Another awesome video....A wonder

Hmmmm.........

As I was coming home from running an errand this morning, something went through my mind that has taken me aback somewhat. I have been really concerned about my employment situation, not really understanding why I haven't found a job yet. In my heart deep down, I know that the Lord is in control, and He can speak one word and my job will be provided.

But I still wrestle with it, especially when a bill is due, or when my cell phone got cut off cause I had to fix my truck instead. It's an every day, almost moment by moment thing to keep my focus where it needs to be.

Anyway, the thought went through my mind that my not working is actually a blessing from my Lord. He told me this morning that I needed to thank and praise Him for allowing me to be home...for Steve in his final year at home. I was speechless when I realized what the Lord was showing me. In this season, however long it is, I will thank my King for giving me this. For the first time in a long time, I have a real peace. A job is out there, just waiting for me....the Lord is holding my place, and in the proper time it will be. So, I am gonna enjoy being a "mom"; and will enjoy the time with my Lord in this, the Harbor of HIS choosing.

Cardboard Testimonies -- Awesome Video!

Breathless.....

Over the past 10 years or so, the Lord has whispered secrets to me and into me. Things that I only dreamed about; things that terrified me; things that shook me to be a better person...the one the Lord not only dreams of but actually knows in the future!

Now, some of those things are being laid before me and I find myself breathless...not sure how to even process them, or to even pray about them. And in these moments I hope that my silent wonder and awe can come close to a "thank you" to my Lord and King!

JESUS....You are the Life to my heart and my soul
You are the Light to the darkness around me
You are the Hope to the hopeless and broken
You are the only Truth and the Way!

Making Room for Praise........

Psalm 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us, Selah

that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.

May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth.
Selah

May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.

Then the land will yield its harvest,
and God, our God, will bless us.

God will bless us,
and all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Tuesday and Wednesday were hard days; full of worry, and finding myself unable to rise above my seemingly rotten circumstances. I kept asking - well, if I am to be completely honest here - demanding - that the Lord answer me and tell me how He was going to work out my circumstances. For the parents out there, visualize a four year old stomping her feet and demanding that she wants it NOW! That was me.

Very gently, the Holy Spirit directed me to a scripture that instructs us to praise the Lord, to PRAISE Him! To be filled with JOY and to SING His PRAISE, this for ALL peoples! One little word in the midst of this scripture stood out like a banner waving; a banner high above the clouds and noise of our circumstances! This one word gave me the direction I so desperately needed. In verse 6, it begins with the word "then". The Holy Spirit prompted me that I needed to Praise Him, then the answers would come! I had no idea what was about to happen.

I got up on Thursday morning, fully energized and began to tackle the rest of the boxes that took up my family room. This room had become a "dump-all" of sorts. I turned on some praise music, cranked up the volume and went to it. Before I knew it, I had not only cleaned the whole room, but sensing the overwhelming presence of the Lord, I began to dance freely and in complete worship to my Lord. Once the music stopped the Lord began to give me direction. He asked me to do something, to lay down my pride and to ask for help. I struggled with this, but in humility I did. In a matter of an hour, my new church family had me in contact with someone to fix my truck, and also reached out to get me into a life group to help me with finding people to connect with and befriend. They wrapped a loving blanket around my shoulders; a spiritual blanket with the warmth and comfort of the Lord, one of belonging and unity. I didn't realize how much I needed this. Still the best was yet to come.

Today, the Lord put together a chance meeting that has begun what I believe to be the relentless pursuit of the prodigal son. I cannot add anymore than that for the privacy of those involved. But I can say that this meeting will yield its harvest, a soul named John - saved and delivered; completely set free to serve and worship his King!

A miracle happened today, and it is only a start to the great things our great King is going to do in this city!

Now, tonight I realized that as I was cleaning, I was actually making room for praise; clearing out the clutter to make way for it. It came, and has begun to yield it's harvest!

After the storm.......

By popular demand (OK, Julie wanted to know), here is an accounting of how Steve and I survived our first Tropical Storm:

Just fine. No rain, no tornadoes, no horrible wind with debris flying through the cement blocks of our home, no sleeping and cooking in my closet.

Seriously, the storm went completely around us! We were expecting a direct hit (I live close to water), but as time went on, Fay decided to go northeast, then north and now she is supposed to hit Florida again to the northwest! It's like there was a big shield around the Tampa Bay area! Very cool, I might add!

I feel terrible for the ones it did hit though, lots of flooding and power outages. I for one can not fathom living down here without air conditioning!!!! I know, prissy michelle.

Still pretty much stranded at home due to no vehicle. I am asking for a miracle, would you pray for us in this? We live kinda far out so getting groceries, etc., will be a challenge. My Lord provides according to His riches and glory, not according to my need! Amen :)

A word in due season..........

Start With What You Have
Tuesday, August 19, 2008

That is where you are! Go ahead and start with what you have - you surely cannot start with what you do not have. Plant your feet, steady your thoughts, make the decision. It is time to begin.

You have actually come to a time of the Lord’s favor and He has called for your strength! The Lord has called for an end to the past season in which something other than His best for you has worked, usurping the reality He intended. Obediently, you have pressed with your faith—praying and believing His Word to be final authority in the situation.

Start with what you have and stand firmly in that which you know God has spoken to your heart. Write all that He has said, and is saying, then start with the outline you’ve written. The Lord has come onto the scene. The predicted end of the challenge, including the sting of it, is at hand… the Lord’s hand is stretched out on your behalf!

“The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly. The right hand of the lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!" (Psalm 118:15, 16 NKJV)

Amen.