My boys.........

Michael wore this to college today. Paul stayed home from school because the kid is sick but then he went to youth at church tonight dressed as a skateboarder.

Just look at my sons. I am so proud. Not! hehehe I know that it is the dream of every mother to have a pirate and a punker. (snicker)

A photo from Saturday of Paul......

fishing, or... well... sleeping by our pond.



Here is a close up of him. He took this using a tripod and his camera with its timer setting. I thought they were neat. I especially love the one with the view.

A few of Michael's ceramic pieces

This is a photo taken today of Michael at the college.



This is my favorite piece. I wish y'all could see the detail. I told him that I want this piece!


Michael loves his ceramics class at college. He enjoys shaping items with his hands more than using the wheel. LOL

Here are a few pictures of him and some of his pieces that are on display in the college library. My favorite of this group is his African candy dish. After he gets these pieces out from behind glass, I'll get some better pictures. Oh, his Christmas piece is cute, too. The other pieces that he made are a wolf and a squirrel.

It is actually getting closer!

I am talking about Demonstration Teaching and then graduation. It's hard to believe that this goal is nearly accomplished. I am looking into Master degree programs and trying to decide which way I want to go to pursue this next degree. I was seriously thinking about getting a Master in Technology and Education but now I am considering getting one in Curriculum design. That would go along with my creative juices. I so enjoyed creating Units of study when I was homeschooling Michael.

My braces are on my teeth! There will be no photos. They have really given me fits this week. I would have thought that after giving birth that my pain tolerance would have been higher.

Mark is really wanting to get his DMA. If he can't make that happen, he's considering getting his EdS. We shall see how everything comes into play over the next several months. The DMA would open doors for him to teach at a college or seminary level. This was always his goal before the children were kidnapped. Then our lives took on a totally different spin. The EdS would just be a very nice salary increase with the public schools. Ministry is where he feels calls and where his passion lies, though. So, we shall see what doors and windows and opportunities that God provides.

Michael is saving money to buy a car. We are planning on helping him out with some of it. It will be very nice when he has his own wheels. Although, being that Mark's school and Michael's college are across the street from each other, sharing Mark's truck has worked out alright, not perfect but doable.

I saw Paul's band march a complete show this past Friday night. They did a great job. I love that child. I wonder if our children ever really know just how much we adore them? I wonder if when they have children of their own, they finally figure it out?

I have so much to get accomplished in the next month and a half. I have to get a little script together and build the set for the children's Christmas pageant at church. I have two huge classes to finish up and one objective proctored test with my college and I am taking Georgia's Content Area exams on Saturday. It kind of makes my head spin.

I am hoping that this Thanksgiving will be spent right here at home. I really do not want to travel this year.

Well, that's a small update on my life.

Blessings,
Debbie

A post about battling depression.......

A precious mom from my board ChristianMoms located at Excoboards, posted to me today thanking me for something that I had posted to her several months back. She told me that she had printed it out and saved the words. Today, she read them again. She wanted to thank me for them.

I am posting them here in the hopes that they may help someone else.


I will pray that you begin to experience true joy in your life.

Don't get this confused with the world's definition of joy. Joy is not based on our physical situation, on the people in our lives, on our income, home, number of children, and the list goes on. Joy is based on knowing, understanding and believing who we are in Christ. We are hidden in Him.

In order to be hidden in Christ, we must spend time with Him - daily. You need to pray, meditate on the scriptures (notice that I didn't say - quickly read them but meditate on them), learn to have a thankful spirit, and also we must practice forgiveness. We must forgive ourselves and others.

As we meditate upon the scripture, we must begin to truly follow it and apply it to every situation in our life. The Word of God, at times, cuts to our hearts. It cuts out improper thoughts, actions, and feelings. This process is painful but if we keep on turning to the Word, keeping on praying and praising God, those places that had to be surgically removed from us by the Sword of the Word begin a healing process. God pours His truth and life out in our lives if we simply seek Him.

Seek Him daily and you shall find Him.

Lots of us make the mistake of stopping before the process is completed in areas of our lives. We start with all good intention to be faithful in spending TIME with God but then as the Word begins to speak to us, we can't stand the pain. So, we cover the pain with a facade and decide that we must really be an un-favored step-child of God instead of joint heirs with Jesus. This causes depression and hopeless feelings in our lives.

Beloved,

God has a plan for your life and it is good. He wants you to reach out with the faith of a child and jump into His arms and trust Him. Do you remember when our children are little and right under our feet? I remember trying to make supper with toddlers and babies attached to my legs. They wanted a couple of things. First, they smelled the food and wanted to eat the good things that I was preparing for them. However, they had to WAIT until the food was done cooking. I couldn't feed a child a raw chicken leg. To a toddler, I am sure that waiting time felt forever. Also, they sometimes wanted MY attention. They were tired and just wanted their mommy to STOP whatever chore I was doing and hold them.

I honestly feel that we are to approach the Father like our babies approached us. We need to get under His feet and hold on to His legs and He will give us the good things He is preparing for us and sometimes, He just stops and scoops us up in His arms and holds us a while.

Only God and His Word and then obeying it will take away this depression and allow you to experience life to the full.

I will be praying as you seek God.

Love,
Debbie

Healing

I have pondered the question of healing for years. I get bothered by ministries that seem to broadcast that they can heal you and yet, I know that prayers of faith accomplish much.

In recent months, I have had a couple of experiences with praying for church family. One of the choir members told me that her arthritis was really hurting her that evening. She told me this privately. I reached over and touched her and prayed. I asked for God to take the pain away. I felt a compassion for her because I have experienced arthritis and I didn’t want her to hurt. Two weeks later, she came up to me and said, ‘Debbie, I have been meaning to tell you something. Remember when you prayed for me about the arthritis pain? Well, the pain left that night and I have had none since.” I simply smiled and told her that I was happy for her.

Last Wednesday night, our pastor called me aside to tell me that he had been diagnosed with a kidney infection and his back was killing him. He went on the say that he thought he might even have a fever. He wanted me to explain to Mark why he and his wife left before adult choir rehearsal. When he told me that he thought he might have a fever, I reached up and placed my hand on his forehead and check. I told him that I would tell Mark why they left and then I told him that I wanted to pray for him. He seemed rather taken back, I placed my head on his shoulder and prayed that God would take his pain away and allow him to fly like wings of eagles – pain free. Sunday, as Mark and I were leaving the church, the pastor quietly told Mark and me that when I got done praying for him, that the pain had immediately left and had not returned. He just wanted me to know.

I told him that God was good and prayer was powerful.

When Christi was a little girl, I got migraines frequently. She would rub my arm and pray and the headache would go away. She was started doing this for me when she was only 5 years old. I used to tell Mark that her prayers that contained the faith of a child were heard by my God.

Mark and I have prayed for other people and organized prayers for people that were given death sentences and they lived. One time a men was dying of cancer in a church we were serving. The cancer had gone away but had come back worse than the first time. This man and his wife asked for Mark and me to go to dinner with them one evening. They told us that he was dying. They had told the senior pastor and the chairman of the deacons and they had gone over all the legal documents and his wife and kids would be taken care of. I sat at this table and did not know how to respond. His doctor had told him that there was nothing left to be done and to get everything in order. I finally said, “Gary, do you want to die? What do you want from Mark and me?” Why in the world I asked such a heartless question is still beyond me. He replied no that he didn’t want to die but didn’t tell us what he wanted. He just sat there looking so very sad and beaten. Then I asked him if he wanted us to pray for him by arranging a group to meet at his house. He said that yes he wanted prayer. Mark began to organize a large group of people to meet at Gary’s house and to pray for him. Mark contacted pastors from other denominations. He told our pastor and chairman of the deacons about the prayer time and they laughed in his face. Later, we found out from others that our pastor was angry with Mark for arranging the prayer for Gary. He was telling them that the prayer would not work.

That evening a large group of people met at Gary’s house. We circled their house and prayed. As everyone came back into the front yard, Mark said, “This doesn’t feel right.” He instructed everyone to gather round Gary and his family and either touch him or touch someone else who was touching him. The group began to pray. It took the sound of a mighty rushing wind. The sound of the prayers all spoken together was amazing.

On Gary’s next trip to the doctor, the doctor brought up a method of treating other types of cancer. He told Gary that this treatment would probably not work for him but they could try if Gary wanted. Gary decided to fight. After the treatment, Gary went into remission. God had spoken. Instead of burying him, we were able to celebrate with him and his precious family.

Prayers and healing, prayers and faith and faith like a child are vital in our lives. Sometimes, God answers no and that healing doesn’t take place. But, many times, God says, “Yes.” Yes, to healing.

I have several more examples of times that we have prayed for people and they were healed. I used to be surprised but now I kind of expect it.

I have prayed so many times for God to heal my Michael of his dyslexia and yet, Michael is still dyslexic. However, when Michael was 16 months old, a specialist told me that my son had nerve damage and could not hear at all. I went to God in prayer for my son. I didn’t know that I could pray for healing – so I prayed for strength. I gave my baby to Christ and saw myself walk away from my child and leave him at the feet of my Savior. Two months later, Michael was tested again – and his hearing was perfect. Even though I hadn’t specifically prayed for God to heal him with my voice, my spirit begged God and He answered my prayer.

I have been thinking about these prayers and the movement of God since Sunday morning. Yes, God is good.

Going nuts!!

I have been working like a nut cake trying to get tons of assignments done for a college class. I need to complete four more tasks in this class and study for a major exam that I am taking on Wednesday. Sometimes, I wonder about my sanity in trying to complete a year's worth of classes in 3 months time. God has been gracious in allowing me some decent brain activity in writing this stuff up. I have been reading so much that my eyes burn.

I was fixing to start writing a paper this afternoon, when Paul came in and told me that he needed a little help with three projects that he has due in Health and Physical science. That child of mine!! Instead of me writing my papers, I had help Paul find what he needed. He has completed one project and, hopefully, his daddy will help him with the other two tomorrow.

Mark had seven students pass out last night and five ended up in the hospital. He didn't get home until 4:30 AM!! He has been one tired puppy today.

Now... my news........ I am getting my spacers for my braces next Wednesday after my test. And, the following week I get my braces. I am not quite sure how I feel about all this at my age. Oh, well. Lauri's son Aaron doesn't know why I care how I look at my age. Oh, to be 20 again. I told him that it wasn't just to have straight teeth. It was a matter of KEEPING my teeth which are shifting. Anyway, I am praying that God allows me to say that to him in 25 or 30 years. LOL

I need to check on a roast in the oven and work on a paper.

Blessings,
Debbie

Todays thoughts .....

My determined purpose is to begin to thank God the Father for all unseen circumstances. I thanked Him for healing me. I thanked Him for restoring my family. I thanked Him for provision in all things. After a time of prayer this morning, I felt compelled to read Colossians 2. I have read Colossians many times but in order to be obedient to the prompting of God, I grabbed one of my Bibles and began to read. The verses that struck a deep chord in my mind and heart today read, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.”

Complete is a lovely word. The Oxford American Dictionary defines complete as “1. having all its parts, not lacking anything, 2. finished, and 3. thorough in every way.”

The question that came into my mind was, “Debbie, do you believe this? Do you believe my Word?” A sense of new found freedom came over me and my heart rejoiced because I realized that I had been double minded in certain areas of the scripture. While I had believed God for my salvation, I certainly didn’t believe that I was complete. I have felt that my heart and mind were ripped in pieces many years ago leaving me as one of God’s stepchildren who was able to receive some of His blessings but not all of them.

I have believed through circumstances in my life that I was unworthy. When your parents steal two of your children and slander you and your beloved husband, one can begin to doubt that the blessings of God (all of His blessings) pertain to you.

Today felt like a rebirth. I decided to believe that I was complete, finished, and not lacking anything in Christ. Today my faith was renewed.

Thank you, Father, Son, and Spirit.

Well, since I posted the great picture of Paul....

I decided to post a photo of the other men in my life. I made it a few weeks ago.

This one is of Mark and me. We were having family portraits made that day; however, Paul's eye swelled up and looked horrible. He wouldn't let me make a picture of him and needless to say I didn't buy any portaits.



This is the most current portrait that I have of our family. Paul was six and Michael was 15. I think it's time for a new one.

Growing up too fast...

My baby went to a black and white semi-formal affair last night. Now, this doesn't surprise me, it just makes me want to slow down time a bit. He got his learner's permit a week ago, so now he driving everytime he gets into the car. He is loving High School band and literature. When did the little boy disappear?

Tybee Island

Mark was off this week, sort of. Let me rephrase that statement. His school was scheduled to have this week off but Mark has had three rehearsals and has a football game tonight. So, while he has had some time off, it certainly hasn't been a week. However, we did get away on Tuesday to Tybee Island. I forgot my camera or I would be posting pictures. Mark and I had a wonderful day. We tried getting into the ocean but we are used to the warmer waters of the gulf after living in Florida for seven years. The ocean was active with lots of current and waves and the breeze on the beach was lovely. The only inconvenience of a nice breeze on the beach is that the sand likes to blow. My hair was filled with sand.

We ate dinner at a fun place called The Crab Shack. It is off of Highway 80 and it is located on a salt marsh. Great atmosphere and even better food!

It was nice spending time alone with my husband. I am so thankful that we have a relationship that doesn't always have to be about the boys, or church, or chores. The day was peaceful. There is something calming about walking on a near empty beach with the love of your life. God’s power of creation is so evident when I see the ocean or travel up into the mountains. I asked Mark on Tuesday if he thought God had fun creating this world.

Be still

I always know when the world is too much with me. I have had to be quiet a lot today. I can’t really say where the day has gone. But, I needed to hear from my Lord. My favorite verse is: “Be still and know that I am God.” I have a hard time being still. I struggle with the desire to want to escape when I am afraid or when I am hurting. Yet, God wants me to wait on Him. He desires to love me no matter what situation that I find myself in and He wants me to seek Him out.

“Be Still” those words echo in my mind and spirit today. “Be Still” and let God cover me with His unending love. “Be Still” and listen to His quiet voice. “Be Still” and trust Him.

I was feeling guilty for not following my plan for this day. But, I needed to get quiet before my God.

The Power of Prayer

Yesterday, I was nearly overcome with sadness and emotion. It was dealing with our case and I needed to talk with someone. Honestly, I didn’t want too. I just wanted to run, or hide, or fall asleep for a very long time. My husband even gave this person my cell number. Then, he called me and told me to be expecting the call. I told him that I had already seen the call (caller id) and that I had chosen to ignore it. My attitude upset my husband but I frankly didn’t have the strength to take the call.

My day had started in an ordinary way. My older son is off doing training with his college. My youngest son ate breakfast. I reviewed some terms with him for a test. Mark tried to read the scripture to us – but wasn’t able to complete the chapter we were on. This was followed by morning prayer. Then, he and Paul left to go to their prospective schools.

I decided to watch Joyce Myers and have a bowl of cereal. Since, I am trying to lose weight, I also exercised. I checked my emails and my ChristianMom board and then decided to finish up my laundry and complete the ironing. I had just been hanging all of the guys’ dress shirts up in the laundry room for most of the summer and only ironing a shirt for them on Sunday mornings. The past few days, I had been trying to work through that pile of shirts and some of my summer slacks.

My plan was to get the ironing done, sweep the kitchen floor, mop it, and start to work on some college assignments. I was interrupted. Mark called me to tell me that I needed to talk to this person. And, I proceeded to lose it.

Frustration with myself overtook me. I know that this person is trying to help but the emotional toll it takes on me is debilitating. I went to my board and simply posted that I needed prayer. I didn’t post a reason but simply something like, “I need prayer right now.”

Within minutes, the sweet ladies on my board began responding and letting me know they were praying. I was no longer alone in my situation because God had provided me with immediate outreach and support through the wonderful technology of the Internet. Knowing that a group of ladies from all over this country were praying for me gave me strength. But, it wasn’t just that head knowledge. I could feel the power of their prayers. I began to gain a sense of protection and peace within my mind. My thoughts began to settle down and God began to speak to my heart.

He reminded me that He is with me and that I can do all things through the authority of Christ. Christ understands my frailty and is fully able to put within me His strength. In those moments of despair and sorrow, that is easy to forget. I wish I could say that all the fear, sadness, and heartbreak were immediately taken away from me; however, that wasn’t the case. Instead, I gained wisdom and courage. I still had to walk through (and continue to walk through) the situation but I didn’t have to do it alone. God is and will continue to walk before me as my shield and He is also my rear guard.

Intercessory prayer is so powerful. Before I sought prayer, I could hardly breathe due to the sorrow. Yet, the prayers of my board ladies gave me reassurance. These prayers were indeed received by the Father and He imparted to me grace to get through the day regardless of the difficulties that I had to endure.

I want to encourage each of you today to stop and pray for someone. Pray for them fully knowing that God hears your prayer and will step into the situation and relationship for which you are praying. I was blessed by prayers yesterday from ladies and I was able to do what I needed to do. Be a prayer warrior for someone today.

Blessings,
Debbie

Choosing Happiness.....

Do we decide whether or not to be happy? Is that decision within our power? Do we allow circumstances to influence our joy in life?

These questions came to me a little bit ago. I think that some of us allow the world around us to yield too much power in our lives. We get up everyday and do exactly the same thing and then cry that we aren’t happy. Worry over finances, our children, or our spouses robs many Christians of their joy. Yet, the apostle Paul tells us that we should rejoice in all things.

So, how do we put ourselves into a position where joy reigns supreme in our lives? August is a difficult month for me because it’s my daughter’s birthday. I find that even when I control my thoughts during the day that my dreams are invaded by sadness and memories. I have been contemplating what actions that I need to take to avoid the trap of sadness.

First, I have to submit this area of my life to Christ. I have to tell Him, “Lord, this hurts and breaks my heart, please take away this sorrow.” I also have to pray and read the scripture. I need to allow God to wrap me up in the Word.

Next, I have to let go of it. If my mind begins to wander in that area, I stop it. I do something that requires concentration in order to get it accomplished. I cannot just sit idly by and allow my mind to replay past events and memories. This always and only brings me into a lower state of depression and sad.

Finally, I have to make a list of my blessings and then thank God for them. I have to practice gratitude. I get specific. I say things like: Thank you for my husband who is devoted to me. Thank you for protecting Michael and not allowing my parents to kidnap him, too. Thank you for giving us Paul. Thank you for dear friends.

I also think on certain scriptures that comfort me or remind me of God’s promises.

Usually, when I follow these steps, I realize that my happiness (or joy) can be found. Often, it’s my job to dig it up from being buried under piles of self. I have to trust God. When I get rid of the garbage, my life seems brighter and I can see hope and a future.

Blessings,
Debbie

Summer Vacation is over......

The dog days of summer are definately here; however, life has moved quickly forward into the school year. Our family is on four different school schedules. ugh! Paul attends High School here in town. Mark works in another county. Michael's college schedule starts later than both and my college semester is different from everyone's. I have noticed that none of our spring breaks seem to coincide this year. That should be real interesting. I do believe that I will be Demonstration Teaching in Mark's system come January, so at least, he and I will have the same schedule.

Paul is getting sick but he told me that school is a must and he can't miss any days or he'll get behind. He is spending hours doing homework each evening and he looks totally exhausted. Last night he told me that he needed to take some breathing treatments. That's a first. Paul will usually fight having to sit and do those so I am concerned about my sweet boy's health.

Michael started his job on campus which is great because he needed an income. He will be working 20 hours a week while in school. That shouldn't interfere with his study time too much.

Mark has been working non-stop trying to get his band ready for the first game. He started with the students nearly two weeks before school officially got underway.

Things at church have been great. We really love our church. I just wish it was closer. I feel like we can't fellowship with our members. That's the difficult thing about serving in a church that is not in the community. Mark has picked out the Christmas cantata. He is planning to begin rehearsals on it by Sept.

Right now with the weather so horrible, I can hardly imagine singing Christmas music. Oh, well.

That's a little update on our lives.

Blessings,
Debbie

Well.... I guess that I am officially done with.....

homeschooling. After 17 of schooling my sons, I enrolled Paul in Public High School yesterday. He is starting his 9th grade year. Mark and I have prayed much about this decision. Paul has maintained that he wanted to attend High School since the 6th grade. It's rather funny. For me, it feels like something precious is leaving my life but Mark and Paul are both rather excited about the entire process.

I do believe that Paul will have some advantages in the High School. I haven't yet figured out how to do marching band in homeschool. In Florida, Paul was able to do electives through the public school system. That worked out so nicely. However, Georgia does not allow homeschooled students to take any classes. I guess my tax dollars do not count in Georgia.

He is taking a full load of seven periods. I hope that he doesn't feel overwhelmed. But, I am expecting this transition to take some getting used it. The house is going to feel so quiet and lonely during the days with him gone. He has always brought such sunshine into my life. I will miss him.

Paul on the other hand is excited beyond words. He has read all the school rules on clothing and the lists of his needed supplies several times. I am glad that he is excited about this new life experience. He told me last night, that he wasn't going to tell me when he went off to college. He is just not going to come home one day and the next time that I see him, he'll have his degree. I don't even want to think about him going off to college. LOL

Changes and new beginnings are hard on me. I have had too many in my life; however, I know that certain changes are to be expected. I am praying that the Lord grants Paul a successful 9th grade year and that he gives me grace and wisdom and the ability to embrace this change in our family.

Blessings,
Debbie

Summer is passing by all too quickly!

I have said this before and I really mean - the world is spinning faster from when I was a child. Remember when you had to wait forever for your birthday or Christmas to arrive? Now, I don't seem to have the time to anticipate events before they are upon me. Mark's band camp starts next week! This is our last week of sleeping in and nice leisurely breakfasts while we watch the ducks on the pond and the hummingbirds at their feeder. I want to cement these days in my mind. I want to remember to enjoy each moment of every day - no matter what I am doing.

We are so blessed. Our sons are wonderful. Our home is secure. Our marriage is strong. Our churches are loving. God has placed friends in our lives that bless us. However,time is moving too fast. I stay so busy that I somedays forget to stop and simply rejoice at all that I see.

We have had a busy summer. We vacationed, had house guests for a week and a half, did some remodeling of the kitchen and guest bathroom. That job was forced on us since our cabinets fell off the wall. Paul has been gone three weeks to camps. Michael has taken it easy. He did list some items on ebay and made a few dollars. I have been frantically trying to finish up my Foundation in Education classes in order to get ready for Demonstration Teaching in January. I am still amazed at how quickly that I have been able to work on this degree. That's a blessing, too.

It's wonderful to see long term goals and dreams begin to come into being. Paul is starting public school this year. He will be a Freshman. Amazing. It seems like yesterday that I was picking up a five week old baby. God is good.

Michael will be a Junior this year after his first semester. He has gotten a job on campus and will also be serving in Student Government. He is also one of the leaders for new student orientation at his campus.

Mark will be preaching on July 29 and August 5 in Dr. Perry's absence. He is finishing up writing his band show - which has to be completed before Monday morning. He is doing a Disney theme show this year. It should be fun for the students.

This will be the first year that I haven't homeschooled at least one of my children since 1980! That's a lot of years homeschooling. I hope Paul likes attending school and that he does great in his classes. That is my sincere prayer for him this year.

Right now, I need to complete a few more assignments so I can begin to study for my Basic Skills exams. These are the first series of exams that I have to take to get my teaching certification from Georgia. I take those on August 4. What fun! I start piano lessons on August 9. It looks like I have picked up two extra students for this year.

I hope that life continues to be sweet and peace reigns in our home. May God's presence light all of our paths and may His grace and love guide our thoughts and words.

Blessings,
Debbie

Some pictures from our trip to see Mark's family.

We went up to Tennessee this past week for a few days. We got to see all of his brothers and sisters and most of the nieces and nephews. Mark's mom is doing pretty good. She is recovering from a stroke she has last December. She is able to get around with the use of a cane. Her memory is not great.




Photo #1: Mark, Michael, Stan, & Paul


Photo #2: Mark, Michael, Stan (Mark's older brother), Emily (Stan's wife), & Paul


Photo #3: First Cousins: Katie, Baby Graham, Mandy Lee, Aubrey, Peyton, Paul, & Michael


Photo #4: Newest Nephew. Graham and his mom, Kelly. Kelly is married to Mark's youngest brother Tim.


Photo #5: Brothers, Sisters, and their Mom
Jane, Mark, Charlotte, Tim, Joan, & Stan

Some pictures from the Fourth!

Paul was at Boy Scout camp on the fourth; however, my friend Lauri was down. We had a nice day. Paul came home on Saturday and we had a small celebration with him, too. These are pictures from both of those days.

Blessings,
Debbie

Posting more pictures.

Here are some pictures of our trip to VA. We spent one day in D.C. and met up with some friends. The fourth pic is a group shot from that day. The fifth one is Mark and me at a comedy show. The sixth one is our nation's capital and the last one is a family shot of us at the caverns. On this trip we also visited the old stone church that Mark's family attended in the 1700's and got baptism records of his relatives. That was very cool. Those first three shots are at the church. The book is the record book of baptism from the 1700's!

June is almost over!

Man, oh man, this year is flying by so very fast. Summer has been nice and we have stayed busy. We went camping at Stone Mountain the end of May. The second week of May, we spent in VA in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mountains were huge and lovely. This past Tuesday, my friend, Linda, flew up from Florida. She is staying until Tuesday. And, today, Lauri drove on down. Linda, Mark and I have been busy painting and decorating the the guest bath and kitchen. I am pleased. :)This past Sunday night after midnight, one of my kitchen cabinets fell out of the wall. What a mess!!! I am going to post some pictures taken while in Stone Mountain.

Here's a fun quiz that a friend has on her Blog.

You Belong in 1976

Bold and brash, you take life by the horns. Whether you're partying or protesting, you give it your all!

What Year Do You Belong In?

Bird Song

A few days ago, Paul had opened the kitchen windows and was allowing a gentle breeze to filter and float through the house. Springtime is always such a joyous time. New colors adorn the landscape. New leaves of shades of green, yellow appear on the bare trees. White and pink blossoms begin to fill the wooded areas that surround our house. The hue of the water in the pond even seems to be brighter and happier. It seems to welcome the ducks and geese. The turtles have been sunning on the rocks. Paul had counted twenty-one while fishing the other day. All of life seems to be revived and new. For some unknown reason, no one had turned the TV on in the kitchen that evening. And, as I was setting the table, I heard a faint chorus of song birds. Their song had started quietly until the other birds, not to be undone, began to sing along. Finally, it sounded like three or four different types of birds were chirping and singing brightly as the sun began its descent in the sky. These birds were singing to honor the glorious day where God's presence had filled a small piece of the earth. Their song caused me to pause and listen. Mark walked into the room and I looked up at him and started to say something about the music. He was listening too. After enjoying the song for a few minutes, he quietly said, "Isn't that beautiful?" Beautiful. It was beautiful. Amazing that these little creatures who have to brave the elements, dig and hunt for their food, stop and take the time to praise the Creator. There seemed to be urgency in their song. They needed to be heard. They knew they had to sing and use their gift of music to show admiration for God and to praise Him. They sing to the unseen God not even realizing the joy they give to those unseen people who simply pause and listen to their song. They were created to sing. It is their destiny and they follow it. Amazing and wondrous. I now feel compelled to stop and ponder my song. Do I sing my song of thanksgiving each evening to this wonderful God that created me? Do others get to stop in their hurried lives and join in with my rejoicing and then humbly say, “Beautiful?" God teaches and preaches to me gently. He leads me by the still waters and the marvelous song of the birds. He poses the question, “Debbie, are you living the destiny and purpose for which I created you?” He asks each of us. The birds’ song has begged me to search my own heart and life and seek out only God’s purpose and calling. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all Creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. Blessings,Debbie

Some more diet news.....

This is our fourth day on the 90 Day Immune System Makeover and things are going good. One of the best things, for me, has been that I have NOT been awakened during the night at all with the severe leg cramps! This is amazing. I also purchased a 4 inch Serta memory foam topper for our bed which arrived on Friday, too. God seems to be working all this things together. Three wonderful nights of excellent sleep. This is making a huge difference in the way that I feel, too. Back to the effects of the makeover. I have lost about 7 pounds. I have successfully come off caffeine and already my head is clearer. We had a cold front come in and usually that causes me to have pain in my joints especially my hands and shoulders. However, since coming off the sugar, I have not had that experienced joint pain with this weather change. From what I am reading, refined sugar is very damaging to our bodies. I told Mark yesterday while driving to church, that if I need to totally stop eating the stuff in order to feel good, that I was willing. I have been feeling so very bad and that has an impact on all areas of your life. I plan on living at least another 40 years and I want the same health report on me that Moses had at 120 years old! I remember years ago that my doctor told me that I always needed to keep my weight below the chart level because of my bones. I am tall, a little over 5' 7" but I have narrow bones. He said that extra weight or even weighing the chart weights would be hard on my bones and that I would develop problems. He told me this when I was in my 20's. I was not overweight in my 20's. In fact, I weighed below 130 pounds. But, in your 20's, you think that you are going to live forever. You don't think that your body is going to fail you and you take your health for granted. So, that's where we are at on Day 4 of our journey to good health. Blessings, Debbie

Books that I am using to help us GET healthy!

I meant to include these titles in the blog below. I am reading three of Janet Maccaro books: 1. 90-Day Immune System Makeover - this one I highly recommend. I am trying to follow all of her suggestions. Her testimony is excellent and will motivate you to try and get your body back in balance as intended by God. 2. Midlife Meltdown - I started reading this book yesterday. This morning, I read Mark some things dealing with men's health issues. 3. Natural Health Remedies - I've just started looking at this one. It appears to have some good information. It takes health issues and discusses natural remedies. I am very interested in the section dealing with asthma. The other book that I orderd but I haven't started reading it yet is: SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life by StevenG. Pratt, M.D., and Kathy Matthews. The foods listed that are considered SuperFoods are: Beans, Blueberries, Broccoli, Oats, Oranges, Pumpkin, Wild Salmon, Soy, Spinach, Tea, Tomatoes, Turkey (Skinless Breast), Walnuts, and Yogurt. As I read more of all the books, I will try and remember to post about some of the most helpful or interesting findings. Good Health! Blessings, Debbie

Th

Day one is over!

Yesterday on the system clean-out both Mark and I developed killer headaches. No surprise since we are both lovers of coffee. I have bought to replace it Decaf Green tea, dandelion tea, and chamomile tea. All of these teas have some beneficial properties. 1. Green tea - antibacterial, protects against some forms of cancer, heart health protection, and aids in fat burning. 2. Dandelion tea (not my favorite taste) - Cleanses liver, aids in increased bile production, Cleanses blood of uric acid and toxins, thus preventing abscesses, boils, and rheumatism. 3. Chamomile tea - helps with stess, anxiety, and insomnia. Good for indigestion. (The above information taken from: Natural Health Remedies by Janet Maccaro.)

Mark and I are both taking 1 teaspoon of dark cherry juice concentrate three times daily. This helps with gout. Mark's toes are already feeling better. I am taking it to reduce swelling in my hands and fingers. To aid in cleaning us out, we are using Nature's Secret Ultimate Cleanse. I bought this from the health food store. The instructions are pretty easy. The other part of this cleansing is drinking a green drink. Now, when Mark smelled our green drink (the powder mix) his comment was, "Debbie, this smells like cow manure." In its defense, I don't think it smells like that. He did drink it mixed with 8 oz. of orange juice. I did too. The green drink gives you an energy boost. Well, so far - we have complete 1 day! We are 1 day closer to feeling better. Oh, we are supposed to do thirty minutes of walking or some form of exercise three days a week while cleansing. We plan on walking today. Blessings, Debbie

Today is the first day of my immune system make-over!

I am finally biting the bullet and going to try and start feeling better. I had ordered the book 90-Day Immune System MakeOver by Janet Macccaro. It came in the mail on Wednesday. I started reading it after church and yesterday I spent a small fortune at the health food store. This book directs you in how to clean out your system of toxins. It is also a wheat, dairy, red meat, refined sugar and caffeine free program. I read in the book, that we will feel worse before we feel better. When I was purchasing the stuff at the heath food store, the lady selling me the stuff, told me the same thing. Fun. You will basically get flu-like symptoms. So, I imagine this is going to be a joy-ride. NOT! I told Mark last night that we HAD to come off the coffee. So, he make a half pot this morning and I can smell it sitting in the kitchen - calling my name. I reminded him that we are NOT supposed to be drinking caffeine. He's not a happy camper and actually sounded angry with me and asked, "How am I supposed to get through the day." He then processed NOT to have any coffee. Here's the deal. I want Mark to do this with me but I am not going to be his personal diet police. I also asked him the read two books (I also bought Mid-life Meltdown by the same author.) and his EYES glazed over and he told me that he didn't need too and he would just do as I instructed him to do. grrrrrrrrrrr. I want him to understand the process. Michael told me that he wanted to do it, too. But, he needed to wait past today so he could have the fried fish at college. Yes, they are both committed to this program. (insert eyeroll) Paul has a bass guitar lesson today. So, I guess I need to shower and get him up to get ready. Blessings, Debbie

In an attempt to lighten my mood.....

I thought that I would share a few funnies from the past few days. Lauri's 18 year old son found out that I will be getting braces. His comment was, "Why? At your age? Why do you care what you look like?" Sigh. I told him that my teeth were shifting and moving forward and the dentist had said that I could end up losing my teeth. Aaron says, "How? Are they just going to pop out?" LOL Later that day, his MOTHER gave me the meanest birthday card about getting age spots. I said, "I need to go have laser done and get rid of them!" Aaron heard me say that and told he that he didn't understand why I cared and that it was a waste of money. And, when he gets old...... he will do it gracefully. I hope I can remind him of ALL of this in 30 years. hehehe Yesterday while teaching piano one of my little 1st grade boys pooted really loud and then started laughing. I asked him if he had brought a trumpet to his piano lesson. To which he told me that his older sister poots at their dinner table everyday. I told him to STOP telling on his sister because she will not be happy with him. He told me it was only the truth. hehehe

March 28

It’s amazing that even when our heart is breaking, when the pain seems to overtake our lives, that God shows Himself to us in unexpected ways. He gives us assurance that He is with us. He is with us through the heartache. He is with us through the years of sorrow. He gently reminds us that He will never left nor forsake us. He shows Himself to be worthy.

My grandma died on Monday. She had thrown me away. She walked away from our relationship but I never stopped loving her. I sent her Christmas cards every year up until two years ago. I kept hoping that God would reveal to her the truth about my parents but she decided that I wasn’t worthy of her love and put me out as trash.

Yet, I loved her. Wouldn’t life be easier if we could just stop loving? I have never understood how marriages fall apart because I have never known how to stop loving.

Last night, Tuesday, March 27 after revival service, Mark’s mom called to tell us that my grandma had died. Of course, no one in my family had contacted me. They have all walked away from me and never looked back.

I have cried until my eyes hurt. Why do I miss someone that has not acknowledged that I am even alive for the last 18 years? I would think that this wouldn’t have affected me. When Mark was getting off the phone with his mom, I heard him say, “Mom, I need to go. I need to tell her now.” We were driving in the car. We were coming home from revival services.

Mark hung up his phone and I said, “Tell me. Who died?”

His words were quiet almost a whisper, “Your grandma.”

I sat in silence. I willed my emotions and heart not to feel anything. I finally asked, “When?”

“Yesterday, honey. My mom read it in the paper today. The funeral is tomorrow morning at 10.”

This dark weight of feeling was beginning to come upon me. I thought that I could keep it in check. Surely, God was not going to allow me this pain.

And, then Mark spoke again, “I can’t believe that no one in your family contacted you. They couldn’t even tell you this.”

With that statement all of the air felt sucked out of my body. This was about so much more than my grandma’s death. This was my family. These were people that abandoned me, that threw me away. These were people that hurt me in a way that I had never dreamed possible. And, these people, my family, had not contacted me.

Not a surprise.
I went to my grandparents after my parents kidnapped Christi and Bobby begged for their help. I remember saying that they knew us and they knew that we had never hurt our children. And my grandmother said, “Well, at least Christi and Bobby won’t go to hell. They will not be raised by a Baptist.”

That was the card my parents used with them. I fully understand losing everything for your faith. Mark stood in that driveway, his arms hitting his hips. I wrapped my arms around him because I thought that he was going to beat himself to death. He looked like a man coming out of his skin.

“Baptist? Baptist? You will not help your granddaughter because she is a Baptist?”

My grandparents stood in the doorway and said nothing but closed the door. They closed the door and when they closed that door, I knew. I knew they had closed their hearts.

Mark lifted and carried me to the car. I couldn’t walk. I couldn’t breath. I couldn’t speak.

What words? How do you combat such hatred?

My husband backed the car out of the driveway. He was hitting the steering wheel. He was crying. He was angry.

Suddenly, it hit me. The sickness. I was throwing up. Mark pulled over and I stood on the side of the road and vomited. It was like poison coming out of my soul from the evilness of their words.

My faith was sending my children to hell. That’s what they believed. That’s what they said. To this day, I still cannot understand why they believed that.
And, last night I heard those words, “Your grandma is dead.”

I assumed that there would be no pain. She died to me so many years ago. But, somewhere I had held on to the belief that she would seek me. That she would tell me that she was sorry and that she loved me.

Last night, I prayed for God to assure me that my grandma was in heaven. I begged him to assure me that I would see her again and that I would wrap my arms around her and hold her.

Why do we love those we love? Why do their arrows pierce our hearts so deeply?

I couldn’t sleep and went to the living room and sat in semi-darkness. I had pulled out one of my Bibles hoping for God to speak to me. But, I couldn’t read the word. My eyes were unable to focus.

My beloved Paul, walked into the room and jumped. He wasn’t expecting to see anyone because it was midnight.

“Mom, why are you up?”

“I can’t sleep, Paul. I just found out, my grandma is dead. You never met her. But, I loved her. I always thought that someday I would take you to meet her and that she would love you.”

This fourteen year old boy sat down on the sofa. This overstuffed sofa seemed to swallow him up for a minute. The he adjusted the quilt he had wrapped around his body. I asked him to sit by me.

“Mom, I need a shower. I can hardly stand myself.”

I told him that I had cried so much that my nose was full and I couldn’t smell a thing. So, the child sat by me. I put my hand on his black shiny hair. I touch his smooth young check.

“Paul, I am hurting. See, I loved my grandma. I kept thinking one day that she would call me and tell me that she was sorry and that she loved me.”

“Well, she knows the truth now wherever she is.”

Shocked, “Paul, wherever she is? I am praying that she is in heaven. I want to see her again. I will never see her in this lifetime again – but Paul, I want to see her again.”

My son seemed to grow. “Mom, I don’t KNOW where she is but I can tell you this – SHE knows the truth. She knows what she did to you and she is sorry. Whether she is in heaven or hell – she knows the truth and believe me, she is sorry.”

He was missing my point of my desiring to see her, to love her, to hold her.

I went on, “Paul, I have been remembering when I was little and playing with her jewelry and sleeping in her bed. She taught me how to make that apple pie that you love. She taught me how to sew. She loved bright colors. I get my love of colors from her. And, I look like her. And, my mother looks like her. Every time I look in a mirror, I see two of the people that hurt me most in the world. I can’t get away from the pain. When Christi and Bobby were stolen, I thought about killing myself. But, then I thought of Michael. And, I knew that I somehow needed to be his mother. Michael sustained me. His presence kept me alive. But, you were my gift.”

My son shifted his position. “Man, mom. Just think what she almost caused you to do. You thought about killing yourself because of what your family did to you. Do you know what would have happened? Daddy would have gone nuts. Michael would have been raised by someone else. And, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be your son. Someone else would have adopted me. Mom, I am your son. This is exactly where I am supposed to be. Just think, even though I never met this woman, she is my grandmother, too.”

I interrupted, “Great-grandmother.”

“I know. I know. Let me finish. She is my grandmother, too. I can see her in you. If you see her when you look at yourself, then I have met a part of her. She is a part of you. It’s in the genes but she raised you, too.”

“Paul, I need to know that she’s in heaven. I need to know I will see her again and there will be no more tears. I need to know that I’ll see her at the Crystal Sea. And, that I’ll not remember the pain she caused me.”

He again said, “Mom, I don’t know where she is. But part of her is in you.”

Why can a child see evil so much clearer than an adult filled with sorrow, memories and pain?

Paul is correct. I have no assurance that my grandmother is in heaven. She could be in hell. The only way I can honor her memory to by trying to take the best things she taught me and live them in my life.

Last night, I wanted to hear from God. I wanted assurance. Yet, my eyes could not see the words through the tears. So, God sent my son, born out of due season, to speak to me. And this boy was able to present the truth that I needed to hear.

The fact is, I have no assurance where my grandma is. I can hope and I can pray but she made choices. Last night, as I was crying I told Mark that I needed to know that grandma was in heaven. He told me that she was. I reminded him that he had said, on many occasions, that my grandparents could not be Christians and do what they did to me.

He was, “Well, honey maybe I was mistaken. Christians can be wrong. Your grandma was just wrong.”

But I knew that Mark didn’t believe his words. He was trying to comfort me. If Mark had it in his power, he would place my grandmother in heaven for me. It took a little boy to try and tell me that it was pointless now to pray that she was in heaven. My grandma had made her choices many years ago.

His words have remained with me this morning. King David cried and prayed and fasted begging for his son’s life. And, the baby died. The servants were afraid to tell David but they did. And, David’s actions surprised the servants. He got up, washed his face, and ate. He said God had spoken.

God gave my grandma 90 years. He gave her 18 years to come to me. I kept every door open. Sometimes, people make bad choices. But, Paul is right. God has spoken.

This child stayed up with me until 3 AM. He talked and told me about his friends. He told me about all of the scientific theories he’s interested in. He told me that he was meant for our family and that God had arranged for him to be my son.

Past Morning Thoughts.....

I found this old post on my ChristianMoms board that I had posted several months ago. I decided to share it over on this board. I needed the reminder.

Blessings,
Debbie

Morning Thoughts….

I noticed this morning when I looked out the kitchen window that a fog or mist was thick over our pond. Dreamlike in quality, the mist looked soft and inviting. It lingered there for a couple of hours and that fog got me to thinking. I am sure that most of you remember in this quote from Silas Marner describing what happened to Dunstan after he stole Marner’s money.

“The rain and darkness had got thicker, and he was glad of it; though it was awkward walking with both hands filled, so that it was as much as he could do to grasp his whip along with one of the bags. But when he had gone a yard or two he might take his time. So he stepped forward into the darkness.”

That quote came to me as I was looking out toward the pond. Unable to see the water, I wondered is this is how Christians get lost in their walk with God? Do we, at times, walk around in a fog, darkness, or mist? My thoughts were beginning to spin inside my brain. If I didn’t know there was a pond at the edge of my yard, I could easily step into the water. However, this pond doesn’t have an immediate drop off, so most likely I could quickly back up and get out of the water. I would be muddy, wet and messy but not lost. However, if the pond was deep, I could suffer a different fate entirely.

These reflections have remained with me this morning as I began to think on my walk with Christ. Often, I have prayed for God to show or light my next step. However, I wonder, have I taken the light with me or have my hands, mind and heart been too full of the vanishing possessions and imaginings of this world to carry the light. If Dunstan’s hands had not been occupied with those precious leather bags, he might have carried a light along with him and prevented his step into darkness. But, Dunstan was after worldly wealth that did not belong to him and his actions proved fatal.

Do we get so involved with going after the things of this world, that we are too occupied to take the light of Christ with us? While, we may not step forward into a perceived darkness, we do walk into a spiritual darkness and sadly do not recognize that we have left our first love because of the leather bags we are carrying. Satan loves to distract God’s children from the calling of God. He wants to get us so enamored by the world that we step into darkness. Dunstan, in his rush to get out of Silas’ home, closed the door which cut off the only light that could have guided his steps.

How often when facing a busy, hectic day, do we decide to cut our prayer time in half or not read the scripture that morning? Surely, God will understand that we are just too busy to seek His face and counsel? He loves us and will forgive us neglecting Him. And, it’s true that God loves us. We know this by his sacrifice. But, we seem to miss that God saved us for Himself. He wants our fellowship but we need His fellowship. Martin Luther once commented that when he had a busy day, his prayer time with God increased by an hour each morning. He was wise enough to know that when we are busy that our time with the Father needs to increase not decrease.


Practically, how do we keep our time with God a priority in our lives? The objective is to make our time with God a desire and not an obligation. If we will continue in prayer and study, even when our eyes do not see the results for which we are hoping, there will come a time when our solitude with the Father becomes a longing in our lives. We will begin to crave His fellowship and not just need His provision and direction.

I adore my children. They will come to me asking permission, asking advice, or asking for something they need or desire. Being a good mother, I try to respond to them. However, I love it when my children come and sit with me, just to visit and to talk about their day, their friends, or something they have newly discovered. Those times with my children bless me immensely.

The Father wants us to spend time with Him just like we want our children to spend time with us. And, when we fellowship with the Father, the resulting outcome is miraculous. We no longer have to stumble around in a mist of doubt and confusion. He will light each step that we take and order our days to His fulfill His perfect design.

Our tasks as women, mothers, and wives are too immense and important to go it alone or to stumble through it. The people that God has placed in our lives deserve to be guided and loved by women whose hearts and minds are fully fixed upon God. Dreams are fun. But, dreams without vision and purpose to accomplish the calling of God in ours lives and families are fruitless and vain. In order for us to direct our families through the fog and darkness that fills this earth, we must carry the Light that is daily charged and shining bright. We must seek first the kingdom of God.

Saturday morning ramblings....

Wow! I have one last large test to take this coming Tuesday morning and then, finally, I will be done with all of the basic requirements to this degree. I will be fully in the school of education. Sometimes, dreams and goals take decades. I must be slow! LOL

The house is quiet this morning -well, nearly this afternoon. I am going to be cutting Mark and Michael's hair today. Mark is preaching in the morning for Dr. Perry and he doesn't want to look like an old hippy. I wonder if he has prepared a children's sermon.

He will be a jack-in-the-box tomorrow morning since he will be leading the music and preaching. However, he loves preaching. Mark is a gentle shepherd type pastor. I have never heard him beat a congregation. He reminds me of the Shepherd in Psalm 23.

Dr. Perry is leading a revival in Calhoun, GA at First Baptist Church. I know that he will influence many people for the Lord this coming week. He, too, is a shepherd in the way he leads a church. Dr. Perry is always, gentle and loving; yet, convicting in his messages.

BTW, there is a wonderful book that I highly recommend. A Shepherd Looks at PSALM 23, by Phillip Keller, is a wonderful read for those needing to see this aspect of our wonderful Lord's nature.

Yesterday, after supper, Mark and I went down by the pond and sat at the picnic table. Paul and his friends had dragged this heavy table down by the pond last week-end while they were fishing. The movement of the water always mesmerizes me. Even on this rather small body of water, we see the force of the moon's pull working. It reminded me that God works and pulls in each of our lives. We may think that we are small but God's care and power is still evident.

As we were sitting in silence, watching the water and the ducks, Mark spoke. "Debbie, look up."

Flying overhead was a hawk. What another amazing creation of God's to watch. The hawk just kept allowing the winds and air currents to carry him along. When he would begin to descend, he would turn his wings and body in such a way as to allow the wind to pick him up and send him on. He wasn't wildly flipping his wings. He kept them spread and trusted the wind to carry him where he needed to go.

Isn't that a poignant picture of how God works in the lives of His children?

We are called to trust him.

Again, Mark spoke, "That hawk appeared for a minute to be falling and without any work on his part, but by simply angling his wings in a different way, he was lifted higher in the sky. Look how he glides."

This made me think about my life. I have had to get new perspectives at times when I was falling. Yet, without any work on my part, just faith, God has lifted me. Now, granted, sometimes that has meant a totally new direction. Sometimes, it has felt like God didn't understand and know my desires.

I wonder, did the wind carry that hawk in a new direction? Possibly.

As children of God, we are sometimes carried in places that we didn't choose. I understand that scripture where Jesus tells Peter that in his youth he went where he wanted to go but a time would come when God would take him to places that Peter didn't choose.

I imagine that Peter didn't like being bound and he probably wondered how this could possibly further the Kingdom's work. But, he went forward, while knowing that his life would be radically altered by serving a risen Savior. I think that Peter was like that hawk. He had to allow the winds of God to carry him along and not struggle against it.

The verse is John 21: 18

“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go."

The picture I see is one of Peter stretching out his hands not to allow man to gird him but to allow God to carry him along during these times in his life

An interesting conversation about "Facing the Giants."

One of Paul's friends heard me commenting on the message that I received from the movie. He told me that I missed the message and went on to tell me the message. He said, "The point of the movie was if your life is falling apart and you give it over to God, that everything will work out."

Yes, that's what this 15 year old got out of the movie. I told him that everything in our lifes doesn't always work out and that sometimes God's answer to us is no.

So, he went on to explain, "The coach wasn't praying that the team would win. He was just giving his life over to God. And, his wife still loved God even when the pregnancy test came back negative. Her faith was tested."

I reminded him that he said the message was, "If you turn your life over to God, everything will work out." The implied meaning was the team WON (life worked out) because this coach turned his life over to God. So, the EXPECTATION is that all my desires, wants, needs will be met if I give God my life. I also told him that the wife was pregnant, so she only had to say she loved God for a few minutes without knowing that her desire was being given to her. There might be times in his life when his faith is tested and he might never get the results that he wanted. Yet, we are still called to have faith.

A life of real faith is living for God, loving God, serving Him, when our hopes, dreams and desires NEVER materialize.

We can be totally dedicated to God in our lives - faithful to Him - and our lives can still fall apart. The movie was suggesting that the only reason a Christian has problems is because they are LACKING in faith and in not surrending their lives to God. But, the truth is this - bad things happen to people WHO love God, who have given him ALL of their lives and they NEVER see the outcome of their faith in this life.

Why isn't Hebrews 11 preached? I challenged this young man to read "The Hiding Place." He needs to understand that the TEST of our faith and surrending to God isn't in everything working out. Sometimes, we are called to live a life of faith regardless of the outcome.

He told me that I was confused.

I told him that, sometimes, things do work out for the good. But, usually there are things in our lives that do not get answered the way we want them too and it's NOT because of a lack of faith or turning one's life over to God.

I guess I am confused.

My review of "Facing the Giants."

I finally watched this movie last night. I had high expectations for a great movie about faith. Facing the Giants is a feel good movie. It presents a one sided picture of a god who is more like Santa Claus than the God that I worship. I am disturbed that churches are using this movie as an evangelical tool.

As I was watching this movie, I thought of so many people that I know or have known of in my life where tragedy and sorrow hit them like a boxer in a ring with an opponent that was intent upon drawing blood. I knew that they had stood strong in their faith. I knew that they prayed without ceasing. I knew that they never turned from God and yet, their desires or wants were not answered or seemingly met.

We live in a world where people do not understand the Spirit and they are constantly looking for a sign. If God loves me, then He should do the following. I should have a car given to me. I should suddenly become very successful in my job. I should find the dead mouse in my house. I should get a several thousand dollar raise. I should get pregnant. And, everyone that I have any contact with should change because of my influence toward God in their life. All these things should happen if I stay up all night and read my Bible and pray and share my faith.

What happens when we do stay up all night to communicate with God and nothing happens? What is the message for those of us who daily live with disappointments and challenges? Is the message that our faith is weak? Is the message is that God doesn’t love us?

Sometimes, the only things that we see God do in some situations is hold us and give us strength to continue. The ability to continue on when life hasn’t allowed us to win the big game is an amazing gift. Everything in this movie was a sign – it was a physical thing. Wow! The movie shouted. Look how blessed that I am. I now have all these blessings in my life simply because I have rededicated my life to God, pray, and read my Bible.

Where was the message of Christ? This movie reminded me of that popular name and claim it doctrine. No, it wasn’t as obvious because the coach did say, "We will praise you no matter what." Honestly, losing a football game isn’t like losing a child, a spouse, or one’s health. I would hope that most people could still praise God if they lost a game! But, the message of this movie was only good things will happen to you once you make God first in your life.

I need to say, to those struggling in their faith, or those new to the faith, or to those who are thinking about coming to God, this movie was a farce and not reality. God will change you and hold you and love you but you probably won’t get pregnant or a raise or an expensive truck given to you. God does bless His people; however, sometimes that blessings are being able to experience a true and real joy in life regardless of your life’s circumstances, sorrows, and disappointments.

This movie did not make me feel joyful and happy. This movie made me think about my life’s biggest sorrows and losses and then wonder why God hasn’t stepped in with my miracle. This movie saddened me because many people may decide to come to God because of the things that they are expecting to receive from Him and not because they are sinners in need of a Savior. Will these people then question their faith when sorrow overwhelms me? Will they judge others faith by worldly success and possessions?

The story was sweet and fun but I didn’t receive a blessing from this movie. The message that I got was that my faith must not measure up. It told me that all of the days and nights that I have spent in prayer were not useful. And, that I am not one of God’s beloved.

Okay, church. Let’s present a lie to the lost. Let’s tell them that if you do a, b, and c that God will give you a bunch of news toys, more money and career success. Then when these same people experience sorrow, tragedy, or disappointments in life, we can quietly whisper, “Oh, by the way, God will give you strength to endure.” However, we have already set the precedent that the way God answers prayers is by giving you everything that you want.

I am afraid that these people will then walk away from the church and never look back. To them, the church and God will be just one more thing that disappointed them. Maybe, the church’s message needs to center more on Hebrews 11. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….” Maybe, the message needs to center on the best gift in the world, the work of Jesus Christ and his death and resurrection.

The truth of life is that we will experience happiness and sorrow. God makes the rain to fall on all. We are called to live in faith. Faith that Jesus Christ is doing exactly what he said He would do. He is preparing for us a place in heaven where sorrow and tears will no longer exist. Maybe, the message should be Christ and his sufferings and his triumph.

The sad fact is this movie will do great because Americans want new cars and worldly success more than they want a Savior and His Spirit to equip them live a life of joy regardless of what their eyes see. They are not interested in real faith. They are interested in things.

Shopping for a washing machine....

Okay, I needed it since mine broke this week and it was time to bury the horrible thing. I have been telling Mark for the last two years the washer was going to die. I knew it. I know I will like having a nice new one, too. However, there are so many other things that I would have rather spent the money on - like Disney World.

As we were writing the check today for our washing machine, I said to Mark, I guess I won't be getting a laptop anytime soon. :(

Someone explain this to me. WHY is a new washing machine mine? I know that I am the one to USE the thing since I appear to be the laundry maid. But, honestly..... this isn't JUST for me. Yes, I picked it OUT because I am the one who does the laundry but the last time I looked less than 1/4 of the laundry was actually my clothing.

Oh, well. That's life. All of my piano teaching money is going towards this machine this month. Easy come - easy go. You know, there is a real blessing, or rather the realization of a blessing, in the breaking of this thing. Years ago, when my washing machine broke and Mark was in seminary, I got to wash CLOTHES in the bathtub for 3 months until we could get enough money together to buy a very used and old machine. That wasn't fun! So, this time I had to cancel a trip to Disney World but WE had the money to get a new machine.

Maybe, God wanted to get my attention and get me to realize that I am blessed. Blessed because I was able to purchase a new machine. Blessed because I have running water. Blessed because I have all of these appliances that act as my maids!

It was fun looking at all these new fancy machines; although, I couldn't in anyway justify spending nearly $2,000 on a set! I am amazed that people do! I will love my machine which was under $500.00 including delivery and shipping and we get the delivery refunded! wowhooo! I am also planning in about six weeks to buy the dryer that matches this washer and I will sell my dryer at that time.

Blessings,
Debbie

March Comes In Like a Lion!!!

Yep!!! It sure does. We lost our power last night at 2 am. Storms are all over the place. It was restored 7 hours later. Mark and Michael both had to go to into friends to shower this morning. I was THRILLED when the power came back on because it meant I had running water. For some reason, the electric pump on our well doesn't work without power. hehehe

Paul has decided to fish the past few day out back in our small, tiny lake or big pond. We call it a pond. He has been catching these pretty good size fish and then he throws them back into the water. I looked out the window - and the child left two coolers and a big plastic tub that he was putting the fish in yesterday. I am surprised that those thing aren't floating on top of the pond this morning with all the nasty weather. lol

I was desperate this morning for coffee. So, I dragged the grill out of the garage and lite the burner and put my tea kettle on to boil some water. I TRIED to drink instant coffee. Man, oh Man!!! Can we say "evil form of torture???" LOL It was about the grossest stuff that I have ever put into my mouth. Just plain old nasty.

Fortunately, during my coffee experience - that POWER was restored and I made myself a cup of coffee. I had called Mark at school, and he was drinking FRESH coffee and I was so jealous. Amazing how addicted I am to caffeine.

I have really been enjoying Paul this week. He has been doing this new math curriculum WITH understanding! He has been sweet and helpful this week. Washing my van, helping with laundry and he's cooked some entire meals. And, the best part was, he is turning into a good cook.

Michael has decided to run for Senate at his college. This is what his school calls the class representatives for his college government. He is turning in his petition today where he had to gather signatures. He also has an interview scheduled to be an Orientation leader when new students arrive in the fall. And, he's putting in an application to be an RA. I pray some, if not all, of these opportunities work out for him. He loves his college and that thrills me.

My new semester has started. I am going to TRY and fly with these next classes. I ended up with 31 credit hours completed last semester. I have to write two papers for my Ethics class and then take my Literature and Ethics protored exams. And... then I am in the School of Education. I am thrilled. Y'all will hear me shout when these three classes are completed. :)

Mark told me yesterday, that he has been feeling very blessed lately. He started naming his blessings and once again, I was humbled that this godly man asked me to marry him over 27 years ago. He sees in me things that I do not see. God is so good to me.

He told me that he thought about me and his life with me all of the time. I asked him, if when he thought of me, did he see that young woman he married, who was thin, had a perfect complexion and believed in people and had such an innocent faith?

He said that had saw me as I am today. A woman who has grown more beautiful, loving and who has filled his home with a faith in God and Christ. (I have GROWN... but not more beautiful.) He told me that when he thinks of me, he sees that he is fortunate and blessed. He said that he loves my intellect, wit, and kindness and then he went on the say, that I am so much more than that girl he married and that I thrill him.

Yes, God has blessed me by this man. I adore him. I am not worthy of him.

Blessings,
Debbie