-in-law reassured us all though that on the contrary-- God knew that Chase could handle the extra challenge.
I took off work this afternoon for the "event". In our state, at the age of 15, you take the written part of the test to get your permit., then at age 16 he will take the driving portion to get his license. He did very well and I am so proud of him. The examiner even commented that it was very unusual for someone to do that well on their first try. He was so nervous though. This is the kid the shrugged off the taking the ACT at the then unknown to him high school and was cool as cucumber for that.... but today....a total bundle of nerves ..... he want me with him to do the talking, but didn't want me to say too much, he wanted me to sit with him during the wait before the exam, but I couldn't move (it made him nervous), he wanted me back up at the counter with him, but then I needed to go sit down, when he came out of the test area he made eye contact, but not wanting to interfere.... I stayed seated and then got the big eye roll and wave of the arm and a COME ON mouthed ever so dramatically..... BUT he did it!!!
He drove about a mile on "our" ride home. Our rode is not traveled heavily and he did really well. I did notice myself pushing hard against the passenger side door when he veered too close to the ditch ( what is up with that... like I can push us back over to the middle of the lane.?????.. )
Anyway, not sure what or where the next step is.... but I am sure it is going to be a year of discovery on BOTH OUR PARTS!......
I took off work this afternoon for the "event". In our state, at the age of 15, you take the written part of the test to get your permit., then at age 16 he will take the driving portion to get his license. He did very well and I am so proud of him. The examiner even commented that it was very unusual for someone to do that well on their first try. He was so nervous though. This is the kid the shrugged off the taking the ACT at the then unknown to him high school and was cool as cucumber for that.... but today....a total bundle of nerves ..... he want me with him to do the talking, but didn't want me to say too much, he wanted me to sit with him during the wait before the exam, but I couldn't move (it made him nervous), he wanted me back up at the counter with him, but then I needed to go sit down, when he came out of the test area he made eye contact, but not wanting to interfere.... I stayed seated and then got the big eye roll and wave of the arm and a COME ON mouthed ever so dramatically..... BUT he did it!!!
He drove about a mile on "our" ride home. Our rode is not traveled heavily and he did really well. I did notice myself pushing hard against the passenger side door when he veered too close to the ditch ( what is up with that... like I can push us back over to the middle of the lane.?????.. )
Anyway, not sure what or where the next step is.... but I am sure it is going to be a year of discovery on BOTH OUR PARTS!......
TRANSFORMED BY THE POWER
From the desk calendar
The Power of A Praying Woman
by Stormie O'Martian
Women all over the world want to live fruitful lives.
They want to dwell in God's grace while still obeying His laws.
They want to be unshakable in God's truth yet moved by the suffering and needs of others.
They want to know God in all the ways He can be known,
and they want to be TRANSFORMED by the power of His Spirit.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Chase Aaron
Today marks 15 years that I have been blessed with having Chase Aaron in my world!
He is such a miracle to me! and has taught me so much! He and I have been through some tough times together-but I keep reminding myself and seeing through Chase that the detours we have had to take in the "plan" that I thought was perfect has really made Chase into who he is today! And my- he is turning into such a wonderful young man!
Cha
se at 15.....
Chase is truly not my baby anymore- at 6'1" tall, 175 pounds and size 11 shoe-- he is truly growing UP!
Chase has gone from what reads on his passport as blond and blue eyed, to a very definite brunette... and sometimes... depending on his mood--- those baby blues can look green or hazel......
Chase has gone this year from the long shaggy look- back to a short cut ... and shaggy again...then short-- and threatening the buzz cut.... oh for the days of me being able to direct those shears at the hair dresser! he is blessed with LOTS of hairs-- so sometimes the shaggy look is reminiscent of the chia pet era (or at least from this "un-cool" Mom's perspective)
Chase knows what he likes as far as clothing ( American Eagle and Aeropostle seem to be cool at the moment)... but his tastes seem to change ... so I have learned that gift cards are the best way to make him happy.
Chase at 15 still LOVES to read... and when he gets his hands on a favorite- DO NOT INTERRUPT - as you will pay the price... one of his favorite authors right now are books by Ted Dekker.
Chase loves many Christian groups-- some I like too... and I must admit.. some he has to decipher for me as this "un-cool" mom can't understand the lyrics... some of his favs are Skillet, Reliant K and Toby Mac.
Chase LOVES his video games.... XBOX 360 rocks our house often... HALO and Guitar Hero seem to rule right now... but he also tells me he is practicing he is "driving skills" with Midnight Club LA... (trust me, I am STILL praying that the Lord returns before he gets his licence!!!)
He is such a miracle to me! and has taught me so much! He and I have been through some tough times together-but I keep reminding myself and seeing through Chase that the detours we have had to take in the "plan" that I thought was perfect has really made Chase into who he is today! And my- he is turning into such a wonderful young man!
Cha
se at 15.....Chase is truly not my baby anymore- at 6'1" tall, 175 pounds and size 11 shoe-- he is truly growing UP!
Chase has gone from what reads on his passport as blond and blue eyed, to a very definite brunette... and sometimes... depending on his mood--- those baby blues can look green or hazel......
Chase has gone this year from the long shaggy look- back to a short cut ... and shaggy again...then short-- and threatening the buzz cut.... oh for the days of me being able to direct those shears at the hair dresser! he is blessed with LOTS of hairs-- so sometimes the shaggy look is reminiscent of the chia pet era (or at least from this "un-cool" Mom's perspective)
Chase knows what he likes as far as clothing ( American Eagle and Aeropostle seem to be cool at the moment)... but his tastes seem to change ... so I have learned that gift cards are the best way to make him happy.
Chase at 15 still LOVES to read... and when he gets his hands on a favorite- DO NOT INTERRUPT - as you will pay the price... one of his favorite authors right now are books by Ted Dekker.
Chase loves many Christian groups-- some I like too... and I must admit.. some he has to decipher for me as this "un-cool" mom can't understand the lyrics... some of his favs are Skillet, Reliant K and Toby Mac.
Chase LOVES his video games.... XBOX 360 rocks our house often... HALO and Guitar Hero seem to rule right now... but he also tells me he is practicing he is "driving skills" with Midnight Club LA... (trust me, I am STILL praying that the Lord returns before he gets his licence!!!)
Chase is doing great in school-- EVEN if I did get an email about his "stage fright" episode... I must admit--- he should get points for creativity ( but don't tell him I said that!!!)
Chase is working into buffing up - with the perfect pushup,the ab-roller and the perfect pullups being mainstays in the house...
Chase is like every other teenager I know and can't seem to live without his "cellular device"... mind you he hardly EVER talks on it... something that this generation seems unable to do... but he is a texting KING>>>
Chase is an awesome help around the house and seems to be growing into a "man of the house role" as he is the disciplinarian of the crazy Maverick... and does our nightly "lock-up' to ensure the house is safe for the night. He works a list great.... but does still need a little "prompting" on some stuff...
Chase is an ALMOST always A student and is a lot smarter than his mom in many areas...he seems to love the maths and sciences....
Chase has an awesome... almost baritone voice.... but HATES to sing... so you rarely get to hear it unless he is goofing off...
Chase is is a Jr. Docent with the Living Heritage Museum and also is on the Athens Area Youth Council and volunteers a lot of his time to activities with them.
Chase is different with different groups... he can be very quiet and introspective... sometimes to the point this "uncool" mom worries... then he can be goofy and hilarious..like with his youth group...his drama class... or with the Museum folks. he has a dry quick sense of humor. He is a kind and compassionate person... but is cautious to who he shows this side to...understandably so..... he loves to be around people-- but can only do that is increments- then needs some time alone to just decompress.....
Chase is a great leader... but prefers to work alone if he gets the opportunity...
Chase has had more loss this year with his mentor and Youth Minister, Matthew- moving to attend seminary....Matthew stepped up and stepped in during some very crucial times in Chase's life this past year when he really needed a man for guidance (I have discovered that as a Mom-- there are times that I can not be there for him-)- he was hurt with Matthew leaving-but has maintained a good relationship with Matthew-even if he is many states away....
Chase sees things in black and white and has strong opinions about things.... if he has made his mind up about something... very rarely will you change it....
Chase discovered in Spiritual Gifts early this year that he is a Perceiver/Compassion person.. those gifts explain a lot about who Chase is....
Chase is an AWESOME CHRISTIAN young man... with a faith that moves mountains... and more importantly moves his mother to places where she needs to be! i can not wait to see what God has in store for the upcoming years in his life!
THANK YOU GOD FOR BLESSING ME WITH THIS AMAZING CHILD!
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