You're life is Amazing when Given to Him!

The first time I laid eyes on Danny was after I had car trouble.  I was walking to my aunt’s house to get help and he was sitting at his pasture gate in the old panel wagon he drove.  He was sitting there with huge headphones on listening to music.  As I walked by I didn’t have any particular revelation of the future. How could I have known I was walking past the man who would be my husband? How could I know that one day we’d be living for the Lord and be ministers of the Gospel together? If you asked people who knew us then, they wouldn’t have believed it either.

Oh beloved, you can’t know your future. You may be living for the moment. You may even be enjoying your life and have things all planned out. For some of you things may not be going so well. Your plans have all failed and you fail to see anything that might turn out right.  God has a wonderful plan for your life! Yes, in spite of the hard things, in spite of your best laid plans, in spite of everything, His plan is working out for your life! His plans will turn out, His blessings will come forth, His eternal purposes cannot be thwarted for He Alone is God, the Sovereign King of Heaven and Earth! Why not go to Him this morning and lay your life before Him? He won’t turn you away but instead He will take you into His arms and grant you great and wonderful things! Let Him show you from His Word all that He has for you waiting for the day you say Yes to Him! He loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that really matters.

Psalm 33:11  The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

 Proverbs 16:1  We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer.

Proverbs 16:9  The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

 Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.

Jeremiah 29:11  For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

 2 Timothy 1:9  For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus.

A Cloud of Witnesses!

The nursery and produce stand in Caddo Valley has a line of scarecrows out front. They really aren’t scary at all, they are lovely. Each one is a different size, gender, style. They all just make me want to smile! No they make me want to laugh out loud! This row of greeters standing there reminded me of the words in the Bible, “So great a cloud of witnesses”.  Until I saw this lineup I always thought merely of those witnesses as people who remind us that even when times are hard we can make it.  And it’s true. But there’s more. They are not merely bystanders holding up their previous experience. They are cheerleaders! They are shouting, through the Word of God, “you are MORE THAN a conqueror!” You are “victorious”! They are waving wildly the banners of God’s Love Song to you and me. Not just that either…The cloud spoken of says to me they are actively involved, kicking up dust, making a scene!  In this world of compromise and quiet we are meant to kick up our heels and shout it to the rooftops “He’s for us! He loves us! No power in hell, no trouble on earth, Nothing, Nothing, Absolutely Nothing, can separate us from His loving care!”

Oh beloved, do you hear the cheers? Do you hear the accolades, the commendations, the congratulations? God and His heavenly host, along with the host of believers who have gone before us are shouting with joy to you this day: You can do it! You can make it! You are beautiful! You are loved! You are not alone! You win!

I know things can be hard, people can be mean, and finances can be lean. Cars need filling, children need clothing. People check out and life can get frazzled. But God is oh so much more than the things you are dealing with! He’s not only aware, He’s actively involved and He truly cares. This morning, while the night is still hanging on and the sun hasn’t slipped all the way to your window, give it all to Him. He’s got your life covered in His amazing grace and He loves you wonderfully! And, truly that’s all that really matters.

Psalm 149:4 “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”

Psalm 97:1 The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad!

Zephaniah 3:17   For the Lord your God is living among you! He is a mighty savior! He will take delight in you with gladness! With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs!

Romans 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us!

Is Life's Static Messing up Your Signal?

Sunday morning I got out my tambourine and turned on some praise music on the computer. Three grandchildren had spent the night and I was soon joined by one of them. Blake is 4 and he loves music! We got out a drum for him and we had a rousing good time singing, dancing and making music to the Lord! It was an awesome opportunity to just let go of things and get with the Lord. It also readied us for worship at Church. Once in the car we began listening to a Christian music radio station. As we drove along the interstate to church, I noticed the station was coming in and out. The static was soon unbearable so we had to find another station to listen to. The static interfered with the enjoyment of the music and kept us from hearing the words, so we couldn’t sing with the radio either.


Oh beloved, have you found that static of daily living is drowning out the music of God’s love, God’s joy and God’s peace? All three are free for the enjoyment of every believer in Christ. If you find that you are unable to hear clearly from Him and are losing the signal, it may be time to tune in closer! He promises that when we take time for Him He will bless us to hear clearly and live abundantly! Oh how He loves you, oh how He waits for you to draw near to Him so that He can draw near to you! Let Him tune your signal this morning and watch as the music flows!



Psalm 70:4 But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!”



1 John 5:14 And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him.



James 4:8a Come close to God, and God will come close to you….


Psalm 63:8 I cling to You; Your strong right hand holds me securely.

When Danny was a termite technician he did a lot of crawling under houses.  Most houses were tightly underpinned with bricks or cinder blocks. The vents for air flow were small but big enough for a slim man to crawl through. Danny did a lot of that.  Sometimes he’d have to dig dirt away from the opening to get underneath. Once underneath there were all kinds of barriers to free movement. If a house had an addition, it could mean more digging and lots of wiggling through tight spots. A fireplace would have a huge footprint underneath that you had to maneuver around. Occasionally he’d get stuck in a tight spot and have to reverse the moves to get free.  Not only was the area tight and hard to get into, often there were snakes, scorpions, spiders and other varmints to deal with.   It was dank and dark as well, so that you had to have a flashlight to even move around.

There was no freedom underneath a house. Once under there, a termite technician had to deal with the elements while looking for evidence of more problems. It was restricting and hard to deal with. It was certainly no place for a claustrophobic person.  Restrictions abounded while in the confines of the depths of a house. 

Oh beloved, have you felt restricted lately? Do you find yourself busy dodging troubles or being in tight spots? If you’re looking for real freedom it is found in Christ! To give your life to Christ fully is to be brought into the banqueting room and given complete and unlimited access to the beautiful gifts of God, the wonderful gifts of His Spirit and to produce the fruit of His love! Aren’t we blessed? As believers we are allowed to go into the Holy of Holies! Because of the Blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus, the veil has been torn open and we have free admission to fellowship with God! No restrictions apply to the believer. We can freely enter, we can freely move in all that God has for us. Freedom is found like nowhere else on earth! Run to the Lord this morning and praise Him for all you are IN Him! Thank Him for His freedom and ask Him to show you from His Book of Love all the wondrous blessings that are yours in Him! Unlike the technician who has to find his way himself, we are given a grand tour and shown it all by the Lord Himself! His life gives us access and His Spirit goes with us! That’s how much He loves us! He saves us and He guides and directs our lives all the way to Heaven!  

Galatians 3:22  But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 10:18-22 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a [a]sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

1 Corinthians 1:30  But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,

Ephesians 5:8-9 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!  For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

We met in the entrance to the grocery store. It had been years since I’d seen her. We used to work together at a nearby public school. I was the study hall teacher, she was the art teacher. Guess you could say we were both bit of outsiders, not having grown up there nor gone to school there.  Our rooms were close by and we visited often during the day.  I left to go to work at another school and we never really crossed paths again. Until the grocery store. I thought it was her so I decided to say Hi.  We visited and traded facebook info (of course).  When I arrived home she had found me and asked to friend me. She also had an aha moment when she realized just who I was!

Have you been there? You think you know someone, you try from the recesses of your mind to draw the memories forward, but it’s vague.  You know you should know them, but just can’t put your finger on the why, the how, the where, the when.

Oh beloved, did you know that you are never forgotten by the Lord? You were known before the foundation of the world was laid, before the stars were hung in the sky, before the rivers ran through their courses? The One Who Created the universe and all that is in it loved you as well and planned a beautiful life just for you.  When you call upon Him, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, He isn’t puzzled nor does He have to wait a minute and try to recall. He knows your name. Not only does He know you but He has your days numbered! He also has a plan, a marvelous plan, all laid out for your life! What wondrous love is this? The One Who is Self-Existent wants you to be a part of His life? The One Who is Love, loves you with an Everlasting Love! Why don’t you run to Him this morning and read from His Design Book, written with you in mind and see.  Every good thing, every wonderful plan, every astounding promise is yours for the blessing. Because His nature is Love. Because He is the Author of your faith. He knows you, He loves you and He’s preparing a place for you. Live in the light of His Love today for that’s all that really matters!

Hebrews 12:2  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…

Luke 12:7  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Ephesians 1:4  just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.

Jeremiah 31:3  Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.

Psalm 139:13 For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb.

Psalm 139:16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

I'm Calling for Backup Lord!

As I was getting ready yesterday morning, I noticed a small rock sitting on my windowsill. I figured one of the grandchildren put it there. As I leaned closer to see just what kind of rock it was, I noticed a pair of eyes looking at me. It was no rock! It was a small tree frog. Now I’m not fond of frogs so I called for backup. My daughter came with a cup and proceeded to take that little interloper out of my bathroom and onto the deck outside. My eyes had deceived me. What I thought was true turned out to be a big mistake. I had to look very closely to see the true image.

We believers have problems at time when observing situations. We think we know what to do, where to go, how to respond. But often the fear of the interloper causes us to cry out in fear! We just want relief. The call for backup comes and the Lord Himself comes to our aid.

Oh beloved, are you having a hard time dealing with situations that are none of your doing? You just want it out of your life so that you can move freely and have liberty again. Perhaps it’s time to call for backup! The Lord Himself is with you, He goes before you into every situation and He is not only your relief but He’s your answer! Looks can be deceiving, but when we view things through His Eyes, by the Word of God, we can know how to react to anything that’s thrown our way. Call on him today, ask Him to let you see the situation through the Word of God. He’ll clear up your vision, come to your rescue and you and He together will dance with joy at the triumph over the interloper and the situation. He loves you and He takes great pleasure in being your rescuer!

Psalm 50:158 Then call on Me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory.”

Zechariah 13:98 I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

Psalm 31:22 In panic I cried out, “I am cut off from the LORD!” But You heard my cry for mercy and answered my call for help.

2 Peter 2:9 So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the day of final judgment.

Practicing Your Life in Christ

When I first began taking piano lessons, all I wanted to do was practice. I had played by ear as a little girl on the family’s pump organ, but learning to read music and having a piano to practice on was opening a whole new world to me. My piano teacher had taught in Tyler for many, many years. She knew her stuff. She didn’t just let me play music though. I had to learn theory, the nuts and bolts...of music. When I practiced well and came to class prepared she’d put stars on my pages. I also found that playing the piano was a great place of release for me. I could get lost in the songs and find my spirit soaring after playing for a while. I still love to play piano, but I’m not as fond of reading the music as I once was. I find myself reverting back to playing by ear, especially when someone visiting requests a certain song. Nothing is sweeter than time alone at the piano, losing myself in the music. When I completely abandon myself to the keyboard letting the music flow from my heart, I find that God speaks through His gift and worship comes easier. Instead of working to make it flow, as during those early years of practice, it just flows for after years of staying close to the keys and practicing the music it has become second nature.


Life in Christ is meant to be lived in utter abandon. Practicing the faith is not mundane but magnificent when we give ourselves totally to Him. He is our Teacher, He is the Conductor and the music of our live is meant to be played for His audience alone.

Oh beloved, life can get oh so busy. We can find ourselves out of practice and unable to make the music flow. Troubles take over and the keyboard of life can become out of tune. We may find ourselves trying to keep playing and wondering why it’s off key. Run to the Master Musician this morning. Give Him your talents, your time, your desires. Let Him speak words of confidence and comfort into your life so that the music of faith can once again flow into your life. For nothing is more beautiful than a symphony of faith reaching into the heavens as you spend time with the Lord and practice His Word and your faith. He’s waiting for your presence right now. He loves you and He has all the time in the world and together you and He will work out the notes for your good and His glory!


Psalm 98:6 Make a joyful symphony before the LORD, the King!

Psalm 119:147 I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words.

Psalm 27:8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.”

Psalm 40:8 I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.”

Visiting with Your Father

The father of one of my elementary/junior high friends in Tyler Texas has passed away. I read his obituary and it brought back many memories. Skating in her hall, walking to the “walk in” downtown to see a movie, playing Barbies in the creek near our homes. About all I knew about her dad was that he was a bus driver. I hadn’t seen him in 40 years so the photo of him was unfamiliar as well. I didn...’t really know him, but my friend Vickie knew her father very well. She was born into his family. He was the leader of their home. His ways were her ways. Although I knew a little bit about him, Vickie knows everything about her father. Even though she grew up, she kept in contact with her father and fellowshipped with him every chance she got. Because he is not with them anymore, she misses him greatly. In fact everyone in the family will miss him.

We who are born into God’s family are meant to reflect His values and ideals. His desire is that we sit with Him and learn of His character, His ways and His plans so that we are similar to Him. The more intimate a relationship we have with the Father, the more we become like Him. And, when we lose touch with the Father through our own willful ways, we should miss His fellowship. When someone loves their Heavenly Father, they will make the disciplined decision to learn everything they can about Him and through this intimate relationship they will find they are becoming more and more like Him.

Oh beloved, perhaps you have been born into God’s Family. He is your Father, but you’ve grown away. That intimate time of love you had with Him may be a pleasant memory. This morning you can go back and sit in your Father’s lap and have sweet fellowship with Him again. His Word is His bond and He promises to never leave you or forsake you. Run to Him this morning and call out to your Abba Father, your Daddy God, and let Him help you get to know Him in close relationship again. You can know your Father and live in the light of His Word when you open His Book of Love! Oh how He loves you, Oh how He longs to have you come again and visit with Him. Aren’t we blessed to have such a Father and to be born into the Family of God!

2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.


Galatians 4:6 And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”


1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and He has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

Oh Beloved! Live in the Light of His Word!

Where do you go when things go south, when the going gets tough, when you're all out of ideas and hopes and dreams? Who do you turn to when there’s no one left? How do you survive when you are feeling totally vulnerable and fearful?



Oh Beloved, the Word of God is your key to unlocking answers to life’s circumstances! As you read the devotions contained in this book and learn to apply His Word to everyday life, you will find that God loves you, He’s for you and He’s all you will ever need!


Oh Beloved! Live in the Light of His Word is off the press and ready for distribution.  Please pray with me that lives will be changed and hearts will be blessed. After all, He loves us and He's for us and that's all that really matters.

If you would like to purchase a copy of the book, I will be glad to sign it as well.  Just email me at oh-beloved@hotmail.com I will send you instructions and the books are $10.00 plus shipping.  A portion of the proceeds from each book goes to missions via Christian Motorcyclists Association's Run for the Son.  http://cmausa.org/run-for-the-son/2013%20RFS%20Brochure.pdf

Pass THROUGH!

Danny had seen the sign, Rustic Furniture, and he knows how much I love anything rustic so yesterday afternoon on our way home, he pulled into the store’s parking lot. As we walked in I was like a kid in a candy store! Everywhere I looked I saw something I liked and wanted to take home with me! Just as we were leaving, having soaked up just about everything my eyes could handle, I spied it sittin...g on a dining table. It was a plaster bowl. This huge oval bowl contained a three dimensional scene of horses going down into the water and back out the other side. Horses in various stages of water depths and streaming water off the back of the one coming out of the water first, getting his footing as he found solid ground again. This morning I am reminded of that beautiful bowl. The horses were going through. They were not floundering or drowning, simply going through.




Oh beloved, what a wonderful promise of God we see this morning! He says to you and He says to me, “When you pass through the waters” Hallelujah what a Savior! While He does not promise that all our days will be easy, He does promise they will not last forever, the hard ones, those days that sap our strength and take our breath! Run to His Word this morning and cling to Him! Don’t stop in the midst of your troubles, but look to the Lord Who will get you through. Not only that, but he will bring you out on the other side in magnificent triumph! Because He loves you completely and He’s for you all the way and truly He is all that really matters!



Isaiah 43:2-3 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.



Romans 8:37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.



Psalm 54:7 You have delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.



Psalm 118:15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!

We Were Meant to Soar Like Eagles

Sunday morning we were up early leaving the house at 6:30 am heading for a Biker Sunday where Danny was slated to bring the Word. It was great to be up and on the motorcycle at that early hour with the sky still cloudy and a touch of chill in the air. Danny and I love those early morning rides. As we went across a bridge Danny just had to turn around. He had spotted not one but a pair of bald eagles right by the bridge on a downed tree! It was my first time to see a bald eagle in the wild! They were huge! Not only that, they were not even concerned when we stopped, got off the bike and took pictures. Waiting for the photo shoot to be over, they both suddenly lifted from their perch, in unison, and sailed away just a little further down the creek. I noticed as they left that their wings barely flapped. The strength of those birds was quite evident as they flew. I suddenly understood what God meant when He said, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They will mount up as eagles…”

Oh beloved! We were meant to soar like eagles, yet in our own strength we are at best hummingbirds, who constantly have to flap their tiny wings to stay afloat or like chickens who for all their wings and feathers have no desire or ability to fly! Perhaps you’ve been content with a busy life. Maybe you’ve been running around looking for God. Don’t you think it’s time to wait on the Lord? Today is the day you can soar like an eagle – with barely a flap to get you lifted up into the heights with Him. I promise, on the authority of God’s Word, that His will won’t get you tired, stressed out or make you want to give up! You don’t have to work it up or make it happen. Just like that pair of eagles was waiting on God to deliver the fish in the creek below, we too can wait on God. Sure, we can do something that might look good now, but waiting on God, doing only His will, brings eternal rewards that are out of this world as well as strength for today. It’s never too late to stop and wait on the Lord! He loves you, He’s on your side and He’s ready for you to scale the heights with Him! Run to His Word, surrender your will and wait on Him! That’s the only kind of living that will bring glory and honor to Him!

Exodus 33:16 How will anyone know that You look favorably on me—on me and on Your people—if You don’t go with us? For Your presence among us sets Your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”

2 Corinthians 1:9 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead.



Isaiah 40:30-31 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

The company we buy office supplies from has a very fast delivery system. Generally within two days we have just what we needed at work. The only problem with the order is how they package things. No matter what we order it always seems to be a hug box that arrives. Often I will open the package, remove the huge amount of bubble wrap only to find the one small item I ordered. It makes you wonder if... all they have is big boxes and packing materials. Sometimes the package’s contents are strewn around the box because there’s so much wasted space. It can be real disappointing to open a huge package and find very little inside. Unlike the packages from the shipping warehouse, God’s package for us is completely full and running over with items! Each one of the contents of God’s bountiful storehouse is tailor made for you! Nothing you need is missing, nothing inside is useless and everything contained therein is full of delight.




Oh beloved, have you been looking for things that do not satisfy? Are you making purchases in life that continually disappoint or prove useless? God has a bountiful supply of everything you need. Run to His Package of Gifts this morning, the Word of God and open it up! It’s all there and every single item is for you! The Lord holds nothing back from you. He is generous with His supply and even if you feel you might use it up, more is always available. He loves you so much that He packaged Himself especially for you. No matter what you need, the supply to fill that need is readily available. Look at His Word and see…No one who trusts in Him will go away empty!



Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.



Psalm 107:9 For He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.



James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.



Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my Shepherd. I have all that I need.



2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.



2 Peter 1:3 By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence.

I read a blog yesterday talking about the negative prophecies being spoken over America. Much is talked about how awful things are, and they are in the natural. It’s true. We are not the America that the Puritans stepped onto. But in many ways we still are the America that our forefathers dreamed of and our Heavenly Father ordained. We can talk the negative until you, me and the signpost all fee...l desperate and despairing. Or we can talk about the hopes, dreams and plans God still has for our country. As for me, being a glass half full kind of woman, I choose to believe there is still hope for our country and for our descendants.



Oh beloved, have you received negative press recently? Has someone pronounced gloom and doom on you and your life? Are they saying, in the natural, that you’re hopeless, useless, or a has been? Are their words negative and are they beginning to have a real impact on your feelings? It’s time to go back to the original Founding Father of your life. Only His Words will get you through this life. Let’s face it. People are going to be negative, they are going to decide to leave, give up and walk away. They have their own issues and they can and will try to put their issues on you. But oh beloved...do you really hear that? Beloved! That’s what the Lord calls you and that’s exactly what He means. His prophesies over your life are beautiful. And, all you have to do to believe them is run to His Book of Love and take it in as your nourishment and live it out. You and I must learn to live in the light of His Truth above all. Thank Him this morning as you see the beauty of His love for you. He loves you and He means it and that’s what will get you through!



1 John 4:16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.



1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.



Zephaniah 3:17 For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.



Ephesians 1:3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

Because times are hard, people are looking for all kinds of ways to make ends meet. Many are also looking for a quick fix, a windfall. In Arkansas, as in many states, we now have a lottery. Obviously by the sales of tickets, many people feel that there’s a chance at winning.We all laugh about it – “If we could just win the lottery…” Surely a huge payout would make everything so much easier.Of cour...se, with more of anything comes more responsibility. And, often we read in the news that people win millions and run through it like water.

Oh beloved, maybe you’ve been looking for ways to make things easier for yourself. You’re tired of the rat race, tired of making ends meet, tired of waiting for better things to happen. There’s Good News! For those who are In Christ, we have won more than the lottery! We have a promise! Our Father in Heaven, who is in charge of all our needs, has given us everything we could ever desire. No need to wait for the lottery, for the dictionary says the antonym for lottery is certainty and that’s what we have in Christ! Run to Him this morning and let Him show you from His Word just how rich you truly are! And don’t forget to thank Him for His provision as you go through your day recharged, reenergized and prepared!




Micah 7:7As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.

Matthew 6:30And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Drug Through the Dirt

Several months ago as I was pondering things, a picture came to my mind. It was a black and white photo. All I could see was the back of a barefoot little girl wearing a cotton dress with a cotton sash in back. The little girl was dragging a doll in the dirt, holding onto its hand with her own. Now the Lord said you know how much little girls love their dolls and they would never, ever harm them.... She loved that doll. Nevertheless the little doll was at the moment being drug through the dirt. Oh beloved, you are so loved! God is always holding onto your hand. Never will He let go. Occasionally you may feel that your life is being drug through the dirt. Always remember, regardless of your circumstances that God will never allow you to come to harm. Even when things are hard, He’s holding on to you. Hangeth thou in there beloved, for your day will come again. Just like that little girl was bound to stop and scoop up the doll in her arms and dust her off and wipe her face, so too, God will one day lift you out of these temporary circumstances, set you in His arms, wipe away all tears. You are loved, you are watched over, you are cared for and you are completely understood with mercy and grace by Your Heavenly Father. While you and I, beloved, often only feel the dust about us, when we look into His eyes, we see the eyes of Love and the dust settles around us. Cherished so much that everywhere we go we are held by Him, loved by Him, carried by Him. Oh beloved, don’t despair of your present circumstances, just know that He loves you and He’s for you and that’s all that really matters. Deuteronomy 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.Isaiah 43:1-3 Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Love Much!

came home yesterday to find Danny sitting in the living room looking out towards our neighbors house. As I sat down with him, it hit me too. The Harrington's have been our neighbors for 20 years. They watched all our kids learn to drive cars and motorcycles. We had 4th of July fireworks displays together. After our kids were grown us two couples had Christmas Eve together. Donald and Danny were ...fishing buddies and mechanic buddies. Last year Mrs. Harrington passed away and he's been alone. So he's packing up and moving back home to Kentucky. All his possessions are going in a sale tomorrow. He's been a good neighbor and a good friend. We're just a little heart broken for ourselves, but excited for him. Things change. You cannot stop that. Kids grow up, neighbors pass away, friends move off. There's only one thing we can do that will last. Oh beloved, Love much. People will always ask for your money, beg for your time, need things from you. But the one thing you can give to everyone is love. Do it lavishly. Don't hold back. Express yourself because someday, when it's all said and done, you'll wish you had. Love is the greatest expression of Christ for the world. Love is the one thing God instructed husbands to give their wives. An entire book of Scripture was devoted to it. Go ahead, beloved, let yourself feel the wonderful passion of love that Christ feels for the world. It will cause you to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him. It will let you look at things from His perspective. This magnificent love will allow you to forgive the unforgiveable and love the unloveable. It will equip, encourage, reconcile and restore. It will change your life! When you look into His Book of Love and see how much He loves you, you can take that and pour it out into a world that is starving for it. And, while you're at it, tell someone about that wonderful love, because you never know when it's the last time you'll see them. God loves you, beloved, and He's totally for you and really in the end, that's all that matters!


I John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. I Corinthians 13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. I Corinthians 13:13 But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Unreported History

Yesterday afternoon, about 5:30 pm Central Time, history was made. It didn’t get on the news, it won’t make it in the history books, but it happened. A group of concerned citizens stopped for a few moments, gathered together and prayed. The decision was made to ask God to come into the situation and help. On earth, we just saw a group of people gathered together with heads bowed. But in heaven! Th...e heavenly host sang hallelujah as the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords came down to earth and met with them. Because somebody asked for God’s divine guidance and help, in a situation that makes no sense and has hurt so bad, they made history! And because they asked Him to help, He will. It’s that simple and that historic. Oh beloved, are you wondering what’s going on this morning? Are you hurting because people have lied, distorted the truth, covered up the facts and don’t keep their word? Are you wondering if anything will ever be right again or if God really cares? Run to Him this morning and invite Him in! He knows your situation, He sees your plight, and He’s ready with His heavenly host to come and meet with you! Trust Him today, put Him first, seek Him continually. He always keeps His Word, so you can count on Him! He loves you, He’s for you, He answers prayers, He loves you beyond imagination and He will work all things together for your good! History in the making – that’s your life, hemmed in His Word, seeking His face! ““The LORD your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.” Zephaniah 3:17 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 I love the LORD, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live. Psalm 116:1-2

Live Well!

"Live Well. Laugh Often. Love Much." It's one of my favorite quotes and I have it on a pillow and hanging on the wall in our kitchen. In this economy, with these tough times and so many changes going on, how can a person live well? It's more than financial, it's more than possessions. To live well is to know each day that you are living according to His ways, trusting in His Word and walking in His precepts. Oh beloved, have you ever put your trust in Christ? Have you said yes to Him? Was there a time when you knew you were walking in newness of life? The air felt cleaner, the water tasted purer and your walk was lighter? Run back to His Word this morning and read what He says about you, what He says about living and what He says about your hope. He loves you more than anyone else could ever love you, His plans are better than anyone else's and His ways are absolutely more abundant than anything you could plan for yourself. Try Him and see! He's standing right there waiting for you to welcome Him in to your day! Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. John 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. Luke 12: 31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.

Mothers

Mother’s Day. A special day set aside to honor the women who have gone before us. The trail blazers. The pioneers. My mother was very special. Born when covered wagons were still rolling and buffalo roamed prairies, she learned stamina and persistence early on. Her life was hard yet she remained soft. She was always working, even when at home. She taught me the most valuable lessons of life. She taught me to laugh often, forgive quickly, love always. The greatest thing she taught me was to look to, trust in and rely on God. Oh beloved, what are you thinking this morning? Perhaps your mother wasn’t the role model you wish she’d been. Regardless, somewhere in your life a woman has made a difference in your life. While you may not be a mother, you too have made a difference in someone’s life. This day is set aside to honor women and I know wherever you are in your heart and mind on this day, Someone knew you before the foundation of the world. Someone had a plan for your life, a plan for good . Today may be hard. It could be a day of mourning, but because of the Lord, you can rejoice! Because of the Lord you can look up and give thanks! Things may not be the way you want them to be, but you can take this day and lay it before Him. He will make an ordinary day into something incredibly special. Why? How? Because beloved, He loves you, He cares for you, He defends you, He redeems you, He makes something beautiful out of any past. Not only will He redeem your past, He will make your future bright! Run to Him this morning and thank Him that somewhere a mother made a difference. Somehow you can make a difference. It’s Mother’s Day but it’s the Lord’s Day as well! How lavish, how perfect, how abundant is His love for you! Our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name, The Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 47:4 “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! ' Philippians 4:4

The Hole in the Seat

May 12, 2012 When we purchased our present car, there was a small mark on the back left seat. Something had discolored and broke through the leather in a tiny spot. It was hardly noticeable so we thought nothing of it. Over the next couple of years though this spot grew. Beginning at barely seen, it became a gaping hole! Finally Danny figured out that the previous owner must have sat a battery in the seat and the battery acid had corroded it. Neutralizing the acid and repairing the leather was needed. Even though you could see no acid with your eyes, the fact that it was continuing to corrode led him to know that the acid was working to damage things behind the scenes. Once neutralized, the damage could go no further and with care the spot was restored. If it had been left not dealt with, eventually the foam in the seat would have been totally destroyed. There are things in our lives, unseen with the naked eye, yet working to our detriment in the background. Unforgiveness is like the battery acid. First there’s the decision not to forgive. Not seen by many, probably only your closest loved ones or friends. It festers and corrodes until little by little it becomes a wound for all to see. Unforgiveness breeds bitterness and hardness. Not forgiving someone is like pouring salt in your own wound and expecting someone else to be hurt. Oh beloved, who are you holding back on? Who have you decided does not deserve your forgiveness? Unforgiveness corrodes our lives and the lives of those around us. It’s the elephant in the room. Maybe they truly hurt you, maybe the offense was harsh. Maybe it’s justified. Regardless of the reason, left untended, it will keep corroding your life and the wound will get larger and larger. Run to the Lord today, let Him wash away the damage, let Him neutralize the situation and forgive! The choice today is yours. The results of forgiveness are restoration, peace and joy! I know it may be hard but you don’t want to end up bitter and resentful the rest of your life. You are so loved, so incredibly cared for that He will walk you through it all and create a clean heart and a right spirit in you! Never forget how much God forgives and how much He is a restorer of broken relationships. Let Him apply the neutralizer of His forgiveness to your situation today! He loves you and He’s for you, and that’s all that matters! Psalm 86:5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help. Matthew 6:12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. Matthew 6:14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Colossians 3:13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Learning to Lean

When the young man picks you up for a date while he's on a motorcycle you pretty much know motorcycling is going to be a part of your life. Over the years we had all kinds of bikes. Some had passenger pegs, some had sissy bars, some had fairings. But all had to lean in the curves. I always said leaning was easy for Danny because he learned to ride in West Texas winds. Leaning was always harder for me. I found that while I trusted Danny I didn't always trust the motorcycle! I had to learn the principle that if you don't lean in the curves, you won't make them. As I discovered Danny knew what he was doing, I could relax and trust the person who knew far more about handling the road than I did. Some curves were so treacherous that I just had to close my eyes and hold on till it was over. Oh beloved, are you facing the curves of life? Are you wondering about the road ahead? Is the present just a little too hard to face? Lean on the Lord! Let him lead you through the present circumstances. While leaning on Him is essential the worst of roads won't last forever. Eventually the road will smooth out again and you'll be riding with ease. Just know that regardless of what is looming in your life, trusting Christ is the only way to get through it all. Not only will you get through it, but you'll find yourself enjoying the everyday ride better as well! He loves you, He can be trusted and He truly knows what He's doing! Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Psalm 9:10 And they who know Your name [who have experience and acquaintance with Your mercy] will lean on and confidently put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek (inquire of and for) You [on the authority of God’s Word and the right of their necessity]. Psalm 62:8 Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is a refuge for us (a fortress and a high tower). Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

May 8, 2012 When I was a kid, there was a little candy store right across from the school I attended. For a nickel you could pick out a good handful of candies. There were quite a few penny candies to choose from. The only problem I had was choosing which ones to buy. If I got the banana candies, then I might wish I had gotten the bubble gum. It became very important to choose the right one. Learning to make a candy decision and sticking with it was a valuable life lesson. Enjoy what you’ve got. Tomorrow you could choose another type of candy. We have spiritual delights we can partake of as well. Praise, worship, Scripture, prayer, faith, and more. Unlike the nickel’s worth of candies, we can partake of as much as our hearts desire. It’s laid out for us with no restrictions. No sign that says “Take One” or any mention of having enough money before you choose. While each one of the spiritual delights is priceless, we can lay hold of them without paying. Unlike everything else in this world, from penny candies to motorcycles, which have a cost, sometimes huge for the purchaser, the gifts of God come free to the seeker. About all it takes to truly enjoy the gifts of God is whole heartedness. Oh beloved, have you been seeking the Lord? Are you desiring more from Him? Have you seen His storehouse of blessings through the window but not gone in to partake? What’s holding you back? The Lord’s storehouse is full and every delight is for you! Not only that, but He never runs out, so that no matter how much you enjoy, there’s always plenty. Perhaps you’ve seen it in others, but are holding back for fear of what friends might think if you abandon everything else and just go for God’s blessings and gifts? Today is the only day we’ve been promised. Just like the candy decision, we have to make a decision for these 24 hours. But oh beloved, and you are so incredibly beloved, once you have tasted of His heavenly gifts and basked in the light of His love, there’s no going back. He will always provide for you, always delight in you and always be with you. His gifts never run out and His blessings never go away. Try Him today. Abandon yourself in Him and watch as you enter His storeroom of love! Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Psalm 147:11 No, the LORD’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. Psalm 103:1 Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Isaiah 55:1 “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; And you who have no money come, buy and eat. Jeremiah 24:7 I will give them a heart to know Me, for I am the LORD; and they will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with their whole heart.

Godly. We hear it spoken of often. He's a Godly man. She's a Godly woman. I have those people in my life who I consider just that. Godly. Often, though, I begin to think of Godly as something to work on, dig in about, crunch the numbers on. I find that Godly is hardly attainable as I try to reach. Picture this if you will. You are caught in a flood. The helicopter comes and the rescuers are there to pluck you from your certain death. What would happen if the helicopter hovered over the spot and the rescuers called out, get up here if you can. We're waiting. Here's a rope. You are going to try to get yourself out of the water, tie the rope around your tummy and then procede to climb it. The water is lapping, the wind from the helicopter's blades is whipping you around and your without the strength to climb that 100 feet into the air. Now picture the truth. The helicopter arrives and the rescuer comes down to where you are and sets you securely in the ropes, hugs you tightly and goes all the way with you to the waiting security of the helicopter. One instance you saved yourself. Other instance you were saved by others. We are Godly because we have been set into a place of privileged that is totaly undeserved by our own merit, ability and strength. Without a Rescuer who has done all the work for us, we are doomed. We can't bob just above water forever. Our own works cannot save us, for eventually our human weakness will betray us. But the Lord, Our Rescuer, is at hand! His mighty arm will reach down at just the right time to save you to the uttermost. And, if you are saved, His grace will keep you from drowning and set you upon the Rock. Oh beloved, run to Him - His arms are strong, His strength is complete and His love is everlasting. Whatever you've been going through, He will see you through it. Whatever you've been drowning in, He is able to take you out of it and dry you off and give you the grace to be the Godly person you are called to be. Let Him lift you this morning. Let Him be the Lord to you. Let Him show you that it is He who pronounces you godly and He who will see you safely home. 2 Peter 2:9 A if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.... Romans 3:22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. 1 Corinthians 6:11 Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. Jude 1:24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

Root or Shoot!

Root or shoot. Last night we went to a grandson's ballgame. Before the game he told me he wanted me to hoop and holler when he hit the ball. So, being the good grandmother I am, I did just that! Once he hit the ball so well that I hollered, Woo Hoo! Way to go Blakely! As he left home plate to run towards 1st base he turned to look at me with such glee in his eyes! He loved being rooted for! I thin...k he grew in stature a couple of inches. He was proud of himself and he knew that we all were proud of him. It can go differently for kids. Sometimes parents major on the minors. They critique to the point that instead of building their kids up they put them down. You see the outcome in various ways. low shoulders, shrugs, head down, and even taunting of other kids, eager to point out their mistakes. Oh beloved, perhaps you've been shot down. Instead of someone rooting for you, you feel you're being shot at! You try to dodge the bullets of anger, animosity, unforgiveness and fault finding. Maybe you've been the brunt of it so long you find yourself doing the same thing to others. Shooting always finds victims, but rooting always brings victory! I promise, on the authority of God's Word that He never shoots, He always roots. Even when His children are having problems, He's there in the stands whooping and waving you on to victory! He's walking with you into the dugout when the world says You're Out! He's holding your hand and telling you to hang in there beloved! He loves you, He has a wonderful plan for your life and He's nicknamed you Winner! Romans 15:4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Ephesians 4:29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Philippians 2:1-2 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Psalm 62:7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

Are You Traveling Alone?

Last week-end we decided to take a leisurely ride with another couple. Neither of us have much free time to ride, but Saturday morning came and we met to eat breakfast together and decide what we were going to do. As we were eating a biker couple came in and the wife started up a conversation. They were from Louisiana and had been here 3 days but only been to Hot springs and back. They wondered if there were any good roads around the area. Danny knows the roads well so after some talk, the couple decided to ride with us. The route Danny took them on was beautiful and they saw sights they had no clue of. Oh beloved, are you out riding alone? Are you wondering where the beauty of the Lord is? Lone riders in unknown territory rarely know the best routes. Have you lost sight of the view from God's perspective? There is a better way. Don't go it alone. Run to the Ultimate Guide, the Word of God and ask the Lord. He will send you to the right "ride group", He'll give you good company to travel with and He'll guide you all the way to His destination.

Ephesians 2:20 Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

Acts 1:14 They all met together and were constantly united in prayer..."

1 John 1:3 We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him

Stormy Weather

It's been storming and the floods covered some roads. The sky has been dark and clouds roll ominously. Some have watched the skies for the telltale signs of something worse. After only a couple of days, most of us are tired of it and wishing for sunshine and clear blues skies. Oh beloved, storms come in so many ways - sickness, sorrow, depression, rejection, fear, heartbreak, temptation and more. Just as the power goes off during many storms, we find ourselves powerless during hard times. But oh beloved, there is One Who is the Captain of our Way, the Keeper of our Lives and the Power in our powelessness. Call out His Name! Speak out His Word! He loves you and He's on your side and nothing else really matters and no storm will overtake us when we trust in Him! Psalm 31:21 Praise be to the LORD,for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. Psalm 62:7 My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Deuteronomy 4:7 Deuteronomy 4:7 For what great nation has a god as near to them as the LORD our God is near to us whenever we call on him? Psalm 91:15 Psalm 91:15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.

What Needs? All of Them!!!!

"My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory".

What are you needing this morning? It's not just your physical needs He provides. It's your spiritual and emotional needs as well. Maybe you don't have it in you to forgive, love or overlook others, but God has promised to do all that for you.

He also provides fellowship with Himself, so that even when we are alone, we are never lonely. He provides friendship, so that when others forsake us, we are comforted in Him. He provides forgiveness, so that when we know our hearts condemn us, we can receive from Him the forgiveness we need. And, this forgiveness is more awesome than for ourselves. We then can give out forgiveness to others!

Run to His well of supplies and draw from His reserves. Everything is found in Him!

Psalm 33:21
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

Proverbs 30:5
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Nahum 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him,

2 Corinthians 1:19
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not “Yes” and “No,” but in him it has always been “Yes.”

All You and I Ever Need Beloved

"He knows it's scary to be us. He does not take lightly what you are going through. He feels it. He respects it. Esteems it." (Beth Moore)

And,because of His character and His Word He is with you in every thing you go through.

He is the unseen Hand walking you down the corrider of fear, illness, regret.

He is the umbrella shading you from the relentless heat of the hard days.

He is the Cloud covering your way in the desert of loneliness.


The Husband Who never leaves or forsakes.

The Gardener Who never leaves you to pick your own weeds.

The Shepherd Who always makes sure you lead to green pastures.

He is All you ever needed and ever will need.

God is My Restorer

We just got back from a 10 day 3500 mile motorcycle trip!
Yes, I rode the WHOLE way. Well, there was that couple of miles
in the wrecker with my friend, Sherry, but that's another story!

It was a learning experience! I don't always want to learn everywhere I go, but I must need lots of teaching, because God just keeps going with me. And, wherever I go I need teaching.

Thankfully, His learning cUrVe is huge for me! Isn't that great? He loves me. Therefore, He works with me where I'm at.

This is just one of the many things He taught me. Some things I cannot share because they are just between me and Him. But here's something I hope someone might be able to glean from:

God is my Restorer.

On our trip we saw many old cars and trucks.
Lots of them were rusting in fields, rendered useless
by the elements.

But as we visited the Route 66 Museum, we saw
old trucks of the same type -only they had been
restored. Their paint shone in the lights and the chrome
was polished to perfection.

Same vehicles, but because someone had cared enough
to do something about their poor condition,
they had been restored.

Most of us just throw away old cars. Trade them in.
Put them out to pasture.
It's a lot of trouble to put that much care into
a classic. It's hard work from the get go.

Out to pasture.
But then someone comes along
and sees what could be and he begins
the process not caring how long it will take.

Jesus cares about us like that.
He takes our useless lives, rusty from sin
and walking in the flesh.

He buffs us.
He polishes us.
He recreates us.

Why does He do this?
Why does He take the time to
restore us, when He could just
move on with someone new?

Hosea 6:2
In just a short time He will restore us, so that we may live in His presence.

Thank you Lord, for fixing us up for YOUR glory and YOUR honor
and just so that we can live in YOUR Presence!

And He also says in His Word:

Joel 2:25
And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.

Psalm 23:3
He restores my soul...

Isaiah 57:18
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

FACEBOOK

Okay, okay, somebody said, "You HAVE to get on facebook!" Well, it seems I had already tried to sign up with my email sometime back and signed in as Danny Beene, so now actually DANNY is on facebook! hehe

And, funnier than that, one of his buddies from northeast Arkansas is on there too! He found Danny! Okay, grandpas on facebook - that's a good one.

Guess it's for everybody.

Just like the Gospel. One size fits all. One Savior does all for us. It doesn't matter if you like social networking or talking on the phone. Jesus is the Person who never hangs up, never uses up His minutes or yours and never has a computer crash! That sounds silly, but the fact is, in this world of ours, with tumbling 401 K's and stock market plummets, housing prices going down, etc. - we are most fortunate to have Jesus, who is not only on top of all the world's problems, He is for us!

God loves you and me. And, He's FOR US! Get it? Whatever problems you are facing today, or whatever "thing" you are doing that you'd rather not do, God loves you and He's for you!

He's on your side and do you realize how big that is? Psalm 118:6 READ IT! BELIEVE IT!

Today, may you realize, more than ever before that GOD LOVES YOU and HE'S FOR YOU!
Get it down in your spirit, so you can live it out and after you begin to live it out you'll give it to others! You can't help but give out what comes to you.

Have a good day - and what? That's right! God Loves You and He's for You!!!!!!

Amazing Grace - Il Divo

Okay, this video was sent to me recently. But for some reason, all the imbedding has been disabled, so all I can say is, go to youtube and watch. But get out the hankies.

Il Divo is singing Amazing Grace in the ruins of the Coliseum at Rome! Imagine if you dare all those beloved saints who lost their lives there, simply because they were Christians.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtrnB4FZ-yc

So Great a Cloud of Witnesses!

This morning as I was having my quiet time, God reminded me of some wonderful things He is doing in the lives of His beloved believers.

He gave us the wonderful Book of Remembrance, the Bible, which is full of witnesses to all of us. There's King David - his life reminds us His call is without repentance, namely who God puts a call on God puts a call on. He is also a reminder of the importance of repentance and of moving on with God. If you are one who is struggling with an issue or a problem right now, give it to Him, forsake it if it's in your power to do so and GO ON WITH GOD! He's standing in front of you, just ahead, waving you towards Him! I'm reminded of how much we hiked with our kids when they were little. A trip to Albert Pike with bologna sandwiches and cheap drinks was so fun! But, with little kids, they would stop and pick up a stone, or move a stick or see a butterly and try to run and catch it. We were often stopping, turning around and waving "Come on, this way, move it!" God is doing that with us! He's waving us on - quit looking at the sin or the problem you've put behind you - it's in the deepest ocean anyway. You can't really see it anymore, so move on with Him.

He has also given us home churches. Full of people who have walked with God for years. They know He is faithful and if you spend time with them, before long they are sharing just how faithful God has been. Talk to your oldest deacon and his wife. They will probably have a well of knowledge of God's work in the lives of His people.

He has given us friends. This is probably, at least for me, one of the most important relationships we can have. Proverbs 12:26 says "The righteous should choose his friends carefully for the way of the wicked leads them astray" In I Corinthians there's a verse that says "bad company corrupts good morals". (I quoted this one to my kids a lot when they were teenagers!) This doesn't mean we can never be around people who aren't Christians, obviously, but our closest, most influential relationships should be with people who know and love the Lord, or there will be consequences. We should choose to be around the highest quality people we can, the ones whose hearts are aimed toward God.

Danny and I have something extra special in our lives, through the ministry of Christian Motorcyclists Association. John Ogden and Becky are wonderful leaders who love God and love others. The board of directors are full of integrity and love. The folks who work "behind the scenes" are there by God's divine grace and direction. Then there are the regional evangelists, the state coordinators and so on. Wow, talk about a great cloud of witnesses! Everywhere we go in ministry for Him through CMA, we are blessed because others have gone before us and prepared the way. "one plants another waters but the Lord gives the increase".

So, you beloved ones, as you seek God, as you go through trials or temptations or snares, remember, you have a cloud of witnesses as well. Talk with God, seek His Word, fellowship with the strongest believers you can find. And, come on, let's get on down the road with Jesus!

Family Fun

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

It All Depends on Mount Perspective

Last year was a real wild ride for us! Just part of that was the Riding a Greased Snake episode and post. Lots of things were going on and lots of people in our family were having issues. Danny and I had a great year -- it was just the stuff going on all around us that was so interesting.

I've always read the 23rd Psalm and I love it! Especially when you look at it by each segment.
The other morning I was reading, "He preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies".

As I always tell people, I am a visual thinker. I see pictures when I think. This is what the Lord showed me and I wish I was also a painter so I could show you what i saw, but anyway...

I was sitting at a huge round dining table and it was full of all kinds of lovely food - fruits in compote bowls, vegetables in silver trays. I mean it was like one of those Rembrandt paintings.

The whole table was illuminated from above with a warm bright light.

Just out of reach in the dark shadows encircling me were creatures: my enemies. Lions and tigers and bears and creatures like Gollum in Lord of the Rings. They were scurrying and growling and making gutteral noises.

But I was not afraid one bit. I wasn't worried about those creatures in the dark.

Because I was in the Light. We need never be afraid of our enemies, because we are sitting at His banquet table and His Light shines on us. Those "creatures" that want to bother us and frighten us and get our minds off the Feast can't get out of the dark.

So it is with last year. It all depends on how one looks at it.

God spoke to my heart and told me to look at the events of last year:

We had a blow out.
He protected us and we never had a scratch on us.

Danny nearly crashed the sport bike.
He protected him by keeping from going down the mountain.

Aunt Alice was with us 6 months.
He found a place of refuge for her and all her needs are met.

A couple of people in our family didn't speak to us for months and months.
He restored those relationships.


Remember dear ones, we can either focus on the enemies or we can focus on the ways God was with us. Not all things turn out "perfect" and yet they do. Because His word says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee".

Be sure you keep a look at what God is doing and don't worry about the shadows. He's keeping us in the light on Mt. Perspective!

Know Enough to Be Dangerous

Those of you who look at my blog occasionally may find that you can't figure out what i'm doing. Well, neither can I! :)

I accidentally deleted my last post while I was trying to change how the blog looks.

Oh, well, that's where I know just enough to be DANGEROUS! haha

But when it comes to knowing Jesus, you really need to know that you know that you know.

Jesus - My Benefits Manager

This morning, my prayer partner sent me this:

Psalm 103:1-2
"Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise theLord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits" Thank you Lord for all the benefits of being a child of a King. Have a blessed day.

Got me to thinking. Just what are all His benefits? Well, before you think I'm going to list them all, no way! They are as numerous as the stars we can count and the ones we can't count!

But, since I'm reading a devotional book every morning entitled "Praying the Names of Jesus"
I thought, hey, here's one more Name!

Jesus - Benefits Manager

This message is sent from the
Human Resources Department of God's Throneroom of Grace:

Your benefits are more than the stars in the sky, but just so you have a slight glimpse of it all:

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalm 18:30

God’s way is perfect.
All the Lord’s promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalm 34:5

Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 1 Timothy 4:8

Physical training is good,
but training for godliness is much better,
promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” "
Forget not ALL His benefits"! Wow, wow and wow!

If you are member of this Company, your benefits are listed in His Word.
If you've never joined this Company, then you are fortunate anyway!
Joining is easy - see this page for more information:
http://cmausa.org/ride_plan/

How Many Kings?

Follow the star to a place unexpected

Would you believe, after all we've projected,

A child in a manger?

Lowly and small, the weakest of all

Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -

Just a child -

Is this who we've waited for?

'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?

How many lords have abandoned their homes?

How many greats have become the least for me?

And how many gods have poured out their hearts

To romance a world that is torn all apart

How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior

All that we have, whether costly or meek

Because we believe.

Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure

And myrrh for the cross he will suffer.

Do you believe?

Is this who we've waited for?

All for me...

All for you...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulY2KPmpMwk

Riding a Greased Snake

Ever ride a greased snake?

That’s how my Danny described our Sunday morning adventure. That morning started out with our sweet little grandson, Blake, waking up with us at 5am. All smiles and cuddles, he was raring to go. We gulped a bit of coffee, got dressed, said a quick prayer for safety and made our way, with car and motorcycle to our daughter’s house to deliver a still sleepy boy.

Getting on the bike and leaving our car at her house, we met our riding partners at the next town and proceeded to head for Texarkana on Interstate 30. Danny was due to bring a CMA service to a bike rally in DeKalb Tx and we needed to boogie.

As Danny suddenly slowed the bike a little, I looked up to see where the deer was. That’s the usual caution sign – those deer along the Interstate are worth watching and Arkansas has an abundant crop of the critters.

I could not find a deer anywhere in my sights, but just then I felt the rear of the bike drop. And, then we were swaying down the highway left and right. It was almost like slow motion, but we were still traveling at a high rate of speed.

Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! I kept repeating His name over and over. I heard Danny say in his mike, “Stop!” I thought about all I’ve been trained to do and not do over the last 35 years. I wasn’t moving, I wasn’t wiggling, nothing. He immediately came back with “Don’t stop saying Jesus!” Of course I kept it up.

I was holding onto my husband and calling out to my Savior with all my might.

Our friends behind us were wondering why Danny was slowing down and then he saw the problem, “Dear Lord, they’ve had a blow out!” They began to call out to the Lord as well. “Jesus, help them. Keep the bike up, Jesus keep the bike up” over and over.

It felt almost like skating, the way the bike swayed down the highway. And then it didn’t. The bike began to shudder and wobble more fiercely and I felt that we probably were going to lose control and wreck. I kept calling out to Jesus, and looked for grass. I thought, Stop Drop and Roll! Haha Jump off the bike into the grass. I knew I didn’t want to go down on the pavement.

Danny said at about this moment, he heard a Voice, “Pull in the clutch”. He did and the bike straightened out and he was able to bring it to a stop. Not only that, but we had the only extra wide shoulder on the Interstate right there, so we were totally out of traffic.

I jumped off the bike and was just flabbergasted! I shouted to our friends, “Did you see that? That was a miracle!” We hugged one another, the four of us, and thanked God for His mercies.

Two Scriptures came to mind while we were praying and riding our greased snake, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe”. I thought, Lord, it looks to the average eye that we are headed for a terrible mishap, but we are encased in your strong tower riding down this highway on a squirrelly motorcycle! Nothing can get to us because of your providential care.

The other Scripture that came to mind was, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!” I had such a peace riding that goldwing I knew I was safe. If we lived it would be because the Lord had reason for us to remain here a while yet. If Satan was trying to kill us, he was doomed in his plan anyway. Because whether we live or die it is to the Lord.

Does this mean the circumstances will always turn out the way it did for us? Surely others have called out to the Lord and things went differently. But beloved, when you are in squirrelly circumstances or you feel you’re riding a greased snake, whether it’s a motorcycle event or just life in general, remember two things. You belong to Him. Your life, your death, your very existence is in His Hands. And, as you call out to the Lord, His name is a strong tower and you are safe in His NAME!

Live for Jesus and always call out to Him. He’ll either straighten the circumstances out or He’ll take you home with Him. And, as God’s Word says, “If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

For us, we lived through the circumstances to see another day in God’s marvelous grace plan. Danny called one of his chapter presidents, Kenneth Campbell, to fill in for him at the Rally. God not only saved our lives, but allowed one of his other willing servants to get a blessing as well.

And, we spent the day giving God the glory. And, isn’t that what it’s all about?

God is Bigger Than You and Me

You think you know that don't you? You think we who call ourselves Christian at least would know that? Right?

Think again. Sunday at church we had something different. We've been going to Sycamore Church, pretty much out of the way - over on the other side of Gurdon. But we're good friends with the pastor and his wife and for once people aren't so startled that we might be somewhere else most of the time. I know that God understands, but I don't think many people in the church where our "membership" is will ever quite get it.

We are not out playing on motorcycles every week-end. We are not in a "club". We are not carousing and losing our salvation. Anyway, that's another story and I'm wandering.

Back to the church service Sunday. A lady in the church wanted to share a 40 minute video with the congregation. Yawn. You know, a video. What could be good about a video?

Well, anybody out there hear of Louie Giglio?

Maybe not, but you have to find, buy, borrow or rent this video: "How Great is Our God". I want to tell you about this, but alas, words don't bring the same emotions that the dvd does.

Here's what one watcher has said, "The viewer realizes that his/her problems pale in insignificance in the light of God's character as revealed in His creation. Giglio provides details about stars and their various sizes. It is sobering to realize how much bigger some stars are than our own sun. He includes discussion of the DNA molecule and its fascinating functions. There is also a protein called laminin. It literally holds our cells together--and so, by implication, it holds our very selves together. Amazingly, it is shaped like a cross."

SHAPED LIKE A CROSS!!! No kidding! We had our grandkids with us at church this Sunday and they were blown away.

Do you understand the implications of this? Down to the very molecules of our being, we are meant to belong to Him, we are held together by Him, we are in Him from Him and for His glory, not ours.

You want to have a cool party? You want to share your faith with friends or neighbors? Invite them over to watch this, and feed them snacks - food for their flesh and manna for their souls!

GET THE DVD!!! The best buy is at AMAZON.COM

If you want to watch parts of it online, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_82lZ2PpYQE&feature=related

WARNING - This is life changing.

BLESSING - This is life changing.

"Count All Things Loss..."

At the end of the day, when we put our heads on our pillows,
what will really matter? Over the course of your life, what
has been the most important? Money? Fame? Jobs? Accolades?
Beauty? Stuff?

And, if at the end of this day, it's all gone, what will
really be left to you...

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=3a44ada9659d13ab2f1a


"I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." I Corinthians 9:23 - 25